JP2002306678A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To satisfy the further intervention property of game technique and a new game property required for a conventional game machine for semi- permanently carrying over a hit request flag while the technical level of a game player for stopping a desired pattern is improving. SOLUTION: At a result of probability drawing processing in a game, it is judged whether BB or RB is won or not (step 201). Namely, it is judged whether a hit request flag set in a prescribed region of a RAM 25 expresses BB or RB or not. When this judgment is 'YES', a flag carryover game number is drawn on the basis of a flag carryover game number selection table (step 202). The value of the determined carryover game number is set in the prescribed region of the RAM 25 by a CPU 26 (step 203). When BB or RB is not won in the games of this game number, the set hit request flag is cleared.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine for executing a special game advantageous to a player when a special game internal winning mode is determined.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in such a gaming machine, an extracted random number value is collated with data in a predetermined probability lottery table to determine an internal winning mode. The determined internal winning mode is represented by the type of flag. There are various forms of winnings given to the player according to the probability lottery result.

For example, in the case of a slot machine, there is a small win prize mode in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out when a predetermined prize symbol is arranged on the variable display portion during a general game in which various prize prize modes are generated. In addition, there is also a winning mode of a winning game called a regular bonus game (hereinafter referred to as an RB game). This RB game is
The flag corresponding to the medium winning internal winning mode is set in the above probability lottery, and this occurs when a predetermined symbol different from the small winning winning symbol is arranged on the variable display portion during the general game. In the RB game, a high payout game in which a high payout is provided can be performed once.

[0004] A big bonus game (hereinafter referred to as B.
There is also a jackpot winning mode called "game B"). This BB game is generated when a flag corresponding to the jackpot internal prize mode is set in the probability lottery and a predetermined prize symbol different from the small hit and the middle hit is aligned on the variable display portion during a general game. . In this BB game, a BB general game that generates various prize winning modes and a high prize game (R. (Game B) can be performed a plurality of times. In other words, in the BB game, a game including a plurality of sets of the BB normal game and the RB game is executed, and the player can usually acquire a large amount of medals.

Conventionally, the internal prize mode flag corresponding to the special game advantageous to the player such as the RB game and the BB game is conventionally used until the symbol corresponding to each special game is stopped and displayed on the variable display section. , Has been carried over across multiple games. This is because each of the special games has a low probability of winning in the probability lottery, and furthermore, the skill of the player is required to stop and display the symbol corresponding to each special symbol on the variable display unit. Since the internal prize mode flag corresponding to the special game is carried over in this way, disadvantages to both beginners and skilled players of the game are reduced, and the medal payout rate of the game store is stabilized.

[0006]

However, in recent years,
As the level of recognition of the slot machine as described above has increased and the technical level of the player for stopping and displaying a desired symbol on the variable display unit has been improving, further intervening of the gaming technology with respect to the gaming machine and new gaming Sex is required.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and a variable display section for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, an internal winning mode of a game determined by lottery, and determination. A prize mode determining means for setting a flag corresponding to the internal prize mode, and a flag carry-over means for carrying over the flag over a plurality of games when an internal prize mode flag corresponding to a special game advantageous to the player is set by the prize mode determining means. A game processing control means for executing a special game when a symbol corresponding to the special game is stopped and displayed on the variable display portion when the flag is set, The flag is carried over only during the game.

According to this configuration, the number of games whose flags are carried over by the flag carrying means is limited to a predetermined number. Therefore, the player must stop and display the symbol corresponding to the special game on the variable display unit within the predetermined number of games.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the number of games that the flag can carry over, that is, the predetermined number is determined by lottery.

According to this configuration, the number of games that the flag can carry over is determined and changed by lottery.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment in which a gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a view showing the inside of the cabinet 2 with the front door 51 of the slot machine 1 opened.

The front door 51 of the slot machine 1 is provided with a front panel 3 facing the player. Inside the cabinet 2 behind the front panel 3, three reels 4, 5, and 6 constituting a variable display section are rotatably provided. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 4, 5, and 6, a symbol row including a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbols) is drawn. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
Symbols such as “7”, “Angko”, “BAR”, “watermelon”, “orange”, “cherry”, and “JAC” are drawn. Three of these symbols are observed through transparent display windows 7, 8, 9 provided on the front of the front panel 3.

At the lower side of the display windows 7, 8, and 9, an insertion slot 10 for the player to insert a game medal, and one coin within the credit balance instead of inserting a game medal into the insertion slot 10. , 2 and 3 betting switches 12a, 12b, and 12c for betting game medals, respectively. Above the bet switches 12a, 12b, 12c, there is provided a credit number display section 13 for displaying a credit balance composed of a 7-segment LED (light emitting diode) or the like. Also, three pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, 3
Two winning lines L3A and L3B are drawn in an oblique direction.

Prior to the start of each game, when the player inserts one game medal into the slot 10 or presses the bet switch 12a, the bet amount becomes "1", and FIG.
, Only the center pay line L1 is activated. When the player inserts two game medals into the insertion slot 10 or presses the bet switch 12b, the bet amount becomes “2”.
As shown in FIG. 3B, three horizontal pay lines L1, L2A, and L2B are activated. When the player inserts three game medals or presses the bet switch 12c, the bet amount becomes "3", and FIG.
As shown in (5), all five pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B in the horizontal and oblique directions are activated.

Below the bet switches 12a to 12c, a credit / payment changeover switch (hereinafter referred to as a C / P switch) for switching the credit / payout (PLAY CREDIT / PAY OUT) of a game medal obtained by the player by a pressing operation. 14) are provided. To the right of the C / P switch 14, reels 4,
A start lever 15 is provided as a game start means for simultaneously rotating the players 5 and 6. To the right of the start lever 15, the reels 4,
Three stop buttons 16, 17, and 18 arranged corresponding to the respective reels 4, 5, and 6 to individually stop the reels 5, 6
Is provided.

Above the front panel 3, a payout display 19 is provided.
And a combination table as shown in FIG. 3 showing types of symbol combinations to be a winning combination and the number of game medals to be paid out corresponding to each winning combination. Below the front panel 3, a game medal tray 21 for storing game medals paid out through the medal payout opening 20 is provided. The number of game medals to be paid out is digitally displayed on a medal payout number display section 56 provided above the insertion slot 10. A liquid crystal display 11 is provided below each of the reels 4, 5, and 6. The screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11 is operated by a player using a key 22 on the left side of the screen, and game information and the like are displayed.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A storage hopper 45 for storing medals is provided below the reels 4, 5, and 6 inside the box, and a power supply box unit 52 is provided next to the storage hopper 45. The power supply box unit 52 is provided with various switches such as a main switch 53, a reset switch 54, and a key switch 55 for setting a lottery probability. The main switch 53
The reset switch 54 is a switch that is operated to interrupt the power supply required for the operation of the slot machine 1 and is operated when the error operation is canceled and when the lottery probability is set. The lottery probability setting key type switch 55 is operated when setting the lottery probability and when confirming the set lottery probability.

In the present slot machine 1, (1) a general game, (2) a BB game, and (3) an RB game described below are performed.

(1) General Game At the time of a general game, when three symbols “7” or “anko” are aligned on the activated pay line, a BB game occurs. When three symbols “BAR” are aligned on the activated pay line, an RB game occurs. Also,
When three “watermelon” and “orange” are aligned on the activated prize line, a small hit prize is generated. Also, one symbol “Cherry” is displayed on the activated pay line of the first reel 4.
Stops, a cherry small win prize occurs. When three symbols “JAC” are aligned on the activated pay line, a replay occurs. If the arranged symbol combination is not in any of these modes, a loss occurs.

When the RB game wins, 15 payout medals are paid out, and after the medals are paid out, the RB game, which is a high payout game in which a high payout is awarded to the player, is executed. Further, when a BB game winning occurs, 15 payout medals are paid out, and after the medals are paid out, a BB game described later is executed. In addition, when small wins of "watermelon", "orange" and "cherry" are generated, 15, 8, and 2 medals are paid out, respectively, and the generated small hits are paid out medals. finish. When a replay game occurs, there is no medal payout, but the player can play the game again without inserting a medal.

(2) BB Game In the BB game, first, a general game is executed. Loss also occurs in the general game during the BB game (general game in the BB), but each small hit prize described above has a higher probability than in the normal general game other than the BB game. I do. This general game during BB can be played up to 30 times in this embodiment.

In addition, during this B / B general game, the JAC
When the symbol combinations are lined up, six medals are paid out.

Thereafter, an RB game, which is a high payout game in which a high payout is awarded, is executed. This RB game is played with one bet, and during this RB game, further JA
When the symbol combination of C is lined up, a jackpot game prize is generated, and 15 medals are paid out. Loss also occurs during the RB game, but the jackpot prize is about 9/1
Occurs with a high probability of 0. In the present embodiment, the RB game ends when the jackpot game prize is generated eight times, or when the total number of games executed during the RB game reaches twelve.

When the RB game is completed, the above-described general game during BB is performed again. When the symbol combination described above occurs during the general game,
Thereafter, the RB game described above is further performed.

The BB game is composed of B
This is a special game advantageous to a player who repeatedly performs the set of the normal game in B and the RB game. In the present embodiment, the BB game ends when the BB regular game and the RB game are set three times.

(3) RB Game The RB game other than the BB game is generated during the normal general game described above in (1), and the high payout game shown in the BB game is executed. Performed once and ends. This R
In the B game, unlike the BB game, the above-mentioned general games in which a small hit occurs with a high probability are not performed.

FIG. 5 shows a circuit configuration including a control unit 23 for controlling a game processing operation in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment and peripheral devices electrically connected thereto.

The control unit 23 has a read-only memory (RO
M) 24 and a central processing unit (CPU) 26 having a random access memory (RAM) 25,
A clock circuit 27 for generating an operation clock signal for the CPU 26 and a random number setting unit 28 for determining random numbers for random number sampling are provided. The control unit 23 including the CPU 26 and the like determines an internal winning mode of the game by lottery,
A winning mode determining means for setting an internal winning mode flag corresponding to the determined internal winning mode is configured. Further, the control unit 23 constitutes a flag carry-over means for carrying over an internal prize mode flag corresponding to a special game advantageous to the player set by the prize mode determination means over a plurality of games. The control unit 23 also constitutes a game processing control means for executing the special game when the symbol corresponding to the special game is stopped and displayed on the reels 4 to 6 when the flag corresponding to the special game is set. ing.

The clock circuit 27 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 29 for generating a reference clock signal having a predetermined frequency,
A frequency divider 30 for generating an operation clock signal for the CPU 26 by dividing the frequency of the reference clock signal. The random number setting unit 28 generates a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 16383) in accordance with a command from the CPU 26, and extracts a random number generated by the random number generator 31 and transfers the random number to the CPU 26. A sampling circuit 32 is provided.

A plurality of input / output ports (I / O ports) provided in the CPU 26 include a key 22, a C / P switch 14, a start lever 15, and a medal sensor for detecting a game medal inserted into the slot 10. 33, motor drive circuit 34, reel position detection circuit 35, reel stop signal circuit 36, hopper drive circuit 37, payout completion signal circuit 3
8, a display drive circuit 39, a speaker drive circuit 40, and a lamp drive circuit 41 are connected.

The motor drive circuit 34 includes reels 4, 5,
6, stepping motors 42, 43, 4 for driving
4 are connected to the reel stop signal circuit 36, and the stop button switches 16, 17, and 18 are connected. When the player tilts the start lever 15, the CPU 26 detects this and controls the motor drive circuit 34 to supply drive pulses to the stepping motors 42, 43, 44 to rotate the reels 4, 5, 6. Stop button 16,
When the buttons 17 and 18 are pressed, the reel stop signal circuit 36 detects this and transfers a detection signal to the CPU 26.
The PU 26 detects a motor drive circuit 34 based on the detection signal.
By stopping the supply of drive pulses to the stepping motors 42, 43, and 44, the reels 4, 5,
6 is stopped.

The reel position detecting circuit 35 includes a reel 4
Optical sensors and the like for detecting the rotational positions of 5, 6 are provided,
The position detection signal detected by the optical sensor or the like is sent to the CPU 2
6, the position information of each symbol drawn on the reels 4, 5, and 6 is notified. Hopper drive circuit 3
7, a storage hopper 45 for storing game medals is connected. The payout completion signal circuit 38 is connected to a medal detection unit 46 for counting the number of game medals paid out from the storage hopper 45 to the game medal tray 21 at the time of winning. When the count value actually paid out reaches the predetermined number of payouts, a payout completion signal is transferred from the payout completion signal generation circuit 38 to the CPU 26.

The liquid crystal display unit 11 is connected to the display drive circuit 39, and displays an image on the liquid crystal display unit 11 according to an instruction from the CPU 26. Speaker drive circuit 40
Has a speaker 47 that outputs a sound effect through the sound transmission hole.
Is connected to the lamp driving circuit 41, and the display windows 7, 8,.
A back lamp 48 for transmitting and illuminating a symbol appearing through the back surface 9 from the back side is connected.

The ROM 24 stores, as a sequence program, the procedure of the game processing executed by the slot machine 1, and also stores various probability lottery tables, symbol tables, and the like. In the RAM 25,
A work storage area for storing various processing data, flag data, and the like when the CPU 26 performs processing according to the sequence program is provided.

FIG. 6 conceptually shows a probability lottery table stored in the ROM 24 described above. The probability lottery table stores data for dividing a predetermined range of random numbers generated by the random number generator 31 into each winning mode, and this data is determined by the game state and the number of inserted medals. For example, when one medal is inserted at the time of “general game”, a probability table T _S1 is selected from the table and random numbers in a certain range generated by the random number generator 31 are stored in the table T _S1. Is divided by the data. That is,
It is determined to which group of the section in the table the one random number value specified by the sampling circuit 32 belongs, and an internal winning mode is determined.

Each table T _S1 ,
In T _S2 and T _S3 , the random numbers are grouped into sections of BB game, RB game, small hit prize game, replay game (replay), and loss. By increasing the number of inserted medals to two or three, the probability of each winning is increased.

In the probability lottery, the BB game or the R.
When the B game occurs and the BB flag or the RB flag is set, the BB game or the R
・ When the symbol combinations of the B game are not lined up,
"B" which is the state immediately before the B game or the RB game enters.
"B or RB inside hit" game state.

In this game state, the probability extraction shown in the table is performed.
Table T as selection table_F1, T _F2, T_F3Is the input meda
Selected according to the number of files. In each of these tables,
Is each section of the small hit prize game, replay and losing
Are grouped into Also, if the game state is “B ・ B
When it comes to “general games,” the probability lottery table
T_B1, T_B2, T_B3Is selected according to the number of inserted medals.
In each of these tables, the random numbers are
Jack game (replay) winning and losing each section
Grouped.

The table shown in FIG. 7 shows an example of data stored in each probability lottery table when the number of medals is three as shown in FIG. That is, in the probability lottery table T _S3 when the game state is the general game, 59, 33, 82, 1638, 55, and 2244 are respectively shown for the lottery combinations BB, RB, watermelon, orange, cherry, and replay. Numeric data is stored. The numerical data of the lottery combination in the replay indicates the probability of winning in the RB game in the game state of the general game during BB. These numerical data are 0 to 16 generated by the random number generator 31.
383 indicates a random number range for dividing random numbers in the range of 383. For example, when the probability lottery table T _S3 is used, BB
The game has a probability of 59/16384, or about 1/280
Occurs with a probability of

The probability lottery table T _F3 in which the gaming state is in the inside and the probability lottery table T _{B3 in} the case of the general game in BB
Similarly, random number width data for classifying the generated random numbers is stored in the same manner. In the table, a portion in which a horizontal bar without numerical data is indicated indicates that the winning combination is not selected.

The table shown in FIG. 8 shows that the values of the lottery probabilities of the respective lottery combinations in the general gaming state are set in six stages from setting 1 to setting 6. Numerical data of the probability lottery table T _S3 shown in FIG. 7 at the time of the general game is set to the lottery probability value of the setting 3 in the six stages. Therefore, using this probability lottery table T _S3 , each lottery combination BB, RB, watermelon, orange, cherry, and replay are each about 1/280 (= 59 /
16384), about 1/500 (= 33/16384),
About 1/200 (= 82/16384), about 1/10 (=
1638/16384), about 1/300 (= 55/16
384), about 1 / 7.3 (= 2244/16384).

The lottery probabilities in the settings 1 to 6 are set by turning on the lottery probability setting key type switch 55 inside the cabinet 2 and then turning on the power of the slot machine 1. If the lottery probability setting key type switch 55 is turned on when the power is turned on, the current setting is displayed on the medal payout number display section 56 as numerals 1 to 6 corresponding to the settings 1 to 6. The setting 1 to the setting are increased by one each time the reset switch 54 is operated, and the setting 1 is cyclically set again after the setting 6. When the setting stage is determined, the number corresponding to the desired setting stage is displayed on the medal payout number display section 56, and the start lever 15 is tilted.
When the setting stage of the lottery probability is determined, the key switch 55 for setting the lottery probability is turned off, the number displayed on the medal payout number display section 56 is erased, and the setting process is terminated. When confirming the setting stage, the lottery probability setting key type switch 5
When 5 is turned on, the current setting stage of the lottery probability is displayed as a number on the medal payout number display section 56.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a flag carry-over game number selection table at the time of winning a 3-betting BB used in a flag carry-over game number selection process described later. This flag carry-over game selection table is stored in the ROM 2
4 and is referred to when determining the number of flag-carrying games according to the setting stage of the lottery probability by random number lottery from a plurality of predetermined flag-carrying game numbers. For example, if the number of flag carry-over games is predetermined to 0 games, 3 games, 6 games, and 500 games as shown in the figure, the lottery probability setting step is set to 3
In the case of, the probability of each of these carryover games being drawn is 31/64, 17/64, 8/64, 8 /
64.

The ROM 24 stores a symbol table (not shown). This symbol table associates the rotation positions of the reels 4 to 6 with the symbols, and represents each symbol row by a symbol. The symbol table includes a code number sequentially assigned to each reel at a constant rotation pitch based on a rotation position at which a reset pulse is generated, and a symbol code indicating a symbol provided corresponding to each code number. Are stored.

The ROM 24 stores a winning symbol combination table (not shown). In this winning symbol combination table, a symbol code of each winning symbol combination posted on the payout display section 19, a symbol code of a symbol combination constituting a “reach eye”, a winning determination code representing each winning, a winning medal payout The number of sheets and the like are stored. Here, the reach is BB or R
-When the B game winning flag is set in the above-mentioned BB or RB inside hitting game state set by the internal lottery, it is determined that the occurrence of the BB game or the RB game is in the near state. It is a symbol combination suggesting to the person. The winning symbol combination table is referred to at the time of stop control of the first reel 2, the second reel 3, and the third reel 4, and at the time of confirming a winning after stopping all the reels.

Next, an outline of the operation of the slot machine 1 controlled by the control unit 23 will be described with reference to a general flowchart shown in FIG.

First, a game medal is inserted (FIG. 10,
(Step 91) When the start lever 15 is turned on (Step 92), a probability lottery process (symbol lottery process) is performed, and an internal winning mode is determined (Step 93). Then, a hit request flag indicating the determined internal winning mode is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 25.

Next, it is determined whether or not the winning request flag set in the RAM 25 indicates an internal winning mode of BB or RB (step 94). If it is a winning request flag indicating an internal winning mode of BB or RB, then it is determined whether or not the winning request flag has been won in the probability lottery process of the current game (step 95). If the game has been won in the current game, a lottery for the number of games carried over with the flag is subsequently performed, and the prescribed number of games carried over with the flag is determined (step 9).
6). Next, it is determined whether the prescribed number of games that carry over the flag has been exhausted (step 97). This determination is also made when the determination result of step 94 is “NO” and when the determination result of step 95 is “NO”. If it is determined that the prescribed number of games for which the flag is to be carried over has not been exhausted, the winning request flag representing the internal winning mode of BB or RB is carried over and the game is played. On the other hand, if it is determined that the prescribed number of games that carry over the flag has been exhausted, the winning request flag indicating the internal winning mode of the BB or RB is cleared (step 98), and the gaming state is changed from the inside of the BB or RB. Move to the general gaming state.

Next, the details of the operation of the slot machine 1 controlled by the control unit 23 will be described with reference to the main flowcharts shown in FIGS.

First, an initialization process at the start of the game is performed (step 101 in FIG. 11), and then a RAM clear process at the end of the game for erasing the data stored in the RAM 25 at the end of the previous game is performed (at step 101). Step 102). Next, as a result of the previous game, a replay (replay) occurs, and the CPU 26 determines whether or not there is a request for automatic insertion of medals (step 103). If there is this automatic insertion, the game medals corresponding to the insertion request are then automatically inserted (step 104). On the other hand, when there is no automatic insertion request, next, a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 10 by the player and a detection signal is input from the medal sensor 33, or the insertion signal is input by operating the bet switches 12a to 12c. Wait for input (step 105). During a general game, up to three medals can be inserted.
-One medal can be inserted in the bonus game during the B game or the RB game.

Next, by operating the start lever 15,
It is determined whether a start signal has been input from the start switch (step 106). This determination is "YE
In the case of "S", it is next determined whether or not 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game (step 107). If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, until 4.1 seconds have elapsed. The waiting time for starting the game is exhausted (step 108) If the operation of the start lever 15 is performed before the elapse of 4.1 seconds,
The speaker 47 emits a reel rotation impossible sound. When 4.1 seconds have passed since the last game, a random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 31 is extracted by the sampling circuit 32 (step 109), and then 1 for counting the above 4.1 seconds. A game monitoring timer is set (step 110).

Next, a probability lottery process is performed based on the random number value extracted in step 109 (FIG. 12, step 111). This probability lottery process is performed by the sampling circuit 32
The determination is made by determining which random number value belongs to which lottery combination in the winning probability table (see FIG. 7). At this time, the winning probability table to be referred to is selected as described above according to the gaming state at that time. Then, a hit request flag indicating the lottery combination to which the extracted random number value belongs
It is set in a predetermined area of M25. Next, BB or R
A carryover game number selection process of selecting the number of games carrying the B hit request flag from a plurality of predetermined game numbers is performed (step 112).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the carry-over game number selection processing. In the carry-over game number selection processing, first, as a result of the probability lottery processing of step 111 in the current game, it is determined whether or not an internal prize of BB or RB has been won (FIG. 14, step 201). If this determination is "NO", the carry-over game number selection process ends. That is, the number of carried over games is selected only when an internal hit of BB or RB occurs in the current game. On the other hand, if the determination in step 201 is “YES”, then, the number of flag-carrying games is randomly selected based on the flag-carrying-game selection table shown in FIG. 9 (step 202). The number of flag carry-over games is determined by the CPU 26
Extracts a random number at an arbitrary timing from a counter that counts a number in the range of 0 to 63, and the extracted random number value is
The determination is made by determining which section of the table corresponds to the current lottery probability setting stage. next,
The CPU 26 sets the value of the determined flag carry-over game number to R
It is set in the carry-over game number storage area of the AM 25 (step 203).

When the carry-over game number selection processing in step 112 is completed, next, the CPU 26 drives the stepping motors 42 to 44 to rotate, and the reels 4 to 6 are rotated (step 113 in FIG. 12). Next, it is determined whether any of the stop buttons 16 to 18 has been turned on (step 114). If the ON operation has not been performed, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop timer has reached 0 (step 115). The automatic stop timer is for automatically stopping the reels 4 to 6 after a predetermined time has elapsed when the stop buttons 16 to 18 are not operated for a predetermined time.

When any of the stop buttons 16 to 18 is turned on or the automatic stop timer becomes 0, the number of symbols of the symbols drawn on the activated pay line, that is, the number of sliding frames is determined. (Step 11
6). The number of sliding pieces is determined based on a game state, a winning request, the number of control pieces, a symbol position, and the like. Game state is RAM2
5, and the winning request is indicated by the hit request flag described above. The number of control frames is stored in the ROM 24 as a table in accordance with the order of the symbols for which the pull-in control is prioritized. The control frame number is a frame number within a range in which the pull-in control is possible, and is set to a maximum of four frames in each winning mode during a general game. The symbol position is position data of each of the reels 4 to 6 written in a predetermined area of the RAM 25. This symbol position is data of a symbol present at each activated pay line at that time, and is stored as a symbol code.

In determining the number of sliding frames, first, the current game state is referred to, and a priority order table according to the game state is selected. Next, the number of control frames in the winning mode according to the winning request is referred to from the selected table. Thereafter, the symbol position at that time is referred to, and the symbol at that time on the activation line of the first stop reel is grasped. If this symbol is not a symbol corresponding to the winning request, it is determined whether there is a symbol corresponding to the winning request within the range of the number of control frames referred to. If the symbol corresponding to the winning request is within the range of the number of control frames, the number of frames from the activated winning line to the symbol is determined as the number of sliding frames.

Next, the number of sliding frames is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 25. Thereafter, a stop request flag for the first stop reel is set, and in response to the setting of the stop request flag, the first stop reel is rotated by the determined number of sliding frames, and rotation of one reel is performed. It is stopped (step 117). Next, it is determined whether or not all the reels 4 to 6 have stopped (step 118). If the second reel and the third reel are not yet stopped,
The processing returns to step 114, and the above processing is repeated.

Next, a winning search process is performed by the CPU 26 (FIG. 13, step 119). In the winning search process, the type of the winning flag indicating the combination of the symbols actually arranged on the activated winning line matches the type of the hit request flag determined by the probability lottery process. Then, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step 120). If this determination result is not normal, for example, if the watermelon symbol combination is aligned on the activated winning line but the hit request flag is a cherry flag, an illegal error is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 11. (Step 121). If the winning flag is normal, a carryover game number search process is performed by the CPU 26 (step 122).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an outline of the carry-over game number search processing. In the carry-over game number search process, first, it is determined whether or not a BB or RB has been won (FIG. 15, step 301). This determination is "Y
In the case of “ES”, it is determined that the winning symbol combination corresponding to the BB or RB hit request flag is aligned with the activated pay line, and the CPU 26 clears the BB or RB hit request flag set in a predetermined area of the RAM 25. On the other hand, if the determination in step 301 is "NO", it is next determined whether or not a BB or RB hit request lag is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 25 (step 302). This determination is "N
In the case of "O", it is determined that the current game state is not inside the BB or RB, and the carry-over game number search processing ends. On the other hand, if the determination is "YES", the current game state is BB Alternatively, the CPU 26 determines that the RB is being hit inside, and the CPU 26 subtracts 1 from the value of the carry-over game number set in the carry-over game number storage area of the RAM 25 in step 203 (see FIG. 14) (step 30).
3). The subtracted value is overwritten by the CPU 26 in the carry-over game number storage area. Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the carry-over game number set in the carry-over game number storage area of the RAM 25 is negative (step 304). If this determination is “NO”, it is determined that the carry-over game number has not reached the specified game number, and the carry-over game number search process ends. On the other hand, if this determination is "YES", it is determined that the carry-over game number has reached the specified game number, the BB or RB hit request flag is cleared by the CPU 26 (step 305), and the carry-over game number search process ends. .

When the carry-over game number search processing in step 122 is completed as described above, then, depending on the state at that time, a game medal credit or payout processing is performed (FIG. 13, step 123). In other words, in the state where the game is played with credits, the number of credits displayed on the credit number display section 13 is increased by the number of medals obtained by winning, and the game is performed by inserting medals into the slot 10. In this state, the number of medals obtained by winning is paid out to the tray 21.

Next, the CPU 26 determines whether the current game state is the operation of the BB game or the RB game (step 124). If the BB game or the RB game is not in operation, the game processing by the CPU 26 returns to step 102, and the next new game is started. If the BB game or the RB game is in operation, the BB game or the R
The number of games in the B game is checked by the CPU 26 (step 125), and it is determined from the checked number of games whether or not the BB game has ended (step 126).
RA at the end of the BB game if the BB game is over
M clear processing is performed on the RAM 25 (step 1).
27) After that, the game processing returns to step 102 and the next new game is started. In step 126, B
If the game B has not ended, the game processing returns to step 102 and the next new game is started.

In the present slot machine 1, BB
Alternatively, the number of games for which the RB hit request flag is carried over is determined by lottery as described above (see FIG. 14). FIG. 1 is a timing chart of a game operation when the number of carried-over games is determined to be, for example, three games by lottery.
6, FIG. 17, and timing charts of the game operation when the game is determined to be 0 game are shown in FIG. 18 and FIG.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing a game operation when three games are drawn as the number of carried-over games and a BB or RB wins in the second game thereafter.
When the start lever 15 is pressed as shown in FIG. 3A, a probability lottery process is performed at the pressed timing,
The reels 4 to 6 rotate as shown in FIG. In the probability lottery process of the 0th game shown in FIG.
When the internal winning mode of B is selected, the internal winning flag of BB or RB is set as shown in FIG.
When the internal winning flag is set, the gaming state is changed from the normal game to the internal winning of BB or RB as shown in FIG. Since three games are drawn as the carry-over game number, three games can be performed after the zeroth game during the internal winning. However, as shown in FIG. When a winning symbol combination corresponding to BB or RB is completed, a BB or RB winning occurs, and the BB or RB operating device operates as shown in FIG. Then, the gaming state is a bonus game as shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a timing chart showing a game operation in a case where three games are drawn as the number of carried-over games and a winning request flag is cleared without winning a BB or RB within three games thereafter. FIG.
When the start lever 15 is pressed as shown in FIG. 5, a probability lottery process is performed at the pressed timing, and the reels 4 to 6 rotate as shown in FIG. In the probability lottery process of the 0th game shown in FIG.
When the internal winning mode of B is selected, an internal winning flag is set as shown in FIG. When the internal winning flag is set, the gaming state is changed from the normal game to the internal winning of BB or RB as shown in FIG. Since three games are drawn by lot as the number of carried-over games, three games can be performed after the 0th game during the internal winning. During this three games, if the winning symbol combinations corresponding to BB or RB are not prepared on reels 4 to 6, BB or RB
No prize is generated, and BB or R as shown in FIG.
The actuator of B does not operate. Then, the game state returns to the normal game after the end of the three games as shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing a game operation in a case where 0 games are drawn as the number of carried-over games and BB or RB is won in the current game. When the start lever 15 is pressed as shown in FIG. 7A, a probability lottery process is performed at the timing when the start lever 15 is pressed, and the reels 4 to 6 rotate as shown in FIG. In the probability lottery process of the 0th game shown in FIG.
When the internal winning mode of B is selected by lottery, an internal winning flag is set as shown in FIG. When the internal winning flag is set, the gaming state is changed from the normal game to the internal winning of BB or RB as shown in FIG. Since 0 games are randomly selected as the number of carried-over games, the internal winning flag is not carried over and becomes effective only in the current game. In this round game, reels 4 to 6 have BB
Or, when the winning symbol combination corresponding to RB is completed, B
B or RB prize occurs, and as shown in FIG.
The B or RB actuator is activated. Then, the gaming state is a bonus game as shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart showing a game operation in a case where 0 games are randomly selected as the number of carried-over games and a winning request flag is cleared without winning BB or RB in the current game. When the start lever 15 is pressed as shown in FIG. 7A, a probability lottery process is performed at the timing when the start lever 15 is pressed, and the reels 4 to 6 rotate as shown in FIG. 0 shown in FIG.
When the internal prize mode of BB or RB is selected in the probability lottery process of the game, an internal winning flag is set as shown in FIG. When the internal winning flag is set, the gaming state is changed from the normal game to the internal winning of BB or RB as shown in FIG. Since 0 games are randomly selected as the number of carried-over games, the internal winning flag is not carried over and becomes effective only in the current game. In the present game, if no winning symbol combination corresponding to BB or RB is provided on the reels 4 to 6, BB or R
No B prize occurs, and the BB or RB actuator does not operate as shown in FIG. Then, the game state returns to the normal game state as shown in FIG.

According to the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability lottery process (FIG. 12, step 111)
The number of games for which the winning request flag of the BB or RB internal prize mode determined in the above is carried over is determined by lottery, for example, 0 games, 3 games, 6 games or 50 games.
It is limited to 0 games (see FIG. 14). Therefore, the player must stop the symbols corresponding to BB or RB on the activated pay line within the predetermined number of games. For this reason, the technical intervention of the player with respect to the slot machine 1 is enhanced, and there is a difference in a game result between a game beginner and a game expert. Further, in the conventional slot machine, if the hit request flag indicating the internal winning mode of BB or RB is set, the game is repeated as many times as necessary until the symbol corresponding to BB or RB is stopped on the activated winning line. BB game or RB game was surely performed. However, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, BB
Alternatively, the BB game or the RB game cannot be performed unless the symbol corresponding to the RB is stopped on the activated pay line, thereby creating a new game property, and the interest of the slot machine game is increased.

In the present embodiment, the carry-over game number of the flag changes because it is determined by lottery. For this reason, the number of games that the flag can carry over increases or decreases depending on the result of the lottery, and a change in the game characteristics occurs, and the interest of the slot machine game further increases.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, the number of games whose flags are carried over by the flag carrying means is limited to a predetermined number. Therefore, the player must stop and display the symbol corresponding to the special game on the variable display unit within the predetermined number of games. For this reason, the technical intervening ability of the player with respect to the gaming machine is enhanced, and a difference is caused in a game result between a game beginner and a game expert. Further, in the conventional gaming machine, if the special game internal winning mode flag is established, the game corresponding to the special game can be repeatedly performed any number of times until the symbol corresponding to the special game is stopped and displayed on the variable display portion, and the special game can be reliably performed. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, a new game characteristic that a special game cannot be performed unless a symbol corresponding to the special game is stopped and displayed on the variable display portion within a predetermined number of games is born, and the interest of the game is improved. .

When the number of games that the flag can carry over is determined by lottery, the number of games that the flag can carry over is determined by lottery and changes. For this reason,
Depending on the lottery result, the number of games that the flag can carry over may increase or decrease, and a change may occur in the game characteristics, thereby further improving the interest of the game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external structure of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an internal structure of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 with a front door opened.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a symbol drawn on a reel of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 and a winning mode corresponding to the symbol.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a state in which a winning line described in a display window of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 is sequentially activated.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control unit for controlling the operation of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 and peripheral devices thereof.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a configuration of a probability lottery table provided in the slot machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of numerical data of each probability lottery table at the time of the three-betting game shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a table showing that the lottery probability of each lottery combination is set to six levels when the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 is in a general gaming state.

9 is a view showing an example of a flag carry-over game number selection table provided in the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

10 is a general flowchart showing an outline of a game processing operation by a control unit shown in FIG. 5;

11 is a first main flowchart showing details of a game processing operation by a control unit shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 12 is a second main flowchart performed subsequent to the first main flowchart shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a third main flowchart performed subsequently to the second main flowchart shown in FIG. 12;

14 is a flowchart showing an outline of a carry-over game number selection process in the second main flowchart shown in FIG. 12;

15 is a flowchart showing an outline of a carryover game number search process in the third flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a first timing chart showing a temporal relationship between the number of flag carry-over games and the game operation of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is a second timing chart showing a temporal relationship between the number of flag carry-over games and the game operation of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1;

18 is a third timing chart showing a time relationship between the number of flag carry-over games and the game operation of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

19 is a fourth timing chart showing a temporal relationship between the number of flag carry-over games and the game operation of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine 2 ... Cabinet 51 ... Front door 3 ... Front panel 4, 5, 6 ... Reel 7, 8, 9 ... Window 10 ... Medal slot 11 ... Liquid crystal display part 12a, 12b, 12c ... Bet switch 13 ... Credit Number display section 14 C / P switch 15 Start lever 16, 17, 18 Stop button 19 Payment display section 20 Medal payout slot 21 Medal tray 22 Key 23 Control section 24 ROM 25 RAM 26 CPU

Claims (5)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A variable display section for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a winning mode determining means for determining an internal winning mode of a game by lottery, and setting a flag corresponding to the determined internal winning mode; When the internal prize mode flag corresponding to the special game is set by the prize mode determining means, the flag carry means for carrying the flag over a plurality of games, and the symbol corresponding to the special game when the flag is set is variably displayed. A game processing control means for executing the special game when stopped and displayed on the unit, wherein the flag carry-over means carries over the flag only for a predetermined number of games. Gaming machine. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number is determined by lottery. 3. The special game includes a plurality of sets of a special game during a special game for generating a prize mode of various payouts and a high payout game generated at the time of the general game during the special game and provided with a high payout. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the special game is a high payout game which is generated during a general game and is provided with a high payout. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine.