Game machine

• US 20040209673A1
• Filed: 03/15/2004
• Published: 10/21/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Konami Gaming Incorporated (Konami Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Konami Corporation
• Inventors: Shiraishi, Kazutaka
• Granted Patent: US 7,410,420 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/20
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3211 Display means

Abstract

A game machine that displays symbols is provided. A display module of the game machine can display multiple types of symbols in multiple display regions when a game starts. An evaluation module evaluates whether or not a predetermined condition is met in a game. A display control module changes the number of symbols that can be displayed in the display regions when the condition is met. As a result, a game machine with symbols displayed in a unique manner is provided, and a game that provokes a player'"'"'s curiosity can be implemented.

Claims

1. A game machine comprising:

a plurality of display regions;

a display module for displaying a plurality of symbols in each display region;

an evaluation module for evaluating whether a predetermined condition is met in a game; and

a display control module for changing a number of symbols being displayed in at least one of said display regions if the predetermined condition is met.

2. A game machine according to claim 1 further comprising:

a selection module to determine a symbol to be displayed in said display regions out of said plurality of symbols, when a selection is made;

wherein as a result of said selection, said display control module changes a number of symbols displayed in at least one of said display regions in response to said predetermined condition being met, said predetermined condition is met when a predetermined special symbol is displayed in one of said display regions.

3. A game machine according to claim 2 wherein said display control module changes a number of symbols displayed in one, some, or all of said display regions.

4. A game machine according to claim 3 further comprising:

a selection module for determining, based on a player'"'"'s selection, a display region needed to change the number of symbols displayed.

5. A game machine according to claim 1 wherein said display control module expands or reduces an area of said display regions of said display module to change a number of symbols being displayed.

6. A game machine according to claim 1 further comprising:

a cover for covering said display regions; and

a device for opening and closing said cover;

wherein a number of symbols displayed in said display regions is changed by opening and closing said cover using said device.

7. A game machine according to claim 1 wherein:

said game includes a normal game and a special game; and

said display control module changes a number of symbols displayed in said display regions during said special game.

8. A game machine according to claim 7 wherein said special game is a free game activated without a player having to perform a new operation to increase a bet count.

9. A game machine according to claim 1 wherein said display control module increases a number of symbols that can be displayed in said display regions to change said number of symbols.

10. A gaming method comprising:

displaying a plurality of symbols in a plurality of display regions;

evaluating whether a predetermined condition is met in a game; and

changing a number of symbols being displayed in at least one of said display regions if the predetermined condition is met.

11. A gaming method according to claim 10 further comprising:

determining a symbol to be displayed in said display regions out of said plurality of symbols, when a selection is made,

wherein as a result of said selection, a number of symbols displayed in at least one of said display regions is changed in response to said predetermined condition being met, said predetermined condition is met when a predetermined special symbol is displayed in one of said display regions.

12. A gaming method according to claim 11 wherein the number of symbols displayed is changed in one, some, or all of said display regions.

13. A gaming method according to claim 12 further comprising:

determining a display region needed to change the number of symbols displayed based on a player'"'"'s selection.

14. A gaming method according to claim 10 wherein an area of said display regions of said display module expands or reduces to change a number of symbols being displayed.

15. A gaming method according to claim 10 wherein the number of symbols displayed in said display regions is changed by opening and closing a cover using said a device for opening and closing said cover.

16. A gaming method according to claim 10 wherein said game includes a normal game and a special game;

and said display control module changes a number of symbols displayed in said display regions during said special game.

17. A gaming method according to claim 16 wherein said special game is a free game activated without a player having to perform a new operation to increase a bet count.

18. A gaming method according to claim 10 wherein the number of symbols that can be displayed in said display regions is increased to change said number of symbols.