JP2000140209A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more fairly give a profit to each game player by reducing a difference in the number of finally obtained medals among the game players. SOLUTION: As medals needed for playing a slot game in a slot machine, the medals on hand are decreased. However, when the probability is suitably varied with increase in the number of thrown medals (designated event) (S72), a stopped pattern easily becomes a small prize pattern or a specified pattern. When the designated number of times, the number of times of circulation, the required number of times and the number of times of pay are similarly increased (S72), a larger number of medals can be obtained. Further, the rotation of plural reels (display unit) is controlled. Therefore, the game player is easy to obtain a privilege to compensate for a decrease in metals on hand. Accordingly, a difference in the number of the finally obtained medals among the game players is reduced so that the profit can be fairly given to the game players.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to a technique for giving a fairer profit to each player.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional slot machine disclosed in, for example, JP-A-6-261970, once a flag of a big chance game (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "game flag") is turned on, it is turned on. The game flag is maintained until the big chance game is actually performed. Therefore, while the game flag is on, the reel rotation control is performed and it is easy to reach, and the big chance symbol (for example, “777”) is easily aligned on the activated line. It is notified that the game flag has been established, and the player who knows the game flag arranges the big chance designs with as few medals (also referred to as "coins") as much as possible to acquire the big chance game and obtain many medals. I do.
At this time, a player who can perform an operation of pressing a button so as to stop a reel at a specific symbol (hereinafter, simply referred to as "eye pressing") quickly obtains a bonus game or the like by arranging a big chance symbol. be able to.

[0003]

However, a player who cannot make an eyeball cannot easily arrange the big chance symbols, and consumes many medals during that time.
As a result, there is a difference in the number of medals that can be finally obtained, and unfairness occurs between a player who can push and a player who cannot push. The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and aims to reduce the difference that occurs between players in the number of medals that can be finally obtained and to provide each player with a fairer profit. Aim.

[0004]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of display bodies are rotated after a medal is inserted, and thereafter, the combination of symbols displayed on the display bodies is stopped. In a slot machine that provides a bonus to a player based on the bonus and pays out a medal based on the bonus, a predetermined event in the game after a predetermined condition is satisfied is counted, and the bonus is provided to the player according to the count value. The rotation of the plurality of display bodies is controlled so as to provide the display easily. Here, the “predetermined event” is not limited to the number of inserted medals, the number of games, and the number of times a specific symbol combination appears,
Includes all events that can occur in the slot machine and can be counted. In addition, the rotation control may be performed for all of the plurality of display bodies, or may be performed for some of the display bodies. According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a corresponding number of medals are required to generate a predetermined event, the number of medals on hand decreases. However, the rotation of the plurality of display bodies is controlled so that the privilege can be easily provided to the player as the predetermined event occurs. Therefore, it becomes easier for the player to obtain the privilege, and the decrease in the medal can be compensated by the privilege. In other words, a player who can be pushed can get medals at an early stage, and a player who cannot be pushed can also get more medals by a privilege. Therefore, since the difference in the number of medals that can be finally obtained between the players is reduced, profits can be imparted to each player more evenly.

[0005]

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to the first aspect, a predetermined event is counted from a time when a predetermined condition is satisfied. It will be done within the period until it starts to be offered to the player. According to the second aspect of the present invention, a medal for playing a game is required to obtain a privilege even if a predetermined condition is satisfied. However, a period from this time until the start of providing the privilege to the player (hereinafter, referred to as a “transition period”).
Within, the rotation of the plurality of display bodies is controlled so that the privilege is easily provided to the player as the predetermined event occurs. Therefore, it becomes easier for the player to obtain the privilege, and it is possible to compensate for the decrease in medals. That is, even if the transition period becomes longer, more medals can be obtained by the privilege.

[0006]

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to the first or second aspect, the size of the privilege and the type of the privilege are determined according to the count value. At least one of the period for giving the privilege and the time for starting to give the privilege is changed. According to the third aspect of the present invention, by changing at least one of the size of the privilege, the type of the privilege, the period during which the privilege is provided, and the time at which the privilege starts to be provided, the player has an opportunity to obtain a medal. Increase. Therefore, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the number of medals on hand. Further, depending on the mode of the change, the player can also obtain many medals.

[0007]

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the predetermined event is the number of inserted medals, the number of games, a specific number of games, This is either the number of appearances of the symbol combination or a combination of at least two of them. According to the invention described in claim 4, events relating to the number of inserted medals, the number of games, and the number of times a specific symbol combination appears can be easily detected and counted. Therefore, the present invention can be easily realized.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 11). FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of the slot machine. FIG.
Shows a state where the front frame of the slot machine is removed.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the control unit.
4 and 5 show the normal game process, FIG. 6 shows the start process, FIG. 7 shows the rotation stop process, FIGS. 8 and 9 show the big chance game process, and FIG. 10 shows the bonus game process. It is a flowchart shown respectively. FIG. 11 shows an example of a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the symbol display section.

First, in FIG. 1, when the slot machine 10 is viewed from the front, a guide unit 12, a symbol display unit 14,
The operation unit 28 is divided. The guide section 12 displays the procedure of a slot game, a combination of symbols for which medals are paid out, the number of medals to be paid out for the combination of symbols, and the like. The symbol display unit 14 is provided with three display windows 16, 20, and 24, and reels 18, 22, and 26 can be seen from the respective display windows. A symbol is provided on an outer peripheral portion of each of the reels 18, 22, 26.
The display windows 16, 20, and 24 are formed so that three symbols can be simultaneously viewed in the vertical direction in a stopped state. The configuration for operating the reels 18, 22, 26 will be described later.

[0010] The operation unit 28 is provided with buttons and the like necessary for performing operations during a slot game. Specifically, the reset button 36, the start lever 38, the stop buttons 40, 42, 44, the switching button 30, the setting button 3
4, an enter button 46, a credit indicator 48, and the like are provided. Depending on the type of the slot machine 10 and the like, an operating device such as a switch or a lever may be used instead of the button. The reset button 36 is a button for restarting the slot game. This reset button 3
6 is mainly provided in the slot machine 10 of the type in which the game is ended when the big chance game ends and the game cannot be continued. The starting lever 38 is connected to the reels 18 and 2.
This is a lever that issues a command to start rotating the wheels 2 and 26. The stop buttons 40, 42, and 44 are used for the rotating reel 1.
Buttons for stopping 8, 22, and 26, respectively. The switching button 30 is a button for switching whether or not to credit (temporarily deposit) medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 32. The setting button 34 displays the number of medals to be multiplied in one slot game (hereinafter simply referred to as
Call. ) Is a button for setting in advance. For example, when the number of pieces is one, one line is used, and when the number of pieces is two, three lines are used.
When the number of lines is three, five lines are respectively effective. The decision button 46 is a button for deciding with the number set by the setting button 34. The credit display 48 displays the number of credited medals when the mode is switched to the credit mode by the switching button 30.

At the bottom of the slot machine 10, a lower plate 50 is provided.
Is provided. In the lower plate 50, medals lent by the medal lending machine, medals paid out from the medal payout opening 52, and the like are temporarily stored.

Next, referring to FIG.
The inside appearance seen when the front plate is removed will be described. The symbol display section 14 is provided with reels 18, 22, 26 arranged substantially in a horizontal line. The reel 18 is driven to rotate by a pulse motor 60. That is, by controlling the rotation of the pulse motor 60, the reel 18 can be rotated at high speed, medium speed, and low speed. Similarly, the reels 22 and 26 respectively have pulse motors 62 and
64 is driven to rotate. A medal payout machine 66 is provided below the slot machine 10, and the medal payout machine 66 is provided with a hopper 66a for temporarily storing medals. The medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 32 enter the hopper 66a through the medal passage 68. In the middle of the medal passage 68, an insertion sensor 70 for detecting passage of the inserted medals is provided.
In addition, medals as prizes are paid out to the lower plate 50 from below the hopper 66a through the medal payout opening 52.
On the back side of the slot machine 10, a main control unit 100,
A frame control unit 200 is provided, and the pulse motors 60, 6
2, 64, the medal dispensing machine 66 and the like are controlled. The configuration centering on the main control unit 100 will be described below.

In FIG. 3, the main control unit 100 includes a CP
U (processor) 110, ROM 102, RAM 10
4, an input processing circuit 106, an output processing circuit 112, a display control circuit 114, and a communication control circuit 116. The CPU 110 controls a slot game in the slot machine 10 according to a game control program stored in the ROM 102. The game control program includes
A program for realizing a normal game process, a start process, a rotation stop process, a big chance game process, a bonus game process, and the like, which will be described later, is included. In the ROM 102,
In addition to the game control program, various data such as a winning value, a set value table, and a symbol table are stored. Although an EPROM is generally used for the ROM 102, the present invention is not limited to this, and an EEPROM or a flash memory may be used. Generally, a DRAM is used as the RAM 104, but a nonvolatile memory such as an SRAM or a flash memory may be used. The RAM 104 stores a random number for hit determination, various counters, an effective line, a start flag,
Various data such as a predetermined number of times, a number of circulations, a required number of times, and a number of payouts, or input / output signals are stored.

The input processing circuit 106 includes a reset button 3
6, upon receiving signals sent from the start lever 38, the stop buttons 40, 42, 44, the medal slot 32, the enter button 46, etc., the signals are converted into a data format that can be processed in the main control unit 100, CPU 110 via 108
Or to the RAM 104. On the other hand, the output processing circuit 112
Upon receiving the operation data transmitted from the PU 110 via the bus 108, various operation devices provided in the slot machine 10, such as the pulse motors 60, 62, and 64, are operated.

The display control circuit 114 receives display data sent from the CPU 110 via the bus 108 and controls display of a display and lamps. For example, the credit display 48 displays the number of credited medals,
Lamps (for example, a light bulb or an LED) provided in the guide unit 12 or the like are appropriately turned on and blinked. Communication control circuit 1
Reference numeral 16 denotes a circuit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the frame control unit 200 and the hall computer 300. The frame control unit 200 is configured around a CPU similarly to the main control unit 100, and its contents are publicly known, so that detailed description is omitted. The frame control unit 200 controls the operation of the medal payout machine 66 and the like for paying out medals by hits or the like when playing a slot game. Hall computer 3
00 is used to operate a hall (game hall), and comprehensively controls devices and equipment such as slot machines, pachinko machines, rental machines, and lighting equipment. The above components are
Both are coupled to a bus 108.

Next, the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described.
The processing procedure for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The processing procedures shown in these figures are realized by the CPU 110 executing the game control program stored in the ROM 102 at an appropriate timing (for example, every 4 milliseconds) in the main control unit 100 shown in FIG. . Note that “counting up” usually means increasing the value by 1, but also includes a case where the value is increased by 2 or more as appropriate according to a game state or the like. Also, "counting down" is the same as counting up, except that the value is reduced.

First, the normal game in the slot game will be described. The normal game is a slot game excluding a big chance game described later. In the base game, a start process is first performed [Step S1
0]. FIG. 6 shows the specific processing contents of this start processing.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The starting process shown in FIG.
This is a process performed while the rotation of the motors 22 and 26 is not performed.
Specifically, it sets an active line, switches the insertion mode, counts the number of credits, counts the number of inserted medals, detects medals, and issues a reel rotation command. Hereinafter, each processing will be described, but the actual processing order in the slot machine 10 may be arbitrarily performed. First, in the setting of the active line, each time the setting button 34 is pressed once (YES in step S40), the active line is sequentially switched among, for example, 1 line, 3 lines, and 5 lines and set to any line. [Step S50]. Second, in the switching of the insertion mode, every time the switch button 30 is pressed once in order to switch whether or not to credit a medal to be inserted from now on (Y in step S41).
ES), the input mode is switched between, for example, the normal mode and the credit mode [step S51]. Therefore,
The changeover button 30 acts like a toggle switch. Third, in the counting of the number of credits, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 32 while switching to the credit mode by the switching button 30 (Y in step S42).
ES), the credit counter is counted up, and the count value (that is, the number of credits) is displayed on the credit display 48 [Step S52]. This credit counter is a counter for counting the number of credited medals.

Fourth, in counting the number of inserted medals,
When the enter button 46 is pressed (YE in step S43)
S), count down the credit counter and display the count value on the credit indicator 48 [Step S5]
3]. At this time, among the medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 32, medals of the number set by the setting button 34 are stored in the slot machine 10 (specifically, the medal dispensing machine 6 shown in FIG. 2).
Debited to 6). Fifth, in the medal detection, when the inserted sensor 70 provided in the medal passage 68 detects the inserted medal (YES in step S44), the medal number counter is counted up [step S5
4], the starting lever is made effective [step S55]. This medal number counter is a counter for counting the number of medals inserted during a period from when the game flag is turned on to when the big chance game starts (ie, a transition period). On the other hand, when the insertion sensor 70 does not detect the inserted medal (NO in step S44), the starting lever is invalidated (step S45).
Sixth, in response to the reel rotation command, the reel 1 is operated only when the start lever 38 is operated (YES in step S46) and the start lever is valid (YES in step S56).
The start flag is turned on to start rotating 8, 22, and 26 (step S57). This start flag is referred to in the normal game process. If the button is not pressed or the lever is not operated in each process (steps S40, S41, S42, S4
3, NO in S46), proceed to the next process without doing anything.

When the process returns to the normal game process of FIG. 4 after the start process, it is checked whether or not the start lever 38 has been operated by using a start flag [step S12]. If the start flag is on (YES), it is determined that the start lever 38 has been operated, and the start flag is turned off for the next time [step S1].
4] The current game state is grasped from the game flag [step S16]. On the other hand, if the start flag is OFF (NO in step S12), the start game lever 38 is not operated, and the normal game process is terminated without any operation.

If the game flag is off (YES in step S16), it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, that is, whether or not a transition to a big chance game is possible. Specifically, a big hit determination random number is read [Step S18], and it is determined whether or not the read random number value matches the hit value [Step S20]. If the random number matches the hit value (YES), the game flag is turned on as it is possible to shift to the big chance game (step S22), the medal number counter is reset to a predetermined value (for example, 0) [step S24], and the game machine is rotated. The reel control for stopping the reel being stopped at the designated symbol is switched [Step S26]. On the other hand, if the game flag is on (NO in step S16), the process proceeds to a rotation stop process described later.
When the player presses the stop buttons 40, 42, and 44, in the rotation stop processing described later, the reels 1 correspond to the pressed buttons.
8, 22, 26 are stopped. The reels 18, 22,
The reel control executed to stop the control 26 differs between the base game and the big chance game. That is, in the base game, the reels are controlled so as to stop at a combination of the symbols other than the combination of the specific symbols (for example, “777”) (hereinafter simply “normal control”).
). On the other hand, in the big chance game, when a specific symbol exists within a predetermined range (for example, ± 3 symbols) from the symbol when the stop buttons 40, 42, and 44 are pressed, the specific symbol is displayed. (Hereinafter, simply referred to as “special control”). Therefore, in step S26, the control is switched from the normal control to the special control.

Turning to FIG. 5, the reels 18, 22,
A rotation stop process for performing control from the start of rotation to the stop of the rotation is performed (step S28). Specific processing contents of the rotation stop processing will be described with reference to FIG. In the rotation stop processing, C shown in FIG.
By outputting a pulse signal from the PU 110 to the pulse motors 60, 62, 64 via the output processing circuit 112, the rotation of the reels 18, 22, 26 is controlled. In FIG. 7, first, the reels 18, 22, and 26 are started to rotate (step S60), and the functions of the stop buttons 40, 42, and 44 are enabled (step S62). Then, it waits until the stop buttons 40, 42, and 44 are pressed [Step S
64], and when the stop buttons 40, 42, 44 are pressed, the corresponding reels 18, 22, 26 are controlled by reels and stopped [step S66]. Then, after all the reels 18, 22, 26 have stopped, the stop button 4
Disable the functions of 0, 42, and 44 [Step S6
8]. That is, only during steps S62 to S66, the functions of the stop buttons 40, 42, and 44 are enabled and the reels 18, 22, and 26 are stopped, and all the others are disabled, so that the reels 18, 22, and 26 are stopped. do not do. In this way, it is possible to prevent the reels 18, 22, 26 from stopping due to an unintended operation.

When the reels 18, 22, and 26 stop after rotating by the rotation stop processing in step S28, it is determined whether or not the game shifts to the big chance game. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the reels 18, 22, 26 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “stop symbols”) matches the big chance symbol [Step S30]. . If the stop symbol matches the big chance symbol (YES), a medal is paid out as a "hit" (step S32). The payout of medals is
The payout signal is output from the CPU 110 shown in FIG. 3 to the medal payout machine 66 via the communication control circuit 116 and the frame control unit 200. The payout signal includes data for instructing payout and data on the number of payouts. After paying out the medals, a big chance game process for realizing the big chance game is executed [Step S3
4]. For example, as shown in FIG.
(In this example, the center row). The specific processing contents of the big chance game processing will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 8, an initialization process is performed first (step S70), and the set value is changed based on the count value of the medal counter (step S72). In the initialization process, for example, a small-game win counter, a bonus game counter, and the like are set to appropriate values. The set values include, for example, a probability, a predetermined number of times, a number of circulations, a required number of times, and a number of payouts, and at least one of them is set. Here, the probabilities include a small winning probability in which the stop symbol can match the small symbol and a bonus probability in which the stop symbol can match the bonus symbol. The predetermined number of times is the maximum number of times the small win game can be repeated during the big chance game, and is, for example, 30 times. The number of circulations is the maximum number of repetitions to combine the small win game and the big chance game into one round, and is, for example, three. The required number of times is the maximum number of times that the slot game can be repeatedly performed during the bonus game, for example, 12 times. The number of payouts is the maximum number of payouts of medals as prizes during the bonus game.
Times. The setting value is changed by referring to a setting value table that defines the relationship between the count value of the medal counter and the setting value. This set value table is stored in the ROM 10
2, for example, as shown in the following table.
In Table 1, the count value of the medal counter is simply referred to as “count value”.

[0025]

[Table 1]

According to Table 1 above, as the count value of the medal counter (ie, the number of inserted medals) increases, the small winning probability during the big chance game increases, but the bonus probability decreases. For example, when the count value is 3, the small hand probability is 1/10 and small, and the bonus probability is 1/2 and large. As a result, the bonus game is established without a large number of small wins, and the number of medals actually paid out is substantially the same as the number obtained in the bonus game. On the other hand, when the count value is 63, the small hand probability is large at 1/2 and the bonus probability is 1 /
Small at 6. Therefore, the bonus game is also established while the small wins are well aligned, so that the number of medals actually paid out increases by adding the number obtained in the bonus game to the number obtained in the small win game. As described above, even if the flag of the big chance game is established, the player who has not easily acquired the big chance game and invested many medals can acquire many medals in the big chance game. In addition, according to the count number,
The predetermined number of times, the number of circulations, the number of circulations, the specific number of times, and the like in Table 1 above may be appropriately changed. In addition, the small role probability, the bonus probability, the predetermined number of times, the number of circulations, the number of circulations, the specific number of times, and the like are determined by a method other than the set value table {for example, an arithmetic expression (difference,
The set value may be appropriately changed by｝, such as multiplication, division, logarithmic operation, or exponential operation) or a function expression.

Returning to FIG. 8, after the set value is changed, the start process (step S74) is repeated until the start flag is turned on (step S76). The specific processing contents of the start processing have already been described with reference to FIG. When the start flag is turned on (YE in step S76)
S), the start flag is turned off in preparation for the next processing (step S78), and the processing of the small win game is performed (step S8).
0 to S90). In the processing of the small win game, first, the small win game counter is counted up (step S80), and the process proceeds to FIG. Is determined (step S82).
If the number of small win games has not reached the predetermined number (YES), the small win game is continued and reels 18 and 2
A rotation stop process for starting rotation of the motors 2 and 26 and thereafter stopping the rotation is performed (step S84). The specific processing content of the rotation stop processing has already been described with reference to FIG. On the other hand, if the number of small win games reaches the predetermined number (NO in step S82), the big chance game is ended.

When the reels 18, 22, and 26 stop after rotating by the rotation stop processing in step S84, it is determined whether to pay out medals, shift to a bonus game, or lose. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the stopped symbol matches the small symbol (step S86), or it is determined whether or not the stopped symbol matches the bonus symbol (step S90). If the stopped symbol matches the small symbol (YES in step S86), the number of medals corresponding to the matched small symbol is paid out (step S88). For example, there is a case where three oranges are arranged diagonally in a row as shown in FIG. In addition, the payout of medals,
This is performed in the same manner as in step S32 shown in FIG.
If the stop symbol matches the bonus symbol (YES in step S90), a bonus game process is performed to shift to the bonus game (steps S92 to S9).
6). For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, there is a case where three plums are arranged in one horizontal row (in this example, the top row). The processing of the bonus game will be described later.
On the other hand, in the case of a loss (NO in step S86 and NO in step S90), FIG.
It returns to step S74 shown in FIG. Here, the payout table that defines the relationship between the small combination symbol, the bonus symbol, and the number of payouts is R
It is stored in the OM 102, and is as shown in the following table, for example.

[0029]

[Table 2]

In the example shown in Table 2, the pattern "1",
The combination of symbols in “2” corresponds to a big chance symbol, and the combination of symbols in patterns “3” to “7” corresponds to a small combination symbol. However, the plum in the pattern "4" is usually a small combination symbol, and ten medals are paid out when the plums are aligned. Also, the plum becomes a bonus symbol during the big chance game, and when the plums are completed, ten medals are paid out and the game shifts to the bonus game. Further, the plum becomes a specific symbol during the bonus game, and when the plum is aligned at the center as shown in FIG. 11B, 15 medals are paid out. Here, the number of medals to be paid out as a prize according to each pattern is predetermined, and such a table is usually displayed on the guide unit 12 or the like shown in FIG. Note that the maximum number of times that the bonus game can be performed, that is, the number of circulations may be different between the pattern “1” and the pattern “2” for the combination of symbols. For example, the number of circulations of the pattern “1” is three, and the number of circulations of the pattern “2” is one. In this case, based on the count value of the medal number counter (that is, the number of inserted medals), it is more preferable that the probabilities of the pattern “1” or the pattern “2” be different.

Next, the processing of the bonus game shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 will be described. In the processing of the bonus game,
First, the round counter is counted up (Step S92), and it is determined whether or not the count value of the round counter (that is, the number of rounds) has reached the number of circulations for ending the big chance game (Step S94). if,
If the number of rounds has not reached the number of circulations (YES),
A bonus game process for realizing the bonus game is executed [Step S96]. On the other hand, if the number of rounds has reached the number of circulations (NO in step S94), the big chance game ends.

Hereinafter, the specific contents of the bonus game processing executed in step S96 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, an initialization process is performed first (step S100). In this initialization processing, for example, processing such as initializing a bonus game counter and a specific counter to an initial value (for example, 0) is performed. Next, in the bonus game, it is assumed that a game is played with one medal, so that the game waits until a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 32 (step S102). The insertion of a medal is detected by the above-described insertion sensor 70. When a medal is inserted (YES in step S102), the bonus game counter is counted up (step S104),
It is determined whether or not the count value of the bonus game counter (that is, the number of bonus games) has reached the required number of times for ending the bonus game [step S106]. if,
When the number of bonus games reaches the required number of times (NO), the bonus game ends. On the other hand, if the number of bonus games has not reached the required number of times (YES), a rotation stop process of starting to rotate the reels 18, 22, and 26 and then stopping the rotation is executed (step S108). The specific processing content of the rotation stop processing has already been described with reference to FIG.

When the reels 18, 22, and 26 stop after rotating by the rotation stop processing in step S108, it is determined whether or not the stopped symbol matches a specific symbol (step S110). If the stop symbol does not match the specific symbol (NO in step S110), the process returns to step S102 to continue the bonus game. On the other hand, if the stop symbol matches the specific symbol (YE in step S110)
S), the medals corresponding to the specific symbol are paid out under certain conditions [Step S116]. For example, FIG.
In this case, three plums are arranged in the center line as shown in FIG. Here, the certain condition is that the number of specific symbols appearing during one bonus game, that is, the specific number has not reached the number of payouts. Specifically, the specific counter is counted up (step S112), and it is determined whether or not the count value (that is, the specific number) of the specific counter has reached the number of payouts for ending the bonus game (step S114). When the specific number of times has not reached the number of payouts (YES in step S114), the number of medals corresponding to the specific symbol is paid out (step S114).
116).

In the big chance game realized by executing the processing shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 as described above, the small win game is repeatedly performed within a predetermined number of times (steps S74 to FIG. 8 in FIG. 8). Step S shown in 9
84). In the small win game, a medal is paid out when the stopped symbol matches the small symbol (step S8 shown in FIG. 9).
6, S88), when the stop symbol matches the bonus symbol, the bonus game is repeatedly executed within the range of the number of circulations (steps S90 to S96 shown in FIG. 9). During the bonus game, the reels 18, 22,
26 can be rotated (step S shown in FIG. 10).
104 to S108), if the stop symbol matches the specific symbol, medals are paid out within the range of the number of payouts (steps S104 to S108 shown in FIG. 10). The player receives payouts of medals a predetermined number of times during the small win game, and receives payouts of medals by the number of payouts in each of the bonus games performed by the circulation number. Here, as the count value of the medal number counter (that is, the number of inserted medals) increases, the small combination probability and the bonus probability are appropriately changed, and the predetermined number, circulation number, required number, payout number, and the like are increased. In step S72 shown in FIG. 8, the privilege (small role game, bonus game, big chance game) increases, or the period thereof increases. Further, by playing these games, more medals are paid out (step S88 shown in FIG. 9, step S11 shown in FIG. 10).
6) The number of medals that can be finally obtained by the player is greater than before the start of the slot game. Therefore, it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the number of medals on hand, and the difference in the number of medals that can be finally obtained is reduced. In other words, the player who can push can acquire medals early after the game flag is established, and can acquire the big chance game with little medal investment. On the other hand, a player who cannot make an eye will invest a large number of medals until the big chance game symbols are aligned and the big chance game is won. Can be acquired. Therefore, since the difference in the number of medals that can be finally obtained between the players is reduced, profits can be imparted to each player more evenly.

Returning to FIG. 5, when the big chance game process is completed, the game flag is turned off in preparation for the next process (step S36), and the reel control is switched from the special control to the original normal control [step S38]. The game processing ends. Thereafter, the normal game starts again by executing from step S10 shown in FIG.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (A1) In the game in the slot machine, even if the game flag is established, it is necessary to arrange the big chance symbols, so that there is a difference in the number of medals to be invested between a player who can push and a player who cannot. Inequality. However, as the number of invested medals increases, the probability of the small role game or the like in the big chance game is appropriately changed. Therefore, a player who cannot make an eye can acquire many medals during the big chance game, so that the number of medals invested can be supplemented. In other words, a player who can be pushed can get medals at an early stage, and a player who cannot be pushed can also get more medals by a privilege. Therefore, since the difference in the number of medals that can be finally obtained between the players is reduced, profits can be imparted to each player more evenly. (A2) Even if the random number value becomes a hit value {that is, even if a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S20 shown in FIG. 4)}, a medal for playing a game is required to obtain a privilege.
Therefore, the number of inserted medals is counted (step S54 shown in FIG. 6) during the period from when the random value reaches the hit value to when the game shifts to the big chance game (transition period; step S30 shown in FIG. 5). . The rotation of the reels 18, 22, and 26 is controlled so that the privilege can be easily provided to the player as the number of medals counted in this manner increases (step S66 shown in FIG. 7). Therefore, it becomes easier for the player to obtain the privilege, and it is possible to compensate for the decrease in the number of medals on hand. That is, even if the transition period becomes longer, more medals can be obtained by the privilege.
The other points are the same as the effects of the above (a1).

(A3) The predetermined number of times, the number of circulations, the required number of times,
When the number of payouts is changed (step S7 shown in FIG. 8)
2) Since the number of repetitions of the small role game and the bonus game increases, the size of the privilege changes. In addition, if the number of repetitions of the small role game or the bonus game increases, the length of the game increases as a result, so that the period for giving the privilege changes. Such a change increases a player's chance of obtaining a medal. Also, depending on the value to be changed, the player can obtain many medals. The other points are the same as the effects of the above (a1). (A4) The number of inserted medals can be easily detected and counted by the insertion sensor 70 shown in FIG. Therefore, the present invention can be easily realized. Further, the cost can be reduced depending on the type of the sensor. The other points are the same as the effects of the above (a1).

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described slot machine, the structure, shape, size, material, number, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other parts are not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the following embodiments (b1) to (b6) to which the embodiment is applied can be implemented. (B1) In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the slot machine 10. Instead of these modes, the present invention can be similarly applied to other gaming machines simulating a slot game (for example, a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, a video game machine, etc.). Even with such other gaming machines, it is possible to provide each player with a fairer profit by implementing the present invention.

(B2) In the above embodiment, the probabilities (small-course probability, bonus probability), predetermined times, circulation times, required times, and payout times are applied as set values, and the values are changed (see FIG. 8). Step S72). Instead of (or in addition to) this mode, the value may be changed by applying to another set value such as another probability or the number of payouts. As another probability, for example, there is a probability that the random number value read in step S20 shown in FIG. 4 matches the winning value (hereinafter, simply referred to as “hit probability”). The number of payouts is determined, for example, in step S88 shown in FIG. 9 and / or step S1 shown in FIG.
16 is the number of medals to be paid out. The set value may be changed according to Table 3 based on the count value of the predetermined event. This changes the other probabilities and the number of payouts (step S72 shown in FIG. 8), so that more medals can be obtained. Here, the set value table that defines the relationship between the count value of the predetermined event and the set value is stored in the ROM 102.
For example, as shown in the following table. In the example of Table 3, the count value of the predetermined event is the number of medals inserted after the end of the big chance game.

[0040]

[Table 3]

When the number of medals inserted after the end of the big chance game is increased, the probability of the game flag being established is increased, and the number of payouts during the big chance game is increased. As a result, the situation in which the game flag is not extremely established does not occur, and no matter how many medals are inserted, the game flag is not established, so that the player's willingness to play can be prevented. In other words, it is possible to give the player a feeling of expectation that the number of medals that can be acquired during the big chance game increases as the number of medals increases. Also, for example, nine medals are lucky after the end of the big chance game (count value =
When the game flag is established in 9), the number of medals obtained in the big chance game decreases. On the other hand, when the game flag is established with 610 medals (count value = 610), the number of medals obtained by the big chance game increases. Therefore, in this example, a player who has inserted many medals after the end of the big chance game until the next game flag is established,
It is possible to reduce the inequality that has occurred with a player who is not (ie, a player for whom the game flag has been immediately established). In other words, the number of medals that can be finally obtained can be made fairer.

(B3) In the above embodiment, the number of inserted medals indicated by the count value of the medal number counter is applied as the predetermined event (step S54 shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 8).
Step S72). Instead of (or in addition to) this form, the number of games (the number of small role games, bonus games, and big chance games), the number of times a specific symbol combination has appeared, or the number of medals, May be combined. In the embodiment, the small win game can be grasped by the number of small win games, the bonus game can be grasped by the number of bonus games, and the big chance game can be grasped by the round number. The number of occurrences of the specific symbol combination is, for example, the number of times that the symbol combination displayed by the rotation stop process executed in step S84 shown in FIG. 9 and / or step S108 shown in FIG. 10 matches the specific symbol combination. It is. All of these events are easy to detect and can be counted. Therefore, the present invention can be easily realized. Further, when the predetermined events are combined and applied to the present invention, the player has more opportunities to obtain more medals. It is set with reference to an event table that defines the relationship between the count value of a predetermined event (for example, the number of games, etc.) and a set value (for example, the number of inserted medals, etc.). This event is stored in the ROM 102, for example, as shown in Table 4 below. In addition, "the number of games"
Is the number of games played between the end of the big chance game and the establishment of the game flag. The “number” is the number of medals inserted after the game flag is established until the big chance symbols are aligned.

[0043]

[Table 4]

As shown in Table 4, according to the number of games played from the end of the big chance game until the game flag is established and the number of medals inserted from the end of the game flag to the alignment of the big chance symbols. The number of medals to be paid out during the big chance game (that is, the number of payouts) is determined. For example, if the number of games played from the end of the big chance game to the establishment of the game flag is 20 and the number of medals inserted from the establishment of the game flag to the alignment of the big chance symbols is six, Reduce the number of payouts during the chance game to 5. On the other hand, if the number of games played from the end of the big chance game to the establishment of the game flag is 500 times, and the number of medals inserted from the establishment of the game flag to the alignment of the big chance symbols is 61,
Increase the number of payouts during the Big Chance game to 18. Therefore, in this example, the situation occurs between a player who has inserted many medals after the end of the big chance game and before the game flag is established, and a player who has not inserted many medals (that is, a player who immediately established the game flag). Inequality can be reduced. In other words, the number of medals that can be finally obtained can be made fairer. Therefore, by combining the two predetermined events, finer settings can be made, and the number of medals that can be finally obtained can be made fairer.

Here, if the number of medals that can be finally obtained for all the correspondences is made fairer, sharpness is lost. Therefore, as shown in parentheses in Table 4, the “number of games” is 1 to 50 times, and the “number of games” is 1 to 10 times.
When the number of cards is 20
It may be a sheet. Similarly, the “number of games” is 1 to 50 times,
When the “number” is 11 to 15, the number of payouts during the big chance game may be set to 15. In this way, if the game flag is established immediately after the end of the big chance game, the number of payouts during the big chance game is increased,
Increase the number of medals obtained by the big chance game. As a result, the pleasure that the game flag is established almost continuously increases, the sharpness increases, and the player tries to continue the slot game in order to obtain many profits. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of times the player stops the slot game after the end of the big chance game,
The operating rate of the slot machine can be improved. The number of payouts in Table 4 may not be a fixed value, but may be changed to an appropriate value at an appropriate timing according to a game state, a day of the week, date and time, and the like. In this way, the number of payouts can be sharpened or the number of medals that can be finally obtained can be made fairer within a specified period such as the game state, the day of the week, the date and time, and the like.

(B4) In the above embodiment, when the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S20 shown in FIG. 4), when the privilege starts to be provided to the player (step S20 shown in FIG. 5).
In the period up to 30), the number of inserted medals {that is, the predetermined event} was counted (step S1 shown in FIG. 4).
0, which is executed in step S54 shown in FIG. 6). Instead of (or in addition to) this mode, the predetermined event may be counted within another period. As the other period, for example, a period after the power of the slot machine 10 is turned on (or after the reset), or a small combination game, a bonus game, or a big chance game is performed a predetermined number of times (at least one).
Times), a base game period, a day of the week and a date and time arbitrarily set in a hall (game hall). In this way, since the predetermined event is counted within an appropriate period, it becomes easier for the player to obtain more benefits, and it is possible to compensate for the decrease in medals.

(B5) In the above embodiment, the hit value,
A set value table, a symbol table, and the like are stored in the ROM 102. Instead of this form, at least one item
M104, ROM and RAM in the frame control unit 200, and a computer (including the hall computer 300 shown in FIG. 3) connected to the communication control circuit 116 via a communication line may be stored. The RAM 104 stores a random number for hit determination, various counters, an effective line, a start flag, a predetermined number of times, a number of circulations, a required number of times, and a number of payouts. Instead of this mode, the input processing circuit 106 and the output processing circuit 11
2. The information may be recorded on a part (or all) of a recording medium accessible from the communication control circuit 116 or the like. Recording media include optical (magneto-optical) disks, flexible disks,
Cards such as a C card, a paper card, a magnetic card, and the like, or printed matter on which characters, codes, symbols (including bar codes) are printed, and the like.

[0048]

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. This embodiment has not only the aspects of the invention described in the claims but also other aspects of the invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be enumerated below, and related explanations will be provided as necessary.

[Embodiment 1] After the medal is inserted, a plurality of display bodies are rotated, then stopped and a bonus is provided to the player based on a combination of symbols displayed on the display body. In a slot machine for paying out medals, a predetermined event is counted, a bonus is set or changed according to the count value so that the player has an advantage, and the bonus is given to the player. [Relevant Description of Aspect 1] According to this aspect, since a considerable number of medals are required to generate a predetermined event, the number of medals on hand also decreases. However, as the predetermined event occurs, the privilege is set or changed and given so that the player becomes more advantageous. This privilege puts the player in an advantageous state and makes it possible to compensate for the decrease in the number of medals on hand. This is unlikely to fluctuate depending on the appearance probability of the symbols. Therefore, since the difference in the number of medals that can be finally obtained between the players is reduced, profits can be imparted to each player more evenly.

[0050]

According to the present invention, each player can be given a fairer profit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of a slot machine.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state where a front frame of the slot machine is removed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a control unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a base game process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a base game process following FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a start process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a rotation stop process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a big chance game process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a big chance game process following FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a bonus game process.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 slot machine 12 guide unit 14 symbol display unit 16, 20, 24 display window 18, 22, 26 reel 28 operation unit 30 switching button 32 medal slot 34 setting button 36 reset button 38 start lever 40, 42, 44 stop button 46 Enter button 48 Credit indicator 50 Lower plate 52 Medal payout port 60, 62, 64 Pulse motor 66 Medal payout machine 68 Medal passage 100 Main control unit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. After a medal is inserted, a plurality of display bodies are rotated, then stopped and a bonus is provided to a player based on a combination of symbols displayed on the display body. In a slot machine that pays out, a predetermined event in a game after a predetermined condition is satisfied is counted, and the rotation of a plurality of display bodies is controlled so that a privilege is easily provided to the player according to the count value. Slot machine to do. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the counting of the predetermined event is performed during a period from when a predetermined condition is satisfied to when a bonus is provided to a player. 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the size of the privilege, the type of the privilege,
A slot machine that changes at least one of the period during which the privilege is given and the time at which the privilege starts to be given. 4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined event is one of the number of inserted medals, the number of games, the number of times a specific symbol combination appears, or at least two of these. A slot machine that is a combination.