JP2002517302A - Game device having animated paylines - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A gaming machine (40) having a display means (41) and a game control means (44) is disclosed. The game control means (44) controls an image (42) displayed on the display means (41) so that a plurality of symbols (43) are randomly selected and a game is displayed on the display means (41). Is configured. If a winning combination occurs, the machine (40) awards a prize. The game is a style in which a matrix of symbols (43) is generated and a prize is awarded when a predetermined combination occurs in the matrix, and the winning combination is emphasized and the combination is indicated to the player. The gaming machine (40) is characterized in that each winning combination is indicated to the player by image generation of an animated line (50) showing each symbol (43) of each winning combination.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to gaming machines of the type known as slot machines configured to play a wide variety of card relationships and other wagering games, and in particular the invention relates to such machines. Provides improvements to games played on machines.

[0002] Players who regularly play on gaming machines get bored of a particular game quickly. Therefore, the makers of these machines continue to entertain players,
In order to make the game continue, it is necessary to propose a novel game that adds interest to the game provided by such a machine.

Description of the Prior Art Game machines or poker machines have been well known for many years, have gained considerable popularity in some jurisdictions, and have placed significant amounts of money on those machines. The government has legalized the use of gaming machines by licensing merchants, and as a result, tax revenues on licensing fees and investment funds are increasing revenues. Licensing of gaming machines is subject to laws and regulations. The rules most often dictate a minimum payout percentage for gaming machines. For example, in some jurisdictions, a minimum of 85% of the invested money must be refunded as prize money, so game machine manufacturers must design machines around their regulatory restrictions.

[0004] With the growth that has occurred in the gaming machine market, there is intense competition between manufacturers that supply various existing and new amusement arcades. When selecting a game machine supplier, amusement park owners, along with their patrons, pay close attention to the popularity of various games.
Therefore, game machine makers are eager to devise games for players as a mechanism to increase sales.

[0005] Many strategies have been attempted in the past to make the game more attractive to players, including the well-known doubling features. With the doubling feature, if a player wins a particular game, they can then bet the prize for that game in a double or nothing mode. In that mode they bet on subsequent games, often in other games, for example, where the next card to be drawn is a red or black card.

[0006] Other techniques adopted in the past complicate the numbering and mark combinations in which hits occur, thereby causing the player to think that there is a greater chance of winning, and an interest in a particular game. Was intended to last.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a game console having display means and game control means configured to control an image displayed on the display means,
The game control means is configured such that a plurality of symbols are selected at random and displayed on the display means. If a winning combination occurs, the machine awards a prize, and the game generates a matrix of symbols and performs a predetermined process. Is a style in which a prize is awarded if the combination occurs in the matrix, the winning combination is highlighted and the combination is shown to the user, and the console shows each symbol of each winning combination. It is shown to the player by generating an image of the animated line.

[0008] The animated line preferably indicates the winning combination by being generated such that the line passes through each symbol of the winning combination.

The animated lines can take various forms depending on the theme of the game, for example, a lightning form for a horror theme game, and an electrocardiograph (ECG) for a love theme game. ) The form of the heartbeat shown on the display means by the machine, the form of a laser beam jumping over the left and right sides of the display means in a space-themed game, the form of footsteps in the outdoor theme game, In a load theme game, it can take the form of a set of vehicle tire tracks or a single vehicle tire track.

[0010] The display means is preferably a video graphics display conveniently mounted for the user to view the gaming machine.

The manner in which the animated lines are generated on the display means can vary. For example, a line may initially appear on one side of the display means and then extend at a constant rate to the other side of the display means, each passing through a winning combination of symbols. The line can also travel at variable speed on the display means. Lines may be formed from various points on the display means, gradually extending from those points to one or two adjacent points and eventually passing through a winning combination of symbols. The line may only fade in. In the case of a line that looks like a footprint, the line can be extended once each time a footprint appears.

In embodiments of the present invention, animated lines can be moved after their formation.

In some embodiments, the lines may be formed on a portion of the display means that does not extend the full width of the display means, but is sufficient to highlight the winning combination to the user. For example, if a line takes the form of a footstep,
There may be gaps between each footprint, but the overall winning combination will be clearly displayed to the user.

Preferably, the line, whether extended or completed, does not prevent the user from identifying the type of each symbol that the line passes through. The lines can be sufficiently thin so that a small portion of each symbol hidden thereby does not prevent the user from easily seeing what the symbol is.

In a game in which two or more winning combinations occur, the winning combinations can be displayed to the user by two or more animated lines. The animated lines can be sequentially formed by any of the methods described above.
Alternatively, a plurality of lines can be simultaneously formed on the left and right sides of the screen, and each line is formed by any of the above-described methods.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings using examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following detailed description, the method of the embodiment will be described, but the introduction of that method into a standard microprocessor-based gaming machine by appropriate programming is: It is to be understood that this is possible within the capabilities of those skilled in the art who are not involved in the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, in which a slot machine 40 of the type having a video display screen 41 displaying a plurality of spinning reels 42 with symbols 43 is provided with a predetermined symbol or symbol. A prize is awarded when a combination occurs.

In the slot machine 40 shown in FIG. 1, the game is started by a push button 44, but this operating mechanism is replaced by a pull handle or another type of activation device of another embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that The top box 45 at the top of the slot machine 40 carries an artwork panel 35 displaying the various winning combinations awarded on this machine.

The programs that implement the games and the game functions are executed by a standard game machine control processor 100 schematically illustrated in FIG. This processor forms part of the controller 110 that drives the video display screen 141 and receives input signals from the sensor 144. The sensor 144 may be a touch sensor, a pull handle, or another type of activation device in other embodiments of the present invention. Controller 110 also receives an input pulse from mechanism 120 indicating that the user has paid enough to start the game. Mechanism 120 may be a coin chute, credit card reader, or other type of verification device.
The controller 120 further drives a payment mechanism 130 such as a coin output.

The game played on the machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a relatively standard game that includes a three-tier, five-matrix symbol display and allows for multiple paylines. The game also includes special features embodying the present invention, which are invoked when the winning combination occurs. Special features embodying the present invention are:
FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show a first embodiment of the present invention, which is an animated line displaying a winning combination.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show an embodiment where the animated line 50 takes the form of lightning. Such an appearance of the animated line 50 would be suitable for a somewhat dismal theme game. In this embodiment, lines 50 appear at various points 51 on screen 41. The animated line 50 then “grows” from each of those points 51 to the point to the right. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 a, the line begins to extend from the leftmost point 51 prior to the other points, and then from each subsequent point on the screen 41. Thereby, features that are interesting and attractive to the user are generated.

The points 51 can also be stylized to suit the theme of the game. For example, in this case, where the animated line takes the form of lightning, point 51 can be represented as the metal end of the lightning rod. Each point 51 may initially be copper colored, and then bright metallic silver when the animated line 50 begins to "stretch".

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, it is possible to continue moving the animated line even after it has been formed over the entire width of the screen. For example, during a part or all of the time when the line 50 is on the screen 41, the “lightning bolt”
It could be "sparking" or "flashing" or otherwise keep moving.

The line 50 indicates whether the passing symbol 4 is in the extended state or in the fully extended state.
It is undesirable for 3 to hide for a considerable amount of time and be invisible to the user. In this embodiment, line 50 is sufficiently thin that a small portion of each symbol 43 is not visible to the user, thereby preventing the user from easily seeing each symbol 43. Alternatively, the lightning may move relative to the average path so that different portions of the lower symbol are obscured at different times for a short time.

FIG. 4 a shows an embodiment where the animated line 60 takes the form of a footstep 61 and initially appears on the left side of the screen 41. Animated line 60 of such appearance
Would be suitable for outdoor theme games. The animated line begins to form on the screen at a constant speed and passes through two symbols in a winning combination.
FIG. 4b shows the same animated line 60 at a later instant, the formation of which has progressed further on the screen 41 and has just passed the four combinations.

In FIG. 4c, the entire winning combination is displayed to the player by the completed image 60 of the animated line, the line extends left and right on the screen 41 and only passes through the symbols of the winning combination respectively. ing. In this case, the animated line 60 is in the form of a trace through which the footprint 61 passes, and its formation is completed.

As before, once the line 50 has completed forming across the width of the screen 41, the moving image of the line can continue to provide attractive features to the user. For example, the footprints may "dance" in the illustrated embodiment.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood that other forms of example are possible. For example, features embodying the present invention can be implemented on many types of gaming machines and can be incorporated into many different types of games. For example, the present invention can be incorporated into an electronic card game.

Animated lines can take a wide variety of forms depending on the theme of the game and the type of game being played. You can also change the way the lines stretch on the screen. For example, a line can extend over the screen at a constant speed. Lines can also travel on the screen at varying speeds. Lines start at various points on the screen,
Lines may gradually extend from those points toward one or two adjacent points, and lines may be formed over the left and right of the screen. The line may only "fade in". After formation, the line may not be extended over the entire screen width, but may be formed only on a part of the screen sufficient to clearly indicate the winning combination to the user.

If there are two or more winning combinations, the winning combinations may be displayed to the user using two or more animated lines. The animated lines may be sequentially formed by any of the methods described above. Alternatively, a plurality of lines may be simultaneously formed on the left and right sides of the screen by any of the above methods.

The present invention is capable of innumerable modifications and / or changes to the invention as set forth in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as generally described. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiment shown here is
Therefore, they are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a gaming machine with a spinning reel video simulation display incorporating a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a game machine control circuit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which a payline animated along a winning combination is formed by extending from various points on a screen.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which a payline that is animated along a winning combination is formed by extending from one side of the screen to the other side.

[Procedural Amendment] Submission of translation of Article 34 Amendment of the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[Submission Date] February 4, 2000 (200.2.4)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0007

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a game console having a video graphic display and game control means configured to control an image displayed on the video graphic display. Is configured such that a plurality of symbols are randomly selected and displayed on a video graphic display, in the event of a winning combination, the console awards a prize, the game generates a matrix of symbols and a predetermined Is a style in which a prize is awarded if the combination occurs in the matrix, the winning combination is highlighted and the combination is indicated to the player, and the console displays each symbol of each combination of the respective winning combinations. On the video graphic display. Wherein the indicated to the player by the image generation of the animated lines on video graphic display appearing superimposed on the image.

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0010] Preferably, the video graphic display is conveniently mounted for a user to view the game console.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0011

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

The manner in which the animated lines are generated on the video graphic display can vary. For example, a line may initially appear on one side of a video graphic display, and then extend at a constant rate to the other side of the video graphic display, each passing through a winning combination of symbols. The lines can also travel at varying speeds on the video graphic display. The lines may be formed from various points on the video graphic display, gradually extending from those points to one or two adjacent points, and eventually forming through a winning combination of symbols. The line may only fade in. In the case of a line that looks like a footprint, the line can be extended once each time a footprint appears.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In some embodiments, the lines do not extend the full width of the video graphic display, but instead extend into a portion of the video graphic display sufficient to highlight the winning combination to the user. It may be formed. For example, in the case of a line that takes the form of a footprint journey, there may be gaps between each footprint, but the overall winning combination will be clearly displayed to the user.

[Procedure amendment 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0015

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

In a game in which two or more winning combinations occur, the winning combinations can be displayed to the user by two or more animated lines. The animated lines can be sequentially formed by any of the methods described above.
Alternatively, multiple lines can be formed simultaneously across the left and right sides of the video graphic display, again with each line being formed by any of the methods described above.

Claims (19)

[Claims] 1. A game machine having a display means and a game control means configured to control an image displayed on the display means, the game control means comprising a plurality of symbols selected at random and a display The machine is configured to be displayed on the means, and if a winning combination occurs, the machine will award a prize, and the game will generate a matrix of symbols and the award will be awarded if a predetermined combination occurs in the matrix. Yes, the winning combinations are highlighted and the combinations are shown to the player, and the gaming machine is shown to the player by image generation of an animated line where each winning combination represents each symbol of the winning combination. A game machine characterized by the following. 2. The game of claim 1 wherein the animated line creates an animated line such that each symbol of the winning combination is indicated by passing each symbol of the winning combination.・ Machine. 3. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display means is a video graphics display. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated lines take a form that is consistent with the theme of the game. 5. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated line takes the form of lightning. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated line takes the form of a heartbeat displayed on a display of an electrocardiograph (ECG) machine. . 7. A gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated line takes the form of a laser beam that flies over the left and right sides of the display means. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated line takes the form of a footstep. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated line takes the form of one or more vehicle tire tracks. 10. The animated line initially appears on one side of the display means and then extends to the other side of the display means, passing through each of the winning combination symbols. The game machine according to any one of the above. 11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the animated lines are formed from various points of the display means and extend from each point to one or two adjacent points. The described gaming machine. 12. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated line is formed by fade-in. 13. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated line is formed at a constant speed. 14. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated line is formed at a variable speed. 15. The gaming machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the animated line is only formed on a portion of the screen sufficient to show the winning combination to the user. 16. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated line does not prevent the user from identifying each symbol of the winning combination. 17. The animated line of claim 16, wherein the animated line is of such a small size that small portions of each symbol obscured thereby do not prevent the user from easily seeing what the symbol is. Game machine. 18. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the animated line is moved after its formation. 19. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of animated lines are generated and a plurality of winning combinations are displayed.