JP2003180934A - Game machine, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent monotony of a bonus game mode. <P>SOLUTION: A BB mode decision part 43 is constructed of a BB mode lottery part 44 and a BB mode decision table 45. The BB mode lottery part 44 carries out sampling of a random number value when BB is decided by a prize generator decision part 42, and the sampled random number value is collated with the BB mode decision table 45. According to the random number value group to which the sampled random number value belongs, a finish condition of the BB mode is decided. It is decided which one among three kinds of finish conditions is decided as the finish condition. Since three kinds of finish conditions are available, an interest of a player can be attracted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine installed and used in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A slot machine installed and used in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor is called a pachi-slot machine, and a medal, which is a game medium, is given a certain value and won by playing a game. You can exchange medals for various prizes. For this reason, a player generally attempts to play a game by selecting a platform that is easy to obtain the right to shift to the bonus game mode (specific mode) only for the purpose of obtaining a large number of medals. As a bonus game mode, for example, a single bonus (hereinafter SB)
There are modes, regular bonus (hereinafter RB) mode, and big bonus (hereinafter BB) mode.

It should be noted that, in the present specification, a pachi-slot machine is used as an example for explanation, and therefore, explanation will be made using medals as a game medium, but the game medium also includes other media such as coins and pachinko balls. In addition, "inserting a medal (game medium)" includes betting a credited medal with a bet button or the like, in addition to actually inserting the medal into the medal insertion slot. Further, a state in which the winning symbols are arranged on the winning effective line is a prize, and a state in which a winning combination is drawn by electronic lottery before the winning is an internal prize.

The shift to the SB mode is performed by electronic lottery, for example, S
When B is won and the combination of the symbols that make up the SB is obtained, only the next one game is played. In the SB game in the SB mode, the probability of winning the SB game supporting role is high, and the player wins the medal. Easier to do. To switch to RB mode, for example, you can win RB by electronic lottery,
This is performed when the reel patterns are aligned in "BAR"-"BAR"-"BAR". In the RB mode, for example, a maximum of 1
The end condition is to play two SB games or to win a maximum of eight times. The transition to BB mode is
For example, when the BB is won by the electronic lottery and the reel patterns are aligned to "7"-"7"-"7", the transition to the RB mode is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 3 times) in the BB mode. Repeated. In BB mode, RB
The mode is shifted to the RB introduction mode before shifting to the mode. R
The game in the B introduction mode is performed by betting 1 to 3 medals, and the winning probability of the small winning combination is higher than in the normal mode. The end condition of the BB mode is to play the game in the RB introduction mode 30 times or shift to the RB mode a predetermined number of times, and a large number of medals can be acquired in a short period of time.

[0005]

However, in the above slot machine, the ending conditions of the BB mode and the RB mode are set to a certain condition, and the payout number of medals for each winning combination is also set to a certain number. Therefore, as the number of transitions to these modes increases, the number of medals that can be acquired in one transition can be predicted to some extent. In addition, since the payout number of medals when the SB game supporting combination is won in the SB game is also set to a fixed number, the player can know in advance the number of medals to be obtained in the SB game. Thus, the fact that the player can predict or know the number of medals that can be won in the bonus game mode has a problem that the game in the bonus game mode has poor game quality and becomes monotonous. .

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a game machine, a program, and a recording medium which prevent the bonus game mode from becoming monotonous and make the player have a great interest. And

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a winning combination determining means for determining a loss and one of a plurality of types of winning combinations by lottery, and in a normal mode. It is possible to execute the game of (1) and the game of the specific mode in which the benefits of the game are larger than the game of the normal mode, and the specific winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means in the game of the normal mode is The value of the privilege or the ending condition or the value of the privilege in the gaming machine that shifts to the specific mode when it is obtained, and ends the specific mode when a predetermined ending condition is satisfied and shifts to the normal mode. And a data table in which a plurality of types of specific mode aspect data having different ending conditions are stored, and in response to the specific winning combination being determined by the winning combination determining means, It performs a lottery by referring to the data table,
The special value determination means for determining the value or the end condition or the value and the end condition of the privilege at the time of shifting to the specific mode is provided.

The ending condition is satisfied when the number of games played in the specific mode or the number of times a predetermined winning combination is obtained reaches a limit number, and the data table stores the specific mode mode data. It is preferable that different types of limit numbers are assigned to each type.

The program to be used is a winning combination determining means for determining one of a lot of winnings and a plurality of kinds of winning combinations by lottery, and a response to the specific winning combination being determined by the winning combination determining means. Value or end condition or value of a privilege when a special mode is selected by referring to a data table storing a plurality of types of specific mode mode data having different value or end condition or value and end condition And the computer of the gaming machine to function as a specific mode determining means for determining the ending condition.

The recording medium to be used is a computer-readable medium in which the program according to claim 3 is recorded.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As shown in FIG. 1, in a slot machine 10, a game is played under two modes, a normal mode and a BB mode which is a specific mode. The transition to the BB mode is performed when a specific winning combination BB is won by an electronic lottery performed in the normal mode game, and this is won. The BB mode is provided with three types of ending conditions, and when the BB is won, which of the three types of ending conditions is used is determined by lottery. Three
The end condition of the type is that the RB mode has been changed twice,
It means that the RB mode has been changed three times and the RB mode has been changed four times. In the case of any of the termination conditions, the RB introduction mode is entered before the RB mode is entered, but there is no upper limit number of games that can be played in the RB introduction mode. Note that an upper limit number of games that can be played in the RB introduction mode may be set.

In the slot machine 10, four display windows 13 are provided on a front door 12 of a housing 11, and each display window 13 is provided.
A first reel 14a, a second reel 14b, a third reel 14c, and a sub reel 15 are rotatably incorporated in the inner part of the disk. As is well known, the first to third reels 14a to 14c
A plurality of types of patterns are arrayed at a constant pitch on the outer periphery of, and three patterns per reel can be observed through the display window 13 when the reels are stopped. As a result, a total of five linear winning pay lines in which the patterns of the reels are combined one by one and three diagonally by two are set in total.

The medal insertion slot 16 prior to the start of the game
When one medal is thrown from, one horizontal winning line is activated in the center, and two horizontal lines, three horizontal lines and three diagonal lines, two diagonal lines are activated. . Further, it is possible to credit (store) up to 50 medals, and the number of credited medals is displayed by the credit indicator 17. It is to be noted that, for example, four reels can be observed from the display window 13 per reel, and in addition to the four horizontal winning lines, another reel that is bent to combine one reel for each reel It is also possible to set an effective line.

When the start lever 18 is operated, the sub reel 15 at the right end starts rotating together with the other reels 14a to 14c. The sub reel 15 is an electronic lottery at the time of game start operation, and when the BB is won, "BIG"
When the player wins a small winning combination or loses, the player stops at a position displaying a pattern indicating that one of them has been won.

By operating the stop buttons 19a to 19c, the stop buttons 19a to 19c can be operated in accordance with the first to third buttons corresponding to the respective buttons.
The reels 14a to 14c are individually stopped. Various operation buttons such as a 1 bet button, a MAX bet button, and a payout button, which are operated when a game is played with a medal credited, are provided on the operation panel above the stop buttons 19a to 19c. Since the functions of these operation buttons are well known, their details are omitted.

A medal tray 20 is provided in the lower part of the housing 11, and the medal tray 20 is provided with payout medals 2 when a prize is obtained in a game.
It is paid out from 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation of the slot machine 10 is basically controlled by a microcomputer including a CPU 30 and a memory 31. In addition to the control unit 30a, the CPU 30 includes an inserted medal counter 33, an electronic lottery unit 41, a winning combination determination unit 42, and a BB mode determination unit 4 which will be described later.
3 is provided. The medal sensor 32 detects an appropriate medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 16, and the control unit 30
Enter in a. A selector is incorporated in the rear of the medal insertion slot 16, and improper medals are ejected to the medal tray 20. Also, the selector does not pass through the medal sensor 32 even when a medal is inserted at an improper timing, for example, a medal that is inserted in the middle of a game or while various operation buttons are being pressed. Medal tray 2
Discharge to 0.

Since the number of medals to be inserted prior to the start of the game is limited to one to three, the medal sensor 32 also detects medals inserted after the fourth when the credit function is not used. It is discharged to the medal tray 20 without being played. The credit function is switched on / off for each push of the payout button. Then, when the credit function is turned on, medals inserted after the fourth one are also detected by the medal sensor 32, and 5
A maximum of 0 cards will be credited inside the slot machine.
The number of credited medals is digitally displayed on the credit number display. When the credit function is used, a medal insertion operation is performed by operating the 1 bet button or the MAX bet button, and the bet number is sequentially subtracted from the credit number. In addition, when a winning is obtained as a result of the game, the payout medal is also credited, and the credited medal is paid out to the tray 20 when the payout button is operated.

The control unit 30a determines the number of medals inserted from 1 to 3 prior to the start of the game by the medal sensor 32.
Based on the detection signal from, the number of activated winning lines is determined. The bet number of medals thrown at each start of the game is calculated by the throwing medal counter 3
3 is added up and counted. The number of credits is counted by another credit medal counter (not shown).

The start signal generator 34 inputs a game start signal to the controller 30a when the start lever 18 is operated after one to three medals have been inserted. In response to the game start signal, the control unit 30a causes the memory 31
First to third reels 14a to 14c and sub reel 1 based on the game execution program stored in the ROM area of
5 is rotated and the game process is started. The reel drive controller 3 controls the drive and stop of each reel.
It is done by 5. Each reel is fixed to the drive shaft of each individual stepping motor 36a to 36d, and each reel is controlled by controlling the drive of each stepping motor 36a to 36d. The RAM area of the memory 31 is a working area, and is used for temporary storage and rewriting of flags and data used for each game.

Since the stepping motors 36a to 36d rotate at a rotation angle corresponding to the number of drive pulses supplied, the control unit 30a controls the number of drive pulses supplied to the first to third reels 14a to 14c. The rotation angle of the sub reel 15 can be controlled, and the stop position of the reel can be determined by cutting off the supply of the drive pulse. Further, each reel is integrally formed with reflection signal portions 37a to 37d at its reference position, and the photosensors 38a to 38d photoelectrically detect the passage of each reflection signal portion every one rotation thereof. Photosensors 38a-3
The detection signal from 8d is input from the reset signal generator 39 to the controller 30a as a reset signal for each reel.

The stepping motor 3 is installed in the control unit 30a.
A pulse counter is provided for each of 6a to 36d and counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each stepping motor 36a to 36d. Then, the reset signal generator 3
When the reset signal is input from 9, the count value of the corresponding pulse counter is cleared. Therefore, the number of drive pulses corresponding to the rotation angle within one rotation of each reel is sequentially updated and stored in each pulse counter.

A picture table is stored in the ROM area of the memory 31. The picture table stores the number of drive pulses corresponding to the rotation angle of each reel from the reference position and each picture arranged on the reel at a constant pitch. Is associated with the picture code representing. Therefore, by monitoring the count value of the pulse counter for each reel, it is possible to identify, for example, which pattern is moving on the winning line in the center, and how much more the reel is rotated. It is possible to predict whether the target pattern will move to the winning effective line.

The stop signal generator 40 inputs a stop signal for each reel to the controller 30a when the stop buttons 19a to 19c are operated. Start lever 1
When all the reels start rotating by operating 8, and when these rotations reach the steady speed, the stop buttons 19a to 19c
The operation of is enabled. After that, by operating these, the corresponding first to third reels 14a to 14a
The stop control of 4c is started. It should be noted that when a plurality of stop buttons are operated, only the reel with the earlier timing is stopped, and when completely simultaneously operated, none of the reels is stopped.

The control section 30a receives the game start signal and operates the electronic lottery section 41. The electronic lottery unit 41 includes a random number generation unit and a random value sampling circuit, and randomly selects one random value each time the game is started. The randomly selected random number value is input to the winning combination determination section 42, and it is determined according to the input value what kind of winning combination is given in the currently executed game.

The winning combination determining section 42 is provided with a plurality of winning tables in which random numbers are divided into groups according to their sizes. In the first winning table, random numbers sampled in the game under the normal mode are BBs that give the right to shift to the BB mode, small wins corresponding to the small win winning pattern that only pays out a predetermined number of coins, and the insertion of medals. A replay that gives you the right to play the next game with the same number of bets,
It is used to determine which pattern such as a loss does not cause any hit, that is, to determine the winning.
It should be noted that there are a plurality of types of small winning symbols, and a payout medal is assigned to each of them. Then, the type of winning and the design are determined depending on which winning design the sampled random number value belongs to.

The second winning table is the RB introduction mode, the third
The winning table is used for determining whether to win or lose in the game in the RB mode, that is, for winning determination.
In the second winning table, random number values are grouped so that the winning probability of the small winning combination becomes high, and in the third winning table, the random number values are grouped so that the winning probability of the SB game corresponding winning combination becomes high. Therefore, in the normal mode, that is, these winning combinations are easier to win than in the first winning table. A winning combination determination signal indicating the type of winning combination determined by the winning combination determining unit 42 is input to the control unit 30a.

The BB mode determination section 43 functions as a specific mode determination means, and the BB mode lottery section 44,
It comprises a BB mode determination table 45. BB
The mode lottery section 45 is activated when the winning combination determination section 42 determines BB. The BB mode lottery unit 45 includes a random number generation unit and a random number sampling circuit. When the winning combination determination unit 42 determines BB, one random number value is sampled, and the sampled random number value is used as a data table BB. It collates with the mode determination table 45.
In the BB mode determination table 45, random number values are divided into three groups, and BB mode end condition data is assigned to each random value group as specific mode mode data. Then, depending on which group the sampled random number value belongs to, which end condition is to be set as the end condition of the BB mode performed this time.

When the end condition of the BB mode is determined, B
The B-mode determination signal is input to the control unit 30a. The control unit 30a identifies the BB mode end condition based on the BB mode determination signal, and writes this in the RAM area of the memory 31.

The medal hopper 46 pays out a specified number of payout medals to the medal tray 20 or adds the specified number to the credit counter according to the type of winning combination. A payout table in which the number of payout medals is determined for each type of winning combination is stored in the ROM area of the memory 31, and the control unit 30a reads this and drives the medal hopper 46.

Next, the operation of the slot machine configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, first, 1 to 3 medals prior to the start of the game in the normal mode.
When coins are inserted, the number of medals is calculated by the inserted medal counter 33.
Is counted by. After that, when the game start operation is performed with the start lever 18, the game start signal is input to the control unit 30a. At the same time, the electronic lottery section 4
1 samples a random number, and the value thereof is selected by the winning combination determination unit 42.
The type of winning combination is determined by collating with the first winning table of.

When the winning combination determination section 42 determines BB and the BB internally wins, a winning combination determination signal is fed back to the control section 30a. Then, the reel drive controller is driven, and the sub reel 15 is stop-controlled so as to stop at a position where "BIG" is displayed. Further, the control unit 30a operates the BB mode lottery unit 44 in response to the winning combination determination signal. The BB mode lottery section 44 samples a random number value and collates the value with the BB mode determination table 45. Thereby, the ending condition of the BB mode to be shifted this time is determined. When the BB mode end condition is determined, the BB mode determination signal is input to the control unit 30a, and the determined end condition is written in the RAM area of the memory 31.

After that, the operation of the stop buttons 19a to 19c is validated, and the control section 30a monitors the operation timing of the stop buttons 19a to 19c with reference to the count value of the pulse counter provided for each reel. , BB is controlled so that the winning symbols constituting BB easily appear in the display window 13.

When the player operates the stop buttons 19a to 19c and puts "7"-"7"-"7" in a row, the payout of the payout medal is performed and the normal mode is switched to the BB mode. . In the BB mode, first, the RB introduction mode is entered. In the game in the RB introduction mode, the player inserts one to three medals to play the game. In the game in the RB introduction mode, the electronic lottery unit 4
The random number sampled at 1 is collated with the second winning table of the winning combination determining section 42 to determine the winning combination. Then, when the replay is won in the RB introduction mode and the patterns constituting the replay are aligned on the winning effective line, the mode is shifted to the RB mode.

In the RB mode game, the electronic lottery section 41
The random number value sampled by
The winning combination is determined by collating with the winning table. The RB mode ends when 12 SB games are played or 8 winnings are won. In RB mode, since the probability of winning is high, a large number of medals can be acquired.

When the RB mode ends, the control section 30a reads the BB mode end condition from the memory 31. Then, when the number of shifts to the RB mode “2” is written in the memory 31, that is, the BB mode determination unit 43 reads R.
When the number of transitions to the B mode is determined to be 2 times,
When the mode is changed to the RB introduction mode, the number of times written in the memory 31 is rewritten to "1". And 2
When the second RB mode ends, the BB mode ends and the end condition written in the memory 31 is cleared.

When the number of transitions to the RB mode "3" is written in the memory 31, that is, when the number of transitions to the RB mode is determined to be 3 by the BB mode determination unit 43, the RB introduction mode is set again. At the same time as the transfer, the number of times written in the memory 31 is rewritten to "2". When the second RB mode ends, R
The mode is shifted to the B introduction mode, and the number of times written in the memory 31 is rewritten to “1”. When the third RB mode ends, the BB mode ends and the end condition written in the memory 31 is cleared.

When the number of transitions to the RB mode "4" is written in the memory 31, that is, when the number of transitions to the RB mode is determined to be 4 times by the BB mode determination unit 43, the RB introduction mode is set again. At the same time as the transfer, the number of times written in the memory 31 is rewritten to "3". Then, as the transition to the RB mode is repeated, the number of times written in the memory 31 is decremented.
When the second RB mode ends, the BB mode ends and the end condition written in the memory 31 is cleared.

The number of medals to be won depends on whether the BB mode decision unit 43 decides to change to the RB mode twice as the BB mode end condition or to decide to change the BB mode four times. There can be a big difference. Therefore, for the player, the ending condition of the BB mode is 3
It becomes a great concern which of the two conditions is decided, and it is possible to make the player feel a tension every time the BB is won. Thereby, the interest of the player can be raised.

In FIG. 4, a recording medium (CD, flexible disk, IC memory, MO, etc.) 60 is installed in the slot machine 10.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the recording medium 60 is provided with means such as that shown in the flowchart of FIG.
A program to be realized by the computer 61 including the memory 31 and the memory 31 is stored. In this case, for example, the winning combination determining means and the specific mode determining means may be the computer 61.
The program to be realized by is recorded in the recording medium 60. Then, the recording medium 60 is loaded into the reading device 62, and the program is installed in the slot machine 10.

The program can be distributed to the slot machine 10 using the Internet instead of being installed via the recording medium 60. Also, the distributed program of the present invention or the recording medium 60.
It is also possible to install the program of the present invention read out from the computer into a personal computer and play a slot machine game on the monitor.

In the above embodiment, BB is used as the specific mode.
Although the mode is provided, the RB mode or the SB mode may be provided. For example, when the SB mode is provided as the specific mode, a plurality of types of specific mode mode data in which the number of medals to be paid out when a winning is obtained are stored in the data table and the number of medals to be paid out in the SB mode is determined. By doing so, the value of the privilege in the SB mode can be made different.

Further, for example, when the RB mode is provided as the specific mode, a plurality of types of specific mode mode data having different ending conditions, or a plurality of types of specific mode mode data having different numbers of medals paid out in one win, or It is possible to store a plurality of types of specific mode mode data or the like having different ending conditions and the number of medals to be paid out in one winning in the data table to appropriately set the mode of the RB mode. In this case, for example, when the RB is won by the electronic lottery, which form is determined by the lottery, or the SB game of a plurality of types of the RB
A plurality of types of patterns to be performed in a specific order are provided in the mode, and a lottery is performed before the first SB game is started in the RB mode to determine which of the above patterns, or in the RB mode The method of determining the mode of the RB mode may be appropriately set, for example, by randomly selecting which mode from among a plurality of types of SB games for each SB game.

In the above embodiment, as the BB mode end condition, three kinds of end conditions with different numbers of transitions to the RB mode are provided. For example, the BB mode end condition is performed in the RB introduction mode. An appropriate ending condition may be provided, such as a plurality of ending conditions, in which the number of games is different and the number of games that can be played in the RB introduction mode is different. In addition, a plurality of types of specific mode mode data in which the number of medals obtained in one winning is different from each other, or a plurality of types of specific mode mode data in which the end condition and the number of medals paid out in one winning are different are stored in a data table. By storing it, the mode of the BB mode can be changed to an appropriate mode. In this case, as in the case of the above-described embodiment, it may be possible to determine by drawing which BB mode has been elected by electronic lottery as a trigger, or the RB mode of a plurality of kinds of modes may be specified in the BB mode. Providing multiple types of patterns to be transferred in order, 1 in BB mode
Before selecting the RB mode for the second time, a lottery is performed to determine which of the above patterns, or each time it is determined to switch to the RB mode during the BB mode, a plurality of types of RB modes are selected. The method of determining the mode of the BB mode may be appropriately set, for example, by randomly determining which mode the RB mode of which mode is to be shifted. Further, a plurality of types may be different from each other both in the value of the privilege and the termination condition. In this case, for example, in a mode including a combination of a privilege value and a termination condition, a plurality of types of mode data that are different from each other can be provided.

The present invention is not limited to the reel drive type slot machine, but may be a video type slot machine,
It is equally applicable to pachinko machines. Further, as in the above-described embodiment, the winning line is three horizontal lines,
The present invention is not limited to a game machine in which two diagonal lines are set for a total of five, and the present invention can be applied to a game machine having another number of winning effective lines.

[0046]

As described above, according to the present invention, the data table storing a plurality of types of specific mode aspect data in which the value or the end condition of the privilege or the value and the end condition are different from each other, and the winning combination determining means. In response to the determination of a specific winning combination, a lottery is performed with reference to the data table, and a specific mode determining means for determining the value or the ending condition of the privilege or the value and the ending condition when shifting to the specific mode. Since the bonus game mode, which is the specific mode, is prevented from becoming monotonous, it is possible to make the player have a great interest.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a slot machine using the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an electrical schematic configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a recording medium storing a program is installed in a slot machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 slot machine 30 CPU 30a control unit 31 memory 41 Electronic lottery department 42 Winning role determination section 43 BB mode decision unit 44 BB mode lottery section 45 BB mode decision table 50 Transition probability lottery section 60 recording media 61 Computer 62 reader

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A winning combination determining means for determining either a loss or a plurality of types of winning combinations by lottery, and specifying a game in the normal mode and a privilege in the game larger than that in the normal mode. The game in the mode can be executed, and when the specific winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means is obtained in the game in the normal mode, the mode is shifted to the specific mode and a predetermined ending condition is satisfied. In a gaming machine in which the specific mode ends and the mode shifts to the normal mode when performed, a data table storing a plurality of types of specific mode aspect data in which the value or the end condition of the privilege or the value and the end condition are different from each other And when the specific winning combination is determined by the winning combination determining means, a lottery is performed with reference to the data table, and the specific mode is entered. Gaming machine is characterized by providing a value or end condition or value of benefits and a specific mode determining means for determining a termination condition. 2. The end condition is satisfied when the number of games played in a specific mode or the number of times a predetermined winning combination is obtained reaches a limit number, and the data table stores specific mode aspect data. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein different types of limit numbers are assigned to each type. 3. A winning combination determining means for determining one of a winning combination and a plurality of types of winning combinations by lottery, and a value of a privilege or a value of a privilege in response to the specific winning combination being determined by the winning combination determining means. The lottery is performed by referring to a data table that stores a plurality of types of specific mode mode data having different ending conditions or values and ending conditions, and the value of the privilege or the ending condition or the value and the ending condition when shifting to the specific mode are determined. A program for causing a computer of a gaming machine to function as a specific mode determining means for determining. 4. A computer-readable recording medium in which the program according to claim 3 is recorded.