Gaming machine with multiple independent display gaming areas

A plurality of display areas 110A-110I change and display a plurality of predetermined types of symbols in sequence, and a control section performs display control for causing each of the display areas to make a transition from display in a symbol stop condition to that in a dynamic condition in which the symbols change dynamically and further to make a transition from the display in the dynamic condition to that in the stop condition. An active gaming area determination section determines at least one display area used as an active gaming area among the plurality of display areas. A determination section determines whether or not a combination of the symbols displayed in each of the display areas selected by the active gaming area determination section is a predetermined combination when the display in the dynamic condition produced in the display areas determined by the active gaming area determination section becomes the display in the stop condition. A win processing section executes a predetermined game win process when the determination section determines that the combination of the symbols is the predetermined combination.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
This invention relates to a gaming machine for combining symbols, such as a 
slot machine for changing display of a plurality of symbols and stopping 
the change of each symbol at a predetermined stop timing. 
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 
With a conventional gaming machine for combining symbols, as described in 
Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. Sho 54-130590, a player inputs game 
play media such as pachinko (Japanese pinball) balls, medals, or coins to 
a slot, then rotates three drums on which symbols are displayed and 
presses stop switch buttons in order to stop the drum rotation. A 
predetermined number of game play media are paid out to the player for 
winning game play from the gaming machine in response to the symbol 
combination after the drums stop. 
Another symbol combination gaming machine is provided with a CRT in place 
of rotating drums for displaying nine symbols in total on three 
columns.times.three rows on the CRT. 
The conventional symbol combination gaming machine displays only one gaming 
face on which nine symbols are displayed; it is not very enjoyable and 
lacks power and amusement. 
Gaming houses want to reduce the installation space of each symbol 
combination gaming machine for installing as many symbol combination 
gaming machines as possible, so that a large number of players can be 
gathered to thus increase profits. However, with the symbol combination 
gaming machines in the related art, the drum size is limited by the 
dimensions and the number of symbols displayed on each drum, and thus 
there are limitations to reducing the depth dimension. 
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an enjoyable, 
powerful, and amusing gaming machine for combining symbols. 
To these ends, according to the invention, there is provided a gaming 
machine comprising: 
a display section that can display a plurality of display areas for 
changing and displaying a plurality of predetermined types of symbols in 
sequence; 
a control section for performing display control for causing each of the 
plurality of display areas to make a transition from display in a symbol 
stop condition to that in a dynamic condition in which the symbols change 
dynamically, and further to make a transition from the display in the 
dynamic condition to that in the stop condition; 
an active gaming area determination section for determining at least one 
display area used as an active gaming area among the plurality of display 
areas; 
a determination section for determining whether or not a combination of the 
symbols displayed in each of the display areas determined by the active 
gaming area determination section is a predetermined combination when the 
display in the dynamic condition produced in the display areas determined 
by the active gaming area determination section becomes the display in the 
stop condition; and 
a win processing section for executing a predetermined win process when the 
determination section determines that the combination of the symbols is 
the predetermined combination. 
According to the invention, there is provided a gaming machine which may 
comprise: 
a display section that can display a plurality of display areas for 
changing and displaying a plurality of predetermined types of symbols in 
sequence; 
a control section for performing display control for causing each of the 
display areas to make a transition from display in a symbol stop condition 
to that in a dynamic condition in which the symbols change dynamically and 
further to make a transition from the display in the dynamic condition to 
that in the stop condition; 
an active gaming area determination section for determining at least one 
display area used as an active gaming area among the display areas; 
a determination section, when there is more than one display area 
determined by the active gaming area determination section, for 
determining whether or not a combination of the symbols displayed in the 
display areas is a predetermined combination; and 
a win processing section for executing a predetermined win process when the 
determination section determines that the combination of the symbols is 
the predetermined combination. 
Further, according to the invention, there is provided a gaming machine 
which may comprise: 
a display section that can display a plurality of display areas for 
changing and displaying a plurality of predetermined types of symbols in 
sequence; 
a control section for performing display control for causing each of the 
display areas to make a transition from display in a symbol stop condition 
to that in a dynamic condition in which the symbols change dynamically and 
further to make a transition from the display in the dynamic condition to 
that in the stop condition; 
an active gaming area determination section for defining a plurality of 
groups each being a combination of display areas used as active gaming 
areas among the display areas and determining one of the plurality of 
groups; 
a determination section for determining whether or not a combination of the 
symbols displayed in each of the display areas determined by the active 
gaming area determination section is a predetermined combination when 
display in a dynamic condition produced in the display areas in the group 
determined by the active gaming area determination section becomes display 
in a stop condition; and 
a win processing section for executing a predetermined win process when the 
determination section determines that the combination of the symbols is 
the predetermined combination. 
According to the invention, there is provided a gaming machine which may 
comprise: 
a display section that can display a plurality of game areas in which a 
predetermined game is displayed; 
a control section for controlling game display in each of the plurality of 
game areas on the display section; and 
an acceptance section for accepting an instruction concerning the game, 
wherein 
the control section is responsive to the instruction concerning the game 
accepted through the acceptance section for performing control in each of 
the game areas. 
The operation in such means for solving problem is as follows: 
A plurality of predetermined types of symbols are changed and displayed in 
sequence in the display areas. The control section performs display 
control for causing each of the display areas to make the transition from 
display in a symbol stop condition to that in a dynamic condition in which 
the symbols change dynamically and further to make the transition from the 
display in the dynamic condition to that in the stop condition. 
The active gaming area determination section determines at least one 
display area used as an active gaming area among the plurality of display 
areas. 
The determination section determines whether or not a combination of the 
symbols displayed in each of the display areas determined by the active 
gaming area determination section is a predetermined combination when the 
display in the dynamic condition produced in the display areas determined 
by the active gaming area determination section becomes the display in the 
stop condition. The win processing section executes a predetermined game 
win process when the determination section determines that the combination 
of the symbols is the predetermined combination. 
Thus, at least one of the display areas is used as an active gaming display 
area, whereby an enjoyable, powerful, and amusing gaming machine is 
realized. 
For example, if a selection acceptance section for accepting selection 
specification of at least one display area among the plurality of display 
areas is further included, the active gaming area determination section 
can determine the display area corresponding to the selection 
specification accepted through the selection acceptance section to be the 
display area used as the active gaming area. 
If media acceptance means for accepting input of game play media used for 
playing a game, such as medals, and count means for counting the number of 
game play media accepted through the media acceptance means are further 
included, the active gaming area determination section can determine as 
many display areas as the number defined in response to the number of game 
play media counted by the count means to be the display areas used as the 
active gaming areas.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
A first embodiment of the invention will be discussed with reference to the 
accompanying drawings. The embodiment is provided with a display section 
which can display a plurality of display areas for changing and displaying 
a plurality of predetermined types of symbols in sequence, an active 
gaming area determination section for determining at least one display 
area used as an active gaming area among the plurality of display areas, 
and an active gaming area selection acceptance section for accepting 
selection specification of the active gaming area from a player; the 
display area selected by the player handling the selection acceptance 
section is made the active gaming display area. 
FIG. 1 is an external view of a gaming machine in the first embodiment of 
the invention. The gaming machine in the embodiment includes, for example, 
a slot machine, pachinko machine, video game machine, etc. In the 
embodiment, the slot machine will be discussed. 
In FIG. 1, a plurality of display parts 110A-110I can be placed on a game 
board 101. The display parts 110A-110I show a plurality of display areas. 
Each of the display parts 110A-110I is a display area that can be 
displayed by one display unit such as a CRT or liquid crystal display for 
displaying a plurality of slots each showing one or more columns of 
symbols on the slot machine and a background outside each slot. Each of 
the display parts 110A-110I corresponds to a display section of a 
conventional slot machine; the slot machine of the embodiment is provided 
with nine display parts as an example. Each of the display parts 110A-110I 
may be displayed on nine display units. They can change and display 
symbols as if the symbols rotated by moving the symbols and changing them 
in sequence. The display parts 110A-110I may display betting lines showing 
combinations of symbol positions at the gaming time and display a win when 
the symbol combination matches a predetermined one. 
An input/output section 102 can comprise: an input/output section for 
inputting medals, balls, bills, and coins used with normal slot machines 
or the amount of money and the number of medals; and an input/output 
section for inputting/outputting gaming storage media for playing games, 
such as IC cards for storing the number of game play media, etc., 
FD(floppy disk), and CD-ROM. A number-of-won-media display section 103 is 
display means for displaying the number of game play media paid out to the 
player for a winning game play, which will be hereinafter referred to as 
the number of won media, or the number paid out to the player for a 
winning game play, such as the amount of money, when the symbols on the 
slot machine are complete as predetermined symbols. A 
number-of-taken-in-media-for-gaming display section 104 is display means 
for displaying the number of game play media or the amount of money input 
through the input/output section 102. A taken-in-media-for-gaming 
selection switch 105 is a specification switch for a player to specify the 
number of game play media or the amount of money for a bet when playing a 
game. If there are a plurality of betting lines indicating a plurality of 
symbol combinations, the player can use a betting line selection section 
130 to select the betting line, as described later in a second embodiment 
of the invention. A number-of-internal-held-media display section 106 is 
display means for displaying the number of game play media or the amount 
of money, etc., held in the slot machine if the number of won media is not 
output. A settlement switch 107 is a specification switch for specifying 
settlement of the number of game play media held in the slot machine. For 
example, if the settlement switch 107 is pressed, as many game play media 
as held in the slot machine are output, or when a card comprising storage 
means is used, the number held in the slot machine can be stored on the 
card and this card can be dispensed. A start lever 108 is specification 
means for accepting a start instruction of rotation display of symbols on 
the slot machine. In the embodiment, the player can handle the start lever 
108 to cause display of all display parts to make the transition to 
rotation display. Game stop switches 109, which are provided in a 
one-to-one correspondence with the columns, are specification means for 
accepting a game stop instruction. When a game stop instruction is 
accepted through one of the game stop switches 109, the corresponding 
symbol change is stopped at predetermined stop timing. It may be adapted 
to stop naturally after a lapse of a predetermined time after rotation 
display starts without providing the game stop switches 109. Further, only 
one game stop switch 109 may be provided without being provided in a 
one-to-one correspondence with the columns, and upon acceptance of a stop 
instruction through the game stop switch 109, the symbol changes may be 
stopped in a predetermined order. 
A display selection acceptance section 120 is provided with selection 
specification buttons in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of 
display parts 110A-110I for accepting selection specification of at least 
one of the plurality of display parts 110A-110I. For example, if selection 
specification is allowed to be accepted during a specific time, the player 
is informed that the display parts can be selected, selection 
specification is accepted only during the specific time, and after a lapse 
of the specific time, the active gaming display part can be selected in 
response to the accepted display part selection specification. If the 
specific time is set to 20 seconds, for example, when the selection 
specification buttons corresponding to the display parts 110C, 110E, and 
110G are pressed during 20 seconds, the display parts 110C, 110E, and 110G 
can be used as the gaming display parts. In this case, if no selection 
specification is given during the specific time, a predetermined display 
part, for example, only the display part E can be selected. After the 
start lever 108 is handled and each of the plurality of display parts 
makes the transition from display in symbol stop condition to that in 
dynamic condition, display part selection may be accepted. 
The display selection acceptance section 120 may be provided with, for 
example, three buttons (1), (2), and (3) in place of the selection 
specification buttons in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of 
display parts 110A-110I; when (1) is pressed, only the display part E may 
be selected, when (2) is selected, the display parts D, E, and F may be 
selected, and when (3) is selected, all display parts 110A-110I may be 
selected. The selected display parts may be thus grouped and defined, 
whereby the player can easily select the display parts. 
The display selection acceptance section 120 may be provided with a touch 
sensor on the front of each of the display parts in place of the selection 
specification buttons provided as shown in FIG. 1, enabling the player to 
touch the display parts 110A-110I for selection thereof. 
Alternatively, a selection specification end button may further be provided 
instead of defining the specific time for selecting the display parts in 
response to the display part selection specification accepted before the 
selection specification end button is pressed. A start lever may also 
serve as the selection specification end button instead of providing the 
selection specification end button. In this case, when the start lever is 
handled after display part selection is accepted, rotation display is 
produced and the display parts selected so far are selected. 
Alternatively, the display parts may be selected in response to the input 
number of game play media such as medals instead of accepting selection 
specification. For example, when one medal is input, only the display part 
E may be selected; when two medals are input, the display parts D, E, and 
F are selected; and when three medals are input, all display parts 
110A-110I may be selected. In this case, a counter is provided for 
counting the number of input medals, and the display parts are selected in 
response to the number of medals counted by the counter. In this case, 
betting line selection responsive to the input number of game play media 
is suppressed and predetermined betting lines are used. 
Each of the display parts 110A-110I can display indication such that it is 
selected when selected for gaming. For example, the selected display part 
can change background color. Alternatively, each display part may be 
provided with an indicator such as an LED for the selected display part to 
turn on its indicator. Alternatively, when the display selection 
acceptance section 120 is made up of the selection specification buttons 
in a one-to-one correspondence with the display parts 110A-110I, the 
selection specification buttons may be made illuminated buttons which are 
illuminated when pressed. 
Next, the detailed internal configuration in the embodiment will be 
discussed with reference to FIG. 4, which is a block diagram of the slot 
machine in the embodiment. 
In FIG. 4, the slot machine comprises a game control unit 403 for 
controlling game progress, a display control unit 401 for simulating a 
slot rotation state, an interface board unit 404 connected to various 
input/output units, and a display section 110 for displaying the plurality 
of display parts 110A-110I described above. In FIG. 4, the game control 
unit 403 and the display control unit 401 are separate units each having a 
CPU. The game control unit 403 may comprise a card reader/writer 310 for 
reading/writing a card of a storage medium for storing the number of game 
play media, etc. 
The interface board unit 404, to which the input/output section 102, the 
specification switches, the display means, etc., are connected, is 
controlled by the game control unit 403. The specification switches 
comprise at least the start lever 108 of start instruction means for 
accepting a game start instruction and instructing the display control 
unit 401 to change symbol display for each column, the stop instruction 
means 109 for accepting a stop instruction for stopping the symbol change 
for each column and instructing the display control unit 401 to stop the 
symbol change, and a display selection acceptance section 120 for 
accepting selection specification of at least one display part. The slot 
machine may further include a loudspeaker 405 for producing a sound when 
symbols are complete, etc. 
In the entire system operation, the game control unit 403 controls game 
progress primarily in accordance with a program stored in a ROM and 
transmits slot rotation and stop instructions to the display control unit 
401 via a parallel communication interface 402, thereby carrying out game 
progress. When slot rotation stops, the game control unit 403 determines 
that the combination of the symbols displayed at predetermined positions 
of the selected display part matches a predetermined symbol combination. 
When determining that the combination of the symbols matches the 
predetermined symbol combination, the game control unit 403 executes a 
predetermined game win process. To display symbols as if they rotated, the 
display control unit 401 stores various symbol patterns in a ROM and 
background pictures in a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) and changes the 
symbol display mode of each slot. A plurality of the display operation 
modes of each slot can be provided, such as stop mode, acceleration mode, 
constant speed rotation mode, and deceleration mode. Symbol data in each 
mode is transmitted to the display section 110 in frame span units. The 
ROM may be formed detachably or may use an ultra-violet ray erasable and 
programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or an electrically erasable and 
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The display control unit 401 reads 
the symbol patterns stored in the ROM and the background pictures stored 
in the VRAM and performs display control for causing each of the plurality 
of display parts to make the transition from display in the symbol stop 
condition to that in the dynamic condition in which the symbols change 
dynamically, and further to make the transition from the display in the 
dynamic condition to that in the stop condition. 
Next, a specific example of the display form in the display section will be 
discussed with reference to FIG. 2. As shown in the figure, the display 
section 110 is disposed on the front of the slot machine main body and is 
provided with nine display parts 110A-110I. As shown in FIG. 3 (A) and 
(B), nine symbols 24 (three rows.times.three columns) are displayed on 
each of the nine display parts 110A-110I and a player can play a game on 
each of the display parts. The number of displayed symbols is not limited 
to nine and a plurality of symbols may be displayed. Predetermined 
plurality of types of symbol patterns such as digits and star marks can be 
prestored as the symbols 24. Also displayed as part of the background, are 
line displays 35 indicating betting lines, frame displays 36 for 
displaying a win when the combination of the symbols displayed at specific 
positions is determined to be a predetermined combination, and background 
parts 26 showing other backgrounds, etc. 
In the embodiment, five betting lines 1-5 are set on each selected display 
part, as shown in FIG. 3. 
When a game start instruction is given, each of the display parts 110A-110I 
rotates and, when a game stop instruction is given, stops. In the stop 
condition, three symbols are displayed on the full display surface from 
top to bottom. If three game stop switches 109 are provided as shown in 
FIG. 1, for example, they can be placed in a one-to-one correspondence 
with three columns of each of the display parts 110A-110I. For example, a 
definition can be previously given so that when the leftmost one of the 
game stop switches 109 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed, the leftmost column of 
each of the display parts 110A-110I is displayed in the stop condition. 
Next, the operation of the game control unit 403 will be discussed with 
reference to a game control flowchart in the game control unit 403 shown 
in FIG. 5. 
First, necessary information stored at the gaming time in the game control 
unit 403 will be discussed with reference to FIG. 6. 
In FIG. 6, a display selection completion flag 1600 is set upon completion 
of display selection and is reset when a game is started. As described 
above, a predetermined specific time as the selection acceptance time is 
measured, and display selection can be judged as complete after a lapse of 
the specific time since display selection acceptance. Selection flags 
1611-1619 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the display 
parts. When one of the display parts is selected, its corresponding 
selection flag is set, and if a game win is determined, the flag is reset. 
Symbol storage parts 1621-1629 are provided in a one-to-one correspondence 
with the display parts. When symbol display changes from rotation display 
to stop condition display, identification codes of the displayed symbols 
are stored. In the embodiment, nine symbols are stored in the symbol 
storage part corresponding to each display part. The game control unit 403 
can determine a game win by referencing the symbols stored in the symbol 
storage part. 
A win display part and win betting line storage section 1630 stores the 
identification numbers of all of the win display parts and the win betting 
lines determined to be a win after game win determination. After win 
processing is performed, the storage section 1630 is cleared. 
As shown in FIG. 5, when the power of the slot machine is turned on, the 
game control unit 403 causes the display parts to display symbols and turn 
on necessary lamps at step S1701. Next, it determines whether or not the 
start lever is set to ON at step S1702. If the start lever is not set to 
ON, the game control unit 403 informs a player that display part selection 
can be accepted at step S1703. When the player is informed, he or she 
operates the display selection acceptance section shown in FIG. 1 for 
specifying display part selection. Next, the game control unit 403 
determines whether or not the display part selection has been accepted at 
step S1704 and determines whether or not a predetermined specific time, as 
the display selection acceptance time for accepting selection 
specification during the specific time since the player was informed, has 
elapsed, at step S1705. When no display parts are selected although the 
specific time has elapsed, the player may again be informed of display 
part selection acceptance. After a lapse of the specific time, the game 
control unit 403 sets the selection flag corresponding to the selected 
display part at step S1706. Next, it calculates the number of medals to be 
used for the bet required for the game corresponding to the number of 
selected display parts and determines whether or not the number to be used 
for the bet is higher than the number of medals specified with the 
taken-in-media-for-gaming selection switch 105 shown in FIG. 1 at step 
S1707. Alternatively, it may determine whether or not the number of medals 
to be used for the bet is higher than the number of medals actually input. 
For example, the required number of medals for the bet is previously 
defined corresponding to the number of selected display parts in such a 
manner that when one display part is selected, one medal is required for 
the bet, and that when three display parts are selected, three medals are 
required for the bet. If the number of medals to be used for the bet is 
higher than the actual number of medals, the game control unit 403 informs 
the player of the fact at step S1708. If the number to be used for the bet 
is not higher, the game control unit 403 instructs the display control 
unit 401 to produce predetermined display indicating selection on the 
selected display part at step S1709, and sets the display section 
selection completion flag at step S1710. To indicate that the display part 
is selected, for example, the display control unit 401 performs display 
control so as to change the background color. Next, the player sets the 
start lever to ON. When the game control unit 403 judges that the start 
lever is set to ON at step S1702, it determines whether or not the display 
section selection completion flag is ON at step S1711. Alternatively, 
after setting the display section selection completion flag, the game 
control unit 403 may request the player to set the start lever to ON. If 
the start lever is set to ON and the display section selection completion 
flag is not set, the game control unit 403 assumes that the start lever is 
OFF, and goes to step S1703 for requesting the player to select a display 
part. 
Next, the game control unit 403 clears the display section selection 
completion flag at step S1712, subtracts the above-mentioned number of 
medals to be used for the bet required for the game at step S1713, and 
instructs the display control unit 401 to produce rotation display at step 
S1714. When instructed, the display control unit 401 causes each of the 
plurality of display parts to make the transition from display in the 
symbol stop condition to that in the dynamic condition in which the 
symbols change dynamically. At this time, rotation display may be produced 
only on the selected display parts. Next, the game control unit 403 turns 
on the game stop switch lamps to indicate that a game stop instruction can 
be accepted at step S1715, and determines whether or not the game stop 
switch is set to ON at step S1716. If the switch is set to ON, the game 
control unit 403 instructs the display control unit 401 to cause the 
display parts to produce display in the stop condition at step S1717. When 
instructed, the display control unit 401 controls the display parts so 
that they make the transition from the display in the dynamic condition to 
that in the symbol stop condition. Next, the game control unit 403 stores 
the identification codes of the symbols displayed on each of the selected 
display parts in the symbol storage part corresponding to the display part 
at step S1718. Next, the game control unit 403 determines whether or not 
the symbol combination on betting line 1 displayed on one of the selected 
display parts matches a predetermined symbol combination at step S1719. 
Likewise, it determines whether or not the symbol combination on each of 
betting lines 2 to 5 matches a predetermined symbol combination at steps 
S1720 to S1723. If they match as a result of the determination, the game 
control unit 403 determines a win and stores the identification number of 
the win display part and that of the win betting line in the win display 
part and win betting line storage section 1630 at step S1724. Next, the 
game control unit 403 resets the selection flag corresponding to the 
checked display part at step S1725, and determines a win for other 
selected display parts at steps S1719-S1725. If the determination is 
complete for all the selected display parts at step S1726, the game 
control unit 403 references the win display part and win betting line 
storage section 1630 and determines whether or not a win exists at step 
S1727. If a win does not exist, the game control unit 403 instructs the 
display control unit 401 to produce display indicating no win, namely, a 
loss, at step S1728. A beep may be produced to inform the player of a 
loss. If a win exists, the game control unit 403 instructs the display 
control unit 401 to produce predetermined win display on the win display 
part and the win betting line as a win process at step S1729. When 
instructed, the display control unit 401 produces a display indicating the 
win, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3(B). Further, predetermined win 
music, such as a fanfare, may be output at step S1730. Next, the game 
control unit 403 calculates the number of game play media paid out for the 
winning game play at step S1731 and counts up the number of media 
displayed on the number-of-won-media display section 103 shown in FIG. 1 
to as many as the calculated number of game play media, thereby paying out 
the media at step S1732. Game play media such as medals may be paid out 
instead of counting up the number of game play media. After the paying-out 
step, the game control unit 403 clears the identification numbers of the 
win display part and the win betting line stored in the win display part 
and win betting line storage section 1630 and returns to the first step, 
S1702. Then, the next game is started. 
The game control unit 403 thus performs game control. 
In the embodiment, the player is made to select display parts before 
setting the start lever to ON. However, selection specification may be 
accepted at the display selection acceptance section 120 after the display 
control unit 401 causes each of the display parts to make the transition 
from display in the symbol stop condition to that in the dynamic condition 
in which the symbols change dynamically. 
Further, after selecting display parts, the player may be able to use a 
game multiplier factor selection switch 58 to set a magnification for the 
selected display parts. The defmed number of won media can be multiplied 
by the magnification. 
Although the player specifies display part selection in the embodiment, the 
game control unit 403 shown in FIG. 4 in the gaming machine may determine 
the active gaming display parts at random. 
The embodiment enables the player to play a game on display parts selected 
among the plurality of display parts for providing an enjoyable and 
powerful gaming machine. Further, the player is at liberty to select 
display parts and can have a sense of taking part in gaming and enjoy 
playing a game. 
Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be discussed. In addition 
to the display part selection in the first embodiment, the second 
embodiment covers betting line selection with the betting line selection 
section 130 shown in FIG. 1 for accepting betting line selection 
specification. The external view, block diagram, etc., of the slot machine 
shown in FIGS. 1-4 may be similar to those in the first embodiment. 
In the second embodiment, when there are plurality of betting lines showing 
symbol combinations, the betting lines can be set in response to player's 
selection. For example, three buttons (1), (2), and (3) are provided as 
the betting line selection section 130 as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, 
selection parts may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the 
betting lines. 
The betting lines are displayed on each of display parts; five betting 
lines 1-5 are available as shown in FIG. 3. The center line is betting 
line 1 and the top and bottom lines connecting symbols at top and bottom 
positions are betting lines 2 and 3 respectively. The diagonal line 
connecting each symbol at the top position of the left slot, the center 
position of the center slot, and the bottom position of the right slot is 
betting line 4. The diagonal line connecting symbols at the bottom 
position of the left slot, the center position of the center slot, and the 
top position of the right slot is betting line 5. In the embodiment, as 
shown in FIG. 7 (B), to use only the betting line 1 as the gaming target, 
which will be hereinafter referred to as selection (1), (1) in the betting 
line selection section 130 is pressed, to select the betting line; as 
shown in FIG. 7(C), to use the betting lines 1, 2, and 3 as the gaming 
target, which will be hereinafter referred to as selection (2), (2) in the 
betting line selection section 130 is pressed to select the betting lines; 
and, as shown in FIG. 7(D), to use the betting lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 as 
the gaming target, which will be hereinafter referred to as selection (3), 
(3) in the betting line selection section 130 is pressed, to select the 
betting lines. The betting line selection section 130 and betting line 
selection can be previously defined in relation to a game control unit 
403. 
In the embodiment, common betting lines to the selected display parts are 
set. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a player selects the display parts 
C, E, and G and presses (3) in the betting line selection section 130, 
whereby the betting lines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are selected on all the 
selected display parts C, E, and G. 
Alternatively, the player may select the betting lines for each of the 
selected display parts. 
When the player selects betting lines through the betting line selection 
section 130, the selected betting lines are illuminated when displayed. 
Further, after selecting betting lines, the player may be able to use a 
game multiplier factor selection switch 58 to set a magnification for the 
selected betting lines. The defined number of won media can be multiplied 
by the magnification. 
Although the player specifies betting line selection in the embodiment, the 
game control unit 403 shown in FIG. 4 in the gaming machine may select the 
betting lines at random. 
In the embodiment, after display parts are selected, for example, after 
S1710 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the game control unit 403 informs 
the player that betting line selection can be accepted for accepting 
betting line selection through the betting line selection section 130. 
After accepting selected betting lines, the game control unit 403 
instructs a display control unit 401 to display the selected betting 
lines. The display control unit 401 controls display of the selected 
betting lines. 
This enables the player to furthermore select betting lines on the selected 
display parts, providing an amusing and enjoyable gaming machine. 
Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be discussed. In addition to 
the display part selection in the first embodiment, the third embodiment 
further determines whether or not the combination of the symbols displayed 
at any predetermined positions on the selected display parts is a 
predetermined combination when more than one display part is selected. 
That is, an example will be given wherein a betting line is set across two 
or more display parts. 
For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a betting line is set across the display 
parts E and F. In this case, for example, touch sensors are provided in 
correspondence with the symbol positions on the front of the display 
section, and a player touches three symbol positions from among the symbol 
positions displayed on the display parts, whereby the touched symbol 
positions can be selected as a betting line. In this case, the selected 
symbol positions need not be continuously displayed positions and may be 
any positions within the selected display parts. To set more than one 
betting line, a betting line selection end button is provided, and each 
time a player touches three symbol positions, a betting line is set. To 
complete the selection, the player presses the betting line selection end 
button for specifying the selection end. The plurality of betting lines 
can be changed in color, etc., so that they can be distinguished from each 
other. 
Symbol position selection specification buttons corresponding to the symbol 
positions may be provided in place of the touch sensors. 
Further, betting lines may also be selected through the betting line 
selection section 130 in the second embodiment discussed above. 
Although the third embodiment takes selection of three symbol positions as 
an example, a predetermined number of symbol positions may be selected 
from among symbols displayed on more than one display part. For example, 
if a definition is made so as to select nine symbol display positions, a 
win combination for nine symbols is defined. In this case, for example, as 
shown in FIG. 2, if a player selects the display parts C, E, and G and 
further selects the nine symbol display positions of the top positions of 
the right slots, the center positions of the center slots, and the bottom 
positions of the left slots on the selected display parts C, E, and G, the 
game control unit 403 can determine whether or not the combination of the 
symbols at the nine display positions is the win combination. 
This enables the player to set betting lines across the selected display 
parts, providing an enjoyable gaming machine. 
Next, a fourth embodiment of the invention will be discussed. In the fourth 
embodiment, whether or not the combination of the positions of selected 
display parts, each determined to be a win in the first embodiment is a 
predetermined combination is furthermore determined, and if the 
combination of the positions of the selected display parts, each 
determined to be a win is the predetermined combination, a predetermined 
number of game play media are furthermore paid out for the winning game 
play as a big win. 
An example wherein when all the three continuous display parts in the 
horizontal, vertical, or diagonal direction are determined to be wins, it 
is defined as a big win, will be discussed. In this example, as shown in 
FIG. 9, when display parts C, E, and G are selected and the game is 
determined to be a win on every selected display part, a game control unit 
403 determines it to be a big win because the display parts C, E, and G 
are three diagonally continuous display parts. In this case, predetermined 
music can be output, a predetermined big win display can be produced, and 
a predetermined number of medals can be paid out for the winning game play 
as a big win process. 
Thus, when a win occurs on selected display parts, if the positions of the 
display parts determined to be a win are predetermined positions, it can 
be furthermore determined to be a big win, providing an amusing and 
enjoyable gaming machine. 
Next, a fifth embodiment of the invention will be discussed. The fifth 
embodiment is an embodiment wherein display parts are selected in response 
to the input number of game play media without the display selection 
acceptance section provided in the first embodiment, and wherein if the 
combination of the positions of the selected display parts each determined 
to be a win is a predetermined combination, a predetermined number of game 
play media are furthermore paid out for the winning game play as a big 
win, as in the fourth embodiment. 
The fifth embodiment is also provided with nine display parts 110 (game 
boards), the number of which to be displayed varies in the range of one to 
nine depending on the number of input game play media; they are displayed 
on one liquid crystal display unit at the same time. A plurality of 
symbols 24 are displayed on each of the nine display parts 110. The number 
of display parts 110 displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 20 at a 
time depends on the number of input game play media 54. The embodiment 
assumes that one display part is displayed with three game play media, 
that two display parts are displayed with six game play media, that three 
display parts are displayed with nine game play media, that four display 
parts are displayed with twelve game play media, that five display parts 
are displayed with fifteen game play media, that six display parts are 
displayed with eighteen game play media, that seven display parts are 
displayed with twenty one game play media, that eight display parts are 
displayed with twenty four game play media, and that nine display parts 
are displayed with twenty seven game play media. 
FIG. 10 is an external view of a gaming machine in the fifth embodiment. 
In FIG. 10, for the game play operation for combining symbols, when a 
player inputs game play media into a slot 12 and handles a game play start 
switch 13, a plurality of symbols 24 are changed on each display part 110 
and changing the symbols 24 is stopped at a predetermined stop timing. 
This symbol combining game play operation is performed on each of the nine 
display parts 110. 
Whether or not the combination of symbols 24 matches a predetermined 
combination is determined as a symbol combination determination. In the 
embodiment, a symbol combination determination is made on each of the nine 
display parts 110 and an additional symbol combination determination can 
also be made based on the symbol combination determination result. For 
example, as shown in FIG. 9, a big win condition is determined to exist by 
the fact that the three display parts 110C, E, and G are each in a win 
condition and are further diagonally connected. 
As shown in FIG. 10, the symbol combination gaming machine 10 is provided 
with the panel-like liquid crystal display unit 20 on a front 11a of a box 
11. 
As shown in FIG. 11, the liquid crystal display unit 20 contains a 
backlight 23 behind the display parts 110 for backlighting the display 
parts 110 so that a player can view the symbols 24 displayed on the 
display parts 110 brightly from the front. 
Three stop operation switches 25a, 25b, and 25c are disposed below the 
liquid crystal display unit 20. They are stop buttons for selecting a 
change stop timing of symbols 24 displayed on the liquid crystal display 
unit 20. The front 11a is formed with the slot 12 of medals used as game 
play media and the game play start switch 13. The symbol combination 
gaming machine 10 contains a validation section 14 for determining the 
validity of medals inserted through the slot 12, as shown in FIG. 12. 
The symbol combination gaming machine 10 contains a controller 30 shown in 
FIG. 12. The controller 30 comprises a display control section 31, a 
combination setting section (betting line setting section) 32 for setting 
betting lines, a determination section 33 for the symbol combining game 
play operation, and a display part selection section 40 for selecting 
display parts in response to the number of input medals. 
The determination section 33 determines that the combination of symbols 
displayed at predetermined positions on each selected display part matches 
a predetermined symbol combination. The display part selection section 40 
selects display parts in response to the number of input medals as 
defined. 
When the validation section 14 determines that input medals are valid, the 
display control section 31 displays a predetermined number of display 
parts in response to the number of input medals and causes the liquid 
crystal display unit 20 to fluently change and display a plurality of 
types of symbols 24 such as symbols, digits, and characters one after 
another from top to bottom as a player handles the game play start switch 
13. The display control section 31 stops changing the symbols 24 on the 
corresponding slots on the selected display part on the liquid crystal 
display unit 20 at predetermined stop timings, namely, the stop timings 
selected by a player handling the three stop operation switches 25a, 25b, 
and 25c. 
The display control section 31 causes the liquid crystal display unit 20 to 
produce line displays 35 set by the combination setting section 32. 
When the symbol combining game play operation determination section 33 
determines that the symbol combination matches a predetermined 
combination, the display control section 31 causes the liquid crystal 
display unit 20 to produce display indicating a predetermined win by any 
one or a combination of: blinking the betting line 135 along the 
arrangement of the symbols 24 whose combination is determined to match the 
predetermined combination by the symbol combining game play operation 
determination section 33; 
blinking display of back parts 26 of the symbols 24 whose combination is 
determined to match the predetermined combination by the symbol combining 
game play operation determination section 33; and 
blinking frame displays 36 surrounding the symbols 24 whose combination is 
determined to match the predetermined combination by the symbol combining 
game play operation determination section 33. 
The combination setting section 32 sets predetermined betting lines. 
The symbol combining game play operation determination section 33 
determines whether or not the combination of the symbols 24 whose changing 
is stopped on the liquid crystal display unit 20 matches the predetermined 
combination, namely, whether or not the symbol combination on the betting 
line set by the combination setting section 32 matches the predetermined 
combination. 
In the embodiment, the determination section 33 makes the determination on 
each of the nine display parts 100 and can also make an additional win 
determination based on the results of the determinations. For example, as 
shown in FIG. 9, since the three display parts 100 are each in a win 
condition, and further are diagonally connected, the determination section 
33 determines that a new win condition (big win condition) exists. 
As shown in FIG. 12, the box 11 contains sound generation means 37, which 
is adapted to generate a sound indicating a win in response to the 
determination of the symbol combining game play operation determination 
section 33. 
The box 11 further includes a dispensing section 38, which discharges 
medals into a return 39 disposed in the lower part of the box 11 for a 
winning game play when the symbol combining game play operation 
determination section 33 determines that the symbol combination matches 
the predetermined combination. 
The controller 30 can provide the functions of the display control section 
31, the combination setting section 32, and the symbol combining game play 
operation determination section 33 by appropriately using a programmable 
microcomputer or its equivalent. For example, if a microcomputer is used, 
a central processing unit, read-only memory, random access memory, 
interface, etc., can be provided for the controller 30. 
Next, the operation in the fifth embodiment will be discussed. To play a 
game, a player first inputs as many medals as the number of medals 
responsive to the number of display parts to be selected into the slot 12 
shown in FIG. 10. That is, to select one display part, the player inputs 
three medals; to select two display parts, he or she inputs six medals; 
and to select nine display parts, he or she inputs 27 medals. 
When the validation section 14 determines that the input medals are valid, 
the display part selection section 40 selects the display parts in 
response to the number of medals determined to be valid and the display 
control section 31 produces line displays 35 set by the combination 
setting section 32 on each of the selected display parts on the liquid 
crystal display unit 20, as shown in FIG. 7. For the line displays 35, 
predetermined betting lines are displayed, for example, like thick lines 
shown in FIG. 7 (B), (C), and (D). When no medals are input, the line 
displays 35 are not produced on the liquid crystal display unit 20. 
Next, when the player presses the game play start switch 13 shown in FIG. 
10, the display control section 31 displays and changes three x symbols 24 
one after another on each of the display parts on the liquid crystal 
display unit 20. 
At this time, if the player presses the stop operation switches 25a, 25b, 
and 25c, changing the corresponding slot symbols 24 on each of the display 
parts on the liquid crystal display unit 20 is stopped at stop timings 
responsive to operation of the switches. 
When the combination of the symbols 24 in the stop condition displayed on 
the selected display part matches the predetermined combination, namely, 
when the determination section 33 determines that the combination of the 
symbols 24 on the line display 35 produced on the liquid crystal display 
unit 20 is a predetermined symbol combination and a win for each of the 
selected display parts, the dispensing section 38 pays out a predetermined 
number of medals to the return 39 shown in FIG. 10, and at the same time, 
the sound generation means 37 generates a sound for informing the player 
that he or she has won the game. In addition, the display control section 
31 produces display indicating the win on the liquid crystal display unit 
20 for increasing game play amusement by blinking the line display 35 on 
which the symbol combination is determined to be a win, blinking display 
of back parts 26 of the symbols 24 on the betting line, or blinking frame 
displays 36 surrounding the symbols 24 on the betting line. Two or all of 
the three types of blinking displays may be used in combination. Thus, the 
player can be informed of which symbol arrangement a win occurs on, and a 
player's gambling spirit can be aroused. 
When the combination of the symbols 24 in the stop condition on the betting 
line does not match the predetermined combination, a loss condition is set 
and the above-mentioned operation, such as paying out medals, win display, 
or sound generation, is not performed. Alternatively, display and sound 
generation indicating a loss may be performed. 
The liquid crystal display unit 20 can be made thinner in depth without 
changing the number of symbols 24 or their dimensions compared with use of 
drums, so that the symbol combination gaming machine 10 itself can be made 
thinner in depth. Therefore, the symbol combination gaming machines 10 can 
be manufactured with the dimensions of depth, width, etc., matching those 
of normal pachinko machines, in which case the symbol combination gaming 
machines 10 and pachinko machines can be installed on the same island, 
simplifying and facilitating planning, design, and construction of a 
gaming house. 
The liquid crystal display unit 20 can provide power similar to that of 
symbols displayed on drums compared with the case where a CRT is used to 
display symbols on one screen. Further, the liquid crystal display unit 20 
can produce the illusion and dynamic effect that the drums are rotated if 
changing of the symbols 24 is real. 
Although we have discussed the gaming machine having a liquid crystal 
display unit, the number of liquid crystal display units is not limited to 
one and may be any number, two or more. 
The liquid crystal display unit may bend as shown in FIG. 11. Further, the 
liquid crystal display plate may be made flat and the panel face of the 
case may be made concave so that the liquid crystal display section 
projects from the panel face. 
The stop timings may be selected, not only in response to handling the stop 
operation switches, but also automatically after a lapse of a 
predetermined time since symbol display change started. 
As the win display, the symbols themselves may be blink-displayed instead 
of blinking the back parts of the symbols. 
When no medals are input, all line displays that can be produced may be 
produced or the line displays produced in the preceding game play may 
remain produced on the liquid crystal display unit instead of producing no 
line displays. 
The sound generated by the sound generation means may be a voice forming 
words. In addition to the medal paying-out time, when no medals are paid 
out, the sound generation means may also generate a sound informing the 
player of the event or output a message, such as "too bad|" by voice. 
Vibration generation means may be provided in place of or together with the 
sound generation means for increasing the dynamic effect when medals are 
paid out. 
According to the symbol combination gaming machine according to the 
embodiment, a plurality of display parts can be displayed on the liquid 
crystal display unit, so that an enjoyable, powerful, and amusing symbol 
combination gaming machine can be provided. 
Since the liquid crystal display unit can be used to display symbols, thus 
reducing the depth, the symbol combination gaming machine installation 
space can be reduced for increasing profits. Particularly if the symbol 
combination gaming machine is designed having dimensions like a pachinko 
machine, planning, design, and construction of a gaming house can be 
simplified for reducing the time and costs required for them. 
As discussed in the first to fifth embodiments, according to the invention, 
active gaming display parts can be selected from among the plurality of 
display parts and a powerful, amusing, and enjoyable gaming machine can be 
provided.