JP2003038724A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of providing enhanced interest. SOLUTION: In the game machine 10, a pattern row is fluctuated/displayed on pattern display means (21, 22, and 23), and then the fluctuating/displaying of the pattern row is stopped based on an internal state. A special benefit is given corresponding to a combination of stopped patterns, and a specific game is performed in the case that the stopped patterns form a first combination pattern during a normal game. The normal game is switched to a plurality of game states including a first game state and a second game state. The specific game is performed either as a first specific game or a second specific game. In the first game state, if the internal state forming the first combination pattern is determined and/or the stopped patterns form the first combination pattern, a probability of changing over to the first specific game is high. In the second game state, if the internal state forming the first combination pattern is determined and/or the stopped patterns form the first combination pattern, a probability of changing over to the second specific game is high.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a game machine. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique related to switching the gaming state of a gaming machine and shifting to a specific game.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine, has three rotating reels, and symbols are drawn in a row on each reel surface. Starting lever (starting operation part) after the player inserts a medal (game medium)
When is operated, the three reels rotate, and the symbols on the reel surface are scroll-displayed on the display. When the player presses a reel stop button (stop operation unit) corresponding to each reel while the reels are rotating, the rotation of each reel is stopped. When all of the three reels are stopped, the stop symbol is displayed on the display, and the medals are paid out according to the combination of the stop symbols. Further, when the stop symbols are a predetermined combination (for example, “7,7,7”), the winning probability of the stop symbols is increased, and the bonus game (specific game) is increased in the number of medals to be paid out. To do. The bonus game is divided into a super big state and a normal big state. In the bonus game performed in the super big state, more medals are paid out than in the normal big state. Whether the bonus game is played in the super big state or the normal big state is determined by a lottery.

[0003]

In the above gaming machine (slot machine), more medals are paid out in the super big state than in the normal big state, so that the player plays the bonus game in the super big state. I expect that. However, it is impossible to predict whether the bonus game will be played in the super big state or the normal big state because it is determined by a lottery. For this reason, the above slot machine cannot raise the expectation of the player, and lacks the fun of the game.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with high interest.

[0005]

[Means and Actions and Effects for Solving the Problem] The gaming machine according to claim 1, when the start operation part is operated, a plurality of symbol rows are variably displayed on the symbol display, and stopped corresponding to the symbol rows. When the operation unit is operated, the variable display of the symbol row is stopped based on the internal state determined by the lottery, the privilege is given according to the combination of the stopped symbols, and the stop symbol is the first combination during the normal game. A specific game is played when it becomes a design. Then, the normal game is switched to a plurality of game states including the first game state and the second game state,
The specific game is performed by either the first specific game or the second specific game, and is determined in the internal state to be the first combination symbol in the first game state and / or the stop symbol is the first combination symbol. When it becomes, the probability of shifting to the first specific game is high, and when the internal state that is the first combination symbol in the second game state is determined and / or the stop symbol is the first combination symbol, Has a high probability of shifting to the second specific game. The above-mentioned gaming machine performs a specific game when the stop symbol becomes the first combination symbol during the normal game. Further, in the first game state is determined to the internal state to be the first combination symbol and / or when the stop symbol becomes the first combination symbol, the probability of shifting to the first specific game is high, the second In the game state of the determination and / or stop in the internal state that is the first combination symbol and / or when the stop symbol becomes the first combination symbol, the probability of shifting to the second specific game is high. Therefore, the player determines the internal state to be the first combination symbol and / or the stop symbol is the first while the normal game is in either the first game state or the second game state. It becomes a combination pattern of, and while enjoying a high fun while enjoying a game while increasing the expectation whether the specific game shifts to the first specific game or the second specific game corresponding to these game states. it can. Furthermore, the first specific game and the second specific game have a high probability of transition, but since they do not necessarily transition, the thrill that they may not transition will also entertain the player. The specific game is, for example, a special game state in which the winning probability of the stopped symbol is high and the amount of game media to be paid out is larger than that of the normal game, and the first combination symbol that is the stopped symbol is
For example, "7/7/7". First specific game and second
The specific game is a category of the specific game, for example, the first
The specific game of is a game called super big state,
The second specific game may be a game called a normal big state.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1, it is preferable that the switching between the first gaming state and the second gaming state is performed every time the stop symbol becomes the second combination symbol (claim 2). . According to the above gaming machine, the player is attracted by the switching between the first gaming state and the second gaming state, which is performed every time the stop symbol becomes the second combination symbol, and feels high fun. You can enjoy the game while playing.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1, it is preferable that the switching between the first gaming state and the second gaming state is performed every time the internal state is determined to be the first internal state. 3). According to the above-mentioned gaming machine, the player is attracted to the switching between the first gaming state and the second gaming state, which is performed every time the internal state is determined to be the first internal state, and is highly interesting. You can enjoy the game while feeling.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1, in the case where the stop symbol is the second combination symbol, the game state becomes the first game state during the subsequent one game, and the stop symbol is other than the second combination symbol. Is preferably in the second gaming state (claim 4). The above gaming machine, when the stop symbol is the second combination symbol, the game state becomes the first game state during the subsequent one game, and the second when the stop symbol is other than the second combination symbol. It becomes a game state. In this way, the game state becomes the first game state only for a short period of one game. Therefore, the player is interested in whether or not to shift to the corresponding first specific game while in the first game state, which is a short period, and enjoys the game while feeling high fun. be able to. Here, 1 game means that the start operation unit is operated and the symbols are variably displayed, and then the stop operation unit is operated to stop the symbols.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1, when the stop symbol is the third combination symbol, it becomes the first game state, and when the stop symbol is the fourth combination symbol, the second game state. It is preferable that (Claim 5). According to the above gaming machine, the player is interested in switching between the first gaming state and the second gaming state, which are performed when the stop symbol is the third combination symbol and the fourth combination symbol, respectively. You can enjoy playing games while being attracted and feeling high fun.

In the gaming machine according to claim 1, when the internal state is determined to be the second internal state, the first gaming state is set, and when the internal state is set to the third internal state, the second gaming state is set. It is preferable to be in a state (claim 6). According to the above gaming machine, the player is interested in switching between the first gaming state and the second gaming state, which are performed when the internal state is determined to be the second internal state and the third internal state, respectively. You can enjoy playing games while being attracted and feeling high fun.

In the gaming machine according to claim 2 or 4, it is preferable that the second combination symbol is a replay combination symbol that allows the player to play a game without hanging the game medium when stopped at the combination symbol ( Claim 7). According to the above-described gaming machine, the player can be attracted by the fact that the stop symbol becomes the replay combination symbol and the game state is switched, and the player can enjoy the game.

In the gaming machine according to claim 3, it is preferable that the first internal state is an internal state in which the replay combination symbol that allows the player to play a game without hanging the game medium is stopped (claim 8). ). According to the above gaming machine,
The player is attracted by the fact that the internal state is determined to be the first internal state that causes the replay combination symbol to stop and the gaming state be switched. You can enjoy the game.

In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, there is provided an informing means for informing whether the normal game is in the first gaming state or the second gaming state. Is preferred (claim 9). According to the above-mentioned gaming machine, it is possible to inform the player of whether the normal game is in the first gaming state or the second gaming state by the notifying means. Therefore, the player can proceed with the game while easily grasping the game state.

[0014]

1 to 1 show an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine 10 which is a kind of gaming machine.
This will be described with reference to 2. As shown in FIG. 1, on the front panel 12 of the slot machine 10, a symbol display unit 14 is provided in the center, an effect display unit 16 is provided above the symbol display unit 14, and an operation unit 18 is provided below the symbol display unit 14. And a payout unit 19 are arranged. The symbol display section 14 has three left display windows 21, three middle display windows, and two right display windows 23 arranged side by side.
Is provided, and these display windows (21, 22, 2,
A cylindrical left reel 24, a middle reel 25, and a right reel 26 are mounted on the back side of 3). These reels (24,
25, 26) on the cylindrical surface, a left reel band 85, a middle reel band 86, a right reel band 87 in which a plurality of symbols are drawn in a row.
Is attached so that it wraps around. Reel (24,
25, 26) is stopped, as shown in FIG. 1, the reel strips (8, 8) are displayed on the display windows (21, 22, 23).
5, 86, 87) are displayed vertically in the upper row, the middle row, and the lower row. When the starting lever 61 provided in the operation unit 18 is operated, the reels (24, 25, 26) rotate, and the symbols are scrolled vertically in the display windows (21, 22, 23) and displayed. . Reel (24, 25,
When the left reel stop button 62, the middle reel stop button 63, and the right reel stop button 64 are operated while 26) is rotating, the left reel 24, the middle reel 25, and the right reel 26 are individually stopped. These reels (24, 25,
26) and its drive mechanism will be described later in detail.

The structure of the front panel 12 other than that described above will be described later, and the display window (2
The symbols displayed in (1, 22, 23) will be described with reference to FIGS. Slot machine 10 has 1
An effective line is set according to the number of medals (number of medals) to be multiplied in one game. Then, when predetermined symbols are lined up on the activated line, medals as bonuses are paid out, or a specific game state (for example, a big bonus game described below) is entered. When the number of medals is one, as shown in FIG. 2, the display windows (21, 22,
23) The activated line L1 that horizontally penetrates the symbols in the middle displayed on each of them is activated (in FIGS. 2 to 4, ◯ indicates the symbol). When the number of medals is two, in addition to the activated line L1, as shown in FIG.
The horizontal active lines (L2, L3) of the book are activated.
When the number of medals is 3, the effective lines (L1, L
In addition to 2, L3), two diagonal effective lines (L4, L5) are activated as shown in FIG.

The arrangement of the symbols drawn on the left reel band 85, the middle reel band 86, and the right reel band 87 will be described.
5A, 5B, and 5C show the symbol arrays of the left reel band 85, the middle reel band 86, and the right reel band 87, respectively. Each symbol will be described with reference to the left reel band 85 in FIG. The number "7" is a big bonus symbol 201, and this big bonus symbol 20
When three 1's are on the activated line, the big bonus game is started. Details of the big bonus game and the regular bonus game will be described later. When three regular bonus symbols 202 having the symbol “BAR” are aligned on the activated line, the regular bonus game is started. Since the regular bonus game has the same contents as the JAC game described later, which is played during the big bonus game, only the big bonus game will be described below when it is not necessary to distinguish the two.

The cherry symbol 205, which is a pattern simulating cherry, is a so-called small winning symbol. When the left reel 24 is stopped after rotation (the left reel band 85 is variably displayed) and the cherry symbol 205 is displayed in any of the upper, middle, and lower rows of the left display window 21, two pieces are displayed for each activated line. Medals will be paid out. For example, when the number of medals is 3
When the cherry symbol 205 is stopped and displayed in the upper part of the left display window 21, the cherry symbol 205 has two effective lines (see FIG. 4).
L2, L4) of the above, a total of 4 medals of 2 + 2 are paid out. The cherry symbol 205 is also called a single symbol because the medals are paid out when it is stopped and displayed in the left display window 21 and it is not necessary to align three on the activated line.

When the replay symbol 203, which is the symbol "R" circled, is stopped and displayed on the activated line, the replay game is started. In the replay game, with the same effective line as the previous game without hanging medals,
You can play the game again. In addition, the replay pattern 203 in the small win game in the big bonus game
When three are aligned on the activated line, the JAC game is started. When 3 JAC symbols are aligned on the activated line during the JAC game, 15 medals are paid out. In addition, JAC
Since the symbol is also used as the replay symbol 203, the JAC symbol used hereinafter refers to the replay symbol 203. Further, as will be described later in detail, the big bonus game is played in either a super big state or a normal big state. During the small win game in the big bonus game in the super big state, 15 apples are paid out when three apple designs 204, which are small win symbols imitating an apple, are lined up on the activated line. During the normal game or during the small win game in the big bonus game in the normal big state, when three apple symbols 204 are lined up on the activated line, 10 medals are paid out.
The super big state and the normal big state correspond to the first specific game and the second specific game described in the claims, respectively. Moreover, when the big bonus symbol 201 (symbol “7”), the apple symbol 204, and the apple symbol 204 are lined up from the left side on the activated line, or the regular bonus symbol 202 (symbol “BAR”) and the apple symbol 20
4, when the apple symbols 204 are lined up, 15 medals are paid out (the combination of these symbols is called a special small winning symbol symbol). In addition, the fact that three same symbols are arranged on the activated line, the single symbol (cherry symbol 205) is displayed on the left display window 21, and the special small symbol symbols are arranged are referred to as a prize hereinafter.

The details of the configuration of the front panel 12 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, five effective line lamps (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) are provided vertically on the left side of the left display window 21 of the symbol display portion 14.
Effective line lamp (31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
Indicates the effective line of each symbol displayed in the display window (21, 22, 23). On the right side of the right display window 23, a big bonus lamp 41, a regular bonus lamp 42, a replay lamp 43, a medal insertion lamp 44, and a start lamp 45 are provided vertically. Further, a big bonus tempai lamp 48 is provided below the middle display window 22. Big bonus lamp 41,
The regular bonus lamp 42 is lit when the big bonus game and the regular bonus game are being played. The replay lamp 43 lights up when the replay symbol 203 wins, and notifies that the replay game is in progress. The medal insertion lamp 44 lights up when a medal can be inserted, and goes out when a medal cannot be inserted.
When the medal cannot be inserted, for example, the reels (24, 25, 26) are rotating during the replay game. The start lamp 45 lights up when the starting lever 61 is operable, and goes out when the starting lever 61 is inoperable. Starting lever 61
Is not operable means, for example, reels (24, 25,
26) during rotation, when no medals have been inserted. In the big bonus tempai lamp 48, a state where the two symbols displayed are stopped at the big bonus symbol 201 and the remaining one symbol is stopped at the big bonus symbol 201, the big bonus game is started (big bonus tempo state). Lights up.

Below the display windows (21, 22, 23),
A credit indicator 52, which is a numerical indicator, a game number indicator 53, and a payout number indicator 54 are provided. The credit indicator 52 displays the number of stored medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 56 and stored. The slot machine 10 of the present embodiment can store up to 50 medals, and if the medals are stored, it is not necessary to insert medals into the medal insertion slot 56 for each game. On the game number display 53, the number of remaining games of the big bonus game and the regular bonus game is displayed. The payout number display 54 displays the number of medals paid out when a prize is won.

The MAX bed button 57 provided on the operation unit 18 is a button for hanging up to three medals according to the number of stored medals. For example, 1
When the MAX bed button 57 is operated in a state where eight medals are stored, three medals are played, and in a state where two medals are stored, two medals are played. When the 1-bed button 58 is operated, one of the stored medals is hung up. When the two-bed button 59 is operated, two medals are hung up. It should be noted that each bed button (5
7, 58, 59), the bed buttons (57, 58, 59) are lit by the built-in LEDs when the medals can be hung and turned off when the medals cannot be hung. There is. The state in which the medal cannot be hung is, for example, during the replay game or the reels (24, 25, 26) are rotating. When the credit settlement button 65 provided at the lower left of the starting lever 61 is operated, the accumulation (credits) of medals is released, and the accumulated medals are paid out. A payout payout table 71 is provided above the bed buttons (57, 58, 59). Payout Dividend Table 7
1, the number of paid-out medals corresponding to the winning symbol and the like are displayed.

The effect display section 16 is provided with a liquid crystal display 66. On the liquid crystal display 66, effects such as displaying various characters during the game are given, and
The number of medals acquired is also displayed. Also, the liquid crystal display 6
Characters associated with the super big state and the normal big state are also displayed on 6, and the player is informed of which state the character is in. The payout portion 19 arranged at the bottom of the front panel 12 is a medal payout opening 6
8. A medal tray 69 is provided. Medals are paid out through the medal payout opening 68, and the paid-out medals are received by the medal receiving tray 69 and stored. Two speakers 47, which emit various sound effects and music during the game, are attached to the left and right of the medal payout opening 68.

The reel rotating device 70 for rotating the reels (24, 25, 26) will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the left reel 24, the center reel 25, and the right reel 26, which are arranged side by side, are attached to the frame 72. The reel rotating device 70 has the left display window 2 with the arrow 73 directed toward the front side of the slot machine 10.
1, mounted on the back side of the middle display window 22 and the right display window 23. 3 on the rear wall 72a of the frame 72 side by side
One bracket (74, 75, 76) is fixed. The brackets (74, 75, 76) are mounted with stepping motors 78 that can be stopped at arbitrary rotational positions, and the left reel 24, the center reel 25, and the right reel 26 are mounted on the rotation shafts of the stepping motors 78. There is. With this configuration, the left reel 24, the center reel 25, and the right reel 26 also rotate as the stepping motor 78 rotates. A signal line for driving the stepping motor 78 is connected to the connector 29.

The details of the reel configuration will be described. Since the left reel 24, the middle reel 25, and the right reel 26 have the same configuration, the left reel 24 will be representatively described. Left reel 2
As shown in FIG. 7, 4 is composed of a transparent cylindrical outer peripheral surface 24c, a plurality of spokes 24b connecting the outer peripheral surface 24c and the central portion 24a, and the like. Left reel 2
The central portion 24 a of No. 4 is attached to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 78. As described above, the left reel band 85 is mounted so as to wind around the outer peripheral surface 24c of the left reel 24. Left reel 2 on one of the spokes 24b
A plate-shaped shield plate 88 is attached in parallel to the axial direction of No. 4. In addition, the photo sensor 84, which is an optical sensor,
It is fixed to the bracket 74 and arranged inside the left reel 24. When the left reel 24 rotates and the shielding plate 88 crosses in front of the photo sensor 84 to block the incident light,
Thereby, the photo sensor 84 detects the timing of rotation of the left reel 24. The rotation position of the left reel 24 is detected by the photo sensor 84 detecting the rotation timing.

The lamp case 83 is arranged inside the left reel 24 while being fixed to the bracket 74.
As shown in FIG. 7, the lamp case 83 is divided into three rooms arranged in the vertical direction, and these rooms correspond to the three patterns displayed on the left display window 21, respectively. Back lamps (83a, 83b, 83
c) is attached. Back lamp (83a, 8
3b, 83c) are lit, the left display window 21 is brightly illuminated with the design.

Next, the main control circuit 100 for controlling the game operation of the slot machine 10, the display / sound control circuit 120 for controlling the display and sound, and the peripheral devices connected to these will be described. The main control circuit 100 is shown in FIG.
, CPU 101 (central processing unit), ROM 102 (read-only memory), RAM 1
03 (a readable / writable memory), an input control circuit 105, an output control circuit 106, and a BUS (signal line) (not shown) that connects them. CPU10
1 executes the game control program (for example, stop control logic of reels (24, 25, 26)) stored in the ROM 102, so that the slot machine 10
Controls various games. The RAM 103 includes various data (for example, acquired random number values, reels (24, 2, 2) generated in the process executed by the main control unit 100.
5, 26) is temporarily stored.
The input control circuit 105 receives signals output from the medal selector 108, the starting lever 61, the reel stop buttons (62, 63, 64), etc., and converts the signals into a data format that can be processed in the main control unit 100. Convert. The medal selector 108 is a detector that detects that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 56.

The payout medal sensor 131 and the photo sensor 84 are also connected to the main control circuit 100. The payout medal sensor 131 counts the number of medals paid out by the hopper 130 and outputs a medal payout signal to the main control circuit 100. The counter 104 is a free-running counter having a predetermined numerical value as an upper limit, and C
It has a function of acquiring a random number value counted when receiving a signal from the PU 101 and storing it in a register. The output control circuit 106 includes a display / sound control circuit 120,
A command signal is output to the hopper 130, the stepping motor 78, etc. The hopper 130 receives the command signal and pays out medals according to the winning of each symbol. The stepping motor 78 receives the command signal and performs a rotation / stop operation.

The display / sound control circuit 120 includes a CPU 12
1, a VDP 122, a ROM 123, a RAM 124, an input control circuit 125, an output control circuit 126, and a BUS (signal line) (not shown) that connects them. The input control circuit 125 receives the command signal transmitted from the output control circuit 106 of the main control unit 100 and transmits it to the CPU 121. CPU121 is R
According to the control program stored in OM123,
The command data transmitted from the main control unit 100 is processed and a command signal is output. The RAM 124 temporarily stores various data generated during the display / sound control process. The command signal output from the CPU 121 is transmitted via the output control circuit 126 to various lamps (big bonus tempai lamp 48 and the like), various display sections (credit display 52 and the like), and the speaker 47 to light and display these. , Sound is generated.

The VDP 122 processes the signal from the CPU 121 and creates a command signal for display from the display data stored in the ROM 123. The command signal output from the VDP 122 is transmitted to the liquid crystal display 66 via the output control circuit 126, and various displays are performed on the liquid crystal display 66. As lamps and indicators for receiving and lighting or displaying the command signal output from the display / sound control circuit 120, effective line lamps (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) and beds other than those described above are used. There are buttons (57, 58, 59), replay lamp 43, game number display 53, payout number display 54, etc.,
These are not shown in FIG.

Next, various processing procedures performed in the course of the game on the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to flowcharts. Main control unit 100
The processing procedure executed in step 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a medal has been placed (S2). This determination is based on the medal selector 108.
Detects that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 56, or that the bed buttons (57, 58, 59) have been operated and a medal has been placed, and the detection signal is sent to the CPU.
If 101 receives, "YES", if not, "N"
"O". In the case of “NO” in S2, the process waits until a medal is inserted or hung up. In the case of "YES" in S2, the starting lever 6
It is determined whether 1 has been operated (S4). This determination is based on the output signal from the starting lever 61 of the CPU 101.
Is received, the answer is “YES”, and if not, it is “NO”. If "NO" in S4, the process returns to S2.
If "YES" in S4, a random number is acquired in subsequent S6. To obtain this random number, the CPU 101 outputs a signal to the counter 104 and receives the signal.
04 acquires the random number value being counted at that time, stores it in a register, and the CPU 101 reads this random number value.

The random number value thus obtained is S8.
Then, it is determined whether or not it is a winning value of a small role, a special small role, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay. Specifically, if the random number value matches the hit value of the table data stored in the ROM 102, this determination is “YE
It is performed by setting "S" and "NO" if they do not match. The data table read by the CPU 101 is changed depending on the game state of the big bonus game, the regular bonus game, or the like, which changes the winning probability. If "YES" is determined in S8, the subsequent S1
When 0, the corresponding flag is turned “ON”. The flag “ON” indicates information indicating that the acquired random number value is a winning value such as a big bonus or a regular bonus in the RAM 1.
03 is done by storing. After the flag is turned "ON" in S10, or when it is determined to be "NO" in S8, a drive pulse is output from the main control circuit 100 to the stepping motor 78 without turning the flag "ON". The reels (24, 25, 26) are rotated (S12).

In the following S14, it is determined whether or not the reel stop signal has been received. This determination is made by the CPU 101.
Is performed depending on whether or not a reel stop signal output by operating the reel stop buttons (62, 63, 64) is received. If "NO" in S14, the process stands by until the reel stop signal is received. When the reel stop signal is received ("YES" in S14), S
Shifting to 16, the reel stop control is performed.

FIG. 10 shows the reel stop control in S16.
Will be described with reference to. First, it is determined whether or not flags such as a big bonus and a regular bonus are "ON" (S30). This determination is made by the CPU 101
This is performed by checking whether or not the information of the flag "ON" is stored in M103. Flag is "ON"
If (YES in S30), continue to S32
It is determined whether or not stop display is possible with the symbol (winning symbol) designated by the flag.

The determination made in S32 will be described in detail. The main control circuit 100 controls the rotation timing of the reels (24, 25, 26) from the photo sensor 84 (timing at which the shield plate 88 shields the incident light of the photo sensor 84).
Is being detected. Then, the rotational position of the reel (24, 25, 26) at the time of receiving the reel stop signal is determined by comparison with the pulse number of the drive pulse signal output to the stepping motor 78 from the detection of the rotation timing to the reception of the reel stop signal. You can If the reel rotation position is determined, the display window (21, 22, 2) is received when the reel stop signal is received.
The pattern displayed in 3) can be known. When it is possible to know the symbol displayed in the display window (21, 22, 23), the symbol indicated by the flag within a predetermined number after this symbol (4 symbols in the case of the present embodiment) It is determined whether or not is included. If the design indicated by the flag is included, stop display is possible in S32 (Y
If it is not included (NO), it is determined that the stop display is impossible. That is, when the symbol designated by the flag is not arranged within 4 symbols from the symbol displayed in the display window (21, 22, 23) when the reel stop signal is received, the designated symbol is stopped. Cannot be displayed.

In the case of "YES" in S32, a signal is output to the stepping motor 78 so as to stop at the symbol (winning symbol) designated by the flag, and the reel (24, 2)
The rotation of (5, 26) is stopped (S33). If the flag is not “ON” (“NO” in S30), and the symbol indicated by the flag cannot be stopped and displayed (“NO” in S32), reels with symbols not won (2
4, 25, 26) are stopped (S34). After S33 or S34 ends, the process returns and shifts to S18 in FIG.

As described above, the slot machine 10
4 behind the symbol displayed in the display window (21, 22, 23) when the reel stop button (62, 63, 64) is operated
If there is a symbol designated by the flag within the symbol, the reels (24, 25, 26) are stopped at the winning symbol. As shown in FIG. 5, the reel strips (85, 86, 8
In the pattern arrangement of 7), the apple symbol 204, which is a small role symbol, is always arranged within 4 symbols counted from the symbol one after (in the upward direction of FIG. 5).
Therefore, when the flag of the apple symbol 204 is “ON”, at what timing the reel stop button (62,
Even if 63, 64) are operated, stop control of the reels (24, 25, 26) is performed so as to win the apple symbol 204. For example, the left reel band 8 shown in FIG.
When the left reel stop button 62 is operated in the state where the replay symbol 203a of 5 is displayed, the apple symbol 204a arranged after the four symbols wins.

On the other hand, a big bonus symbol (symbol “7”) 201, a regular bonus symbol (symbol “BA”)
R ”) 202, the cherry symbol pattern 205 which is a small role symbol, and the replay symbol 203 have a portion arranged apart by 5 symbols or more, so even if the flag is“ ON ”, the reel stop button (62, 63) , 64) depending on the timing of operation, reels (24, 25, 26) with winning symbols
May not stop. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the replay symbol 203b of the left reel band 85.
Since the replay symbols 203 are arranged 7 symbols apart, even if the replay flag is "ON", the reel stop button 62 can be operated so that the replay symbols are not won. This operation is called so-called "replay removal".

In S18 shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether all the reels (24, 25, 26) have stopped. This determination is made depending on whether or not the main control unit 100 has turned off the drive pulse signal to the stepping motor 78. All reels (24, 25, 2
When 6) is stopped (in the case of "YES" in S18)
Then, the process proceeds to S20. All reels (24, 25,
When step 26) is not stopped (in the case of "NO" in S18), the processing returns to S14. In S20, it is determined whether or not the stopped symbol has won. If the symbol is won (in the case of "YES" in S20),
The process proceeds to the super big / normal big control process shown in FIG. 11 (S21). When it is determined in S20 that the symbol is not won, S21 and S22 are skipped.

The super big / normal big control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In the super big / normal big control process, first, it is determined whether or not a win is made with the replay symbol 203 (S35). When it is determined in S35 that the replay symbol 203 is won (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S36 and the super big standby state and the normal big standby state are switched. That is, each time the replay symbol 203 is won, the super big waiting state and the normal big waiting state are switched. The super big standby state and the normal big standby state respectively correspond to the first gaming state and the second gaming state described in the claims.
The player is informed of whether the game state is the super big standby state or the normal big standby state by displaying the character associated with each standby state on the liquid crystal display 66. When it is determined in S35 that the replay symbol 203 has not won a prize ("N
In the case of "O"), S36 is skipped and the switching between the super big standby state and the normal big standby state is not performed.

As described above, in the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, when the player wins with the replay symbol 203, in addition to being able to replay, the super big waiting state and the normal big waiting state are switched. In the conventional slot machine, winning with the replay symbol 203 is only in a state where it can be replayed, and it was not so interesting to the player, but switching between the super big standby state and the normal big standby state is added. As a result, you will be able to enjoy the game while feeling high fun.

In the following S37, the big bonus symbol 20
It is determined whether or not a prize is won. If it is determined that the big bonus symbol 201 is won (in the case of “YES”), it is either the super big state or the normal big state corresponding to the super big standby state and the normal big standby state switched in S36. Is selected. Even if it has been switched to the super big standby state, the super big state is selected with high probability, but the super big state is not always selected, and the normal big state is also selected. is there. Similarly, even if it has been switched to the normal big standby state, the normal big state is selected with high probability, but the normal big state is not always selected, and the super big state is selected. There is also. These probabilities are determined by the data table read based on the random number value. If it is determined in S37 that the big bonus symbol has not been won (in the case of "NO"), S38 is skipped. With the above, the super big / normal big control process is completed, the process returns to the game control shown in FIG. 9, and the winning process of S22 is performed.

The winning process executed in S22 will be described. When the big bonus symbol 201 and the regular bonus symbol 202 are won, the big bonus game (which will be described in detail later using the flowchart of FIG. 12) and the regular bonus game are started. When a small winning symbol or a special winning symbol is won, the above-mentioned predetermined number of medals are paid out. The payout of medals is performed by driving the hopper 130 by a command signal from the main control unit 100.
When the player wins with the replay symbol 203, the effective line is activated according to the number of medals to stand by for the replay, and the replay lamp 43 is turned on. In subsequent S24, the small winning combination, the special small winning combination, and the replay flag “OFF” are performed. Specifically, the flag information stored in the RAM 103 is cleared. Note that S2
In 4, the flag “OFF” for the big bonus and the regular bonus is not executed. Therefore, the flags of the big bonus and the regular bonus are continuously stored in the RAM 103 until the bonus symbol is won.

Next, the processing procedure after shifting to the big bonus game will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the big bonus game is started, a big bonus initialization process is performed (S40). This big bonus initialization process is to turn off the flag of the big bonus and clear the numerical values of the small winning number counter and the JAC game counter (for these counters,
See below). From the processing from S42 to S78,
The game state in which the processing except for S66 and S74 related to the JAC game is performed is called a small winning game in the big bonus game. Subsequent to S40, it is determined whether a medal has been put on (S42) or the start lever has been operated (S44), and a random number is obtained (S46). These, S4
The processes of S2, S44, and S46 are the same as S2, S4, and S6 of FIG. 9 described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

Next, the random number value obtained in S46 is a small role (only the apple design 204. The cherry design 205 is not included).
It is determined whether or not it is the winning value of the replay (S4).
8). This determination is made based on whether or not the acquired random number value matches the winning value of the small win or the replay of the table data stored in the ROM 102. In the table data, only the small winning combination (apple pattern 204) and the winning value of the replay are stored. Therefore, in the small win game during the big bonus game, it is quite possible to win the apple design 204 and the replay design 203 or to make a miss. Moreover, the winning value of the small winning combination is set in the table data more than in the table data in the normal gaming state. Therefore, in the small bonus game in the big bonus game, the probability of winning the apple symbol 204 is high, and more medals are paid out.

When the random number value is the winning value of the small winning combination or the replay (in the case of "YES" in S48), the process proceeds to S50 and the flag is set to "ON". In the case of "NO" in S48, S50 is skipped. In subsequent S52, the reels (24, 25, 26) are rotated. The processes from S52 to S58 are the same as S12 to S18 in FIG. 9 described above.
Since it is the same as the above, the description here is omitted. When all the rotated reels (24, 25, 26) are stopped (in the case of "YES" in S58), the process proceeds to S60 and the small winning number counter addition process is performed. This addition processing is performed by incrementing the small winning combination number counter value stored in the RAM 103 by one. After the addition process of the small winning number counter is performed, it is determined whether or not the replay symbol 203 is won (S62). Replay pattern 20
If you win in 3 ("YES" in S62),
The process moves to S66 and the JAC game is started.

The number of medals that can be played during the JAC game is only one, and the effective line is shown in FIG.
There is only one L1 line. Moreover, only the replay hit value is stored in the table data used to determine whether or not the random number value acquired in the JAC game is hit. Therefore, during the JAC game, it is quite possible to win or lose the JAC symbol. If you win with the JAC symbol during the JAC game, 15 medals will be paid out. One JAC game ends when either winning the JAC symbol eight times or playing the game 12 times is satisfied. When the JAC game executed in S66 ends, the process proceeds to the JAC game counter addition processing (S74). This addition process is performed by incrementing the JAC game counter value stored in the RAM 103 by 1.

On the other hand, in S62, the replay pattern 203
If it is determined that no prize has been won (in the case of "NO")
In step S64, it is determined whether or not a prize has been awarded for the apple symbol 204 which is a small symbol symbol. Then, in the case where the apple pattern 204 has been won (in the case of "YES" in S64), medals are paid out (S68). The number of paid-out medals depends on whether the super big state or the normal big state is selected in S38 of FIG. 11 described above. If the super big state is selected, 15 medals are paid out, and if the normal big state is selected, 10 medals are paid out. If the apple symbol 204 has not won in S64 (in the case of "NO"), it is determined whether or not the replay flag is "ON" (S70). This determination is performed by setting “YES” if the RAM 103 stores that the obtained random number value matches the hit value of the replay, and “NO” otherwise. That is, in this determination, “YES” is a case where the replay flag is “ON” but no prize is won in the replay symbol 203, and the above-described replay removal is performed.

After completion of S74 and S68, or S70
When it is determined to be "YES" in step S76, the process proceeds to step S76, and the flag is "OFF". Note that in S70, "N
If it is determined to be "O", it means that the flag is not "ON", so the flag is set to "OFF" S7.
6 is skipped. After the flag “OFF” in S76 ends, the process proceeds to S78, and it is determined whether or not the ending condition of the big bonus game is satisfied. The ending condition of the big bonus game is whether the JAC game is played 3 times or the small winning game is played 30 times. Therefore, in S78, if the value of the small combination number counter added in S60 reaches 30, or if the value of the JAC game counter added in S74 reaches 3, "YES"", And when these values are not reached, it is set to" NO ". If "NO" is determined in S78, the process returns to S42 and the big bonus game is played again.

As described above, it is better to win the big bonus symbol 201 in the super big standby state and to perform the big bonus game in the super big state, in the normal big state, to win the big bonus symbol 201 and in the normal big state. You can receive more medals than the big bonus games are played. Further, the switching between the super big standby state and the normal big standby state is performed each time the replay symbol 203 is won. For this reason, while in the super big standby state, the above-mentioned replay removal is executed to extend the super big standby state and wait for the winning of the big bonus symbol 201, thereby increasing the chance of playing the big bonus game in the super big state. Intervention becomes possible and entertains the player.

Specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. Further, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings are
The technical usefulness is exerted singly or in various combinations, and is not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. Further, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time,
Achieving one of these goals has technical utility in itself.

Therefore, for example, it can be implemented in the following modes. (1) The determination of whether the big bonus game or the regular bonus game is performed in the super big state or the normal big state is not limited to when the big bonus symbol or the regular bonus symbol is won. For example, the flag of the big bonus game is "ON"
Even when it becomes. (2) Switching between the super big standby state and the normal big standby state is not limited to winning symbols such as replay symbols, but may be performed with a change in the internal state of the gaming machine as a trigger. For example, switching between the super big standby state and the normal big standby state is performed by the determination of the flag for stopping the replay symbol. (3) The switching to the super big standby state may be performed only during one game. For example, if the player wins with a replay symbol, it is switched to a super big standby state, and if one game is played, it is switched to a normal big standby state. By doing this, the player is interested in whether or not he / she can shift to the super big state by winning a bonus symbol during one game, which is a short period, and enjoy the game while feeling a high degree of fun. be able to. (4) There may be a plurality of stop symbols for switching between the super big standby state and the normal big standby state. For example, if the player wins with the replay symbol, it is switched to the super big standby state, and if the player wins with "apple, apple, apple", it is switched to the normal big standby state. For example, if the player wins with the replay symbol and "cherry, apple, BAR", it is switched to the super big waiting state, and if the player wins with "apple, apple, apple", the player is switched to the normal big waiting state. (The description in “” indicates a combination of stop symbols, and the same applies to (5) below.) (5) There may be a plurality of internal states for switching between the super big standby state and the normal big standby state. . For example, when the flag for winning the replay symbol is determined, the state is switched to the super big standby state, and when the flag for winning "apple, apple, apple" is determined, the state is switched to the normal big standby state.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of symbols and effective lines according to the embodiment of the present invention (effective line: 1 line)

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of symbols and effective lines according to the embodiment of the present invention (effective lines: 3)

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of symbols and effective lines according to the embodiment of the present invention (effective lines: 5)

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a symbol row arranged on the reel band according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a reel rotation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a reel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a system diagram of a main control circuit and a display / sound control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of game processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of reel stop control processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a super big / according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Normal big processing flowchart

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of big bonus game processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

10: slot machine 12: front panel 14: symbol display unit 16: effect display unit 18: operation unit 19: payout unit 21: left display window 22: middle display window 23: right display window 24: left reel, 24a: central portion , 24b: spokes,
24c: Outer peripheral surface 25: Middle reel 26: Right reel 29: Connectors 31, 32, 33, 34, 35: Effective line lamp 41: Big bonus lamp 42: Regular bonus lamp 43: Replay lamp 44: Medal insertion lamp 45: Start Lamp 47: Speaker 48: Big bonus temp lamp 52: Credit indicator 53: Number of games indicator 54: Payout number indicator 56: Medal slot 57: MAX bed button 58: 1 bed button 59: 2 bed button 61: Start Lever 62: Left reel stop button 63: Middle reel stop button 64: Right reel stop button 65: Credit adjustment button 66: Liquid crystal display 68: Medal payout slot 69: Medal tray 70: Reel rotating device 71: Payout payout table 72: Frame 72a: rear wall 73: slot Arrows 74, 75, 76 indicating the front side of the machine: bracket 78: stepping motor 83: lamp case, 83a, 83b, 83c: back lamp 84: photo sensor 85: left reel band 86: middle reel band 87: right reel band 88: Shielding plate 100: Main control circuit 101: CPU 102: ROM 103: RAM 104: Counter 105: Input control circuit 106: Output control circuit 108: Medal selector 120: Display / sound control circuit 121: CPU 122: VDP 123: ROM 124: RAM 125: Input control circuit 126: Output control circuit 130: Hopper 131: Payout medal sensor 201: Big bonus design 202: Regular bonus design 203, 203a: Replay design 204: Apple design 205: Cherry design L1, L2, L3, 4, L5: Enable line

Continued front page    (72) Inventor Fumito Miyake             Nishinokawa, Okimura, Nishiharu-cho, Nishikasugai-gun, Aichi Prefecture             Address 1 Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of symbol rows are variably displayed on a symbol display when the start operation section is operated, and a symbol is determined based on an internal state determined by lottery when a stop operation section corresponding to the symbol row is operated. The variable display of the row is stopped, the privilege is given according to the combination of the stop symbols, and the gaming machine in which the specific game is performed when the stop symbol becomes the first combination symbol during the normal game, The game is switched to a plurality of game states including a first game state and a second game state, and the specific game is executed in either the first specific game or the second specific game, and the first game state. In the internal state of the first combination symbol and / or when the stop symbol becomes the first combination symbol, the probability of shifting to the first specific game is high, and the first in the second game state. Determined to be the internal state that is a combination design Gaming machine, wherein the high probability of transition to the second specific game when the preliminary / or stop symbols becomes first combination pattern. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the switching between the first gaming state and the second gaming state is performed every time the stop symbol becomes the second combination symbol. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the switching between the first gaming state and the second gaming state is performed every time the internal state is determined to be the first internal state. 4. When the stop symbol is the second combination symbol, the game state is the first game state during the following one game, and when the stop symbol is other than the second combination symbol, the game state is the second game state. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein: 5. When the stop symbol is the third combination symbol, it becomes the first game state, and when the stop symbol is the fourth combination symbol, it becomes the second game state. The gaming machine described in 1. 6. The first game state when the internal state is determined to be the second internal state, and the second game state when the internal state is determined to be the third internal state. The gaming machine according to claim 1. 7. The game according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the second combination symbol is a replay combination symbol capable of playing a game without hanging a game medium when stopped at the combination symbol. Machine. 8. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the first internal state is an internal state in which a replay combination symbol that allows a game to be played without hanging a game medium is stopped. 9. An informing means for informing whether the normal game is in the first game state or the second game state, is provided. The game machine described.