JP2004141349A - Game machine and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine and a program which enable a player to easily select the winning ratio of small winning probability reaching small prize winning and big winning probability reaching big prize winning as game conditions. <P>SOLUTION: Based on the operation of a setting switch 43, the winning ratio of the small winning probability reaching the small prize winning to big winning probability reaching the big prize winning is decided. A winning ratio signal is outputted to a CPU (central processing unit) 51 through a setting circuit 63. Based on the winning ratio signal, the CPU 51 selects a lottery probability table T<SB>k</SB>(k is an integer 1 to n) to be suited to a winning ratio decided already from a DB (data base) of a group of lottery probability tables stored in a ROM 52. A game is started and a prize-winning bonus is drawn from in the table T<SB>k</SB>based on a randum number generated by a lottery processing part 50A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine and a slot machine, and a program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a gaming machine such as a pachinko / slot machine, a game medium to be given to a player according to a game result of the game medium, such as an inserted game ball or a game medal, is returned. And such a gaming machine raises a player's expectation and produces an effect together with a display so as to increase the pleasure of the game.
[0003]
In the slot machine, after a player inserts a game medal, the symbols drawn on the three rotating reels are stopped on the winning line so as to form a predetermined combination of symbols. The winning mode is determined according to the combination of the patterns stopped on the winning line.
[0004]
A large hit prize called a big bonus game (hereinafter abbreviated as a BB game) and a middle hit prize called a regular bonus game (hereinafter abbreviated as an RB game) can acquire a large amount of game medals. Winners such as "Cherry" and "Bell" can win several game medals.
[0005]
In addition, even if the ratio of the thus-entered game medium and the returned game medium, that is, the so-called redemption rate, is the same, the reduced game medium has different playability, so that the player can enjoy the game. It becomes a factor. For example, even if the return rate is the same, various game properties are provided based on various settings such as “low risk / low return” and “high risk / high return”.
[0006]
However, in the conventional gaming machine, since the jackpot winning probability, the payout, and the return rate are fixed in advance by the administrator of the game arcade, the probability and the payout cannot be determined by the player. However, detailed services could not be provided to each of the players. In addition, the jackpot winning probability, the return payout, and the return rate can be changed by a changeover switch provided inside the gaming machine, but the player himself cannot switch.
[0007]
Therefore, based on the operation of the player, a gaming machine that can switch a plurality of specification values as control conditions when performing the game control of the jackpot winning probability and the return payout has been proposed. A service can be provided (for example, Patent Document 1). In the above-mentioned gaming machine, a jackpot winning probability value and a return payout number are set based on a player's operation.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-347042 A
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, not all players can easily set the jackpot winning probability value and the number of return dividends, and the above-described setting is not easy unless the player has experienced a considerable number of the relevant games. is there. If a player can experience a bonus game such as a big win or BB game or a middle win or RB game, some players think that the appearance rate of the bonus game may be low. On the other hand, even if the player cannot experience the above-mentioned bonus game, there are players who hope to increase a small payout and increase the payout dividend.
[0010]
Even if the player wishes to continue the game for a long time, the above-mentioned desire of the player has not been reflected in the conventional gaming machines.
[0011]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine and a program that enable a player to easily select a desired game mode.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention has specification value setting means for setting a plurality of specification values as control conditions when performing game control to an arbitrary value within a certain range, A game condition input unit for inputting a game condition desired by a player when performing a game, and a game condition input by the game condition input unit. And a specification value changing unit that changes the plurality of specification values based on the input result of (i), wherein the specification value setting unit sets the plurality of specification values changed by the specification value changing unit as a control condition. A gaming machine which is a game machine, wherein a small hit probability leading to a small hit prize, a big hit probability leading to a big hit prize, and a win ratio determining means for allowing a player to determine a ratio as a game condition, Decision Based on the result, the to the small hit probabilities, the probability changing unit per changing the, and the jackpot probability, comprising the.
[0013]
More specifically, the present invention provides the following.
[0014]
(1) Specification value setting means for setting a plurality of specification values as control conditions for performing game control to an arbitrary value within a certain range, and each of the plurality of specification values is a different condition. A game condition input means for inputting a game condition desired by a player when performing the game, and a specification for changing the plurality of specification values based on an input result of the game condition input by the game condition input means. A value changing means, wherein the specification value setting means is a gaming machine for setting the plurality of specification values changed by the specification value changing means as a control condition. A winning probability, a jackpot probability leading to a jackpot winning, a winning ratio determining means for allowing the player to determine the ratio as a game condition, based on the result determined by the winning ratio determining means, the small hit probability, A gaming machine comprising: a jackpot probability; and a hit probability changing means for changing the jackpot probability.
[0015]
According to the invention described in (1), "specification value setting means for setting a plurality of specification values as control conditions at the time of performing game control to an arbitrary value within a certain range, and each of the plurality of specification values It is a condition different from the above, based on a game condition input means for inputting a game condition desired by a player when playing a game, based on a game condition input result input by the game condition input means A specification value changing means for changing a plurality of specification values, wherein the specification value setting means sets the plurality of specification values changed by the specification value changing means as control conditions. A winning ratio determining means for allowing a player to determine the ratio of a small hit probability leading to a small hit prize and a big hit probability leading to a big hit prize, and a result determined by the hit ratio determining means. ,Previous A small-hit probability and a large-hit probability are provided, and a hit probability changing means is provided for changing the specification value itself without directly changing the specification value, that is, when a game condition different from the specification value, that is, when a player In addition, it is possible to easily specify game conditions such as desired conditions (a hit ratio between a small hit probability and a big hit probability, etc.), and to indirectly determine specification values based on the game conditions. Can be set as desired. Therefore, it is possible to easily provide a game mode suitable for the player. For example, the "player who expects a bonus game even if the appearance rate is low" and the "player who expects many small hits" have different ways of enjoying the game. The player can select a desired prize mode and, if the desired prize mode can be expected, can enjoy the game for a long time. Thus, the gaming machine can be individualized according to the player's preference.
[0016]
(2) The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the specification value changing means changes the specification value in a state where the return rate is kept constant.
[0017]
According to the invention described in (2), "the specification value changing means changes the specification value while maintaining the return rate at a constant value." By inputting, even if the specification value is changed, the return rate is kept constant.
[0018]
For example, a winning pattern differs between a setting that tends to have more small hits than a jackpot and a setting that tends to have more jackpots than a small winning. In the former setting, it can be expected that the appearance rate of the small hit prize is high, but the prize mode is that the number of return payouts at the time of the small hit prize is small. On the other hand, in the latter setting, the appearance rate of the jackpot win cannot be expected, but the winning payout number at the time of the jackpot win is large. In any of the winning modes, since the specification value is changed while the return rate is kept constant, the return rate intended by the game store may be approximately equal to the intended return rate for a long period of time (for example, during opening hours of one day). We can expect to converge.
[0019]
(3) a specification value setting step of setting a plurality of specification values as control conditions when performing game control to an arbitrary value within a certain range; and the plurality of specification values are different from each other; And a computer for executing a specification value changing step of changing the plurality of specification values based on an input result of a game condition in which a game condition desired by a player when a game is played, and The specification value setting step is a program for setting the plurality of specification values changed in the specification value changing step as control conditions, and includes a small hit probability leading to a small hit prize and a big hit probability reaching a big hit prize. A winning ratio determining step in which a player determines a ratio as a game condition, and based on a result determined in the winning ratio determining step, the small hitting probability and , A jackpot probability changing step for changing the jackpot probability.
[0020]
According to the invention described in (3), "the specification value setting step of setting a plurality of specification values as control conditions when performing game control to an arbitrary value within a certain range, A condition value changing step of changing the plurality of specification values based on an input result of a game condition in which a game condition desired by a player when a game is performed is different from each other, and The specification value setting step is a program for setting the plurality of specification values changed in the specification value changing step as control conditions, and includes a small hit probability leading to a small hit prize and a big hit A winning ratio determining step in which the player determines the ratio of the big hit probability leading to winning as a game condition, and a result determined in the winning ratio determining step. , Causing the computer to execute a winning probability changing step for changing the small hitting probability and the big hitting probability, so that the game condition different from the specification value without directly changing the specification value, that is, a player When playing a game, the specification value can be indirectly determined based on a game condition such as a desired condition (a hit ratio between a small hit probability and a big hit probability, etc.). Thus, it is possible to set conditions desired by the player. For this reason, a suitable game mode can be provided to the player.
[0021]
[Definition of terms]
In the following description, it is assumed that the BB game and the RB game are the same bonus game and a big hit is won.
[0022]
Further, in this specification, "big hit prize" is defined as a win in the BB game and RB game described above, and "small hit prize" is defined as a small hit prize other than the bonus game.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a slot machine, and an embodiment using a plurality of mechanical rotating reels as a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of types of patterns required for a game will be described. The present invention is not limited to this, and can be employed in various types of gaming machines such as pachinko, gaming medal gaming machines, card gaming machines, and the like.
[0024]
[Configuration of gaming machines]
The appearance of the slot machine 10 is shown in FIG.
[0025]
The housing 12 that covers the outer periphery of the slot machine 10 includes a main body 11 and a door 13. A rectangular display window 14 (14L, 14C, and 14R) is provided on the front panel 22 of the housing 12 forming the entire slot machine 10.
[0026]
Inside the housing 12, three reels 26L, 26C, and 26R each having a plurality of types of patterns drawn on each outer peripheral surface are rotatably provided. Each of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R is provided so as to be visible through the display window 14 described above. The reels 26L, 26C, and 26R are driven to rotate via the display window 14 so that the pattern drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R moves from top to bottom, as described later. . Then, when the rotation of each of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R is stopped, the patterns drawn on the three outer peripheral surfaces are visually recognized via the display window 14 for each reel and stopped.
[0027]
A substantially horizontal pedestal portion 28 is provided below the display window 14, and a game medal slot 25 is provided on the upper right side thereof. In addition, a 1-BET switch 29 is provided on the upper left side of the pedestal portion 28 so that only one of the already inserted game medals is subjected to game betting by one push operation. A 2-BET switch 30 for targeting only two of the inserted game medals to a game bet, and a maximum number of game medals that can be used for one game among the already inserted game medals. And a maximum BET switch 31 for making the game bet target.
[0028]
On the front panel 22 near the maximum BET switch 31, there is provided a credit number display section 33 having a display section formed of 7-segment LEDs. The credit function is a function of storing the number of paid out game medals in an internal memory without paying out the game medals to a certain range (for example, 50) without paying out the game medals at the time of winning. It is displayed on the credit amount display section. When the number of stored game medals exceeds a certain range, the excess game medals are paid out to a game medal tray.
[0029]
When the player operates the 1-BET switch 29, as shown in FIG. 2, of the three visually recognizable patterns on each of the three reels, only the winning line L1 composed of the combination of the central patterns is the result of the game. This is valid for the determination (hereinafter, a combination of pictures that is valid for the determination of the game result is referred to as “valid line”). When the 2-BET switch 30 is operated, in addition to the above-mentioned activated line, a combination of upper patterns or a combination of lower patterns among three visually recognizable patterns of each of the three reels. The pay line L2A and the pay line L2B are added to form a total of three pay lines.
[0030]
Further, when the maximum BET switch 31 is operated, when three or more game medals have already been inserted, in addition to the above-mentioned activated line, an upper symbol on the reel 26L, a central symbol on the reel 26C, A winning line L3A composed of a lower pattern combination on the reel 26R, a lower pattern on the reel 26L, a central pattern on the reel 26C, and a winning line L3B composed of an upper pattern combination on the reel 26R are added. All the five winning lines, that is, L1, L2A, L2B, L3A and L3B are activated. However, when the number of remaining game medals has been already two, only three of the five pay lines, L1, L2A and L2B, and the remaining number of game medals already inserted are provided. Is one, only L1 of the five pay lines is activated. The activated pay line is notified to the player by displaying the fact on the side of the display window 14.
[0031]
By pushing these BET switches 29, 30, or 31, the above-mentioned winning line is activated according to the pushed BET switch. When the player presses the 1-BET switch 29, the 2-BET switch 30, or the maximum BET switch 31, the game starts.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 1, a start lever 32 is provided on the left side of the front surface of the pedestal portion 28 so as to be tiltable. When the player tilts the start lever 32, the rotation of the three reels 26L, 26C, and 26R described above starts simultaneously. When the three reels 26L, 26C, 26R rotate, the picture drawn on the circumferential surface of each of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R is variably displayed on the display window 14.
[0033]
When the rotation speed of the three reels 26L, 26C, 26R reaches a predetermined speed, the operation of the reel stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R described later by the player becomes effective.
[0034]
Three reel stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R are provided in the center of the front surface of the base 28. The reel stop button 34L corresponds to the reel 26L, the reel stop button 34C corresponds to the reel 26C, and the reel stop button 34R corresponds to the reel 26R. When the player presses the reel stop button 34L, the reel 26L stops. When the player presses the reel stop button 34C, the reel 26C stops, and the player presses the reel stop button 34R. When operated, the reel 26R stops.
[0035]
On the left side of the start lever 32, a payout button 36 is provided. When the player pushes the payout button 36, the inserted game medals are paid out from the game medal payout opening 38 at the lower front, and the paid out game medals are stored in the game medal tray 40.
[0036]
The payout display section 41 displays the number of executions of the bonus game and the number of game medal payouts for each of the winnings, in addition to the combinations of the winning patterns.
[0037]
On each of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R described above, a plurality of types of patterns are drawn on the outer peripheral surface by a predetermined number, for example, 21 pieces. When the rotation of each of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R is stopped, the arrangement of these patterns visible from the display window 14 allows a predetermined amount of game medals to be paid out and a game to be in a state advantageous to the player. Will be migrated.
[0038]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the setting display section 42. The setting display section 42 displays a winning ratio of a small hit probability leading to a small hit prize and a big hit probability leading to a big hit prize. The setting display unit 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The setting is performed by operating the setting switch 43 disposed on the front surface of the pedestal portion 28, and the winning ratio is displayed on the setting display portion 42. More specifically, the rectangular symbol in FIG.
[0039]
When the ratio of the small hit probability leading to the small hit prize and the ratio of the big hit probability leading to the big hit prize are set to be the same by the setting switch 43, the rectangular symbol is located at the center as shown in FIG. When the ratio of the small hit probability leading to the small hit prize is larger than the ratio of the big hit probability leading to the big hit prize, and set by the setting switch 43, the rectangular symbol is located on the right side of the center. When the ratio of the jackpot probability leading to the big hit prize is larger than the ratio of the small jackpot probability leading to the small hit prize, and is set by the setting switch 43, the rectangular pattern is located on the left side of the center.
[0040]
The setting switch 43 is a slide switch as a hit ratio determining means for allowing a player to determine a ratio of a small hit probability to a small hit prize and a big hit probability to a big hit prize as a game condition. If the lever of the setting switch 43 is moved rightward from the center, the ratio of the small hit probability to the small hit prize becomes larger than the ratio of the large hit probability to the big hit prize. If the lever of the setting switch 43 is moved to the left from the center, the ratio of the jackpot probability to the big hit prize becomes larger than the ratio of the small jackpot probability to the small hit prize. Thus, the setting switch 43 sets the hit ratio as a tendency.
[0041]
Note that the setting switch 43 described above is not limited to the slide switch described in the embodiment. The setting switch 43 may be a virtual switch using a jog switch, a touch sensor, or the like. The setting switch 43 only needs to have a function capable of changing the above-mentioned hit ratio by operation. Further, the arrangement of the setting switch 43 is not limited to the front surface of the pedestal portion 28. The setting switch 43 may be arranged on the upper surface of the base 28 or on the front panel 22.
[0042]
[Gaming machine board configuration]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the inside of the housing of the slot machine. FIG. 4 is a view showing a state where the door 13 of the slot machine 10 is opened.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 10 incorporates various devices and various control boards (not shown).
[0044]
The hopper 45 stores the inserted game medals or pays out the game medals to the game medal tray 40. A return rate setting switch 72 serving as specification value setting means is provided inside the housing 12, and the return rate is set in advance based on an operation of a staff at the game arcade. In the slot machine of the present embodiment, the return rate can be set to six levels, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the return rate may be set to a plurality of levels.
[0045]
[Configuration of control unit of gaming machine]
A circuit configuration of the slot machine 10 is shown in a block diagram of FIG.
[0046]
5 is a microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as a microcomputer), and 51 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The microcomputer 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53. The CPU 51 controls the operation according to the program written in the ROM 52. Programs and data are stored in the ROM 52 in advance. The RAM 53 provides a work area necessary for control processing and stores data from the CPU 51.
[0047]
The “CPU 51” corresponds to a part including “specification value setting means”, “specification value changing means”, “hit ratio determining means”, and “hit probability changing means”.
[0048]
Further, the program in the present embodiment specifically includes the following.
[0049]
(A) A program for causing a computer to execute a “winning ratio determination step in which a player determines a ratio of a small hit probability leading to a small hit prize and a big hit probability reaching a big hit prize as a game condition”.
[0050]
(B) A program for causing a computer to execute a “winning probability changing step of changing the small hitting probability and the big hitting probability based on the result determined in the hit ratio determining step”.
[0051]
The "RAM 53" corresponds to a part including "specification value setting means", "specification value changing means", "hit ratio determining means", and "hit probability changing means".
[0052]
By executing the above-mentioned program, without directly changing the specification value itself, a game condition different from the specification value, that is, a desired condition (a hit ratio of the small hit probability and the big hit probability) when the player plays Etc.) can easily be specified, and the specification value can be indirectly determined based on the game conditions, so that the player can set desired conditions. For this reason, a suitable game mode can be provided to the player.
[0053]
Further, such a program only needs to be readable by a computer, and may be stored in a storage medium of the gaming machine itself. Further, such a program may be stored in a storage medium built in a device having another configuration, and may be divided and stored in a storage medium built in a gaming machine.
[0054]
Furthermore, the program in the present embodiment is recorded in the ROM 52, but may be recorded in a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, and a DVD. Furthermore, these programs need not be recorded in advance, but may be recorded in the RAM 53 or the like after the power is turned on. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.
[0055]
The CPU 51 is connected to a frequency divider 55, a random number generator 56, and a random number sampling circuit 57. The clock pulse generating circuit 54 generates a reference clock pulse and sends the reference clock pulse to the frequency divider 55. The random number generator 56 generates a random number within a certain range based on the signal from the start switch 32S, and sends the random number to the random number sampling circuit 57. The random number sampling circuit 57 extracts an arbitrary random number from the generated random numbers and sends it to the CPU 51. As a means for random number sampling, the microcomputer 50 may perform random number sampling by processing by software. In that case, the random number generator 56 and the random number sampling circuit 57 can be omitted.
[0056]
In the ROM 52 of the microcomputer 50, in addition to a control program for controlling various operations of the slot machine 10, in a probability lottery process to be described later, a winning probability table used for judging whether or not the extracted random number is correct, a reel stop button 34L / 34C A stop table for determining the stop positions of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R in accordance with the operation of 34R is stored.
[0057]
The motors 46L, 46C, 46R rotate the reels 26L, 26C, 26R, respectively. The microcomputer 50 controls the operations of the motors 46L, 46C, 46R, the hopper 45, the payout display unit 41, and the setting display unit 42. Each of the motors 46L, 46C, 46R, the hopper 45, the payout display unit 41, and the setting display unit 42 is driven by a motor drive circuit 60, a hopper drive circuit 61, and a display drive circuit 62, respectively. Each of the drive circuits 60 to 62 is connected to the CPU 51.
[0058]
Each of the motors 46L, 46C, 46R makes one rotation when a drive signal of the motor drive circuit 60 is transmitted. The hopper 45 is driven by a hopper drive circuit 61 and pays out game medals based on the number of game medal payouts for each winning. In addition, the payout display unit 41 and the setting display unit 42 display the payout table and the game conditions set at that time based on the control signal output from the CPU 51 to the display drive circuit 62.
[0059]
The start switch 32S detects the operation of the start lever 32. The medal sensor 25S detects a game medal inserted from the game medal insertion slot 25. The start switch 32S, the medal sensor 25S, and the payout switch 36S generate an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 50 to generate a control signal.
[0060]
The input signal generating means includes a photo sensor 67 and a reel position detection circuit 65 which receives the output pulse signal from the photo sensor 67 and detects the rotational position of each of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R.
[0061]
The photo sensor 67 detects the rotation each time each of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R makes one rotation, and generates a reset pulse. The reset pulse is sent to the CPU 51 via the reel position detection circuit 65. The count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation of each of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R is stored in the RAM 53.
[0062]
The reel stop signal circuit 66 generates a signal for stopping the corresponding reel 26L, 26C, 26R when the stop button 34L, 34C, 34R is pressed. Further, the payout completion signal generating circuit 64 outputs a signal notifying the completion of the payout of the game medal when the game medal count value actually paid out from the hopper 45 detected by the medal detection unit 44 reaches the set payout number data. Output to
[0063]
The hit ratio between the small hit probability leading to the small hit prize and the big hit probability reaching the big hit prize is set by the setting switch 43. The setting circuit 63 outputs a hit ratio signal to the CPU 51 based on a lever operation of the setting switch 43.
[0064]
The CPU 51 outputs the hit ratio signal input from the setting circuit 63 to the display drive circuit 43. The display drive circuit 43 causes the setting display unit 42 to display the winning ratio based on the input winning ratio signal.
[0065]
[Operation of control unit of gaming machine]
Next, how each of the drive circuits is controlled during a series of games will be described. Since the power switch of the slot machine 10 is turned on, the random number generator can generate random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range. If the medal sensor 25S detects that the player has inserted the game medal, or if the game medal is credited, the 1-BET switch 29, the 2-BET switch 30, and the maximum BET switch 31 are pressed to operate the BET switches. The lamps in 29, 30, and 31 are turned on. A random number value is sampled by the random number sampling circuit 57 at a timing when the start switch 32S detects a game start operation of the player. Then, the sampled random number value is compared with the lottery probability table stored in the ROM 52, and if the winning is achieved, the winning flag of the winning combination is stored in the RAM 53. This soft lottery process is referred to as a “probability lottery process” and will be described later in detail.
[0066]
Then, the CPU 51 supplies a drive pulse to the motors 46L, 46C, 46R via the motor drive circuit 60, and the reels 26L, 26C, 26R start rotating. The CPU 51 monitors the supplied drive pulse and updates the “pulse counter” secured in the RAM 53. Then, the value of the pulse counter is monitored, and when the value reaches a predetermined value, it is determined that the picture has moved by one picture (also referred to as one frame), and the "picture counter" secured in the RAM 53 is counted by one. Up.
[0067]
For example, in the case of a stepping motor that makes one rotation with 400 pulses of 1-2 excitation, and if 21 patterns are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel, it is determined that one pattern has moved by about 19 pulses, and ""Patterncounter" is counted up by one.
[0068]
On the other hand, in the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R, an index detection signal is generated each time the reference point of the picture passes the center line L1 of the display window, and a reset pulse is input to the CPU 51 via the reel position detection circuit 65. . Upon detecting the input of the reset pulse, the CPU 51 clears the picture counter counted up in the RAM 53, and the consistency between the picture position grasped by software and the picture position actually displayed is ensured.
[0069]
When the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R start rotating and a constant time elapses and the reels 26L, 26C, and 26R enter a constant-speed rotation state, the stop operation of the reel stop buttons 34L, 34C, and 34R is enabled. When the player performs a stop operation, a reel stop signal is input to the CPU 51 via a reel stop signal circuit 66, and after software processing such as a stop position is performed, the motors 46L, 46C. A stop pulse is supplied to 46R, and the reels 26L, 26C, 26R are controlled to stop.
[0070]
In controlling the stop of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R, the CPU 51 stores the code number of the picture on the center line L1 in a predetermined area of the RAM 53 as a stop operation position when receiving a stop signal from the reel stop signal circuit 66. A stop table in which the stop operation position is associated with a pattern to be stopped and displayed on the center line L1 is referred to. Then, the pattern stop position corresponding to the stop operation position is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 53, and the number of remaining pulses (how many frames) should be supplied to stop the target pattern is calculated. After supplying the number of pulses, stop control is performed.
[0071]
When all the reels 26L, 26C, 26R are stopped, a winning search is performed. First of all, the winning search is performed by referring to a pattern table stored in the ROM 52 and a pattern stop position stored in the RAM 53 to determine what kind of game mode this time is stopped in the display windows 14L, 14C, 14R. Know the status.
[0072]
The pattern table is configured to correspond to a pattern row drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R, and has a code number indicating the order of the pattern from the reference position, and a pattern provided corresponding to the code number. Corresponds to the code and plays the role of a soft reel band.
[0073]
Next, with respect to each of the activated lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B, it is determined whether or not there is a winning by referring to the stop mode and the winning pattern combination table stored in the ROM 52. The winning pattern combination table is a table in which combinations of winning patterns are associated with the number of payout game medals when winning, and the processing is performed by switching the winning patterns, for example, by changing the winning pattern combination and the number of payouts depending on the game state. I do.
[0074]
When the CPU 51 determines that the winning is “winning” in the winning search, the CPU 51 sends out a payout signal to the hopper driving circuit 61 and pays out a predetermined number of game medals from the hopper 45. At that time, the medal detection unit 44 counts the number of game medals paid out from the hopper 45, and when the counted value reaches a predetermined number, stops the drive signal to the hopper drive circuit 61 and stops paying out game medals. .
[0075]
Next, portions related to the features of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a main part circuit configuration diagram of the control device of FIG. The lottery processing unit 50A of FIG. 6 includes the random number generator 56 and the random number sampling circuit 7 of FIG. The stop operation unit 50B includes the stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R and the reel stop signal circuit 66 of FIG. In a certain storage area of the ROM 52, a plurality of lottery probability tables T ₁ ~ T _n Is stored. The lottery probability table T read from the lottery probability table group DB according to a command from the CPU 51. _k (K is an integer of 1 to n) is temporarily stored in the RAM 53.
[0076]
6, the setting circuit 63 outputs a hit ratio signal to the CPU 51 based on a lever operation of the setting switch 43. The CPU 51 causes the setting display unit 42 to display the winning ratio via the display driving circuit 62 based on the input winning ratio signal. On the other hand, the CPU 51 determines a corresponding lottery probability table T from the lottery probability table group DB in the ROM 52 based on the input hit ratio signal. _k Is read, and the read lottery probability table T is read. _k Is temporarily stored in the RAM 53. Then, the lottery probability table T stored in the RAM 53 _k Is applied to the probability lottery process. In FIG. 5, it has been described that the lottery probability table applied to the probability lottery process is stored in the ROM 52. However, in the embodiment of the present invention, the lottery probability table group DB stored in the ROM 52 is selected. The lottery probability table T selected and stored in the RAM 53 _k Is applied to the probability lottery process.
[0077]
The lottery probability table group DB includes a plurality of lottery probability tables T serving as data tables in which lottery data according to the game state is set. ₁ ~ T _n have. In FIG. 6, a lottery probability table T ₁ Is a lottery probability table in which the ratio of the small hit probability is the highest, which is the ratio of the small hit probability to the small hit prize and the big hit probability to the big hit prize. Conversely, lottery probability table T _n Is a lottery probability table in which the ratio of the jackpot probability is the highest, which is the ratio of the small jackpot probability leading to the small jackpot prize and the big jackpot probability leading to the big jackpot prize.
[0078]
Next, an example of the lottery probability table will be described with reference to the table of FIG. The lottery probability table of FIG. 7 shows the setting level of the payout rate (for example, for each lottery role such as big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), watermelon, orange, replay, 4-cherry, 2-cherry, etc.) 6 is a data table in which lottery data according to a gaming state is set for (six stages from 1 to 6). The lottery probability is obtained by dividing each lottery data by the fluctuation range of random numbers used in the probability lottery process (for example, 16384). In addition, “general” in the table of each drawing indicates a general gaming state, and “inside” indicates an internal winning state of a BB game winning and an RB game winning.
[0079]
Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately switch between a gaming state with a high expected value that increases the probability of winning during a general game and a gaming state with a low expected value that reduces the probability of winning during a general game. It has become. In the lottery probability table, (High) indicates a gaming state with a high expected value, and (Low) indicates a gaming state with a low expected value.
[0080]
By the way, in FIG. 7, a hit section which is a winning flag is determined based on lottery data according to a lottery combination, a setting, and a game state. For example, in FIG. 7, the hit section data of the lottery data “52” in the general inside of the BB combination in the setting 1 is “0 to 51”. The hit section data of the lottery data “300” in the general inside of the watermelon combination (High) is “377 to 676”. When the random number selected in the lottery is included in the hit section data, each winning combination is won. That is, the larger the lottery data in the lottery probability table, the larger the width of the hit section and the higher the lottery probability.
[0081]
Next, the lottery data of the lottery probability table and the relationship between the winning rate of the small hit probability and the big hit probability will be described with reference to the graph of FIG. The vertical axis in FIG. 8 indicates the lottery data, and the horizontal axis indicates the hit ratio between the small hit probability and the big hit probability. Lottery probability table T ₁ ~ T _n May be paraphrased as the horizontal axis. "M" on the horizontal axis is when the hit ratio is intermediate. The straight line A in FIG. 8 conceptually shows the lottery data of the part A in FIG. That is, the jackpot probability. On the other hand, the straight line B in FIG. 8 conceptually shows the lottery data of the portion B in FIG. That is, the small hit probability. The lottery data described above does not always change linearly as shown by the straight lines A and B, but conceptually indicates a change in data.
[0082]
As shown in FIG. 8, when the setting switch 43 is set to have a high probability of small hits, the lottery data (A straight line) of the part A in FIG. The lottery probability table that is as high as possible is selected. Conversely, when the setting switch 43 is set to have a large jackpot probability, the lottery data (A straight line) of part A in FIG. 8 is relatively high, and the lottery data (B straight line) of part B is relatively low. Is selected. As a result, it is possible to easily select a winning ratio between a small hit probability that leads to a small hit prize desired by the player and a big hit probability that leads to a big hit prize. In addition, the intermediate position M in FIG. 8 is a winning rate unique to the gaming machine based on the return rate setting switch 72. In this way, the player can freely change the winning ratio unique to the gaming machine.
[0083]
Note that the lottery table of FIG. 7 shown in the present embodiment has been described as a machine dedicated to three game medals. However, when two game medals are inserted, the lottery table shown in FIG. 7 is lower than when the three game medals are inserted, and when one game medal is inserted, the lottery table is lower than when the two game medals are inserted. By preparing a plurality of these lottery tables having the same concept as described above, various game modes can be realized.
[0084]
Further, in the present invention, the player can set a desired hit ratio based on the lever operation of the setting switch 43. The setting can be confirmed on the setting display section 42. The player indirectly selects the favorite lottery probability table T based on the lever operation of the setting switch 43. _k That you have selected. However, each lottery probability table T ₁ ~ T _n In, the lottery data is combined so that the return rate becomes constant in accordance with the return rate setting switch 72 in six stages of the return rate. For this reason, even if the player changes the specification value which is the winning ratio between the small hit probability leading to the small hit prize and the big hit probability leading to the big hit prize, the gaming shop does not conceive of setting the hit ratio of the player. . Over a long period of time (for example, within one day opening time), it can be expected that the return rate roughly converges to the intended return rate of the game store.
[0085]
[Operation explanation of gaming machine]
Next, a control operation of the control circuit shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 in the present embodiment will be described.
[0086]
FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts showing the outline of this game processing.
[0087]
First, the CPU 51 performs an initialization process before starting a game. Specifically, it clears the status of the previous game, writes game parameters necessary for the game, sets the start address of the sequence program, and the like. Then, first, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the lever of the setting switch 43 has been operated by the player and the operation of the specification value for selecting and setting the winning ratio has been performed (step S101).
[0088]
In step S101, the CPU 51 determines the lottery probability table T in the RAM 53. _k And the lottery probability table T _k Is matched with the hit ratio signal output from the setting circuit 63. If there is no match in the confirmation processing (that is, if the setting switch 43 has been changed from the previous time), the process proceeds to step S102. If they match in the confirmation processing (that is, if there has been no change operation of the setting switch 43 from the previous time), the process proceeds to step S103.
[0089]
In step S <b> 102, the CPU 51 outputs to the display drive circuit 43 a hit ratio signal which becomes a specification value input to the CPU 51 via the setting circuit 63 based on the lever operation of the setting switch 43. The display drive circuit 43 changes and displays the winning ratio based on the input winning ratio signal. In addition, in step S102, based on the winning ratio signal which becomes the specification value input to the CPU 51, the CPU 51 reads the corresponding lottery probability table T from the lottery probability table group DB in the ROM 52. _k Is read, and the read lottery probability table T is read. _k Is temporarily stored in the RAM 53. Lottery probability table T set here _k , The subsequent game proceeds. When the process in step S102 ends, the process moves to step S103.
[0090]
Next, it is determined whether a game medal has been inserted or a BET has been placed (step S103). In step S103, the CPU 51 first determines whether there is a request for automatic insertion of game medals. That is, it is determined whether or not a replay has been won in the previous game. If there is an automatic insertion request, the CPU 51 automatically inserts the game medals corresponding to the insertion request, and proceeds to the process of step S104. When there is no automatic insertion request, the CPU 51 determines whether or not a new game medal is inserted. That is, whether or not there is a detection signal input from the medal sensor 25S when the player inserts a game medal into the game medal insertion slot 25, or whether there is a signal input from various BET switches 29, 30, and 31. Is determined. If there is any input in the determination, the process proceeds to step S104. If there is no input in the determination, the process returns to the previous stage of step S101, and the CPU 51 continues monitoring the signal input.
[0091]
Next, it is determined whether or not a start signal has been input from the start switch 32S by operating the start lever 32 (step S104). If it is determined in step S104 that the start signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S104, the CPU 51 continues to monitor the input signal until the start signal input is determined.
[0092]
Next, a probability lottery process (internal lottery process) is executed (step S105). In the probability lottery process, first, one random number for lottery is extracted in the range of “0 to 16383” by the random number generator 56 and the random number sampling circuit 57 of FIG. Then, a lottery probability table T in which a random number value range (winning range) to be won is set. _k To determine which range the extracted random number value belongs to, and determine a corresponding internal winning combination (winning flag).
[0093]
Next, the CPU 51 controls the motor drive circuit 60 to execute the rotation processing of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R (step S106). In step S106, acceleration processing is performed from a state in which the reels 26L, 26C, 26R are stopped, and constant speed rotation processing is performed after the reels 26L, 26C, 26R reach a certain speed. The operation of the reel stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R is validated on condition that the rotation speed is constant, and the stop operation of each of the reels 26L, 26C, 26R becomes possible, and the process proceeds to step S107.
[0094]
Next, stop control of each reel 26L / 26C / 26R is executed (step S107). In step S107, it is determined whether or not any one of the reel stop buttons 34L, 34C, and 34R has been operated (reel stop button ON), that is, a reel stop signal when the player has operated the reel stop buttons 34L, 34C, and 34R. The CPU 51 first determines whether or not there is a stop signal transmitted from the circuit 66.
[0095]
In the determination, if there is a stop signal transmitted from the reel stop signal circuit 66, the CPU 51 confirms that all reels have stopped after executing the sliding frame number determination process, and the process proceeds to step 108. .
[0096]
The above-described sliding frame number determination process is a process of determining the number of sliding frames on the reel corresponding to the reel stop button that has been stopped. Here, the “number of sliding frames” refers to a pattern position displayed on the display windows 14L, 14C, 14R when the reel stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R are operated (this is referred to as a “stop operation position”). The number of pictures to be slid to stop the reel (the position where the reels actually stop is referred to as a "stop position") refers to the number of pictures that can be slid (the number of frames). Then, the CPU 51 controls the motor drive circuit 60 so that the reel is rotated by the determined number of sliding frames with respect to the stop button for which the stop operation has been performed, and then stopped.
[0097]
In step S107, when it is determined that there is no stop signal transmitted from the reel stop signal circuit 66 when the reel stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R are operated, the value of the automatic stop timer becomes "0". After the monitoring, the process proceeds to step 108. The automatic stop means that when a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 40 seconds) from the start of reel rotation, the reels 26L, 26C, 26R are rotated without operating the reel stop buttons 34L, 34C, 34R. This is a process for automatically controlling stop.
[0098]
Next, the CPU 51 executes a winning search process (step S108). In the prize search process, it is determined whether or not the stop mode of the picture displayed on the display windows 14L, 14C, 14R indicates that a prize has been established. If the stop mode indicates that the prize has been established, the corresponding prize flag is determined. Is stored in the RAM 53. Specifically, by comparing the code number of the picture on the center line L1 with the winning picture combination table stored in the ROM 52, it is determined whether or not the stop mode of the picture indicates that the winning has been achieved.
[0099]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the current prize is normal or whether or not the prize is awarded by referring to whether or not the prize flag matches the winning flag determined in step S105. If the current winning is not normal, an illegal error is displayed, the execution of the game program is stopped, and after the illegal error is released, the process starts from the first step S101.
[0100]
If the current winning is determined to be normal and no winning is obtained, the process returns to the initial step S101. As a result of the winning determination, if the winning combination is a replay winning, the process returns to step S104 (step 109). When the winning combination is other than the replay winning, as shown in FIG. 10, a payout process of the game medal according to the established winning combination is executed (step S110).
[0101]
Next, when the game state is changed by ending the current game, the shift processing is executed. For example, this is a case where a big hit prize of the BB game and the RB game occurs in the current game.
[0102]
As shown in FIG. 10, following step S110, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the winning combination established in step S108 is a BB game (step S111). When it is determined that the BB game has occurred, the gaming state is shifted to the BB game (step S112). The player can execute the BB game.
[0103]
If it is determined in step S111 that the winning combination established in step S108 is not a BB game, then the CPU 51 determines whether the winning combination established in step S108 is an RB game (step S113). .
[0104]
If it is determined that the RB game has occurred, the gaming state is shifted to the RB game (step S112). The player can execute the RB game.
[0105]
A series of processing is performed when the BB game ends in step S112, when the winning combination established in step S108 is determined to be not the RB game in step S113, and when the BB game ends in step S114. finish. Thereafter, the above-described processing is repeated, and the game by the slot machine is continued.
[0106]
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, specification value setting means for setting a plurality of specification values as control conditions when performing game control to an arbitrary value within a certain range, Game condition input means for inputting a game condition desired by the player when playing a game, which is a condition different from each of the specification values, and an input result of the game condition input by the game condition input means Specification value changing means for changing the plurality of specification values based on the specification value, and the specification value setting means sets the plurality of specification values changed by the specification value changing means as a control condition. By operating the setting switch 43 provided on the front surface of the slot machine 10 and confirming the winning ratio on the setting display unit 42, the player can obtain the small hit probability and the small hit prize, Jackpot The player the proportion between the big hit probability leading to the award can set the rate per allowed to determine as a game condition (specification value) to the desired proportion of their own.
[0107]
For this reason, a suitable game mode can be provided to the player. For example, the "player who expects a bonus game even if the appearance rate is low" and the "player who expects many small hits" have different ways of enjoying the game. According to the present invention, a player can easily select a desired game mode, and can enjoy a game for a long time if the appearance of the desired game mode can be expected. Thus, the gaming machine can be individualized according to the player's preference.
[0108]
Further, according to the present invention, without directly changing the specification value itself, a game condition different from the specification value, that is, a desired condition (a winning ratio between a small hit probability and a big hit probability, a big hit prize) when a player plays a game. Game conditions such as the probability, the return rate, and the number of game medals paid out for each winning combination) can be easily specified, and the specification value can be indirectly determined based on the game conditions. Can be set. For this reason, a suitable game mode can be provided to the player.
[0109]
Furthermore, the present invention provides that "the specification value changing means changes the specification value while keeping the return rate constant", that is, different from the specification value according to the game preference selected by the player. When the game condition is input, the microcomputer 50 indirectly selects a lottery probability table according to the game preference. However, in the selected lottery probability table, the lottery data is combined so that the return rate is constant according to the six-step return rate of the return rate setting switch 72, and the return rate is maintained constant. For this reason, even if the player freely changes and sets the specification value which is the winning ratio, the gaming shop does not need to consider the return rate. In other words, the player can continue the game for a long time by intervening his or her gaming orientation in the gaming machine, while the gaming shop does not depend on the player's intervention of the gaming-oriented gaming machine, for example, one day. Within the opening hours of, it can be expected that the return rate roughly converged to the intended return rate of the game store.
[0110]
In addition, by executing the processing from step S101 to step S102 described above, "a specification value setting step of setting a plurality of specification values as control conditions when performing game control to an arbitrary value within a certain range, The plurality of specification values are conditions different from each other, and a specification value for changing the plurality of specification values based on an input result of a game condition in which a game condition desired by a player is input when playing a game. And a specification step, wherein the specification value setting step is a program for setting the plurality of specification values changed by the specification value changing step as control conditions, and A winning ratio determining step in which the player determines the ratio of the small hit probability to reach the big hit and the big hit probability to the big hit prize as a game condition; Based on the result determined by the hit ratio determination step, the small hit probability, the big hit probability, and a hit probability change step to change the, `` to let the computer execute '' without directly changing the specification value itself, Game conditions different from the specification values, that is, game conditions such as desired conditions (a hit ratio between a small hit probability and a big hit probability) when a player plays a game can be easily designated, and based on the game conditions, Thus, the specification value can be determined indirectly, so that the condition desired by the player can be set. For this reason, a suitable game mode can be provided to the player.
[0111]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, "a specification value setting means for setting a plurality of specification values as control conditions when performing game control to an arbitrary value within a certain range, and a condition different from each of the plurality of specification values. And a game condition input means for inputting a game condition desired by a player when playing a game, and the plurality of specification values based on a game condition input result input by the game condition input means. A specification value changing means for changing the specification value, the specification value setting means is a gaming machine for setting the plurality of specification values changed by the specification value changing means as a control condition, Winning ratio determining means for allowing the player to determine the ratio of the small hitting probability leading to a prize and the big hitting probability leading to a big hit prize as a game condition, and the small hit based on a result determined by the hit ratio determining means. Rate, the jackpot probability, and a hit probability changing means for changing '', without directly changing the specification value itself, game conditions different from the specification value, that is, when the player plays, It is possible to easily specify game conditions such as desired conditions (such as a hit ratio between a small hit probability and a big hit probability), and to indirectly determine specification values based on the game conditions. Can be set. For this reason, a suitable game mode can be provided to the player.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external view of a reel in a display window of the slot machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a setting display section of the slot machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the inside of the housing of the slot machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the slot machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a main part of a control device of the slot machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of a lottery probability table according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a graph conceptually showing a lottery probability table according to the present invention and a relationship of a winning ratio between a small hit probability and a big hit probability.
FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the slot machine in the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view showing a flowchart continued from FIG. 9;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 slot machine
11 Body
12 case
13 door
14 Display window
25 game medal slot
26 reel
28 pedestal
29 1-BET switch
30 2-BET switch
31 Maximum BET switch
32 Start lever
33 Credit number display
34 Reel stop button
36 Payout button
38 Game medal payout exit
40 game medal tray
41 Dividend display section
42 Setting display section
43 Setting switch
45 Hopper
46 motor
50 microcomputer
50A lottery processing section
50B Stop operation unit
51 CPU
52 ROM
53 RAM
54 Clock pulse generation circuit
55 divider
56 random number generator
57 random number sampling circuit
60 Motor drive circuit
61 Hopper drive circuit
62 Display drive circuit
63 Setting circuit
64 Payout completion signal generation circuit
65 Reel position detection circuit
66 Reel stop signal circuit
DB lottery probability table group

Claims (3)

Specification value setting means for setting a plurality of specification values as control conditions when performing game control to an arbitrary value within a certain range, and each of the plurality of specification values is a different condition, and when performing a game, A game condition input means for inputting a game condition desired by the player; and a specification value changing means for changing the plurality of specification values based on an input result of the game condition input by the game condition input means. Wherein the specification value setting means is a gaming machine for setting the plurality of specification values changed by the specification value changing means as control conditions,
A winning ratio determining means for allowing a player to determine a ratio of a small hit probability leading to a small hit prize and a big hit probability leading to a big hit prize as a game condition;
A gaming machine comprising: a hit probability changing means for changing the small hit probability and the large hit probability based on a result determined by the hit ratio determining means. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the specification value changing means changes the specification value while keeping a return rate constant. A specification value setting step of setting a plurality of specification values as control conditions when performing game control to an arbitrary value within a certain range; and the plurality of specification values are different from each other, and a game is performed. And a computer for executing a specification value changing step of changing the plurality of specification values based on an input result of a game condition in which a game condition desired by a player has been input. The setting step is a program for setting the plurality of specification values changed by the specification value changing step as control conditions,
A winning ratio determining step in which a player determines a ratio of a small hit probability leading to a small hit prize and a big hit probability leading to a big hit prize as a game condition;
A program for causing a computer to execute a hit probability changing step for changing the small hit probability and the big hit probability based on a result determined in the hit ratio determining step.

Images