JP2006334134A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rotary drum type game machine capable of enhancing the eagerness of a player. <P>SOLUTION: In the rotary drum type game machine such as a slot machine, a bonus game, different from the bonus game started as special symbols are lined up, is started as specific symbols different from the special symbols are lined up. The specific symbols are the mode consisting of such symbols as those of a minor hand, such as three Watermelons, achieved by the player in a normal game. Even if the specific symbols are lined up, a game value is not specially given, unlike in the case of a minor hand, so that the player can not specify which symbols are lined up. The bonus game is started without giving the sense of discomfort to the player at all while leaving the player unconscious of the specific symbols. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine or the like.

In a spinning-type game machine represented by a slot machine, a winning combination is determined in advance, and the gaming benefits can be obtained by stopping the combination of symbols (winning combination symbol) corresponding to the specified winning combination. It is obtained. Therefore, the player likes symbols corresponding to big bonuses (hereinafter referred to as BB) and regular bonuses (hereinafter referred to as RBs), which are winning combinations to which more advantageous gaming benefits are granted (so-called bonus symbols, BB symbols, RB symbols). The game will continue to stop. In recent years, there is also known a gaming machine that performs a game formed so as to make it difficult to align bonus symbols and carry over winning of BB or RB (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-219212 A (pages 17-18, FIG. 4)

  Therefore, when a game is played with the above-described slot machine such as a slot machine, the player plays the game with the desire to arrange bonus symbols. If the bonus symbols are not prepared here, it is considered that either BB or RB has not been won or the game has been carried over by BB or RB. However, if the game continues for a long time without bonus symbols (even if it is not aimed at), the player's willingness to play the game with the slot machine declines. In the end, it becomes a problem that the player gets bored with the game and quits on the way, reducing the interest of the player.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such problems, and is intended to provide a technique that allows a player to have interest in a game.

  The technique of the present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.

(Solution 1)
The solving means 1 includes a plurality of movable display bodies provided with a band forming a symbol array including a plurality of types of symbols, and a predetermined number of symbol groups constituting a part of the symbol array for each movable display body. A display unit that can be displayed on the front side of the main body of the gaming machine, and receiving a start operation by a player with a predetermined number of game values applied to each game, a plurality of the movable display bodies Is rotated in one direction to change the display of the symbol, and after that, when a plurality of stop operations by the player are sequentially received, the rotation of the movable display body is stopped one by one in the order in which the stop operations are received. When the rotation of the movable display body stops, the game machine judges the result for each game based on the combination of symbols formed from the symbol group displayed in the symbol display unit. Every Internal lottery means for performing a predetermined internal lottery, normal probability winning judgment means for applying a normal winning probability to the internal lottery performed by the internal lottery means to determine a winning result, and the normal probability winning judgment means; In addition, a high-probability winning in which the winning result of the internal lottery is determined by applying a higher winning probability to the internal lottery performed by the internal lottery means than the normal winning probability applied by the normal probability determining means. The determination means, the stop operation means for accepting the stop operation for each of the movable display bodies to individually stop the rotation of the movable display bodies, and a plurality of types of general small roles as the winning results of the internal lottery , A general small role symbol defining means for defining a plurality of types of general small roles as symbols corresponding to the plurality of types of general small roles, and a stop when all movable display bodies are stopped. When the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display section is a specific display mode in which all the combinations of the same general small roles are combined, a general small role game that gives a player a game value corresponding to the general small roles A special winning type is defined as the winning result of the internal lottery separately from the value giving means and the general small role, and all the movable in the normal gaming state in which the winning result of the internal lottery is determined by the normal probability winning determining means When the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display unit when the display body is stopped becomes a specific display mode composed of a combination of at least two different symbols, the special prize type gaming privilege is changed from the normal gaming state. Advantageous gaming state transition means for shifting to an advantageous gaming state advantageous to the player, and the advantageous gaming state shifted by the advantageous gaming state transition means When the game ends, the gaming state determination means for determining whether or not to shift the gaming state from the normal gaming state to a high probability gaming state in which the winning result of the internal lottery is determined by the high probability winning determination means, and the gaming When it is determined by the state determining means that the gaming state is to be transferred to the high probability gaming state, the high probability gaming state transition means for transferring the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the high probability gaming state is provided. This is a gaming machine.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the player performs a start operation with the game value multiplied, a plurality of movable display bodies rotate, and thereafter, when rotation of all the movable display bodies is stopped by the player's stop operation, The result of the game is determined by the combination of symbols composed of symbols stopped in the symbol display section. That is, in one game in the gaming machine of the present invention, the game value is multiplied, then the movable display body in a stopped state is rotated, and then the rotation of the movable display body is stopped, and all It consists of a series of processes in which the result is always judged when the movable display body is stopped. Therefore, if the determination of the result is made once when all the movable display bodies are stopped, the process of setting the game value or rotating the movable display bodies after that is the next game. .

  The internal lottery performed for each game is triggered by the player's starting operation. “Internal” here means that the contents of the lottery are performed where the player cannot perceive, and the internal lottery is actually performed by a control device (control board) that controls the operation of the gaming machine. Done. As an internal lottery method, a random number is generated within a predetermined numerical range (within a range from the minimum random value to the maximum random value), and one random number is acquired for each game. One example is to determine the lottery result by comparing the value of two random numbers with a pre-specified hit value.

  In the internal lottery, a plurality of types of winning results are prepared, and a random value win value is assigned to each type of winning result. Each winning value has a range (numerical value range) for each type, and if the acquired random number value is within the range of any winning value, it is determined that the type corresponding to that winning value has been won. . In such an internal lottery system, the winning probability for each type of winning result is defined from the ratio of the number of winning values in all random numbers.

  In the above internal lottery, there are a case where a lottery is performed with a normal lottery probability (normal probability) and a lottery with a higher lottery probability (high probability) than the normal probability. In this lottery with a high probability, the range of the random value hit value described above is greatly (widely) changed depending on the type of the winning result as compared with the lottery with the normal probability. Accordingly, there is a high possibility that the random numbers obtained by the amount of the random value hit value widely changed will match the corresponding hit value range.

  The winning result of the internal lottery performed in one game is maintained at least in the game. Among the multiple types of winning results, there are types in which the results are discarded as long as the game is concerned, and some types are carried over to the next and subsequent games.

  As a winning result of the internal lottery, a plurality of general small roles and special winning types are defined in the gaming machine of the present invention. The general small combination has a corresponding general small combination symbol, and these symbols are respectively assigned to the movable display bodies. That is, the symbol sequence attached to the movable display includes symbols associated with the types of winning results. The “design” means a picture, a symbol, a mark, a decorative character or the like that allows the player to visually identify each individual.

  If the general small symbol is stopped in a specific manner when all the movable display bodies are stopped, a corresponding number of game values are given to the player. The “specific mode” here means the stop position, arrangement, combination, etc. of the symbols in the symbol display section, and generally the corresponding symbols are arranged horizontally or diagonally across a plurality of movable display bodies. It means that

  Further, if all the movable display bodies are stopped in a specific mode combined with two or more different types of different symbols, a special winning type game privilege is given to the player. Here, the special winning type gaming privilege means that a transition is made from a gaming state called a general normal gaming state to a gaming state advantageous to a player called an advantageous gaming state. Various combinations including a plurality of types of general small role symbols are included in the combination of the plurality of types of different symbols. Therefore, only by looking at the display mode, none of the symbols is in a specific mode (not aligned), and it looks the same as the display mode of so-called “losing eyes”. Here, the “losing eye” is a display mode at the time of stopping when the winning result of the internal lottery is lost. In other words, it can be said that the combination of symbols corresponding to the special winning type can be determined from a considerable number of “losing eyes”. Further, the number of symbol combinations corresponding to the special winning type is not limited to one, and there is almost no possibility that the player will recognize (be aware of) if there are a plurality of combinations.

  Providing one (or more) special winning types without any special symbol corresponding to them, making it difficult for the player to recognize (or visually recognize) (or not to recognize it at all). Becomes easier. Therefore, the player has won the special winning type (or is not particularly aware that the combination of symbols corresponding to the special winning type has stopped in a specific manner (or not noticed at all) in an advantageous gaming state. The game can be started.

In addition, the above “advantageous gaming state”
(1) In a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a state in which a reel is easily stopped with a symbol for paying out a medal as a game medium during a predetermined game, a so-called “bonus game state”
(2) In a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a state in which the reel can be stopped with a bonus symbol which is a condition for changing the game state after the next time to a bonus game state, a so-called “bonus establishment state”.
(3) In a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a state that assists the formation of a combination by guiding a reel stop order and symbols for establishing a combination for a predetermined number of games, a so-called “assist game state” .
Etc. The transition to such an advantageous gaming state clearly shows the player the goal in the game on the gaming machine. Therefore, the player can play the game with a motivation to enjoy the game in the advantageous gaming state.

  Next, when the advantageous gaming state ends, it is determined whether or not the internal lottery is performed with a high probability. When it is determined that the internal lottery is not performed with a high probability, the internal lottery is performed with a normal probability. In the internal lottery to which the normal probability is applied, the possibility of winning the special winning type is low, but in the internal lottery to which the high probability is applied, the possibility of winning the special winning type is remarkably increased. In other words, which one is selected here is a turning point that determines the game for the player. Accordingly, the player desires to execute an internal lottery to which a high probability is applied.

(Solution 2)
Solving means 2 is the gaming machine according to solving means 1, wherein the special winning type is not accompanied by giving a player a gaming value when a combination of symbols corresponding to the special winning type is in a specific mode. The gaming machine is characterized by corresponding to a gaming privilege for shifting the gaming state to the advantageous gaming state.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, even if a combination of symbols corresponding to the special winning type is displayed, the gaming value is not particularly given to the player. If the game value is paid out in the above case, the player feels uncomfortable that the game value was paid out in the display mode that he thought was `` losing eyes '', and the pattern corresponding to the special winning type You will easily notice the combination. Therefore, even if the combination of symbols corresponding to the special winning type is displayed, the game value is not given, so that the player does not recognize that the symbols corresponding to the special winning type are complete (or won). (Don't let me know)

(Solution 3)
The solution means 3 in the gaming machine described in the solution means 1 or 2, specifies a re-game winning type as a winning result of the internal lottery, and specifies a re-playing symbol as a symbol corresponding to the re-game winning type. Re-game symbol defining means, and re-game execution means for enabling the next game to be executed without any additional game value when the re-game symbol is stopped in a specific manner in the symbol display section in the current game. In addition, the gaming machine is characterized in that the combination of symbols corresponding to the special winning type is an aspect including a combination including at least the general small role symbol and the re-playing symbol.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the re-game winning type is defined as the winning result of the internal lottery. The re-game winning type has a re-playing symbol as a corresponding symbol, and is assigned to each of the movable display elements as in the case of the general small role symbol or the special winning symbol.

  In addition, when the replay symbol is stopped as a specific mode in the symbol display unit, the game is shifted to the replay state. Here, the “re-playing state” is a state in which a player can play a game with the same gaming value as the current game, and without playing the gaming value again when performing the next game. That means. Therefore, the player can play the game again without consuming the game value, and the consumption of the game value can be suppressed.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, no special symbol is provided as the special winning symbol. If a special symbol (a jackpot symbol) is provided, the player will stop aiming at the jackpot symbol each time, and if the jackpot symbol is not complete as a result, it will be clearly understood that the special winning type was not won. Will lead to a significant decline. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the special winning symbol is not provided, but instead of the symbol combination as a special winning symbol when a combination of symbols including a general small role symbol and a re-game symbol becomes a specific display mode. It is defined as a combination mode. In this way, the player does not play a game aimed only at a specific symbol, and does not have to worry about the symbol display mode at the time of stoppage.

  Also, as one of the new pleasures, it is possible to give a purpose consciousness to elucidate which combination of symbols is a special winning symbol by repeating a game trial such as tens or hundreds of times.

(Solution 4)
The solving means 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 3, wherein the display means for displaying a plurality of effect display modes toward the outside of the gaming machine, and the effect display mode by the display means Advantageous game suggesting that it is in the advantageous gaming state as the effect display mode executing means for executing a predetermined effect display mode based on the winning result of the internal lottery and the effect display mode executed by the effect display mode executing means A state effect, a high expectation effect that suggests that the advantageous game state is likely to be high, a low expectation effect that suggests that the advantageous game state is unlikely, and a high possibility of being in the normal game state An effect display mode defining means for defining a normal effect that suggests an effect display mode decision for deciding whether the effect display mode executing means is to execute one of the effect display modes. A game machine, characterized by further comprising a means.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is provided with display means for displaying various effect display modes particularly toward the outside. The purpose of this is to allow the player to enjoy the game on the gaming machine by making full use of visual and auditory senses. This effect display mode includes an effect that suggests (notifies and teaches) that the current gaming state is an advantageous gaming state, an effect that suggests that there is a high possibility of being in an advantageous gaming state, and an advantageous game. There is an effect of content suggesting that the possibility of being in a state is low, and an effect of content suggesting that there is a high possibility of being in a normal gaming state.

  For the various effects described above, any effect is selected based on the gaming state of the gaming machine. The selected effect is displayed by the display means as an effect mode. The player can guess the current gaming state of the gaming machine from the displayed effect mode. In addition, the above-mentioned effects may not always select an effect corresponding to the game state, which makes it difficult for the player to accurately determine the game state. As a result, the player uses the effect display mode as one of the clues, and finds the fun of trying to determine the game state as accurately as possible from the display mode of the stopped symbols that are other clues, the front and back effect display modes, and the like. .

(Solution 5)
Solving means 5 is a gaming machine according to any one of solving means 1 to 4, wherein a multiplier is determined by a multiplier determining means for determining a multiplier of a game value for each game, and the multiplier is determined by said multiplier determining means. The starting operation means for accepting the player's starting operation in a state of being performed, and a plurality of movable display bodies having a ring-shaped symbol array including a plurality of types of symbols on the surface are rotated to vary the display of the symbols, A symbol display unit that stops the rotation of the movable display body and enables a predetermined number of symbol groups constituting a part of the symbol row for each movable display body to be displayed on the front side of the gaming machine body, and the start When the start operation is received by the operation means, the movable display body starts rotating, and when the stop operation means is received by the stop operation means during the rotation of the movable display body, the stop operation is received in the order of reception. Movable The movable display body driving means for stopping the display body, the stop control means for controlling the movable display body to stop according to the order received by the stop operation means, and the movable display body driving means for one game. When all the movable display bodies are stopped, based on the combination mode of the symbols at the time of stopping all the movable display bodies, game value giving means for giving a specified number of game values to the player as needed, and When the game state is shifted to the game state by the special game state transition means, the game value provision opportunity increasing means for increasing the game value provision opportunity to be given to the player as compared to the normal game state is further provided. It is a featured gaming machine.

  The solving means 10 is a game machine such as a slot machine, in which a player performs a starting operation in a state in which a multiplier for a game value (medal, coin, etc.) for playing a game is determined. Unless the stop operation is performed by the above, the movable display body continues rotating. When a stop operation by the player is accepted, the movable display body stops rotating in the order of acceptance. When all the movable display bodies are stopped, a game value is given to the player as needed from the combination of symbols displayed on the symbol display section. The player advances the game while repeating a series of operations of rotating and stopping the movable display after multiplying the game value. In addition, depending on the combination displayed on the symbol display section, it is possible to shift to a gaming state in which a gaming value of a special gaming state can be acquired in a large amount compared to the normal gaming state. In this special game state, game value is concentrated, so that the player advances the game while expecting to shift to the special game state.

(Solution 6)
The solving means 6 is the gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 5, wherein the gaming state is transferred to the high probability gaming state by the high probability gaming state shifting means, and the gaming state determination means A gaming machine further comprising: a normal gaming state transition means for shifting the gaming state from the high probability gaming state to the normal gaming state when it is determined to transition the gaming state to the normal gaming state.

  In this case, a transition of the gaming state from the high probability gaming state to the normal gaming state is performed. In other words, the high winning probability applied so far is changed to the normal winning probability, and the subsequent internal lottery is executed. That is, the player returns from an advantageous state to a normal state. However, it is necessary to achieve a reasonable balance between the advantageous state and the normal state. It is also possible to keep the profit balance between the hall and the player within a certain range.

(Solution 7)
The solution means 7 is the gaming machine according to any one of the solution means 1 to 6, wherein the gaming state determination means is configured to change the gaming state to the high probability gaming state by the high probability gaming state transition means. A game further comprising high-probability gaming state continuation means for continuing the gaming state from the high-probability gaming state to the high-probability gaming state when it is determined to shift the gaming state to the high-probability gaming state. Machine.

  In this case, the high probability gaming state is continued. And again, the expectation to win the special win type is greatly increased. Accordingly, the player wishes to continue the high probability gaming state as much as possible.

(Solution 8)
The solving means 8 is the gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 7, wherein a specified small role is specified as a symbol corresponding to the specific small role as a winning result of the internal lottery as a winning result of the internal lottery. When the specific small role symbol defining means to be defined and all the movable display bodies are stopped, at least on the condition that the specific small role symbol is stopped in a specific manner in the symbol display portion for the specific movable display body, A specific game value giving means for giving a player a number of game values corresponding to the specific small role, and a combination of symbols corresponding to the special winning type is a combination including at least the specific small role symbol It is the aspect which consists of.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, a specific small role is defined as a winning result of the internal lottery. A specific small role has a specific small role symbol as a corresponding symbol, and is assigned to each of the above movable display elements as in the case of a general small role symbol or a special winning symbol.

  Unlike a general small role symbol or a special winning symbol, in the case of a specific small role symbol, it is only necessary to stop the specific small role symbol at a predetermined position for at least a specific movable display. In addition, the game privilege includes giving a game value. The player demonstrates his / her skill when performing a stop operation so that the specific small role symbol is in a specific mode in order to obtain this gaming privilege as much as possible.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, no special symbol is provided as the special winning symbol. If a special symbol (a jackpot symbol) is provided, the player will stop aiming at the jackpot symbol each time, and if the jackpot symbol is not complete as a result, it will be clearly understood that the special winning type was not won. Will lead to a significant decline. In the gaming machine of the present invention, a combination of symbols as a special winning symbol is not provided when a special special winning symbol is provided, but instead a combination of a plurality of types of symbols including a specific small role symbol is in a specific display mode. It is defined as an aspect. In this way, the player does not play a game aimed only at a specific symbol, and does not have to worry about the symbol display mode at the time of stoppage.

  In addition, the specific small role symbol is assigned in addition to the specific movable display body. Therefore, it is desirable that the symbol combination to be a special winning symbol is a combination of a specific small role symbol assigned to a movable display body other than the specific movable display body and other symbols. This is also desirable in the sense that the specific small role and the special winning type are different from the winning result of the internal lottery, so that the game characteristics of the gaming machine do not contradict each other. In addition, the specified small role symbol assigned to the movable display body other than the specific movable display body has only a role as a pattern which is not related to the granting of the game privilege (only to show many variations of decorative patterns and symbols). Therefore, including in the combination as a special winning symbol also effectively utilizes a limited number of symbols.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to impart a novel game characteristic that is not confined to a specific symbol.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a rotary gaming machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Outline of one embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a slot machine 1 that is a rotary gaming machine according to an embodiment. The slot machine 1 in FIG. 1 is of a type that uses, for example, medals, coins or the like as game media. In addition, there are some types that use a game ball in the spinning-type gaming machine, and this type is also suitable as an embodiment. Further, in implementing the present invention, no substantial difference is caused regardless of which type is applied.

  The slot machine 1 has a front door 4 on the front surface facing the player, and has a box-shaped main body portion 2 behind the front door 4. The inner surface of the left side wall of the main body portion 2 and the back surface of the left end portion of the front door 4 are connected to each other via two upper and lower hinges (not shown). With this hinge as an axis, the front door 4 can be opened and closed in a single-opening manner by inserting a key dedicated to the slot machine 1 into a key hole 48 located on the right end thereof and turning clockwise. In the closed state, the hinge is accommodated inside the main body portion 2 so as to be hidden behind the front door 4.

  The front door 4 has a liquid crystal display unit 58 in the upper half portion, and a flat transparent plate (game panel) 6 below the liquid crystal display unit 58. The lower half portion of the front door 4 is formed so as to protrude forward from the game panel 6, and the protruding portion includes a medal slot 26, bet buttons 12, 14, 16 (multiplier determining means), a start lever 18 (start operation means), left, middle and right stop buttons 20, 22, 24 (stop operation means) and the like are arranged along the lower edge of the game panel 6. In addition, a storage and settlement button 46 and a decorative plate 50 are provided in the lower half of the front door 4, and a receiving tray 54 is provided under the decorative plate 50.

  The liquid crystal display unit 58 plays a role of assisting the player in the progress of the game by displaying a video for an effect accompanying the progress of the game, the number of medals acquired in a bonus game, which will be described later, and the like. The liquid crystal display unit corresponds to one of display means and displays various effect display modes.

  A rectangular display window 8 (symbol display portion) is formed at a substantially central position of the game panel 6, and variable rotators 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c provided in the slot machine 1 are provided through the display window 8. Can be seen through. The game panel 6 is formed with display areas 38, 40, display units 30, 32, 34, and the like so as to surround the display window 8. The display area 40 located on the right side of the display window 8 as viewed from the front is provided with various character information and symbol information. The display area 38 located on the opposite left side has a bet lamp 42, a bonus notification lamp 44, and the like. Lighting display sections are arranged.

  In addition to the start lamp 28 located below the display area 38, the game panel 6 is provided with a credit number display section 30, a game number display section 32, a payout number display section 34, and a medal-in lamp 36. . Each lamp is a lamp unit (not shown) behind the game panel 6. The player can visually recognize the light emitted from each lamp on the game panel 6. Each lamp and each display unit can display various effect display modes as one of display means.

  The medal in lamp 36 blinks (or lights up) before the player starts a game, and plays a role of prompting the player to insert a medal into the medal insertion slot 26.

  The bet lamp (effective line lamp) 42 corresponds to the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 26 by the player, and each of the 1 bet, 2 bets, 3 bets (1 bet, 2 hangs, 3 hangs respectively) (1) of the bet lamp 42 in the figure corresponds to 1 bet, 2 corresponds to 2 bets, and 3 corresponds to 3 bets. ). Note that pressing operations of the bet buttons 12, 14, and 16 correspond to one-, two-, and three-sheets respectively. In particular, the three betting is called the MAX bet (the bet buttons 12, 14, and 16 are referred to as the 1 bet button, the 2 bet button, and the MAX bet button, respectively) because it is the maximum multiply in one game.

  The start lamp 28 lights (or blinks) when the operation of the start lever 18 becomes valid, and plays a role of prompting the player to start the game. The payout number display unit 34 displays the payout number when the winning type accompanied by the payout of medals is displayed as a combination of symbols, and also due to various abnormalities occurring in the slot machine 1 and the progress of the game. It also functions as an error indicator that displays the abnormality that has occurred. Therefore, hereinafter, the payout number display unit 34 is also referred to as an error display unit 34 as necessary.

  The credit number display unit 30 serves to notify the player of the stored number as the number of stored medals when there is a storage of medals exceeding the maximum multiplying number (for example, 3 bets). The display of the credit number display unit 30 can be canceled by operating the storage and settlement button 46 once, and the settlement (credit) of medals can be performed.

  Up to 50 credits can be stored. Since the number of bets for the next game can be selected from the number stored in the credits by operating the bet buttons 12, 14, and 16, the game can proceed smoothly. When a bet is made from credit, the number bet is subtracted from the number stored as credit. Note that when the maximum number of credits is exceeded as the medals are paid out, the medals are paid out to the tray 54 through the payout opening 52.

  The bonus flag notification lamp 44 serves to notify the player that a bonus or the like described later has been won. The bonus flag notification lamp 44 also corresponds to display means.

  The number-of-games display section 32 can display the situation such as the number of benefits that are concentrated on payout of medals in a bonus game to be described later.

  Although not particularly drawn in FIG. 1, a model name or an illustration of the slot machine 1 is drawn on the decorative board 50. The decorative board 50 has a role of decorating the front door 4 and attracting the player's eyes to inspire gaming.

  The keyhole 48 can be inserted into a key dedicated to the slot machine 1 (hereinafter, unified as a dedicated key) and can be rotated (twisted) about 45 degrees to the left and right. Can be unlocked, and by turning counterclockwise, the state in which the game of the slot machine 1 is in the middle can be returned (reset) to a state in which the game can be resumed. The resetting operation can be performed by pressing a reset switch 74 described later.

  Two speakers 56 are provided on the left and right of the payout opening 52, and sound effects, BGM, sounds, and the like accompanying the progress of the game are output from these speakers 56.

  In addition, a lamp 64 and lamps 60, 62, and 66 are arranged on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display unit 58, and along the outer periphery of the slot machine 1. The production by can be carried out. These lamps 60, 62, 64, 66 can also display various effects display modes (effects such as light emission) as one of display means.

  The five effective lines 68a, 68b, 68c indicated by broken lines in FIG. 1 define the directions for viewing the arrangement of symbols displayed in the display window 8 as one combination, one for each. It is a line (straight line) that is activated in accordance with the number of bets multiplied by two, two, or three. Specifically, in a single-sheet game, only one horizontal effective line 68a at the middle position is activated, and when two sheets are stacked, two horizontal lines at the upper and lower positions are added. The effective line 68b is activated and there are three convenient lines. In the three-game game, both two diagonal active lines 68c are enabled, and all of the five active lines 68a, 68b, 68c are enabled. In any case, the arrangement of symbols arranged along the lines 68a to 68c activated according to the multiplier at that time can be seen as one combination.

  FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the main body portion 2 of the slot machine 1. FIG. 2 shows a state where the front door 4 is removed. A variable symbol display device 10 having the above-described variable rotating bodies 10a, 10b, and 10c is installed in the upper half of the main body portion 2. A sub-control board 94, a main control board 92, and an external terminal board 96 are attached to the inner surface of the main body 2 so as to surround the variable symbol display device. In addition, a power supply unit 70 is installed along the left inner wall surface as viewed in FIG. 2 and a hopper device 78 is installed at a substantially central position at the bottom of the main body 2 in the lower half of the main body 2. A game medal auxiliary storage 84 is installed at a position on the right side of the hopper device 78.

  Here, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the mechanical variable symbol display device (rotating device) is composed of three variable rotating bodies. These three variable rotating bodies have the same shape, and all have a translucent pattern band (shown in FIG. 3) in which a plurality of patterns (bell, watermelon, cherry, etc.) are printed on a cylindrical frame. As a result, it has a cylindrical shape. In the gaming machine such as a slot machine, the variable rotator having a cylindrical shape is called a reel or a drum (hereinafter, the variable rotator is a reel and the variable symbol display device is a reel device). ). Even if the reel is rotated or stopped, the arrangement of the strip-shaped symbol rows attached to the reel is always maintained as viewed in the circumferential direction.

  Each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is provided with reel drive motors 88a, 88b, 88c (movable display body drive means) comprising stepping motors. Therefore, the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c can be rotated and stopped independently, and a plurality of types of symbols are displayed on the display window 8 while continuously changing from top to bottom during the rotation. The rotation axes of the reels 10a, 10b, 10c are arranged on the same axis extending in the horizontal direction. Each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is provided with in-reel lamps 90a, 90b, 90c for illuminating a symbol moved to a position visible from the display window 8 from the inner peripheral side of the reel. The upper part, the middle part, and the lower part of the possible reels can be lit independently for each reel 10a, 10b, 10c. These reels 10a, 10b, and 10c cannot be directly touched from the outside by closing the front door 4.

  The main control board 92 is a central device for proceeding with the game of the slot machine 1. The main control board 92 is used for rotating and stopping the reel device 10, such as inserting and paying out medals, and each display unit 28. , 30, 32, 34, 36, 42, 44, etc., are managed directly related to the progress of the game.

  The sub-control board 94 displays effects on the liquid crystal display 58 and manages the lamps 60, 62, 64, 66 to assist the progress of the game in the slot machine 1.

  The external terminal board 96 serves as an entrance for various types of information when the slot machine 1 is connected to a hall computer or the like.

  The main control board 92 is connected to the sub-control board 94 and the external terminal board 96 by wires and connectors (not shown). Therefore, various information can be transmitted from the main control board 92 to the sub-control board 94 and the external terminal board 96.

  The power supply unit 70 includes a setting key switch 72, a reset switch 74, and a power switch 76. The setting of the slot machine 1 is changed, an error state is released when an abnormality occurs, Can be turned on and off. Further, the power supply unit 70 is connected by wiring, a connector and the like in order to supply electric power to various boards including the main control board 92. The power supply unit 70 is provided with a cover (not shown) formed of a synthetic resin such as plastic for preventing direct contact by unauthorized means from the outside of the slot machine 1.

  The hopper device 78 plays a role as a supply source when medals are paid out by always storing medals. Although not shown, a hopper motor is provided inside the hopper device 78, and when the medals are paid out, the hopper motor rotates so that the medals stored in the hopper device 78 are paid out from the payout port 80. The When a predetermined number of medals stored in the hopper device 78 reach an overflow state, medals in excess of the predetermined number are led from the overflow outlet 82 to the game medal auxiliary storage 84 and the game medal auxiliary storage. 84 is stored.

  As described above, the game medal auxiliary storage 84 has an auxiliary role of storing medals in order to receive the medals overflowed in the hopper device 78.

(Internal configuration of slot machine)
FIG. 4 schematically shows configurations of various mechanism elements, electronic devices, operation members, and the like that are installed in the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 has a main control board 92 for comprehensively controlling the progress of a game, and the main control board 92 is mounted with a CPU 110, a ROM 112, a RAM 114, an input / output interface 116, and the like.

  The bet buttons 12, 14, 16, the start lever 18, the stop buttons 20, 22, 24, the storage settlement button 46, etc. are all connected to the main control board 92, and these operation buttons use sensors (not shown). Thus, an operation by the player can be detected, and the detected operation signal can be output to the main control board 92. Specifically, the start lever 18 outputs an operation signal for starting the above-described three reels 10a to 10c to the main control board 92, and the stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 are operations for stopping the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c, respectively. A signal is output to the main control board 92. The keyhole 48 can output a reset signal to the main control board 92 from an error release sensor 100 (not shown in FIG. 1) installed behind the keyhole 48 by turning counterclockwise after inserting the dedicated key. When the front door 4 is opened by turning clockwise, an opening signal is output to the main control board by a door opening sensor 132 provided on the back of the front door 4 (not shown). The door opening sensor 132 is installed adjacent to the error release sensor 100. When the front door 4 is opened, it can be detected that the front door 4 and the main body portion 2 are separated.

  The slot machine 1 accommodates other devices together with the main control board 92, and various signals are input from these devices to the main control board 92. The equipment includes a hopper device 78 in addition to the reel device 10 having the three reels 10a to 10c described above.

  The reel device 10 has a position sensor for detecting a reference position related to the rotation of each reel 10a, 10b, 10c. These position sensors (the left reel position sensor 106a and the middle reel position sensor corresponding to each reel, respectively). 106b, called a right reel position sensor 106c), a detection signal (index signal) is input to the main control board 92. In addition, an insertion sensor 104 and a lockout solenoid 102 (not shown) are installed behind the medal insertion slot 26. Of these, the insertion sensor 104 can detect a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 26 and output a medal detection signal to the main control board 92. One lockout solenoid 102 plays a role of locking out (blocking) a passage of a medal selector (not shown) disposed in the back of the medal slot 26 inside the front door 4. The lockout solenoid 102 locks out the passage of the medal selector in a normal (non-actuated) state, but when activated, this passage is opened (lockout release) so that the insertion of medals can be accepted. The inserted medal is detected by the insertion sensor 104. Conversely, when the lockout solenoid 102 is deactivated, the medal selector is locked out and no medal insertion is accepted, and even if the player inserts a medal, it is spit out and returned to the tray 54. In addition, since the function of the insertion sensor 104 is invalidated at this time, neither a bet due to insertion of a medal nor a credit addition is performed.

  The hopper device 78 has a payout sensor 98 that detects the medals paid out into the payout port 80 one by one, and a payout medal signal for each medal is input to the main control board 92 from the payout sensor 98. Has been. The game medal auxiliary storage 84 is provided with a medal full tank sensor 86. When the number of medals stored inside exceeds a predetermined number, a detection signal indicating that the number of medals exceeds the predetermined number is sent to the main control board. An error display notifying the abnormality of the gaming machine is performed by the liquid crystal display unit 58 or the like, and the player or the like is notified.

  On the other hand, a control signal is output from the main control board 92 to the reel device 10 and the hopper device 78. That is, a drive pulse signal for controlling the start and stop of each reel drive motor 88a, 88b, 88c for rotating each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is output from the main control board 92. The hopper device 78 receives a drive signal from the main control board 92 in accordance with the type of symbol on which the combination is displayed, and in response to this, the hopper device 78 performs a medal payout operation. At this time, if the number of medals required for payout is insufficient in the hopper device 78 or if there are no medals at all, the number detection by the payout sensor 98 is delayed, and when a predetermined time elapses (for example, 3 seconds), The payout sensor 98 outputs a payout medal abnormality signal to the main control board 92. Upon receipt of this signal, the main control board 92 informs the error display section 34 and the liquid crystal display section 58 of the content that indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the medal payout. Etc.

  The slot machine 1 includes a sub-control board 94 in addition to the main control board 92, and the CPU 118, ROM 120, RAM 122, input / output interface 130, VDP 124, sound source IC 128, audio amplifier 126, and the like are mounted on the sub-control board 94. Has been. The sub-control board 94 receives various command signals from the main control board 92 and controls lighting or blinking of the liquid crystal display 58 and the lamps 60, 62, 64 and 66 and the operation of the speaker 56.

  Further, an external terminal board 96 is connected to the main control board 92, and the slot machine 1 is connected to the hall computer 108 of the game hall via the external terminal board 96. The external terminal board 96 plays a role of relaying various signals (inserted medal signal, payout medal signal, game status, etc.) transmitted from the main control board 92 to the hall computer 108.

  In addition, a power supply unit 70 is accommodated in the slot machine 1, and the power supply unit 70 takes in power from an external power source and generates power necessary for the operation of the slot machine 1. The electric power generated here is supplied from the power supply unit 70 to each unit.

  The power supply unit 70 also includes a setting key switch 72, a reset switch 74, a power switch 76, and the like. None of these switches are exposed to the outside of the slot machine 1 and can be operated only by opening the front door 4. Among these, the power switch 76 is for turning on / off the power supply to the slot machine 1, and the setting key switch 72 is for changing settings (for example, settings 1 to 6) of the slot machine 1. . The reset switch 74 is used to cancel an error that has occurred in the slot machine 1 and is also operated when changing the setting together with the setting key switch 72.

(Game processing)
Next, the flow of game processing in the slot machine 1 will be described. The following game processing proceeds in accordance with a processing procedure on a control program executed by the CPU of the main control board 92.

(1. Circumference game processing)
FIG. 5 shows one processing procedure for one basic game (rotational game) in the slot machine 1. One game starts from start processing (step S10). This starting process is a process for starting the rotation of the reels 10a, 10b, 10c. Here, a random number triggered by the insertion of a medal or the operation of the bet buttons 12, 14, 16 or the operation of the start lever 18 is used. A process such as lottery is performed. The details of the starting process (step S10) will be described later in detail using another flowchart.

  In one game, a stop process (step S20) is executed following the start process (step S10). This stop process stops the rotation of the reels 10a to 10c and controls the stop positions of the reels 10a to 10c. This corresponds to a process called “reel control”. For stop processing using reel control, there are two methods, for example, a table method that determines the final stop position with reference to two types of winning type and a position where the stop button is pressed, and a control method that draws in the maximum winning type In this case, either may be used. The winning types will be described in the starting process described later. Stop processing using reel control will also be described later using another flowchart.

  When the stop process is finished by the reel control, the determination process (step S30) is executed next. This determination process determines whether or not a combination of symbols is displayed on the effective line from the display mode (outgoing) of the symbols displayed when all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped. It is for providing the game result according to. The main benefit of the game results is a medal payout, but even if there is no medal payout, a privilege to shift to a bonus game is given according to the type of combination symbol (secret bonus symbol) displayed, or a medal In addition to the payout, there are things that trigger the change of the internal state (various modes). The specific contents of the determination process will be described after the stop process.

(2. Start processing)
FIG. 6 specifically shows the contents of the start process. Here, first, the insertion of medals or the operation of the bet buttons 12, 14, 16 is awaited (step S101). As long as the player does not make a bet or insert a medal (No), the start lever 18 is not activated, so the determination in Step S104 is denied (No) and the standby state (Step S101) continues to be looped. When there is a bet operation or a medal insertion, an acceptance process (step S102) is performed in response to this, and the effective line lamp is turned on according to the number of bets. In the acceptance process (step S102), a medal insertion command or a bet command is transmitted from the main control board 92 to the sub control board 94.

  Following the acceptance process (step S102), a start lever valid process (step S103) is performed, and the operation of the start lever 18 is substantially validated for the first time. When the player operates the start lever 18 in this state, the determination in step S104 is affirmed (Yes), and then the start lever invalidation process (step S105) is performed.

  When the start lever 18 is operated, a random number is extracted (random lottery) using this as a trigger (step S106). Further, the timing for extracting the random number after receiving the operation of the start lever 18 is not particularly defined, and an appropriate extraction timing can be set in the programming process.

  In the next flag processing (step S107), a winning or a defeat is determined from the extracted random number value (internal lottery is executed by the normal probability lottery executing means or the high probability lottery executing means). A flag corresponding to the type of special winning type, general small combination, replay winning type, etc.) is turned ON, and a winning flag command is transmitted from the main control board 92 to the sub-control board 94. In addition, the game state in which the internal lottery to which the normal winning probability is applied by the normal probability lottery executing means is performed in the normal gaming state, and the high winning probability is applied compared to the normal winning probability by the high probability lottery executing means. A gaming state in which an internal lottery is being performed is referred to as a high probability gaming state.

  Further, in the case of a loss, a lost flag that cannot match any of the winning types (special winning types, general small roles, replay winning types, etc.) is turned ON. A winning or defeated flag (a so-called establishment flag) is obtained only when the corresponding symbol is aligned when the corresponding flag is turned ON. Each benefit will be described later using another flowchart in the determination process.

  When the above flag processing (step S107) is performed, it is determined whether or not the wait timer started in the previous start processing has timed up (for example, 4.1 seconds have elapsed) (step S108). When time-up (Yes) is confirmed, each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is started (step S109), and a wait timer from this point to the next start is started (step S110). The flag process will be described in detail later.

(2-1. Winning types and winning designs)
FIG. 7 shows a configuration of winning symbols corresponding to various winning types of the slot machine 1. Each winning symbol can be obtained with each benefit by being aligned with an effective line as a symbol combination in the display window 8 when all reels are stopped.

(2-1-1. Special winning symbol [secret bonus symbol]: Special winning type)
The symbol corresponding to the case where the winning type is the special winning type [secret bonus (Secret B) is the secret bonus symbol. However, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment does not provide a dedicated symbol as a secret bonus symbol. For this reason, when the combination mode of the symbols at the time of stop is “watermelon-bell-replay” and stops at the active line in the display window 8, the “secret bonus game” is started assuming that the secret bonus symbols are aligned. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special winning symbol is not specified. That is, the special winning symbol is not clearly shown in the main body of the slot machine 1 or other places that appeal to the player. Therefore, it is impossible for the player to know the combination mode of the symbols that become the secret bonus symbols.

  In other words, when the secret bonus symbols are arranged, the game privilege of the “secret bonus game” is obtained. This “secret bonus game” has a privilege that a large number of medals can be obtained by concentrating a plurality of game opportunities. Therefore, the secret bonus is difficult to win in the internal lottery as compared to other winning types (for example, about 1/256). The secret bonus symbol is not provided with a dedicated symbol, but is valid only when the replay symbol and general small character symbol described later are arranged in a specific line (aligned) in a specific combination. It is. Therefore, when the secret bonus is won in the internal lottery, the player hardly notices (recognizes or senses) that the secret bonus has been won. Furthermore, by not explicitly showing the secret bonus symbol to the player, it is possible to make it unclear (not sure by sidelines) when the secret bonus game itself started and ended. The combination of symbols for starting the secret bonus game may be a combination of symbols other than the above “watermelon bell-replay”. Furthermore, a plurality of symbol combination patterns that serve as secret bonuses may be provided. This is because the combination of symbols corresponding to the secret bonus can be made difficult to understand (or completely unknown) by the player.

(2-1-2. Replay design [Replay design]: Replay winning type)
The symbol corresponding to the case where the winning type is the replay winning type (replay) is the replaying symbol (replay symbol). When the replay symbol combination mode “replay-replay-replay” stops at the active line in the display window 8, the “replay game” is started. Here, the “replay game” means that the next game can be executed as a replay game without newly inserting medals or performing a betting operation. In this case, the number of effective lines is the same as the effective lines of the game with replay symbols.

  In other words, when the replay symbols are arranged, the benefit of “replay game” is obtained. In addition, the “replay game” does not require the medals to be newly consumed in place of the medals being paid out. Therefore, it is possible to increase the winning frequency and keep the player's medal consumption (the number of medals consumed per fixed time) within a certain range to some extent. In addition, since replay is a winning type that does not involve paying out medals, even if the winning frequency increases, there is very little disadvantage to the hole. Therefore, the replay plays a role as a very important winning type that can suppress excessive consumption of medals in the progress of the game. Therefore, the replay symbols are also arranged uniformly for each reel 10a, 10b, 10c so that a bonus is obtained as much as possible when winning in the internal lottery for replay (one for each reel approximately every 1 to 4 symbols). Place).

(2-1-3. Specific Small Role [Cherry Design]: Specific Small Role)
The symbol corresponding to the case where the winning type is the specific small role (cherry) is the specific small role symbol (cherry symbol). The medals are paid out (two) only when the cherry symbol is stopped at the effective line in the display window 8 of the single reel (left reel 10a).

  That is, a privilege that two medals are paid out is obtained from the cherry symbol. The cherry symbols that can be obtained with only the stop mode of the left reel 10a are not affected by the combination of the remaining middle reel and right reel symbols (the middle reel and the right reel may be in a mode in which any symbols are stopped), so the cherry symbol May be represented as “Cherry-ANY-ANY”.

  In addition, the cherry design can be rewarded if you win only if you stop aiming only at the left reel, so the effort of pushing you up compared to other winning designs that have to look at all the reels Is not necessary. For this reason, the arrangement of each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is small (approximately 3 to 5 are arranged for each reel), and the number of medals awarded is also small compared to other winning types. In this way, the arrangement of the cherry pattern is reduced so that the player may miss it if it is not pressed to some extent, so that there is room for the player's pressing skill to enter.

  If you can still stop the cherry symbol on the left reel 10a correctly, you will get the benefits of the winning cherry, so it will be harder to win in the internal lottery than in the replay, but as with the replay, a lot of medals in the game progress It has a role as an important winning type that can reduce consumption.

  In addition, it is possible to place more symbols other than the cherry symbol on the symbols of the other reels by giving a privilege simply by stopping the cherry on the effective line of the single reel (for example, on the other reels described above) Cherry pattern is not provided). For this reason, it is possible to give a lot of variations to the arrangement of the winning symbols other than the cherry symbols, and it is possible to show abundant achievements to the player.

  Note that the reel to which the cherry symbol benefit is given is not necessarily limited to the left reel 10a, and the privilege is given when the cherry symbol stops at the active line in the display window 8 of the middle reel 10b and the right reel 10c. It is also good to do. In other words, when “ANY-Cherry-ANY” or “ANY-ANY-Cherry” is obtained, a privilege can be obtained. Or it is good also as giving a privilege in the combination aspect when the cherry symbol of two reels among three reels, a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel stops on the effective line in the display window 8. FIG. In other words, when “Cherry-Cherry-ANY”, “ANY-Cherry-Cherry”, and “Cherry-ANY-Cherry” are obtained, a privilege can be obtained.

  In any of the above, a privilege can be obtained simply by performing a stop operation aiming at the cherry symbol of at least one (or two) of the three reels of the left reel, the middle reel and the right reel. Is desirable. This is because the load on the player to stop the operation by pushing all three reels every game is also reduced.

(2-1-4. General small role [bell design, watermelon design]: General small role)
The symbol corresponding to the case where the winning type is a general small role is a general small role symbol (watermelon symbol or bell symbol). When the watermelon symbol combination mode “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” or the bell symbol combination mode “Bell-Bell-Bell” stops at the active line in the display window 8, 10 medals and 15 medals are paid out, respectively.

  In other words, when the general small role symbols of watermelon and bell are prepared, a privilege that the corresponding number of medals is paid out can be obtained. Therefore, the general small role is a winning type that can be expected to increase in medals in normal games. However, if the general small role is won too much, the number of medals earned by the player will increase excessively and the profit balance with the hole will be lost. In order to avoid this, in the general small role symbol, the arrangement of each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is reduced (about one reel is arranged every 3 to 8 symbols), and the player makes each reel. It is difficult to obtain benefits if you do not aim accurately.

  In this gaming machine, general small roles are prepared in a plurality of types, watermelon and bell. Therefore, there is a difference between the watermelon and the bell in the ratio of winning in the internal lottery (for example, the watermelon is easy to win and the bell is difficult to win). Furthermore, the watermelon loses its watermelon design if it does not exhibit considerable workmanship skills, while the bell is able to align the bell design with almost no workmanship skills. In this way, there can be a difference in value (difference in the degree of necessity in addition to the difference in game value given) between the bell and the watermelon. It is possible to have a game characteristic (difficulty of pressing) that can satisfy even a person. In addition to the above, a plurality of general small combinations may be provided. However, if there are too many general small roles, the number of symbols will be reduced accordingly, and all the general small roles (or other symbols will be included) will be needed. There is also a concern, and it is desirable to keep it at about 3 to 4 types including bell and watermelon.

(2-1-5. Other design [losing design])
Although not shown in FIG. 7, the symbols on the reels 1a and 7 of the left reel 10a (the symbol on which the picture of a boy holding an oden is drawn) are lost symbols. It is. The symbols of Nos. 8 and 20 on the middle reel 10b and Nos. 4, 8, and 16 of the right reel 10c are also lost symbols. When this lost symbol is stopped in the display window 8, even if it becomes a single stop mode (for example, the cherry symbol becomes effective), even if it is stopped as a combination mode of the lost symbol, no gaming privilege is given. Is. In addition, it is good also as an aspect containing a loss symbol as a secret bonus symbol. This makes it increasingly difficult to identify the secret bonus symbol combination.

(2-2. Flag processing)
Here, the flag processing described above will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 shows the specific contents of the flag processing. First, in step S201, it is determined whether the current secret bonus game (hereinafter referred to as SB game, SB (1) game or SB (2) game is in progress. In step S202, the high probability gaming state flag is turned on. If it is determined that the high probability gaming state flag is not ON (No), the normal time determination table is selected (step S204), and the high probability gaming state flag is ON (Yes). When the determination is made, the high probability determination table is selected (step S203), and then the process proceeds to step S205, where the normal gaming state is referred to as normal and the high probability gaming state is referred to as high probability.

Here, both the normal determination table and the high probability determination table determine the random number extracted in the previous step S106 (hereinafter, this random number is referred to as an extracted random number) (determine which winning type corresponds) ) To determine the corresponding winning flag. In addition, in the high probability determination table, the range of winning values for random lottery such as SB and general small roles (winning allowable value) is greatly changed compared to the normal determination table. Therefore, when the high probability determination table is selected, the possibility of winning SB increases, and the game can be played in an advantageous gaming state that is very attractive to the player. FIG. 9 specifically shows the determination table data. Comparing the winning tolerance at normal time in FIG. 9 (a) with the winning tolerance at high probability in (b), the range of the winning tolerance in SB (1) and SB (2) is about 10 times. Has increased. In addition, the range of allowable winning values has increased to about 5 times for bells and about 2.5 times for replays. On the other hand, it can be seen that the range of acceptable values for loss is reduced to about 1 / 2.3. What can be said from these is that when there is a high probability, there is a very high possibility that the game will be arranged once in about 5 games.
[Bell (15 payouts)-Number of medals required for 5 games (5 x 3 = 15) = 0]
Then, the player can play the game without reducing the medals. This is not always the case in an actual game, but it can be said that the game can be played with almost no reduction in medals, since replay is won with a high probability.

  In FIG. 9, SB is divided into SB (2) for shifting the gaming state to the high probability gaming state after the SB game is finished and SB (1) for not shifting to the high probability gaming state. SB (2) is harder to win than SB (1). This is because SB (2) has an advantageous condition that, in addition to being able to play an SB game as a gaming privilege, the gaming state is shifted to a high-probability gaming state after the SB game ends. In order to make it easier to win and to prevent the player from being given excessive profits, the winning probability is lowered.

  In step S205, it is determined whether the extracted random number corresponds to the winning allowable value of SB (2). If it is determined that the winning allowable value of SB (2) is met (Yes), the SB (2) winning flag is turned on (step S206) and the high probability gaming state flag is turned on (step S207). The process proceeds to the effect pattern determination process in step S215.

  If it is determined in step S205 that the extracted random number does not correspond to the winning allowable value of SB (2) (No), it is determined whether or not the extracted random number corresponds to the winning allowable value of SB (1) in step S208. If it is determined that this is not the case (step S208 = No), it is determined in step S211 whether one of the winning combinations (bell, watermelon, cherry) is acceptable. Furthermore, if it is determined that it does not correspond here (step S211 = No), it is determined in step S213 whether it corresponds to the winning allowance for replay. If it is determined that the winning allowable value for replay does not correspond (step S213 = No, that is, it corresponds to a loss), the process proceeds to the effect pattern determination process (step S215).

  If it is determined in step S208 that the winning allowable value of SB (1) is satisfied, the SB (1) winning flag is turned ON (step S209), and then in step S210, the high probability gaming state flag is ON. Then, the normal probability gaming state flag is turned ON, and the process proceeds to step S215. If it is determined in step S211 and step S213 that the winning allowable values are satisfied (step S211 = Yes or step S213 = Yes), the process proceeds to step S212 and step S214, respectively, and the small part flag and the replay flag are turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the effect pattern determination process in step S215.

  When the effect pattern is determined in step S215, the winning flag (including this when the high probability gaming state flag is ON) and the effect pattern are transmitted as information commands to the sub-control board 94 (step S216, command transmission process).

  If it is determined in step S201 that the SB (1) game or the SB (2) game is in progress (Yes), the random value lottery winning table already changed in the SB game game process in step S217. It is determined whether the extracted random number is a small role. If it is determined that it is a small combination (Yes), the small combination flag is turned ON in step S218, and the process proceeds to step S216. If it is determined that the role is not a small combination (step S217 = No), the process proceeds to step S216, and the winning flag command is transmitted to the sub-control board 94.

(2-2-1. Production pattern determination process)
In the effect pattern determination process in step S215, an effect pattern corresponding to the winning flag is selected. The effect display according to the effect pattern determined here is executed by the liquid crystal display unit 58, the lamp, the speaker, or the like in the effect process described later. FIG. 10 specifically shows the effect pattern table. The effect pattern random number is used when a random number lottery for determining the effect pattern according to the corresponding winning flag is performed, and is used in the effect pattern determination process (random numbers from 0 to 99). . Of course, there is no problem even if the effect pattern is selected based on the extracted random number.

  FIG. 10 is a distribution table indicating which effect pattern “normal effect” or “mission effect (win, draw, defeat)” is executed as the effect display. “Normal production” refers to content that does not produce special production, and includes content such as how the background changes over time on a liquid crystal display, etc., and how a character walks. . The mission effect refers to a content in which a special effect is performed over a plurality of games on a liquid crystal display or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when SB is actually won, there is a possibility that the mission effect is performed at any time of the SB win, the SB game 100 game, or the SB game 150 game. Further, the ratio of the mission effect is higher as the SB game progresses than when the SB is won. This is a relief that after the half of the SB game (100 games) has elapsed, the proportion of mission effects is increased and the player is convinced that the possibility that the SB game is currently being performed is very high. It has implications for measures.

  The distribution of the above effects is common to both SB (1) and SB (2). It is possible to always give the player a sense of expectation because it is unknown whether the SB (1) is won or the SB (2) is won from the contents of the effect. However, the mission effect is performed even in the high probability game state. A mission effect is performed at a high rate when 50 games have passed in a high probability gaming state. This is because the player may have entered the high-probability gaming state if the game development that the bell is won frequently or the replay is won more than usual after the SB game ends. However, in the high-probability gaming state, both SB (1) and SB (2) are gaming states in which the winning probabilities have been changed to be considerably high, so in most cases, one of the SBs is often won within 50 games. I can say that. However, even if the player believes that the game is in a high probability game state and does not win any SB after the 50 games have passed (the player does not see the behavior as if he has won), the player will be really high. I feel a lot of anxiety about whether it was right to judge that the game state is probabilistic. In such a case, if the mission is performed, it is possible to give a sense of relief to the player who is playing the game that he / she is probably in a high-probability gaming state, and further increases the number of games. If you do, you can give hope that you will win SB.

  Also, in the normal state, when the normal game (normal game) has passed 150 games, the normal game has passed 300 games, or the normal game every 300 games have passed since the normal game has passed 300 games. To do. This is done in order to give the player the recognition that the mission effect is not performed, that is, not during the SB winning or SB game. However, during normal times, the ratio of executing mission effects is kept low compared to when winning an SB and when playing an SB game, so it can be said that the player is not bothered. Furthermore, even if the normal game continues over 300 games, the mission performance is executed every time 100 games elapses, so that the player is not bored with the normal game. Become.

  In addition, there are three patterns of mission production: “Victory”, “Draw”, and “Defeat”, and “Victory” is not selected in the normal game, and in the SB game, in the SB game, and in the high probability All three are chosen. “Draw” is easier to choose than “defeat” at the time of SB winning and during the SB game and every 100 games after the base game 300 games. This makes it difficult to determine if there is any. Furthermore, it is easy to select “defeat” until 300 base games have elapsed, and if the “draw” is easy to select after 400 base games have elapsed, the player has probably become an SB game. (Or won SB).

  The mission effect execution distribution table shown in FIG. 11 determines the time when the mission effect is performed (effect execution timing). Here, it is assigned in which effect process of the start effect process and the stop effect process the mission effect is executed. The start-time effect process and the stop-time effect process will be described later in the effect process, but the effect pattern selected in FIG. 10 is executed when the start lever is operated. There is a stop time effect process that causes the effect to be executed when all the stop buttons are operated (when one of the outcomes is displayed).

  At the time of winning the SB, there are four types of distribution during the execution of the effects: SB game, high probability game (high probability game), and normal game. During the SB winning or during the high probability game, the ratio of the stop effect processing is made very high to make it difficult to understand the SB winning and the high probability game. Also, even if there is no effect when the start lever is operated, the effect is executed when all reels are stopped, so that the player does not perform the mission effect both at the start and at the stop. The game can be advanced with a sense of expectation.

  During the SB game, the start-time effect and the stop-time effect are executed in half. During the SB game, since the ratio of the mission effect being executed is high, the expectation can be obtained regardless of the timing at which the effect is executed. In addition, during the normal game, the rate at which the start time production process is performed is increased. This suggests that there is little expectation that the current gaming state is in the SB game. By making the player aware that the player is in a thin state, it is possible to give the player a quick stop to give the game a stop. On the other hand, for a player who prefers to play a game machine that is in such a state of humor and plays a game, it is possible to provide a good game machine.

  FIG. 12 is a distribution table of the number of games to be performed when a mission effect is performed. At the time of winning the SB, during the SB game, during the high-probability game, and during the normal game, the number of continuation games of mission effect is determined to be between “1” and “10” games. Here, when the number of continuous games is “1”, it is determined that the mission will be won, that is, it is determined that the SB win, the SB game, or the high-probability game is selected. It becomes directing. When the number of continuing games is not “1”, the effect of “5” games or more is determined. Furthermore, when the effect continues until the “10” game and becomes “win”, it is determined that the SB win, the SB game, or the high probability game. At this time, if it is a “draw”, the normal game is finalized. Therefore, the player can be confident that the SB winning, the SB game, or the high-probability game is almost finished when the production does not end even if the game continues to “9” game. Since the “win” is only during the SB win, the SB game, or the high-probability game, the production continues until the “10” game so as to maximize the excitement (swell) of the player as much as possible. The ratio is as high as about 40%.

  In terms of the number of continued games for “draw”, it is determined that the SB winning or SB game is being completed when the “6” game and the “7” game are finished, but the selected ratio is low. In other words, in the case of “draw”, the production often ends in the “5” game or the “9” game, making it difficult to determine the gaming state through the production.

  In terms of the number of continued games in the case of “defeat”, the game state can be distinguished from the “6” game. However, the rate at which the production ends in the “6” game exceeds 70% even during the normal game, so that the gaming state cannot be determined.

  In addition, only when the number of continuing games is “1”, the tug-of-war confrontation starts from the start-time effect, and the effect is executed in both the start-time effect and the stop-time effect as a result of displaying the winning / losing result in the stop effect. Is done. In this way, since the winning / losing result (in this case, winning) is notified before the player performs the stop operation in the next game, the BB symbol can be efficiently aimed at and the loss of medals can be suppressed.

  Moreover, although the random number value from 0 to 99 was used as the effect display pattern random number, the field value from 0 to 9 was used as the effect execution distribution random number, and the random number value from 0 to 20 was used as the continuous game number pattern random number. As a timing for extracting a random number value by random number lottery, a lottery (internal lottery for production) different from the internal lottery performed on the main control board 92 is performed on the main control board 92 at the same timing as the previous internal lottery. And

  The random number extraction timing may be after the internal lottery. Further, it is possible to distribute each effect using a random number of the internal lottery, or to receive the winning flag command as a result of the internal lottery of the main control board 92 and perform the internal lottery for the above-mentioned effects on the sub control board 94. It is good. Also, the performance execution timing is not limited to the start time effect process and the stop time effect process.

(3. Reel stop processing: Stop control means)
FIG. 13 shows the contents of reel stop processing by the table method as an example. Since a well-known technique can be applied to the reel control, the flow of processing will be schematically described here.

  In the reel stop process, first, the reel control table is selected according to the establishment flag indicating the winning result in the corresponding game (step S301). A reel control table having a plurality of patterns for all the winning results is prepared in advance, and these are stored in the ROM 112 of the main control board 92 as read-only table data.

  With the reel control table having an appropriate pattern selected, the system waits until the stop button 20, 22, 24 is pressed (steps S302, S310, S317). Whether the reels 10a, 10b, 10c of the left reel, the middle reel, and the right reel have already stopped in these standby states, or whether the first reel stop flag is not set (= 0). In addition, it is determined whether any one of the left, middle and right stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 is pressed. If none of the stop buttons 20, 22, 24 is pressed, the determination in step S309 is negative (No), and step S302 and subsequent steps are repeated.

  For example, if the left stop button 20 is first pressed in accordance with a so-called “forward push” or “forward scissor push” procedure (step S302 = Yes), the first stop button 20 is pushed. Since the reel stop flag is not set (step S303 = Yes), the first reel stop process (step S304) is executed for the left reel 10a. Here, the “first reel stop process” means a process for stopping the reel first.

  Alternatively, when the central stop button 22 is first pressed in accordance with the so-called “middle push” procedure (step S310 = Yes, step S311 = Yes), the first reel stop process (step S312) is executed for the middle reel 10b. The In addition, when the right stop button 24 is first pressed in accordance with a so-called “reverse push” or “reverse scissor push” procedure (step S317 = Yes, step S318 = Yes), the right reel 10c A one reel stop process (step S319) is executed.

  When the first reel stop process (steps S304, S312, and S319) is performed on any of the left reel, the middle reel, and the right reel 10a, 10b, and 10c, a reel control table having a plurality of patterns corresponding to the corresponding establishment flag. One table pattern is selected based on the random number value. For example, for one winning combination “Bell”, a plurality of reel control tables are prepared in advance in order to stop the symbol “Bell” on the reels 10a to 10c on the effective line. It means that one pattern is selected from among them. When one pattern is selected, the stop positions of the reels 10a to 10c are controlled based on the corresponding reel control table. Thereby, for example, the symbol “bell” is stopped somewhere on the active line.

  For example, taking a pattern in which the left reel 10a is stopped first along the forward pressing procedure, the first reel stop process is performed on the left reel 10a in step S304. At this time, the main control board 92 transmits a stop information command (first stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the left reel 10a to the sub control board 94.

  In the next step S306, reel control tables (stop tables) for the remaining middle reel and right reels 10b and 10c are determined by random lottery. Specifically, assuming that the symbol “bell” is stopped at the lower position when the left reel 10a is stopped in FIG. 1, two lines, a lower line or a right-up line, are displayed as lines for displaying a combination of symbols when the left reel 10a is stopped. (In the case of a MAX bet) can be selected, but either one (for example, a line rising to the right) is selected by random number lottery here. The random number lottery distribution rate may be about half.

  When the above processing (step S306) is performed, the first reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) (step S307), and the left reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) (step S308). ). Since all the reels 10a to 10c are not stopped when the left reel stop flag is turned on (= 1), the determination in step S309 is negative (No), and step S302 and subsequent steps are executed.

  Then, since the left reel 10a has already stopped at this time (step S302 = No), when the stop button 12 at the center position is pressed secondly (step S310 = Yes) along the forward pressing procedure, the first reel After the stop flag determination (step S311 = No), the middle reel stop process (step S313) is executed. In the middle reel stop process, the stop position is controlled based on the reel control table (stop table) previously selected for the middle reel 10b. Thus, in the example of the line in which the symbols are displayed as a combination in the above-mentioned right upward direction, the symbol “bell” on the middle reel 10b stops at the middle position. In addition, the top of the stop is a state in which two symbols “bells” are arranged on the left reel and the middle reels 10a and 10b on the right rising line (so-called “right rising template”). At this time, the main control board 92 transmits a stop information command (second stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the middle reel 10b to the sub control board 94. In this case, since the middle reel 10b is in the second stop, steps S312, S314, and S315 are all bypassed, and the middle reel stop flag is only turned ON (= 1) in step S316.

  Similarly, when the right stop button 13 is finally pressed (step S317 = Yes), the reel control previously selected for the right reel 10c is passed through the determination of the first reel stop flag (step S318 = No). The stop position is controlled based on the table (stop table) (step S320). As a result, the symbol “bell” on the third right reel 10c stops at the upper position, so that when all the reels are stopped, three symbols “bell” are aligned on the right-up line. At this time, the main control board 92 transmits a stop information command (third stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the right reel 10c to the sub control board 94. In this case, since the right reel 10c is in the third stop, steps S319, S321, and S322 are all bypassed, and the right reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) in step S323.

  If the all-reel stop flag is turned on through the processing so far, the determination in step S309 is affirmed (Yes), and the processing by the main control board 92 exits this routine.

  In the reel stop process described above, if the winning symbol corresponding to the winning type won in the internal lottery is within the range (position) that can be pulled into the display window 8 from the point of time when the stop operation is accepted, the reel must be pulled in. Then, the control for stopping the corresponding winning symbol in the display window 8 is performed. The pullable range refers to the maximum symbol fraction (for example, 4 frames) that can be moved in the rotation direction of the reel when the reel stops.

  The secret bonus symbol is not provided with a corresponding dedicated symbol, but is effective with a specific combination form composed of a plurality of general small role symbols or the like (in the slot machine of this embodiment, “watermelon -Bell-Replay "). When the player performs reel stop processing by forward pressing (forward scissor pressing) from the reel arrangement of FIG. 3, the secret bonus symbol is hardly missed (cannot be aligned). This is because both the watermelon design of the left reel 10a, the bell design of the middle reel 10b, and the replay design of the right reel 10c are within the retractable range (for example, the maximum distance between the watermelon design of the left reel 10a and the watermelon design is 4 designs). ) Each symbol is arranged. Similarly, the bell symbol of the middle reel 10b and the replay symbol of the right reel 10c are similarly arranged at intervals of four symbols at the maximum. Therefore, if the left, middle, and right reels are forward pressed (or forward scissors pressed), even if the stop operation is performed appropriately (without pushing them at all), the left reel 10a has a watermelon symbol in the middle. A bell symbol can be stopped on the reel 10b, and a replay symbol can be stopped on the right reel 10c. This is the reason why the combination of symbols that become SSB is not missed when forward pressing is performed. However, this does not apply to stop operations other than forward pressing (forward scissor pressing), that is, irregular pressing (reverse pressing, reverse scissor pressing, intermediate pressing, etc.). This is a control for avoiding stopping the cherry symbol in the display window 8 even if the symbol (watermelon symbol) is within the retractable range due to the cherry symbol existing on the left reel 10a ( This is because so-called kicking control is performed. If the irregular push is performed, at least one of the middle and right reels is already stopped, so the stop position of the corresponding symbol when the secret bonus is valid is limited. Is what happens. Therefore, the slot machine 1 displays, for example, “only for forward push”, “please play with forward push or forward scissor push” and the like (where the player can visually recognize the game machine main body, for example, in the vicinity of a bet button or a medal insertion It is desirable to provide guidance (teaching and explanation) so that the player does not get confused by the vicinity of the mouth. In addition, in the arrangement diagram of FIG. 3, when “Watermelon Bell Replay” is aligned, small roles may be overlapped. In such a case, the “kicking control” is performed so that the small roles are not arranged, resulting in an oversight. The secret bonus winning flag is carried over to the next and subsequent games until the secret bonus symbols that do not overlap with the small role are prepared. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a plurality of combinations of symbols for which the secret bonus is valid, or a combination that can avoid duplication with other winning types.

  The above is an example of the reel stop process by the table method. In addition to this, there is a reel stop process by a control method, but since a known process can be applied to this, a specific description is omitted here. In this embodiment, either the control method or the table method of reel stop processing may be executed, and which method should be adopted may be determined as appropriate when constructing the control program.

(4. Judgment processing)
FIG. 14 specifically shows the content of the determination process. When all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped by the reel stop process described above, the main control board 92 performs a process of confirming the output displayed at that time (step S401).

  Next, whether the outcome displayed as a combination from the outcome when all reels are stopped is an outcome as a secret bonus symbol (step S402) or a small role symbol (general small role symbol) (step S404). Whether it is a replay symbol (replay symbol) (step S407) or a lost symbol is determined. If it is determined that the outcome displayed as a combination corresponds to a secret bonus (Yes), a secret bonus game process is performed (step S403). If it is determined that the displayed combination is a small role (step S404 = Yes), the hopper device 78 is instructed to perform the number of tokens corresponding to each small role symbol, and the payout sound. The command is transmitted to the sub control board 94 (step S405). Alternatively, when it is determined that a combination of replay symbols has been displayed (step S407 = Yes), a replay game process (step S408) is executed. Here, the replay game process means that the next game can be executed as a replay without newly inserting medals or performing a betting operation. In that case, the number of active lines is the same as the active line of the game with the replay symbols (for example, when replays are completed as a result of starting the game with 3 bets, when replaying is started at the next game. The number of lines for 3 bets is also valid).

  In the flag process of step S107 of FIG. 6, when the secret bonus winning flag is turned ON, the combination of the corresponding symbols is stopped, the secret bonus game process (step S403) is executed, and the determination process ends. It becomes.

Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the symbols SB (1) and SB (2) are not particularly divided, but it is also possible to adopt an aspect comprising another combination. However, if the combinations are completely different, it is conceivable that the player will know the combinations corresponding to SB (1) and SB (2) as the game continues. It is possible for the player to fully enjoy the fun of the slot machine 1 by not knowing the corresponding combination as much as possible. Therefore, the reel arrangement diagram of FIG.
[Watermelon bell (No. 5)-Replay (No. 5)] SB (1)
[Watermelon Bell (No. 10)-Replay (No. 9)] SB (2)
Therefore, even if the combination of symbols is the same (appearance), it is actually a different symbol combination, so even if the player can find the symbol combination of SB, It becomes difficult to find out whether it is either 1) or SB (2). Note that the expression “bell (No. 5)” above refers to the bell symbol No. 5 in the arrangement diagram of the reels 10b in the reel arrangement diagram of FIG. 3, and other “Replay (No. 5)”. The same is also expressed in contrast to the reel arrangement diagram of FIG.

  If it is permitted to display a combination of a small role symbol and a replay symbol, a payout or replay game process is executed according to the combination symbol displayed at that time, and a winning flag for the small role or replay is set. It is turned off (steps S406 and S409), and this process ends. It should be noted that the payout according to the above symbols and step S405 correspond to an example of game value giving means. If the lose flag is ON or the symbols corresponding to the established flag are not aligned on the active line (missed) (step S407 = No), the established flags other than the secret bonus winning flag are turned off (step S410). Similarly, the determination process ends. Here, the fact that the establishment flag other than the secret bonus winning flag is turned off means that the secret bonus winning flag is maintained after the next game. This is because the secret bonus is more advantageous for a player than for a bonus when a small role or replay is displayed as a combination. The advantage of this secret bonus will be described later.

  When the process proceeds to the secret bonus game process (step S403), the secret bonus winning flag is turned OFF during this process.

(5. Advantageous gaming state)
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a specific symbol combination (“watermelon-bell-replay”) is displayed as the outcome, the gaming state is shifted to the “advantageous gaming state” (advantageous gaming state transition). means). The “advantageous game state” here means a secret bonus game. The “secret bonus game” includes a plurality of game opportunities, and during this time there is a possibility that medals etc. may be continuously paid out. It can be said that there is a means to increase the opportunity to give game value. In addition, the secret bonus does not clearly show the bonus number display effect or bonus game effect on the display of the game number display unit 32, the notification of the bonus notification lamp 44, and the liquid crystal display unit 58 from the start of the game to the end of the game. It is. Therefore, it is very difficult for the player to determine whether the secret bonus has been won or whether the secret bonus game is being played in the current game.

  In addition, the slot machine 1 is provided with settings (for example, there are six set values from 1 to 6, and the probability of winning such as BB and SSB is different for each setting in the normal probability) Increase the player's willingness to play by making a large difference in the total number of medals earned at the time of the game (total of medals earned by the player), or change the setting value according to the management format of the hall Can be. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the BB winning probability in the normal gaming state is 1/256 corresponding to the set value 4 described above.

(5-1. Secret bonus game processing)
FIG. 15 specifically shows the contents of the secret bonus game process. Here, first, as an initialization process, the secret bonus winning flag is turned OFF, and the random value lottery winning value table is changed for the secret bonus game (step S501). In this hit value table, the winning probability of the general small role (bell) is significantly high. FIG. 16 is a table comparing the winning probability of the small role and replay during the normal game and the secret game.

  In FIG. 16, the winning probability of the bell is about eight times higher than that of the base game and the secret bonus game. In other words, in the secret bonus game, a change is made to a gaming state in which there is a very high possibility of winning a bell (15 payouts) about once every three times. Therefore, the player has great expectation that the game will be a secret bonus game (shifted) if a game is continuously won by Bell. However, in the slot machine 1, even in the normal game, the probability of winning the bell is slightly higher than other small roles (watermelon, cherry) (that is, it can be said that it is easier to win than other small roles). In other words, the main small role of the slot machine 1 (a small role that gives a player many opportunities to give medals from a normal game) can also be expressed as a bell.

  Next, a start process (step S502) and a stop process (step S503) of the reel device 10 are executed. The contents of the start process and the stop process are the same as those already described. When all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped by the stop process, the outcome at that time is transmitted from the main control board 92 to the sub control board 94 (step S504), and the secret bonus game number counter in the main control board 92 is displayed. One is counted up (step S505).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the outcome when all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped is a combination of small role symbols (step S506). Here, in the case of a small role symbol (any one of a bell symbol, a watermelon symbol, and a cherry symbol) (step S506 = Yes), a payout process in step S507 is performed and a medal is awarded. Further, at this time, the main control board 92 drives the hopper device 78 to execute a prescribed number (for example, 15) of medal payouts and transmits a payout sound command to the sub-control board 94 (step S508). When the payout is performed, the cumulative number of payout medals is counted up within the main control board 92 by the number of the payout (step S509), and subsequently the establishment flag is turned off (step S510). The target counted as the total number of paid-out medals is the total number of medals paid out from the start to the end of the secret bonus game.

  If it is determined in step S506 that the outcome at the time of stoppage is not a combination of small role symbols (step S506 = No), the process proceeds to step S510, and the establishment flag is turned OFF. In this case, it is considered that either the lose flag was turned on in the lottery, or the player missed the small role symbol even if the winning flag was turned on.

  In step S511, it is determined whether or not the secret bonus game should be ended after each game. While the end condition is not satisfied (step S511 = No), the process returns to step S502 and the next start-up process is performed.

The secret bonus game ends when any of the following conditions is met.
(1) The count number of the secret bonus game number counter has reached 200 in step S505.
(2) In step S509, the cumulative payout medal number in the secret bonus game has reached 400 (when the so-called net increase has reached 400).

  If any of the above conditions is satisfied, the end determination in step S511 is affirmed (Yes), and then the secret bonus game is ended, and the winning value table is restored (step S512).

  In addition, a mode may be used in which a medal is obtained by winning a combination of a dedicated symbol that is valid only during the secret bonus game and winning this dedicated symbol combination during the secret bonus game.

(6. Production process)
The above is an example of game control by the main control board 92, but in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the presentation operation is controlled by the sub control board 94 as the game progresses.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of effect processing executed by the sub control board 94. When the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on (the power switch 76 is turned on), an initialization process is first performed in this effect process (step S601). Next, a medal insertion command transmitted from the main control board 92 is awaited (step S602), and when the medal insertion command is actually transmitted, an effect (medal insertion effect) for outputting an insertion sound, a bet sound, or the like in response thereto. Process) is performed (step S603).

  Subsequently, a winning (starting) flag command transmitted from the main control board 92 is awaited (step S604). The winning (starting) flag command is transmitted from the main control board 92 in response to the operation of the starting lever 18, and when the winning (starting) flag command is received, the sub control board 94 controls the effect operation in accordance therewith. (Step S605, start time production process). The effect operation here is, for example, an output of a reel start sound or an image display effect by the liquid crystal display device 58.

  When the start-up effect process in step S605 is performed, a stop information command is awaited (step S606). When all three stop buttons 20, 22, and 24 are stopped, a stop information command is transmitted from the main control board 92 to the sub control board 94, and the sub control board 94 receives the stop information command and the stop information respectively. Control of the production operation according to the command is performed (step S607, production process at stop). The effect operation here is, for example, output of each reel stop sound, reel light extinction effect, image display effect by the liquid crystal display device 58, and the like (step S608).

  In step S609, a payout command is transmitted from the main control board 92 according to the result of the determination process. In response to this, the sub control board 94 performs an effect based on the payout sound output. Further, here, a game status command transmitted from the main control board 92 is awaited, and the current game status is examined from the received command. Also at this time, control of the effect operation according to the received game status command is performed (game status effect process). The game status represents a game state (a normal game, a secret bonus game, or the like).

  It should be noted that the stop information command and the stop time effect process in steps S606 and S607 described above are performed when the first reel stop process, the second reel stop process, and the third reel stop process and the stop processes are performed. It is good also as performing production processing.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the effect display on the liquid crystal display unit 58, the speaker 56, the lamps 60, 62, 64, 66, the bonus flag notification lamp 44, the credit number display unit 30, the game number display unit 32, Various effect modes are executed by the payout number display unit 34 and the like. Thereby, the player can be satisfied visually and auditorily and the game can be enjoyed.

(7. Game state effect processing)
The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment does not provide a particularly clear notification when the secret bonus symbols are aligned (the combination of the corresponding symbols is displayed as a stop mode) or when the secret bonus game is started and ended. The clear notification here means a confirmation screen (notification screen) and a confirmation sound (fanfare, notification sound) by the liquid crystal display unit 58, the speaker 56, the lamps 60, 62, 64, 66, and the like. Confirmation (notification) is to clarify when the secret bonus is won or when the corresponding game starts or ends.

In other words, even if the player is playing a game in the slot machine 1, the display means of the slot machine 1 does not clearly teach (notify or notify) that the gaming state has changed. Therefore, if the game is played in such a way that the general small role (bell) wins continuously over a plurality of games while proceeding with the normal game, the secret bonus game has started (beginning) If it may be, the game will be advanced while judging (predicting, guessing) from the gaming state. As described above, the secret bonus game is ended when the number of games is 200 times or when the cumulative payout medal number (net increase number) reaches 400. This is because the probability of winning the bell is changed to 1/3, so there is a high possibility of winning at a rate of about 1 in 3 games.
[Bell prize (15 medals paid out)-3 required for 3 games (3 x 3 medals inserted) = 6 (difference obtained by subtracting inserted number from paid out [player's profit])]
It can also be said that the net increase in the three games is about six. Accordingly, during the secret bonus game, a game is developed in which medals increase very slowly rather than acquiring a large number of medals in a short period (small number of games). In addition, since a considerable amount of time (number of games) is required until the end condition is reached, this is a normal game from a jackpot (a so-called bonus game) to a next jackpot, which is found in gaming machines such as conventional slot machines, It can be shown that there is almost no falling into a so-called staleness where the game is usually long.

  However, in actuality, in the slot machine 1, the game state is clearly divided into the normal game and the secret bonus game, and therefore, it may fall into a stalemate state in which the normal game lasts for a long time. However, since the slot machine 1 does not clearly notify the player of the gaming state, it is difficult to determine whether the current gaming state is a normal game, a secret bonus game, or a high-probability game. . Therefore, it is possible to advance the game without giving a consciousness of the stale state.

  As described above, making the game state incomprehensible to the player has the advantage of avoiding the hammari state and not causing the player to lose interest. However, if the player is not informed of the change in the game state at all, there is a risk that the player's desire to find a change in the game state and play the game advantageously will be lost. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display unit 58, each lamp, each display unit, and the like are used to execute effect display modes such as effect display, sound effects, and lamp lighting. Then, various effects are given to give the player a sense of expectation that a secret bonus game may be played (or may be a high-probability game).

(7-1. Production suggesting changes in gaming state)
As a result of the internal lottery, when the secret bonus is won, the effect (“mission”) that makes it easy to smell that the secret bonus has been won in the start-up effect process in step S505 or the stop effect process in step S507 described above. Production "). When the winning flag is a secret bonus, the mission effect is performed in either the start time effect process or the stop time effect process. There is a normal effect as an effect other than the mission effect, but this normal effect is performed in the liquid crystal display unit 58 while the main character (boy) walks while searching for the main character's brothers (five people). This refers to an effect in which the situation is unfolded (not shown). Here, the hero encounters various characters while walking in the shopping streets and parks, etc., sometimes suggesting the small role (or replay) won in the internal lottery (so-called small role navigation) Expand. When all the protagonist brothers gather, the mission is directed. In this mission production, a tug of war between the main character and its siblings (six) and the team of the opponent character is started.

(7-1-1. Mission effect image)
18 and 19 are examples of images from the start of the mission effect to the end of the mission effect. In FIGS. 18A and 18B, a tug-of-war confrontation team (in the image of (a), the upper half is the main character team and the lower half is the opponent team) is displayed. In FIGS. 17C and 17D, a scene in which a tug-of-war confrontation is started is displayed. When this production starts, the player feels uplifted as if he were participating in the main character's team. The game will be advanced while watching the whereabouts of wins and losses.

  FIG. 19A shows a climax scene where the tug-of-war confrontation is showing excitement. Which team will win will be the culmination of the player's sweat. The player at this time is full of wishes that the main character's team will win.

  FIGS. 19B, 19C, and 19D respectively show scenes where the tug-of-war confrontation is over and wins or loses. FIG. 19B is an image displayed when winning, (c) when drawing, and (d) when defeating.

  The mission effect is an effect that can be settled by the number of games selected from among “1”, “5” to “10” games. In particular, only when the “1” game is selected, the tug-of-war confrontation starts from the start effect, and the winning / losing result is displayed in the stop effect. Therefore, when the start effect is performed, the player stops all reels. Expect to be directed.

  On the other hand, if the number of continuous games of “5” games or more is selected, the player will feel as if he / she is participating in the tug of war by playing a game of advance / retreat for the number of continuous games. To go. This is a gaming machine with game characteristics that allows the slot machine 1 to find new effects by continuously enjoying the performances, without being limited to the pleasure of increasing medals in the SB game. It shows that there is.

2 is a front view of the slot machine 1. FIG. 2 is an internal structure diagram of the slot machine 1. FIG. 3 is a symbol array diagram of reels of the slot machine 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the slot machine 1. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of one game (rotational game) in the slot machine 1. 4 is a flowchart of a start process of the slot machine 1. 10 is a configuration table of winning types of the slot machine 1. 10 is a flowchart of flag processing of the slot machine 1. 10 is a determination table for internal lottery of the slot machine 1. 10 is an effect pattern table table of the slot machine 1. 10 is a mission effect execution distribution table for the slot machine 1. 10 is a table of continuous game number patterns for the slot machine 1. 4 is a flowchart of a reel stop process of the slot machine 1. 10 is a flowchart of determination processing of the slot machine 1. 4 is a flowchart of a secret bonus game process of the slot machine 1. 3 is a small winning combination probability comparison table of the slot machine 1. 14 is a flowchart of the effect process of the slot machine 1. It is an image example (1) at the time of mission effect of the slot machine 1. It is an image example (2) at the time of mission effect of the slot machine 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine 4 front door 10 reel device 12 1 bet button 14 2 bet button 16 MAX bet button 18 start lever 20 right stop button 22 middle stop button 24 right stop button 26 medal slot 30 credit number display part 32 game number display part 34 Payout number display (error display)
46 Storage settlement button 48 Key hole 52 Discharge outlet 54 Receptacle 58 Liquid crystal display 60, 62, 64, 66 Lamp 70 Power supply unit 72 Setting key switch 74 Reset switch 76 Power switch 78 Hopper device 86 Medal full sensor 92 Main control board 94 Sub control Substrate 96 External terminal board 98 Discharge sensor 100 Error release sensor 100

Claims (1)

A plurality of movable display bodies provided with a band forming a symbol row including a plurality of types of symbols, and a predetermined number of symbol groups constituting a part of the symbol row for each of the movable display bodies on the front surface of the gaming machine body When a start operation by a player is received in a state where a predetermined number of game values are multiplied for each game, the plurality of movable display bodies are rotated in one direction. The display of the symbols is changed, and after that, when a plurality of stop operations are sequentially received by the player, the rotation of the movable display bodies is stopped one by one in the order in which the stop operations are received, and all the movable display bodies are When the rotation of the game machine stops, in the gaming machine that judges the result for each game based on the combination mode of the symbols configured from the symbol group displayed in the symbol display unit,
Internal lottery means for performing a predetermined internal lottery for each game;
Normal probability winning judgment means for applying a normal winning probability to the internal lottery performed by the internal lottery means and judging a winning result;
In addition to the normal probability winning judgment means, the internal lottery performed by the internal lottery means is applied with a higher winning probability than the normal winning probability applied by the normal probability judging means to win the internal lottery. High probability winning judgment means to judge the result,
Stop operation means for receiving the stop operation for each of the movable display bodies in order to individually stop the rotation of the movable display bodies;
A plurality of general small roles as a result of the internal lottery, and a general small role design defining means for defining a plurality of types of general small roles as symbols corresponding to the plurality of general small roles;
When all the combinations of symbols displayed in the symbol display section when all the movable display bodies are stopped are in a specific display mode combined with the same general small role symbol, the game value corresponding to the general small role is obtained. A general small role game value giving means to be given to a player;
A special winning type is defined as the winning result of the internal lottery separately from the general small role, and when all the movable display bodies are stopped in the normal gaming state in which the winning result of the internal lottery is determined by the normal probability winning determining means. When the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display unit is a specific display mode configured by a combination of at least two or more different symbols, it is advantageous for the player from the normal gaming state as the special winning type gaming privilege. Advantageous gaming state transition means for transitioning to the advantageous gaming state;
Whether or not to transfer the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the high-probability gaming state in which the winning result of the internal lottery is determined by the high-probability winning determination unit when the advantageous gaming state transferred by the advantageous gaming state transition unit ends A game state determining means for determining
High-probability gaming state transition means for transitioning the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the high-probability gaming state when the gaming state determination means determines to shift the gaming state to the high-probability gaming state. A gaming machine characterized by