Abstract:
The present invention is a gaming machine, including a display which displays a plurality of cells for presenting a plurality of symbols in a game, a processor which executes the game, chooses at least two cells from the plurality of cells and a symbol from the plurality of symbols and presents the chosen symbol in the chosen cells, and a payout device which awards a reward according to an symbol arrangement on the cells, wherein each of the plurality of cells displays a symbol independently from each other.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a reel display, which is used in casinos. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Now, generally many slot machines, which execute a reel game, are installed in casinos. In these slot machines, there exist many machines, which execute a game including a primary game and a free spin game. Since the free spin game is usually carried out as a bonus game of the primary game, the free spin game is set up so that higher prizes may be paid to a player, and is positioned as a game, which further excites a player. However, the conventional free spin game was performed in a form just like a primary game, and it had the feature that winning combination appears with high probability. However the free spin game is insufficient as a position of a bonus game, and it has not excited players enough. An appearance of a secondary game, such as a free spin game, which can excite players more under such a status, has been desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    One aspect of the present invention may be a gaming machine, including a display which displays a plurality of cells for presenting a plurality of symbols in a game, a processor, which executes the game, selects at least two cells from the plurality of cells and a symbol from the plurality of symbols and presents the selected symbol in the selected cells and a payout device which awards a reward according to an symbol arrangement on the selected cells, wherein each of the plurality of cells displays a symbol independently from each other. 
         [0004]    Since, by having the above-mentioned structure, a reel game generally formerly performed can be provided with new thought and a sense of value, the conventional reel game can be made born again in a completely new game. Since a free spin game (only henceforth a free game) is a bonus game, a player imagines that a set of symbol can be obtained with a high probability and more prizes can be received. However, in the conventional free game, a player does not know what kind of symbol is displayed on all cells on a reel, and it is anticipated that a variety of symbols having completely different patterns are displayed on these cells. This disagrees with an idea of a player currently expecting that more sets of symbol should be arranged on a pay line. Since a fixed symbol is displayed on a selected cell according to the above-mentioned structure, a player easily imagines that a set of symbols can easily be arranged on a pay line. Thus it is possible for the player to swell more expectation for bigger prize acquisition. 
         [0005]    The game may include a first game and a second game. The processor may select at least two cells in the first game and a symbol in the second game, and may present the selected symbol in the selected cells in the second game. The processor may execute a free spin game in the second game. The game may include a bonus game and the processor may initiate the bonus game after indicating trigger information in the game. 
         [0006]    The processor may randomly select at least the two cells. The processor may regularly select at least the two cells. 
         [0007]    The processor may select at least the two cells according to an instruction out of the gaming machine. By having this structure, it is possible to allow a player to select a cell on a reel. Therefore, an intention of the player can be taken into a game. Therefore, it becomes possible to allow the player to feel that the player himself or herself operates the game. 
         [0008]    The processor may select a number of cells different from a number, which the processor has previously selected. The processor may select a number of cells larger than a number, which the processor has previously selected. 
         [0009]    By having the above-mentioned structure, the number of cells, which display a fixed symbol, changes during free game progress. Therefore, it becomes possible to realize a situation where there are small number of cells, which display a fixed symbol in a certain reel spin, and there are many cells, which display a fixed symbol in a certain reel spin. Therefore, the variety can be given to game nature more and it becomes possible to develop the game which is rich in variety. 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the present invention may be a gaming machine for executing a primary game and a secondary game and paying out credit, including 
         [0011]    a display, which displays a plurality of cells with symbols and a plurality of lines on the cells, and 
         [0012]    a processor, which selects a line from the plurality of lines and a symbol from the plurality of symbols and presents the selected symbol in cells related to the selected line. 
         [0013]    Since, by having the above-mentioned structure, a reel game generally formerly performed can be provided with new thought and a sense of value, the conventional reel game can be made born again in a completely new game. Since a free spin game (only henceforth a free game) is a bonus game, a player imagines that a set of symbols can be obtained with a high probability and more prizes can be received. However, in the conventional free game, a player does not know what kind of symbol is displayed on all cells on a reel, it is anticipated that a variety of symbols having completely different patterns are displayed on these cells. This disagrees with an idea of a player currently expecting that more sets of symbol should be arranged on a pay line. Since a fixed symbol is displayed on a selected cell according to the above-mentioned structure, a player easily imagines that many sets of symbol can easily be arranged on an entire reel. Thus it is possible for the player to swell more expectation for bigger prize acquisition. 
         [0014]    The line may include a straight line or a zigzag line. The secondary game may include a first secondary game and a second secondary game. The processor may select the line in the first secondary game and present the symbols in cells related to a selected line in the second secondary game. The processor may operate a free spin game in the second secondary game. 
         [0015]    The processor may randomly select the line from the plurality of lines. The processor may regularly select the line from the plurality of lines. 
         [0016]    The processor may select the line from the plurality of lines according to an instruction out of the gaming machine. By having this structure, it is possible to allow the player to select a cell on a reel. Therefore, an intention of the player can be taken into a game. Therefore, it becomes possible to allow the player to feel that the player himself of herself operates the game. 
         [0017]    Another aspect of the present invention may be a method for playing a game, including the steps of 
         [0018]    presenting a plurality of symbols in cells in a primary game, 
         [0019]    indicating trigger information in the primary game, initiating a secondary game with cells presenting a plurality of symbols, 
         [0020]    selecting at least two cells in the cells and a symbol from the plurality of symbols in the secondary game, 
         [0021]    displaying the selected symbol in the selected cells, and 
         [0022]    awarding credit when symbols displayed in the cells form a winning combination. 
         [0023]    Since, by having the above-mentioned structure, a reel game generally formerly performed can be provided with new thought and a sense of value, the conventional reel game can be made born again in a completely new game. Since a free spin game (only henceforth a free game) is a bonus game, a player imagines that a set of symbols can be obtained with a high probability and more prizes can be received. However, in the conventional free game, a player does not know what kind of symbol is displayed on all cells on a reel, it is anticipated that a variety of symbols having completely different patterns are displayed on these cells. This disagrees with an idea of a player currently expecting that more sets of symbol should be arranged on a pay line. Since a fixed symbol is displayed on a selected cell according to the above-mentioned structure, a player easily imagines that a many symbols can easily be arranged on a pay line. Thus it is possible for the player to swell more expectation for bigger prize acquisition. 
         [0024]    The displaying step may include the step of displaying the selected symbol in the selected cells so that the winning combination is formed. The presenting step may include the step of presenting the plurality of symbols in the cells, each cell independently displaying a symbol from each other. 
         [0025]    Another aspect of the present invention may be a gaming machine for paying out award according to a bet, including 
         [0026]    a display, which displays a plurality of cells with symbols and a plurality of lines on the cells, 
         [0027]    a processor, which assigns a plurality of cells or a line as a pay line and presents symbols on the cells along the assigned pay line, and 
         [0028]    a payout device which pays out award when the symbols arranged along the assigned pay line form a winning combination. 
         [0029]    By having the above-mentioned structure, it is possible for a player to select a pay line on a reel and to enjoy a reel game using the pay line. Therefore, an intention of the player can be taken into a game. Therefore, it becomes possible to allow the player to feel that the player himself or herself operates the game. For example, when a player is allowed to execute the selection of a pay line in a bonus game, the player will expect that the player can obtain a big prize as a matter of course when one of pay lines is selected. On the other hand, the player also expects that there is a pay line, which can obtain only small prizes. When such a mental state is given to the player, the player can have excited feeling, which results in connection with earning growth of a casino. 
         [0030]    The processor may assign the pay line according to an instruction out of the gaming machine. By having this structure, it is possible to allow a player to select a cell on a reel. Therefore, an intention of the player can be taken into a game. Therefore, it becomes possible to allow the player to feel that the player himself or herself operates the game. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a drawing showing an example of a game executed by a gaming machine related to the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 2  has advanced further. 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 3  has advanced further. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 4  has advanced further. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a drawing showing the state where the symbol displayed on a selected cell is determined. 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 5  has advanced further. 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 7  has advanced further. 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a drawing showing an example in the state where a cell on a reel has been selected. 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 9  has advanced further. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 10  has advanced further. 
           [0042]      FIG. 12  is a drawing showing an example of the game related to the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 13  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 12  has advanced further. 
           [0044]      FIG. 14  shows an example of a flow chart with respect to the operation, which is executed by the gaming machine related to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0045]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a gaming machine  1  is provided with two displays  2 . Immediately under the displays  2 , there are provided BET switches  4 , selection switches  5 , a MAXBET switch  6 , a PAYOUT switch  7 , a coin slot  8  and a bill acceptor  9 . The BET switches  4  include five switches from 1BET to 5BET. The selection switches  5  include five switches from 1 (one) select to 5 (five) selects. A coin payout mouth  10  is provided in the lower part of gaming machine  1 . 
         [0046]    An indication required by a player to play a game is displayed on the displays  2 . For example, the indication for performing a primary game or a secondary game is displayed on the displays  2 . Cards used by a card game, roulette used in a roulette game, coins and a reel used in a reel game, a feature, etc. are displayed on displays  2 , for example. An indication for a player to select a kind of a progressive game or a bonus game and an indication for a player to select a feature are also displayed. A progressive screen etc., which displays the amount of money, which a player can obtain, may be displayed on the displays  2 . The direction according to a progress status of a game, a credit, which a player feeds into a gaming machine, and play history of the player may be displayed on display  2 . 
         [0047]    The BET switches  4  are switches for inputting a bet against the game. The player can input a bet from 1BET to 5BET using the BET switches one time for a game. A selection switch  5  is a switch for, for example, selecting a line on a reel and a card, which a player wants to throw away, etc. The number of BET switch  4  and selection switches  5  may not be limited to five, but may be any number. The gaming machine  1  may have a switch for casting 10BET, for example, and may have a switch of 10select. 
         [0048]    A MAXBET switch  6  is a switch for inputting the maximum bet that a player can spend against one time of a game. A PAYOUT switch  7  is a switch for rewarding the amount of money to a player, which has been credited onto the gaming machine. A coin slot  8  is a hole for a player to perform the credit of the coin to the gaming machine. A bill acceptor  9  is a hole used in order to feed a bill or a cash card into the gaming machine, or in order to repay the amount of money, which has been credited. The coin tray mouth  10  is a tray to reward the amount of money to a player, which has been credited in the gaming machine. 
         [0049]    A gaming machine related to the present invention is not limited to the above, but it may have various functions otherwise, and the above-mentioned function may be omitted. For example, the gaming machine may have a lighting apparatus for making a gaming machine to turn on the lighting apparatus using a color or more colors when a player rushes into the secondary game. The gaming machine may have an apparatus for outputting music or an apparatus, which vibrates the whole gaming machine, when a player rushes into a secondary game. The gaming machine  1  may have three or more displays. The gaming machine  1  may have a switch for choosing the BET, which a player applied in the last game again. 
         [0050]    A reel, roulette, etc. which are used in the game, do not need to be displayed on the display. A stepper (mechanical reel), mechanical roulette, etc. may be mounted in gaming machine  1 . There may exist a display etc., which are used in a plurality of gaming machines in common. 
         [0051]    Next, a game, which is executed by a gaming machine related to the present invention, will be described. A game related to the present invention will be executed in a reel game. Usually, this game has three stages. On the first stage, a usual reel game (a primary game) is executed and the trigger of the free game is performed at a predetermined timing. When the trigger of the game is performed, a free game will be started after that. In starting a free game, a predetermined cell on a reel is selected on the second stage. On the third stage, the free game is executed, the reel rotates predetermined number-of-times and a symbol is displayed on a reel after every rotation. In the free game, only a symbol selected in advance is displayed in the cells, which have been selected. The contents of the game related to the present invention are roughly mentioned as above. A game, which is executed by a gaming machine related to the present invention, will be hereafter concretely described. 
         [0052]      FIG. 2  is a drawing showing an example of the game, which is executed by a gaming machine related to the present invention.  FIG. 2  illustrates a display  2 . A reel  13  is displayed on the display  2 . The reel  13  has a plurality of cells, and a plurality of symbols is shown in these cells. And the reel  13  has further a plurality of pay lines  14 . Each cell may be arranged to independently display a symbol from others respectively. That is, as shown in  FIG. 2 , each cell is configured so that a symbol may be rotated separately. For example, in a certain cell  16  a symbol has already been displayed, and in a certain cell  17 , it is in the state where a symbol is still rotating. And after all the cells have displayed one symbol on each cell, it is decided whether winning combination is established on a pay line. The above-mentioned operation is repeated on the first stage. 
         [0053]      FIG. 3  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 2  has advanced further. The display  2  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The reel  13  having a plurality of cells and symbols and a plurality of pay lines is displayed on display  2 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a state where a plurality of symbols has been displayed on a reel after the reel has rotated. Three symbols  18  have been arranged on a certain pay line, and the trigger of the free game is performed based on this arrangement. There are many cases where the reel rotates again after reel rotation to continue a normal game because the free game has not been triggered. 
         [0054]      FIG. 4  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 3  has advanced further. The display  2  is shown in  FIG. 4 . The reel  13  having a plurality of cells and symbols and a plurality of pay lines is displayed on display  2 .  FIG. 4  shows the state where some cells are selected, after the primary game has been executed and the trigger of the free game has been performed. A pattern as shown in the drawing is displayed on a reel before the selection of a cell is performed. 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 4  has advanced further. The display  2  is shown in  FIG. 5 . The reel  13  having a plurality of cells and symbols, and a plurality of pay lines is displayed on display  2 .  FIG. 5  shows the state where selection of a predetermined cell used in a free game is performed. In  FIG. 5 , cells  19 - 21  are selected and only a predetermined and selected symbol is displayed on these three cells in a free game. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  is a drawing showing the state where a symbol displayed on a selected cell is determined. The display  2  is shown in  FIG. 6 . A plurality of cells is displayed on the display  2 , and symbols are displayed into these cells. As shown in the drawing, symbols  22  and  23  are selected and in a free game, the selected symbol is displayed in the cell, which has been selected in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 7  is a drawing showing the state where a game shown in  FIG. 5  has advanced further. The display  2  is shown in  FIG. 7 . The reel  13  having a plurality of cells and symbols and a plurality of pay lines is displayed on the display  2 .  FIG. 7  shows the state where a free game has been executed, and the reel has stopped, after the reel has rotated. Selected symbol  22  is displayed in selected cells  19 - 21 . Any kind of symbol may be displayed on cells other than the selected cell. Therefore, symbol  22  or  23 , which has been selected, may be displayed on cells other than a selected cell, and a symbol, which was not selected may be displayed. 
         [0058]      FIG. 8  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 7  has advanced further. The display  2  is shown in  FIG. 8 . The reel  13  having a plurality of cells and symbols and a plurality of pay lines are displayed on the display  2 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a state where a reel further performs the spin from a state illustrated in  FIG. 7  in the free game, and the reel stopped after that. Selected symbols  22  and  23  are displayed in selected cells  19 - 21 . In cases where there is a plurality of symbols selected in this way, as shown in  FIG. 8 , in each spin of the free game, all the symbols, which have been selected, may be displayed in the selected cells. As shown in  FIG. 7 , all selected cells do not need to be displayed in the selected cells. 
         [0059]    The game, which selects some cells on a reel and performs a free game, has been described above. Any kind of selection method of cells in the game pertaining to the present invention may be acceptable, as following, for example.  FIG. 9  is a drawing showing an example in the state where cells on a reel have been selected. In  FIG. 9 , one cell is selected for every column, and as a whole, cells  25 - 29  are selected so that it may become a line from the left of a reel to the right. In the free game, a selected symbol will be displayed on the selected cells. A selection method of a symbol may be the same as that of  FIG. 6 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 10  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 9  has advanced further. The display  2  is shown in  FIG. 10 . The reel  13  having a plurality of cells and symbols and a plurality of pay lines is displayed on the display  2 .  FIG. 10  shows the state where a free game has been executed, and a reel stopped, after the reel has rotated. The selected symbol  22  is displayed in selected cells  25 - 29 . 
         [0061]    In this case, since selected cells configure a pay line, in cases where the number of selected symbols is one, in all the spins of a plurality of spins performed in a free game, the same symbol will be displayed on this pay line. Therefore, at least, the refund related to the selected pay line will be made in all the spins. Even in cases where a plurality of symbols is selected, a possibility that the same symbols are displayed on the selected pay line is high. 
         [0062]      FIG. 11  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 10  has advanced further. The display  2  is shown in  FIG. 11 . The reel  13  having a plurality of cells and symbols and a plurality of pay lines is displayed on the display  2 .  FIG. 11  illustrates a state where the reel further performs the spin from the state illustrated in  FIG. 10  in the free game, and the reel stopped after that. Selected symbols  22  and  23  are displayed in selected cells  25 - 29 . 
         [0063]    As mentioned above, although an example of a game related to the present invention has been described, a game related to the present invention is not limited to these. For example, screens ( FIG. 6 ) for selecting a symbol do not actually need to be displayed on the display  2 , and may be automatically selected inside the gaming machine. One kind of symbol or a plurality of kinds of symbols may be acceptable. A selected symbol may be a symbol used in the primary game, and may be a symbol, which is not used in the primary game. As shown in  FIG. 6 , a selected symbol does not need to be selected from nine symbols and may be selected from a number larger than 9 or a smaller number of symbols. 
         [0064]    The cell selection screen does not need to be the display shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  9 . The number of selected cells may be one, or may be plural. Selection of a cell or a symbol may be performed regularly, or it may be carried out at random. Selection of a cell or a symbol may be performed by an apparatus and it may be performed by a player. In one time of a free game, a position of the selected cell, a number, or the kind or number of symbols that are selected do not always need to be the same. For example, since a spin is made two or more times in the free game, the position of the selected cell for every spin may change, or a kind and number of symbols, which are selected, may change. 
         [0065]    Therefore, for example, the number of selected cells may be increased every time when the number of spin increases in a free game. By doing this way, a set of symbol becomes to be easily arranged every time when the number of spin increases on the reel, and the gamble nature of the game can be increased as the free game approaches to the end. For example, the position of the cell selected in one free game may be changed in every spin. By doing this way, change can be given according to the contents of the free game, and the player can be delighted more. 
         [0066]    Although, normally, a free game is configured by a plurality of spins, it is not necessary to display the selected symbol in the selected cells in all spins of them. That is, the selected symbol may be displayed in a selected cell only with a predetermined number of spin in a free game. For example, the selected symbol is displayed in the selected cells three times out of six free spins, and the selected symbol may be displayed without particularly specifying the selected cells and usual reel rotation display may be performed 3 times. 
         [0067]    The position of the selected cell may be any kind of positions. As shown in  FIG. 2 , other cells do not need to rotate a symbol separately and each cell does not need to be displayed. For example, all the cells may rotate symbols at the same timing, and symbol selection may be performed in any kind of form in the primary game. With regard to the trigger display, it may not be the trigger display illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Any kind of trigger display may exist, and the trigger may be performed by a scatter symbol. 
         [0068]    An example of a game related to the present invention will be described.  FIG. 12  is a drawing showing an example of a game related to the present invention. The reel  13  provided with a plurality of pay lines  14  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Five lines  45 - 49  are shown on the reel. A player can start a reel game, after selecting several pay lines from these five lines. 
         [0069]      FIG. 13  is a drawing showing the state where the game shown in  FIG. 12  has advanced further.  FIG. 13  illustrates the reel  13  having a plurality of pay lines  14 . Two lines  45  and  47  are shown on a reel. It becomes such a display as a result of the player&#39;s selecting lines  45  and  47  among five lines shown in  FIG. 12 . The player can enjoy a reel game using these two lines. Reward etc. will be made when winning combination is arranged on one of these two lines. 
         [0070]    Formerly, a player was not able to select a pay line arbitrarily among two or more lines. The above-mentioned game is to solve this problem. A player can select a line on which winning combination is likely to be arranged most, and the game is arranged to be a game onto which a player&#39;s intention can be reflected. 
         [0071]    As mentioned above, although a game related to the present invention has been described concretely, a game related to the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the number of lines, on which the chance of selection is given to a player, does not need to be five, and any number of lines will be acceptable. The number of lines which a player selects and can be used for a game does not need to be two, and may be one, or may be three or more. A player is able to make a line from his or her intention. That is, for example, it is also possible, regardless of a line shown in a display screen, for a player to select a plurality of cells and to select a cell so that it may become a form of a pay line as a result. 
         [0072]    Next, operation which is executed by a gaming machine related to the present invention will be described.  FIG. 14  shows an example of a flowchart with respect to operation, which is executed by a gaming machine related to the present invention. In  FIG. 14 , a game starts first (step  1 ). When game starts, a reel rotates (step  2 ), and stops (step  3 ). When the reel stops and a plurality of symbols are displayed on a reel, it will be determined whether the display is a trigger display (step  4 ). In case when it is not a trigger display, the reel will rotate again and a primary game continues (step  2 ). 
         [0073]    In cases where the reel display is a trigger display, cells used in a free game will be selected (step  5 ). A symbol to be displayed on the selected cells is selected (step  6 ). A free game is started after these selections finish (step  7 ). A free game is configured by a plurality of reel spins and a selected symbol in a selected cell in all the spins is displayed (step  8 ). And it is determined whether winning combination is arranged on a pay line on the reel (step  9 ). Reward etc. are made in cases where a winning combination is arranged on a pay line (step  10 ). In cases where any winning combination is not arranged and reward, etc are made, it is determined whether a free game is an end (step  11 ). In cases where it is judged that a free game is not finished, a free game starts again (step  7 ). A free game is completed in cases where it is judged that a free game is finished (step  12 ). And it is determined whether the whole game is finished (step  13 ). In cases where it is judged that the whole game is not finished, the reel rotates again and primary game is started (step  2 ). The whole game is completed in cases where the whole game is judged to be finished (step  14 ). 
         [0074]    As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described concretely, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various changes and modifications maybe e made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, operation performed when winning combination is established on a pay line is not limited to refund. When winning combination is established, the issuance of addition of a credit, a gift certificate, a coupon, a free ticket, a meal ticket, etc. may be performed, for example. It may not be limited to a free game that cell selection or pay line selection which is the feature of a present invention is performed, but it may be used for games of any kind of configuration, such as a bonus game, a jack pot game, and a roulette game. Cell selection or pay line selection may be performed not only by secondary game, such as what is called a bonus game but also by a primary game and a subordinate game.