JP2005124947A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the attraction of a game by making a player hopeful while varying the rate of put-out of balls. <P>SOLUTION: A bonus is won at the probability of 1/200 in an internal lottery. When the bonus is won, one is added to the number of stocks stored in a stock number storage part. If a bonus winning flag is not set, one is subtracted from the number of stocks, and the bonus winning flag is set in a winning flag setting part. At the time, the game state is set to be Replay Time (RT), and the game is controlled so that the winning of the bonus is impossible till the RT is released. The rate of selection of the probability of releasing of the RT when a set value is changed is determined according to the previous set value before the change and the current set value after the change based on a table (a), and the number of games expecting the release of the RT is less than 200, the inverse number of the probability of winning of the bonus, in the pattern of the rate of selection of the probability of releasing of the RT when the current set value is six. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, and particularly to a slot machine having a so-called stock function.

  The slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on the outer periphery, and a winning is generated according to a display mode when rotation of each reel is stopped. Depending on the type of winning, the medal as a valuable value is not paid out, but the game shifts to a special gaming state called a big bonus or a regular bonus (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as a bonus). The game progresses in a state advantageous to the player.

  In order for a winning combination including a bonus to occur, it is necessary to win the winning combination in an internal lottery performed in advance (usually when the start lever is operated) and to set a corresponding winning flag. Further, in a slot machine having a recent stock function, even if a bonus winning flag is set, control is performed such that a bonus winning such as RT (Replay Time) is impossible. Only when the disabled state is canceled due to the establishment of the cancellation condition, a bonus prize can be awarded (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 7).

JP 2002-219212 A JP 2002-219213 A JP 2002-219214 A JP 2002-272913 A JP 2003-24515 A JP 2003-180938 A JP 2003-180942 A

  By the way, a slot machine having a stock function is characterized in comparison with a slot machine not having a stock function, in which a bonus winning is likely to occur continuously in a short period of time, and a bonus winning is not generated for a long period of time. It is to create a state of stocking bonus winnings, and to change the appearance. This is achieved by preparing a plurality of types of disabled states having different expected values for release conditions and changing the types of disabled states controlled when the bonus winning flag is set.

  However, in the long-term viewpoint, the selection of the type of disabled state in a slot machine having a stock function so far is considered to be a state in which a bonus winning is likely to occur continuously in a short period of time because it is easy to cancel the disabled state. However, there was a tendency to tend to be in a state where the bonus winning stock is stocked while making it difficult to cancel the disabled state and preventing the bonus winning from occurring for a long period of time.

  Here, even if the type of the disabled state is selected so that the cancellation is easy, if the bonus winning is not stocked, the bonus winning probability will not occur beyond the bonus winning probability in the internal lottery. Changes in the ball are less likely to occur. On the other hand, if the type of the unusable state is selected so as to be difficult to cancel, a bonus winning will not occur up to the bonus winning probability in the internal lottery, thereby killing the player's expectation. In the past, it has not been possible to sufficiently improve the fun of games utilizing the features of the stock function.

  The present invention can easily carry out special carry-over of special decision information indicating that the occurrence of a special prize is permitted, and facilitate the generation of a bonus prize based on the carried over special decision information. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that can give a player a sense of expectation while changing the appearance and improve the interest of the game.

To achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention includes:
A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and a display result is displayed on a variable display device (variable display device 2) that displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified. In a slot machine in which one game is completed by deriving and displaying and a predetermined prize can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
Prior determination means for determining, with a predetermined probability, whether or not to set determination information (winning flag) as a condition for allowing the winning to be generated before the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed. Steps S305 and S306)
A storage area for storing information according to the progress of the game and setting special decision information (bonus winning flag, bonus stock number) based on the allowance of special winning (big bonus, regular bonus) by the pre-decision means Storage means (RAM 112) including (winning flag setting unit 301, stock number storage unit 303);
Special gaming state control means (step S206) for controlling to a special gaming state advantageous to the player until a predetermined ending condition is satisfied when the special winning occurs.
Based on the special decision information set in the storage area, it is a gaming state in which the occurrence of the special winning is impossible or difficult, and the expected establishment value of a predetermined release condition is the probability that the special decision information is set. A plurality of kinds of impossible states (RT: RT cancellation probability is 1/100, 1/300, 1/500) including those larger and smaller than the reciprocal of a certain special decision probability (bonus winning probability: 1/200) A disabled state control means (steps S317 and S408) for controlling the disabled state of the type selected from among them,
When the predetermined release condition is satisfied (steps S302 and S303), the disabled state controlled by the disabled state control unit is canceled and the special winning is possible or easy (normal game state). ) Impossible state cancellation means (step S304),
A plurality of predetermined stages (setting values) for setting a payout rate indicating a ratio of a valuable value to be given to the player with respect to the bet number set by the player, and selecting the type of the unusable state A stage (set values 1 to 5) determined so that an expected value of the number of games until cancellation of the disabled state calculated based on the ratio is larger than the reciprocal of the special decision probability (FIG. 5); Stage setting means (steps 107 to S113) for selecting and setting any stage from a plurality of stages (FIG. 6) including a stage (set value 6) determined to be smaller than the reciprocal of the special decision probability. )When,
An initialization unit (step S114) for performing a process of initializing the storage unit without erasing at least all of the data in the storage area when the step setting is performed by the step setting unit;
Stage storage means (setting value storage unit 304, step S105) for storing the stage before the stage setting is performed by the stage setting means;
Stage comparison means (step S318) for comparing the stage set by the stage setting means with the stage stored in the stage storage means;
When the disabled state control means controls the disabled state, it selects any type of disabled state from the plurality of types of disabled states at a selection ratio determined according to the type of disabled state selected last time. According to the comparison result of the comparison result (step S318, S410) and the comparison result of the normal time, any kind of impossibility among the plurality of kinds of disabling states with a selection ratio determined according to the comparison result And a disabled state selecting unit including a disabled state selecting unit (step S410) at the stage setting for selecting a state.

  In the slot machine, the stage where the expected number of games until the cancellation of the disabled state calculated based on the selection ratio of the disabled state type is set to be larger than the reciprocal of the special decision probability, and the expected number of games is And a stage determined to be smaller than the reciprocal of the special decision probability. When the former stage is set, the number of special decision information stored in the storage area tends to increase. When the latter stage is set, if a lot of special decision information is set in the storage area, a special prize tends to occur at a frequency higher than the special decision probability.

  Here, when the stage setting is performed by the stage setting means, the storage means is initialized, but all the special decision information set in the storage area is not erased. For this reason, by increasing the number of special decision information settings at the former stage and then setting it again at the latter stage, a special prize is awarded at a frequency higher than the special decision probability based on the special decision information that has been set. Can be generated. Since the frequency of occurrence of the special prize at the former stage is lower than the special decision probability, a change occurs in the appearance of the ball, and the interest of the game can be improved. Further, by making it easy to generate a special prize at the latter stage, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation and improve the interest of the game. On the other hand, it is possible to make it easier to set a large amount of special decision information in the former stage, and it can be used by a game store to manipulate this and artificially change the appearance of the game.

  In addition, because there are some cases where the expected value of the release condition is higher or lower than the special decision probability, the state where the special prize is continuously generated in a short period (so-called stock chain) It is possible to easily create a state that does not occur for a period (so-called “mari”), and to improve the fun of the game. Furthermore, since the selection ratio of the disabled state is in accordance with the type of the disabled state selected last time, it is possible to bring about a change in the number of balls in a period longer than the period of one disabled state. It will be possible to further improve the interest of the game.

  However, when the stage is set immediately before the start of the game, the selection ratio determined according to the comparison result between the stage before the setting (the stage stored in the stage storage means) and the subsequent stage Since it is possible to select a disabled state, it is possible to give a change to the game after setting the stage and to improve the interest of the game.

In the above slot machine,
The plurality of types of disabled states include two or more types of disabled states (RT cancellation probabilities of 1/300 and 1/500) as disabled states in which the expected value of establishment of the predetermined cancellation condition is larger than the reciprocal of the special determination probability. Can be included.

  In this case, the variation as a disabled state increases, and the interest of the game can be further improved.

In the above slot machine,
The storage area includes a special decision information setting area (winning flag setting unit 301 of the general work 112-2) for setting special decision information (bonus winning flag) referred to for generating the special winning, and the special decision. Set special decision information (number of stocks) based on occurrence of special winning when special decision information is set in the information setting area, and at least based on the special decision information set in the special decision information setting area The special decision information carry-over area (special work 112-3 of the special work 112-3) is carried over to the special decision information setting area and carried over after the special decision information is generated. Stock number storage unit 303). In this case,
The initialization means can initialize the special decision information setting area without initializing the special decision information carry-over area by setting the stage by the stage setting means.

  In this case, each time the stage is set by the stage setting means, only the special decision information setting area is initialized, and a part of the special decision information can be deleted. Special decision information The special decision information in the carry-over area remains unchanged. As a result, the number of special decision information set in the storage area can be adjusted using the stage setting operation.

The slot machine is
Game control information (winning status notification command, winning information command, etc.) according to the progress of the game, and initialization control information (initialization command) transmitted when the stage setting by the stage setting means is started. Control information that is transmitted when the stage setting by the stage setting means is completed, and that transmits a plurality of types of control information (commands) including stage setting control information (status command) including information related to the set stage. Transmission means (steps S203, S206, S106, S115);
An effect storage means for receiving the control information transmitted from the control information transmitting means, independently performing an effect process based on the received control information, and storing information necessary for performing the effect ( RAM 122) including production control means (production control board 102),
The effect control means performs an effect related to the game based on the game control information, and initializes at least information related to the execution of the effect in the effect storage means by receiving the initialization control information. By receiving the setting control information, information related to the set stage can be stored in the effect storage means.

  When the setting of the stage is started by the stage setting means, the internal state is initialized by the initializing means. At this time, information regarding the execution of the effect performed by the effect control means by transmitting the stage setting control information is also included. initialize. As a result, the stage setting operation does not continue the production based on the previous internal state, and the user does not feel bothered during the stage setting operation. Further, when the stage setting by the stage setting unit is completed, information regarding the stage newly set by transmission of the stage setting control information is stored in the effect storage unit. This makes it possible to produce an effect based on a new stage immediately after the stage is set.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to this embodiment. The front door of the slot machine 1 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 and rotating it clockwise. A variable display device 2 is provided on the upper front side of the slot machine 1. Inside the variable display device 2, a reel unit 3 including three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR (see FIG. 2), respectively.

  On the outer periphery of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, a plurality of mutually distinguishable items such as “colorless 7”, “colored 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, and “bell”, respectively. Types of symbols are drawn in a predetermined order. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in the upper, middle, and lower three stages. In the reel unit 3, reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR (see FIG. 2) for detecting the reference position of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and a reel lamp 3LP for irradiating light from the back surface are provided. And are provided.

  Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 is configured by a game number display 51 (see FIG. 2) using a 7-segment display, and displays the value of a counter that counts the number of games and the number of winnings when a big bonus or a regular bonus described later.

  The credit display unit 22 includes a credit display 52 (see FIG. 2) using a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out coins as will be described later. The payout display unit 23 is composed of a 7-segment display payout display 53 (see FIG. 2), and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is achieved.

  On the left side of the variable display device 2, a one-bet display unit 24, two-bet display units 25 and 26, and three-bet display units 27 and 28 are provided. One piece, two pieces, and three pieces bet display sections 24 to 28 correspond to lines activated according to the number of bets (1, 2, or 3) (hereinafter referred to as valid lines), respectively. When the three betting lamps 54 to 58 (see FIG. 2) are turned on, the active line in each game is shown to the player. The 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting display sections 24 to 28 are also configured so that the 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting lamps 54-58 are in a blinking state when a winning combination to be described later is made, The active line that won the combination to be described later is shown to the player.

  On the right side of the variable display device 2, an insertion instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, a weight display unit 31, a replay display unit 32, and a game over display unit 33 are provided. The insertion instruction display unit 29 indicates that a medal can be inserted by turning on the insertion instruction lamp 59 (see FIG. 2). The start display unit 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 (see FIG. 2) is turned on, so that the start can be started, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted. The weight display unit 31 indicates that a weight to be described later is applied when the weight lamp 61 (see FIG. 2) is turned on. The replay display unit 32 indicates that a replay winning to be described later has been made when the replay lamp 62 (see FIG. 2) is in a lighting state. The game over display unit 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped by turning on the game over lamp 63 (see FIG. 2).

  On the upper side of the variable display device 2, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as a production means. The liquid crystal display 4 displays various effect images according to the gaming state. The effect by the image of the liquid crystal display 4 includes a bonus notice (notification) effect and the like. Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game.

  A medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a checkout button 16 are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2. The BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 2) that are turned on when the number of bets can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15. Has been.

  The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when the insertion medal sensor 44 detects the insertion of a medal when the insertion instruction unit 29 is lit, the number of bets is set. Alternatively, credits are accumulated as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 2) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 2), the number of bets from the credit is set. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing to pay out credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 2), medals corresponding to credits accumulated as data are paid out.

  A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 2), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are started to be driven. 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate.

  The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at a desired timing, respectively, and the operations are stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 2). Is detected, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. The fact that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is possible is indicated to the player by turning on the operation effective lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R (see FIG. 2) provided therein.

  Further, a panel that covers the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is applied as the bonus notification section 36. The bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that the bonus winning described later is possible by turning on the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 2). Further, on the right side of the stop button 12R, there is provided a medal clogging elimination button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.

  On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 (see FIG. 2) to the outside. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 2) installed therein.

  Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R are provided as rendering means on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. The speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of winning and bonus entry, output of alarm sound at the time of abnormality, and output of sound for various effects according to the gaming state.

  Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, an effect by light is performed by light emission of game effect lamps 75 </ b> A to 75 </ b> M (see FIG. 2) as effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. Game effect display sections 5A to 5M are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5M perform effects by light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. Note that the light emission colors of the game effect display units 5A to 5M may be either single colors or multiple colors.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the control circuit of the slot machine 1. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the slot machine 1 is roughly divided into a power supply board 100, a game control board 101, an effect control board 102, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, and an external output board 105. .

  The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 2, the game control board 101, the hopper 80, and the switches 91 to 94 are illustrated as being connected to each other, but the power supply board 101 also supplies power to other units. The power supply board 100 is provided in the slot machine 1 and is connected to a hopper 80 that includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation and a payout sensor 81 that detects a medal payout operation.

  The power supply board 100 includes a setting switch 91 for changing a setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) for setting a payout rate to be described later, a setting key switch 92 for enabling the setting switch 91, and an internal state (RAM 112). ) And a main switch 94 for switching the power ON / OFF, respectively, and send detection signals of these switches to the game control board 101. These switches 91 to 94 are provided inside the slot machine 1.

  The game control board 101 is a control board on the main side that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1, and includes a control unit 110 including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. It is installed. A random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, and other circuits are mounted.

  The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1. To control. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The memory configuration of the RAM 112 will be described later. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.

  The random number generation circuit 115 is constituted by a counter that counts up and updates the value every time the system clock generates a predetermined number of pulses, for example, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 115. . The random number generation circuit 115 is provided for each type of random number used for the progress of the game, and a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number is determined. The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 according to the processing to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function).

  The CPU 111 also has a function of updating the numerical value of the specific address in the RAM 112 by timer interrupt processing and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function). The CPU 111 transmits various commands to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114. Each of these commands consists of 8 bits. Note that information (commands) is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 only in one direction, and no information (commands) is sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101.

  Connected to the game control board 101 are a single BET switch 45, a MAXBET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a throw-in medal sensor 44. Detection signals from the switches / sensors are input. In addition, detection signals of the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR are input via the reel relay substrate 103. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.

  The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a game number display 51, a credit display 52, a payout display 53, a loading instruction lamp 59, a single betting lamp 54, two betting lamps 55, 56, Three betting lamps 57 and 58, a game over lamp 63, a start lamp 60, a replay lamp 62, BET button lamps 70a and 70b, and operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R are connected, and the CPU 111 follows the progress of the game. These operations are controlled.

  The game control board 101 is connected to reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR via a reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 refers to the reel control table corresponding to the gaming state in the ROM 113, controls the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3ML via the reel relay board 103, and stops the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Note that, depending on the reel control table that is referred to when the gaming state is at RT (Replay Time), which will be described later, a bonus winning is not made.

  The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of effects in the slot machine 1, and is equipped with a control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124. Yes. In addition, the random number generation circuit 125 and the sampling circuit 126 are mounted, and the CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126, so that the hardware random number function similar to that of the game control board 101 is obtained. Is forming. It also has a software random number function by interrupt processing.

  The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform processing related to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The performance is executed based on a command received from the game control board 101 via the buffer circuit 127 and the I / O port 124. The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.

  The effect control board 102 is connected with game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L, 7R, and 7U, a fluorescent lamp 6, a weight lamp 61, and a bonus notification lamp 66. A reel lamp 3LP is connected via a reel lamp relay substrate 104. The control unit of the effect control board 102 performs these effects by controlling these parts.

  The reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105 and the reel unit 3. The reel relay substrate 103 is also connected with a full sensor 90, and its detection signal is input. The full tank sensor 90 is provided inside the slot machine 1 and detects that the medals in the overflow tank storing the medals overflowed from the hopper 80 are full.

  The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer and receives a big bonus medium signal, regular bonus medium signal, reel control signal, stop signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. The switch signal, medal IN signal, and medal OUT signal are output to the external device.

  In the slot machine 1, a winning is awarded when the symbols are arranged on the active line set according to the betting number of the variable display device 2. In order to generate a winning, the internal winning flag of the winning combination needs to be set (RT is canceled to generate a bonus winning), details of which will be described later. At the time of winning a prize, medals are paid out, and the gaming state is changed with the winning (however, the control to RT is not performed with the occurrence of winning). Hereinafter, the “combination” determined as the winning will be described.

  In a normal gaming state, when, for example, three “BARs” are arranged on an active line corresponding to the number of bets, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. The regular bonus is a game called a regular bonus game (JAC game) that is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) or a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) ("JAC" is displayed on the active line). Complete: JAC prize).

  The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings thereof. It should be noted that the state that has shifted to the regular bonus, that is, the gaming state in which the regular bonus game is provided is called a first special gaming state, and a regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the gaming control board 101.

  For example, when three “colored 7” or three “colorless 7” are arranged on the active line corresponding to the bet number, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus. In the big bonus, up to 30 games called small role games can be played. In this small role game, “JAC” is arranged on the active line with a relatively high probability (JACIN), and when the JACIN is made, the above-described regular bonus (JAC game) is provided (up to three times). The big bonus ends when 30 small-games end or when a regular bonus based on the third JACIN ends.

  The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of small role games, the number of JACIN, the number of regular bonus games, and the number of winnings thereof. Note that the state shifted to the big bonus is referred to as a second special game state, and a big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101.

  Also, in games other than the regular bonus game or JAC game, if “watermelon” or “bell” is aligned on the active line, or if “cherry” appears on the left reel 3L, a small role prize is awarded. . If “JAC” is available on the active line, except for the small role game, JAC game, and regular bonus game provided during the big bonus period, a replay win is awarded. When other display modes are derived and displayed on the variable display device 2, no winning combination has been won, that is, the game is lost.

  Note that the replay winning is not a small role winning in a strict sense, but is not different from other small winnings in that it does not involve the transition of the gaming state, so in this embodiment unless otherwise noted, In the case of “small role”, replay is included. Further, JACIN at the time of a big bonus, and a combination during a JAC game and a regular bonus game are also included in the “small combination”. In addition, a simple “bonus” includes both a big bonus and a regular bonus.

  Expected value of the number of medals that can be earned by a player during that period (subtracting the set number of bets) when the game state is shifted to the big bonus or regular bonus due to winning a big bonus or regular bonus Is a plus. On the other hand, the expected value of the number of medals that can be obtained by the player when the game state is not in the bonus or when the game state is RT is negative.

  When there is a winning combination as described above, the number of medals corresponding to each winning combination is paid out (except for the case where the winning combination is 50 until the number of credits reaches 50). A corresponding number of credits are accumulated as data, and in this case as well, medals are paid out as valuable value). In addition, the number of medals to be paid out is 15 in all cases, except that there are 8 bell small roles and 2 cherry small roles.

  Next, the setting of the winning flag that enables the above winning combinations to be generated will be described. The winning flag for each combination is set in the RAM 112, but the small combination winning flag is set according to the result of the internal lottery. The bonus winning is stocked once according to the result of the internal lottery, and when the bonus winning flag is not set in the RAM 112, it is shifted from the stock and the bonus winning flag is set. The bonus winning stock is also stored in the RAM 112. Therefore, the RAM 112 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a memory map of the RAM 112 of the game control board 101. As illustrated, the RAM 112 includes an important work 112-1, a general work 112-2, a special work 112-3, a set value work 112-4, and a non-saved work 112-5 as work areas, and an unused area 112-. 6 and an unused stack area 112-7 as a stack area and an in-use stack area 112-8. Each of the areas 112-1 to 8 is distinguished according to a condition when it is cleared. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a condition for clearing each area 112-1 to 8 of the RAM 112.

  The important work 112-1 is a work area for storing data that may cause inconvenience if it is cleared at the end of the big bonus. The important work 112-1 is cleared only when the RAM 112 is broken when the power is turned on and when the setting by the setting switch 91 is completed. The general work 112-2 is a work area for storing data that may be cleared at the end of the big bonus, and includes a winning flag setting unit 301 and an RT state setting unit 302 described later in detail. Most of the flags indicating the gaming state and various counters are stored here. In addition to the end of the big bonus, the general work 112-2 is cleared when the RAM 112 is broken when the power is turned on and when the setting is completed.

  The special work 112-3 is a work area for generating a command to be transmitted to the effect control board 102 and a software random number, and includes a stock number storage unit 303 to be described in detail later. The special work 112-3 is cleared only when the RAM 112 is broken when the power is turned on. The set value work 112-4 includes a set value storage unit 304 that holds a set value set by the setting switch 91. At the start of the setting, the set value so far is copied to the old setting, and the newly set value is displayed. Stored as the current set value. The set value work 112-4 is once cleared if the RAM 112 is broken when the power is turned on, and 1 is stored as the current setting.

  The non-saved work 112-5 is a work area for holding the state of the switch, and is cleared regardless of whether or not the RAM 112 is broken when the power is turned on. The unused area 112-6 is an unused area in the RAM 112, when power is turned on (regardless of whether or not the RAM 112 is broken), at the end of setting, at the end of the big bonus, and at the start of each game. Cleared.

  The unused stack area 112-7 is an unused area of the stack area, and is cleared under the same conditions as the unused area 112-6. The in-use stack area 112-8 is a used area of the stack area and is not cleared. Note that the boundary between the unused stack area 112-7 and the in-use stack area 112-8 is variable, but a stack pointer indicating this is provided in the in-use stack area 112-8.

  The winning flag setting unit 301 provided in the general work 112-2 is provided with a winning flag setting area for each type of the above-mentioned combination by one bit. The replay winning flag in the normal gaming state or RT serves both as the JACIN winning flag at the time of the big bonus and the JAC winning flag at the time of the regular bonus. The configuration of the winning flag setting unit 301 is not different from the configuration in the slot machine having no stock function.

  The RT state setting unit 302 provided in the general work 112-2 includes a storage area for an RT release probability and an RT flag. Also, the stock number storage unit 303 provided in the special work 112-3 stores the winning stock number of the big bonus and the regular bonus in 4 bits each, and the upper limit of the stock number that can be stored in each is 15. ing. The setting value storage unit 304 of the setting value work 112-4 includes an area for storing the current setting value (current setting) and an area for storing the setting value before the setting change (old setting). Note that the old setting is deleted only in one game after the setting is changed.

  Next, the internal lottery and bonus winning stock and their release will be described in more detail. The internal lottery determines in advance whether or not winnings to each role described later is permitted. The random number for internal lottery obtained by using the hardware random number function for each game, the setting by the setting switch 91, the game The CPU 111 refers to the winning determination table prepared in the ROM 113 based on the bet number set by the player and the current gaming state. Winning in the internal lottery is exclusive, and a plurality of winnings are not won simultaneously in one game.

  When a small combination is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination in the game is set in the winning flag setting unit 301. If JACIN is won during the big bonus, the JACIN winning flag (same position as the replay winning flag) is won. If the JAC is won during the regular bonus, the JAC winning flag (substantially the same position as the replay flag) is won. It is set in the flag setting unit 301. If the winning combination setting flag is set in the winning flag setting section 301, the corresponding winning combination can be won. The small role winning flag is deleted at the end of each game and is not carried over to the next game transition.

  When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, the winning number is once stocked in the stock number storage unit 302 until the upper limit of each stock number is reached. The winning probability of the big bonus and the regular bonus will be described later. Here, if any type of bonus winning flag is not set in the winning flag setting unit 301, the stocked bonus winnings are shifted, the corresponding bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag setting unit 301, and the stock The bonus winning stock number stored in the number storage unit 303 is decremented by one.

  When the general work 112-2 is cleared by the setting change and the big bonus and / or regular bonus winning is stocked, the bonus winning is shifted as a bonus winning flag at that time. Here, if only one of the big bonus and regular bonus is stocked, the type of stock that is stocked is inevitably selected and shifted, but if both are stocked Is selected and shifted, as will be described later.

  However, even if the bonus winning flag is deleted due to the bonus winning, the bonus winnings stocked at that time are not shifted as the bonus winning flag, but the bonus winnings are still stocked at the end of the bonus based on the bonus winning. If so, the bonus winnings stocked at that time are shifted as bonus winning flags. When shifting from the bonus winning stock to the winning flag, the type of bonus is selected in the same manner as the bonus winning shift after the setting change.

  However, just because the bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag setting unit 301 by shifting from the stock described above, it does not mean that a bonus winning can be made. When the bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag setting unit 301, the RT state flag is set in the RT state setting unit 302 so that the gaming state is controlled to RT, and a reel control table that cannot make a bonus winning is selected. This is because the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed.

  The RT gaming state is canceled and bonus winnings are possible when the RT cancellation lottery is won. The winning probability of the RT cancellation lottery (RT cancellation probability) is 1/100 or 300 minutes. Either 1/500 is selected when the bonus winning flag is set. This selection method will be described later. When the RT release lottery is won, the RT flag is erased and the normal gaming state is restored.

  Thus, even when the game state is controlled to RT and bonus winning is impossible, it is possible to win a bonus in the internal lottery, and the bonus winning is stocked. When winning the RT release lottery and returning to the normal gaming state, a reel control table capable of winning a bonus will be selected, so that a bonus winning is made based on the bonus winning flag set in the winning flag setting unit 301. Is possible.

  Next, the probability of winning a bonus in the internal lottery will be described. FIG. 5 is a table showing bonus winning probabilities in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment. The winning probability of each combination including the bonus affects the payout rate indicating the number of medals paid out to the player with respect to the medals inserted by the player for setting the number of bets. Since the set value is determined in advance to set the payout rate, the winning probability of each combination is determined for each set value.

  However, in this slot machine 1, regardless of the setting value from 1 to 6, in the normal gaming state or RT, the winning probability of the big bonus is 1/300, the regular bonus The winning probability is 1/600. Therefore, the winning probability as a whole bonus is 1/200, and the expected number of games from the bonus winning to the next bonus winning is 200 (however, since the bonus is not won during the bonus, Excluding the number of games in the middle).

  Next, selection of the RT release probability will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an RT cancellation probability selection table. As the RT cancellation probability selection patterns, as shown in FIG. 6D, 12 types of patterns 0 to 11 having different RT cancellation probability selection ratios are prepared. Among these, in the pattern 10 and the pattern 11, the expected number of RT cancellation games calculated according to the selection ratio of the RT cancellation probability is smaller than the reciprocal of the bonus winning probability. In pattern 9, the number of expected RT release games is the same as the inverse of the bonus winning probability. In patterns 0 to 8, the number of RT release games is larger than the reciprocal of the bonus winning probability.

  Which of the patterns 0 to 11 selects the RT cancellation probability depends on whether or not the bonus winning flag is set in the game immediately after the setting value is changed. Whether or not the game is immediately after the setting value is changed can be determined by whether or not the old setting value is stored in the setting value storage unit 304. In addition to the game immediately after the change of the set value, it differs depending on whether 1/300 or 1/500 is selected as the RT release probability in the previous RT or 1/100 is selected.

  FIG. 6A shows a table referred to in the game immediately after the set value is changed. Here, the RT cancellation probability is selected according to the pattern registered in the table according to the current setting value and the old setting value. FIG. 6B shows a table referred to when 1/300 or 1/500 is selected as the RT release probability in the previous RT. FIG. 6C shows a table referred to when 1/100 is selected as the RT release probability in the previous RT.

  Comparing FIG. 6 (b) and FIG. 6 (c), when 1/100 is selected as the RT release probability in the previous RT, the RT release expected number of games follows a smaller pattern. More bonus wins are more likely to occur with fewer games. Note that even when the bonus winning is not stocked in the game immediately after the setting change and the bonus winning is made for the first time after that, the table shown in FIG. It is small.

  Regardless of which table is used to select the RT cancellation probability, when the current setting value is 6, the selection ratio of the pattern 10 or the pattern 11 is used. That is, the expected RT release game number calculated from the selection ratio of the RT release probability when the set value is 6 is smaller than the reciprocal of the bonus winning probability. On the other hand, when the current set value is 1 to 5, it does not depend on the selection ratio of the pattern 10 or the pattern 11. That is, the expected RT release game number calculated from the selection ratio of the RT release probability when the set value is other than 6 is equal to or larger than the reciprocal of the bonus winning probability.

  Next, changing the set value will be described. In order to change the setting value, it is necessary to turn on the power of the slot machine 1 by the main switch 94 after the setting key switch 92 is turned on. When the power is turned on without setting key switch 92 turned on, if the data in RAM 112 is normal, it returns to the state before the power is turned off. However, if the data in RAM 112 is broken and cannot be restored to the state before the power is turned off. The RAM 112 is cleared and the set value is set to 1. At this time, an initialization command is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102.

  When the setting key switch 92 is turned on and the power is turned on, the setting value can be changed. Before the setting value can be changed, the previous setting value is copied to the old setting. An initialization command is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. This initialization command is also used as the same command as the initialization command sent to the effect control board 102 when the RAM 112 is cleared.

  When the setting switch 91 is operated during a period during which the setting value can be changed, the setting value is updated by 1 (when the operation is further performed from the setting 6, the setting is returned to the setting 1). When the setting key switch 92 is turned off after the start lever 11 is operated, the change of the setting value is confirmed and stored in the setting value storage unit 304 as the current setting. At this time, the general work in the RAM 112 is cleared, and if the bonus winning flag is set, it is deleted. If the bonus winning flag is set, this is deleted.

  In addition, when the set value is confirmed, a state command including information on the set value and whether or not the bonus is in effect (that is, the setting status of the bonus flag) is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. Is the same as the state command sent to the effect control board 102 at the end of each game.

  The operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. The operation of the slot machine 1 is started when the power is turned on by turning on the main switch 94, and special processing is performed when the power is turned on.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 when the power is turned on. When the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, it is first determined whether or not the setting key switch 92 is turned on by a key operation (step S101). If the setting key switch 92 is in the OFF state, it is determined whether the data in the RAM 112 is not broken and is in a normal state (step S102). If the RAM 112 is in a normal state, the state returns to the state before the power is shut off, and the game process is started.

  If the data in the RAM 112 is broken, the RAM 112 (including at least a general work, a special work, and a set value work) is cleared. Further, 1 is stored as the initial value of the set value in the cleared set value work (step S103). Further, an initialization command is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S104). Then, a game process to be described later is started.

  If the setting key switch 92 is in the ON state, the current setting value stored as the current setting in the setting value storage unit 304 is copied to the old setting (step S105). Also, an initialization command is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S106). Next, the set value stored in the set value work is read into a predetermined area, and the game number display unit 51 is controlled to display the set value on the game number display unit 21 (step S107).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the start lever 11 is operated (step S108). If the start lever 11 is not operated, the process proceeds to step S110 as it is. If the start lever 11 has been operated, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 92 has been turned off (step S109). If the setting key switch 92 is not in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, it is determined whether or not the setting switch 91 has been operated. If the setting switch 91 has not been operated, the process returns to step S107. If the setting switch 91 has been operated, the set value is incremented by 1 (step S111), and it is determined whether or not the addition result is 7 (step S112). If the added result is not 7, the process returns to step S107 as it is. If the result of addition is 7, the set value is returned to the initial value 1 (step S113), and the process returns to step S107. When the setting value is updated in this way and then the process returns to step S107, the updated setting value is displayed on the game number display unit 21.

  If the start lever 11 is operated in step S108 and the setting key switch 92 is turned off in step S109, the data of the general work in the RAM 112 is cleared. Thereby, when the bonus winning flag is set, it is deleted. If the bonus medium flag is set, it is deleted. Further, the current set value is stored in the set value storage unit 304 as the current setting. Further, by controlling the game number display 51, the setting value displayed on the game number display unit 21 in step S107 is deleted (step S114).

  Further, a state command transmission process is executed to generate a state command based on the current set value, the big bonus medium flag, and the regular bonus medium flag stored in the RAM 112, and transmit this to the effect control board 102 (step). S115). This state command transmission process is the same as that executed at the end of the process of one game described below. Then, the game processing described next is started.

  When the process at the time of power-on is completed and the state before the power-off is restored or the game is started, the process for each game is repeated. In the following description, the term “game” means, in a narrow sense, from the operation of the start lever 11 until the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. However, when a game is played, the number of bets before the operation of the start lever 11 is set, and medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. Is also included in the “game” in a broad sense.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing for one game executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. This process is also executed after the power is turned on and a predetermined boot process is performed, or immediately after the setting is changed by operating the setting switch 91. When the process of one game is started, first, an initial process including a process of clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 112 is performed (step S201).

  Next, the number of bets is set by operating one BET button 14 or MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and operating the start lever 11 to substantially change the game. BET processing for instructing start is performed (step S202). However, if the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same number of bets as the previous game are automatically set by the replay flag (the replay flag is erased at this stage), so the start lever 11 is operated as it is. You can tell the start of the game.

  When the number of bets is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, a lottery process is performed to determine whether or not winning as described above is permitted (step S203). In this lottery process, a small winning combination flag is set based on each lottery result, and a bonus winning is stocked. If the bonus winning flag is stocked without the bonus winning flag being set before the previous game, the bonus winning flag is set and the gaming state is controlled to RT. RT cancellation lottery is also performed in this lottery process. In addition, a winning status notification command including information regarding the setting status of the winning flag and the RT control status processed by the lottery processing is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Details of the lottery process will be described later.

  When the lottery process is completed, a reel fluctuation start process is performed (step S204). In the reel fluctuation start process, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the previous game are processed on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to start rotation of all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Thereby, the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display device 2. Here, when a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of rotation in the previous game, the rotation is awaited for rotation, and the weight display unit 31 is notified by lighting the weight lamp 61. At the start of rotation, the reel stop timer and the timing of one game timer for the next game are started.

  Thereafter, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S205). In the reel fluctuation stop process, after a predetermined condition is established from the start of reel rotation (the reference position is detected by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed), the stop buttons 12L, 12C , 12R is made effective, and the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are stopped by being operated by the player, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped. Further, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses for the time measured by the reel stop timer, the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is forcibly stopped.

  At this time, referring to the reel control table corresponding to the gaming state set in the RAM 112, the stop of driving of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled according to the setting status of the winning flags of each combination in the RAM 112. In the reel control table selected in the RT gaming state, no bonus winning is generated even if the bonus winning flag is set.

  When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, in the display mode at the time of stopping, whether any of the above-mentioned role symbols is derived and displayed on the active line according to the bet number set in the BET process in step S202 A winning determination process for determining whether or not is performed (step S206). If it is determined in this winning determination process that a winning combination has been won, various processes corresponding to the winnings generated on the game control board 101 are performed. Such processing includes setting of a replay flag when winning a replay, setting of a payout amount when winning other than replay, erasing a bonus winning flag when winning a bonus, and setting a flag during bonus. Also, a winning information command indicating the presence / absence of a winning and the type of winning is transmitted to the effect control board 102.

  When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step S207). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of payout scheduled medals set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the hopper motor 82 is driven to pay out an excess number of medals from the medal payout slot 71. Various settings not related to winning are also made. In particular, when the bonus winning is stocked at the end of the bonus, the bonus winning flag is set and the RT is controlled. Details of the payout process will be described later.

  When the payout process ends, a status command transmission process is performed (step S208). The state command transmission process generates a state command based on the current set value, the big bonus medium flag and the regular bonus medium flag stored in the RAM 112, and transmits them to the effect control board 102. In step S115, Same as executed. Then, the process for one game ends, and the process for the next one game starts.

  Next, the lottery process in step S3 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the lottery process executed by the CPU 111 in step S3. First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is RT based on whether or not the RT flag is set in the RT state setting unit 302 (step S301). If the current gaming state is not in RT, the process proceeds to step S305 as it is.

  If the current gaming state is RT, a random number for RT release lottery is extracted by the software random number function, and RT release lottery is performed with reference to a table corresponding to the RT release probability set in the RT state setting unit 302 ( Step S302). As a result, it is determined whether or not the RT cancellation lottery has been won (step S303). If the RT release lottery is not won, the process proceeds to step S305 as it is. When the RT release lottery is won, the RT flag set in the RT state setting unit 302 is deleted (step S304). As a result, the normal gaming state is returned from this game. Then, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, a random number for internal lottery is extracted using the hardware random number function, and the extracted random number value is temporarily stored in the RAM 112. Furthermore, the random number value temporarily stored in the RAM 112 is used to set the probability by the setting switch 91, the bet number set by the BET processing in step S202, and the current gaming state (during normal, during RT, during big bonus, and during regular bonus) The result is compared with the winning determination table corresponding to (step S306).

  Next, as a result of comparing the random number value with the winning determination table, it is determined whether or not any kind of small role (including replay and the like) has been won (step S307). If any kind of small combination is won, the winning flag of the selected small combination is set in the RAM 112 (step S308). Then, the lottery process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If none of the types of small roles has been won, it is determined whether or not the big bonus has been won as a result of comparing the random number with the winning determination table in step S306 (step S309). If the big bonus has been won, it is determined whether or not the big bonus stock number in the stock number storage unit 303 has already reached the upper limit number (step S310). If the number of big bonus stocks has not reached the upper limit, the number of big bonus stocks is incremented by 1 (step S311). Then, the process proceeds to step S315. If the big bonus stock number has reached the upper limit number, the process proceeds to step S315 as it is.

  As a result of comparing the random number with the winning determination table in step S306, if the big bonus has not been won, it is determined whether or not the regular bonus has been won (step S312). If the regular bonus has been won, it is determined whether the regular bonus stock number in the stock number storage unit 303 has already reached the upper limit number (step S313). If the regular bonus stock number has not reached the upper limit number, the regular bonus stock number is incremented by 1 (step S314). Then, the process proceeds to step S315. If the regular bonus stock number has reached the upper limit number, the process proceeds to step S315 as it is.

  In step S315, it is determined whether or not the bonus winning flag is already set in the winning flag setting unit 301 in the previous game. If the bonus winning flag has already been set, it means that the stock has been added while the bonus winning is already stocked. In this case, since the bonus winning flag is not set based on the current winning, the lottery process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If the bonus winning flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the big bonus or regular bonus is stocked by referring to the stock number storage unit 303 (step S316). If neither the big bonus nor the regular bonus is stocked, the bonus winning flag cannot be set, so the lottery process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  If either a big bonus or a regular bonus was stocked, the setting change was made immediately before the stock was present and the bonus winning flag was cleared, or the big bonus or regular bonus was won in this game It is the first hit that is newly stocked from the state that is not stocked. Here, since a bonus winning flag can be newly set, first, an RT flag is set in the RT state setting unit 302 (step S317). Thereby, the gaming state from this game is controlled to RT.

  Next, a random number for determining the RT release probability is extracted, and if the value of the random number and the RT release probability (in the previous RT) are stored in the RT state setting unit 302, the RT release probability and the RT setting are extracted. According to the current setting value stored in the value storage unit 304, if there is a setting value stored as an old setting, the RT cancellation probability is selected by referring to the RT cancellation lottery table according to this setting value. Then, the RT release probability selected for the current RT is set in the RT state setting unit 302 (step S318).

  Furthermore, the type of bonus to be released after the RT ends is selected from the big bonus and the regular bonus among the bonuses stocked. Here, if only one of the big bonus and the regular bonus is stocked in the stock number storage unit 303, it is selected as the kind of bonus that will be released. In the case of the first win, there is only a bonus of the kind won this time, so this is always selected. On the other hand, if both types are stocked, the type of bonus is selected by lottery based on acquisition of random numbers by the software random number function (step S319).

  When the type of bonus to be released after the end of RT is determined, a bonus winning flag corresponding to the determined type of the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag setting unit 301 of the RAM 122 ( Step S320). Furthermore, the number stocked for the type of bonus selected in the stock number storage unit 303 is decremented by 1 (step S321). Then, the lottery process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the payout process in step S207 will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout process executed by the CPU 111 in step S207. First, until the planned number of payouts becomes 0, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is discharged by controlling the hopper 80 and discharging medals one by one while subtracting the planned number of payouts one by one. Pay out. However, if the number of credits has not reached 50, the number of credits is incremented by 1 instead of discharging medals one by one (step S401). Further, the small role winning flag (including replay and the like) set in the RAM 112 is deleted (step S402).

  Next, referring to the state of the big bonus medium flag and the regular bonus medium flag in the RAM 112, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in bonus (step S403). If the current gaming state is not in bonus, the process proceeds to step S413. If the current gaming state is a bonus, the various counters of the RAM 112 are used, and the number of digested games since the gaming state has been transferred to the bonus (in the case of a big bonus, the number of small role games and the regular bonuses within them) The number of games is counted separately (in the regular bonus, the number of wins is also counted) (step S404).

  As a result of the counting, it is determined whether or not a bonus (not including a regular bonus included in the big bonus) is satisfied (step S405). If the bonus end condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S413. If the bonus end condition is satisfied, the corresponding bonus flag in the RAM 112 is erased (step S406). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a big bonus or regular bonus winning is further stocked in the stock number storage unit 303 of the RAM 112 (step S407). If neither the big bonus nor the regular bonus is stocked, the process proceeds to step S413.

  If the winning of either the big bonus or the regular bonus is stocked, an RT flag is set in the RT state setting unit 302 of the RAM 112 (step S408). Thereby, the gaming state from the next game is controlled to RT. Also, a random number for determining the RT release probability is extracted, the value of the random number, the RT release probability at the previous RT stored in the RT state storage unit 302, and the current value stored in the set value storage unit 304 According to the set value, the RT cancellation probability is selected with reference to the RT cancellation lottery table. Then, the RT release probability selected for the current RT is set in the RT state setting unit 302 (step S409).

  Next, the type of bonus to be released after the end of RT among the bonuses stocked is selected from either a big bonus or a regular bonus. Here, if only one of the big bonus and the regular bonus is stocked in the stock number storage unit 303, it is selected as the kind of bonus that will be released. If both are stocked, the type of bonus is selected by lottery based on acquisition of random numbers by the software random number function (step S410).

  When the type of bonus to be released after the end of RT is determined, a bonus winning flag corresponding to the determined type of the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag is set in the winning flag setting unit 301 of the RAM 122 ( Step S411). Furthermore, the number stocked for the type of bonus selected in the stock number storage unit 303 is decremented by 1 (step S412). Then, the process proceeds to step S413.

  In step S413, if there is an old setting stored in the set value storage unit 304, it is cleared. Since this clearing is performed, the old setting is stored in the setting value storage unit 304 only in the game after the setting value is changed. Then, the payout process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the repetition of the game as described above, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 performs a transition of the game state between the normal game state, the regular bonus, and the big bonus, and controls the effects according to the progress of the game. It is transmitted to the substrate 102. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an effect (bonus advance notice effect, bonus notification effect, bonus winning effect, etc.) based on a unique process based on the command received from the game control board 101.

  For example, when the winning status notification command transmitted in step S203 is received, it is determined whether or not a bonus winning is possible based on the command, and the bonus notice effect or the like is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 or the like according to the determination result. Perform bonus announcement production. Also, the bonus notification lamp 66 is turned on. When the winning information command transmitted in step S206 is received, various effects according to the type of winning combination in the game effect LEDs 75A to 75M (for example, effects at the time of bonus winning when a bonus winning is made) are performed.

  When the initialization command transmitted in step S104 or S106 is received, an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, the game effect LED 75 and / or the reel lamp 3LP is turned on, or the sound is output from the speaker 7. Stop the current performance. After stopping the effect, the information stored in the RAM 122 (at least information related to the execution of the effect) is cleared. At this time, the set value stored on the side of the effect control board 102 is also cleared.

  When the status command transmitted in step S115 or S208 is received, the setting value indicated by the status command and information indicating that the big bonus or regular bonus is being stored are stored in the RAM 122. Effects such as displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4, turning on the game effect LED 75 and / or the reel lamp 3LP, or outputting a sound from the speaker 7 are performed based on the stored information.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the expected number of RT cancellation games calculated based on the selection ratio of the RT cancellation probability at the setting values 1 to 5 is larger than the reciprocal of the bonus winning probability. (However, the setting value 5 may be the same), but the RT release expected game number at the setting value 6 is larger than the reciprocal of the bonus winning probability. Further, the bonus winning setting unit 301 is included in the general work 112-2, but the stock number storage unit 303 is included in the special work 112-3 that is not cleared when the setting value is changed. include. In other words, even if the operation for changing the set value is performed, not all of the bonus winnings that are stocked are erased.

  For this reason, when the set value is set to 1 to 5, the bonus winning frequency is higher than the bonus winning frequency, and the number of bonus winning stocks is increased in calculation. When the set value is changed to 6, the bonus winning frequency is higher than the bonus winning frequency, so that the bonus winnings stocked at the setting values 1 to 5 can be digested. In this way, by changing the set value so that the occurrence frequency of the bonus prize can be arbitrarily changed, it is possible to cause a change in the payout and improve the interest of the game. In addition, by making sure that the bonus winnings that have been stocked can be consumed, the player can have a sense of expectation, and the interest of the game can be improved. Furthermore, by setting the setting values 1 to 5, it is possible to easily stock many bonus winnings. In this way, at the amusement store, it is possible to artificially cause a change in the number of balls by using this setting value changing operation.

  Also, when the bonus winning flag is set from the stocked bonus winning, the gaming state is controlled to RT, but the RT release probability for releasing the RT is 1/100, 1/300, Three types of 1/500 are prepared, which are higher and lower than the bonus winning probability. If 1/100 is selected as the RT release probability, a state in which a bonus is generated in a short period of time (so-called stock chain) is likely to occur. On the other hand, if 1/300 or 1/500 is selected, a state where a bonus is not generated for a long period of time (so-called humiliation) is likely to occur. Thus, the interest of the game can be improved by easily generating the stock chain and the humili.

  In addition, two types of RT cancellation probabilities lower than the bonus winning probability are prepared. By preparing multiple RT release probabilities that are lower than the bonus winning probability, it is easy to achieve a small hamari state where the bonus winning is impossible and a large hamari state that continues very long. Can be produced. Thereby, the variation of a game progress will increase and the interest of a game can be improved.

  As described above, three types of RT cancellation probabilities are prepared, and the selection ratio pattern is set when the bonus winning flag is set in the game immediately after the setting value changing operation is performed. It is determined according to the respective setting values before and after (current setting and old setting). For this reason, even if the set value after the change operation is the same, if the set value before the change operation is different, the pattern of the selection ratio will be different. , It can further improve the interest of the game.

  Here, when the bonus winning flag is set in the game immediately after the setting value changing operation and controlled to RT, the bonus winning is in most cases stocked before the setting value changing operation. Yes. Setting when the bonus winning is stocked by determining the RT cancellation probability selection ratio pattern for canceling the RT controlled at such time according to the old setting before the change operation In consideration of the value, the selection of the RT cancellation probability can be made appropriate.

  Further, in a game other than immediately after the setting value changing operation, the RT release probability selection ratio pattern is determined according to the RT release probability in the previous RT. Here, if the RT release probability in the previous RT is 1/100, 1/100 is determined as the RT release probability, and the RT release probability in the previous RT is 1/300 or 500. If it is 1/500, 1/500 as the RT cancellation probability is determined to be a pattern that can be easily selected. For this reason, the tendency that the bonus winning is likely to occur or the tendency that it is difficult to occur frequently increases, and the change in the number of balls can be caused in a longer period of time, so that the interest of the game can be further improved.

  By the way, by changing the setting value, the bonus winning flag of the winning flag setting unit 301 included in the general work 112-2 is deleted without changing the stock number of the stock number storage unit 303. . If there is a bonus winning stock in the game immediately after the change of the set value, a new bonus winning flag is set from the stock. That is, by performing the setting value changing operation once, the number of bonus winning stocks can be reduced by one. As a result, the number of bonus winning stocks can be adjusted to an arbitrary number.

  When the setting value changing operation is started, an initialization command is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102, and when the changing operation is completed, a state command is transmitted. The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 stops the effect that has been performed and clears the RAM 122 by receiving the initialization command. For this reason, the effect based on the setting value before the change is not continued, and the player does not feel annoyance due to such an effect. Further, by receiving the state command, it is possible to reliably perform the production based on the state (new setting value or gaming state) updated by changing the setting value from the game immediately after changing the setting value. It becomes like this.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the bonus winning flag is deleted by changing the setting. However, if there is a bonus winning stock in the game immediately after that, the setting values before and after that (the current setting and the old setting) Thus, the RT release probability is selected. However, not only the game immediately after the setting change but also when setting the bonus winning flag at the first time after the setting change, the RT cancellation probability may be selected according to the setting value before and after the setting change. Furthermore, the RT cancellation probability may be selected according to the setting values before and after the setting change until the next setting change. On the other hand, in any case, the RT cancellation probability may be selected according to only the current setting value regardless of the setting value before the setting change.

  Further, when the old setting is stored in the setting value storage unit 304, that is, when a setting value changing operation is performed immediately before the start of the game, only the old setting which is the setting value before the changing operation is based on. The RT cancellation probability selection pattern may be determined. Since the RT controlled at such time is mostly based on the bonus winning stocked in the game before the setting value changing operation, the RT release probability is set according to the setting value when the bonus winning is stocked. The RT release probability is selected appropriately.

  In the above embodiment, the bonus winning probability is the same regardless of the set value, but the RT cancellation expected number of games differs depending on the set value due to the difference in the selection ratio of the RT cancellation probability. Here, the number of expected RT release games when the set value is 6 is set to be smaller than the reciprocal of the bonus winning probability (the number of games between bonus winnings). On the other hand, the bonus winning probability may be different depending on the set value. Only the bonus winning probability may be different depending on the set value.

  Further, the RT cancellation probability selected for each set value may be one type. When the bonus winning probability is the same as described above, the RT release probability can be determined to be, for example, 1/190 for the setting value 6, 1/200 for the setting value 5, and 1/210 for the setting value 4. . The RT release probability may be determined in consideration of the old setting. In any case, it suffices that both the set value in which the expected number of games until the RT is canceled is smaller than the reciprocal of the bonus winning probability and the set value that is increased are present.

  In the above embodiment, the RT is canceled by winning the RT cancellation lottery performed for each game. However, the condition for canceling the RT is not limited to this. For example, the RT may be canceled by determining the number of RT punk games when setting the bonus winning flag and digesting the number of RT punk games. As the number of RT punk games, for example, three types of 100 games, 300 games, and 500 games can be provided corresponding to the above-described RT release probability. The RT cancellation lottery may be performed on the condition that a predetermined small role is won. Various other types of conditions can be applied as conditions for releasing RT, but a plurality of types may be used in combination. In any case, it suffices that both the set value in which the expected number of games until the RT is canceled is smaller than the reciprocal of the bonus winning probability and the set value that is increased are present.

  In the above embodiment, even if the bonus winning flag is set, if the gaming state is RT, it is completely impossible to win a bonus by the reel control table selected at this time. . However, for example, if the reel control table to be selected at RT is considered to be a bonus winning with a probability of 1/10 in the case of a completely correct procedure, there are six patterns for pressing the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. If there are 12 combinations, the bonus winning may be difficult (1/10) × (1/6) × (1/12) = 1/720. In this way, even if it is not impossible to make a bonus winning at RT, the bonus winning stock function is realized by making the bonus winning so difficult that it occurs only at a lower probability than the bonus winning probability at RT. You can also.

  In the above embodiment, the winning flag setting unit 301 for setting the bonus winning flag is in the general work 112-2, and the stock number storage unit 303 for storing the bonus winning stock number is in the special work 112-3. It was included. Here, when the setting is changed, only the general work 112-2 is initialized, so the bonus winning flag is deleted, and as a result, the number of bonus winning stocks is reduced by one. However, the present invention does not matter whether the bonus winning flag is set or the number of stocks is stored as long as the bonus winning stock is not erased by changing the setting.

  For example, when the gaming state is RT, the bonus winning flag is not set, and when RT is released, any kind of bonus winning flag is set, and the number of bonus winning stocks of that type is reduced by 1. It is good also as what makes it. In this case, even if the general work 112-2 is initialized by changing the setting, the bonus winning flag is not set unless RT is canceled, so the number of bonus winning stocks is not reduced.

  Furthermore, although the bonus winning flag setting and the bonus winning stock are separated in the RAM 112, a multi-bit bonus winning flag indicating the total number of stocks may be provided. Of course, such a bonus winning flag needs to be set not in the general work 112-2 but in the special work 112-3 so as not to be completely erased by the setting change. Even in the above embodiment, the bonus winning flag may be set in the special work 112-3.

  The stock of the big bonus and the regular bonus may be stored in the winning order, and either the big bonus or the regular bonus may be released in the winning order. In addition, when the bonus winning flag is set, other methods can be used as long as a bonus winning is not possible until a predetermined condition is satisfied, in addition to not allowing a bonus winning with the gaming state as RT. You can also achieve bonus winning stock. You may stock winnings of either big bonus or regular bonus.

  In the above embodiment, the variable display device 2 includes the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order on the outer periphery, and the symbols are driven by rotational driving of these reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Was variably displayed. However, a device that virtually displays a symbol on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device may be used instead of the variable display device 2 described above.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the memory map of RAM of a game control board. It is a figure which shows the conditions which clear each area | region of RAM of a game control board. It is a table which shows a bonus winning probability. It is a figure which shows RT cancellation | release probability selection table. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in a game control board performs at the time of power activation. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in a game control board performs for every game. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process of FIG. 8 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the payout process of FIG. 8 in detail.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Variable display device 91 Setting switch 92 Setting key switch 94 Main switch 101 Game control board 112 RAM
112-2 General work 112-3 Special work 301 Winning flag setting unit 302 RT state setting unit 303 Stock number storage unit 304 Setting value storage unit

Claims (4)

The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and the display result is derived and displayed on a variable display device that displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each. In a slot machine in which one game is completed and a predetermined prize can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
Prior determination means for determining, with a predetermined probability, whether or not to set determination information as a condition for allowing the occurrence of the winning before the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed;
Storage means for storing information according to the progress of the game, and including a storage area for setting special decision information based on the allowance for occurrence of special prizes by the prior decision means;
Special gaming state control means for controlling to a special gaming state advantageous to the player until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied when the special winning occurs;
Probability that the special determination information is set based on the special determination information set in the storage area, in which the special winning is impossible or difficult in the gaming state, and the expected establishment value of the predetermined release condition is set A disabled state control means for controlling to a disabled state of a type selected from a plurality of types of disabled states including a smaller and larger reciprocal of the special decision probability,
When the predetermined cancellation condition is satisfied, the disabled state controlled by the disabled state control unit is canceled, and the disabled state canceling unit configured to enable or easily generate the special prize,
A plurality of predetermined stages for setting a payout rate indicating a ratio of a valuable value given to the player with respect to the bet number set by the player, based on the selection ratio of the type of the disabled state A stage in which the calculated expected value of the number of games until cancellation of the disabled state is determined to be greater than the reciprocal of the special determination probability, and a stage determined to be smaller than the reciprocal of the special determination probability Stage setting means for selecting and setting one of the stages including a plurality of stages,
An initialization unit for performing a process of initializing the storage unit without erasing at least all of the data in the storage area when the stage setting is performed by the stage setting unit;
Stage storage means for storing the stage before the stage setting is performed by the stage setting means;
Stage comparison means for comparing the stage set by the stage setting means with the stage stored in the stage storage means;
When the disabled state control means controls the disabled state, it selects any type of disabled state from the plurality of types of disabled states at a selection ratio determined according to the type of disabled state selected last time. And a stage setting for selecting one of the types of disabled states from the plurality of types of disabled states at a selection ratio determined according to the comparison result according to the comparison result of the comparison result. A slot machine comprising: an unusable state selecting unit including an unusable state selecting unit. 2. The slot according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of types of disabled states include two or more types of disabled states as disabled states in which an expected establishment value of the predetermined release condition is larger than an inverse of the special determination probability. Machine. The storage area includes a special decision information setting area for setting special decision information to be referred to in order to generate the special prize, and the generation of a special prize when special decision information is set in the special decision information setting area. The special decision information is set based on, and carried over until the special winning is generated based on at least the special decision information set in the special decision information setting area, and carried over after the special decision information is generated. A special decision information carry-over area that sets the special decision information that is moved to the special decision information setting area,
The initialization means initializes the special decision information setting area without initializing the special decision information carry-over area by setting the stage by the stage setting means. The slot machine according to 1 or 2. The game control information according to the progress of the game, the initialization control information transmitted when the stage setting by the stage setting means is started, and transmitted when the stage setting by the stage setting means is completed. A control information transmitting means for transmitting a plurality of types of control information including stage setting control information including information on the set stage;
An effect storage means for receiving the control information transmitted from the control information transmitting means, independently performing an effect process based on the received control information, and storing information necessary for performing the effect. Production control means including,
The effect control means performs an effect related to the game based on the game control information, and initializes at least information related to the execution of the effect in the effect storage means by receiving the initialization control information. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein information relating to the set stage is stored in the effect storage means by receiving setting control information.

Images