Slot machine

• US 8,172,666 B2
• Filed: 04/01/2009
• Issued: 05/08/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Empire Technological Group Limited
• Original Assignee: Aruze Gaming America Incorporated (Aruze Gaming America, Inc. /Okada/)
• Inventors: Okada, Kazuo
• Primary Examiner(s): Coleman, William D
• Application Number:
  US12/416,444
• Publication Number:
  US 20090247276A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,133 Days
• Field of Search: 463/20, 463/34
• US Class Current: 463/20
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3227 Configuring a gaming machine, e.g. downloading personal settings, selecting working parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3241 Security aspects of a gaming system, e.g. detecting cheating, device integrity, surveillance computer security G06F21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3244 Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3258 Cumulative reward schemes, e.g. jackpots
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/34 depending on the stopping of moving members in a mechanical slot machine, e.g. "fruit" machines

Abstract

A slot machine according to the present invention includes: a plurality of reels having thereon plural types of symbols set in array; a display device having a symbol matrix display region having therein the plurality of symbols set in array on the reel, and a symbol image display region for displaying a symbol image of a symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display image; a memory storing symbol image data relating to symbols identical or similar to the plural types of symbols set in array on the reel, and reel image data relating to a reel having a reel shape; and a controller for controlling the reels, the display device, and the memory. The controller is programmed to: rearrange the plural types of symbols in the symbol matrix display region; read out of the memory the reel image data and symbol image data corresponding to the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region; and display in the symbol image display region, the reel image in which the symbol image is filled in the reel image having the reel shape, in a manner to correspond to display on the symbol matrix display region.

Claims

1. A slot machine, comprising:

a first display device with a plurality of mechanical reels having plural types of symbols set in array, each of the symbols being associated with at least one outcome of a wagering game;

a second display device including both a symbol matrix display region configured to display therethrough, in column and row directions, the plurality of symbols set in array on the plurality of reels, and a symbol image display region configured to display a symbol image of a symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region;

a memory storing symbol image data relating to symbols identical or similar to the plural types of symbols set in array on the plurality of reels, and reel image data relating to a reel having a reel shape; and

a controller operatively connected to the first display device, the second display device, and the memory, the controller being programmed to;

execute a basic game;

rearrange, by displaying in a scrolling manner, the plural types of symbols through the symbol matrix display region by controlling the plurality of reels during the basic game;

award a payout where the symbols displayed through the symbol matrix display region are arranged in a predetermined combination on a winning line;

read out of the memory the reel image data and the symbol image data corresponding to the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region from among the symbols set in array on the plurality of reels;

generate, based on the reel image data and the symbol image data read out of the memory, image display data in which the symbol image of the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region is filled in a reel image having the reel shape from among the symbols set in array on the plurality of reels; and

display, in the symbol image display region, the reel image in which the symbol image is filled in the reel image having the reel shape in a manner to correspond to display on the symbol matrix display region based on the image display data.

2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein:

the reading out of memory step includes executing a first process and a second process;

the first process includes generating the image display data as if the reel is visually confirmed from a side of the symbol matrix display region; and

the second process includes generating the image display data as if the reel is visually confirmed from an opposite side of the symbol matrix display region.

3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller executes the reading out and the displaying steps responsive to arrangement of one of the symbols from among the symbols displayed in the symbol matrix display region not forming the predetermined combination on the winning line.

4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the second display device includes a transparent liquid crystal panel located in front of the first display device, the transparent liquid crystal panel being controllable to switch the symbol image display region between transparent and opaque states.

5. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein:

the memory stores frontside and backside symbol textures identical or similar to the plural types of symbols set in array on the plurality of reels, object data of a reel defined in a virtual three-dimensional space, and symbol array coordinate data for mapping the frontside and backside symbol textures on the object of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space in a manner similar to array on the reel; and

the reading out of memory step includes referring to the symbol array coordinate data on the object of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space in the symbol image display region in a manner to correspond to display on the symbol matrix display region, based on the data read out of the memory, and then renders the object of the reel in real time by mapping the symbol textures of the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region from among the symbols set in array on the plurality of reels.

6. A slot machine for playing a wagering game, the slot machine comprising:

a first display device with a plurality of mechanical reels having plural types of symbols set in array, each of the symbols being associated with at least one outcome of the wagering game;

a second display device including both a symbol matrix display region configured to display therethrough, column and row directions, the plurality of symbols set in array on the plurality of reels, and a symbol image display region configured to display a symbol image of a symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display image;

a memory storing symbol image data relating to symbols identical or similar to the plural types of symbols set in array on the plurality of reels, and reel image data relating to a reel having a reel shape; and

a controller operatively connected to the first display device, the second display device, and the memory, the controller being programmed to;

execute a basic game;

rearrange, by displaying in a scrolling manner, the plural types of symbols through the symbol matrix display region by controlling the plurality of reels during the basic game;

award a payout where the symbols displayed through the symbol matrix display region are arranged in a predetermined combination on a winning line;

read out of the memory the reel image data and symbol image data corresponding to the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region from among the symbols set in array on the plurality of reels;

execute a first process and a second process, the first process generating, based on the reel image data and the symbol image data read out of the memory, image display data in which the symbol image of the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region is filled in a reel image having the reel shape from among the symbols set in array on the plurality of reels, as if the reel is visually confirmed from a side of the symbol matrix display region, the second process generating the image display data as if the reel is visually confirmed from an opposite side of the symbol matrix display region; and

display, in the symbol image display region, the symbol image filled in the reel image having the reel shape in a manner to correspond to display on the symbol matrix display region based on the image display data generated in the first process and the second process.

7. The slot machine according to claim 6, wherein the controller executes the reading out and the displaying steps responsive to arrangement of one of the symbols from among the symbols displayed in the symbol matrix display region not forming the predetermined combination on the winning line.

8. The slot machine according to claim 6, further comprising an input device for accepting operation input, wherein the second display device includes a transparent liquid crystal panel located in front of the first display device, the transparent liquid crystal panel being controllable to switch the symbol image display region between transparent and opaque states.

9. The slot machine according to claim 6, wherein:

the memory stores frontside and backside symbol textures identical or similar to the plural types of symbols set in array on the plurality of reels, object data of a reel defined in a virtual three-dimensional space, and symbol array coordinate data for mapping the frontside and backside symbol textures on the object of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space in a manner similar to array on the reel; and

the reading out of memory step includes referring to the symbol array coordinate data on the object of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space in the symbol image display region in a manner to correspond to display on the symbol matrix display region, based on the data read out of the memory, and then renders the object of the reel in real time by mapping the symbol textures of the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region from among the symbols set in array on the plurality of reels.

10. A slot machine, comprising:

a plurality of mechanical reels each having thereon plural types of symbols set in array, wherein the symbols are associated with outcomes of a wagering game;

a display device including a transparent liquid crystal panel with a symbol matrix display region configured to display therethrough, in column and row directions, the plurality of symbols on the reels, and a symbol image display region configured to display a symbol image of a symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region;

a memory storing frontside and backside symbol textures identical or similar to the plural types of symbols set in array on the mechanical reels, object data of a reel defined in a virtual three-dimensional space, and symbol array coordinate data for mapping the frontside and backside symbol textures to an object of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space in a manner similar to array on the reel; and

a controller operatively connected to the mechanical reels, the display device, and the memory, the controller being programmed to;

execute a basic game;

rearrange, by displaying in a scrolling manner, the plural types of symbols through the symbol matrix display region by controlling the plurality of reels during the basic game;

award a payout if the symbols displayed through the symbol matrix display region are arranged in a predetermined combination on a winning line;

read out of the memory frontside and backside symbol textures identical or similar to the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region from among the symbols set in array on the reels, the object data of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the symbol array coordinate data;

refer to the symbol array coordinate data on the object of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space in the symbol image display region in a manner to correspond to display on the symbol matrix display region, based on the data read out of the memory; and

render the object of the reel in real time by mapping the symbol texture of the symbol not arranged in the symbol matrix display region from among the symbols set in array on the reel.

11. The slot machine according to claim 10, wherein:

the controller executes a first process and a second process;

the first process includes rendering the object of the reel in real time by mapping, with referring to the symbol array coordinate data, the symbol textures on the object of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space as if the reel is visually confirmed from a side of the symbol matrix display region; and

the second process includes rendering the object of the reel in real time by mapping, with referring to the symbol array coordinate data, the symbol textures on the object of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space as if the reel is visually confirmed from an opposite side of the symbol matrix display region.

12. The slot machine according to claim 10, wherein the controller executes the reading out and the referring steps responsive to arrangement of one of the symbols from among the symbols displayed in the symbol matrix display region does not form the predetermined combination on the winning line.

13. The slot machine according to claim 10, wherein the transparent liquid crystal panel is located in front of the reels, the transparent liquid crystal panel being controllable to switch the symbol image display region between transparent and opaque states.

14. A gaming system for playing a wagering game, the gaming system comprising:

a first display device configured to display a plurality of reels, each of the reels bearing a plurality of symbols, each of the symbols being associated with at least one outcome of the wagering game;

a second display device adjacent the first display device, the second display device including a transparent liquid crystal panel with a symbol matrix display region and a symbol image display region, both the symbol matrix and the symbol image display regions being operable to transition between a transmissive state and an opaque state, at least a portion of the reels of the first display device being visible through the second display device when the symbol matrix display region is in the transmissive state, the symbol image display region being operable to display a symbol image of a symbol when in the opaque state;

a memory device configured to store symbol image data relating to the symbols of the plurality of reels, and reel image data relating to a reel having a reel shape; and

one or more controllers operatively connected to the first display device, the second display device, and the memory device, the one or more controllers being configured to;

instruct the first display device to display an outcome of the wagering game;

determine whether the wagering-game outcome includes symbols on the plurality of reels being arranged in a predetermined winning symbol-combination;

generate, responsive to the wagering-game outcome not including symbols arranged in a predetermined winning symbol-combination, a reel image from reel image data and symbol image data read out of the memory device, the reel image and symbol image data corresponding to one or more symbols of the reels not included in the wagering-game outcome; and

instruct the second display device to transition the symbol image display region into the opaque state and display thereon the reel image, the reel image including the one or more symbols of the reels not included in the wagering-game outcome.

15. A gaming system for playing a wagering game, the gaming system comprising:

a variable display device with a plurality of mechanical reels each having a plurality of symbols associated with an outcome of the wagering game, the outcome being randomly determined from a plurality of wagering-game outcomes;

a transmissive display device adjacent the variable display device, the transmissive display device including a transparent liquid crystal panel selectively operable to transition between a transmissive state, whereat symbols on the symbol-bearing reels are visible through the transmissive display device, and an opaque state, whereat selected ones of the symbols on the symbol-bearing reels are visibly obstructed by the transmissive display device; and

one or more controllers operatively connected to the variable display device and the transmissive display device, the one or more controllers being configured to;

instruct the variable display device to display the symbols of the reels arranged in an array, the arranged symbols being indicative of an outcome of the wagering game;

determine weather the arranged symbols indicative of the wagering-game outcome includes symbols arranged in a predetermined winning symbol-combination;

generate, responsive to the wagering-game outcome not including symbols arranged in a predetermined winning symbol-combination, an image of a reel with a plurality of the symbols of the reels not included in the wagering-game outcome;

instruct the transmissive display device to transition a portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel into the opaque state and thereby visibly obstruct at least one of the reels displayed by the variable display device; and

instruct the transmissive display device to display the image of the reel on the portion transitioned into the opaque state and visibly obstructing the at least one reel.

16. The gaming system of claim 15, further comprising a memory device configured to store symbol image data relating to the symbols of the plurality of reels, and reel image data relating to the image of the reel.

17. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the generating step includes generating image display data representative of the at least one obstructed reel being viewed from a side of the symbol matrix display region, and generating additional image display data representative of the at least one obstructed reel being viewed from an opposite side of the symbol matrix display region.

18. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the one or more controllers are further configured to:

generate, responsive to the wagering-game outcome not including symbols arranged in a predetermined winning symbol-combination, a second image of a reel with a plurality of the symbols of the reels not included in the wagering-game outcome;

instruct the variable display device to transition a second portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel into the opaque state and thereby visibly obstruct at least a second one of the reels displayed by the variable display device; and

instruct the variable display device to display the second image of the reel on the second portion transitioned into the opaque state.

19. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the one or more controllers are further configured to:

read from a memory device symbol texture data relating to the symbols of the plurality of reels, object data of a reel defined in a virtual three-dimensional space, and symbol array coordinate data for mapping the symbol textures on the object of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space; and

instruct the variable display device to display, based on the data read out of the memory device, the object of the reel in real-time by mapping the symbol textures of the symbol on the object of the reel defined in the virtual three-dimensional space.

20. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the at least one visibly obstructed reel includes the plurality of symbols arranged in a respective order, and wherein the image of the reel displayed by the variable display device shows the same plurality of symbols arranged in the order.