JP2004024557A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a game player from hesitating in the determination for tactics by enabling the player to recognize a setting state of ball put out rate from the outside of a machine while the machine is operating. <P>SOLUTION: When a start command is received by a judgement in a step 401, whether BB is operated or not is judged (a step 402). In a case that BB is operated, whether a special performance flag is turned on or not is judged (a step 403). When a BB winning configuration is generated while the setting stage for a ball put out rate has been changed, and a setting changing flag is turned on, a special performance selecting processing is performed. In this processing, when a drawing is won, and the special performance flag is turned on, a special BB performance image having a larger display of a firework A, shown in Fig. 13, is displayed on a liquid crystal displaying device 22 during a BB game (a step 404). In the meantime, when the special performance flag is not turned on, a normal BB performance image having a smaller display of the firework A, shown in Fig. 13, is displayed (a step 405). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine that sets a payout rate in one of a plurality of stages, determines a winning mode by lottery based on the set payout rate, and performs an effect in accordance with the determined winning mode. Things.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, such gaming machines include, for example, slot machines. In a conventional slot machine, the internal random winning mode is determined by comparing the extracted random number value with section data of a predetermined probability lottery table. The prize given to the player in accordance with the result of the probability lottery has various modes roughly classified into a small hit, a medium hit, and a big hit. The winning modes of these various payouts occur when the corresponding predetermined symbols are aligned with the winning line during a general game. For example, when a small hit prize occurs, the player can obtain a small payout. When a regular bonus prize mode, which is a middle prize, occurs, the player can play a regular bonus game in which a large amount of payout can be expected. When a big bonus prize mode, which is a jackpot prize, occurs, the player can play a big bonus game in which a large amount of payout can be expected. During the bonus game, an effect image is displayed on a liquid crystal display device provided on the front of the device, and various lamps are controlled to be turned on, whereby the game is effected.
[0003]
In the internal winning mode, the winning probability differs depending on the payout rate set when the power of the slot machine is turned on. In the conventional slot machine, the payout rate is set to any one of predetermined six levels that increase in order from setting 1 to setting 6. The setting of the payout rate is performed by inserting a key into a setting key hole of a power supply box provided inside the main body of the slot machine and rotating the same when turning on the power to the slot machine.
[0004]
The probability lottery table is prepared according to each of the six setting stages of the payout rate. In other words, the section data of each winning mode of each probability lottery table is set differently for each setting stage, and the probability lottery table corresponding to the higher setting step becomes the section data having a higher winning probability of each internal winning mode. ing. Therefore, when selecting a gaming table, the player predicts the gaming table in which the payout rate is set in a high setting stage such as setting 4, 5, 6, and expects that the internal winning probability of each winning mode is high. We face game.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional slot machine, since the setting stage of the payout rate is preset in the main body of the slot machine at the time of turning on the power of the slot machine, etc. Could not recognize the setting stage. Therefore, the player has no choice but to predict the setting stage of the payout rate of the gaming table only based on his / her own experience and intuition. For this reason, in spite of the gaming table in which the payout rate is set to a low stage such as the setting 1 or 2, the player may lose money by continuing to play while believing that the setting is high. In addition, a player cannot determine from his or her own experience and intuition alone whether to move from a playing game table to another game table or to stop or continue the game at that game table based on his own experience and intuition. There was something.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and a plurality of predetermined payout ratios indicating a ratio of the total number of game media obtained by a player to the total number of game media inserted into a machine. A payout rate setting means for setting one of the stages, a payout mode determining means for determining a winning mode by lottery based on the payout rate set by the payout rate setting means, and a winning mode determination In a gaming machine having an effect means for performing an effect in accordance with the winning mode determined by the means, the effect means performs a specific effect when the setting step of the payout rate is changed by the payout rate setting means. It is characterized by the following.
[0007]
According to such a configuration, by performing a specific effect, the player can recognize that the setting stage of the payout rate has been changed. Therefore, the player can refer to his own experience and intuition obtained by accumulating a certain number of games to determine whether the setting change is from the higher setting to the lower setting level or from the lower setting to the higher setting. It can be guessed to some extent.
[0008]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the production means determines a predetermined prize mode by the prize mode determination means, and performs a specific effect when the prize mode occurs.
[0009]
According to such a configuration, when a predetermined winning mode occurs, a specific effect is performed, and it is possible to recognize that the setting change in the setting stage of the payout rate has been performed. Is desired.
[0010]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the effect means performs a specific effect only when the first predetermined winning mode after the setting change is generated.
[0011]
According to such a configuration, attention is focused on the predetermined winning mode that occurs first after the game is started, and the player's willingness to play is maintained high until the predetermined winning mode occurs once.
[0012]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined prize mode is a bonus prize mode, and the effect means performs a specific effect during a bonus game performed when the bonus prize mode occurs.
[0013]
According to such a configuration, the occurrence of the bonus prize mode becomes more desired than ever, and the player cannot miss a specific effect while enjoying the bonus game.
[0014]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that a display means for displaying an image is provided, and the effect means controls a display of the display means to perform a specific effect.
[0015]
According to such a configuration, attention is paid to the display of the display means, and the fun of the entire game is increased together with the interest of the game.
[0016]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the effect means performs a specific effect with a predetermined probability.
[0017]
According to such a configuration, a specific effect may be performed or not. Therefore, a specific effect is desired by the player. When a specific effect is performed only for the occurrence of the first predetermined winning mode, the specific effect may not be performed with a predetermined probability, and in this case, the specific effect may not be performed at all after that, and the setting may be changed. Sometimes left unspecified.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, an embodiment in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.
[0020]
At the center of the main body of the slot machine 1, three reels 2, 3, and 4 are rotatably provided. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 2, 3, and 4, a symbol row including a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter, referred to as symbols) is drawn. Three of these symbols are observed through the display windows 5, 6, 7 on the front of the slot machine 1, respectively. The display windows 5, 6, and 7 are provided with a total of five pay lines, three horizontal and two oblique. On the lower right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a medal insertion slot 8 for a player to insert a medal is provided.
[0021]
When the player inserts one medal from the medal insertion slot 8 before the game starts, one central horizontal pay line is activated. When two cards are inserted, two horizontal winning lines are added to this, and three horizontal winning lines are activated. Also, when three cards are inserted, two diagonal winning lines are added to this, and all five winning lines are activated.
[0022]
On the left of the display windows 5 to 7, four chance LEDs (light emitting diodes) 9 to 12, three game operation display lamps 13 to 15, a stored number display unit 16, and a start lamp 17 are provided from the top. Is provided. The chance LEDs 9 to 12 and the game operation display lamps 13 to 15 are controlled to be turned on according to the game state, and the game state at that time is notified to the player. The stored number display unit 16 is composed of a 3-digit 7-segment LED, and displays the number of medals currently credited inside the machine. The start lamp 17 blinks when each of the reels 2 to 4 can operate.
[0023]
On the right side of the display windows 5 to 7, a bonus count display section 18, a WIN lamp 19, a payout number display section 20, and an insert lamp 21 are provided from the top. The bonus count display section 18 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment LED and digitally displays the remaining number of possible prizes in the RB game and the jack game when the bonus game is won. The WIN lamp 19 is turned on when the symbols of the winning combination are aligned on the activated winning line. The number-of-payout display unit 20 includes three-digit seven-segment LEDs, and displays the number of medals paid out by winning. The insert lamp 21 is turned on when the insertion of medals into the medal insertion slot 8 can be accepted.
[0024]
Further, immediately below the display windows 5 to 7, a liquid crystal display device 22 constituting a display unit for displaying an image is provided. On the liquid crystal display device 22, various information related to the game and various effect images are displayed. On the left side of the liquid crystal display device 22, there are provided a cross key 23, an A button 24, a B button 25, a stored medal insertion switch 26, a stored medal insertion switch 27, and a stored medal insertion switch 28. The cross key 23 is operated in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and is operated together with the A button 24 and the B button 25 to select information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. When the number of medals is displayed on the stored number display section 16 and credits are given, the stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28 are replaced with one to three medals per game instead of inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 8. Used when betting medals.
[0025]
Further, below the liquid crystal display device 22, a stored medal settlement switch 29, a start lever 30, and stop buttons 31, 32, 33 are provided from the left side. The stored medal settlement switch 29 is used to settle a medal credited inside the machine. Further, the operation of the start lever 30 causes the reels 2 to 4 to simultaneously start rotating. The stop buttons 31 to 33 are arranged corresponding to the respective reels 2 to 4, and when the rotation of each of the reels 2 to 4 reaches a certain speed, the operation is activated, and according to the operation of the player, The rotation of each of the reels 2 to 4 is stopped.
[0026]
In addition, a medal tray 34 is provided at a lower front portion of the slot machine 1. The medal tray 34 stores medals paid out from a medal payout port 35. A payout display 36 is provided at the upper front of the slot machine 1 to indicate how many medals are paid out for winning. A pair of speakers 96, 96 are provided on the left and right of the payout display 36. Is provided.
[0027]
Next, an outline of (1) a general game, (2) an RB game, and (3) a BB game performed in the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment will be described.
[0028]
(1) General games
At the time of a general game, when three symbol combinations of the symbols "watermelon" and "plum" are arranged on a winning line, a small winning prize is won, and a payout of 12 and 8, respectively, is paid out to the player and one game ends. It becomes. When one symbol “Cherry” stops at the center or upper or lower pay line of the first reel 2, a small win of “Medium Cherry” or “Square Cherry” is won, and two or four payouts are given to the player, respectively. And one game is over. Also, when three combinations of replay symbols are aligned on the pay line, the game can be played again without inserting medals. If the symbol combination arranged on the pay line does not correspond to any of the payout tables, the result is "missing" (no payout). In addition, when three symbol combinations composed of a specific character pattern are aligned on a winning line, a jackpot is won, and after 15 medals are paid out, a general game and a bonus game can be performed a plurality of times in a set. Shift to game B. In addition, when three symbol combinations of the symbol "Seven" consisting of the numeral 7 are aligned on the winning line, a middle prize is won, and after 15 medals are paid out, the following R. Shift to game B.
[0029]
(2) RB game
The RB game occurs when the above symbol combinations are arranged on a pay line during a general game. In the RB game, a game with one medal, called a jack game, can be performed a plurality of times. In this jack game, when three combinations of replay symbols are arranged on one central horizontal pay line, a jack game winning is generated and eight medals are paid out. Although "losing" occurs in the jack game, jack game winning occurs with a high probability of about 9/10. This RB game ends when, for example, a jackpot game prize occurs eight times or the total number of jackpot games executed during the RB game reaches, for example, twelve.
[0030]
(3) BB game
{Circle around (1)} The B / B game is composed of a plurality of sets in which the above-described R / B game and the general game are paired. When a BB game occurs, first, a general game is executed. In the general game during the B / B game, "losing" also occurs. However, the small winning prize by the symbols "watermelon", "plum", "medium cherry", and "corner cherry" is the B.B. Occurs with a higher probability than during a general game other than during the B game.
[0031]
{Circle around (2)} When three combinations of re-game symbols are arranged on the activated pay line during the general game in the BB game, eight coins are paid out.
[0032]
(3) Thereafter, the process proceeds to a bonus game which is an RB game in which a plurality of jack games can be performed. The bonus game in the BB game is also terminated when, for example, a jackpot prize is generated eight times, or when the total number of jackpot games executed during the bonus game reaches, for example, twelve.
[0033]
{Circle around (4)} When the above-mentioned bonus game ends, the general game in the BB game described in the above-mentioned (1) is performed again, and the symbol combination described in the above-mentioned (2) occurs during this general game. Thereafter, the bonus game described in the above (3) is further performed. The BB game is a repetition of a series of a set of a general game and a bonus game shown in the above (1) to (3). If this set is performed a predetermined number of times, for example, twice, the BB game is It ends. However, during the BB game, the total number of games during the general games of (1) and (2) above, in other words, the total number of games excluding the number of jack games during the bonus game of (3) above is the predetermined number of times. For example, if the number of times exceeds 30, the BB game ends.
[0034]
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show a circuit configuration of a main control board 61 and a sub control board 62 for controlling the game processing operation of the slot machine 1 described above.
[0035]
The control unit in the main control board 61 shown in FIG. 2 is mainly composed of a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) 63, and further includes a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 63 includes a main CPU (central processing unit) 64 for performing control operations according to a preset program, a program ROM (read only memory) 65 as a program storage means, and a control RAM with a backup function (random access memory). (Memory) 66.
[0036]
The main CPU 64 includes a clock pulse generating circuit 67 for generating a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 68, a random number generator 69 for generating a random number within a certain range, and a random number sampling circuit 70 for specifying one of the generated random numbers. It is connected. Further, an I / O port (input / output port) 71 for transmitting / receiving signals to / from a peripheral device (actuator) described later is connected. The microcomputer 63, the random number generator 69, and the random number sampling circuit 70 constitute a winning mode determining unit that determines a winning mode by lottery based on a payout rate set by a payout rate setting unit described later. The storage section of the program ROM 65 is divided so as to store a probability lottery table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, a sequence program and the like.
[0037]
FIG. 4 conceptually shows a probability lottery table stored in the program ROM 65 and used during a general game. This probability lottery table is used to divide the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 70 during the general game into the respective winning modes, and stores data for partitioning a certain range of random numbers generated by the random number generator 69 into the respective winning modes. I remember. In the drawing, a1 to a3, b1 to b3, c1 to c3, d1 to d3, e1 to e3, f1 to f3, and g1 to g3 are preset numerical data, and random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 70 are It is used when partitioning into a winning mode. This data uses a combination of numerical values of “a1 to g1” when the number of inserted medals is one, “a2 to g2” for two, and “a3 to g3” for three. Can be
[0038]
These numerical values are usually set in a magnitude relationship of “a <b <c <d <e <f <g”. If the extracted random number value is less than d, a small hit prize (small hit) is obtained. If it is less than "a square cherry", a request flag is set. If it is a or more and less than b, a request flag is "medium cherry". In the case of, a request flag per "watermelon" is set. If the extracted random number value is equal to or more than d and less than e, a "re-game" request flag is set. If the extracted random number value is equal to or more than e and less than f, a medium hit prize (medium hit) is set and a request flag is set for "RB". If the extracted random number value is equal to or more than f and less than g, a large hit prize ( A big hit) and a request flag for “BB” is set. On the other hand, if the value is equal to or larger than g, no winning is achieved. In other words, the winning mode is determined by which numerical range one sampled random number belongs to, and is represented by the hit request flag.
[0039]
The “BB” or “RB” per-bonus request flag is carried over to the game after the flag is set, and the “BB” or “RB” symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the activated prize line, and the bonus prize is actually won. Occurs, the flag per bonus request is cleared. Flags other than the bonus hit request flag are valid only in the flagged game, are cleared at the end of the game, and are not carried over after the next game.
[0040]
The symbol table (not shown) stored in the program ROM 65 associates the rotation positions of the reels 2 to 4 with the symbols, and represents a symbol row by symbols. 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.
[0041]
The above-mentioned program ROM 65 stores a winning symbol combination table (not shown). The winning symbol combination table stores a symbol code of each winning symbol combination shown in the payout table, a symbol code of a symbol combination constituting a “reach eye”, a winning determination code representing each winning, a winning medal payout number, and the like. Have been. Here, the reach eye is a symbol combination that indicates that the occurrence of the BB game is close to the player when the BB hit request flag has been set. 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 performing a winning confirmation after stopping all the reels. Further, a sequence program for executing a game in the slot machine 1 is stored in the program ROM 65.
[0042]
The main actuators whose operations are controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 63 include a stepping motor 45 for rotating and driving the reels 2, 3, and 4 shown in FIG. There are a lamp 17, a WIN lamp 19, an insert lamp 21), various display units (chance LEDs 9 to 12, a stored number display unit 16, a bonus count display unit 18, a winning award number display unit 20), and a hopper 72 for storing medals. . These are driven by a motor drive circuit 73, each lamp drive circuit 74, each display section drive circuit 75, and a hopper drive circuit 76, respectively. These drive circuits 73 to 76 are connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71 of the microcomputer 63.
[0043]
The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 63 to generate a control signal includes an inserted medal sensor 8S for detecting a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 8, and an operation of the start lever 30. There is a start switch 30S for detecting a stored medal, the stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28 described above, and a stored medal settlement switch 29. Further, there is provided a reel position detecting circuit 77 which receives the output pulse signal from the photo sensor and detects the rotational position of each of the reels 2, 3, and 4. The photo sensor is included in the drive mechanism of each of the reels 2 to 4, and is not shown in FIG.
[0044]
After the rotation of the reels 2 to 4 is started, the reel position detection circuit 77 counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 45, and writes the counted value in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. Therefore, in the control RAM 66, a count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation is stored for each of the reels 2 to 4. The photo sensor generates a reset pulse every time each of the reels 2 to 4 makes one rotation. This reset pulse is given to the main CPU 64 via the reel position detection circuit 77, and the count value of the drive pulse counted in the control RAM 66 is cleared to "0". By this clearing process, a shift generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each stepping motor 45 is eliminated for each rotation.
[0045]
The input signal generating means includes a reel stop signal circuit 78 for generating a signal for stopping a corresponding reel when the stop button 31, 32, 33 is pressed, and a medal for counting the number of medals paid out from the hopper 72. There is a detection unit 72S and a payout completion signal generation circuit (not shown). These are also connected to the main CPU 64 via the I / O port 71. The payout completion signal generation circuit, when the medal count value actually paid out input from the medal detection unit 72S reaches the payout number data represented by the count signal input from the display unit drive circuit 75, the payout completion signal generation circuit Generate a signal to detect completion.
[0046]
Further, as the input signal generating means, there are a reset switch 37 operated when setting the payout rate and the like, and a key switch 38 for setting. The reset switch 37 and the setting key type switch 38 are connected to the CPU 64 via the I / O port 71, and intermittently supply power to the front of a power supply box unit provided inside the housing of the slot machine 1. It is provided with a power switch. The payout rate is a value indicating the ratio (OUT / IN) of the total number of medals (OUT) obtained by the player to the total number of medals (IN) inserted into the slot machine 1, and is expressed as a percentage. In the present embodiment, the payout rate is set in six stages in which the rate increases in order from setting 1 to setting 6. The reset switch 37, the setting key type switch 38 and the microcomputer 63 constitute a payout rate setting means for setting the payout rate to one of the predetermined six steps.
[0047]
A sub-control unit communication port 79 is connected to the I / O port 71, and the microcomputer 63 sends a signal to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79. The sub-control board 62 shown in FIG. 3 is provided with a main control unit communication port 88 for receiving this signal. Communication between the sub control unit communication port 79 and the main control unit communication port 88 is performed only in one direction from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88. In the present embodiment, the signal transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the main control unit communication port 88 includes a command type whose control type is represented by a 7-bit length, and a content of the command having a maximum length of 24 bits. And the parameters that are represented.
[0048]
The control unit in the sub-control board 62 is configured with the microcomputer 81 as a main component. Similarly to the microcomputer 63 on the main control board 61, the microcomputer 81 includes a sub CPU 82 which performs a control operation according to a preset program, a program ROM 83 as a program storage means, and a control RAM 84 with a backup function. A clock pulse generating circuit 85 for generating a reference clock pulse and a frequency divider 86 are also connected to the sub CPU 82, and further, an I / O for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the main controller communication port 88 and an actuator described later. The / O port 87 is connected. The sub CPU 82 calculates data necessary for displaying the gaming machine data on the liquid crystal display device 22 for each game based on a command transmitted from the main control board 61, and stores the data stored in the control RAM 84 for each game. Updated to the calculated data.
[0049]
As an actuator whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 81, there are reel back lamps 47a, 47b and 47c built in each of the reels 2 to 4. Lighting of these back lamps 47a to 47c is controlled by a drive signal from a lamp drive circuit 89 connected to the I / O port 87. As input signal generating means for generating an input signal required for the microcomputer 81 to generate a control signal, there are the above-described cross key 23, A button 24, and B button 25.
[0050]
An image control IC (highly integrated circuit) 90 and a sound source IC 91 are connected to the I / O port 87. The image control IC 90 is connected to a character ROM 92 storing character data and a video RAM 93 serving as a color display memory. The image control IC 90 displays an image on the liquid crystal display device 22 under the control of the microcomputer 81. I do. The microcomputer 81 captures information such as the gaming state and the type of the winning flag at that time from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88, and selects an effect image to be displayed based on the captured gaming state and the winning flag. Then, it controls the image control IC 90 to display the selected effect image on the liquid crystal display device 22.
[0051]
The image control IC 90, the character ROM 92, the video RAM 93, the liquid crystal display device 22, and the microcomputer 81 constitute an effect unit that performs an effect according to the winning mode determined by the winning mode determining unit of the main control board 61. The effect means performs a specific effect when the setting step of the payout rate is changed by the payout rate setting means. In the present embodiment, the BB prize mode is internally won and the BB prize mode is set. Perform this particular rendition only when it occurs for the first time after the change. The specific effect is performed by controlling the display of the liquid crystal display device 22, and is performed at a predetermined probability as described later.
[0052]
Further, a sound ROM 94 in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 91, and the sound source IC 91 emits sound from the speakers 96, 96 via the power amplifier 95 under the control of the microcomputer 81. The microcomputer 81 controls the sound source IC 91 and the power amplifier 95 in accordance with an instruction input from the main control board 61 via the main control unit communication port 88, and outputs a medal shooting sound, a start lever operation sound, a stop button operation sound, a bonus Sound effects such as game sounds during a game are output from the speakers 96, 96. In addition, a sound is output from the speakers 96, 96 in a sound output pattern based on the effect state selected based on the gaming state and the winning flag fetched from the main control board 61.
[0053]
Next, an operation of the slot machine 1 controlled by the above-described control circuit will be described.
[0054]
FIGS. 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing the outline of the game processing controlled by the main CPU 64 of the main control board 61.
[0055]
When the setting key is inserted into the key hole of the setting key type switch 38 with the power switch turned off, and the power switch is turned on with the setting key turned in the ON direction, the payout rate setting stage is performed. Is ready to be changed. In this state, the microcomputer 63 changes the setting stage every time the pressing operation of the reset switch 37 is detected. Thereafter, when the operation of the start lever 30 is detected by the start switch 30S, the setting stage at that time is determined as the selected setting stage. I do. The microcomputer 63 stores the determined setting stage in the control RAM 66.
[0056]
At this time, a setting change command related to a change in the setting of the payout rate is transmitted to the sub-control board 62. This setting change command is configured to include a 2-bit parameter indicating the change operation shown in FIG. If a bit is set in bit 1, it indicates that the setting key is inserted into the setting key type switch 38 and the setting of the payout rate is being changed, and if a bit is set in bit 2, , Indicates that the setting change has been completed and the determined setting stage is stored in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66.
[0057]
Next, an initialization process at the start of the game is performed (see FIG. 5, step 101). In this initialization process, a predetermined area of the control RAM 66 is cleared, and an effect initialization command is transmitted from the sub control unit communication port 79 to the sub control board 62, and communication data between the main control board 61 and the sub control board 62 is transmitted. Is initialized. Next, the main CPU 64 performs a RAM clear process at the end of the game to erase the data stored in the control RAM 66 at the end of the previous game (step 102).
[0058]
Subsequently, as a result of the previous game, the CPU 64 determines whether or not a replay (replay) has occurred and a medal automatic insertion request has been issued (step 103). If there is this automatic insertion request, game medals corresponding to the insertion request are automatically inserted (step 104). On the other hand, if there is no automatic insertion request, then a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 8 by the player and a detection signal is input from the inserted medal sensor 8S, or the stored medal insertion switches 26 to 28 are operated. It waits for the input signal to be input (step 105). Up to three medals can be inserted during a general game, and one medal can be inserted in a bonus game during a BB game or an RB game.
[0059]
Next, it is determined whether or not a start signal has been input from the start switch 30S by operating the start lever 30 (step 106). If this determination is "YES", it is next determined whether 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the previous game (step 107). If 4.1 seconds have not elapsed, a wait time command is transmitted to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79 (step 108), and the wait function operates to allow 4.1 seconds. The game start waiting time until the time elapses is consumed (step 109). If the operation of the start lever 30 is performed before the elapse of the 4.1 seconds, the reels 96 and 96 emit reel non-rotatable sounds, and the player is notified that the weight function has been activated.
[0060]
When 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the last game, a random number for lottery generated by the random number generator 69 is extracted by the sampling circuit 70 (step 110), and thereafter, the above-mentioned 4.1 seconds is counted. One game monitoring timer is set (step 111). Next, a probability lottery process is performed based on the random numbers extracted in step 110 (see FIG. 6, step 112). This probability lottery process is performed by determining to which winning group the one random number value specified by the sampling circuit 70 belongs in the probability lottery table (see FIG. 4). At this time, the probability lottery data a1 to g1, a2 to g2, or a3 to g3 shown in each row of the probability lottery table in FIG. 4 is used according to the number of medals inserted into the machine.
[0061]
When the probability lottery process ends, next, a reel rotation process is performed (step 113), and subsequently, a start command transmission process is performed (step 114). In the reel rotation process, first, a predetermined area of the control RAM 66 in which the rotation positions of the reels 2 to 4 are written is initialized by the main CPU 64 at the start of reel rotation, and subsequently, the reels 2 to 4 are rotated by the stepping motor 45. Driven. In the start command transmission process, a start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79 based on a start signal input from the start switch 30S to the main CPU 64.
[0062]
This start command includes a 16-bit parameter indicating the internal winning combination and the game state shown in FIG. 8B.
[0063]
The parameter is composed of 16 bits from the least significant bit 1 to the most significant bit 16, and the internal winning combination is represented by the lower bits 1 to 8, and the gaming state is represented by the upper bits 9 to 13. For example, when a bit is set in bit 1, the internal winning combination is BB, and when a bit is set in bit 2, the internal winning combination is RB. , 6, 7, and 8 indicate that the internal winning combination is replay, watermelon, plum, medium cherry, corner cherry, and loss. When a bit is set in bit 9, the gaming state is a normal game, and when a bit is set in bit 10, it indicates that the gaming state is in BB internal winning. When a bit is set at 12, 13, the gaming state indicates that the RB is being internally won, the BB is operating, and the RB is operating, respectively.
[0064]
There are five types of gaming states: “in general game”, “internal winning in BB”, “in internal winning in RB”, “in operation of BB”, and “in operation of RB”. “RB operation in progress” indicates a gaming state during the RB game. "BB operation in progress" indicates a gaming state during the BB game. “Normal game” indicates a game state in which neither BB nor RB wins. "BB internal winning" indicates that the BB hit request flag is set, but the predetermined winning symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 2 to 4, and the BB has not yet been generated. . While "RB internal winning" is set, the required flag per RB is set, but a predetermined winning symbol combination is not stopped and displayed on each of the reels 2 to 4, indicating that there is no general RB yet. .
[0065]
Next, it is determined whether or not any of the stop buttons 31 to 33 has been turned on (see step 115 in FIG. 6). If the ON operation has not been performed, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop timer has reached 0 (step 116). The automatic stop timer is for automatically stopping each of the reels 2 to 4 after a lapse of a predetermined time when the stop buttons 31 to 33 are not operated for a predetermined time.
[0066]
When any one of the stop buttons 31 to 33 is turned on or the automatic stop timer reaches 0, the number of frames of the symbol drawn on the activated pay line, that is, the number of sliding frames is determined (step). 117). The number of sliding frames is determined from the game state, the winning request, the number of controlling frames, the symbol position, and the like. If the number of frames from the activated winning line to the winning symbol is within the range of the number of controlling frames, it is determined as the number of sliding frames. You. Next, the number of sliding frames is stored in a predetermined area of the control RAM 66. Thereafter, a stop request flag for the first stop reel is set, and in response to the setting of the stop request flag, reel pull-in control for rotating the first stop reel by the determined number of sliding frames is performed. The rotation of the reels is stopped (step 118). Next, it is determined whether or not all the reels 2 to 4 have stopped (step 119). If the second stop reel and the third stop reel have not stopped yet, the process returns to step 115, and the above process is repeated.
[0067]
When all the reels 2 to 4 are stopped, next, a winning search process is performed by the main CPU 64 (see step 120 in FIG. 7). In the prize search process, the type of the prize flag indicating the combination of symbols actually arranged on the activated prize line matches the type of the internal winning combination determined by the probability lottery process. Then, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal (step 121). If the result of this determination is not normal, for example, if the symbol combination of plums is aligned on the activated winning line, but the winning request flag corresponding to the internal winning combination is a medium cherry flag, the number of payouts is displayed. An illegal error is displayed on the unit 20 and the liquid crystal display device 22 (step 122).
[0068]
If the winning flag is normal, a winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 62 via the sub-control unit communication port 79 (step 123).
[0069]
This winning command includes 24-bit parameters indicating a winning combination, a gaming state, and a winning line shown in FIG. 9A. The parameter is composed of 24 bits from the least significant bit 1 to the most significant bit 24, the winning combination generated in the lower bits 1 to 8 is represented, the gaming state is represented in the middle bits 9 to 16, and the upper bit is represented. Bits 17 to 24 show a winning line in which symbols are actually aligned. For example, when a bit is set in bit 1, the winning combination is BB, and when a bit is set in bit 2, the winning combination is RB. Similarly, bits 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7, and 8 indicate that the winning combination is replay, watermelon, plum, medium cherry, corner cherry, and loss. When a bit is set in bit 9, the gaming state is a normal game, and when a bit is set in bit 10, it indicates that the gaming state is in BB internal winning. When a bit is set at 12, 13, the gaming state indicates that the RB is being internally won, the BB is operating, and the RB is operating, respectively. When the bit 17 is set, the winning line with the winning combination is the middle activated winning line. When the bit 18 is set, the winning line with the winning combination is the upper effective line. Similarly, when the bits are set in bits 19, 20, and 21, a winning line with a winning combination is a lower activated line and an activated upward diagonal line, respectively. The line indicates that the line is a diagonally lower right activated pay line.
[0070]
Next, a game medal is stored or paid out according to the state at that time (see step 124 in FIG. 7). In other words, if the game is played with credits, the number of stored coins displayed on the stored coin number display unit 16 is increased by the number of medals obtained by winning, and the medal is inserted into the medal slot 8 to play the game. Is performed, the number of medals obtained by winning is paid out to the medal tray 34. When medals are stored or paid out, the WIN lamp 19 is turned on to notify the player of occurrence of a prize (step 125).
[0071]
Next, the main CPU 64 determines whether the current game state is the operation of the BB game or the RB game (step 126). If the BB game or the RB game is not running, the game processing by the main CPU 64 returns to step 102, and the next new game is started. If the BB game or the RB game is in operation, the number of games in the BB game or the RB game is checked by the main CPU 64 (step 127). Subsequently, the main CPU 64 determines whether or not the current gaming state is at the end of the BB game (step 128). If the BB game has ended, a BB end command is transmitted to the sub-control board 62 (step 129).
[0072]
The BB end command includes a 3-bit parameter indicating the end operation shown in FIG. If a bit is set in bit 1, it indicates that the game can be resumed without stopping, and the next game can be continued. If a bit is set in bit 2, the number of stored games is displayed. This represents a settlement operation for paying out the credited stored medals displayed on the section 16. If the bit is set in the bit 3, the next game cannot be continued unless it is released by a game clerk. It represents the operation.
[0073]
When the BB end command is transmitted, a RAM clear process at the end of the BB game is performed on the control RAM 66 (see step 130 in FIG. 7), and thereafter, the game process returns to step 102 and the next new game is executed. Game is started. If it is determined in step 128 that the BB game has not ended, the game processing returns to step 102 and the next new game is started.
[0074]
Next, a game process controlled by the sub CPU 82 of the sub control board 62 will be described.
[0075]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of the game processing controlled by the sub CPU 82. In the sub-control board 62, various commands received from the main control board 61 are always analyzed by the sub-CPU 82, and various game processes based on the commands are appropriately performed (see FIG. 10, step 201).
[0076]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an outline of the reception processing when the command received from the main control board 61 is a setting change command. In the setting change command receiving process, first, it is determined whether a setting change command has been received (see step 301 in FIG. 11). This determination is made by determining whether or not a setting change command has been transmitted from the main control board 61 in the setting change processing in the setting stage of the payout rate. If the setting change command has been received, the setting change flag is turned on in a predetermined area of the control RAM 84 (step 302). On the other hand, if the setting change command has not been received, the setting change flag is not turned on and the process ends.
[0077]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an outline of the reception processing when the command received from the main control board 61 is a start command. In this start command receiving process, first, it is determined whether a start command has been received (see step 401 in FIG. 12). This determination is made by determining whether or not a start command has been transmitted from the main control board 61 in the above-described start command transmission processing (see step 114 in FIG. 6). If the start command has been received, it is next determined whether or not the BB operation is being performed (step 402). This determination is "Yes" if the bit is set in bit 12 (see FIG. 8B) of the parameter included in the start command, and then it is determined whether or not the special effect flag is ON ( Step 403).
[0078]
When a special effect flag is ON in a special effect selection process to be described later, a special BB effect image shown in FIG. 13A is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 during the BB game, and a specific effect is performed. (Step 404). On the other hand, in the special effect selection process, if the lottery is not selected and the special effect flag is not turned on, the normal BB effect image shown in FIG. 8B is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 during the BB game (step 405). . The display of the fireworks A is larger in the special BB effect image than in the normal BB effect image.
[0079]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the reception processing when the command received from the main control board 61 is a winning command. In the winning command receiving process, first, it is determined whether or not a winning command has been received (see step 501 in FIG. 14). This determination is made by determining whether or not a winning command has been transmitted from the main control board 61 in the above-described winning command transmission processing (see step 123 in FIG. 7). If a winning command has been received, it is next determined whether or not the generated winning is a BB winning mode (step 502). This determination is “Yes” if a bit is set in bit 1 (see FIG. 9A) of the parameter included in the winning command, and then a special effect selection process is performed (step 503). If this bit is not set, the process ends.
[0080]
The special effect selection process is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the special effect selection process, first, the sub CPU 82 determines whether or not the setting change flag in the control RAM 84 is ON (see FIG. 15, step 511). If the setting change flag is not ON, the process ends. If the setting change flag is ON, a lottery is performed based on the special effect selection table stored in the program ROM 83 to determine whether or not to execute the special effect (step 512). As shown in FIG. 16, the special effect selection table is set so that the execution of the special effect is won with a probability of 45/128, and is not won with a probability of 83/128.
[0081]
Next, as a result of the lottery, it is determined whether or not the execution of the special effect has been won (step 513). When the execution of the special effect is won, the special effect flag is turned on in a predetermined area of the control RAM 84 (step 514), and subsequently, the setting change that was turned on in step 302 of the setting change command receiving process (see FIG. 11). The flag is turned off (step 515). On the other hand, if the execution of the special effect is unsuccessful, the special effect flag is not turned on, the setting change flag is turned off in step 515, and the special effect selection process ends.
[0082]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an outline of the reception processing when the command received from the main control board 61 is a BB end command. In the BB end command receiving process, first, it is determined whether a BB end command has been received (see FIG. 17, step 601). This determination is made by determining whether or not a BB end command has been transmitted from the main control board 61 in the above-described BB end command transmission process (see step 129 in FIG. 7). If the BB end command has been received, the special effect flag turned on in step 514 of the special effect selection process (see FIG. 15) is turned off (step 602). On the other hand, if the BB end command has not been received, the process ends.
[0083]
According to such a slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special BB effect image shown in FIG. 13A is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 in step 404 of FIG. As a result, the player can recognize that the setting stage of the payout rate has been changed. Therefore, the player changes the setting from the higher setting stage to the lower setting stage by referring to the display of the game history displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 and the own experience and intuition obtained by overlapping the number of games to some extent. It can be guessed to some extent whether it is from the lower or higher. As a result, it becomes easier to move from a game console to another game console, to stop or continue the game at that game console, and to make slot machine games more interesting and lossy. It becomes difficult.
[0084]
Further, according to the present embodiment, when the BB winning mode occurs as the predetermined winning mode, a specific effect is performed, and it is possible to recognize that the setting change in the setting stage of the payout rate has been performed. The occurrence of the BB winning mode is desired more than before, and the interest of the slot machine game is increased. In addition, since the specific effect is performed during the BB game, the player cannot miss the specific effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 while enjoying the BB game, and the fun of the slot machine game is further enhanced. Increase.
[0085]
Further, according to the present embodiment, when the special effect flag is ON, the special BB effect display is performed on the liquid crystal display device 22 (see steps 403 and 404 in FIG. 12), and the setting change flag of the special effect flag is ON. (See FIG. 15, steps 511 and 514), and is turned off when a BB end command is received (see FIG. 17, step 602). The setting change flag is immediately turned off when the special effect flag is turned on (see FIG. 15, steps 514 and 515), and after the setting of the payout rate is changed, the power is initially turned on until the special effect lottery ends. (See FIG. 15, steps 512 to 515). Therefore, the special BB effect image is displayed only when the first BB winning mode after the setting change occurs. For this reason, interest in the BB winning mode that occurs first after the game is started is increased, and the player's willingness to play is maintained high until the BB winning mode occurs once. As a result, the fun of the slot machine game is further increased.
[0086]
Further, according to the present embodiment, a special effect indicating that the setting has been changed is performed by displaying the special BB effect image on the liquid crystal display device 22, so that the display effect by the liquid crystal display device 22 is also performed. Interest will increase, and the fun of the whole game will increase with the interest of the main game.
[0087]
Further, according to the present embodiment, the special BB effect image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 with a probability of 45/128 (see FIG. 16), and may not be displayed with a probability of 83/128. Therefore, the display of the special BB effect image is desired by the player. Further, in the present embodiment, the special BB effect image is displayed only during the first BB game after the setting change, so if the special effect lottery is lost, the special BB effect image will not appear at all, and the setting change will not be performed. Sometimes it is not suggested that something was done. For this reason, the player's interest is more focused on the BB winning mode that occurs first after the game is started, and the fun of the slot machine game is further increased.
[0088]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, by performing a specific effect, the player can recognize that the setting stage of the payout rate has been changed. Therefore, the player can refer to his own experience and intuition obtained by accumulating a certain number of games to determine whether the setting change is from the higher setting to the lower setting level or from the lower setting to the higher setting. It can be guessed to some extent. As a result, it is easier to move from a gaming table to another gaming table during a game, to stop or continue the game at that gaming table, to increase the fun of the game and to make it harder to lose. .
[0089]
In addition, when a predetermined winning mode is determined by the winning mode determining means, and a specific effect is performed when the winning mode occurs, a specific effect is performed when the predetermined winning mode occurs, Since it is possible to recognize that the setting change in the setting stage of the payout rate has been made, it is desired by the player to generate a predetermined winning mode.
[0090]
Further, when a specific effect is performed only when the first predetermined prize mode after the setting is changed, the predetermined prize mode generated first after the game is started attracts attention, and the predetermined prize mode is obtained. Until the mode occurs once, the player's willingness to play is kept high.
[0091]
In addition, when the predetermined winning mode is set as a bonus winning mode, and a specific effect is performed during a bonus game performed when the bonus winning mode occurs, the occurrence of the bonus winning mode is more desired than ever. , And the player cannot miss a specific effect while enjoying the bonus game. For this reason, the fun of the game further increases.
[0092]
In the case where a display device for displaying an image is provided, and the display of the display device is controlled to perform a specific effect, attention is paid to the display of the display device, and the fun of the entire game is added to the interest of the game. Increase.
[0093]
When a specific effect is performed with a predetermined probability, there is a case where a specific effect is performed and a case where a specific effect is not performed. Therefore, a specific effect is desired by the player. When a specific effect is performed only for the occurrence of the first predetermined winning mode, the specific effect may not be performed with a predetermined probability, and in this case, the specific effect may not be performed at all after that, and the setting may be changed. Sometimes left unspecified. For this reason, the player's interest is more focused on the predetermined winning mode that occurs first after the game is started, and the interest of the game is further increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration formed on a main control board of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration formed on a sub-control board of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a probability lottery table used in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a first flowchart showing an outline of a game process by a main CPU of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a second flowchart showing an outline of a game process by a main CPU of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a third flowchart showing an outline of the game processing by the main CPU of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8A is a table showing contents of parameters included in a setting change command of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a table showing contents of parameters included in a start command. It is.
FIG. 9A is a table showing contents of parameters included in a winning command of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B is a table showing contents of parameters included in a BB end command. It is.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of a game process by a sub CPU of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart showing a setting change command receiving process performed according to the command analysis in the flowchart shown in FIG.
12 is a flowchart showing a start command receiving process performed according to the command analysis in the flowchart shown in FIG.
FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a special BB effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a normal BB effect image.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a winning command receiving process performed according to the command analysis in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of a special effect selection process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 14;
16 is a table showing specific lottery values used in the lottery performed in the special effect selection process shown in FIG.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a BB end command reception process performed according to the command analysis in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10;
[Explanation of symbols]
1. Slot machine
2,3,4 ... reel
22 ... Liquid crystal display device
30 ... Start lever
31, 32, 33 ... stop button
61: Main control board
62 ... Sub-control board
63, 81: microcomputer (microcomputer)
64: Main CPU (central processing unit)
82 ... Sub CPU
65, 83: Program ROM (read only memory)
66, 84 ... control RAM (random access memory)
90 ... Image control IC
92 ... Character ROM
93 ... Video RAM

Claims (7)

Payout rate setting means for setting a payout rate indicating a ratio of the total number of game media obtained by the player to the total number of game media inserted into the machine to one of a plurality of predetermined stages; A winning mode determining means for determining a winning mode by lottery based on the payout rate set by the payout mode setting means, and an effecting means for performing an effect according to the winning mode determined by the winning mode determining means. In the equipped gaming machine,
The gaming machine, wherein the effect means performs a specific effect when a setting step of the payout rate is changed by the payout rate setting means. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect unit determines a predetermined winning mode by the winning mode determining unit, and performs the specific effect when the winning mode occurs. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the effect unit performs the specific effect only when the first predetermined winning mode after the setting change occurs. The said predetermined prize mode is a bonus prize mode, and the said production | generation means performs the said specific effect during the bonus game performed by generating this bonus prize mode. Gaming machine. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising display means for displaying an image, wherein the effect means controls the display of the display means to perform the specific effect. . The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the effect means performs the specific effect with a predetermined probability. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine.

Images