JP2005211502A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of improving the interest of a player. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a first game control means for executing a first game in which two or more pieces of identification information are variably displayed and then stopped and displayed and winning conditions are decided by the combination of the identification information stopped and displayed on a valid line, and a second game control means for executing a second game when specified conditions are established in the first game. The second game is composed of a plurality of modes in which the expectation value of an allotment to be provided for a player as the result is the same and the dispersion of the allotment is different, a selection means for selecting one from the plurality of modes of the second game on the basis of an instruction inputted by the operation of the player is provided, and the second game control means executes the second game by the mode selected by the selection means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

In the present invention, a game such as a video slot or a slot machine in which the first game is played in a normal time and the second game is played under a rule different from the first game when a specific condition is established in the first game. Related to the machine.

Conventionally, video slots and slot machines (hereinafter also referred to as slot machines) have been widely recognized as gaming machines in which a winning situation is determined by a combination of identification information, and coins and other medals are paid out, and are generally favored. Yes. In such a slot machine or the like, when the start lever is operated after a medal is inserted, a so-called first game is played. In this first game, a plurality of (for example, three) reels in which a plurality of types of identification information are arranged on the peripheral surface rotate, and a combination of the identification information when these reels stop is a predetermined winning situation. In this case, the number of medals corresponding to the winning situation is paid out. As the winning situation in the first game, for example, there are so-called “big wins” in which 1000 or more medals are paid out, so-called “small wins” in which less than 1000 medals are paid out.

In addition to the “big win” and “small win”, there is a so-called “second game acquisition” in which the second game can be played, and the winning status in the first game is “ In the case of “second game acquisition”, there is a gaming machine capable of playing the second game without newly inserting medals (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The second game is a game that is played under a different rule from the first game, and what is generally called a bonus game or a free game is an example. The second game is often an advantageous game for the player, and a large number of medals can be obtained depending on the result of the second game.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-244453

However, since the second game in the conventional gaming machine has a simple game characteristic, it is not sufficient for improving the fun of the game without getting the player bored.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of the player.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides the following.
(1) First game control means for executing a first game in which a winning situation is determined by a combination of identification information that is stopped and displayed on a valid line after a plurality of pieces of identification information are displayed in a variable manner;
A gaming machine comprising second game control means for executing a second game when a specific condition is established in the first game,
As a result, the second game is composed of a plurality of modes in which the expected value of the dividend provided to the player is the same and the variation in the dividend is different.
A selection means for selecting any one mode from a plurality of modes of the second game based on an instruction input by a player's operation;
The gaming machine, wherein the second game control means executes the second game in the mode selected by the selection means.

According to the invention of (1), the second game can be played based on the result of the first game, and the game preference can be improved by providing the relationship between the first game and the second game. In addition, the player's willingness to select whether to play the second game in a mode that can more reliably obtain a payout, or to perform the second game in a mode that is less certain but may give a larger payout It is possible to advance the game in a player-led form. Therefore, diversity and strategy can be given to the game, and the fun of the game can be improved.

According to the present invention, it is possible to advance a game in a player-driven manner, and it is possible to impart diversity and strategy to the game and improve the interest of the game.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the embodiment described below, a case where the present invention is applied to a video slot is shown as a preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention.
The gaming machine 2 includes a housing 30, and the front center portion of the housing 30 is inclined slightly rearward with respect to the vertical direction, and two display devices 32 ( An upper display device 32U and a lower display device 32D) are provided so as to be arranged in the vertical direction.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, the number of display devices is not particularly limited, and two display devices 32 (an upper display device 32U and a lower display device 32D) are not necessarily provided as in the gaming machine 2. You don't have to.

An image indicating the first game or the second game is displayed on the display device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D), and the first game or the second game proceeds on the display device 32. In the gaming machine 2, a variable display game, which is a game simulating a slot machine, is performed as the first game or the second game. When the variable display game as the first game or the second game is being performed, a plurality of identification information (for example, symbol marks, etc.), a winning line, etc. are displayed on the upper display device 32U, and the lower display device 32D is displayed. Displays various effect images. In the present invention, the lower display device 32D displays a plurality of identification information, winning lines, etc. for playing a game simulating a slot machine, and various effect images are displayed on the upper display device 32U. It is good.

The plurality of identification information is displayed as drawn on the peripheral surface of the pseudo reel displayed as an image simulating a reel in the slot machine, and scrolls in a predetermined direction when the game is started. Displayed in a variable manner and stopped at a predetermined timing.
In addition, when a 1-BET switch 20, a 3-BET switch 22, or a maximum BET switch 24, which will be described later, is pushed, a line corresponding to the BET switch is validated. The present invention can also be applied to, for example, a 5-reel 9-line video slot.

When the combination of identification information on the activated pay line becomes a winning status corresponding to, for example, “big win” or “small win”, coins corresponding to the winning status are paid out. Further, when the combination of identification information on the activated pay line is a winning status of “second game acquisition”, a game image indicating the second game is displayed on the display device 32, and the second image is displayed on the display device 32. The game progresses. The second game will be described in detail later.

In the following, when the specific condition that triggers the execution of the second game in the gaming machine 2 is that the combination of identification information on the activated pay line becomes a winning status of “second game acquisition” As the specific condition, for example, specific identification information (for example, “JOKER” or the like) is stopped and displayed in the display device 32, and a combination of specific identification information (for example, four “Ace” ”Are aligned a predetermined number of times (for example, five times), a specific combination of identification information (for example, a combination of five“ 7 ”is aligned), etc. it can. Of course, the specific conditions in the gaming machine of the present invention are not limited to these examples, and can be set as appropriate.

A substantially horizontal pedestal portion 50 is provided below the lower display device 32D. On the left side of the upper display portion 32D, only one of the already inserted coins is bet on the game by one pushing operation. A 1-BET switch 20 for making a target, a 3-BET switch 22 for making a game bet on only 3 of the already inserted coins, and a coin that has already been inserted There is provided a maximum BET switch 24 for targeting the maximum number of coins that can be bet on a single game. By pushing these BET switches 20, 22 or 24, the winning line is validated according to the pushed BET switch. Further, a spin switch 25 for starting a game is provided on the upper left side of the pedestal portion 50. The player inserts a coin into a coin insertion slot 44, which will be described later, pushes the BET switch 20, 22 or 24, makes a predetermined number of coins a target for gaming, and pushes the spin switch 25. Thus, the game can be started.

An operation unit 42 including a plurality of push buttons and cross keys is provided behind the BET switches 20, 22, and 24 on the upper left side of the pedestal unit 50. The operation unit 42 is operated when a second game described later is performed. Further, a coin insertion slot 44 and a bill insertion slot 46 are provided on the upper right side of the pedestal portion 50. The game can be executed by inserting coins or bills into these slot.

In addition, a payout switch 48 is also provided in the vicinity of the coin insertion slot 44. By pushing this switch, the inserted coin is paid out from the coin payout slot 52 at the lower front of the housing 30. The coins that have been paid out are stored in the coin receiving portion 54.
In addition, when an abnormality of the gaming machine 2 is detected, the upper part of the housing 30 is lit or blinked when the player calls a store clerk of the game store, and notifies the store clerk of the fact to that effect. A lamp 56 is provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG.
The 1-BET switch 20, the 3-BET switch 22, and the maximum BET switch 24 described above are connected to an interface circuit group 62 of the main control circuit 60, and the interface circuit group 62 is connected to an input / output bus 64. Each switch generates a predetermined signal when it is pushed and supplies the signal to the input / output bus 64.
The operation unit 42 including a plurality of push buttons and cross keys and the spin switch 25 for starting a game are connected to the interface circuit group 62 of the main control circuit 60, and the operation unit 42 and the spin switch 25 And generate a predetermined signal when each is operated, and supply the signal to the input / output bus 64.

The input / output bus 64 can input / output data signals or address signals to / from the CPU 66. In the present embodiment, the CPU 66 performs transmission / reception of signals with the outside via a bus, but may be performed via a port.

The banknote discriminator 40 and the coin detection sensor 58 are connected to the interface circuit group 62 described above. When a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 46, the bill validator 40 converts information on the type and number of bills into a signal and transmits the signal to the interface circuit group 62. In addition, when a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 44, the coin detection sensor 58 converts information regarding the type and number of coins into a signal and transmits the signal to the interface circuit group 62.

Also, a payout switch 48 is connected to the interface circuit group 62 described above, and when the player pushes the payout switch 48, a predetermined signal is supplied to the input / output bus 64, and an input is made based on the signal. The coins being paid out are paid out from a coin payout slot 52 from a payout device 82 described later.

A ROM 68 and a RAM 70 are connected to the input / output bus 64 described above. The ROM 68 stores a control program that controls the flow of the entire system of the gaming machine 2. Further, the ROM 68 stores initial data for executing the control program, a part of a program for performing display control in the display device 32, and the like. The RAM 70 stores the above-described program and data, and stores flags, variable values, and the like as calculation results and processing results.
A hard disk drive 74 is also connected to the input / output bus 64, and the hard disk drive 74 stores a program for playing a game and various data such as image data. In the present invention, a nonvolatile memory having a relatively large storage capacity such as a flash memory may be used instead of the hard disk drive 74, or a volatile memory may be used.

The input / output bus 64 is connected to a random number generator 78 for generating random numbers. When a command for generating a random number is issued from the CPU 66 to the random number generation unit 78, the random number generation unit 78 generates a random number within a predetermined range and supplies a signal indicating the value of the random number to the input / output bus 64. The CPU 66 advances the game with the generated random number. The random number is stored in the RAM 70 as data indicating the lottery result. Note that the random number generation unit 78 may be realized in software by, for example, the CPU 66, a program stored in the ROM 68, the RAM 70, or the like.

Further, an interface circuit group 72 is also connected to the input / output bus 64. The interface circuit group 72 is connected to a speaker 80, a notification lamp 56, and a payout device 82. The interface circuit group 72 controls driving signals and control signals for controlling each of the above-described devices according to the result of arithmetic processing in the CPU 66. Supply drive power. Further, the notification lamp 56 is lit or blinked when an abnormality of the gaming machine 2 is detected, when a player calls a store clerk of the game store, and notifies the store clerk of that fact. Examples of the notification lamp 56 include an LED, a lamp, and a fluorescent lamp.

Further, a display control device 200 is also connected to the interface circuit group 72, and the display control device 200 is connected to the display control device 200 based on an image command signal issued from the main control circuit 60. A drive signal for driving 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D) is generated.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the display control device 200 provided in the gaming machine 2 shown in FIG.
The interface circuit 202 is connected to the input / output bus 204, and an image display command issued from the main control circuit 60 described above is supplied to the input / output bus 204 via the interface circuit 202. The input / output bus 204 is configured to input / output data signals or address signals to / from the CPU 206. In the present embodiment, the CPU 206 performs signal transmission / reception with the outside via a bus, but may also be performed via a port.

A ROM 208 and a RAM 210 are also connected to the input / output bus 204 described above. The ROM 208 stores a display control program for generating a drive signal to be supplied to the display device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D) based on an image display command issued from the main control circuit 60. On the other hand, the RAM 210 stores values of flags and variables used in the program.

Further, an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212 is also connected to the input / output bus 204. The VDP 212 includes a sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a pallet circuit, and the like, and is a processing device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the display device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D). is there.

The VDP 212 described above stores a video RAM 214 for storing image data corresponding to an image display command issued from the main control circuit 60, and various image data necessary for performing the first game and the second game. For this purpose, an image data ROM 216 is connected. In addition, a drive circuit 218 that generates a drive signal for driving the display device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D) is also connected to the VDP 212.

The CPU 206 described above reads and executes the display control program stored in the ROM 208, thereby displaying the display device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D) in accordance with an image display command issued from the main control circuit 60. The image data to be displayed is stored in the video RAM 214. Then, the image data stored in the video RAM 214 is output to the display device 32 (upper display device 32U and lower display device 32D) via the drive circuit 218. Of course, the internal configuration of the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS.

Subroutines for controlling the gaming machine 2 executed in the main control circuit 60 described above are shown in FIGS. In the following, it is assumed that the variables have been activated in advance and the variables used in the above-described CPU 66 are initialized to predetermined values and are in steady operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing the first game process executed in the main control circuit 60.
This subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a main routine that is executed in advance.

First, it is determined whether or not a coin is bet (step S11). In this process, the CPU 66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the player has performed the BET process has been received. If it is determined that a signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S12. If it is determined that no signal has been received, this subroutine is terminated.

This BET process may be automatically performed when the player inserts a coin, and the player switches any one of the 1-BET switch 20, the 3-BET switch 22, and the maximum BET switch 24. The BET may be performed only when it is pushed.

Next, it is determined whether or not the spin switch 25 for instructing the game start has been pushed (step S12). In this process, the CPU 66 determines whether or not a signal indicating that the spin switch 25 has been pushed by the player has been received. If it is determined that a signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S13. If it is determined that no signal has been received, the process of step S12 is executed again.

Next, an internal lottery process is performed (step S13). In this process, the CPU 66 issues a command for generating a random number to the random number generation unit 78, and the random number generation unit 78 that has received the command generates a random number. Then, the CPU 66 records internal lottery data based on the obtained random number and the probability table set in the RAM 70 in a predetermined area of the RAM 70. Note that the data includes data indicating a combination mode of identification information that can be stopped and displayed by winning “big hit” and “small win”.

In the present invention, a random number is generated by software (a predetermined update of a numerical value at a constant or indefinite period) by a program stored in the CPU 66, ROM 68, RAM 70, etc., and the internal lottery data is obtained based on the random number You may comprise so that it may memorize | store in the predetermined area | region of RAM70. In that case, the random number generator 78 can be omitted.

Next, pseudo reel rotation display processing is performed (step S14). In this processing, the CPU 66 starts the game simulating a slot machine on the upper display device 32U, that is, rotates the pseudo reel displayed as an image on the upper display device 32U. Transmit signal to. This signal also includes identification information image data for determining a combination of identification information when stopped and displayed based on the internal lottery data. Then, the display control device 200 starts displaying the plurality of pieces of identification information in a variable manner by displaying the pseudo reel so as to rotate on the upper display device 32U based on the signal. Furthermore, during the execution of the first game, the display control device 200 also performs a process of displaying various effect images on the lower display device 32D based on a signal transmitted from the CPU 66.

Next, a pseudo reel stop display process is performed (step S15). In this process, the CPU 66 performs display control so as to end the game simulating a slot machine on the upper display device 32U, that is, to stop the rotation of the pseudo reel displayed as an image on the upper display device 32U. A signal is transmitted to the device 200. Then, the display control apparatus 200 displays the plurality of pieces of identification information in a stopped manner after performing a variable display of the pieces of identification information over a predetermined period.

Next, a winning process is performed (step S16). In this process, the CPU 66 performs a winning process based on the stop-displayed identification information or a combination thereof, or the internal lottery data. This process will be described later. After the process of step S16 is finished, this subroutine is finished.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing a winning process executed in the main control circuit 60.
This subroutine is called and executed in step S16 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

First, it is determined whether the stop-displayed identification information or a combination thereof is the winning status of “second game acquisition” (step S21). In this process, the CPU 66 determines whether or not the identification information stopped in step S15 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 4 or a combination thereof indicates a shift to the second game.

If it is determined that the transition to the second game is indicated, the CPU 66 executes a second game process (step S22). The second game is a variable display game having substantially the same game contents as the first game, but can be played without newly inserting coins. Note that the second game may be performed by inserting coins. This second game will be described in detail later.

If it is determined in step S21 that the identification information displayed in a stopped state or a combination thereof does not indicate the transition to the second game, the identification information displayed in a stopped state or a combination thereof is won (“big hit” or It is determined whether or not the winning status is “small win” (step S23). If the CPU 66 determines that the stop-displayed identification information or the combination thereof is the winning status, the CPU 66 drives the payout device 82. For example, if the winning status is “big win”, the winning status is “small”. If “winning”, 500 coins corresponding to the winning situation are paid out to the coin receiving portion 54 through the coin payout slot 52 (step S24). If it is determined in step S23 that the identification information or a combination thereof is not a winning winning situation, or if the process of step S22 or S24 is executed, this subroutine is terminated. When the subroutine shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is executed, the main control circuit 60 functions as a first game control means.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing the second game process executed in the main control circuit 60. This subroutine is called and executed in step S22 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
In the following, the second game has three modes (hereinafter referred to as modes A, B, and C, respectively) in which the expected value of the payout provided to the player is the same and the payout variation is different. Suppose that it consists of).

First, the CPU 66 transmits a mode selection image display command signal to the display control device 200 (step S30). And the display control apparatus 200 which received the said signal displays a mode selection image on lower display apparatus 32D. The mode selection image includes an image indicating an operation procedure for prompting the user to select one of modes A, B, and C, and an image indicating options corresponding to each of modes A, B, and C. Is included. When this mode selection image is displayed, the player operates the operation unit 42 in accordance with the operation procedure described above, and selects any one of the three options to select modes A, B, and C. Any one of the modes can be selected.
At this time, the main control circuit 60 selects any one of a plurality of modes (modes A, B, and C) of the second game based on an instruction input through the operation unit 42 by a player's operation. Functions as a selection means for selecting the mode.

Next, the CPU 66 determines whether or not an instruction to select any one of the three modes A, B, and C is input via the operation unit 42 (step S31).
If it is determined that an instruction to select any one mode has not been input, the process returns to step S31, and the display of the mode selection image on the lower display device 32D is continued.

On the other hand, when determining that an instruction to select any one mode has been input, the CPU 66 performs a payout determination lottery process (step S32). In this process, the CPU 66 issues a command for generating a random number to the random number generation unit 78, and the random number generation unit 78 that has received the command generates a random number. Then, the CPU 66 determines a payout based on the obtained random number and a payout determination table described later, and stores data related to the payout in the RAM 70.

The payout determination table used in step S32 will be described with reference to FIG. The payout determination table shown in FIG. 7A is a payout determination table corresponding to mode A. Natural numbers from 10 to 190 are set as payouts, and 1/181 is set as the probability of each payout. The expected value of the payout in this mode A is 100.

The payout determination table shown in FIG. 7B is a payout determination table corresponding to mode B. Only 100 is set as the payout, and 1/1 is set as the probability of the payout. The expected value of the payout in this mode B is 100.

The payout determination table shown in FIG. 7C is a payout determination table corresponding to mode C. 50 and 150 are set as payouts, and 1/2 is set as the probability of each payout. The expected value of the payout in this mode C is 100. The expected value of the payout in each of modes A to C is 100, but the payout variation is different from one another as described above.

In step S <b> 32, the CPU 66 determines a payout based on the random number obtained by the random number generator 78 and the payout determination table corresponding to the selected mode, and stores data related to the payout in the RAM 70.

Next, pseudo reel rotation display processing is performed (step S33). In this processing, the CPU 66 starts the game simulating a slot machine on the upper display device 32U, that is, rotates the pseudo reel displayed as an image on the upper display device 32U. Transmit signal to. This signal also includes identification information image data for determining a combination of identification information when stopped and displayed based on the result of the payout determination lottery. Then, the display control device 200 starts displaying the plurality of pieces of identification information in a variable manner by displaying the pseudo reel so as to rotate on the upper display device 32U based on the signal. Furthermore, during the execution of the second game, the display control device 200 also performs a process of displaying various effect images on the lower display device 32D based on a signal transmitted from the CPU 66.

Next, a pseudo reel stop display process is performed (step S34). In this process, the CPU 66 performs display control so as to end the game simulating a slot machine on the upper display device 32U, that is, to stop the rotation of the pseudo reel displayed as an image on the upper display device 32U. A signal is transmitted to the device 200. Then, the display control apparatus 200 displays the plurality of pieces of identification information in a stopped manner after performing a variable display of the pieces of identification information over a predetermined period.

Next, medals are paid out (step S35). In this process, the CPU 66 performs a process of paying out the number of coins corresponding to the payout determined by the above-described payout determination lottery to the coin receiving unit 54 through the coin payout port 52. Thereafter, this subroutine is terminated. When the subroutine shown in FIG. 6 is executed, the main control circuit 60 functions as second game control means, and when the processes of steps S32 to S35 are executed, the main control circuit 60 functions as second game control means. Executes the second game in the mode selected by the selection means described above.

As described above, according to the gaming machine 2, the second game can be played based on the result of the first game, and the game preference can be improved by providing the relationship between the first game and the second game. Furthermore, the second game is played in a mode (mode B) in which a payout can be more reliably obtained, or in a mode (mode A or mode C) in which there is a possibility that a large payout may be obtained with less certainty. It is possible to select whether to perform the game according to the player's intention, and it is possible to advance the game in a player-driven manner. Therefore, diversity and strategy can be given to the game, and the fun of the game can be improved.

In the gaming machine 2, the second game consists of three modes, but the number of modes in the gaming machine of the present invention is not particularly limited. Further, the expected value of the payout is not particularly limited as long as it is the same in a plurality of modes. Also, the variation in the payout is not particularly limited and can be set as appropriate.

In the gaming machine 2, the first game and the second game are variable display games. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the second game is not necessarily a variable display game, and the first game It doesn't have to be the same game. The second game does not always have to be the same game. For example, a game to be played as the second game by lottery may be selected from a plurality of types of games. It is good also as selecting the game played in order as a 2nd game from among them.

Also, for example, when mode A is selected, a variable display game is played as the second game, and when mode B is selected, a pinball game is played as the second game, depending on the mode selected. A different type of game may be played as the second game.

Further, in the gaming machine 2, the case where the image indicating the second game is displayed on the upper display device 32U has been described. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the image indicating the second game is displayed on the lower display device 32D. Alternatively, an image showing the second game may be displayed across the upper display device 32U and the lower display device 32D.
Further, the gaming machine of the present invention is configured such that an image indicating the second game is displayed on each of the upper display device 32U and the lower display device 32D, and two second games can be played simultaneously. Also good.

Further, the present invention can be applied to the following slot machines.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the slot machine according to the present invention.

In FIG. 8, the slot machine 301 has a cabinet 302 that forms the whole, and an upper liquid crystal display 303 is disposed at the upper front portion of the cabinet 302, and a lower side is provided at the center of the front surface of the cabinet 302. A liquid crystal display 304 is provided. Here, the upper liquid crystal display 303 is constituted by a generally used liquid crystal display, and the lower liquid crystal display 304 is constituted by a so-called transparent liquid crystal display. The detailed structure of the lower liquid crystal display 304 will be described later.

On the lower side of the lower liquid crystal display 304, an operation table 305 protruding toward the front side is provided. The operation table 305 includes a change button 306 and a refund (CASH-OUT) button from the leftmost side. 307, a help (HELP) button 308 is arranged, and on the right side of the help button 308, a coin insertion unit 309 and a bill insertion unit 310 are provided. Also, from the front side of the operation table 305, the 1-BET button 311, the SPIN / REPEAT-BET button (hereinafter abbreviated as “spin button”) 312, the 3-BET button 313, and the 5-BET button 314 are displayed. Is arranged.

Here, the exchange button 306 is a button that is pressed when the banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion unit 310 are exchanged, and the exchanged coins can be received from a coin payout opening 315 provided at the bottom of the cabinet 302. 316 is paid out. The exchange button 306 is provided with a change switch 362 to be described later, and a switch signal is output from the exchange switch 362 to the CPU 350 when the exchange button 306 is pressed.

The payout button 307 is a button that is pressed at the end of the normal game. When the payout button 307 is pressed, coins acquired in the game are paid out from the coin payout exit 315 to the coin receiving unit 316. The refund button 307 is provided with a refund (CASH-OUT) switch 363 to be described later, and a switch signal is output to the CPU 350 when the refund button 307 is pressed.

The help button 308 is a button that is pressed when the game operation method or the like is unknown. When the help button 308 is pressed, various types of help information are displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 303 and the lower liquid crystal display 304. . The help button 308 is provided with a help (HELP) switch 364 described later, and a switch signal is output from the help switch 364 to the CPU 350 when the help button 308 is pressed.

A coin sensor 365, which will be described later, is disposed in the coin insertion unit 309. When a coin is inserted into the coin insertion unit 309, a coin detection signal is output to the CPU 350 via the coin sensor 365. A bill sensor 366 is disposed in the bill insertion unit 310, and when a bill is inserted into the bill insertion unit 310, a bill detection signal is output to the CPU 350 via the bill sensor 366.

The 1-BET button 311 is a button for betting one by one each time the button is pressed, and can be pressed by pressing up to three times. The 1-BET button 311 is provided with a 1-BET switch 359, which will be described later. When the 1-BET button 311 is pressed, a switch signal is output from the 1-BET switch 359 to the CPU 350. The

The spin button 312 is a button for starting rotation of a reel 322 to be described later in order to start the game with the current bet number or the previous bet number when pressed. The spin button 312 is provided with a spin switch 358 described later. When the spin button 312 is pressed, a switch signal is output from the spin switch 358 to the CPU 350 based on the press. In addition, as the number of bets that can be bet by pressing the spin button 312, there may be 1, 2, 3, and 5 bets.

The 3-BET button 313 is a button for starting a game with 3 bets based on the depression thereof. The 3-BET button 313 is provided with a 3-BET switch 360, which will be described later. When the 3-BET button 313 is pressed, a switch signal is output from the 3-BET switch 360 to the CPU 350. The 5-BET button 314 is a button that is pressed when starting a game with five bets based on the pressing. The 5-BET button 314 is provided with a 5-BET switch 361 described later, and a switch signal is output from the 5-BET switch 361 to the CPU 350 when the 5-BET button 314 is pressed.

In addition, a coin payout exit 315 is formed at the lower portion of the cabinet 302, and a coin receiving portion 316 that receives coins paid out from the coin payout exit 315 is provided. Inside the coin payout exit 315, a coin detection unit 373 composed of a sensor or the like is disposed, and the coin detection unit 373 detects the number of coins paid out from the coin payout exit 315.

Furthermore, a start lever 317 is attached to the side surface (right side surface in FIG. 8) of the cabinet 302 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range. The start lever 317 is provided with a start switch 357, and a switch signal generated from the start switch 357 when the start lever 317 is rotated is output to the CPU 350.

Next, a detailed structure of the lower liquid crystal display 304 and a reel that is rotatably provided inside the cabinet 302 on the back side of the lower liquid crystal display 304 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the lower liquid crystal display 304 and the reel 322, and FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the lower liquid crystal display 304.

9 and 10, the lower liquid crystal display 304 has a transparent touch panel 330 (hereinafter abbreviated as “touch panel 330”) disposed on the front side (left side in FIG. 9) and the front side of the cabinet 302 of the slot machine 301. It is arranged inside the display window 321 of the device front panel 320 provided in the center, and three reels 322 (see FIG. 9) are provided on the back side of the lower liquid crystal display 304 (right side in FIG. 9). (Only one reel 322 is shown) is in a parallel state and is independently supported to be rotatable.

Here, each reel 322 will be described. Of the three reels 322, the left reel 322 as viewed from the front of the slot machine 301 serves as a left display window 323 (see FIG. 8) formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304. The middle reel 322 is also opposed to a middle display window 324 (see FIG. 8) formed in the lower liquid crystal display 304, and the right reel 322 is similarly disposed on the lower liquid crystal. It faces a right display window 325 (see FIG. 8) formed on the display 304. The configuration of each display window 323, 324, 325 will be described later.

Further, various symbols (six types in FIG. 11) as shown in FIG. 11 are formed on the peripheral surface of each reel 322. Specifically, the types of symbols formed on the peripheral surface of each reel 322 include a WILD symbol, a pendant symbol, a trigger symbol, a RED7 symbol with beauty, a wad symbol, Gold coin symbols are used. Then, on the peripheral surface of each reel 322, these six types of symbols and blanks (regions where no symbols exist) are combined in a predetermined combination to form a total of 22 symbols and blanks.

It should be noted that various winning combinations are set in advance based on a plurality of combinations of each symbol, and when the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination stops on the active line L (see FIG. 8), The point that the coins are paid out from the coin payout exit 315 is the same as in the conventional slot machine, and the description thereof is omitted here. Further, regarding the formation of various symbols on the peripheral surface of each reel 322, eleven symbols are printed on a long sticker that matches the width and circumference of each reel 322, and such a seal is printed on each reel 322. In general, the symbol is formed by being attached to the peripheral surface. However, it is of course possible to form the symbol by a method other than this method. These symbols and blanks correspond to a plurality of pieces of identification information in the first game, and are variably displayed when the reel 322 rotates, and are stopped and displayed when the reel 322 stops rotating.

Here, in the present embodiment, the effective line L is only the center line, and the effective line L is the depression of the spin button 312, the 3-BET button 313, and the 5-BET button 314 or the start lever 317. This is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 304 when a game based on the rotation of each reel 322 is performed, that is, when the first game is played.

The trigger symbol acts as a trigger for acquiring the second game. In the present embodiment, one trigger symbol is provided only on the peripheral surface of the right reel 322. Based on the fact that the trigger symbol present on the peripheral surface of the right reel 322 stops on the active line L in the first game, the second game can be obtained.
That is, the specific condition for executing the second game is that the trigger symbol stops on the active line L.

Next, the structure of the lower liquid crystal display 304 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the lower liquid crystal display 304 includes a touch panel 330, a reel glass base 331, a bezel metal frame 332, a liquid crystal panel 333, a liquid crystal holder 334, a diffusion sheet 335, and a light guide plate 336 from the front side of the slot machine 301. , A white reflector 337, a rear holder 338, and an antistatic sheet 339 are arranged. Openings 333A, 333B, and 333C are formed in the diffusion sheet 335. Similarly, the light guide plate 336, the reflector 337, and the rear holder 338 have openings 336A and 336A, respectively, so as to match the openings 335A to 335C. 336B, 336C, openings 337A, 337B, 337C, and openings 338A, 338B, 338C are formed. The openings 335A to 338A are stacked so as to coincide with each other to form the left display window 323 (see FIG. 8), and the openings 335B to 338B similarly form the middle display window 324 (see FIG. 8). In addition, the openings 335C to 338C similarly constitute a right display window 325 (see FIG. 8).

Here, the openings 335 </ b> A to 335 </ b> C of the diffusion sheet 335 and the openings 336 </ b> A to 336 </ b> C of the light guide plate 336 constitute a transmission region that ensures the visibility of variable display on each reel 322.

In order to attach the lower liquid crystal display 304 to the display window 321 of the device front panel 320, as shown in FIG. 9, each bracket 340 provided so as to protrude in the vertical direction of the reel glass base 331 is attached to the device front panel with screws 341. This is done by screwing the back surface of 320.

A pair of cold cathode ray tubes 342 are provided as light sources of the liquid crystal panel 333 at the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate 336. A pair of cold cathode lines 343 that illuminate symbols formed on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 322 are provided above and below the rear side of each opening 338 </ b> A to 338 </ b> C of the rear holder 338.

The liquid crystal panel 333 is a transparent electrical display panel made of ITO or the like that is disposed on the front surface of each reel 322 and through which each reel is seen, and the back side around the display portion is held by a liquid crystal holder 334. . The light guide plate 336 is made of a light transmissive resin panel, and has a lens cut that guides light emitted from the cold cathode ray tube 342 located on the side to the back side of the liquid crystal panel 333. The diffusion sheet 335 is made of a light-transmitting resin sheet, diffuses the light guided by the light guide plate 336, and makes the light irradiated to the liquid crystal panel 333 uniform. The liquid crystal holder 334 that holds the liquid crystal panel 333, the diffusion sheet 335, and the light guide plate 336 are integrated and the periphery thereof is inserted into the bezel metal frame 332. By this insertion, the front side of the display unit in the liquid crystal panel 333 is held by the bezel metal frame 332.

The liquid crystal holder 334, the diffusion sheet 335, and the light guide plate 336 that are integrated by being fitted to the bezel metal frame 332 are further inserted into the reel glass base 331, and the display front surface of the liquid crystal panel 333 is opened. It is held by a reel glass base 331. The touch panel 330 is attached to the front surface of the reel glass base 331 by attaching the reel glass base 331 to the device front panel 320 via screws 341, and is superimposed on the display unit front surface of the liquid crystal panel 333.

The rear holder 338 is made of a white resin plate, and holds the bezel metal frame 332 supported by the reel glass base 331, the liquid crystal holder 334 holding the liquid crystal panel 333, the diffusion sheet 335, and the light guide plate 336 on the reel glass base 331 from behind. doing. The rear holder 338 also functions as a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the cold cathode ray tube 342 to the light guide plate 336 toward the liquid crystal panel 333. The antistatic sheet 339 is transparent and adhered to the back surface of the rear holder 338 with double-sided tape, and covers the back surfaces of the openings 338A to 338C formed in the rear holder 338.

Next, a configuration related to the control system of the slot machine 301 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine 301.

In FIG. 12, the control system of the slot machine 301 is basically configured with a CPU 350 as a core, and a ROM 351 and a RAM 352 are connected to the CPU 350. The ROM 351 is a game control program, various effect programs for performing various effects on the upper liquid crystal display 303 and the lower liquid crystal display 304 as the game progresses, a lottery table for performing lotteries for various winning roles, and other slot machines. Various programs and data tables necessary for the control 301 are stored. The RAM 352 is a memory that temporarily stores various data calculated by the CPU 350.
The CPU 350 executes the first game based on various programs stored in the ROM 351, and executes the second game when a specific condition is satisfied in the first game.

The CPU 350 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 353 that generates a reference clock pulse and a frequency divider 354, and is also connected to a random number generator 355 that generates a random number and a random number sampling circuit 356. The random numbers sampled through the random number sampling circuit 356 are used for various lotteries such as identification information and effects for each reel 322. Here, for the identification information that stops on the active line L, a range of random numbers corresponding to the identification information is set for each reel 322, and from a predetermined random number range (for example, a range of “0” to “255”). This is determined by referring to the extracted random number value for each reel 322 and the “probability lottery table (not shown)” and determining which identification information is within the range of the random number extracted. Further, the CPU 350 has a start switch 357 attached to the start lever 317, a spin switch 358 attached to the spin button 312, and a 1-BET switch 359 attached to the 1-BET button 311, and a 3-BET switch 313. 3-BET switch 360, 5-BET switch 361 attached to 5-BET switch 314, change switch 362 attached to exchange button 306, and refund attached to refund button 307 (CASH-OUT) A switch 363 and a help (HELP) switch 364 attached to the help button 308 are connected to each other. The CPU 350 performs control to execute various operations corresponding to each button based on the switch signal output from each switch when each button is pressed.

Further, the CPU 350 is connected to a coin sensor 365 disposed in the coin insertion unit 309 and a bill sensor 366 disposed in the bill insertion unit 310. The coin sensor 365 detects coins inserted from the coin insertion unit 309, and the CPU 350 calculates the number of coins inserted based on the coin detection signal output from the coin sensor 365. The banknote sensor 366 detects the type and amount of the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion unit 310, and the CPU 350 calculates the number of coins equivalent to the amount of banknote based on the banknote detection signal output from the banknote sensor 366.

Three step motors 368 that rotate each reel 322 are connected to the CPU 350 via a motor drive circuit 367, and a reel position detection circuit 369 is also connected. When a motor drive signal is output from the CPU 350 to the motor drive circuit 367, each step motor 368 is rotationally driven by the motor drive circuit 367. Thereby, each reel 322 is rotated.

At this time, after the rotation of each reel 322 is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the step motors 368 is calculated, and the calculated value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 352. Further, a reset pulse is output from each reel 322 every rotation, and the reset pulse is input to the CPU 350 via the reel position detection circuit 369. When the reset pulse is input to the CPU 350 in this way, the calculated value written in the RAM 352 is cleared to “0”, and the CPU 350 calculates the calculated value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range of each reel 322. Based on the symbol table in which the rotational position of each reel 322 stored in the ROM 351 is associated with the symbol formed on the peripheral surface of each reel 322, the rotational position of the symbol on each reel 322 is recognized.

A hopper 371 is connected to the CPU 350 via a hopper drive circuit 370. When a driving signal is output from the CPU 350 to the hopper driving circuit 370, the hopper 371 pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 315.

Further, a coin detection unit 373 is connected to the CPU 350 via a payout completion signal circuit 372. The coin detection unit 373 is disposed inside the coin payout exit 315. When it is detected that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout exit 315, a coin payout detection signal is issued from the coin detection unit 373. The payout completion signal circuit 372 outputs a payout completion signal to the CPU 350 based on the output to the completion signal circuit 372.

Further, an upper liquid crystal display 303 is connected to the CPU 350 via a liquid crystal driving circuit 374, and a lower liquid crystal display 304 is connected via a liquid crystal driving circuit 375. Further, a touch panel 330 is connected to the CPU 350 via a touch panel drive circuit 376.

In addition, an LED 378 is connected to the CPU 350 via an LED drive circuit 377. A large number of LEDs 378 are arranged on the front surface of the slot machine 301 and are controlled to be lit by an LED drive circuit 377 based on a drive signal from the CPU 350 when performing various effects. Furthermore, a sound output circuit 379 and a speaker 380 are connected to the CPU 350, and the speaker 380 generates various sound effects when performing various effects based on output signals from the sound output circuit 379. Further, the CPU 350 is provided with a progressive interface (I / F) 381.

In the slot machine 301, the identification information drawn on the peripheral surface is displayed in a variable manner by the rotation of the reel 322, and the first information is displayed by stopping the identification information by stopping the rotation of the reel 322. proceed. The player can visually recognize the identification information displayed in a variable manner or stopped via the lower liquid crystal display 304 which is a so-called transparent liquid crystal display.

Then, as a result of the first game, when a combination of a plurality of identification information stopped and displayed becomes a predetermined combination, or when a trigger symbol (see FIG. 11) is included in the plurality of identification information, Two games are executed. Since the second game itself is the same as the gaming machine 1 described above and has already been described, the description thereof is omitted here. However, in the slot machine 301, the second game is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 303 or the lower liquid crystal display 303. It may be executed by the side liquid crystal display 304 or may be executed across the upper liquid crystal display 303 and the lower liquid crystal display 304. Alternatively, the second game may be executed on each of the upper liquid crystal display 303 and the lower liquid crystal display 304. Further, the second game may be played on the three reels 322 and the lower liquid crystal display 304.

As a result of the second game, the payout to be provided to the player is determined according to the result of the lottery (for example, the payout determination lottery in step S32 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 6) as in the gaming machine 2. For example, as shown below, it has been decided to accumulate a common bonus (so-called progressive bonus) common to a plurality of slot machines 301 and obtain a predetermined payout in the second game. The gaming value as the common bonus may be paid out from the slot machine 301.

A progressive game system in which a plurality of slot machines 301 are connected to each other via a progressive interface 381 attached thereto will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the progressive game system 382.

In the progressive game system 382 shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) slot machines 301 are connected to the communication control unit 384 of the progressive unit 383 via a progressive interface 381 attached thereto. Yes. The progressive unit 383 and each slot machine 301 can be connected by wired connection or wireless connection. As a result, the progressive unit 383 and each slot machine 301 can perform bidirectional communication via the communication control unit 384.

Information transmitted from each slot machine 301 to the progressive unit 383 includes coin insertion information regarding the number of coins bet on the first game in each slot machine 301, and winning in the first game or the second game. There are winning information to be shown. Information transmitted from the progressive unit 383 to each slot machine 301 includes coin pool number information as a common bonus common to each slot machine 301.

Information on the number of pooled coins as a common bonus is transmitted from the progressive unit 383 to each slot machine 301 via the communication control unit 384 and displayed on the upper liquid crystal display 303 in each slot machine 301. Then, the pool number calculation unit 385 in the progressive unit 383 adds a common bonus based on the coin insertion information transmitted from each slot machine 301.

In each slot machine 301, when the common bonus is won in the first game or the second game, the number of coins corresponding to the common bonus is reset to the initial number. Further, the pool number storage unit 386 stores the number of coins calculated by the pool number calculation unit 385 as described above.

The progressive unit 383 configured as described above periodically transmits the coin pool number information stored in the pool number storage unit 386 from the communication control unit 384 to each slot machine 301. In each slot machine 301, based on the coin pool number information transmitted from the progressive unit 383, the coin pool number information transmitted last time and the coin pool number information transmitted this time are periodically compared, and the current coin pool number is determined. When the number of coins is smaller than the previous number of coin pools, it is notified that a common bonus has been won in any of the slot machines 301.

In the second game, the payout is set to 50% of the common bonus, the probability is set to 1/1, and the payout is set to 0% or 100% of the common bonus. 3 with mode E in which the probability of the payout is set to 1/2 and mode F in which the payout is set to 10% of the common bonus,... 100%, and the probability of each payout is set to 1/10. It consists of two modes. In this case, the expected value of the payout in each mode is 50% of the common bonus, and the dispersion of the payout is different from each other.

In this case, in the second game, a game value (for example, coins) as a common bonus accumulated from a plurality of slot machines 301 can be acquired, so that the competitiveness with other players can be increased. It is possible to increase the interest and interest in the second game.
Further, the second game is played in a mode (mode D) in which a payout can be more reliably obtained, or the second game is executed in a mode (mode E or mode F) in which there is a possibility that a large payout may be obtained with less certainty. It is possible to select whether or not to perform the game according to the player's intention, and it becomes possible to advance the game in a player-driven manner. Therefore, diversity and strategy can be given to the game, and the fun of the game can be improved.

It is a perspective view which shows typically an example of the gaming machine 2 according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the gaming machine 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display control device 200 provided in the gaming machine 2 shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing a first game process executed in a main control circuit 60. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing a winning process executed in a main control circuit 60. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for performing a second game process executed in the main control circuit 60. It is a figure which shows an example of the payout determination table used in step S32 of the subroutine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a lower liquid crystal display and a reel included in the slot machine shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a lower liquid crystal display included in the slot machine shown in FIG. 8. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the example of a symbol formed in the surrounding surface of a reel. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG. 8. It is explanatory drawing which shows a progressive game system typically.

Explanation of symbols

2 gaming machine 20 1-BET switch 22 3-BET switch 24 maximum BET switch 25 spin switch 30 housing 32D lower display device 32U upper display device 40 bill discriminator 42 operation section 44 coin insertion slot 46 bill insertion slot 48 refund switch 50 Base unit 52 Coin payout port 54 Coin receiving unit 58 Coin detection sensor 60 Main control circuit 66 CPU
68 ROM
70 RAM
82 Dispensing device 200 Display control device 301 Slot machine 302 Cabinet 303 Upper liquid crystal display 304 Lower liquid crystal display 305 Operation table 309 Coin insertion unit 310 Bill insertion unit 311 1-BET button 312 SPIN / REPAET-BET button 313 3-BET button 314 5-BET button 315 Coin payout port 316 Coin receiving portion 322 Reel 330 Transparent touch panel 333 Liquid crystal panel 350 CPU
351 ROM
352 RAM
357 Start switch 358 Spin switch 359 1-BET switch 360 3-BET switch 361 5-BET switch 365 Coin sensor 366 Bill sensor 367 Motor drive circuit 368 Step motor 382 Progressive game system 383 Progressive unit 384 Communication control unit 385 Pool number calculation unit 386 Pool number storage unit

Claims (1)

A first game control means for executing a first game in which a winning situation is determined by a combination of identification information stopped and displayed on an active line after a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed;
A gaming machine comprising second game control means for executing a second game when a specific condition is established in the first game;
As a result, the second game is composed of a plurality of modes in which the expected value of the dividend provided to the player is the same and the variation in the dividend is different.
A selection means for selecting any one mode from a plurality of modes of the second game based on an instruction input by a player's operation;
The gaming machine, wherein the second game control means executes a second game according to the mode selected by the selection means.

Images