JP2005349117A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that has a profound interesting property due to a common winning combination and makes even a novice player enjoy the pleasure of arranging the common winning combination. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon" that puts out a token and "watermelon-watermelon-JAC" that puts out a smaller quantity of tokens (zero) than the "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon" as the winning combinations of symbols and has a common winning combination (small combination 1) commonly corresponding to the "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon" and the "watermelon-watermelon-JAC" as a winning combination internally won. When "watermelon-watermelon-JAC" is displayed at the time when reels stop, the machine gets into a specific game condition (replay high probability condition). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine (pachislot) and a pachinko machine.

  Various game machines such as slot machines have been devised to improve game playability. One of them is a common winning combination. This is a winning combination in which different winning symbol combinations are set for one internal lottery result. And when this common winning combination is won internally, any winning symbol combination can be selectively aligned according to the player's operation.

In addition, there is a slot machine in which a different medal payout number is set depending on a pattern combination to be arranged in a game having a higher probability of winning than a normal game (for example, during a bonus game) (see Patent Document 1). Such a slot machine can give a player a sense of satisfaction that a lot of medals can be obtained by winning a combination of designs having a larger number of medals.
JP 2000-189557 A

  However, in the preceding example, the number of medals that can be acquired is the same, and it is only possible to align the favorite pattern combination. For this reason, there was no reward for the player, so there was no positive arrangement of specific patterns.

  Further, even if a difference is provided in the number of medals obtained, there is a drawback that the enjoyment of the common winning combination of aligning a favorite picture is lost because only the pattern combination with the larger number of medals obtained is aimed.

  In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a game stand in which a common winning combination has deeper game play.

In order to achieve the above object, a game machine according to the present invention includes:
A plurality of reels that have multiple types of patterns around them and are driven to rotate.
Internal lottery means for determining internal winnings for multiple types of winning combinations by lottery,
A start switch for starting rotation of the reel;
A plurality of stop switches provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels for individually stopping rotation of the reels;
Reel stop control means for performing stop control of the reel based on the lottery result of the lottery means and the operation of the stop switch;
A winning determination means for determining whether the pattern combination displayed in a state where the reel is stopped corresponds to any one of a plurality of predetermined winning pattern combinations;
A payout means for paying out game media in an amount corresponding to the displayed winning picture combination when it is determined by the winning judging means that a predetermined winning picture combination is displayed;
With
The plurality of winning symbol combinations determined by the winning determination means include a first winning symbol combination and a second winning symbol combination in which a smaller amount of gaming media is paid out than gaming media paid out by the first winning symbol combination. Including
The plurality of winning combinations determined by the internal lottery means include at least one common winning combination corresponding to the first winning symbol combination and the second winning symbol combination in common,
When the second winning symbol combination is displayed when the reel is stopped, the game state is shifted to a specific gaming state.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game stand which gave deeper game play to the common winning combination can be provided.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the types and arrangement of the patterns, the types of winning combinations, the internal winning probability, the number of payouts, and the like described in this embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

(First embodiment)
The game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention has “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” and a smaller amount (0) than medals (1) paid out by “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” as winning picture combinations. "Watermelon-Watermelon-JAC" from which the medals will be paid out, and the common winning combination corresponding to "Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon" and "Watermelon-Watermelon-JAC" Has role 1). When “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” is displayed when the reels are stopped, the state shifts to a specific gaming state (re-playing high probability state). Further, it is selectively determined whether “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” can be aligned or “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” can be aligned depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the reel stop control is performed. Done. Here, the predetermined condition is the pressing order of the stop button, and the pressing order in which “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” can be arranged is determined by lottery. The detailed configuration and control of the present embodiment will be described below.

<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 100 includes a cabinet 201 that constitutes a casing main body, and a front door 101 that constitutes a door that is attached to the cabinet 201 so as to be openable and closable, and these constitute a casing. The cabinet 201 has a rectangular box shape whose front is open, and a front door 101 is attached to the front of the cabinet 201. The front door 101 is attached to the cabinet 201 via a hinge or the like (not shown) at its left end, and its upper and lower ends and right end are free ends. Handles 201 c are provided on both side surfaces of the cabinet 201, and are used when the slot machine 100 is transported.

  The slot machine 100 is provided with a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of patterns are applied. Specifically, in the center of the slot machine 100, a cylindrical shape in which a plurality of types of patterns (for example, “7”, “Bar”, “Bell”, “Replay”, etc .: not shown) are arranged on the outer peripheral surface) Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) are accommodated and configured to be rotatable inside the cabinet 201. These main reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by driving means such as a stepping motor (not shown). In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of each pattern is printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the main reels 110 to 112 are configured by sticking this belt-like member to a predetermined circular frame member. When viewed from the player, three patterns on the main reels 110 to 112 are displayed in the vertical direction from the pattern display window 113 so that a total of nine patterns can be seen. Then, by rotating each of the main reels 110 to 112, the combination of pictures that can be seen by the player varies. In the present embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  Further, a backlight (not shown) for illuminating each picture displayed on the picture display window 113 is arranged on the back of each main reel 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each pattern so that each pattern can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each main reel 110 to 112. The light projecting unit of the optical sensor A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light receiving portions. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the pattern on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the main reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target pattern is displayed on the winning line 114.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating a winning line 114 that is valid for each game. The effective pay line 114 changes depending on the number of game media (in this embodiment, medals are assumed) inserted into the slot machine 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the case of having five winning lines 114, when one medal is inserted, the middle horizontal winning line, when two medals are inserted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are shown. When 3 sheets are added, 3 lines are added, and 5 lines including 2 diagonal lines are valid, and the winning combination is judged by the combination of the patterns on the effective line 114. It becomes. Of course, the number of winning lines is not limited to five.

  The start lamp 121 is a lamp that informs the player that the reels 110 to 112 are in a state of being able to rotate. When the replay lamp 122 wins a replay that is a winning combination (for example, when a combination of replay-replay-replay replay patterns is arranged on the winning line 114), the next game is replayed to the player. It is a lamp that informs that it is. In the case of a re-game, the medal that is a game medium is exempted in the next game.

  The notification lamp 123 is a lamp for notifying the player that a special winning combination (for example, a big bonus (BB) or a regular bonus (RB)) has been won internally. The medal insertion lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that it is necessary to insert a medal at the start of the game. The medal insertion number display lamp 125 is a lamp for displaying the number of medals inserted by the player. In the present embodiment, since up to three medals can be inserted in one game, the number of medals inserted is displayed using three vertically arranged lamps. Of course, in addition to displaying with a lamp, the number of inserted medals may be directly displayed on a 7-segment display or the like.

  The payout number display unit 126 is a display unit that displays the number of medals to be paid out to the player when winning a winning combination with a medal payout as a result of the game. The game number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of general games in the big bonus game. The stored number display 128 is a display that displays the number of medals stored electronically (credited). The effect lamp 129 is a lamp used for an effect for enhancing the interest of the game.

  The medal insertion buttons 131 and 132 are insertion buttons for electronically inserting the stored medals into the slot machine 100, and are so-called bet buttons. In the present embodiment, there is a maximum medal insertion button 131 (so-called “max bet button”) and a single medal insertion button 132 for inserting one medal every time the button is pressed, and one of these buttons is pressed. As a result, 1 to 3 medals necessary for the game are electronically inserted into the slot machine 100. When inserting two medals, the one-medal insertion button 131 is pressed twice. The number of inserted medals is subtracted from the current stored number, and the remaining number is displayed on the stored number display 128.

  The medal slot block 133 has an opening through which a player directly inserts medals when starting a game. When a medal is directly inserted and a medal is clogged in a medal selector unit (not shown) immediately below the medal insertion slot, the medal cancel switch 133a is operated to eliminate the clogging of the medal.

  The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch that starts the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 as a game start operation. That is, when the desired number of medals is inserted into the medal insertion slot 133 and the start lever 135 is operated, the main reels 110 to 112 start to rotate.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with three stop buttons 136a to 136c. Each stop button is a button-type switch that, when pressed, individually stops the rotation of the corresponding reel 110 to 112. These switches are not limited to lever type and button type, and other types of switches can be used. Each stop button is provided with a lamp (not shown). After the start lever 135 is operated, all the lamps are turned on when the reels 110 to 112 can be stopped. Notify that the stop operation has become possible. Each stop button lamp is turned off each time the stop button is pressed. Of course, it is also possible to change the light emission color of the lamp between the stop operation enabled state and other states.

  The settlement button 138 is a button that is pressed when performing a settlement process in which the medals acquired by the player are settled and discharged. The checkout button 138 is used to switch whether or not to store up to a maximum of 50 medals acquired by winning or winning a predetermined number (for example, 3) of medals inserted by the player from the medal slot block 133. For example, when the settlement button is pressed once and the settlement process is performed, the non-storage mode is set, and when the settlement button is pressed again, the storage mode is set. Here, storing medals means temporarily storing the number of medals temporarily in a control unit (to be described later) without directly paying out medals.

  The key hole 139 is a hole into which a door opening / closing key is inserted. When the key is inserted and turned clockwise, the lock is released and the front door 101 of the slot machine 100 can be opened. The medal discharge port 165 is an opening for discharging medals, and medals paid out at the time of winning a prize are discharged from here. The discharged medals are received and collected in a tray 170 provided at the lower part of the slot machine 100.

  The dot matrix LED display device 180 is a display device in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in a matrix. Various information related to the game, for example, a game screen on which a character or the like is added to make the game appear, or an abnormality is found inside the slot machine 100. Displays an error screen that displays the contents of the error when it occurs. Instead of the dot matrix LED display device 180, an effect reel may be provided. Three effect reels may be provided corresponding to the reels 110 to 112.

  The upper light-emitting display unit 190, the side light-emitting display units (upper side light-emitting display units 151 and 152 and lower side light-emitting display units 155 and 156), and the saucer light-emitting display unit 160 all constitute a light-emitting display unit for effects. In this embodiment, a rectangular annular display portion is configured as a whole so as to border the front surface of the slot machine 100. Furthermore, middle light emitting display portions 153 and 154 and waist light emitting display portions 157 and 158 are provided to enable various light emitting displays. The sound hole 173 outputs various sounds from the speaker to the outside, and the panel 140 is drawn with characters of the slot machine 100 and the like.

<Control block>
The configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit in the present embodiment includes a main control unit 300 that controls the whole, a sub-control unit 400 that performs control related to effects for exciting the game, and an LCD display control unit 500 that controls the LCD display device 180. It is configured.

[Main control unit 300]
The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as “Main CPU”) 310 serves as the center of control in the slot machine 100, and exchanges control signals and data with peripheral devices via the bus 370. The random number generator 311 generates a random number used for internal lottery and the like, and includes a plurality of counters, a clock oscillator, a frequency divider, a latch circuit, and the like. The random value generated by the random number generator 311 is stored in the random number storage area of the RAM 313 via the bus 370 and is sent to the Main CPU 310 as necessary.

  The main CPU 310 has a medal sensor 320 that detects a medal inserted from the insertion slot of the medal insertion block 134 via the input interface 360 and the bus 370, a start lever sensor 321 that detects an operation of the start lever 135, and stop buttons 136a to 136a. When any one of 136c is pressed, a stop button sensor 322 for detecting which stop button is pressed, and when one of the medal insertion buttons 131 and 132 is pressed, which medal insertion button is pressed. A medal insertion button sensor 323 or the like for detecting whether or not is connected.

  A ROM (read-only memory) 312 is one of storage means for storing programs for performing various controls, various control data, and the like. The Main CPU 310 reads a program, various control data, and the like via the bus 370. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 313 has a work area for a program processed by the Main CPU 310 via the bus 370 and is one of storage means for storing variable data and the like.

  Also, an input / output interface 330 includes a motor control unit 331 that controls a motor (not shown) that rotates and stops the reels 110 to 112 and a hopper control unit 332 that controls a medal payout device (so-called hopper: not shown). The main CPU 310 is connected to the main CPU 310 via the bus 370.

  The display lamps / indicators 333 are various kinds of lamps such as the winning line display lamp 120, the start lamp 121, and the re-playing lamp 122 shown in FIG. 1, the payout number display 125, the game number display 126, and the like. The display is collectively shown, and is connected to and controlled by the Main CPU 310 via the output interface 340 and the bus 370.

  The output interface 350 transmits various commands to the input interface 430 of the sub-control unit 400 based on instructions from the Main CPU 310. The command includes, for example, a command indicating that a medal has been inserted, a command indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated, a command indicating a pressed stop button, and the content of the effect (backlight, upper lamp, audio output, There are a command defining the content of the effect by the LCD display device and the like, a command indicating that the help button 119 has been operated, and the like.

[Sub-control unit 400]
The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as SubCPU) 410 receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit 300 via the input interface 430 and the bus 470, and controls the sub control unit 400 as a whole according to the contents of the received commands. To do. The ROM 411 is one of storage means for storing programs and data for controlling the sub-control unit 400 as a whole. The RAM 412 has a work area for programs processed by the SubCPU 410, and is one of storage means for storing variable data and the like.

  The backlight 421 is a light emitting means for illuminating the picture on the reel, and is turned on / flashing / turned off according to an instruction from the SubCPU 410. The effect light-emitting display unit 422 collectively represents the upper lamp 190, the side lamps 151 and 152, the center lamps 153 and 154, the waist lamps 155 and 156, the lower lamps 157 and 158, and the saucer lamp 160. Turns on / flashes / extinguishes according to. The backlight 421 and the effect light emission display unit 422 are connected to the SubCPU 410 via the output interface 420 and the bus 470.

  The tone signal forming unit 460 forms a tone signal based on the control data transferred from the SubCPU 410 and outputs the tone signal. The musical sound signal is amplified by an amplifier 461 and then output as a sound from a speaker (specifically, an upper speaker and a rear speaker) 462. The output interface 450 transmits various control data to the LCD display control unit 500 based on an instruction from the SubCPU 410. Based on this control data, the LCD display controller 500 controls the display of the LCD display device 180.

[LCD display control unit 500]
The SubCPU 510 receives various commands transmitted from the sub-control unit 400 via the input interface 530 and the bus 570, and performs display control of the LCD display device 180 according to the content of the received command. The ROM 511 is one of storage means for storing programs and data for controlling the entire LCD display control unit 500. A video display processor (VDP) 550 displays an image on the LCD display device 180 based on image data stored in an externally connected ROM 552.

  SubCPU 510 receives a control command from sub control unit 400 and outputs a control signal corresponding to the control command to VDP 550. The VDP 550 reads out necessary image data from the ROM 552 based on the control signal, and displays an image on the LCD display device 180 via the output interface 553. The LCD display control unit 500 displays game information such as game history and game method, production information for notifying the internal winning combination, and commentary information explaining the content of the production information in accordance with the control signal of the sub-control unit 400. Display on the LCD display device 180.

<Pattern arrangement>
FIG. 3 is a diagram in which a pattern arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 is developed in a plane. As shown in the figure, each main reel 110 to 112 has a plurality of types of patterns arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames here). The numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the patterns on the reels 110 to 112. For example, a “watermelon” pattern is arranged on the number 0 frame of the left reel 110, and a “bell” pattern is arranged on the number 0 frame of the middle reel 111. In the present embodiment, the pattern written as “JAC” as in the number 1 frame of the left reel 110 is called a replay (replay) pattern.

<Type of winning prize>
The types of winning combinations can be arbitrarily adopted, but the following winning combinations are employed in this embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams showing the types of winning combinations, the corresponding picture combinations, the number of medals to be paid out, and the internal winning probability. Each winning combination has an internal winning probability for each set value (for example, 1 to 6). FIGS. 4A to 4C show the internal winning probability for one set value. ing.

[Winner in regular games]
First, a winning combination during a normal game (that is, a state in which the game has not shifted to a special game) will be described with reference to FIG. As described in the winning combination column in FIG. 4A, during the normal game, there are six types of winnings: a big bonus (BB), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination 1 to 3, and a re-game. There is a role. Each winning combination has the following characteristics.

(1) Bonus ・ Big Bonus (BB):
This is a winning combination in which a big bonus game (BB game) is started by winning. In this embodiment, a predetermined number (15 in this case) of medals is paid out when winning. In the case of this embodiment, the corresponding pattern combination is “red 7-red 7-red 7”.

・ Regular Bonus (RB):
This is a winning combination in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. In this embodiment, a predetermined number (15 in this case) of medals is paid out when winning. In the case of the present embodiment, the corresponding pattern combination is “BAR-BAR-BAR”.

(2) Small role A role in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a prize. In the case of the present embodiment, the probability of internal winning of the small role 1 is 1/50. When the internal winning of the small role 1 is made, any one of “Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon” and “Watermelon-Watermelon-JAC” Stop at the pattern combination. In this embodiment, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” and “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” are set to the same flag with different payout numbers, and 100% pull-in is possible for all reels. More specifically, when stopping at “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon”, one medal is paid out. On the other hand, when stopped at “Watermelon-Watermelon-JAC”, there is no payout of medals, but it shifts to RT (replay time) by lottery or with a probability of 100%. In RT, a high probability (high probability) state in which the internal lottery probability of replay is improved continues for 30 games.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of winning combinations (design combinations) with different numbers of payouts are assigned to one internal lottery, and a winning combination with a small number of payouts is won (a specific design combination) ), The game state shifts to an advantageous gaming state (for example, RT or CT (challenge time)) as compared to the case of winning another winning combination.

  The winning allocation of “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” and “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” is determined according to the stop operation sequence of the stop buttons 136a to 136c, and the detailed description thereof will be described later with reference to FIG.

(3) Re-game A winning combination that allows a player to play a game without inserting medals in the next game by winning a prize, and does not pay out medals. In the case of this embodiment, the corresponding pattern combination is “JAC-JAC-JAC”. Also, two types of replay lottery data are prepared, for example, 1 / 7.3 in the normal probability state and 1 / 1.4 in the high probability state.

[Winner in special game]
Next, a winning combination during a special game will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the special game refers to the above-described big bonus game. In the special game, as in the normal game, there are small roles 1 to 3 and a re-winning winning combination, but unlike the normal gaming, the following SRBs exist as winning combinations.

(4) Shift regular bonus (SRB)
This is a winning combination in which a shift regular bonus game (SRB game) is started by winning. In this embodiment, medals are not paid out when winning. In the case of this embodiment, the corresponding pattern combination is “JAC-watermelon-JAC”.

[Winners during the game]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4C, a winning combination during a game of bonus items will be described. In the present embodiment, the accessory game refers to the above-described RB game and SRB game.

(5) Prizes The only winning combination that is won during the RB game or the SRB game is a prize combination called a prize, and a predetermined number (for example, 15) of medals is paid out. In the case of this embodiment, the corresponding pattern combination is “JAC-JAC-JAC”.

<Overall control flow>
Next, the control flow of the slot machine 100 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the game execution process in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment. The game execution process is a process for managing the overall flow of the game performed by the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100.

  First, in ST1002, a medal acceptance process is performed. In the medal acceptance process, whether or not a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 133 is determined based on a detection signal from the medal sensor 320. When the insertion of medals is detected, the winning line display lamp 120 on the left side of the reel display window 113 is lit / flashed corresponding to the number of medals inserted.

  Further, when medals are electronically stored and stored in the slot machine 100, pseudo medals can be inserted by pressing either the medal insertion button 131 or 132. The maximum number of cards that can be thrown in a single game is three. At this time, the main control unit 300 transmits a medal insertion command to the sub-control unit 400 to recognize the medal insertion. The sub-control unit 400 performs a process for generating a medal insertion sound based on the medal insertion command.

  In ST1004, whether or not the player has operated the start lever 135 is determined based on a detection signal from the start lever sensor 321. When the operation of the start lever 135 is not detected, it waits until the start lever 135 is operated. When the operation of the start lever 135 is detected by the start lever sensor 321, a start lever reception command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400. Based on the start lever reception command, the sub-control unit 400 performs processing for generating a wait sound or the like when waiting.

  When the start lever 135 is operated, the process proceeds to ST1006, and the Main CPU 310 acquires a random number from the random number generator 311. In this embodiment, all the random numbers used in the subsequent lottery are acquired in ST1006, but it goes without saying that random numbers may be acquired each time the lottery process is performed. An internal lottery is performed based on the acquired random number. Here, an internal lottery is mainly performed in which whether or not the internal winning of each winning combination is determined by lottery. The result of the internal lottery is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 313 and is referred to during the game.

  In ST1008, a preparation process for controlling the stop of the reel is executed. In this embodiment, stop position data is determined. Preparation of stop position data can be performed by selecting stop position data set according to the result of internal lottery in ST1006 from a plurality of types of stop position data selection tables stored in the ROM 312.

  In ST1010, an effect using the upper lamp 190, the LCD display device 180, the reel backlight 421, and the like is determined by lottery based on the internal lottery result, the gaming state, and the like. The main control unit 300 transmits an effect command to the sub-control unit 400 based on the determined effect. The sub-control unit 400 selects the content of the effect based on the effect selection table corresponding to the transmitted effect command, and prepares to execute the effect at each control unit. In the present embodiment, as described above, the effect command is set corresponding to the internal lottery result.

  In ST1012, all reels 110 to 112 are rotated simultaneously or randomly. The sub-control unit 400 recognizes the start of rotation of all reels by transmitting a reel rotation start command. The sub-control unit 400 starts the effect set based on the reel rotation start command. Thereafter, it is monitored whether or not the reel rotation speed has reached a constant speed. When all the reels rotate at a constant speed and the reel stop operation is validated, the process proceeds to ST1016, and the player starts accepting the operation of the stop buttons 136a to 136c.

  In ST1016, the stop button sensor 322 detects which reel the stop buttons 136a to 136c operated by the player are corresponding to. When the main control unit 300 detects that the stop button has been operated, the main control unit 300 transmits a stop button reception command to cause the sub-control unit 400 to recognize which stop button has been operated. The stop button reception command is set in the order in which the stop operation has been performed: first stop reception command → second stop reception command → third stop reception command, and is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400.

  In ST1017, the main control unit 300 stops the reel for which the stop operation has been performed based on the reel position at the moment when the stop button is operated and the stop position data prepared in advance. However, if the player does not detect the operation of the stop buttons 136a to 136c after a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), all the reels 110 to 112 are automatically stopped. When the reel that has been stopped is stopped, a stop position information command corresponding to the stop picture position is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400. The sub control unit 400 can recognize the stop picture position of the reel by the stop position information command. Next, in ST1018, it is determined whether or not all reels have been stopped, and the processes in ST1014 and ST1016 are repeated until all reels have stopped.

  If all the reels are stopped, the process proceeds from ST1018 to ST1020, and on the activated pay line 114 on the reel display window 113, a combination of patterns corresponding to the inside winning in the random lottery of ST1006 is prepared. It is determined whether or not it is stopped. When the combination of the patterns corresponding to the inside is complete and stopped, it is determined that the winning combination corresponding to the pattern combination has been won. Further, a winning determination command corresponding to the determination result is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 to recognize the winning result.

  After winning determination, the process proceeds to ST1022, in which a predetermined number of payouts corresponding to the winning winning combination is set in the work area of the RAM 313, and a predetermined number of medals based on the data of the work area are received from the medal payout opening 165 to the tray 170. Process to pay out. If the winning determination result is no winning, the payout number 0 is set in the work area of the RAM 313. Therefore, medals are not paid out. The medal payout number is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 as a payout number command.

  In ST1024, the number of payouts is displayed on the payout number display unit 126, or the display of the stored number display unit 128 is updated.

  In ST1026, a game state update process is performed. The game state update process refers to a process of changing the game state to a normal game, an internal winning, a BB, an accessory game, or the like based on the internal lottery result of ST1006 and the winning determination result of ST1020. The gaming state is transmitted to the sub-control unit 400 as a gaming state command.

  As described above, one game is completed, and thereafter the same procedure is repeated.

<Processing when a common winning combination is won internally>
Next, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 9, a process in the case where the common winning combination is won internally will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the process in the case of internal winning in the common winning combination is roughly shown in FIG. 6. Internal lottery process (ST1006), stop preparation process (ST1008), reel rotation process (ST1012), reel stop process (ST1016), It can be divided into five winning determination processes (ST1020).

  First, during a normal game, in the internal lottery process (ST1006), when a small combination 1 is won internally by a lottery using the internal lottery table, the stop position data table is selected in the stop preparation process (ST1008). The stop position data table is selected using this table.

  Here, six types of stop position data tables T1 to T6 are prepared, and each stop position data table has a different operation order of the three stop buttons 136a to 136c when "watermelon-watermelon-JAC" is prepared. . Here, T1 indicates that when the first stop operation is performed on the left stop button 136a, the second operation is performed on the middle stop button 136b, and finally the right stop button 136c is operated (in order), "watermelon-watermelon-JAC" Is a stop position data table in which “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” can be aligned in the other pushing order, and T2 aligns “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” in the left → right → inside. This is a stop position data table in which “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” can be aligned in other pushing orders. Similarly, T3 is “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” only in the middle → left → right, T4 is “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” only in the middle → right → left, and T5 is “watermelon in the right → left → middle”. “Watermelon-JAC” and T5 are stop position data tables in which “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” can be aligned only in the right → middle → left.

  In this way, since a plurality of stop position data tables are prepared and determined by lottery, the player wishes if the stop operation order does not match the lottery result of the stop position data table even if the internal winning is made. I can't win a pattern combination. The lottery of the stop position data table is nothing other than the lottery in the pressing order for aligning “watermelon-watermelon-JAC”. In other words, if the order in which the player presses the stop button is the same as the push order selected by lottery in the stop preparation process (ST1008) (in the case of the correct push order), “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” may be aligned. If the push order of the stop button by the player is different from the push order selected by the lottery in the stop preparation process (ST1008) (in the case of incorrect push order answer), arrange “watermelon-watermelon-JAC”. It is possible to prepare “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” instead.

  After the stop preparation process (ST1008) as described above or at the same time, the reel rotation process (ST1012) is performed, and then the reel stop process (ST1016) according to the selected stop position data table. Is done.

  After the reel stop operation, the winning combination determination process (ST1020) is performed by comparing the finally displayed pattern combination with the winning determination table. In practice, “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” and “watermelon” It is determined which of “watermelon-watermelon” is displayed as the winning picture combination.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” is displayed, the medal is not paid out in ST1022 of FIG. 5, and instead, in ST1026, the gaming state is a high probability of replaying. It is changed to the state (RT). In RT, the internal lottery probability of replay is increased (for example, changed from 1 / 1.73 to 1 / 1.4). Here, it is assumed that only 30 consecutive games are RT, and then the normal gaming state is restored.

  On the other hand, when “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is displayed, one medal is paid out in ST1022 of FIG. 5, but the gaming state is not changed in ST1026.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining more detailed processing of the reel stop preparation processing (ST1008).

  In the reel stop preparation process, first, a gaming state is acquired (ST1210). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that there are four types of gaming states: normal gaming, internal winning, BB gaming, and bonus game. At this point, it is possible to specify one stop position data table selection table shown on the left side of the flowchart.

  Next, an internal winning result is acquired (ST1212). Using this internal lottery result, selectable stop position data tables are narrowed down from the specified stop position data table selection table.

  Next, the stop position data table is selected and drawn by the table number (ST1214), and the selected table number is acquired (ST1216). Next, a stop position data table corresponding to the selected table number is acquired (ST1218), and the acquired stop position data table is expanded in a predetermined storage area of the RAM (ST1220).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining more detailed processing of the reel stop processing (ST1016).

  If there is an input of a reel stop button, the process proceeds from ST1802 to ST1804, and it is determined whether or not a small combination 1 is won as an internal lottery result.

  In the present embodiment, the winning combinations other than the small combination 1 correspond to one pattern combination regardless of the pressing order. Therefore, when the small combination 1 is not won, in ST1814, the winning combination is related. Instead, stop position data corresponding to the stop button (left, middle, right) is acquired from the stop position data table developed in ST1220. Then, the picture position at the time of the stop operation is acquired (ST1816), the stop position data for a predetermined number of frames after the picture position at the time of the stop operation is extracted (ST1818), and the stoppable position is further extracted therefrom. (ST1820). Next, in accordance with the extracted stoppable position, the number of drawn frames, which is the difference between the stopped position and the current picture position, is set (ST1822), and the reels are stopped so as to stop at a position shifted from the set number of drawn frames. Control (ST1824).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in ST1804 that the small role 1 is won, the process proceeds to ST1806, where it is determined whether or not the first stop is made. That is, it is determined whether or not the first stop button is input from among the three stop buttons, in other words, whether or not the other two reels are rotating.

  In the case of the first stop, the process proceeds to step S1808, and a stop position data table corresponding to the stop button (left, middle, right) is selected from any of T1-1, T1-2, and T1-3. In ST1814, stop position data corresponding to the stop button (left, middle, right) is acquired in the selected table. For example, when the right button is pressed at the first stop, the table T1-3 is selected, and stop position data for the right button included in the table T1-3 is acquired (ST1814). Subsequent processing of ST1816 to ST1824 is as described above.

  If it is determined in ST1806 that the stop is not the first stop, the process proceeds to ST1810, and then it is determined whether or not the input of the stop button is the second stop. That is, it is determined whether or not the second stop button of the three stop buttons is input, in other words, whether or not the other two reels are rotating and one is stopped.

  In the case of the second stop, the process proceeds to step S1812, and the stop position data I or II corresponding to the stop button (left, middle, right) input as the second stop in the stop position data table selected in ST1808 is stored. select. For example, when the right button is pressed at the first stop, the table T1-3 is selected, and when the left button is pressed at the second stop, the two sets of stop position data included in the table T1-3 are used. , Stop position data I for the left → middle button is selected. Then, stop position data for the left button of the selected stop position data I is acquired (ST1814). Subsequent processing of ST1816 to ST1824 is as described above.

  If it is determined that the second stop is not the second stop in ST1810, the process proceeds to ST1814, and the stop position data selected and uniquely specified in ST1808 and ST1812 are acquired. For example, when the right button is pressed in the first stop and the left button is pressed in the second stop, the stop position data I for the left → middle button included in the table T1-3 is selected, and from there, Stop position data for the middle button is acquired. Subsequent processing of ST1816 to ST1824 is as described above.

  When all the reels are stopped by the control as described above, different medals are paid out as shown in FIG.

  In the slot machine of the present embodiment, by performing the processing as described above, a difference occurs in the number of medals obtained in subsequent games between “Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon” and “Watermelon-Watermelon-JAC” (FIG. 9). In FIG. 9, the broken line indicates an example of the change in the number of medals when “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is displayed as the winning pattern combination, and the solid line indicates “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” as the winning pattern combination. An example of the change in the number of medals in the case of These examples are generated using the expected value of the internal lottery, and it can be considered that the same change in the number of medals is actually performed.

  Referring to FIG. 9, when “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is displayed, the medals gradually decrease because there is no change in the gaming state. However, when “Watermelon-Watermelon-JAC” is displayed, the internal lottery probability of replays will improve, so the replay wins will rise dramatically, and most of the lost games during normal games will be replayed. Will be awarded and the number of medals won will be maintained. Accordingly, medals won by other small roles are counted as an increased number as they are, and finally, more medals can be obtained without reducing medals compared to normal games.

  As described above, the distribution between “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” and “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” is controlled by the pressing order, so that even a beginner or an expert can enjoy it fairly. Here, the stop operation order of “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” may be notified by some method. Moreover, you may define the conditions which alert | report the stop operation order.

<Effects of First Embodiment>
As described above, according to the present embodiment, new enjoyment can be given to the player.

  Specifically, even if the same winning combination (a so-called flag) is won internally, any one of two pattern combinations having different medal numbers to be acquired can be arbitrarily arranged. Then, the game state is shifted to a special game state only when the pattern combination having the smaller medal acquisition number is prepared. As a result, even if the pattern combinations are arranged, there is a pleasure of common winning combination. Further, since the two types of pattern combinations are controlled to be stopped according to the stop operation sequence, any one of the pattern combinations is arranged regardless of the skill of the player.

  Therefore, it is possible to give the common winning combination a deeper game and enjoy the pleasure of being able to arrange the common winning combination even for immature players.

  In this embodiment, the push order in which “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” is aligned is selected by lottery from six patterns T1 to T6 as shown in FIG. 6, but may be fixed in advance. In the case where a fixed push order is set for the game tables, a common push order may be used for all the game tables of the type shown in the present embodiment, or the game tables may be scattered.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” is prepared, the game state is always shifted to a specific game state (for example, a re-game high probability state). However, the present invention is not limited to this. A lottery may be performed so as to shift to a specific gaming state with a predetermined probability.

  In addition, the “specific game state” that can be transferred when “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” is prepared is not limited to the re-game high probability state, and an internal lottery of any winning combination except the common winning combination It may be a high-probability gaming state with a high probability. Furthermore, the “specific game state” is a game state (so-called challenge) in which control is performed to stop a reel within a minimum time after the stop button is operated regardless of the lottery result for any or all of a plurality of reels. Time CT).

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a combination of symbols to be awarded can be selected by a player's technical intervention (so-called ability to press), and the other configurations and controls are the same as those in the first embodiment. Is omitted.

  In this embodiment, when the small winning combination 1 is internally won, a notification or the like is performed to notify the player that the internal winning has been achieved. After that, when two stop buttons are operated in a specific pressing order (for example, reverse pressing), a double tempered “watermelon”-“watermelon” and “watermelon”-“JAC” double winning lines (two or more winning lines) are displayed on the display window. Reel control is performed to stop (when is set). Further, the last stop button is controlled to stop the corresponding reel within a minimum time after the stop button is operated. Thereby, the player can stop the last rotating reel with his skill. In this embodiment, in order to give a certain range to the player's visibility and skill, a “watermelon” pattern is continuously arranged on the reel that becomes the last rotating reel in this situation, and the visibility is further improved. Place a bonus pattern in succession.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a pattern combination displayed when the “specific pressing order” that enables double tempering is reverse pressing (right → middle → left order).

  When the small combination 1 is won internally, first, the right reel stops in the state of FIG. 10A in response to the input of the right button. Next, the middle reel stops in the state shown in FIG. 10B in response to the middle button input. This state occurs with a probability of almost 100% when the small combination 1 is internally won by the stop control of the game machine.

  However, for the last left button, the corresponding reel is stopped within a minimum time after the operation, and therefore the reel is stopped in various display modes (in a state where the picture combination is displayed).

  For example, according to the input timing of the left button, it is possible to stop at the pattern combination as shown in FIGS.

  In the case of the stop display mode of FIG. 10C, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” and “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” win in both the diagonally downward winning line and the middle horizontal line; Become. Therefore, it is possible to acquire both the “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” single payout and the “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” replay high probability state transition.

  On the other hand, in the case of the stop display mode of (d), only the “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” in the middle horizontal line is won, and only the re-game high probability state transition can be acquired.

  Further, in the case of the stop display mode of (e), only the “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” wins on the diagonally downward winning line, and only one payout can be acquired.

  Of course, in addition to these, the reel may stop in a state where neither “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” nor “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” is displayed.

  Here, the “specific pressing order” may be selected by lottery from six patterns T1 to T6 as shown in FIG. 6, or may be determined in advance. Even in the case where it is determined in advance, it may be a pushing order common to all the gaming tables of the type shown in this embodiment, or may be determined in advance for each gaming table.

  In addition, when the stop button is not operated in the “specific push order”, the control may be made so that only “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” can be arranged as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, control may be performed so that “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” or “watermelon-watermelon-JAC” are aligned at a predetermined probability (for example, a probability of 1/2). In the case of FIG. 10, when there is a stop button operation to be stopped at the end, in the reel stop process of FIG. 8, when searching for a stoppable position in ST1820, “watermelon-watermelon-” of FIG. A stop position at which “JAC” and “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” in FIG. 6E can be displayed is searched, and a process of determining any stop position by lottery or the like may be performed.

  According to the present embodiment, the game becomes interesting with different results depending on the skill of the player.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The slot machine according to the first embodiment performs special processing when a common winning combination is won during a normal game. However, the slot machine according to this embodiment further includes a special game (BB game). ) Special processing is also performed when a common winning combination is won. Since other configurations and controls are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of progress during the BB game, and FIG. 12 shows changes in the number of acquired medals in the example of progress in FIG.

  In this embodiment, when an internal winning combination is made for a common winning combination during a special game, a pattern (1201 in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12) in which a winning symbol combination with a large number of payouts is displayed each time is common to the special game. When the winning combination is elected internally, a winning picture combination with a small number of payouts is displayed each time, and the specific game state is shifted to the replay high probability state (1202 in FIG. 11 and 1202 in FIG. 12) and during the special game A pattern (a middle stage in FIG. 11 and 1203 in FIG. 12) in which a winning symbol combination with a small number of payouts is displayed each time a common winning combination is won and displayed as a specific gaming state will be described.

  As described in the first embodiment, the special game is started by winning “red 7-red 7-red 7” shown in FIG. 4A in the normal game. During the special game, “JAC-Watermelon-JAC” is the same as the normal game except that “JAC-Watermelon-JAC” is set as the winning picture combination for the game of the game. The process proceeds to an accessory game (SRB game) shown in 4 (c). An accessory game is terminated when a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) is played, or when a pattern combination of “JAC-JAC-JAC” set for an accessory is displayed a certain number of times (for example, 8 times). To do.

  When a small combination 1 is won internally during the special game and a winning combination is displayed in which a re-probability high-probability gaming state in which the re-probability win probability is high is displayed as shown in the lower part of FIG. As shown at 1202 in FIG. 12, the re-game is internally drawn with a high probability, and the game can be continued without reducing medals.

  On the other hand, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 11, if the winning combination “Watermelon-Watermelon-JAC” cannot be displayed even if the winning combination is given to the small role 1, the replay will remain at the normal probability. No win (blank) increases, resulting in a gaming state where medals are consumed as shown at 1201 in FIG.

  That is, even if the same game progress is finally followed, there is a difference of 52 in the number of acquired games when the re-game high probability state occurs and when it is a normal game that does not occur.

  In the lower part of FIG. 11, the replay high probability state is terminated by shifting to the accessory game, but of course, it may be continued until the prescribed number of games 30 is completed. .

  In the pattern shown in the middle of FIG. 11, an uncontrolled game (CT) is executed that does not perform the pull-in control of the winning symbols for all or some of the reels only for the next game based on the winning of “Watermelon-Watermelon-JAC”. Let

  The winning of “Watermelon-Watermelon-JAC” allows the next game to be stopped with a minimum movement according to the player's stop operation. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the small combination 2 and the small combination 3 can be won simultaneously according to the skill of the player. In this case, 14 medals can be acquired, which is a combination of the number of winnings of the small combination 2 and 4 overlapping winnings of the small combination 3.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, even if the game has finally followed the same game progress, the number of acquired coins in the case where CT has occurred (1203) and in the case of a normal game that does not occur (1201) There is a difference of 20 sheets. The difference in the number of acquired images increases as the number of CT occurrences increases. Here, an uncontrolled game may be executed over a plurality of games.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, more medals are acquired in a limited game section in the BB game, so that a sense of expectation for shifting to a specific game state is increased.

  Various conditions can be set for the special game end condition. In the case of this embodiment, the special game is set by setting at least one of the upper limit game number of special games and the upper limit game object game number. It is good to limit the length.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a plane development of the pattern arrangement applied to each reel of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the type of winning combination, the corresponding pattern combination, the number of medals to be paid out, and the internal winning probability are shown. It is a flowchart of the game execution process of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view showing a flow of processing when an internal winning is made in the common winning combination of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of a reel stop preparation process of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of reel stop processing of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating transition of the number of medals in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows one example of the stop pattern combination of the slot machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the example of progress of the game of the slot machine concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which illustrated about change of the number of medals of the slot machine concerning a 3rd embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (6)

A plurality of reels that have multiple types of patterns around them and are driven to rotate.
Internal lottery means for determining internal winnings for multiple types of winning combinations by lottery,
A start switch for starting rotation of the reel;
A plurality of stop switches provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels for individually stopping rotation of the reels;
Reel stop control means for performing stop control of the reel based on the lottery result of the lottery means and the operation of the stop switch;
A winning determination means for determining whether the pattern combination displayed in a state where the reel is stopped corresponds to any one of a plurality of predetermined winning pattern combinations;
A payout means for paying out game media in an amount corresponding to the displayed winning picture combination when it is determined by the winning judging means that a predetermined winning picture combination is displayed;
A game machine equipped with
The plurality of winning symbol combinations determined by the winning determination means include a first winning symbol combination and a second winning symbol combination in which a smaller amount of gaming media is paid out than gaming media paid out by the first winning symbol combination. Including
The plurality of winning combinations determined by the internal lottery means include at least one common winning combination corresponding to the first winning symbol combination and the second winning symbol combination in common,
A gaming table, wherein when the second winning picture combination is displayed when the reel is stopped, the game table shifts to a specific gaming state.   The reel control means stops the reel at a picture combination corresponding to the first winning picture combination, or stops at the picture combination corresponding to the second winning picture combination, depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. 2. The game table according to claim 1, wherein the reel is selectively controlled to be stopped.   The game table according to claim 2, wherein the internal lottery means determines the predetermined condition by lottery.   The game table according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined condition is a stop operation order for the plurality of stop switches.   5. The high probability game state according to claim 1, wherein the specific gaming state is a high probability gaming state in which an internal lottery probability of any winning combination excluding the common winning combination is increased. Amusement stand.   In the specific gaming state, the reel stop control unit is configured to execute the stop switch operation within a minimum time after the operation of the stop switch regardless of a lottery result by the internal lottery unit for any or all of the plurality of reels. 5. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the gaming table is in a gaming state in which control for stopping the reel is performed.

Images