US20090264178A1 - Slot machine providing payout which increases player's expectation and playing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

When three or more symbol-scrolling cells181 are rearranged, the symbol-scrolling cells181 rearranged stop scrolling. Then, when numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells181 are all the same, a bonus payout is awarded according to the total of the numerical values presented by the symbol-scrolling cells181.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• The present application claims priority from a U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/045,535, which was filed on Apr. 16, 2008, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates to a slot machine providing a payout which increases player's expectation and playing method thereof.
• 2. Description of Related Art
• Conventionally, in facilities having slot machines or the like placed therein, a variety of game media such as coins or cash are inserted into a slot machine to play a game.
• Each slot machine is structured to award a payout according to a winning state resulting from a game played (result of a game).
• In such a slot machine, as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999, or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0065124, a predetermined number of game media are paid out when symbols stopped on a winning line correspond to a predetermined combination. Further, irrespective of a winning line, a predetermined payout is paid out according to the number of symbols which are called scatter symbols displayed on a display.
• However, due to such a payout according to the symbol combination and the number of scatter symbols, payouts are all paid out in a similar manner. This has limited the player's expectation.
• An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine having an entertainment characteristic unobtainable from a conventional art, and a playing method thereof.
• Another object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine which increases player's expectation for a payout, and a playing method thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A slot machine of the present invention includes:
• a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, which is structured to arrange, in the arrangement areas, plural kinds of scatter symbols including one or more symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of symbols;
• a controller which is programmed to execute the steps of:
• (a1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;
• (a2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;
• (a3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (a1), causing the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;
• (a4) awarding a special payout according to a symbol presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged.
• In the above structure, when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged, the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged stop scrolling, and a special payout is awarded according to a symbol presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells. This variation of special payout according to a symbol presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells diversifies the form of awarding a payout to a player. Thus, player's expectation for a payout is improved.
• A slot machine of the present invention includes:
• a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, which is structured to arrange, in the arrangement areas, plural kinds of scatter symbols including one or more symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of numerical values;
• a controller which is programmed to execute the steps of:
• (b1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;
• (b2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;
• (b3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (b1), causing the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;
• (b4) awarding a special payout according to a numerical value presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged.
• In the above structure, when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged, the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged stop scrolling, and a special payout is awarded according to a numerical value presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells. This variation of special payout according to a numerical value presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells diversifies the form of awarding a payout to a player. Further, a player is able to recognize the amount of the special payout simply by viewing the numerical value presented. Thus, player's expectation for a payout is improved.
• A slot machine of the present invention includes:
• a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, which is structured to arrange, in the arrangement areas, plural kinds of scatter symbols including symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of numerical values;
• a controller which is programmed to execute the steps of:
• (c1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;
• (c2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;
• (c3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (c1), causing the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;
• (c4) when numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged are all the same, awarding a special payout according to the numerical values presented.
• In the above structure, when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged, the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged stop scrolling. When the numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells are the same, a special payout is awarded according to the numerical value presented by the symbol-scrolling cells. As described, a special payout is varied according to a numerical value presented by the symbol-scrolling cells diversifies the form of awarding a payout to a player, and the special payout is awarded only when numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged are all the same. This diversifies the form of awarding a payout. Further, a player is able to recognize the amount of the special payout simply by viewing the numerical value presented. Thus, player's expectation for a payout is improved.
• A slot machine of the present invention includes:
• a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, which is structured to arrange, in the arrangement areas, plural kinds of scatter symbols including symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of numerical values;
• a controller which is programmed to execute the steps of:
• (d1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;
• (d2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;
• (d3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (d1), causing the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;
• (d4) awarding a special payout according to a total of numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged.
• In the above structure, when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged, symbol-scrolling cells rearranged stop scrolling, and a special payout is awarded according to a total of numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells. This variation of special payout according to a numerical value presented by each of the symbol-scrolling cells diversifies the form of awarding a payout to a player. Further, a player is able to recognize the amount of the special payout simply by viewing the numerical value presented. Thus, player's expectation for a payout is improved.
• A slot machine of the present invention includes:
• a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, which is structured to arrange, in the arrangement areas, plural kinds of scatter symbols including symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of numerical values;
• a controller which is programmed to execute the steps of:
• (e1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;
• (e2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;
• (e3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (e1), causing the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;
• (e4) when numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged are all the same, awarding a special payout according to a total of the numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged.
• In the above structure, when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged, the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged stop scrolling. When the numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells are the same, a special payout is awarded according to a total of the numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells. As described, a special payout is varied according to a numerical value presented by the symbol-scrolling cells diversifies the form of awarding a payout to a player, and the special payout is awarded only when numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged are all the same. This diversifies the form of awarding a payout. Further, a player is able to recognize the amount of the special payout simply by viewing the numerical value presented. Thus, player's expectation for a payout is improved.
• A playing method of the present invention is a playing method of a slot machine including a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, the display being structured to arrange in the arrangement areas plural kinds of scatter symbols including one or more symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of symbols,
• the method including the steps of:
• (f1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;
• (f2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;
• (f3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (f1), causing the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;
• (f4) awarding a special payout according to a symbol presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged.
• In the above structure, when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged, the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged stop scrolling, and a special payout is awarded according to a symbol presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells. This variation of special payout according to a symbol presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells diversifies the form of awarding a payout to a player. Thus, player's expectation for a payout is improved.
• According to the above-described structures, provided is a slot machine having an entertainment characteristic unobtainable from a conventional art, and a playing method thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a playing method of a slot machine.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine.
• FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of a display screen.
• FIG. 4 is a table showing symbols and code numbers of the symbols.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of the slot machine.
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control board of the slot machine.
• FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a boot process.
• FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a game execution process.
• FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a bonus game process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• The following describes an embodiment of a slot machine and playing method thereof according to the present invention.
• As illustrated inFIG. 1, aslot machine1 is structured to execute a playing method including the steps of: rearrangingscatter symbols180, including one or more symbol-scrollingcells181 scrolling therein various numerical values, in a matrix ofarrangement areas151 to155 on a display; awarding a payout according to the number of thescatter symbols180 rearranged; when a predetermined number of symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged as a result of the rearrangement of thescatter symbols180, causing the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged to stop scrolling; and when the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged all present the same numerical value, awarding a special payout according to a total of numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged.
• Here, each of the “symbol-scrolling cells” is a kind ofscatter symbol180 which is scrolled withother scatter symbols180, and differs from theother scatter symbols180 in that each symbol-scrolling cell scrolls therein various numerical values, while theother scatter symbols180 scrolled with the symbol-scrolling cell displays a single cell. The numerical values scrolled in the symbol-scrollingcell181 may be: “$50”, “$100”, “$300”, or the like. Note that the symbol-scrollingcell181 may scroll various symbols such as “A”.
• Further, the “special payout” is a bonus payout. When thescatter symbols180 are rearranged and a predetermined number (three or more in this embodiment) of symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged, each of symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged stops scrolling, presenting a numerical value. When all the symbol-scrollingcells181 present the same numerical value, a payout is awarded according to a total of the numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181. Note that the “predetermine number” of symbol-scrollingcells181 by which awarding of a bonus payout is triggered is not limited to three or more.
• [Display101]
• As shown inFIG. 2, the slot machine which executes the above-described playing method has adisplay101, and acontroller100. Thedisplay101 has the matrix ofarrangement areas151 to155. Thesearrangement areas151 to155 are for arranging therein scattersymbols180 including ascroll symbols181.
• Here, “arranged” means a state wherescatter symbols180 are visually identifiable by a player. In other words, it represents a state wherescatter symbols180 are displayed in thearrangement areas151 to155, as shown inFIG. 3. Meanwhile, “to rearrange” means to arrangescatter symbols180 again after releasing them.
• Thedisplay101 may be mechanically structured with a reel device which arranges scatter symbols utilizing the rotation of a reel. Alternatively, thedisplay101 may have an electrical structure in which scatter symbols are arranged in a video reel displayed as an image. Further, thedisplay101 may have a structure of a combination of the mechanical structure (reels) and the electrical structure (video reels). The electrical structure may include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display device, or the like. The specific structure of thedisplay101 will be detailed later.
• [Controller100]
• Thecontroller100 is structured to execute: a first process of rearrangingscatter symbols180, including one or more symbol-scrollingcells181 scrolling therein various numerical values, in a matrix ofarrangement areas151 to155 on adisplay101; a second process of awarding a payout according to the number of thescatter symbols180 rearranged; a third process of, when a predetermined number of symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged as a result of the rearrangement of thescatter symbols180, causing the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged to stop scrolling; and a fourth process of, when the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged all present the same numerical value, awarding a special payout (bonus payout) according to a total of numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged. In other words, thecontroller100 has a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a third processing unit, and a forth processing unit.
• Thecontroller100 has asymbol memory108 which stores all thescatter symbols180, and adisplay symbol memory107 which stores scatter symbols to be displayed among thescatter symbols180 stored in thesymbol memory108. Thedisplay symbol memory107 can be accessed by adisplay control unit114. In response to a control by agame execution unit110, thedisplay control unit114 reads out the scatter symbols in thedisplay symbol memory107, and displays thescatter symbols180 on thedisplay101. A specific display state will be detailed later.
• Thecontroller100 has a rearrangementsymbol determination unit106 which determines scatter symbols to be rearranged (hereinafter, rearrangement scatter symbols) every unit game, based on thescatter symbols180 stored in thesymbol memory108. The rearrangement scatter symbols determined by the rearrangementsymbol determination unit106 are stored in arearrangement symbol memory105. Then, the rearrangement scatter symbols are output to thedisplay symbol memory107. After that, the rearrangement scatter symbols are displayed on thedisplay101 through image processing executed in thedisplay control unit114. That is, thecontroller100 executes the first process of rearrangingscatter symbols180, including one or more symbol-scrollingcells181 scrolling therein various numerical values, in a matrix ofarrangement areas151 to155 on adisplay101.
• Thecontroller100 is connected to agame start unit109. Thegame start unit109 has a function of outputting a game start signal in response to an operation by a player. Thecontroller100 includes: thegame execution unit110, a combinationpayout determination unit111, and apayout giving unit113. In response to a game start signal from thegame start unit109, thegame execution unit110 executes a unit game in which scattersymbols180 are rearranged. The combinationpayout determination unit111 determines a payout decided according to the number of thescatter symbols180 rearranged in the unit game. Thepayout giving unit113 awards the payout determined by the combinationpayout determination unit111. In short, thecontroller100 executes the second process of giving a payout according to the number of each kind of thescatter symbols180 rearranged.
• Further, thedisplay control unit114 causes the symbol-scrollingcells181 to stop scrolling, when a predetermined number (three or more) symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged as a result of rearrangement ofscatter symbols180. That is thecontroller100 executes the third process of, when a predetermined number of symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged as a result of the rearrangement of thescatter symbols180, causing the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged to stop scrolling.
• Thecontroller100 further includes a bonuspayout determining unit115 and a bonuspayout giving unit116. The bonuspayout determining unit115 determines a bonus payout determined by the numerical values respectively presented in the symbol-scrollingcells181 when the symbol-scrollingcells181 stop scrolling. The bonuspayout giving unit116 awards the bonus payout determined by the bonuspayout determining unit115. Specifically, the bonuspayout determining unit115 determines whether the numerical values presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 are the same. If all the numerical values presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 are the same, the total of the numerical values presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 is determined as a bonus payout. That is thecontroller100 executes the fourth process of, when the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged all present the same numerical value, awarding a special payout (bonus payout) according to a total of numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged.
• Each of the blocks of thecontroller100 may be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of software if necessary.
• [Operation of Controller100]
• The following describes an operation of thecontroller100 having the above-described structure. First, rearrangement scatter symbols are determined by the rearrangementsymbol determination unit106. The rearrangement scatter symbols determined are stored in therearrangement symbol memory105. Then, the rearrangement scatter symbols stored in therearrangement symbol memory105 are stored in thedisplay symbol memory107. Then, the rearrangement scatter symbols stored in thedisplay symbol memory107 are prepared to be displayed by thedisplay control unit114 on thedisplay101. When thegame execution unit110 executes a unit game, scattersymbols180 are rearranged by having thedisplay101 display thereon the rearrangement scatter symbols stored in thedisplay symbol memory107. Thus, thecontroller100 executes the first process of rearrangingscatter symbols180, including one or more symbol-scrollingcells181 scrolling therein various numerical values, in a matrix ofarrangement areas151 to155 on adisplay101.
• Then, the combinationpayout determination unit111 and thepayout giving unit113 give a payout according to the number of each kind of thescatter symbols180 rearranged. Thus, thecontroller100 executes the second process of giving a payout according to the number of each kind of thescatter symbols180 rearranged.
• Further, whenscatter symbols180 rearranged on thedisplay101 includes a predetermined number (three or more) of symbol-scrollingcells181, the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged stop scrolling. Thus, thecontroller100 executes the third process of, when a predetermined number of symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged as a result of the rearrangement of thescatter symbols180, causing the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged to stop scrolling.
• Further, the when numerical values respectively presented in the symbol-scrollingcells181 are all the same, the bonuspayout determining unit115 and bonuspayout giving unit116 award a bonus payout according to a total of the numerical values respectively presented in the symbol-scrollingcells181. Thus, thecontroller100 executes the fourth process of, when the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged all present the same numerical value, awarding a special payout (bonus payout) according to a total of numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged.
• As should be understood from the above operation andFIG. 1, theslot machine1 realizes a playing method including the steps of: rearrangingscatter symbols180, including one or more symbol-scrollingcells181 scrolling therein various numerical values, in a matrix ofarrangement areas151 to155 on adisplay101; awarding a payout according to the number of thescatter symbols180 rearranged; when a predetermined number of symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged as a result of the rearrangement of thescatter symbols180, causing the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged to stop scrolling; and when the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged all present the same numerical value, awarding a special payout (bonus payout) according to a total of numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged.
• In the playing method, when a predetermined number (three or more) of symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged, the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged stop scrolling. When, numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 are all the same, a special payout (bonus payout) is awarded according to the total of the numerical values presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181. As described, a special payout is varied according to a numerical value presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 diversifies the form of awarding a payout to a player, and the special payout is awarded only when numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged are all the same. This diversifies the form of awarding a payout. Further, a player is able to recognize the amount of the special payout simply by viewing the numerical value presented. Thus, player's expectation for a payout is improved.
• [Display State]
• Specifically described hereinafter is an exemplary display state of thedisplay101 in theslot machine1 and in the operation process of the playing method thereof. The following description deals with a case where scatter symbols are arranged on thedisplay101 of a video reel-type, as shown inFIG. 3.
• Thedisplay101 hasarrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155 in which scattersymbols180 are arranged. In thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155, symbol columns having more than onescatter symbols180 are scrolled, respectively. Each of thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155 is divided into anupper row151a, amiddle row151b, and alower row151c. Scattersymbols180 are stopped (arranged) in therows151a,151b, and151cof the respective arrangement areas. For example, inFIG. 3, “A” is stopped in theupper row151aof thearrangement area151, “Scroll Symbol” is stopped in themiddle row151bof thearrangement area151, and “0” is stopped in thelower row151cof thearrangement area151. Thus, thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155 display a symbol matrix of five columns and three rows. Note that the symbol matrix is not limited to a matrix of five columns and three rows.
• This embodiment deals with a case where a process of paying out a coin or the like is executed when a predetermined number (e.g., four) or more scatter symbols of a same kind are displayed in the symbol matrix. However, it is possible to employ such a configuration that, for example, a payline L is provided so as to cross themiddle row151bof thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155, and when scatter symbols stopped on the payline L correspond to a predetermined combination, a coin is paid out.
• Further, as shown inFIG. 3, when a predetermined number (three or more) symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged as a result of rearrangement ofscatter symbols180, the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged stop scrolling. Then, when numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 are all the same, a bonus payout is awarded according to a total of the numerical values presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged. In the case ofFIG. 3, the three symbol-scrollingcells181 each presents “$50”. Therefore, a bonus payout of “$150” is awarded. However, no bonus payout is awarded if the predetermined number of symbol-scrollingcells181 include even a single symbol-scrollingcell181 presenting a different numerical value.
• Note, however, that the present invention may be adapted so that, a bonus payout is awarded according to the total of numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged, even if the numerical values presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 are not the same. Alternatively, the present invention may be adapted so that, when the numerical values presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 are all the same (e.g. $50), a bonus payout is awarded according to the numerical values ($50) presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181. Further, the present invention may be adapted so that a bonus payout is awarded according to the greatest numerical value among those presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181.
• [Scatter Symbols]
• As shown inFIG. 4, scattersymbols180 displayed in thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155 of thedisplay101 constitute symbol columns, each symbol column having twenty-two scatter symbols. Each symbol of each symbol column has a code number, any one of numbers from 0 to 21. Each symbol column includes a combination of: six kinds of animal symbols “FROG”, “HAWK”, “DEER”, “PARROT”, “LION”, and “HIPPOPOTAMUS” and scroll symbols; alphabet symbols “A”, “J”, “Q”, “L”; and scrollsymbols181 “$$$”.
• Successive three scatter symbols of each symbol column are displayed (arranged) respectively in theupper row151a, themiddle row151b, and thelower row151cof each of thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155, thereby constituting a symbol matrix of five columns and three rows. When a later-mentioned bet button and a spin button are sequentially pressed in this order to start a game, scatter symbols constituting a symbol matrix start to scroll. After the symbols are scrolled for a predetermined period of time, the scrolling of symbols stops (symbols are rearranged).
• When a predetermined number or more scatter symbols of a same kind are displayed in thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155, a player gets an advantage. To get an advantage means that coins are paid out according to scatter symbols displayed, the value of coins to be paid out is added to a credit value, a bonus game is started, or the like.
• Specifically, when four or more scatter symbols of a same kind are rearranged in thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155, twenty coins (game media) are paid out for one bet. When a predetermined number (three or more) ofscroll symbols181 are rearranged, a bonus game is triggered, thus stopping the scrolling of thescroll symbols181. a transition of gaming state from a basic game to a bonus game. Further, when symbols of all six kinds of animals are rearranged, a bonus game is triggered. This causes a transition of the gaming state from the basic game to the bonus game.
• Here, a bonus game is a gaming state which provides a larger advantage than a basic game. In this embodiment, the bonus game is a free game. The free game is a game which allows a player to play a unit game a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, five times) without betting a coin. Note that another bonus game may be employed in combination, provided that the other bonus game is advantageous to a player, i.e., the other bonus game is more advantageous than a basic game. For example, that other bonus game which may be employed is a game providing: a state where a larger amount of game media can be obtained than in a basic game; a state where game media can be obtained more likely than in a basic game; or a state where a smaller amount of game media are consumed than in a basic game.
• [Mechanical Structure of the Slot Machine1]
• Next, the following describes a specific example of mechanical and electrical structures of theslot machine1 thus structured.
• As shown inFIG. 5, theslot machine1 is an upright slot machine and has acabinet3 for housing electrical or mechanical components for executing a predetermined game mode. As adisplay unit4 for displaying game information in response to a player's game operation, there may be provided an uppervariable display unit4A, a middlevariable display unit4B, and a lowervariable display unit4C. Thedisplay units4A to4C are attached to the front face of thecabinet3 having a longer length in the vertical direction.
• The uppervariable display unit4A has a transparent upperliquid crystal panel5A fixed to a front door of thecabinet3. The upperliquid crystal panel5A displays thereon an image showing, for example, an effect image, an introduction of a game, or rules of the game.
• The middlevariable display unit4B is a display panel for rotating symbols, which is to be constantly viewed by a player. The middlevariable display unit4B has a transparent centerliquid crystal panel5B (display101) fixed to the front door of thecabinet3. On the centerliquid crystal panel5B, fivearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155 are displayed. Further, on the centerliquid crystal panel5B, an effect of moving images is executed at a time of winning or the like. Further, in an upper portion of the centerliquid crystal panel5B, apayout number indicator8 and acredit number indicator9 are d splayed.
• The lowervariable display unit4C has a lowerliquid crystal panel5C which displays the number of points stored in a card or the number of points of a game. Such a number is displayed on the lowerliquid crystal panel5C based on a result displayed on the middlevariable display unit4B. When a winning combination is achieved in the middlevariable display unit4B, the number of points of the game displayed on the lowerliquid crystal panel5C is increased according to the type of the winning achieved. On the left of the lowerliquid crystal panel5C, aticket printer14 is provided. On the right of the lowerliquid crystal panel5C, acard reader15 is provided. Note that winning means an occasion where four or more scatter symbols of a same kind are rearranged, awarding various payouts according to the result.
• Below the lowervariable display unit4C is disposed an operation table10 which protrudes forward from the front face of thecabinet3. On the operation table10, there are arranged operation buttons11 (e.g., a spin button73, change button74, cash-out button75, 1-bet button76, maximum bet button77, or the like) serving as a control panel which enables a player to execute a game-related operation. In addition, the operation table10 is provided with acoin insertion slot12 and abill insertion slot13.
• Below the operation table10, a waist-high panel17 is disposed. The waist-high panel17 is a plastic panel having a game-related image printed thereon. This waist-high panel17 is fixed to a lowerfront door18 and illuminated by a cold cathode tube. Further, below the waist-high panel17 is disposed acoin receiving tray19 for storing a coin paid out based on a game result.
• Further,lamps30 are disposed on thecabinet3 of theslot machine1 so as to surround game areas including the uppervariable display unit4A, the middlevariable display unit4B, the lowervariable display unit4C, and the operation table10. Thelamps30 includeside lamps22,speaker lamps24, underlamps25, andtop lamps26. Theside lamps22 are provided oninclined parts21 provided at the front right and front left of thecabinet3, each of which parts protruding in a bow shape so as to extend over the uppervariable display unit4A, the middlevariable display unit4B and the lowervariable display unit4C. Thespeaker lamps24 are provided on arc-shapedspeakers23 which protrudes sideways at the right and a left ends of thecabinet3 adjacent to the operation table10. Thespeaker lamps24 are arranged along edges of thespeakers23. Theunder lamps25 are provided on the lowerfront door18 and arranged along a lower edge of the waist-high panel17. Thetop lamps26 are provided above the uppervariable display unit4A. The top lamps includepower lamps26adisposed at both sides respectively and band-type lamps26barranged in a horizontal direction between the power lamps.
• [Electrical Structure of the Slot Machine1]
• Inside thecabinet3 is provided a control unit including thecontroller100 ofFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 6, the control unit includes components such as amotherboard40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)60, agaming board50, asub CPU61, adoor PCB80, various switches, and a sensor.
• Thegaming board50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit)51, aROM55 and aboot ROM52, acard slot53S for amemory card53, and anIC socket54S for a GAL (Generic Array Logic)54, which are connected to one another through an internal bus.
• Thememory card53 stores therein a game program and a game system program. The game program contains a program to determine symbols to be stopped (hereinafter “stop symbol determination program”). The stop symbol determination program is a program for determining a symbol matrix of five columns and three rows. This stop symbol determination program contains sets of symbol weighting data respectively correspond to several kinds of payout rates (e.g., 80%, 84%, and 88%). Each set of symbol weighting data indicates, for each of thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155, a relation between a code number of each symbol and at least one random number values. The random number value is a value within a predetermined range of 0 to 256 for example.
• A payout rate is set based on payout rate setting data output from theGAL54. Rearrangement symbols are determined based on a set of symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate set.
• Thememory card53 stores therein various types of data for use in the game program and game system program. Specifically, thememory card53 stores, in the form of table, data indicating relations betweenscatter symbols180 displayed in thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155 ofFIG. 3 and a range of random number values. This data is transferred to aRAM43 of themotherboard40, at a time of execution of the game program.
• Thecard slot53S is structured so that thememory card53 is inserted/removed thereto/therefrom. Thiscard slot53S is connected to themotherboard40 via an IDE bus. Thus, the type and content of a game run by theslot machine1 can be modified by removing thememory card53 from thecard slot53S, writing a different game program and game system program into thememory card53, and inserting thememory card53 back to thecard slot53S.
• The game program includes a program related to the progress of a game and/or a program for causing a transition to a bonus game. Also, the game program includes image data and audio data output during a game.
• TheGAL54 has input ports and output ports. Upon the input of data to an input port, theGAL54 outputs data corresponding to the input data from an output port. This data output from the output port is the before-mentioned payout rate setting data.
• TheIC socket54S is structured so that theGAL54 is attached/detached thereto/therefrom. TheIC socket54S is connected to themotherboard40 via a PCI bus. Thus, the payout rate setting data to be output from theGAL54 can be modified by detachingGAL54 from theIC socket54S, overwriting a program stored in theGAL45, and attaching the GAL45 back to theIC socket54S.
• TheCPU51, theROM55, and theboot ROM52, which are connected to one another via the internal bus, are connected to themotherboard40 via the PCI bus. The PCI bus communicates a signal between themotherboard40 and thegaming board50, and supplies power from themotherboard40 to thegaming board50. TheROM55 stores therein country identification information and an authentication program. Theboot ROM52 stores therein a preliminary authentication program, a program (boot code) for enabling theCPU51 to run the preliminary authentication program, or the like.
• The authentication program is a program (falsification check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is a program for confirming and verifying that the game program and the game system program are not falsified. In other words, the authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure for verifying that the authentication program to be authenticated is not falsified. In short, the preliminary authentication program authenticates the authentication program.
• Themotherboard40 is provided with a main CPU41 (controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory)42, the RAM (Random Access Memory)43, and acommunications interface44.
• Themain CPU41 serves as a controller that controls theoverall slot machine1. Specifically, themain CPU41 executes the controls of: outputting a command signal, upon pressing the spin button73 after a bet of credit, to thesub CPU61 so as to scroll scatter symbols on the centerliquid crystal panel5B; determining symbols to be stopped after the scrolling of symbols; and stopping the determined symbols in thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155.
• That is, themain CPU41 functions as an arrangement controller to execute an arrangement control by which, among various kinds of scatter symbols, symbols to be arranged in a symbol matrix are selected and determined, and then scrolling of the symbols is stopped so that the determined symbol matrix appears. With this function, scatter symbols displayed while being scrolled on the centerliquid crystal panel5B are rearranged in a new symbol matrix.
• Themain CPU41 has functions of thecontroller100 which execute: a first process of rearrangingscatter symbols180, including one or more symbol-scrollingcells181 scrolling therein various numerical values, in a matrix ofarrangement areas151 to155 on a display101 (centerliquid crystal panel5B); a second process of awarding a payout according to the number of thescatter symbols180 rearranged; a third process of, when a predetermined number (three or more) of symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged as a result of the rearrangement of thescatter symbols180, causing the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged to stop scrolling; and a fourth process of, when the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged all present the same numerical value, awarding a special payout (bonus payout) according to a total of numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 rearranged.
• TheROM42 stores a program such as BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) run by themain CPU41, and data that is permanently used. When the BIOS is run by themain CPU41, each of peripheral devices is initialized and the game program and the game system program stored in thememory card53 are read out through thegaming board50.
• TheRAM43 stores data or a program used for themain CPU41 to execute a process. For example,RAM43 has thesymbol storage unit108 ofFIG. 2, thedisplay storage unit107, and the rearrangementsymbol storage unit105, in the form of data area. In the data area of thesymbol storage unit108 are stored thescatter symbols180 in the form of data table shown inFIG. 4. In the data area of the rearrangementsymbol storage unit105 are stored symbols to be rearranged. In the data area of the displaysymbol storage unit107 is stored a symbol matrix.
• Thecommunications interface44 communicates via a communication line with a host computer or the like provided in a game arcade. Themotherboard40 is connected to the main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)60 and thedoor PCB80 through USBs (Universal Serial Buses). Further, themotherboard40 is connected to apower unit45. Thepower unit45 supplies power to themotherboard40 to boot themain CPU41 thereof. Meanwhile, thepower unit45 supplies power to thegaming board50 through the PCI bus to boot theCPU51.
• Themain body PCB60 and thedoor PCB80 are connected to: a device or apparatus which generates an input signal to be input to themain CPU41; and a device or apparatus controlled by a control signal output from themain CPU41. Themain CPU41 runs the game program and the game system program stored in theRAM43 based on the input signal input to themain CPU41, to carry out an arithmetic process, thereby storing a result thereof in theRAM43 or transmitting a control signal to each device or apparatus to control them.
• Themain body PCB60 is connected to the lamps30 (to be more specific, theside lamps22, thespeaker lamps24, the underlamps25, and the top lamps26), thesub CPU61, ahopper66, acoin detecting unit67, agraphic board68, thespeakers23, abill validator62, theticket printer14, thecard reader15, and akey switch38S.
• Thelamps30 are turned on/off based on a control signal output from themain CPU41. Thesub CPU61 controls an operation of scrolling symbols in thearrangement areas151 to155, and is connected to a later-mentioned VDP (Video Display Processor). The VDP reads out image data of symbols stored in an image data ROM (not shown), and then generates an image of scrolling symbols to be displayed in thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155 to output the image to the centerliquid crystal panel5B.
• Thehopper66 is provided in thecabinet3, and pays out a predetermined number of coins from a coin payout opening to thecoin receiving tray19 based on a control signal output from themain CPU41. Thecoin detecting unit67 is provided inside the coin payout opening, and outputs an input signal to themain CPU41 when detecting that a predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin payout opening.
• Thegraphic board68 controls image displaying of the upperliquid crystal panel5A, the centerliquid crystal panel5B, and the lowerliquid crystal panel5C, based on a control signal output from themain CPU41. Thegraphic board68 is provided with a VDP which generates image data based on a control signal output from themain CPU41, a video RAM which temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like.
• The bill validator62 reads an image on a bill inserted to thebill insertion slot13 and accepts a genuine bill into thecabinet3. When accepting a genuine bill, thebill validator62 outputs an input signal to themain CPU41 corresponding to the amount of the bill. Themain CPU41 stores in theRAM43 the number of credits corresponding to the amount of the bill transmitted by the input signal.
• Based on a control signal output from themain CPU41, theticket printer14 prints a bar code on a ticket, and then outputs the ticket with a bar code. Data such as the number of credits stored in theRAM43, time and date, identification number of aslot machine1, or the like is encoded to the bar code.
• Thecard reader15 reads data from a smart card to transmit them to themain CPU41, or write data to a smart card based on a control signal from themain CPU41. Thekey switch38S is mounted on a keypad (not shown), and outputs an input signal to themain CPU41 in response to an operation of the keypad by a player.
• Thedoor PCB80 is connected to acontrol panel70, a reverter71S, acoin counter71C, and acold cathode tube81. Thecontrol panel70 is provided with: aspin switch73S corresponding to the spin button73, achange switch74S corresponding to the change button74, a cash-out switch75S corresponding to the cash-out button75, a 1-bet switch76S corresponding to the 1-bet button76, and amaximum bet switch77S corresponding to the maximum-bet button77. Theswitches73S to77S output input signals to themain CPU41 upon operations of the corresponding buttons73 to77 by a player, respectively.
• Thecoin counter71C is provided inside thecoin insertion slot12, and validates whether a coin inserted by a player into thecoin insertion slot12 is genuine. Anything other than a genuine coin is discharged to thecoin receiving tray19. Thecoin counter71C outputs an input signal to themain CPU41 when detecting a genuine coin.
• The reverter71S is operated based on a control signal output from themain CPU41. The reverter71S distributes a coin that is recognized as genuine by thecoin counter71C to a cash box (not shown) or thehopper66 mounted in theslot machine1. In other words, when thehopper66 is filled with coins, the reverter71S distributes a genuine coin to the cash box. On the other hand, when thehopper66 is not filled with coins, a genuine coin is distributed to thehopper66. Thecold cathode tube81 functions as a backlight mounted to the rear sides of the upperliquid crystal panel5A and the centerliquid crystal panel5B. Thecold cathode tube81 is turned on based on a control signal output from themain CPU41.
• [Process Operation of the Slot Machine1]
• Next, the process operation of theslot machine1 will be described.
• [Boot Process]
• First, themain CPU41 of theslot machine1 executes a boot process routine shown inFIG. 7. This boot process routine is executed by themotherboard40 and thegaming board50. Thememory card53 is assumed to be inserted into thecard slot53S of thegaming board50, and theGAL54 is assumed to be attached to theIC socket54S.
• First, turning on a power switch of (powering on) thepower unit45 boots themotherboard40 and thegaming board50. Booting themotherboard40 and thegaming board50 starts separate processes in parallel. That is, in thegaming board50, theCPU51 reads out the preliminary authentication program stored in theboot ROM52, and according to the preliminary authentication program read out, theCPU51 executes the preliminary authentication to confirm and verify that the authentication program is not falsified, before reading that program in the motherboard40 (S101).
• On the other hand, in themotherboard40, themain CPU41 runs the BIOS stored in theROM42, to load into theRAM43 compressed data built in the BIOS (S1). Then, themain CPU41 runs a procedure of the BIOS according to the data loaded into theRAM43 so as to diagnose and initialize various peripheral devices (S2).
• Themain CPU41, which is connected to theROM55 of thegaming board50 via the PCI bus, reads out the authentication program stored in theROM55, and stores it in the RAM43 (S3). During this step, themain CPU41 derives a checksum through ADDSUM method (a standard check function) which is adopted in a standard BIOS, and stores the authentication program in theRAM43 while confirming if the operation of storing is carried out without an error.
• Next, themain CPU41 checks what is connected via the IDE bus. Then, themain CPU41 accesses via the IDE bus to thememory card53 inserted into thecard slot53S to read out the game program and the game system program from thememory card53. In this case, themain CPU41 reads out four bytes of data constituting the game program and the game system program at one time. Subsequently, according to the authentication program stored in theRAM43, themain CPU41 executes an authentication to confirm and verify that the game program and game system program read out are not falsified (S4). When this authentication process is properly finished, themain CPU41 writes and store in theRAM43 the game program and game system program which were the subjects of the authentication (authenticated) (S5).
• Then, themain CPU41 accesses, via the PCI bus, theGAL54 attached to theIC socket54S, and reads out the payout rate setting data from theGAL54, which data is written to and stored in the RAM43 (S6). Next, themain CPU41 reads out, via the PCI bus, the country identification information stored in theROM55 of thegaming board50. The country identification information read out is stored in the RAM43 (S7).
• Then, themain CPU41 determines if the writing to theRAM43 is normally executed (S8). When it is determined that the writing to theRAM43 is normally executed (S8, YES), the sensor is checked (S9) Then, it is determined if the sensor is normal (S10). When it is determined that the sensor is normal (S10, YES), the operation of a drive mechanism is checked (S11). Then, it is determined if the operation of the drive mechanism is normal (S12). When it is determined that the operation of the drive mechanism is normal (S12, YES), the operation of illuminations (thelamps30 or the like) is checked (S13). Then, it is determined if the operation of illuminations is normal (S14). When it is determined that the operation of the illuminations is normal (S14, YES), a boot signal is output (S15), the game program and game system program are read out from the RAM43 (S16), a basic game process is executed (S17), and this routine ends.
• In the cases where: it is determined that the writing to theRAM43 is not normally executed in the step S8 (S8, NO); it is determined that the sensor is not normal in the step S10 (S10, NO); it is determined that the operation of the drive mechanism is not normal in the step S12 (S12, NO); and it is determined that the operation of the illuminations is not normal in the step S14 (S14, NO); an abnormal signal is output (S18) and an abnormal status is notified (S19) to end this routine.
• [Game Execution Process]
• After the boot process routine shown inFIG. 7, themain CPU41 of theslot machine1 executes a game execution process routine shown inFIG. 8. In the game execution process routine, first, themain CPU41 determines if a coin is bet (A1). In this process, determined is if an input signal is received in response to pressing of the 1-bet button76 or the maximum bet button77. When it is determined that a coin is not bet (A1, NO), the step A1 is executed again to enter a standby mode until a coin is bet.
• On the other hand, when it is determined that a coin is bet (A1, YES), the number of credits corresponding to the number of coins bet is subtracted from the number of credits stored in the RAM43 (A2). When the number of coins bet is larger than the number of credits stored in theRAM43, the process of subtracting the number of credits is not executed, and the step A1 is executed again.
• Then, it is determined if the spin button73 is pressed (set to ON) (A3). When it is determined that the spin button73 is not pressed (not set to ON) (A3, NO), the process returns to the step A1. When the spin button73 is not pressed (not set to ON) (for example, when an instruction to finish the game is input while the spin button73 is not pressed (not set to ON)), the result of subtraction in the step A2 is canceled.
• On the other hand, when it is determined that the spin button73 is pressed (A3, YES), the symbol determining process is executed (A4). That is, a stop symbol determination program stored in the RAM33 is executed to determine a symbol matrix.
• Then, scattersymbols180 in thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155 are scrolled (A9). After thescatter symbols180 are scrolled, the symbol matrix determined in the step A4 is stopped (rearranged) in thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155.
• Then, it is determined if a combination is established, i.e., if four ormore scatter symbols180 of a same kind are rearranged (A6). When it is determined that a combination is established (A6, YES), a payout award process is executed (A7). That is, the number of coins to be paid out is calculated according to the number of scatter symbols of a same kind. When a coin to be paid out is reserved, a predetermined number of credits is added to the number of credits stored in theRAM43. On the other hand, when a coin is paid out, a control signal is transmitted to thehopper66 to pay out a predetermined number of coins to thecoin receiving tray19.
• In step A6, when it is determined that a combination is not established (A6, NO), or after the A7 is executed, there is determined whether or not a bonus triggering condition is met (A8). When it is determined that the bonus triggering condition is met (A8, YES), the symbol-scrollingcells181 stop scrolling (A9). Then, there is determined whether or not numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 are all the same (A10). In the step A10, when it is determined that the numerical values are all the same (A10, YES), a bonus payout award process is executed (A11). That is, the number of coins according to the total value of the numerical values presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 is calculated. When a coin to be paid out is reserved, a predetermined number of credits is added to the number of credits stored in theRAM43. On the other hand, when a coin is paid out, a control signal is transmitted to thehopper66 to pay out, to thecoin receiving tray19, a predetermined number of coins according to the total value.
• In the step A8, when it is determined that the bonus triggering condition is not met (A8, NO), there is determined whether or not a bonus triggering condition is met (A12). This step A12 is also executed when the step A10 of determining whether or not numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 are all the same results in “NO”,6 or after the step A11 is executed. When it is determined that the bonus triggering condition is not met (A12, NO), this routine ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the bonus triggering condition is met (A12, YES), a bonus game process is executed (A13). The bonus game process is described later. The present routine ends thereafter.
• As described, when a predetermined number (three or more) of symbol-scrollingcells181 are rearranged, the symbol-scrollingcells181 stops scrolling. When numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 are all the same, a special payout (bonus payout) according to the total of the numerical values presented in the symbol-scrollingcells181 is awarded. As described, a special payout is varied according to a numerical value presented by the symbol-scrollingcells181 diversifies the form of awarding a payout to a player, and the special payout is awarded only when numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged are all the same. This diversifies the form of awarding a payout. Further, a player is able to recognize the amount of the special payout simply by viewing the numerical value presented. Thus, player's expectation for a payout is improved.
• (Bonus Game Process)
• Themain CPU41 of theslot machine1 executes a bonus game process routine shown inFIG. 9, when themain CPU41 determines that the bonus triggering condition is met in A12 ofFIG. 8. In the bonus game process routine, themain CPU41 first sets bonus game count T to “5” (B1). Then, it is determined whether a spin button73 is pressed (B2). If it is determined that the spin button73 is not pressed (A6, NO), the process returns to the step B2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the spin button73 is pressed (B2, YES), a symbol determining process is executed (B3). That is, a stop symbol determination program stored in theRAM43 is executed to determine a symbol matrix.
• Then, scattersymbols180 in thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155 are scrolled (B4). After thescatter symbols180 are scrolled, the symbol matrix determined in the step B3 is stopped (rearranged) in thearrangement areas151,152,153,154, and155.
• Then, it is determined if a combination is established, i.e., if four ormore scatter symbols180 of a same kind are rearranged (B5). When it is determined that a combination is established (B5, YES), a payout awarding process is executed (B6). That is, the number of coins to be paid out is calculated according to the number of scatter symbols of a same kind. When a coin to be paid out is reserved, a predetermined number of credits is added to the number of credits stored in theRAM43. On the other hand, when a coin is paid out, a control signal is transmitted to thehopper66 to pay out a predetermined number of coins to thecoin receiving tray19.
• In step B5, when it is determined that a combination is not established (B5, NO), or after the B6 is executed, the bonus game count T is reduced by “1” (B7), and there is determined whether or not the bonus game count T is “0” (B8). If it is determined that the bonus game T is not “0” (B8, NO), the operation returns to the step B2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus game T is “0” (B8, YES), the present routine ends.
• In the detailed description provided above, characteristic parts have mainly been described in order that the present invention can be understood more easily. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the detailed description provided above, and may be applied to other embodiments. The scope of application of the present invention should be construed as broadly as possible. Terms and phraseologies adopted in the present specification are for correctly illustrating the present invention, not for limiting. It would be easy for those skilled in the art to derive, from the spirit of the invention described in the present specification, other structures, systems, methods and the like which are included in the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it should be considered that claims cover equivalent structures, too, without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. An object of the abstract is to enable an intellectual property office, general public institutions, persons belonging to the art but not familiar with patent, legal terms, or technical terms to quickly understand technical contents and essences of the present invention through a simple research. Therefore, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be evaluated by the claims. In addition, it is desirable to sufficiently refer to already-disclosed documents and the like, in order to fully understand the objects and effects of the present invention.
• The detailed description provided above includes a processing which is executed on a computer or a computer network. The descriptions and expressions provided above are given for the purpose of allowing those skilled in the art to understand the invention most effectively. In the specification, respective steps used to induce one result, or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a processing having no self-contradiction. In addition, in each step or block, an electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received, recorded, and the like. In a processing in each step or block, such a signal is embodied in the form of a bit, a value, a symbol, a character, a term, a number, and the like. However, it should be noted that they have been used simply because they are convenient for explanations. A processing in each step or block has sometimes been described using an expression which is common to a human behavior. However, in principle, the processing described in the specification is executed by various devices. In addition, other structures necessary for each step or block are apparent from the above description.

Claims (6)

1. A slot machine comprising:

a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, which is structured to arrange, in the arrangement areas, plural kinds of scatter symbols including one or more symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of symbols;

a controller which is programmed to execute the steps of:

(a1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;

(a2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;

(a3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (a1), causing the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;

(a4) awarding a special payout according to a symbol presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged.

2. A slot machine comprising:

a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, which is structured to arrange, in the arrangement areas, plural kinds of scatter symbols including one or more symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of numerical values;

a controller which is programmed to execute the steps of:

(b1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;

(b2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;

(b3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (b1), causing the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;

(b4) awarding a special payout according to a numerical value presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged.

3. A slot machine comprising:

a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, which is structured to arrange, in the arrangement areas, plural kinds of scatter symbols including symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of numerical values;

a controller which is programmed to execute the steps of:

(c1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;

(c2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;

(c3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (c1), causing the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;

(c4) when numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged are all the same, awarding a special payout according to the numerical values presented.

4. A slot machine comprising:

a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, which is structured to arrange, in the arrangement areas, plural kinds of scatter symbols including symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of numerical values;

a controller which is programmed to execute the steps of:

(d1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;

(d2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;

(d3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (d1), causing the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;

(d4) awarding a special payout according to a total of numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged.

5. A slot machine comprising:

a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, which is structured to arrange, in the arrangement areas, plural kinds of scatter symbols including symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of numerical values;

a controller which is programmed to execute the steps of:

(e1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;

(e2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;

(e3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (e1), causing the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;

(e4) when numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged are all the same, awarding a special payout according to a total of the numerical values respectively presented by the symbol-scrolling cells rearranged.

6. A playing method of a slot machine including a display having a matrix of arrangement areas, the display being structured to arrange in the arrangement areas plural kinds of scatter symbols including one or more symbol-scrolling cells each scrolling therein plural kinds of symbols, the method comprising the steps of:

(f1) rearranging scatter symbols in the arrangement areas;

(f2) giving a payout according to the number of each kind of the scatter symbols rearranged;

(f3) when a predetermined number of symbol-scrolling cells are rearranged as a result of (f1), causing the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged to stop scrolling;

(f4) awarding a special payout according to a symbol presented by each of the one or more symbol-scrolling cells rearranged.

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