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United States Patent Application	20090247269
Kind Code	A1
YOSHIZAWA; Kazumasa	October 1, 2009

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Claims

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1. A slot machine comprising:a display that displays a unit game in which a plurality of arranged symbols are individually rearranged on defined areas; anda controller programmed to execute:(A) processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern of symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas;(B) processing for determining whether the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to provision of an award after the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern;(C) processing, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, for selecting a specific sequence pattern as a sequence pattern for a sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas, wherein a symbol predetermined to be rearranged last is rearranged last in the specific sequence pattern, and the symbol is one of symbols which become subjects of the award, a magnification symbol that decides a magnification in providing the award, and symbols which do not become the subjects of the award;(D) processing for not performing the processing for selecting a specific sequence pattern in a case where the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; and(E) processing for rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the sequence pattern decided by the processing for selecting a sequence pattern, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award.

2. The slot machine according to claim 1,wherein the controller programmed further to execute processing for randomly selecting a usual sequence pattern among a plurality of the sequence patterns in the case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award, andrearrange the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the usual sequence pattern.

3. The slot machine according to claim 1,wherein the controller programmed further to execute processing for always selecting a usual sequence pattern in the case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award, andrearrange the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the usual sequence pattern.

4. A slot machine comprising:a display that displays a unit game in which a plurality of arranged symbols are individually rearranged on defined areas; anda controller programmed to execute:(A) processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern of symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas;(B) processing for determining whether the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to provision of an award after the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern;(C) processing, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, for deciding a sequence of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas, in accordance with priority of a sequence of rearranging symbols predetermined in a sequence of symbols which do not become subjects of the award, symbols which become the subjects of the award, and a magnification symbol that decides a magnification in providing the award;(D) processing for not performing the processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols, the sequence being according to the priority, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; and(E) processing for rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the sequence decided by the processing for deciding a sequence, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award.

5. The slot machine according to claim 4,wherein the controller programmed further to execute processing for randomly selecting a usual sequence pattern among a plurality of the sequence patterns in the case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award, andrearrange the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the usual sequence pattern.

6. The slot machine according to claim 4,wherein the controller programmed further to execute processing for always selecting a usual sequence pattern in the case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; andrearrange the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the usual sequence pattern.

7. A control method of a slot machine comprising:(A) deciding a rearrangement pattern of symbols to be rearranged on defined areas;(B) determining whether the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to provision of an award after deciding the rearrangement pattern;(C) in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, selecting a specific sequence pattern as a sequence pattern for a sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas, wherein a symbol predetermined to be rearranged last is rearranged last in the specific sequence pattern, and the symbol is one of symbols which become subjects of the award, a magnification symbol that decides a magnification in providing the award, and symbols which do not become the subjects of the award;(D) performing processing that does not perform the processing for selecting a specific sequence pattern in a case where the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; and(E) in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the sequence pattern decided by the processing for selecting a sequence pattern.

8. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 7, further comprising:performing processing for randomly selecting a usual sequence pattern among the sequence patterns after performing the processing that does not perform the processing for selecting a specific sequence pattern, in the case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; andrearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the usual sequence pattern.

9. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 7, further comprising:performing processing for always selecting a usual sequence pattern after performing the processing that does not perform the processing for selecting a specific sequence pattern, in the case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; andrearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the usual sequence pattern.

10. A control method of a slot machine comprising:(A) deciding a rearrangement pattern of symbols to be rearranged on defined areas;(B) determining whether the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to provision of an award after the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern;(C) in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, deciding a sequence of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas, in accordance with priority of a sequence of rearranging symbols predetermined in a sequence of symbols which do not become subjects of the award, symbols which become the subjects of the award, and a magnification symbol that decides a magnification in providing the award;(D) performing processing that does not perform the processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols, the sequence being according to the priority, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; and(E) rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the sequence decided by the processing for deciding a sequence, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award.

11. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 10, further comprising:performing processing for randomly selecting a usual sequence pattern among the sequence patterns after performing processing that does not perform the processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols, the sequence being according to the priority, in the case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; andrearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the usual sequence pattern.

12. The control method of a slot machine according to claim 10, further comprising:performing processing for always selecting a usual sequence pattern after performing processing that does not perform the processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols, the sequence being according to the priority, in the case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award, andrearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the usual sequence pattern.

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Description

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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/039,670 entitled "SLOT MACHINE HAVING VARIETY OF AWARDS WITH POINT-ALLOCATED SYMBOLS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF" filed on Mar. 26, 2008 and naming Kazumasa YOSHIZAWA as inventor, and which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]1. Field of the Invention

[0003]The present invention relates to a slot machine for playing a game by using a medal or the like, and to a control method of the slot machine.

[0004]2. Description of the Related Art

[0005]As a related slot machine, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,133 B1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,983 are known. In such a slot machine, when a player inserts a monetary value such as a medal, a coin or a bill into an insertion slot of the slot machine and operates a spin switch, for example, totally fifteen symbols with a matrix of three rows and five columns are scrolled on a display area of a display provided on a front surface of a cabinet, and thereafter, the respective symbols are automatically stopped. Then, in the case where a predetermined number of scatter symbols are displayed when the respective fifteen symbols are stopped, the slot machine generates an award.

[0006]In the slot machine as described above, what is performed is only that the award is decided depending on the occurrence number of scatter symbols, and it is desired that a slot machine provided with a new entertainment factor appears.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007]In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a slot machine is provided, which includes: a display that displays a unit game in which a plurality of arranged symbols are individually rearranged on defined areas; and a controller programmed to execute: (A) processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern of symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas; (B) processing for determining whether the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to provision of an award after the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern; (C) processing, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, for selecting a specific sequence pattern as a sequence pattern for a sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas, wherein a symbol predetermined to be rearranged last is rearranged last in the specific sequence pattern, and the symbol is one of symbols which become subjects of the award, a magnification symbol that decides a magnification in providing the award, and symbols which do not become the subjects of the award; (D) processing for not performing the processing for selecting a specific sequence pattern in a case where the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; and (E) processing for rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the sequence pattern decided by the processing for selecting a sequence pattern, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award.

[0008]In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a slot machine is provided, which includes: a display that displays a unit game in which a plurality of arranged symbols are individually rearranged on defined areas; and a controller programmed to execute: (A) processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern of symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas; (B) processing for determining whether the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to provision of an award after the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern; (C) processing, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, for deciding a sequence of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas, in accordance with priority of a sequence of rearranging symbols predetermined in a sequence of symbols which do not become subjects of the award, symbols which become the subjects of the award, and a magnification symbol that decides a magnification in providing the award; (D) processing for not performing the processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols, the sequence being according to the priority, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; and (E) processing for rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the sequence decided by the processing for deciding a sequence, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award.

[0009]In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a control method of a slot machine is provided, which includes: (A) deciding a rearrangement pattern of symbols to be rearranged on defined areas; (B) determining whether the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to provision of an award after deciding the rearrangement pattern; (C) in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, selecting a specific sequence pattern as a sequence pattern for a sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas, wherein a symbol predetermined to be rearranged last is rearranged last in the specific sequence pattern, and the symbol is one of symbols which become subjects of the award, a magnification symbol that decides a magnification in providing the award, and symbols which do not become the subjects of the award; (D) performing processing that does not perform the processing for selecting a specific sequence pattern in a case where the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; and (E) in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the sequence pattern decided by the processing for selecting a sequence pattern.

[0010]In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a control method of a slot machine is provided, which includes: (A) deciding a rearrangement pattern of symbols to be rearranged on defined areas; (B) determining whether the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to provision of an award after the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern; (C) in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, deciding a sequence of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas, in accordance with priority of a sequence of rearranging symbols predetermined in a sequence of symbols which do not become subjects of the award, symbols which become the subjects of the award, and a magnification symbol that decides a magnification in providing the award; (D) performing processing that does not perform the processing for deciding a sequence of rearranging the symbols, the sequence being according to the priority, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award; and (E) rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas, in accordance with the rearrangement pattern decided by the processing for deciding a rearrangement pattern and with the sequence decided by the processing for deciding a sequence, in a case where the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a view showing a sequence in a specific sequence pattern of symbols rearranged on a display of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of the symbols rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a view showing a sequence in a specific sequence pattern of the symbols rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the symbols rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a view showing a sequence in a usual sequence pattern of the symbols rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of an award setting table for use in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 7 is an entire configuration diagram of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 9 is a view showing defined areas set on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing slot game execution processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing rearrangement pattern decision processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing image effect control processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing award providing processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing slot game execution processing of a slot machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing rearrangement pattern decision processing of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026]FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing image effect control processing of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing award providing processing of the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 18 is an entire configuration diagram of a slot machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 20A is a perspective view showing a rotating reel device of the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0031]FIG. 20B is a side view showing the rotating reel device of the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

First Embodiment

[0032]FIGS. 1 to 4 are explanatory views showing examples of a sequence of rearranging symbols on a display of a slot machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an example of symbols rearranged on the display of the slot machine according to the first embodiment, FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an example of an award setting table of the slot machine according to the first embodiment, FIG. 7 is an exterior appearance view of the slot machine according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. When a slot game is executed, totally fifteen symbols with a matrix of three rows and five columns, which are displayed on defined areas q1a to q3e of a display 16 shown in FIG. 7, are started to be scrolled. Then, after elapse of a predetermined time, the symbols are sequentially stopped (the arranged symbols are rearranged) in accordance with the sequences shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the fifteen symbols are rearranged.

[0033]Then, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the case where a predetermined number of the same symbols are rearranged, an award that is based on the number of the same symbols is generated. Specifically, the award setting table shown in FIG. 6 is stored in a predetermined memory area of a RAM 110 of FIG. 8, and an award provided to a player is decided with reference to the award setting table.

[0034]In the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas q1a to q3e when a rearrangement pattern of the symbols rearranged on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e corresponds to the provision of the award is different from a usual rearrangement sequence. In the case where the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e is different from the usual one, it becomes possible to clearly indicate to the player that there is a chance in a unit game of this time.

[0035]Next, a description will be made in detail of a configuration of the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 provided on an upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13. The display 16 is provided on a surface of the cabinet 11, which faces to the player. Moreover, in the cabinet 11, there are provided a variety of constituent members including a controller 40 (refer to FIG. 8) for electrically controlling this slot machine 10, a hopper 44 (refer to FIG. 8) for controlling insertion, storage and payout of medals, and the like.

[0036]Moreover, in this embodiment, the medals are mentioned as an example of game mediums for use in the case of executing the unit game; however, the game mediums are not limited to the medals. For example, coins, tokens, electronic money, or electronic valuable information (credits) equivalent to these can be mentioned.

[0037]The main door 13 is attached onto the cabinet 11 so as to be openable and closable. On a substantial center of the main door 13, the display 16 is provided. As will be described later, the display 16 displays images regarding a variety of unit games including the slot game. In the slot game, as shown in FIG. 7, the symbols arranged on the totally fifteen defined areas q1a to q3e are stopped after being scrolled (the arranged symbols are rearranged). Then, as will be described later, in the case where the predetermined number (for example, three or more) of symbols are rearranged for each type of the symbols stopped on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e, the award that is based on the number of the same symbols is generated.

[0038]Here, as shown in FIG. 9, suffices "a" to "e" assigned to the defined areas q denote the columns, and suffices "1" to "3" denote the rows. Note that, though the defined areas in the case of executing the slot game are set to have three rows and five columns in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0039]Moreover, on a lower left area of the display 16 shown in FIG. 7, a number-of-payouts defined area 48 for displaying the number of payouts is provided.

[0040]Below the display 16, there are provided a medal insertion slot 21 for inserting therethrough the medals for use in the case of playing the slot game, and a bill identifier 22 for identifying whether or not a bill is a real one and receiving the real bill. Moreover, a variety of operation switches are provided in the vicinities of the medal insertion slot 21 and the bill identifier 22.

[0041]As the operation switches, there are provided a CASHOUT switch 23, a MAX BET switch 24, a BET switch 25, a SPIN/REPEAT BET switch 26 and a START switch 27.

[0042]The BET switch 25 is a switch for deciding the number of credits to be bet on the slot game executed on the display 16. Every time when the BET switch 25 is pressed, a credit equivalent to one medal is bet.

[0043]The SPIN/REPEAT BET switch 26 is a switch for betting credits again without changing the number of credits bet by the BET switch 25 in the game executed last time, thereby performing the slot game.

[0044]The START switch 27 is a switch for starting the slot game on the display 16 after the credits are bet. When the START switch 27 is pressed after the medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 or after the credits are bet by the BET switch 25, the slot game is started on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e of the display 16.

[0045]The CASHOUT switch 23 is a switch for paying out the inserted medals. The medals to be paid out is discharged from a medal payout port 28 open at a lower portion of a front surface of the main door 13, and the discharged medals are accumulated in a medal tray 18.

[0046]The MAX BET switch 24 is a switch for betting, by one operation, the maximum number (for example, equivalent to 30 medals) of credits bettable in one unit game.

[0047]On the front surface of the lower portion of the main door 13, a foot display 34 is provided, and displays a variety of images regarding the unit game of the slot machine 10. As such images, for example, a character of the slot machine 10 and the like can be mentioned.

[0048]On both sides of the foot display 34, lamps 47 are provided, and emit light based on a light-emitting pattern preset for the play of the slot machine 10. The medal payout port 28 is provided below the foot display 34.

[0049]On a front surface of the top box 12, an upper display 33 is provided. The upper display 33 includes a display panel, on which a relationship between points assigned to the symbols and the awards, and the like are displayed.

[0050]Speakers 29 are provided in the top box 12. Below the upper display 33, there are provided a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37 and a keypad 38. The ticket printer 35 prints, on a ticket, a bar code in which the respective data such as the number of credits, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 10 are encoded, and outputs the ticket as a bar code-added ticket 39.

[0051]The player allows another slot machine to read the bar code-added ticket 39, and thereby can play the game on the slot machine concerned, or can exchange the bar code-added ticket 39 with bills and the like at a predetermined spot (for example, a casher in a casino) of a game facility.

[0052]The card reader 36 is capable of receiving a smart card, and reads data from the smart card thus inserted thereinto, and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card carried by the player, in which data for identifying the player, data regarding a history of the games played by the player, and the like are stored.

[0053]FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of the controller 40 provided in the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment, and of the variety of instruments connected to the controller 40. The controller 40 of the slot machine 10, which is shown in FIG. 8, is a microcomputer, and includes an interface circuit group 102, an input/output bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a communication interface circuit 111, a random number generator 112, an external storage device 113, a speaker driving circuit 122, a hopper driving circuit 124, a display driving circuit 128 and a display controller 140.

[0054]The interface circuit group 102 is connected to the input/output bus 104, and the input/output bus 104 transfers a data signal or an address signal with the CPU 106.

[0055]The START switch 27 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. A starting signal outputted from the START switch 27 is converted into a predetermined signal in the interface circuit group 102, and is then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input/output bus 104.

[0056]Moreover, to the interface circuit group 102, there are connected the BET switch 25, the MAX BET switch 24, the SPIN/REPEAT BET switch 26 and the CASHOUT switch 23. The respective switching signals outputted from the respective switches 25, 24, 26 and 23 are supplied to the interface circuit group 102, are converted into predetermined signals in the interface circuit group 102, and are then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input/output bus 104.

[0057]In addition, a medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. The medal sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting the medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 21, and is provided in a medal insertion spot of the medal insertion slot 21. A detection signal outputted from the medal sensor 43 is supplied to the interface circuit group 102, is converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102, and is then transmitted to the CPU 106 through the input/output bus 104.

[0058]To the input/output bus 104, there are connected the ROM 108 in which a system program is stored, and the RAM 110 for storing a variety of data. Moreover, to the input/output bus 104, there are connected the random number generator 112, the communication interface circuit 111, the external storage device 113, a display controller 140, the hopper driving circuit 124, the speaker driving circuit 122 and the display driving circuit 128.

[0059]On an occasion that such a starting operation for the unit game has been received by the START switch 27, the CPU 106 reads out a game execution program, and executes the slot game. The game execution program is a program for executing the unit game on the display 16 through the display controller 140. Specifically, the game execution program is programmed so as to execute the unit game in which the award that is based on the number of the same symbols is generated in the case where the symbols are scrolled on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e (refer to FIG. 9) and are thereafter stopped (the arranged symbols are rearranged), and the predetermined number (for example, three or more) of symbols are rearranged for each type of the symbols stopped on the defined areas q1a to q3e.

[0060]Moreover, the CPU 106 decides the rearrangement pattern of the symbols to be rearranged on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e. The rearrangement pattern is composed of the symbols which are arranged by the predetermined number (for example, three or more) and become subjects of the award, of a magnification symbol that decides a magnification (for example, one time to three times) in providing the award, and of symbols which are not arranged by the predetermined number and do not become the subjects of the award.

[0061]Furthermore, the CPU 106 determines whether the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to the provision of the award after deciding the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e. In the case where it is determined by the CPU 106 that the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, a specific sequence pattern is selected as a sequence pattern for the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e, and the sequence of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is decided. Meanwhile, in the case where it is determined by the CPU 106 that the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award, the CPU 106 performs processing that does not perform the processing for selecting the specific sequence pattern.

[0062]The specific sequence pattern is a sequence pattern that is determined depending on the pattern corresponding to the payout of the award, in which the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas q1a to q3e is decided so that the player can be likely to pay attention thereto. For example, in the specific sequence pattern shown in FIG. 1, first, the symbols are sequentially rearranged in a sequence shown in a sequence (1) where the symbols are sequentially rearranged from a defined area different from that in the usual sequence pattern, and to a sequence shown in a sequence (2), an effect in which the rearrangement of the symbols becomes slow is added, and thereafter, in a sequence shown in a sequence (3), the symbols are rearranged on predetermined places.

[0063]Moreover, the CPU 106 is also capable of making such a setting that the specific sequence pattern as shown in FIG. 1, which includes the effect in which the rearrangement of the symbols becomes slow, is selected with a set probability (for example, 50%) when the decided rearrangement pattern of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is a pattern corresponding to provision of a high-rate award.

[0064]Furthermore, in the rearrangement pattern of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e, which corresponds to the provision of the award, the CPU 106 reads out a symbol predetermined to be rearranged last among the symbols which become the subjects of the award, the magnification symbol that decides the magnification in providing the award, and the symbols which do not become the subjects of the award, from data of the rearrangement pattern, which is stored in a predetermined memory area of the external storage device 113. Then, the CPU 106 selects one from among such specific sequence patterns, each of which has a sequence in which the symbol predetermined to be rearranged last is rearranged last. For example, it is assumed that, when the pattern that has corresponded to the provision of the award is a rearrangement pattern as shown in FIG. 4, a symbol ".times.3" as the magnification symbol that decides the magnification in providing the award is predetermined to be rearranged last. In this case, the CPU 106 selects one from among specific sequence patterns, each of which has a sequence in which the magnification symbol ".times.3" is rearranged last. Specifically, in the rearrangement pattern including the magnification symbol, which is as shown in FIG. 4, a specific sequence pattern shown in FIG. 3, which is a specific sequence pattern in which the magnification symbol ".times.3" is rearranged last, can be selected. With regard to the specific sequence pattern shown in FIG. 3, first, the symbols are sequentially rearranged in a sequence shown in a sequence (1), and to a sequence shown in a sequence (2), an effect in which the rearrangement of the symbols becomes slow is added, and thereafter, in a sequence shown in a sequence (3), a sequence (4) and a sequence (5), the symbols are rearranged on predetermined places, whereby the magnification symbol ".times.3" is rearranged last.

[0065]Moreover, in the case of having performed the processing that does not perform the processing for selecting the specific sequence pattern, the CPU 106 performs processing for randomly selecting the usual sequence pattern among the plurality of sequence patterns. Then, the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is decided to have the usual sequence pattern as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, in the case of having performed the processing that does not perform the processing for selecting the specific sequence pattern, the CPU 106 performs processing for always selecting the usual sequence pattern as shown in FIG. 5. Then, the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is decided to have the usual sequence pattern.

[0066]After deciding the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e, as an image display command to be outputted to the display controller 140, the CPU 106 generates signals regarding the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e and a signal regarding the sequence of rearranging the decided symbols. Specifically, the CPU 106 generates the signals of the image display command, which correspond to a state of the unit game, a result of the unit game and the sequence of rearranging the symbols. Then, the CPU 106 outputs the signals of the image display command to the display controller 140 through the input/output bus 104.

[0067]The communication interface circuit 111 is connected to a hall server or the like, and transmits, to the hall server, the data regarding the play history of the games executed in this slot machine 10, and the like. Further, the communication interface circuit 111 receives various sorts of data transmitted from the hall server.

[0068]The random number generator 112 generates random numbers for deciding whether or not to generate a winning combination in the slot game executed on the display 16.

[0069]In the external storage device 113, the rearrangement pattern of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is stored in advance. Moreover, in the external storage device 113, the plurality of sequence patterns regarding the sequences in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e are stored in advance. The specific sequence patterns and the usual sequence patterns are included in the sequence patterns.

[0070]Incidentally, the rearrangement pattern of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e and the plurality of sequence patterns regarding the sequences in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e can also be provided, for example, in a program of the ROM 108 instead of being stored in the external storage device 113.

[0071]The display driving circuit 128 performs a control to display the number of payouts on the number-of-payouts display area 48 set on the lower left area of the display 16.

[0072]The speaker driving circuit 122 outputs audio data to the speakers 29. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads out the audio data stored in the ROM 108, and transmits the audio data to the speaker driving circuit 122 through the input/output bus 104. In such a way, a predetermined effect sound is emitted from the speakers 29.

[0073]The hopper driving circuit 124 outputs a payout signal to the hopper 44 when cashout occurs. Specifically, upon receiving the cashout signal from the CASHOUT switch 23, the CPU 106 outputs a drive signal to the hopper driving circuit 124 through the input/output bus 104. In such a way, the hopper 44 pays out the medals of the number equivalent to the remaining number of credits at that point of time, which is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.

[0074]The display controller 140 performs a display control to execute the slot game on the display 16. Specifically, the CPU 106 generates the signals of the image display command, which correspond to the state of the slot game and the result of the slot game, and outputs the signals of the image display command to the display controller 140 through the input/output bus 104.

[0075]Upon receiving the signals of the image display command, which are outputted from the CPU 106, the display controller 140 generates two frame memories displayed in a superimposed manner, which are to be displayed on the display 16 based on the image display command, and then stores the frame memories in the RAM 110. A front frame memory as one of the two frame memories is one to display an image showing a state where the respective defined areas q1a to q3e are being scrolled, and a rear frame memory as the other of the two frames is one to display images of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e, of which rearrangement pattern is decided by the CPU 106. Moreover, upon receiving the signals of the image display command, which are outputted from the CPU 106, the display controller 140 generates a drive signal for driving the display 16 based on the image display command concerned, and outputs the generated drive signal to the display 16. Specifically, the display on the front frame memory is switched to transparent display for each of the respective defined areas q1a to q3e, whereby the symbols displayed on the rear frame memory are individually controlled so as to be visually recognizable on the display 16. In such a way, predetermined images are displayed on the display 16.

[0076]Next, a description will be made of a relationship between the symbols rearranged on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e of the display 16 and the award provided to the player based on the number of the same symbols with reference to the award setting table shown in FIG. 6.

[0077]On each of the defined areas q1a to q3e of the display 16, any of totally seven types of the symbols which are "7", "Sun type", "Heart type", "Lightning", "K (king)", "Q (queen)" and "J (jack)" and the magnification symbol such as ".times.3" is rearranged. As shown in FIG. 4, the magnification symbol is rearranged only on a center middle stage. Moreover, the relationship between the number of rearranged symbols of each type and the award is set as shown in FIG. 6.

[0078]For example, in the case where fourteen pieces of the symbols "7" are displayed, an award equivalent to 5000 medals is generated, and as the number of rearranged symbols is reduced, the number of medals provided as the award to the player is also reduced. In the case where the number of symbols "7" is less than three, no award is generated. Moreover, in the case where fourteen pieces of the symbols "J" are displayed, an award equivalent to 250 medals is generated, and as the number of rearranged symbols is reduced, the number of medals provided as the award to the player is also reduced. In the case where the number of symbols "J" is less than three, no award is generated. Furthermore, in the case where the award is generated, the award equivalent to the magnification displayed by the magnification symbol is provided. Specifically, in the case where fourteen pieces of the symbols "7" are displayed and the magnification symbol ".times.3" is displayed, an award equivalent to 15000 medals is generated.

[0079]In the first embodiment, probabilities that the respective seven types of the symbols are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e are set so as to be higher in an ascending sequence of "7", "Sun type", "Heart type", "Lightning", "K (king)", "Q (queen)" and "J (jack)". Specifically, the probability that the symbol "J" is rearranged is the highest, and the probability that the symbol "7" is rearranged is the lowest. Hence, the controller 40 shown in FIG. 8 controls an effect of the image displayed on the display 16 so that the probability that the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e can be lower as the symbols are those generating a larger award.

[0080]Next, a description will be made of operations of the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment with reference to flowcharts shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing procedures of execution processing for the slot game executed in the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0081]First, the CPU 106 accepts a bet of the medals or the credits by the player (Step S11). Specifically, in the case where the player presses the BET switch 25 to bet a desired number of the credits, or in the case where the player inserts a desired number of the medals from the medal insertion slot 21, the number concerned is inputted as the number of bets.

[0082]In the case where the BET switch 25 is pressed and the bet is made, the CPU 106 reduces the current credits by the amount of bet credits (Step S12). For example, if the bet of credits "10" is made when the current credits are "30", then the credits become "20" as a result of reducing the current credits.

[0083]The CPU 106 determines whether or not the START switch 27 has been switched on (Step S13). In the case where the START switch 27 has been switched on (YES in Step S13), the CPU 106 performs rearrangement pattern decision processing (Step S14). Details of the rearrangement pattern decision processing will be described later.

[0084]After the rearrangement pattern decision processing (Step S14), the CPU 106 executes image effect control processing (Step S15). Details of the image effect control processing will be described later.

[0085]Subsequently, the CPU 106 performs award providing processing that is based on the symbols displayed on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e and the sum of points to be described later (Step S16). Details of the award providing processing will be described later.

[0086]Next, a description will be made of the rearrangement pattern decision processing shown in Step S14 of FIG. 10 with reference to FIG. 11.

[0087]First, the CPU 106 performs processing for deciding the rearrangement pattern (Step S21). In this processing, the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e are decided by selecting the rearrangement pattern of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e based on the random number obtained from the random number generator 112.

[0088]Next, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the rearrangement pattern decided in Step S21 corresponds to the provision of the award with reference to the award setting table shown in FIG. 6 (Step S22). In the case where it has been determined that the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to the provision of the award (YES in Step S22), the CPU 106 decides the specific sequence pattern as the pattern concerned of the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e (Step S23). In the case where it has been determined that the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award (NO in Step S22), the CPU 106 performs the processing that does not perform the processing for selecting the specific sequence pattern as the pattern of the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e (Step S24). Then, the CPU 106 performs the processing for randomly selecting the usual sequence pattern among the plurality of sequence patterns, or performs the processing for always selecting the usual sequence pattern, and decides the usual sequence pattern as the pattern of the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e (Step S25). Thereafter, the CPU 106 ends this processing.

[0089]Next, a description will be made of the image effect control processing shown in Step S15 of FIG. 10 with reference to FIG. 12.

[0090]First, the CPU 106 outputs a command signal to start scroll display of the symbols to the display controller 140. Upon receiving the command signal, the display controller 140 generates the front frame memory that displays the image of the state where the respective defined areas q1a to q3e are being scrolled. Then, the display controller 140 starts to display the scroll of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e of the display 16 (Step S31).

[0091]The CPU 106 counts an elapsed time since the scroll of the symbols was started (Step S32). In the case where a predetermined time (for example, five seconds) has elapsed (YES in Step S32), the CPU 106 stops the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e based on the stopped symbols decided in Step S14 of FIG. 10 and on the sequence of rearranging the decided symbols (Step S33). For example, in the case where the sequence of rearranging the symbols has been decided by the CPU 106 to the sequence of the numeric characters shown in FIG. 2, the scroll display on the front frame memory is switched to the transparent display for each of the respective defined areas q1a to q3e, whereby the rear frame memory that displays the images of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e, which are generated by the display controller 140, becomes visually recognizable. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the player can visually recognize that the respective defined areas q1a to q3e turn from a scrolled state to a state where the symbols are rearranged thereon in the sequence of the numeric characters shown in FIG. 2. Finally, the defined areas q1a to q3e are turned from the scrolled state to the state where the symbols are rearranged thereon in the sequence of the numeric characters shown in FIG. 2, whereby, as shown in FIG. 3, a state where the symbols are individually rearranged on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e is brought. Thereafter, the CPU 106 ends this processing.

[0092]Next, a description will be made of the award providing processing shown in Step S16 of FIG. 10 with reference to FIG. 13.

[0093]First, the CPU 106 recognizes the symbols stopped by the processing of Step S33 of FIG. 12, and calculates the number of the same symbols (Step S41).

[0094]Thereafter, the CPU 106 determines whether or not there exist the symbols in which the number of the same symbols becomes a predetermined number or more (Step S42).

[0095]The CPU 106 decides the award for the symbols in which the number of rearranged symbols becomes the predetermined number or more with reference to the award setting table shown in FIG. 6 (Step S43). Subsequently, the CPU 106 calculates the award sum (Step S44). Then, the CPU 106 recognizes the magnification symbol among the symbols stopped by the processing of S33, and decides the magnification in providing the award (Step S45).

[0096]Thereafter, the CPU 106 pays out the credits or the medals, which are equivalent to the sum obtained by multiplying the award sum by the magnification shown by the magnification symbol (Step S46). In such a way, the award providing processing is performed.

[0097]In such a way, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the rearrangement pattern of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e differs from the usual rearrangement sequence, and becomes the specific sequence pattern. In the case where the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e becomes the sequence in the specific sequence pattern, it becomes possible to clearly indicate to the player that there is a chance in the unit game of this time.

[0098]Moreover, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the symbol rearranged last can be specified among the symbols which become the subjects of the award, the magnification symbol that decides the magnification in providing the award, and the symbols which do not become the subjects of the award. Accordingly, the player can have expectations for the symbol rearranged last, and can hold the expectations throughout the unit game.

[0099]Furthermore, in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a speed at which the symbols are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e can be changed, and accordingly, it becomes possible to indicate to the player that, when such a rearrangement speed is changed, there is a chance in which the high-rate award is involved.

Second Embodiment

[0100]Next, a description will be made of a slot machine 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the above-described first embodiment, with regard to the specific sequence pattern selected by the CPU 106, the processing is performed, which is for selecting the specific sequence pattern in which the symbol predetermined to be rearranged last among the symbols which become the subjects of the award, the magnification symbol that decides the magnification in providing the award and the symbols which do not become the subjects of the award is rearranged last. However, even if the symbol rearranged last is not predetermined, priority to rearrange the symbols is decided for the symbols which become the subjects of the award, the magnification symbol that decides the magnification in providing the award and the symbols which do not become the subjects of the award, whereby the processing for deciding the sequence of rearranging the symbols can also be performed.

[0101]In comparison with the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment, in the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the pattern in which the decided rearrangement pattern of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e corresponds to the provision of the award, the processing by the CPU 106, which is for deciding the sequence of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e, is different. Others are substantially similar to those in the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment, and accordingly, a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0102]The CPU 106 decides a rearrangement pattern of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e. The rearrangement pattern is composed of the symbols which are arranged by the predetermined number (for example, three or more) and become subjects of the award, of the magnification symbol that decides the magnification (for example, one time to three times) in providing the award, and of the symbols which are not arranged by the predetermined number and do not become the subjects of the award.

[0103]Moreover, the CPU 106 determines whether the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to the provision of the award after deciding the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e. In the case where it is determined by the CPU 106 that the rearrangement pattern is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, the specific sequence pattern is selected as the sequence pattern for the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e, and the sequence of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is decided. Meanwhile, in the case where it is determined by the CPU 106 that the rearrangement pattern is the pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award, the CPU 106 performs the processing that does not perform the processing for selecting the specific sequence pattern.

[0104]Furthermore, the CPU 106 reads out the priority of the sequence of rearranging the symbols from data stored in a predetermined memory area of the external storage device 113. The priority of the sequence of rearranging the symbols can be decided in advance in a sequence, for example, of the symbols which do not become the subjects of the award, the symbols which become the subjects of the award and the magnification symbol that decides the magnification in providing the award. Then, the CPU 106 decides the sequence of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e in accordance with the priority of the sequence of rearranging the symbols. As an example, in the case where the pattern that has corresponded to the provision of the award is the rearrangement pattern as shown in FIG. 4, the symbol ".times.3" as the magnification symbol that decides the magnification in providing the award is included, and accordingly, priority of a sequence of rearranging the magnification symbol is decreased. Hence, the magnification symbol is rearranged after the symbols which do not become the subjects of the award and the symbols which become the subjects of the award, both of which have higher priorities, are sequentially rearranged.

[0105]Moreover, in the case of having performed the processing that does not perform the processing for deciding such a rearrangement sequence that accords to the priority, the CPU 106 performs the processing for randomly selecting the usual sequence pattern among the plurality of sequence patterns. Then, the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is decided to have the usual sequence pattern as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively, in the case of having performed the processing that does not perform the processing for deciding the rearrangement sequence that accords to the priority, the CPU 106 performs the processing for always selecting the usual sequence pattern as shown in FIG. 5. Then, the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is decided to have the usual sequence pattern.

[0106]After deciding the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e, as the image display command to be outputted to the display controller 140, the CPU 106 generates the signals regarding the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e and the signal regarding the sequence of rearranging the decided symbols. Specifically, the CPU 106 generates the signals of the image display command, which correspond to the state of the unit game, the result of the unit game and the sequence of rearranging the symbols. Then, the CPU 106 outputs the signals of the image display command to the display controller 140 through the input/output bus 104.

[0107]In the external storage device 113, the rearrangement pattern of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is stored in advance. Moreover, in the external storage device 113, the priority of the sequence of rearranging the symbols is stored in advance. Furthermore, in the external storage device 113, the plurality of sequence patterns regarding the sequences in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e are stored in advance. The usual sequence patterns are included in the sequence patterns.

[0108]Incidentally, the rearrangement pattern of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e, the priority of the sequence of rearranging the symbols, and the plurality of sequence patterns regarding the sequences in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e, can also be provided, for example, in the program of the ROM 108 instead of being stored in the external storage device 113.

[0109]Next, a description will be made of operations of the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment with reference to flowcharts shown in FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing procedures of execution processing for the slot game executed in the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0110]First, the CPU 106 accepts a bet of the medals or the credits by the player (Step S51). Specifically, in the case where the player presses the BET switch 25 to bet a desired number of the credits, or in the case where the player inserts a desired number of the medals from the medal insertion slot 21, the number concerned is inputted as the number of bets.

[0111]In the case where the BET switch 25 is pressed and the bet is made, the CPU 106 reduces the current credits by the amount of bet credits (Step S52). For example, if the bet of credits "10" is made when the current credits are "30", then the credits become "20" as a result of reducing the current credits.

[0112]The CPU 106 determines whether or not the START switch 27 has been switched on (Step S53). In the case where the START switch 27 has been switched on (YES in Step S53), the CPU 106 performs rearrangement pattern decision processing (Step S54). Details of the rearrangement pattern decision processing will be described later.

[0113]After the rearrangement pattern decision processing (Step S54), the CPU 106 executes image effect control processing (Step S55). Details of the image effect control processing will be described later.

[0114]Subsequently, the CPU 106 performs award providing processing that is based on the symbols displayed on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e and the sum of points to be described later (Step S56). Details of the award providing processing will be described later.

[0115]Next, a description will be made of the rearrangement pattern decision processing shown in Step S54 of FIG. 14 with reference to FIG. 15.

[0116]First, the CPU 106 performs processing for deciding the rearrangement pattern (Step S61). In this processing, with regard to the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e, the rearrangement pattern of the symbols to be rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is decided based on the random number obtained from the random number generator 112.

[0117]Next, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the rearrangement pattern decided in Step S61 corresponds to the provision of the award with reference to the award setting table shown in FIG. 6 (Step S62). In the case where it has been determined that the rearrangement pattern is a pattern corresponding to the provision of the award (YES in Step S62), the CPU 106 decides the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e in accordance with the priority of the sequence of rearranging the symbols (Step S63). In the case where it has been determined that the rearrangement pattern is a pattern that does not correspond to the provision of the award (NO in Step S22), the CPU 106 performs the processing that does not perform the processing for deciding the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the defined areas q1a to q3e in accordance with the priority of the sequence of rearranging the symbols (Step S64). Then, the CPU 106 performs the processing for randomly selecting the usual sequence pattern among the plurality of sequence patterns, or performs the processing for always selecting the usual sequence pattern, and decides the usual sequence pattern as the pattern of the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e (Step S65). Thereafter, the CPU 106 ends this processing.

[0118]Next, a description will be made of the image effect control processing shown in Step S55 of FIG. 14 with reference to FIG. 16.

[0119]First, the CPU 106 outputs a command signal to start the scroll display of the symbols to the display controller 140. Upon receiving the command signal, the display controller 140 generates the front frame memory that displays the image of the state where the respective defined areas q1a to q3e are being scrolled. Then, the display controller 140 starts to display the scroll of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e of the display 16 (Step S71).

[0120]The CPU 106 counts an elapsed time since the scroll of the symbols was started (Step S72). In the case where a predetermined time (for example, five seconds) has elapsed (YES in Step S72), the CPU 106 stops the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e based on the stopped symbols decided in Step S54 of FIG. 14 and on the sequence of rearranging the decided symbols (Step S73). For example, in the case where the sequence of rearranging the symbols has been decided by the CPU 106 to the sequence of the numeric characters shown in FIG. 2, the scroll display on the front frame memory is switched to the transparent display for each of the respective defined areas q1a to q3e, whereby the rear frame memory that displays the images of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e, which are generated by the display controller 140, becomes visually recognizable. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the player can visually recognize that the respective defined areas q1a to q3e turn from the scrolled state to the state where the symbols are rearranged thereon in the sequence of the numeric characters shown in FIG. 2. Finally, the defined areas q1a to q3e are turned from the scrolled state to the state where the symbols are rearranged thereon in the sequence of the numeric characters shown in FIG. 2, whereby, as shown in FIG. 3, a state where the symbols are individually rearranged on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e is brought. Thereafter, the CPU 106 ends this processing.

[0121]Next, a description will be made of the award providing processing shown in Step S56 of FIG. 14 with reference to FIG. 17.

[0122]First, the CPU 106 recognizes the symbols stopped by the processing of Step S73 of FIG. 16, and calculates the number of the same symbols (Step S81).

[0123]Thereafter, the CPU 106 determines whether or not there exist the symbols in which the number of the same symbols becomes a predetermined number or more (Step S82).

[0124]The CPU 106 refers to the award setting table shown in FIG. 6, and decides the award for the symbols in which the number of rearranged symbols becomes the predetermined number or more (Step S83). Subsequently, the CPU 106 calculates the award sum (Step S84). Then, the CPU 106 recognizes the magnification symbol among the symbols stopped by the processing of S73, and decides the magnification in providing the award (Step S85).

[0125]Thereafter, the CPU 106 pays out the credits or the medals, which are equivalent to the sum obtained by multiplying the award sum by the magnification shown by the magnification symbol (Step S86). In such a way, the award providing processing is performed.

[0126]In such a way, in the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the rearrangement pattern of the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e is the pattern corresponding to the provision of the award, the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e differs from the usual rearrangement sequence, and becomes the rearrangement sequence that accords to the priority. In the case where the sequence of rearranging the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e becomes the sequence that accords to the priority, it becomes possible to clearly indicate to the player that there is a chance in the unit game of this time.

[0127]Moreover, also in the slot machine 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention and such a playing method thereof, similar effects to those of the slot machine 10 according to the first embodiment and such a playing method thereof.

Third Embodiment

[0128]In the above-mentioned first and second embodiments, it has been assumed that the display 16 is a liquid crystal panel, and that the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e is performed by using the liquid crystal panel. However, with regard to the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e of the display 16, a configuration can also be adopted, in which one including a liquid crystal panel capable of the transparent display is used, and the rearrangement of the symbols on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e is performed by a rotating reel device disposed behind the liquid crystal panel concerned.

[0129]A description will be made of a slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention, which performs the rearrangement of the symbols by the rotating reel device disposed behind the liquid crystal panel of the display 16, and of a playing method of the slot machine. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B are a perspective view and side view of rotating reels of the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0130]As shown in FIG. 18, the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is different from the slot machine 10 of the first embodiment in that windows 16a to 16e and a rotating reel device 53 (refer to FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B) including rotating reels 53a to 53e disposed behind the windows 16a to 16e concerned are provided instead of the display 16 of the slot machine 10 of the first embodiment. Others are substantially the same as those of the slot machines 10 according to the first and second embodiments, and accordingly, a duplicate description will be omitted.

[0131]As shown in FIG. 19, the slot machine 10 of the third embodiment further includes a motor driving circuit 51 and a reel position detection circuit 52 in the machine controller 40 in the slot machines 10 of the first and second embodiments. Note that, following the fact that the rotating reel device 53 is provided, there are also further provided respective driving motors 56a to 56e of the rotating reel device 53, which are driven by the motor driving circuit 51, and sensors 54a to 54e for detecting rotations/stops and stopped positions of the respective rotating reels 53a to 53e of the rotating reel device 53 by the reel position detection circuit 52. As shown in FIG. 19, the motor driving circuit 51 and the reel position detection circuit 52 are connected to the input/output bus 104 in a similar way to the random number generator 112, the communication interface circuit 111, the external storage device 113, the display controllers 140 and 141, the hopper driving circuit 124, the speaker driving circuit 122, the display driving circuit 128, and the like.

[0132]Note that, in the slot machine 10 according to the third embodiment, when the symbols are rearranged on the respective defined areas q1a to q3e, a display control to transparently display each spot of the windows 16a to 16e, which corresponds to each of the defined areas q1a to q3e, can be performed. Specifically, in the case where the spots of the windows 16a to 16e, which correspond to the respective defined areas q1a to q3e, are arrayed in the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged, the CPU 106 generates signals of image display commands to transparently display the corresponding spots, and outputs the signals of the image display commands to the display controller 140 through the input/output bus 104. Upon receiving the signals of the image display commands, which are outputted from the CPU 106, the display controller 140 generates driving signals for driving the display 16 based on the image display commands, and outputs the generated driving signals to the display 16. In such a way, the spots corresponding to the respective defined areas q1a to q3e, which are arrayed in the sequence in which the symbols are rearranged, are transparently displayed on the display 16.

[0133]Hence, the CPU 106 outputs image display commands, which are for displaying the image of the slot game and an effect corresponding to a result of the slot game on the display 16, to the display controller 140 at timing corresponding to the progress of the slot game. In such a way, on the display 16, the slot game is performed, and the effect corresponding to the result of the slot game is performed.

[0134]The CPU 106 decides the stopped position for each of the rotating reels 53a to 53e, thereby decides the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e. Specifically, the CPU 106 decides the symbols rearranged on the defined areas q1a to q3e by selecting the stopped positions of the rotating reels 53a to 53e based on the random number obtained form the random number generator 112.

[0135]Also by the slot machine 10 of the third embodiment, which is configured as described above, and by the playing method of the slot machine 10, similar effects to those in the slot machines 10 of the first and second embodiments and the playing methods thereof can be obtained.

[0136]The description has been made above of the embodiments of the present invention. However, the embodiments merely illustrate specific examples, and do not particularly limit the present invention. It is possible to appropriately change designs of specific configurations of the respective means and the like. Moreover, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention merely list the most suitable effects generated from the present invention, and the effects by the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0137]Moreover, in the detailed description mentioned above, characteristic portions have been mainly described so that the present invention can be understood more easily. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description mentioned above, and can be applied to other embodiments, and an application range of the present invention is various. Furthermore, the terms and the idioms, which are used in this specification, are used for properly describing the present invention, and are not used for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, it is considered easy for those skilled in the art to contrive other configurations, systems, methods and the like, which are included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of the invention described in this specification. Hence, the description of the scope of claims must be regarded as one including equilibrium configurations within the range without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Moreover, the object of the abstract is to enable the patent offices, general public institutions, engineers who belong to this technical field and are not fully conversant in the patent and legal terms or the technical terms, and the like to rapidly determine the technical contents of this application and the essence thereof by a simple investigation. Hence, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the description of the scope of claims. Moreover, in order that the object of the present invention and the effects intrinsic to the present invention can be fully understood, it is desired that the present invention be interpreted in full consideration for the already disclosed documents and the like.

[0138]The above-mentioned detailed description includes the processing executed by a computer. The above description and expression are described for the purpose of allowing those skilled in the art to understand the present invention most efficiently. In this specification, the respective steps for use in deriving one result should be understood as processes in which no self-contradiction is inherent. Moreover, in the respective steps, electric or magnetic signals are transmitted/received, recorded, and so on. In the processes in the respective steps, such signals are expressed by bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numeric characters, and the like, however, it is necessary to note that these are used since they are convenient for the description. Furthermore, in some case, the processes in the respective steps are described by expressions common to those for human actions; however, in principle, the processes described in this specification are executed by a variety of devices. Furthermore, other configurations required for performing the respective steps will be self-evident from the above-description.

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