JP2007125298A - Game machine, game control method and game system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of preventing a player who has consumed many game media such as coins from increasing unpleasant feelings and distrust toward a game or losing interest in the game. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine, an arithmetic processor executes: the processing of executing a program for shifting from an insurance absence mode to an insurance presence mode on condition that the prescribed number of game media are fed; the processing of executing a program for imparting prescribed profits to a player when a prescribed variable cumulatively counted every time a game is played after shifting to the insurance presence mode reaches a setting value; the processing of receiving output request signals output from an input device in accordance with an operation by the player; and the processing of outputting images or sound corresponding to a residual number before the prescribed variable reaches the setting value when receiving the output request signals from the input device in the insurance presence mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine that uses a gaming medium (game value) such as coins, a gaming control method for the gaming machine, and a gaming system including the gaming machine and a control device. .

Conventionally, in a facility where a gaming machine such as a slot machine is installed, a game can be played by inserting various gaming media such as coins and cash into the gaming machine. Each gaming machine pays out a payout according to a winning state (game result) generated by the progress of the game.

In casinos with multiple slot machines, a portion of the credits consumed by each slot machine is reserved, and when the amount of the reservation reaches a certain amount, There is a so-called “jackpot” that pays out a large amount that is not paid out in a win (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a slot machine, normally, hits are generated with a set probability, and the player advances the game in the hope that the hits will occur. Then, by a lottery different from the normal winning lottery based on the probability set in the slot machine, a jackpot win occurs in any slot machine at a certain timing. In order to increase the payout amount at the time of “jackpot”, generally, a plurality of casinos are connected by a network.

Further, there is a system in which a host computer and a plurality of gaming machines are network-connected, and the host computer controls the generation of bonuses in the gaming machines (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this system, the host computer accumulates the number of coins inserted in each gaming machine and accumulates a part of the number of coins inserted in a plurality of gaming machines as a bonus pool. In addition, the host computer gives a bonus qualification to the gaming machine in which the number of coins inserted reaches a predetermined number. When the value of the bonus pool reaches a predetermined threshold value, the host computer transmits a command to one gaming machine selected from the gaming machines to which bonus qualifications are given. In the gaming machine that receives the command, a highly gambling bonus game is played.

JP 2003-117053 A US Pat. No. 5,820,459

However, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, the player who can enjoy the benefits of the “jackpot” is a player who is playing a game with the gaming machine that has won the lottery. Therefore, a player who has consumed a large number of coins cannot enjoy the benefits of “jackpot” at all, and a player who has just started playing can enjoy the benefits of “jackpot”.

Also in the system described in Patent Document 2, the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the bonus game is given to any gaming machine in which the number of coins inserted reaches a predetermined number. The opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the bonus game is not necessarily given to a player who has consumed a large number of coins. Therefore, in the system described in Patent Document 2, as with the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, a player who has consumed a large number of coins cannot enjoy the benefits of the bonus game and has started playing. There are cases where only the players enjoy the benefits of the bonus game.

Further, in the system described in Patent Document 2, a part of the number of coins inserted in a plurality of gaming machines is accumulated as a bonus pool. Therefore, when the operating rate of gaming machines in the system is low, even if a certain player consumes a large number of coins, the value of the bonus pool does not reach the predetermined threshold value, and the benefit of the bonus game is enjoyed. There was a case that could not be done. Furthermore, since the bonus game performed in the system described in Patent Document 2 is highly gambling, even if an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the bonus game is given, the benefits cannot be sufficiently obtained. was there.

When the situation described above occurs, there is a possibility that a player who has consumed a large number of coins may feel discomfort or distrust in the game or lose interest or interest in the game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to allow a player who has consumed a large number of coins and other game media to feel uncomfortable or distrustful of the game, It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can prevent interest and interest from being lost, a gaming control method related to the gaming machine, and a gaming machine system including the gaming machine and a control device.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides the following.
(1) A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode,
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode from the storage device on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
When a predetermined variable that is cumulatively counted each time a game is played after transitioning to the insurance mode reaches a set value that is to be compared with the predetermined variable, a predetermined value is given to the player. A process for reading and executing a program for granting profit from the storage device;
A process of receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, based on the output data stored in the storage device, according to the remaining number until the predetermined variable reaches the set value A game machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device.

According to the invention of (1), the mode shifts from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted. When a predetermined variable that is cumulatively counted every time a game is played after shifting to the insurance mode reaches a set value to be compared with the number of games, a predetermined value is given to the player. Grant a profit. Therefore, the player can shift from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode by inputting a predetermined number of game media or a predetermined value corresponding thereto. In addition, in the insurance mode, even when a game is played for a long time and a large number of game media are consumed, if the game is played until a predetermined variable reaches a set value, the player can achieve a predetermined profit. Obtainable.

Furthermore, in the insurance mode, when an instruction related to the insurance mode is input, an image or sound corresponding to the remaining number until the predetermined variable reaches the set value is output by the output means. It is possible to increase interest and interest in a predetermined benefit given when the set value is reached.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(2) A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode from the storage device on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
When the number of games that are counted cumulatively every time a game is played after entering the insurance mode reaches a set value to be compared with the number of games, the game state is advantageous to the player. And a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a second special game state, which is the same type as the first special game state or a different type of game state, from the storage device;
A process of receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, an image corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value based on the output data stored in the storage device Alternatively, a game machine that executes a process of outputting sound to the output device.

According to the invention of (2), the mode shifts from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted. Then, when the number of games counted after shifting to the insurance mode reaches the set value, the second special game state is generated. In addition, in the insurance mode, when the player operates the input device, an image or sound corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value is output to the output device based on the output data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(3) An arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode are provided, and the number of games in each of a plurality of gaming machines is cumulative for each gaming machine. A gaming machine connected via a communication line to a control device for counting
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode from the storage device on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
Each time a game is performed after shifting to the insurance mode, a process of transmitting the identification information of the gaming machine stored in the storage device to the control device via the communication line;
When the number of games cumulatively counted by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine reaches a set value to be compared with the number of games, a command signal transmitted from the control device is Processing to receive,
Based on the command signal, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player and that is the same or different type of game state from the first special game state is stored in the storage device. Processing to read and execute from
A process of receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, an image corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value based on the output data stored in the storage device Alternatively, a game machine that executes a process of outputting sound to the output device.

According to the invention of (3), the mode shifts from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted. Then, when the command signal transmitted from the control device is received when the number of games counted in the control device reaches the set value after shifting to the insurance mode, the second special game state is generated. In addition, in the insurance mode, when the player operates the input device, an image or sound corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value is output to the output device based on the output data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(4) A gaming machine including an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode from the storage device on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
A process of cumulatively counting the number of games each time a game is played after transitioning to the insurance mode,
A process for determining whether or not the number of games has reached a set value;
When it is determined that the number of games has reached a set value, a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player and that is the same type or a different type of game state from the first special game state is generated. A process of reading out and executing the program from the storage device;
A process of receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, an image corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value based on the output data stored in the storage device Alternatively, a game machine that executes a process of outputting sound to the output device.

According to the invention of (4), the non-insurance mode is shifted to the insured mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted. Then, every time a game is played after shifting to the insurance mode, the number of games is cumulatively counted. It is determined whether or not the number of games has reached the set value. When it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value, the second special game state is generated. In addition, in the insurance mode, when the player operates the input device, an image or sound corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value is output to the output device based on the output data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(5) A gaming machine including an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode from the storage device on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
It is advantageous for the player when the balance of the game media that is counted cumulatively every time the game is played after the transition to the insurance mode becomes less than the set value to be compared with the balance of the game media. Processing for reading out and executing a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a different gaming state and the same or different gaming state of the first special gaming state from the storage device;
A process of receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, based on the output data stored in the storage device, the remaining number until the balance of the game medium becomes equal to or less than the set value. A game machine that executes a process of outputting a corresponding image or sound to the output device.

According to the invention of (5), the mode shifts from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted. Then, when the balance of the gaming media counted after shifting to the insurance mode becomes equal to or less than the set value, the second special gaming state is generated. Also, in the insurance mode, when the player operates the input device, based on the output data, outputs to the output device an image or sound according to the remaining number until the balance of the game medium falls below the set value To do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(6) An arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode, and a balance of gaming media in each of the plurality of gaming machines is provided for each gaming machine. A gaming machine connected via a communication line to a control device for cumulative counting,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode from the storage device on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
Each time a game is played after transitioning to the insurance mode, the number of game media inserted and paid out in the game stored in the storage device, together with the identification information of the gaming machine, is stored via the communication line. Processing to send to the control device;
A setting that the balance of the game media that is cumulatively counted by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the number of game media inserted and paid out in the game is to be compared with the balance of the game media A process of receiving a command signal transmitted from the control device when the value is equal to or less than a value;
Based on the command signal, a program for generating a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player and that is the same or different type of game state from the first special game state is stored in the storage device. Processing to read and execute from
A process of receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, based on the output data stored in the storage device, the remaining number until the balance of the game medium becomes equal to or less than the set value. A game machine that executes a process of outputting a corresponding image or sound to the output device.

According to the invention of (6), the non-insurance mode is shifted to the insured mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted. Then, when the command signal transmitted from the control device is received when the balance of the gaming media counted in the control device is less than or equal to the set value after shifting to the insurance mode, the second special gaming state is generated. . Also, in the insurance mode, when the player operates the input device, based on the output data, outputs to the output device an image or sound according to the remaining number until the balance of the game medium falls below the set value To do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(7) A gaming machine including an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing the lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a first special game state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, from the storage device;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode from the storage device on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
A process of cumulatively counting the balance of game media every time a game is played after transitioning to the insurance mode,
A process for determining whether or not the balance of the game medium has become a set value or less;
When it is determined that the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than the set value, a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player and that is the same type or a different type of game state from the first special game state is generated. A program for reading out the program for execution from the storage device and executing the program,
A process of receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, based on the output data stored in the storage device, the remaining number until the balance of the game medium becomes equal to or less than the set value. A game machine that executes a process of outputting a corresponding image or sound to the output device.

According to the invention of (7), on the condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted, the mode is shifted from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode. Then, every time a game is played after shifting to the insurance mode, the balance of game media is cumulatively counted. In addition, it is determined whether or not the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than the set value, and when it is determined that the balance of the game medium is equal to or less than the set value, the second special game state is generated. Also, in the insurance mode, when the player operates the input device, based on the output data, outputs to the output device an image or sound according to the remaining number until the balance of the game medium falls below the set value To do. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(8) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (7) above,
The arithmetic processing unit is
In the non-insurance mode, when a predetermined signal is received from the input device, a process of accepting the input of a required number of game media for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode is performed. To do.

According to the invention of (8), when the player operates the input device in the non-insurance mode, the player accepts the input of the number of game media (for example, credits) necessary for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode. After that, it shifts to the insurance mode. As described above, since it is possible to easily shift to the insurance mode by operating the input device, the convenience is excellent.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(9) The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (7) above,
The output device is a display device having an image display area,
The input device is a touch panel that is arranged in front of the display area, can detect contact by a player, and outputs a signal indicating a contact position when the contact is detected.
The arithmetic processing unit is
In the non-insurance mode, a process for displaying a transition instruction input image for inputting an instruction for requesting transition to the insurance mode in the display area;
When the transition instruction input image is displayed, when the signal indicating the contact position corresponding to the display position of the transition instruction input image is output from the touch panel, the mode shifts from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode. A process of accepting the input of the required number of game media to perform,
In the insurance mode, a process of displaying a display instruction input image for inputting an instruction for requesting display of an image related to the insurance mode at a position substantially the same as a display position of the transition instruction input image;
When the display instruction input image is displayed, the output request signal is received when a signal indicating a contact position corresponding to the display position of the display instruction input image is output from the touch panel as the output request signal. It is characterized by executing the processing to be performed.

According to the invention of (9), the arithmetic processing unit displays the transition instruction input image in the display area in the non-insurance mode, and displays the transition instruction input image at the display position when the transition instruction input image is displayed. When a signal indicating the corresponding contact position is output from the touch panel, the input of the number of game media necessary for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode is accepted.
Accordingly, in the non-insurance mode, the player can input an instruction for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode by touching the transition instruction input image via the touch panel.

The arithmetic processing unit displays a display instruction input image in the display area in the insurance mode, and a signal indicating a contact position corresponding to the display position of the display instruction input image when the display instruction input image is displayed. Is output from the touch panel as an output request signal, the output request signal is received.
When receiving the output request signal, the arithmetic processing unit displays an image indicating the remaining number until a predetermined variable (for example, the number of games, the balance of game media) reaches a set value in the display area.
Therefore, in the insurance mode, the player inputs an instruction for displaying an image indicating the remaining number until the predetermined variable reaches the set value by touching the display instruction input image via the touch panel. Can do.

Thus, according to the invention of (9), an image (transition instruction input image or display instruction input image) is displayed at a predetermined position in the display area, and the function of the image in the game is in the insurance-free mode or insured. Different depending on the mode. Thereby, it is possible to effectively utilize the display area of the display device.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(10) transitioning from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
When a predetermined variable that is cumulatively counted each time a game is played after transitioning to the insurance mode reaches a set value that is to be compared with the predetermined variable, a predetermined value is given to the player. Granting a profit;
A process of receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when an instruction regarding the insurance mode is input by the player, a process of outputting an image or sound corresponding to the remaining number until the predetermined variable reaches the set value is executed. A game control method characterized by the above.

According to the invention of (10), the mode shifts from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted. Then, when a predetermined variable counted after shifting to the insurance mode reaches a set value, a predetermined profit is given to the player. Further, in the insurance mode, when the player operates the input device, an image or sound corresponding to the remaining number until the predetermined variable reaches the set value is output to the output device based on the output data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(11) A gaming machine including an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode, and the gaming machine connected to the gaming machine via a communication line A gaming system comprising a control device,
The arithmetic processing unit is
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode from the storage device on condition that a predetermined game medium is inserted;
When a predetermined signal is received from the control device, a program for giving a predetermined benefit to the player from the storage device and executing the program,
A process of receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, based on the output data stored in the storage device, according to the remaining number until the predetermined variable reaches the set value Executing the process of outputting an image or sound to the output device,
The control device
A process of cumulatively counting a predetermined variable every time a game is performed after shifting to the insurance mode in the gaming machine,
A gaming system, wherein when the predetermined variable reaches a set value to be compared with the predetermined variable, processing for transmitting the predetermined signal to the gaming machine is performed.

According to the invention of (11), the non-insurance mode is shifted to the insured mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted. Then, when a predetermined variable counted after shifting to the insurance mode reaches a set value, a predetermined profit is given to the player. Further, in the insurance mode, when the player operates the input device, an image or sound corresponding to the remaining number until the predetermined variable reaches the set value is output to the output device based on the output data. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of coins from causing discomfort or distrust in a game or losing interest or interest in the game.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming system 100 includes a plurality of gaming machines 10 and a control device 200 connected to these gaming machines 10 via a predetermined communication line 101. Such a gaming system 100 may be constructed within one gaming facility capable of performing various games such as bars and casinos, or may be constructed among a plurality of gaming facilities. Further, when the game system 100 is constructed within one game facility, the game system 100 may be constructed for each floor or section of the game facility. The communication line 101 is not particularly limited, and may be wired or wireless, and a dedicated line, an exchange line, or the like can be employed.

In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is a slot machine. However, in the present invention, the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a so-called single game machine such as a video slot machine or a video card game machine, such as a horse racing game, a bingo game, or a lottery ticket. It may be a so-called mass game machine (multi-terminal gaming machine) that plays a game that requires a predetermined time until the result is displayed.

In the gaming machine 10, coins, bills, or electronic valuable information corresponding to these are used as game media. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include medals, tokens, electronic money, and tickets. The ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a ticket with a barcode as described later.

The control device 200 controls a plurality of gaming machines 10. In particular, in the present embodiment, the control device 200 controls the transition to the return mode in each gaming machine 10. The return mode corresponds to the second special game state in the present invention. In the return mode, a predetermined number of coins are paid out or a predetermined number of credits are added. Note that the control device 200 may control the reduction rate by controlling the transition to the reduction mode. In this case, the control device 200 may individually control the return rate of the gaming machine 10 or may control the return rate in the plurality of gaming machines 10 as a whole. In the present invention, when the second special gaming state occurs (when the return mode is entered), a barcoded ticket 39 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later, may be issued.

The control device 200 may have a function as a so-called hall server installed in a gaming facility having a plurality of gaming machines 10 or a server that collectively manages a plurality of gaming facilities. Each gaming machine 10 is assigned a unique identification number, and the control device 200 determines the origin of data sent from each gaming machine 10 based on the identification number. Also, when transmitting data from the control device 200 to the gaming machine 10, the transmission destination is specified using the identification number.

The identification number of the gaming machine corresponds to the identification information of the gaming machine in the present invention. In the present invention, the identification information of the gaming machine is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include letters, symbols, numbers, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming machine 10 includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided on the front surface of the cabinet 11. Inside the cabinet 11, three reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) are rotatably provided. On the outer peripheral surface of each reel 14, a symbol row composed of 22 symbols (hereinafter also referred to as symbols) is drawn.

A lower image display panel 16 is provided in front of each reel 14 in the main door 13. The lower image display panel 16 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel, and various information related to the game, effect images, and the like are displayed during the game. The lower image display panel 16 corresponds to an image output device according to the present invention.
In the lower image display panel 16, a credit number display unit 31 and a payout number display unit 32 are set. The credit amount display unit 31 displays the number of credited coins as an image. On the payout display section 32, the number of coins paid out when the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line L is a predetermined combination is displayed as an image.

The lower image display panel 16 is formed with three display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) whose rear surface can be visually recognized, and is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 14 through each display window 15. Three symbols are displayed each. The lower image display panel 16 is formed with a single winning line L that horizontally crosses the three display windows 15. The winning line L defines a combination of symbols. When the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the winning line L is a predetermined combination, the number of coins corresponding to the combination and the number of coins inserted (BET number) is paid out.

In the present invention, for example, a plurality of pay lines L are formed which cross the three display windows 15 horizontally or diagonally, and the number of pay lines L corresponding to the number of coins inserted is activated. When the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line L is a predetermined combination, the number of coins corresponding to the combination may be paid out.

Further, although not shown, a touch panel 69 is provided on the front surface of the lower image display panel 16, and the player operates the touch panel 69 to input various instructions (for example, instructions regarding the insurance mode). Can do. The touch panel 69 corresponds to the input device in the present invention.

Below the lower image display panel 16, a control panel 20 including a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 into which instructions relating to game progress are input by a player, a coin receiving slot 21 for receiving coins into the cabinet 11, and banknotes A discriminator 22 is provided.

The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a change button 24, a cashout button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET button 27. The spin button 23 is for inputting an instruction to start the rotation of the reel 14. The change button 24 is used when requesting a change of money from an attendant of the game facility. The cashout button 25 is used to input an instruction to pay out the credited coins to the coin tray 18.

The 1-BET button 26 is used to input an instruction to bet one coin among the credited coins on the game. The maximum BET button 27 is used for inputting an instruction to bet a maximum number of coins (50 in this embodiment) that can be bet on one game among the credited coins.

In the present invention, the input of the game medium means that the game medium is consumed. The case where the game medium is consumed includes the case where the game medium is bet on the game and the case where the game medium is consumed for shifting to the insurance mode described later. For example, when a coin inserted into the coin acceptance slot 21 is directly bet on a game, the insertion of the coin into the coin acceptance slot 21 corresponds to the insertion of a game medium. However, as in the present embodiment, once a coin is inserted into the coin receiving slot 21, the credit is once credited, and when the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is operated, the credited coin is bet on the game. In this case, betting a credited coin on a game is equivalent to inserting a game medium.

The banknote discriminator 22 recognizes the suitability of banknotes and accepts regular banknotes in the cabinet 11. Note that the bill validator 22 may be configured to be able to read a barcode-added ticket 39 to be described later. A berry glass 34 on which a character of the gaming machine 10 is drawn is provided on the lower front surface of the main door 13, that is, below the control panel 20.

An upper image display panel 33 is provided on the front surface of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 includes a liquid crystal panel, and displays, for example, an effect image, an introduction of game contents, and an explanation of game rules. In the present embodiment, the upper image display panel 33 corresponds to the image output device according to the present invention, similarly to the lower image display panel 16. In the present invention, either the lower image display panel 16 or the upper image display panel 33 may correspond to an image output device.

The top box 12 is provided with a speaker 29. The speaker 29 corresponds to the sound output device in the present invention. Below the upper image display panel 33, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and an identification number of the gaming machine 10 is encoded, and outputs it as a ticket 39 with a bar code. A player causes another gaming machine to read the ticket 39 with a barcode to play a game with the gaming machine, or exchanges the ticket 39 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined location of the gaming facility (for example, a cashier in a casino). You can do it.

The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and writes data to the smart card. The smart card is a card possessed by the player, and stores, for example, data for identifying the player and data relating to a history of games played by the player. The smart card may store data corresponding to coins, bills, or credits. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted instead of the smart card. The data display 37 is composed of a fluorescent display or the like and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 36 or data input by the player through the keypad 38. The keypad 38 is used for inputting instructions and data related to ticket issuance and the like.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a column of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each reel.
Twenty-two symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel 14L, middle reel 14C and right reel 14R, respectively. The symbol rows drawn on each reel 14 are different from each other. Each symbol column is configured by combining “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE” symbols.

“JACKPOT 7,” “BLUE 7,” “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “STRAWBERRY,” “PLUM,” and “ORANGE” are predetermined credits when three on the winning line L are stopped and displayed. The number is added as a credit owned by the player (see FIG. 16). In addition, regarding “CHERRY” and “ORANGE”, even if one or two are displayed in a stopped state on the winning line, a predetermined number of credits is assigned to the player according to the number of credits owned by the player. (See FIG. 16).

“APPLE” is a bonus game trigger (a symbol for shifting to a bonus game). When three “APPLE” are stopped and displayed on the winning line L, it is possible to shift to the bonus game. The bonus game corresponds to the first special game state. In this embodiment, the bonus game is a free game (a game that can be played a predetermined number of times without betting coins).

In the present invention, the first special gaming state is not particularly limited as long as it is an advantageous gaming state for the player. Further, the gaming state advantageous to the player is not particularly limited as long as it is more advantageous than the normal gaming state (the gaming state other than the first special gaming state or the second special gaming state). A state in which more game media can be acquired than the normal game state, a state in which game media can be acquired with a higher probability than in the normal game state, and a state in which the number of game media consumed is lower than in the normal game state. . Specifically, examples of the first special gaming state include a free game, a second game, and a mystery bonus.

When the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is pressed and the spin button 23 is pressed to start the game, the symbol row drawn on each reel 14 is displayed along with the rotation of the reel 14. The window 15 is scrolled from the upper side to the lower side. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the reel 15 is stopped and displayed as the rotation of the reel 14 stops. Further, when various combinations (see FIG. 16) are determined in advance based on the combination of symbols, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination stops on the winning line L, the number of coins paid out according to the combination Is added to the credits owned by the player. When a bonus game trigger is established, a bonus game is generated.

Further, when a return mode flag, which will be described later, is set to “ON”, after the symbol is stopped and displayed as described above, the mode is shifted to the return mode. When a bonus game is generated, the mode is shifted to the return mode after the bonus game is ended. The return mode corresponds to the second special game state. In the present embodiment, when shifting to the return mode, a predetermined number of coins are paid out or a predetermined number of credits are added.
In the present invention, when the second special gaming state occurs (when the return mode is entered), a barcoded ticket 39 on which predetermined information is printed may be issued.

In the present invention, the second special gaming state is not particularly limited as long as it is a gaming state advantageous to the player. Such gaming states include, for example, a state in which more gaming media can be acquired in the normal gaming state, a state in which gaming media can be acquired with a higher probability than in the normal gaming state, and consumption of gaming media from the normal gaming state. A state where the number is reduced can be exemplified. Specifically, examples of the second special gaming state include a free game, a second game, and a mystery bonus.

In the present invention, the second special gaming state may be the same type of gaming state as the first special gaming state, but as in the present embodiment, the second special gaming state is a different type of gaming state from the first special gaming state. May be. When the second special game state is a different type of game state from the first special game state, the game can have diversity, and the expectation for the second special game state can be enhanced. Further, the gaming state in the second special gaming state may be a dedicated gaming state that occurs only when the second special gaming state occurs. In this case, the expectation for the second special gaming state can be further increased.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG.
The gaming board 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and an IC socket corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54 connected to each other via an internal bus. 54S.

The memory card 53 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a compact flash (registered trademark), and stores a game program and a game system program. The game program includes a lottery program. The lottery program is a program for determining the symbol (code No. corresponding to the symbol) of each reel 14 that is stopped and displayed on the winning line L. The lottery program includes symbol weighting data corresponding to each of a plurality of types of payout rates (for example, 80%, 84%, 88%). The symbol weighting data is the code number of each symbol for each of the three reels 14. (Refer to FIG. 3) and data indicating the correspondence between one or a plurality of random values belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0 to 256). The payout rate is determined based on the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54, and a lottery is performed based on the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate.

The card slot 53S is configured so that the memory card 53 can be inserted and removed, and is connected to the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, by extracting the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game program and game system program in the memory card 53, and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S, The contents can be changed. Also, by replacing the memory card 53 storing one game program and game system program with a memory card 53 storing another game program and game system program, the types and contents of games played in the gaming machine 10 can be changed. It is also possible to change.
The game program includes a program related to game progression, a program for generating a first special gaming state, and a program for generating a second special gaming state. The game program also includes image data and sound data output during the game, image data and sound data for notifying that the mode is shifted to the insurance mode, and the game is performed after the mode is shifted to the insurance mode. Output data for outputting an image or sound corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games counted cumulatively reaches the set value.

The GAL 54 is a kind of PLD having an OR fixed type array structure. The GAL 54 includes a plurality of input ports and output ports. When predetermined data is input to the input port, the GAL 54 outputs data corresponding to the data from the output port. The data output from this output port is the aforementioned payout rate setting data.
The IC socket 54S is configured so that the GAL 54 can be attached and detached, and is connected to the mother board 40 by a PCI bus. Therefore, the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 can be changed by extracting the GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, rewriting the program stored in the GAL 54, and attaching the GAL 54 to the IC socket 54S. Also, the payout rate setting data can be changed by replacing the GAL 54 with another GAL 54.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 connected to each other by an internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 by a PCI bus. The PCI bus transmits signals between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 50. The ROM 55 stores country identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) for the CPU 51 to start the preliminary authentication program.

The authentication program is a program (tamper check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure (authentication procedure) for verifying and verifying that the game program and game system program to be authenticated are not falsified, that is, authenticating the game program and game system program. Has been. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the above-described authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a proof that the authentication program to be authenticated has not been falsified, that is, a procedure for authenticating the authentication program (authentication procedure).

The motherboard 40 is configured by using a commercially available general-purpose motherboard (printed wiring board on which basic components of a personal computer are mounted), a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication. Interface 44. The main CPU 41 is an arithmetic processing device in the present invention.

The ROM 42 includes a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a basic input / output system (BIOS) executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, initialization processing of predetermined peripheral devices is performed, and acquisition processing of the game program and game system program stored in the memory card 53 via the gaming board 50 is started. The In the present invention, the ROM 42 may be rewritable or impossible.

The RAM 43 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 41 operates. Further, the RAM 43 can store an authentication program, a game program, and a game system program that are read out via the gaming board 50. The RAM 43 is a storage device in the present invention.

The RAM 43 is provided with a storage area for a return mode flag. The return mode flag is a flag referred to when selecting whether or not to shift to the return mode as the second special gaming state. The storage area of the return mode flag is, for example, a storage area having a predetermined number of bits, and the return mode flag is “ON” or “OFF” depending on the storage contents in the storage area. When the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the mode is changed to the return mode.

The RAM 43 is provided with a storage area for insurance mode flags. The insurance mode flag is a flag indicating whether the insurance mode or the non-insurance mode. The storage area for the insurance mode flag is, for example, a storage area having a predetermined number of bits, and the insurance mode flag is “ON” or “OFF” depending on the storage contents in the storage area. The insurance mode flag “ON” indicates the insurance mode, and the insurance mode flag “OFF” indicates the non-insurance mode.
Further, the RAM 43 stores data such as the number of credits, the number of insertions and the number of payouts in one game.

The communication interface 44 is for communicating with the control device 200 via the communication line 101. The main CPU 41 transmits the number of coins inserted and paid out in the game together with the gaming machine identification number of the gaming machine 10 to the control device 200 every time a game is played. In the control device 200, the number of games, the cumulative number of inputs, and the cumulative number of payouts are stored in association with each gaming machine identification number. In the control device 200, a setting value to be compared with the number of games is determined in association with each gaming machine identification number, and the number of games in a certain gaming machine 10 is determined for that gaming machine 10. When the set value is reached, a reduction command signal is transmitted from the control device 200. When the main CPU 41 receives the return command signal via the communication interface 44, the main CPU 41 sets the return mode flag to “ON”.

Further, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80, which will be described later, are connected to the mother board 40 by USB. Further, a power supply unit 45 is connected to the mother board 40. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 45 to the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 of the mother board 40 is activated, and power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus to activate the CPU 51.

The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to devices and devices that generate input signals input to the main CPU 41 and devices and devices whose operations are controlled by control signals output from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes a predetermined arithmetic process by executing a game program and a game system program stored in the RAM 43 based on an input signal input to the main CPU 41, and stores the result in the RAM 43. A control signal is transmitted to each device or apparatus as a control process for the device or apparatus.

The main body PCB 60 includes a lamp 30, a sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin detection unit 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 29 as an output device, a touch panel 69 as an input device, a bill discriminator 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, A key switch 38S and a data display 37 are connected. The lamp 30 is lit in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

The sub CPU 61 controls the rotation and stop of the reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R). A motor drive circuit 62 including an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 63 and a driver 64 is connected to the sub CPU 61. The FPGA 63 is a programmable electronic circuit such as an LSI and functions as a control circuit for the stepping motor 70. The driver 64 functions as a circuit for amplifying pulses input to the stepping motor 70. A stepping motor 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) that rotates each reel 14 is connected to the motor drive circuit 62. The stepping motor 70 is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor.

In the present invention, the excitation method of the stepping motor is not particularly limited, and for example, a two-phase excitation method, a one-phase excitation method, or the like can be adopted. Moreover, it is good also as employ | adopting a DC motor instead of a stepping motor. When a DC motor is employed, a deviation counter, a D / A converter, and a servo amplifier are sequentially connected to the sub CPU 61, and the DC motor is connected to the servo amplifier. The rotational position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder, and the current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied as data from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.

Further, an index detection circuit 65 and a position detection change circuit 71 are connected to the sub CPU 61. The index detection circuit 65 detects the position of a rotating reel 14 (an index to be described later), and can detect the step-out of the reel 14. The control of the rotation and stop of the reel 14 will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

The position change detection circuit 71 detects a change in the stop position of the reel 14 after the rotation of the reel 14 is stopped. For example, the position change detection circuit 71 may detect that the stop position is changed by the player so that the combination of symbols forcibly becomes a winning combination, even though it is not actually a combination of symbols for a winning mode. The change of the stop position of the reel 14 related to the above is detected. The position change detection circuit 71 is configured to detect a change in the stop position of the reel 14 by detecting fins (not shown) attached to the inner portion of the reel 14 at a predetermined interval, for example.

The hopper 66 is installed in the cabinet 11 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout opening 19 to the coin tray 18 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The coin detection unit 67 is provided inside the coin payout opening 19 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout opening 19. .

The graphic board 68 controls image display on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 as output devices based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The credit amount display unit 31 of the lower image display panel 16 displays the credit amount stored in the RAM 43. In addition, the payout number display section 31 of the lower image display panel 16 displays the number of coins paid out.
The graphic board 68 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, a video RAM that temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. Note that the image data used when generating the image data by VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 recognizes whether or not a bill is appropriate and accepts a regular bill into the cabinet 11. When the bill validator 22 accepts a regular bill, it outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on the amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores the number of credits corresponding to the amount of bills transmitted by the input signal in the RAM 43.

Based on the control signal output from the main CPU 41, the ticket printer 35 prints on the ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and identification number of the gaming machine 10 stored in the RAM 43 is encoded. Output as a ticket 39 with code.
The card reader 36 reads data from the smart card and transmits it to the main CPU 41, or writes data to the smart card based on a control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when the keypad 38 is operated by the player. The data display 37 displays data read by the card reader 36 or data input by the player via the keypad 38 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

A control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. The control panel 20 includes a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUT switch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26, A maximum BET switch 27S corresponding to the maximum BET button 27 is provided. Each of the switches 23S to 27S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when the corresponding button 23 to 27 is operated by the player.

The coin counter 21 </ b> C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 21 and identifies whether or not the coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 by the player is appropriate. Items other than regular coins are discharged from the coin payout exit 19. The coin counter 21 </ b> C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when a regular coin is detected.

The reverter 21S operates based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, and a coin that is recognized as a regular coin by the coin counter 21C is installed in the gaming machine 10 (not shown). Or, it is distributed to the hopper 66. That is, when the hopper 66 is filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight installed on the back side of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33, and lights up based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The control device 200 includes a CPU 201 as an arithmetic processing device, a ROM 202, a RAM 203 as a temporary storage device, a communication interface 204, and a hard disk drive 205. The communication interface 204 is connected to the communication interface 44 of each gaming machine 10 via the communication line 101. The ROM 202 stores a system program for controlling the operation of the control device, permanent data, and the like. The RAM 203 temporarily stores data received from each gaming machine 10 and data such as calculation results. Further, the hard disk drive 205 stores a game history in each gaming machine 10 in association with the gaming machine identification number of each gaming machine 10.

FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a correspondence table between gaming machine identification numbers and gaming history.
Each gaming machine identification number is associated with the number of games as a game history, the cumulative number of coins inserted, the cumulative number of coins paid out, the balance of coins, and the coin return rate.

When the CPU 201 receives the input number, the payout number, and the gaming machine identification number from the gaming machine 10 via the communication interface 204, the CPU 201 updates the gaming history corresponding to the gaming machine identification number. Specifically, 1 is added to the number of games, the number of inputs is added to the cumulative number of inputs, and the number of payouts is added to the cumulative number of payouts. Further, the balance of the coins and the return rate are calculated on the basis of the cumulative insertion number and the cumulative payout number. If the CPU 201 determines that the updated number of games has reached the set value, the CPU 201 transmits a return command signal including the number of coins paid out in the return mode as data to the gaming machine 10.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a correspondence table between set values and payout numbers.
As the set value “600”, the payout number “500” in the return mode is set.
The correspondence table shown in FIG. 7 is stored as data in the hard disk drive 205.

In the present invention, the number of payouts in the return mode does not necessarily have to be constant. For example, the number of payouts may change according to the game history or the like.
FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing another example of a correspondence table between set values and the number of payouts.
In the set value “600”, “(−Balance) × 50% (however, when the balance ≧ 0, the number of payouts = 500)” is set as the number of payouts in the return mode. Therefore, when the number of games reaches 600, if the balance is “−2000”, the number of payouts is 1000, and if the balance is “−4000”, the number of payouts is 2000.

Next, processing performed in the gaming machine 10 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a chart showing the procedure of the authentication reading process of the game program and game system program by the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 shown in FIG. It is assumed that the memory card 53 is inserted into the card slot 53S of the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is attached to the IC socket 54S.

First, when the power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit 45, the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated (steps S1-1 and S2-1). When the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated, separate processes are performed in parallel. That is, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52, and the authentication program has been falsified in advance before loading into the motherboard 40 according to the read preliminary authentication program. Preliminary authentication is performed to confirm and prove that there is no data (step S2-2). On the other hand, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 42 and expands the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM 43 (step S1-2). Then, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS expanded in the RAM 43, and performs diagnosis and initialization of various peripheral devices (step S1-3).

Then, since the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected to the main CPU 41 via the PCI bus, the main CPU 41 reads the authentication program stored in the ROM 55 and stores the read authentication program in the RAM 43. The process to memorize | store is performed (step S1-4). At this time, the main CPU 41 takes the checksum by the ADDSUM method (standard check function) in accordance with the BIOS standard BIOS function, and stores the authentication program in the RAM 43 while confirming whether or not the storage is definitely performed. Let

Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU 41 accesses the memory card 53 inserted into the card slot 53S via the IDE bus, and from the memory card 53, the game program And reading out the game system program. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads out data constituting the game program and the game system program 4 bytes at a time. Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs authentication for confirming and proving that the read game program and game system program have not been falsified in accordance with the authentication program stored in the RAM 43 (step S1-5). When this authentication process ends normally, the main CPU 41 writes and stores the game program and game system program to be authenticated (authenticated) in the RAM 43 (step S1-6). Next, the main CPU 41 accesses the GAL 54 attached to the IC socket 54S via the PCI bus, reads the payout rate setting data from the GAL 54, and writes and stores it in the RAM 43 (step S1-7). Next, the main CPU 41 reads out the country identification information stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and performs a process of storing the read country identification information in the RAM 43 (step S1-8). ).

After performing the processing described above, the main CPU 41 sequentially reads and executes the game program and the game system program to advance the game.

After the process shown in FIG. 9 is performed, the main CPU 41 performs a game mode selection process.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game mode selection processing.
When the main CPU 41 receives a detection signal output from the coin counter 21C when the coin counter 21C detects a coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 while executing this subroutine, As the insertion process, a process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is performed.

First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 is set to “ON” (step S111). When it is determined that the insurance mode flag is not set to “ON”, that is, the insurance mode flag is set to “OFF”, a process for displaying the non-insurance mode image is performed (step S112).
In this processing, the main CPU 41 transmits a non-insurance mode image drawing command to the graphic board 68. In the graphic board 68, based on the drawing command, the VDP extracts image data from the RAM 43 and develops it in the video RAM to generate one frame of image data. This image data is used as the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image. The data is output to the display panel 16. As a result, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of images displayed on the upper image display panel and the lower image display panel in the non-insurance mode. In the figure, reference numeral 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) denotes a display window. Reference numeral 31 denotes a credit number display section. Reference numeral 32 denotes a payout number display section. L indicates a winning line.
An image 90 indicating “INSURANCE BET $ 1.00 TOUCH TO BET” is displayed in the lower right portion of the lower image display panel 16. The image 90 is an image for requesting the player to select the insurance mode and to insert game media necessary for selecting the insurance mode. The player can input an instruction to select the insurance mode by touching a predetermined portion of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 90.
The image 90 corresponds to a migration instruction input image.

In order to select the insurance mode, a predetermined number of credits (1 dollar in this embodiment) is required. Note that instead of the number of credits, a corresponding bill or coin may be inserted. When the insurance mode is selected, after that, when the number of games reaches a set value (for example, 600) without generating a bonus game, the return mode flag is set to “ON” and the mode is shifted to the return mode. In the return mode, the player can acquire a predetermined number (in this embodiment, 500 coins) of coins or credits equivalent thereto.
That is, in the insurance mode, the game can be played in a state in which insurance is provided to cover all or part of the loss that occurs when the bonus game does not occur for a long time.

On the other hand, when the instruction to select the insurance mode is not input, the non-insurance mode is selected. When the non-insurance mode is selected, even if a bonus game does not occur for a long period of time, the return mode flag is not set to “ON” and the return mode is not entered.

An image 91 indicating “What is INSURANCE?” Is displayed above the image 90. The image 91 is an image for inputting an instruction to display a help image. The player can input an instruction to display a help image by touching a predetermined portion of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 91.
An image 92 indicating “INSURANCE OFF” is displayed at the lower part of the upper image display panel 33. The image 92 is an image indicating that the game mode is the non-insurance mode.

After the process of step S112, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not an instruction to display a help image has been input (step S113). As described above, the instruction to display the help image is input when a predetermined location on the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 91 is touched by the player.

When an instruction to display a help image is input, processing for displaying a help image is performed (step S114). In this process, the main CPU 41 transmits a help image drawing command to the graphic board 68. The graphic board 68 performs processing for displaying an image on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 based on the drawing command. As a result, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of images displayed on the upper image display panel and the lower image display panel in the non-insurance mode.
The images displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 are substantially the same as the images shown in FIG. 11, but the help image 93 is displayed on the upper portion of the upper image display panel 33. However, it is different from FIG.
The help image 93 is an image showing “Insurance HELP MESSAGE MAXBET for 600 games, if the bonus game trigger“ APPLE ”is not issued, 500 insurance credits will be paid out”. The help image 93 shows an explanatory text about the insurance mode. It should be noted that the help image 93 shown in FIG. 12 disappears when a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since it was displayed.

When the process of step S114 is executed or when an instruction to display the help image is not input in step S113, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not an instruction to select the insurance mode is input. Judgment is made (step S115). The instruction to select the insurance mode is input when a predetermined portion of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 90 is touched by the player as described above.

When an instruction to select the insurance mode is input, the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 to “ON” (step S116). Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs a process of subtracting a predetermined number (in this embodiment, the number of credits corresponding to one dollar) from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 (step S117).
In step S117, when the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) receives a predetermined signal from the touch panel 69 (input device) in the non-insurance mode, the number of credits necessary for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode. It corresponds to the process of accepting the input.

When it is determined in step S111 that the insurance mode flag is set to “ON”, or when the process of step S117 is executed, a process for displaying the insurance mode image is performed (step S118).
In this process, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) transmits an insurance mode image drawing command to the graphic board 68. In the graphic board 68, based on the drawing command, the VDP extracts the image data from the RAM 43 (storage device) and develops the image data in the video RAM to generate one frame of image data. 33 and the lower image display panel 16. As a result, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of images displayed on the upper image display panel and the lower image display panel in the insurance mode.
In the lower right portion of the lower image display panel 16, an image 90 ′ indicating “INSURANCE continuing TOUCH TO SEE HELP” is displayed instead of the image 90 (see FIG. 11). The image 90 ′ is an image for indicating that the game mode is the insurance mode, and for inputting an instruction to display a help image. The player can input an instruction to display a help image by touching a predetermined portion of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 90 '.
The image 90 ′ is an image corresponding to the display instruction input image.
On the lower part of the upper image display panel 33, an image 92 ′ indicating “INSURANCE WIN 500 CREDITS is continuing” is displayed. The image 92 ′ is an image indicating that the game mode is the insurance mode, and that the number of credits given to the player when shifting to the return mode is 500.

After the process of step S118, the main CPU 41 performs a game execution process in the insurance mode (step S119). This process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 14. In the insurance mode, the image 92 ′ is displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the image 90 ′ is displayed on the lower image display panel 16.

On the other hand, if an instruction to select the insurance mode is not input in step S115, the main CPU 41 performs a game execution process in the non-insurance mode (step S120). This process is substantially the same as the game execution process in the insurance mode (see FIG. 14), except that the process related to the return mode transition and the process related to counting the number of games are not performed. Explanation here is omitted. In the non-insurance mode, the image 92 is displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the images 90 and 91 are displayed on the lower image display panel 16. When the process of step S119 or S120 is executed, the process returns to step S111.

As described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13, in this embodiment, in the non-insurance mode, an image 90 (transition) “INSURANCE BET $ 1.00 TOUCH TO BET” is displayed at the lower right portion of the lower image display panel 16. An instruction input image) is displayed (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The player can input an instruction to select the insurance mode by touching a predetermined portion of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 90. On the other hand, in the insurance mode, an image 90 ′ (display instruction input image) indicating “INSURANCE continuing TOUCH TO SEE HELP” is displayed at the same position as where the image 90 was displayed (see FIG. 13). . The player can input an instruction to display a help image by touching a predetermined portion of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 90 '.

That is, in the gaming machine 10, the image 90 in the non-insurance mode and the image 90 ′ in the insurance mode are displayed in the same place on the lower image display panel 16. The functions in the game are different. As described above, in the present invention, an image is displayed at a predetermined position on the display device (lower image display panel 16), and the function of the image in the game differs depending on whether the mode is the non-insurance mode or the insurance mode. Make it. Thereby, the display space of a display apparatus can be utilized effectively.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game execution processing in the insurance mode that is called and executed in step S119 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
In the game execution process, first, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin is bet (step S10). In this process, the main CPU 41 outputs an input signal output from the 1-BET switch 26S when the 1-BET button 26 is operated, or is output from the maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is operated. It is determined whether an input signal is received. If it is determined that no coin is bet, the process returns to step S10.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that a coin has been bet, the main CPU 41 performs a process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 in accordance with the number of coins bet (step S11). If the number of coins bet is greater than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the process returns to step S10 without performing the process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. Further, when the number of coins bet exceeds the upper limit value (50 in this embodiment) that can be bet on one game, a process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is performed. Without proceeding, the process proceeds to step S12.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S12). In this process, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal output from the spin switch 23S when the spin button 23 is pressed is received.
If it is determined that the spin button 23 is not turned on, the process returns to step S10. When the spin button 23 is not turned on (for example, when an instruction to end the game is input without the spin button 23 being turned on), the main CPU 41 cancels the subtraction result in step S11. .

In the present embodiment, after a coin is bet (step S10), before the determination of whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S12), a process of subtracting the number of credits (step S11) is performed. explain. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, after a coin is bet (step S10), it is determined whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S12), and when it is determined that the spin button 23 is turned on (step S12: YES), the number of credits It is good also as performing the process (step S11) which subtracts.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 in FIG. 14 that the spin button 23 has been turned ON, the main CPU 41 performs a lottery process (step S13). In this lottery process, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) executes the lottery program stored in the RAM 43 (storage device), thereby causing the code No. To decide. Thereby, a combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed is determined. This process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, a case where one combination is determined from a plurality of types by determining combinations of symbols to be stopped and displayed will be described. In the present invention, for example, first, by lottery, One combination selected from a plurality of types of combinations may be determined, and then a combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed may be determined based on the combination.

Next, the main CPU 41 performs a reel rotation control process (step S14). This process is a process of stopping the rotation of each reel so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination determined in step S13 is stopped and displayed on the pay line L after starting the rotation of all the reels 14. . This process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger is established, that is, whether or not “APPLE” is stopped and displayed in the display window 15 (step S15). If it is determined that a bonus game trigger has been established, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device) reads a program for playing a bonus game from the RAM 43 (storage device) and executes bonus game processing (step S16). At this time, the first special gaming state has occurred. The bonus game process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

After the process of step S16, it is determined whether or not the return mode flag is set to “ON” (step S25). If the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the return mode flag is set to “ON”. “OFF” is set (step S26).

On the other hand, when determining in step S15 that the bonus game trigger has not been established, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established (step S17). When determining that the winning combination has been established, the main CPU 41 pays out coins according to the number of inserted coins and the winning combination (step S18). When storing coins, the main CPU 41 performs a process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, when paying out coins, the main CPU 41 sends a control signal to the hopper 66 to pay out a predetermined number of coins. At that time, the coin detection unit 67 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 66, and transmits a payout completion signal to the main CPU 41 when the counted value reaches a designated number. As a result, the main CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 66 and ends the coin payout process.

When it is determined in step S17 that no combination is established (when it is determined that the game is lost), or when the processing of step S18 is executed, the main CPU 41 displays the return mode flag stored in the RAM 43. It is determined whether or not “ON” is set (step S19). When determining that the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device) reads a program for shifting to the return mode from the RAM 43 (storage device), executes the return mode processing, The process proceeds to the reduction mode (step S20). At this time, the second special game state has occurred. The reduction mode process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

If it is determined in step S19 or S25 that the return mode flag is not set to “ON”, or if the process of step S20 or S26 is executed, the main CPU 41 executes the bonus game (step S16) or the return mode. It is determined whether or not the transition (step S20) has been performed (step S21).

When determining that the bonus game execution or the return mode transition is not performed, the main CPU 41 executes a counting process (step S22).
The counting process is a process performed between the gaming machine 10 and the control device 200. From the gaming machine 10, the number of throws and the number of payouts in one game are transmitted to the control device 200 together with the gaming machine identification number. In the control device 200, the number of games, the cumulative number of inputs, the cumulative number of payouts, etc. are updated for each gaming machine identification number. When the number of games reaches the set value, the number of coins to be paid out in the return mode is determined according to the set value, and a return command signal indicating the set value and the number of payouts is transmitted from the control device 200 to the gaming machine 10. Is done. When the main CPU 41 receives the return command signal, the main CPU 41 sets the return mode flag to “ON”. The counting process will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the bonus game has been executed or the return mode has been entered, the insurance mode flag is set to “OFF” (step S23). When the process of step S22 or S23 is executed, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a lottery processing subroutine called and executed in step S13 of the subroutine shown in FIG. This process is a process performed by the main CPU 41 executing the lottery program stored in the RAM 43.
First, the main CPU 41 selects a random number value corresponding to each of the three reels 14 from a numerical range of 0 to 255 by executing a random number generation program included in the lottery program (step S31). In the present embodiment, a case where random numbers are generated on a program (a case where so-called software random numbers are used) will be described. However, in the present invention, a random number generator may be provided and a random number may be extracted from the random number generator (a so-called hardware random number is used).

Next, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) refers to the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 and stored in the RAM 43 (storage unit), and based on the selected three random number values. The code No. of each reel 14 (See FIG. 3) is determined (step S32). The code No. of each reel 14 Is the code number of the symbol stopped on the winning line L. It corresponds to. The main CPU 41 sets the code number of each reel 14. By determining the role. For example, the code No. When “00”, “00”, or “00” is determined, the main CPU 41 determines that the winning combination is “JACKPOT 7”. The reel code No. Based on the above, a reel rotation control process to be described later is performed.

Here, the combination in this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between a plurality of types of combinations, the possibility of establishment of each combination, and the number of payouts in the present embodiment. The possibility of establishment of each combination shown in FIG. 16 is for a case where the payout rate is 88% except for the bonus game. Note that the possibility of establishment shown in the figure refers to the code number of each reel 14 based on three random values with reference to the symbol weighting data. This indicates the possibility that the combination will be established. That is, a random value is not associated with each combination.

The probability of establishing the bonus game trigger is 0.5%. When the bonus game trigger is won, three “APPLE” symbols are stopped and displayed on the pay line, and a bonus game is generated. In the bonus game, the free game is executed a number of times determined by lottery.

The probability of establishment of “JACKPOT 7” is 0.5%. When this combination is established, three symbols “JACKPOT 7” are stopped and displayed on the pay line L, and 30 coins are paid out per coin inserted. The number of payouts is set higher as the role is less likely to be established.
However, when a combination of symbols that cannot be any combination of the combinations shown in FIG. 16 is stopped and displayed, it is a loss and no coins are paid out.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the reel rotation control process that is called and executed in step S15 of the subroutine shown in FIG. This process is a process performed between the main CPU 41 and the sub CPU 61.

First, the main CPU 41 transmits a start signal for starting reel rotation to the sub CPU 61 (step S40). When the sub CPU 61 receives a start signal from the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 performs a reel rotation process (step S51). In this process, the sub CPU 61 supplies a pulse to the motor drive circuit 62. The pulse output from the sub CPU 61 is amplified by the driver 64 and supplied to each stepping motor 70 (70L, 70C, 70R). As a result, each stepping motor 70 rotates, and each reel 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) rotates accordingly. The stepping motor 70 of the 1-2 phase excitation method has a step angle of 0.9 ° and 400 steps per rotation. Therefore, when 400 pulses are supplied to the stepping motor 70, the reel 14 rotates once.

At the start of the rotation of the reel 14, the sub CPU 206 supplies a low-frequency pulse to the motor drive circuit 62, and gradually increases the pulse frequency. Along with this, the rotation speed of the reel 14 increases. When a predetermined time elapses, the pulse frequency is made constant. As a result, the reel 14 rotates at a constant speed.

Here, the rotation operation of the reel 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
18A to 18D are side views for explaining the rotation operation of the reel 14.
As shown in FIG. 18A, a semicircular metal plate 14 a is provided on the side surface of the reel 14. The metal plate 14 a rotates together with the reel 14. Further, 22 symbols (see FIG. 3) are provided on the peripheral surface of the reel 14. Of the 22 symbols drawn on the peripheral surface of the reel 14, three symbols can be viewed through the display window 15 formed in front of the reel 14. In the figure, a thick arrow indicates the rotation direction of the reel 14. A proximity sensor 65a is provided on the side of the reel 14. The proximity sensor 65a is for detecting the metal plate 14a. The proximity sensor 65a does not move or rotate even when the reel 14 rotates.

FIG. 18A shows the position (hereinafter also referred to as position A) of the metal plate 14a when the proximity sensor 65a starts detecting the metal plate 14a. When the reel 14 rotates while the metal plate 14a is at the position A, the metal plate 14a moves to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 18B shows the position (hereinafter also referred to as position B) of the metal plate 14a when the metal plate 14a is detected by the proximity sensor 65a. When the reel 14 rotates while the metal plate 14a is at the position B, the metal plate 14a moves to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 18C shows the position of the metal plate 14a (hereinafter also referred to as position C) when the metal plate 14a is no longer detected by the proximity sensor 65a.

When the reel 14 rotates while the metal plate 14a is at the position C, the metal plate 14a moves to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 18D shows the position of the metal plate 14a when the metal plate 14a is not detected by the proximity sensor 65a (hereinafter also referred to as position D). When the reel 14 further rotates, the position of the metal plate 14a returns to the position A. As described above, as the reel 14 rotates, the position of the metal plate 14a changes in the order of position A, position B, position C, position D, position A,.

The proximity sensor 65a constitutes an index detection circuit 65 (see FIG. 3). If the state where the proximity sensor 65a detects the metal plate 14a is “High” and the state where the proximity sensor 65a does not detect the metal plate 14a is “Low”, the metal plate 14a is in position A → position B → position C. , The state of the index detection circuit 65 is “High”, and when the metal plate 14a is in the position C → position D → position A, the state of the index detection circuit 65 is “Low”. The sub CPU 61 recognizes the rotational position of the reel 14 with the rise from “Low” to “High” as index (origin) 1 and the fall from “High” to “Low” as index (origin) 2. To do.

After transmitting the start signal to the sub CPU 61 in step S40, the main CPU 40 executes an effect at the time of reel rotation (step S41). This process includes displaying an image on the lower image display panel 16 and outputting a sound from the speaker 29 over a period (for example, 3 seconds) determined according to the result of the lottery process (FIG. 14, step S13). It is a process to perform.

Next, the main CPU 40 determines whether or not it is time to instruct the stop of the rotation of the reel 14 (step S42).
Here, the timing for instructing the stop of the rotation of the reel 14 is a timing preceding the minimum necessary time for stopping the rotation of the reel 14 from the time when the effect at the time of the reel rotation ends. Note that the minimum time required to stop the rotation of the reel 14 is determined in advance.

If it is determined in step S42 that it is not the timing to instruct to stop the rotation of the reel 14, the process returns to step S42, and the effect at the time of reel rotation is continuously performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S <b> 42 that the timing for instructing the rotation of the reel 14 to stop is reached, the main CPU 41 stores the reel code No. Is transmitted to the sub CPU 61 (step S43). The sub CPU 61 receives a reel code number from the main CPU 41. Is received, the number of steps and the code number stored in the ROM (not shown) provided in the sub CPU 61 are received. And the code No. Is converted into the reel stop position (number of steps) from the index (step S52).

FIG. 19 shows the number of steps and the code number. It is the schematic diagram which showed the corresponding | compatible table | surface. Each code No. Is associated with an index and the number of steps.
Each code No. Corresponds to the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel 14 (see FIG. 3). Symbols “00” to “10” correspond to index 1. In addition, the code No. Symbols “11” to “21” correspond to index 2. Further, the number of steps in the correspondence table shown in FIG. 19 is the number of steps based on the index 1. For example, code No. If “08” is “08”, 145 steps from the index 1 are the stop position of the reel. In addition, the code No. If "12", steps 218 from index 1 are the reel stop position.

Next, the sub CPU 61 executes a reel stop process (step S53). In this process, the sub CPU 61 detects the rise (index 1) from “Low” to “High” in the index detection circuit 65 for each reel 14, and at the timing when the index 1 is detected, the sub CPU 61 performs the code in step S52. No. A pulse corresponding to the number of steps converted from is supplied to the motor drive circuit 65, and then the pulse supply is stopped.

For example, if it is determined in step S52 that the stop position of the reel is from index 1 to 145 steps, the sub CPU 61 supplies 145 pulses to the motor drive circuit 65 at the timing when index 1 is detected, Thereafter, the supply of pulses is stopped. If it is determined in step S52 that the reel stop position is 218 steps from index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies 218 pulses to the motor drive circuit 65 at the timing when index 1 is detected. . As a result, the reel 14 has the code No. determined in step S32 in FIG. The combination of symbols corresponding to the combination determined in step S32 in FIG. 15 is stopped and displayed on the winning line L. On the other hand, the main CPU 41 ends the effect at the time of reel rotation. After the processes of steps S44 and S53 are finished, this process is finished.

It should be noted that the code number transmitted in step S43. Is different from the index detected by the index detection circuit 65 when the rotation of the reel 14 is stopped, the reel 14 has stepped out, so the main CPU 41 displays an error message in the lower image. Processing such as displaying on the display panel 16 is performed, and the game is interrupted.
For example, the code No. corresponding to the index 2 is displayed. If the index detection circuit 65 detects the index 1 when the reel 14L stops rotating in spite of the process of stopping the reel 14L at 12, the game is interrupted.

FIG. 20 shows a predetermined position on the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the image 90 ′ (see FIG. 13) displayed on the lower image display panel 16 by the player while the subroutine shown in FIG. 14 is executed. It is a flowchart which shows the help image display process performed as an interruption process when touched. This process is a process performed between the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 and the CPU 201 of the control device 200.

First, the main CPU 41 transmits an inquiry signal including a gaming machine identification number to the control device 200 via the communication line 101 by the communication interface 44 (step S150).

On the other hand, when the CPU 201 of the control device 200 receives the inquiry signal from the gaming machine 10 via the communication line 101 by the interface circuit 204, the CPU 201 associates it with the gaming machine identification number included in the inquiry signal. A response signal indicating the number of games stored and the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value is transmitted to the gaming machine 10 via the communication line 101 by the interface circuit 204 (step S160).

When the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 receives the response signal from the control device 200 via the communication line 101 via the interface circuit 44, the main CPU 41 displays a help image based on the number of games and the remaining number indicated by the response signal. A display process is performed (step S151).
In this process, the main CPU 41 stores the number of games and the remaining number indicated by the response signal in the RAM 43 as data. Subsequently, the main CPU 41 transmits a help image drawing command to the graphic board 68 based on the number of games and the remaining number. The graphic board 68 performs processing for displaying an image on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 based on the drawing command.
As a result, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of images displayed on the upper image display panel and the lower image display panel in the insurance mode.
On the lower part of the lower image display panel 16, an image 95 indicating an arrow pointing upward and “Look Up” is displayed. The image 95 is an image for prompting the player to see the upper image display panel 33.
A help image 93 is displayed on the upper side of the upper image display panel 33. The help image 93 is an image similar to that shown in FIG. Further, an image 94 indicating “INSURANCE STATUS current number of games 500 games remaining number of games 100 games” is displayed below the help image 94. The image 94 is an image showing the number of games and the remaining number until the number of games reaches a set value. That is, “current game number 500 games” indicates the number of games, and “remaining game number 100 games” indicates the remaining number.
Note that the images 94 and 95 and the help image 93 shown in FIG. 21 disappear when a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since they were displayed.
After the process of step S151 is complete | finished, this process is complete | finished.
In step S151, when the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device) receives an output request signal from the touch panel 69 (input device) (step S150), the number of games is based on the output data stored in the RAM 43 (storage device). Is a process of outputting an image or sound corresponding to the remaining number until the value reaches a set value to the upper image display panel 33, the lower image display panel 16, and the speaker 29 (output device).

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a bonus game process subroutine called and executed in step S16 of the subroutine shown in FIG. In the bonus game process, first, the main CPU 41 determines one of 10 to 25 games based on a random number value obtained by executing a random number generation program included in the lottery program stored in the RAM 43. (Step S60). The main CPU 41 stores the determined number of bonus games in the RAM 43 as data.

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs a lottery process (step S61) and a reel rotation control process (step S63). The process in step S61 is substantially the same as the process described with reference to FIG. Further, the process in step S63 is substantially the same as the process described with reference to FIG. Since these processes have already been described, description thereof is omitted here.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger is established, that is, whether or not “APPLE” is stopped and displayed in the display window 15 (step S64). When it is determined that the bonus game trigger has been established, the bonus game repeat count t is newly determined by lottery (step S65), and the determined repeat count t is added to the current bonus game count T. (Step S66). As a result, if the bonus game is won during the bonus game, the remaining number of bonus games increases. More specifically, for example, when the game is first shifted to 20 bonus games, if the bonus game is won for the 17th bonus game at the 12th time, then 25 times (20-12 times + 17 times) A bonus game is held.

If the bonus game trigger has not been established, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established (step S67). When determining that the winning combination has been established, the main CPU 41 pays out coins according to the number of inserted coins and the winning combination (step S68). This process is the same as the process of step S18, and since it has already been described, description thereof is omitted here.

When the process of step S66 or S68 is executed, or when it is determined in step S67 that no combination is established (when it is determined that the game is lost), the main CPU 61 stores the bonus game stored in the RAM 43. The game number T is read out, and 1 is subtracted from the value of the read game number T. Then, the subtracted game number T is stored again in the RAM 43 (step S69).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the number T of bonus games has reached the number determined in step S60 (step S70). Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not the number of games T stored in the RAM 43 has become zero. If the number of games T is not zero, that is, the number of executions of the bonus game has reached the number determined in step S60. If it is determined that it is not, the process returns to step S61, and the above-described process is repeated. On the other hand, if the game number T is 0, that is, if it is determined that the number of times determined in step S60 has been reached, a game number reset signal is transmitted to the control device 200 (step S71), and then this subroutine. Exit. The game number reset signal includes the gaming machine identification information of the gaming machine 10, and when the CPU 201 of the control device 200 receives the game number reset signal, it corresponds to the gaming machine identification information included in the game number reset signal. In addition, the number of games stored in the hard disk drive 205 is reset to zero.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reduction mode processing that is called and executed in step S20 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
First, the main CPU 41 extracts image data for notifying the shift to the return mode from the image data stored in the RAM 43, and displays an image on the lower image display panel 16 based on the image data. Is performed (step S80). Image data for notifying the shift to the return mode is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.

The main CPU 41 transmits an image drawing command for notifying the shift to the return mode to the graphic board 68. In the graphic board 68, based on the drawing command, the VDP extracts the image data from the RAM 43 and develops it in the video RAM to generate one frame of image data. This image data is stored in the upper image display panel 33 and the lower side. The image is output to the image display panel 16. As a result, for example, an image as shown in FIG. 24 is displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of images displayed on the upper image display panel and the lower image display panel when shifting to the return mode (when the second special gaming state occurs).
On the upper image display panel 33, an image 96 indicating “WINNER 500CREDITS” is displayed. An effect image 97 is displayed at the bottom of the lower image display panel 16. The effect image 97 is an image showing a message “insurance has expired” and a goddess that pays out coins.

Next, the main CPU 41 extracts sound data for notifying the shift to the return mode from the sound data stored in the RAM 43, and outputs a sound from the speaker 29 based on the sound data. This is performed (step S81). The sound data for notifying the shift to the return mode is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.

The main CPU 41 extracts sound data for notifying the shift to the return mode, converts the sound data into a sound signal, and supplies the sound signal to the speaker 29. As a result, a sound for notifying the shift to the return mode is output from the speaker 29.

Next, the main CPU 41 performs a process of paying out a predetermined number of coins or a process of adding a predetermined number of credits (step S82).
When performing a process of adding a predetermined number of credits, the main CPU 41 performs a process of adding a predetermined number (500 in this embodiment) to the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, when performing the process of paying out coins, the main CPU 41 sends a control signal to the hopper 66 to pay out a predetermined number of coins (500 in this embodiment). At that time, the coin detection unit 67 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 66, and transmits a payout completion signal to the main CPU 41 when the counted value reaches a designated number. As a result, the main CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 66 and ends the coin payout process.
In step S82, the barcoded ticket 39 may be issued. In this case, the main CPU 41 supplies the ticket printer 35 with data such as a predetermined number of credits (500 credits in the present embodiment), date and time, and the identification number of the gaming machine 10, and the ticket printer 35 Based on this, a ticket 39 with a barcode is issued.
After the process of step S82, the main CPU 41 sets the return mode flag to “OFF” (step S83), and ends this subroutine.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the counting process that is called and executed in step S23 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
This process is a process performed between the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 and the CPU 201 of the control device 200.

First, the main CPU 41 transmits the number of coins inserted and paid out stored in the RAM 43 together with the gaming machine identification number to the control device 200 via the communication line 101 via the communication interface 44 (step S90). The number of coins inserted and paid out transmitted from the gaming machine 10 to the control device 200 is for that game.
In the processing in step S90, each time the game is played by the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device), the identification information of the gaming machine 10 stored in the RAM 43 (storage device) is transmitted to the control device 200 via the communication line 101. It is a process to transmit.

On the other hand, when the CPU 201 of the control device 200 receives the number of coins inserted and paid out and the gaming machine identification number by the interface circuit 204 from the gaming machine 10 via the communication line 101, each gaming machine in the hard disk drive 205. Of the number of games, the cumulative number of inputs, and the cumulative number of payouts stored in association with the identification number (see FIG. 6), the number of games, the cumulative number of inputs, and the cumulative number of payouts associated with the received gaming machine identification number. Update (step S100).

Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the updated number of games is equal to or greater than the notice setting value (step S140). The notice set value is a value lower than the set value (570 in the present embodiment), and is stored in advance in the hard disk drive 205 as data.
If it is determined in step S140 that the updated number of games is equal to or greater than the preset notice value, the CPU 201 sends a notice command signal indicating the remaining number until the number of games reaches the preset value to the communication line via the interface circuit 204. To the gaming machine 10 (step S141).

When the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine receives the notice command signal transmitted from the control device 200 in step S141, the image data corresponding to the remaining number is extracted from the image data stored in the RAM 43, and the image data Based on the above, an image corresponding to the remaining number is displayed on the lower image display panel 16, and the game is notified of the transition to the return mode after playing the number of games indicated by the remaining number (step S132). ). Image data for notifying the transition to the return mode is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43. This game program includes a plurality of types of image data associated with the remaining number as image data for notifying the transition to the return mode.

The main CPU 41 determines an image to be displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 based on the remaining number. Then, the main CPU 41 transmits a drawing command based on the determination result to the graphic board 68. In the graphic board 68, based on the drawing command, the VDP extracts image data corresponding to the remaining number from the RAM 43 and develops it in the video RAM to generate one frame of image data. The image is output to the image display panel 16. As a result, for example, images as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 are displayed on the lower image display panel 16.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of images displayed on the upper image display panel and the lower image display panel when there are 30 remaining games until the return mode is entered.
On the upper image display panel 33, an effect image 98 is displayed together with the image 92 '(see FIG. 13). The effect image 98 is an image indicating that there are 30 games remaining until the return mode is entered, and is displayed on the entire upper image display panel 33 excluding the image 92 ′.
The lower image display panel 16 also displays an image 99 indicating that there are 30 games remaining until the return mode is entered.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of images displayed on the upper image display panel and the lower image display panel when there are five remaining games until the return mode is entered.
On the upper image display panel 33, an effect image 98 'is displayed together with an image 92' (see FIG. 13). The effect image 98 ′ is an image indicating that there are five games remaining until the return mode is entered, and is displayed on the entire upper image display panel 33 excluding the image 92 ′. The lower image display panel 16 also displays an image 99 ′ indicating that there are five remaining games until the return mode is entered. As shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, by displaying the number of remaining games (remaining number) until the shift to the return mode, it is possible to notify the player that the shift to the return mode will occur in the near future. It is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from losing interest or interest in the player or stopping the game.

Next, the main CPU 41 extracts sound data corresponding to the remaining number from the sound data stored in the RAM 43, and outputs a sound corresponding to the remaining number from the speaker 29 based on the sound data. After performing the process and playing the number of games indicated by the remaining number, a notice is given by sound that the mode is shifted to the return mode (step S133). The sound data for notifying the transition to the return mode is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43. The game program includes a plurality of types of image data associated with the remaining number as sound data for notifying the transition to the return mode.

The main CPU 41 determines a sound to be output from the speaker 29 based on the remaining number. The main CPU 41 extracts sound data from the RAM 43 based on the determination result, converts the sound data into a sound signal, and supplies the sound signal to the speaker 29. As a result, a sound for notifying the shift to the return mode after playing the number of games indicated by the remaining number is output from the speaker 29.

On the other hand, after performing the process of step S141, the CPU 201 of the control device 200 determines whether or not the updated number of games has reached a set value (step S101). When determining that the updated number of games has reached the set value, the CPU 201 transmits a return command signal to the gaming machine 10 via the communication line 101 by the interface circuit 204 (step S103). Thereafter, the CPU 201 sets the number of games stored in the hard disk drive 205 in association with the gaming machine identification number of the gaming machine 10 to 0 (step S104).

When the main CPU 41 of the gaming machine 10 receives the return command signal transmitted from the control device 200 in step S103, the main CPU 41 sets the return mode flag to “ON” (step S91). Thereafter, this process is terminated.

In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the game mode shifts to the return mode when the number of games reaches a set value (see FIG. 25). However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the number of games reaches a set value, if the number of game media input for that game is the upper limit value that can be accepted for one game, the second special game state is set. It is good also as making it generate | occur | produce (it transfers to reduction | restoration mode). In this case, the player can be encouraged to insert the game media up to the upper limit value, and the facility such as a casino can increase profits.
Further, when the second special gaming state is to be generated when the number of game media inserted is the upper limit value, the game media is inserted up to the upper limit value, not when the number of games reaches the set value. When the number of games played reaches a set value, the second special game state may be generated when the number of game media input for that game is the upper limit. In such a case, it is possible to prevent the second special game state from being generated only when a small number of game media are inserted in each game and only a small number of game media are consumed in total.

As described above, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device), the RAM 43 (storage device), the upper image display panel 33, and the lower image display panel 16, and includes a plurality of gaming machines 10. A game machine connected via a communication line to a control device that cumulatively counts the number of games in each game machine 10, and the main CPU 41 executes a lottery program stored in the RAM 43 in advance. A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations (see FIG. 15), and when the determined combination is a special combination “bonus game trigger”, a bonus game (first special game) A process for reading out and executing a program for generating (game state) from the RAM 43 (see FIG. 22) and on condition that a predetermined number of credits have been inserted A process for reading out and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode from the RAM 43 (see FIG. 10), and whenever a game is performed after shifting to the insurance mode, via the communication line 101, The process of transmitting the identification information of the gaming machine 10 stored in the RAM 43 to the control device 200 (FIG. 25, step S90), and the number of games that are cumulatively counted by the control device 200 based on the identification information of the gaming machine 10 Processing for receiving a return command signal transmitted from the control device 200 when the set value is reached (FIG. 25, step S91), and transition to the return mode based on the command signal (occurrence of the second special gaming state) ) To read out and execute a program for executing the program (see FIG. 23), and the player operates the touch panel 69 (input device). When receiving the output request signal output from the touch panel 69 (see FIG. 20), and when receiving the output request signal from the touch panel 69 in the insurance mode, based on the output data stored in the RAM 43. The gaming machine is characterized by executing a process (FIG. 20, step S151) of displaying an image 94 corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches a set value on the upper image display panel 33.

According to the gaming machine 10, the non-insurance mode is shifted to the insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of coins (credits) are inserted. Then, when the command signal transmitted from the control device 200 is received when the number of games counted in the control device 200 reaches the set value after shifting to the insurance mode, the mode shifts to the return mode. In the insurance mode, when the touch panel 69 is operated by the player, an image 94 corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value is output to the upper image display panel 33 based on the output data. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of game media from causing discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

The gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is connected to the control device 200 via the communication line 101, and the control device 200 counts the number of games in the gaming machine 10 and whether or not to shift to the return mode (second special mode). Whether or not a game state is to be generated) is determined. However, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to use a network, and may be a stand-alone.

The stand-alone gaming machine 10 according to the present invention includes a main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device), a RAM 43 (storage device), an upper image display panel 33 and a lower image display panel 16 (output device). 10. The main CPU 41 executes a lottery program stored in the RAM 43 to determine one combination selected from a plurality of types of predetermined combinations, and the determined combination is When it is a special combination “bonus game trigger”, a process for reading a program for generating a bonus game (first special game state) from the RAM 43 and executing it, and that a predetermined number of coins (credits) have been inserted As a condition, a process for reading from the RAM 43 and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode, Each time a game is played after entering the rugged mode, a process of cumulatively counting the number of games, a process of determining whether the number of games has reached a set value, and the number of games has reached the set value When the touch panel 69 (input device) is operated by the player, a process for reading out and executing a program for executing the transition to the return mode (generation of the second special gaming state) from the RAM 43 When the output request signal output from the touch panel 69 is received and the output request signal is received from the touch panel 69 in the insurance mode, the number of games reaches the set value based on the output data stored in the RAM 43. A gaming machine that executes processing for displaying an image corresponding to the remaining number on the upper image display panel 33 can be given.

Further, in the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, when the number of games reaches the set value, the transition to the return mode (generation of the second special gaming state) is performed. It is not limited to.
The gaming machine 10 of the present invention may be one in which a transition to a return mode (generation of a second special gaming state) is performed when the balance of coins becomes a set value or less.

Such a gaming machine 10 includes a main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device), a RAM 43 (storage device), an upper image display panel 33 and a lower image display panel 16 (output device). A gaming machine connected via a communication line to a controller that cumulatively counts the balance of coins for each gaming machine 10, and the main CPU 41 executes a lottery program stored in the RAM 43, A process of determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations, and when the determined combination is a special combination “bonus game trigger”, a bonus game (first special game state) Insured from non-insurance mode on condition that the program for generating is read from RAM 43 and executed, and a predetermined number of credits are inserted Each time a game is performed after the program for transitioning to the mode is read out from the RAM 43 and the game is performed after the transition to the insurance mode, the coins in the game stored in the RAM 43 are stored via the communication line 101. The process of transmitting the number of coins to be inserted and the number of coins to be paid together with the identification information of the gaming machine 10 to the control device 200, and the balance of coins cumulatively counted by the control device 200 based on the identification information of the gaming machine 10 is below the set value. A process for receiving a return command signal transmitted from the control device 200 and a program for switching to the return mode (generation of the second special gaming state) is read from the RAM 43 based on the command signal. Processing to be executed and output required when the touch panel 69 (input device) is operated by the player When receiving an output request signal from the touch panel 69 in the insurance mode, an image corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value is received based on the output data stored in the RAM 43. Then, the process of displaying on the upper image display panel 33 is executed.

According to such a gaming machine 10, the non-insurance mode is shifted to the insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of coins (credits) have been inserted. Then, when the command signal transmitted from the control device 200 is received when the balance of coins counted in the control device 200 becomes equal to or less than the set value after the shift to the insurance mode, the mode is shifted to the return mode. In the insurance mode, when the touch panel 69 is operated by the player, an image corresponding to the remaining number until the coin balance reaches a set value is output to the upper image display panel 33 based on the output data. . Therefore, it is possible to prevent a player who has consumed a large number of coins from feeling uncomfortable or distrustful of the game or losing interest or interest in the game.

The gaming machine 10 described above is connected to the control device 200 via the communication line 101, and the control device 200 counts the balance of coins in the gaming machine 10 and whether to shift to the return mode (second special gaming state). Whether or not to generate () is determined. However, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to use a network, and may be a stand-alone.

Such a gaming machine 10 is a gaming machine including a main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing device), a RAM 43 (storage device), an upper image display panel 33 and a lower image display panel 16 (output device). The main CPU 41 executes a lottery program stored in the RAM 43 to determine one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations, and the determined combination is a special combination “ “Bonus Game Trigger”, from the non-insurance mode on condition that a program for generating a bonus game (first special game state) is read from the RAM 43 and executed, and a predetermined number of credits are inserted. Processing to read out and execute a program for shifting to the insurance mode from the RAM 43, and a game after shifting to the insurance mode A process for cumulatively counting the balance of coins every time it is performed, a process for determining whether or not the balance of coins is below a set value, and a return mode when it is determined that the balance of coins is below a set value Processing for reading out from the RAM 43 and executing a program for performing the transition to the game (generation of the second special gaming state), and an output request output from the touch panel 69 when the touch panel 69 (input device) is operated by the player When receiving an output request signal from the touch panel 69 in the insurance mode, an image corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value is received based on the output data stored in the RAM 43. A gaming machine 10 that executes the process of displaying on the upper image display panel 33 can be given.

In the present embodiment, the case where the number of games in each gaming machine is cumulatively counted in association with the gaming machine identification information has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this example. In the present invention, for example, player identification information is assigned to each player, and predetermined variables (for example, the number of games, the balance of game media) of each player are cumulatively counted in association with the player identification information. It is good to do. In this case, at the start of the game or at the time of transition to the insurance mode, the player identification information is requested to be input, and when the player identification information is input, the predetermined number that has been counted up to that point What is necessary is just to perform the process which returns a variable to 0.
In this case, the player who has consumed a large number of game media can be more reliably reduced, so that the player's interest and interest in the game can be further increased.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described in which, when the return mode is set to “ON”, the mode is subsequently shifted to the return mode without being triggered by the establishment of some condition. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, after the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the mode may be shifted to the return mode when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In this case, the predetermined condition that triggers the transition to the return mode is not particularly limited. For example, the fact that a bonus trigger has been established, that symbols have been stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination, etc. Can be mentioned.

In the present embodiment, when the return mode flag is set to “ON”, the case where the mode is changed to the return mode regardless of the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed thereafter has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a combination of symbols indicating the transition to the return mode may be set in advance, and after the symbols are stopped and displayed with the combination, the transition to the return mode may be performed.

In the present embodiment, symbols are stopped and displayed (FIG. 14, step S14), and after processing based on the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed (FIG. 14, steps S15 to S20), the number of games is counted (FIG. 14). The case where step S22) is performed has been described. However, in the present invention, the timing at which the number of games is counted is not particularly limited. For example, it may be the timing when a coin bet is placed (after step S10 or S11 in FIG. 14) or the timing at which the spin button is turned on (after step S12 in FIG. 14). In addition, the game is performed at a predetermined timing (for example, the timing at which the symbols are stopped and displayed) from when the symbol variation display is started until the symbols are stopped and displayed based on the combination of the stopped symbols. The number of times may be counted. It is possible to employ the above-mentioned timing for counting the balance of game media.

In the present invention, if the special combination is established between the time when the number of games reaches the set value and the time when the second special game state is generated, only the second special game state is generated. Alternatively, any one of the first special game state and the second special game state may be selected and generated according to the game situation or the like.

In addition, also about the case where a 2nd special game state is generated according to the balance of a game medium, the form similar to the form mentioned above is employable. In other words, if the special combination is established between the time when the balance of the game medium becomes less than the set value and the time when the second special game state is generated, only the first special game state may be generated. Alternatively, only the second special game state may be generated, or one of the first special game state and the second special game state may be selected and generated according to the game situation or the like.

Again, as a form of return to the player in the return mode as the second special game state, a predetermined number of game media may be paid out when the number of games reaches a set value. In addition, when the number of games reaches a set value, a return mode as a second special game state in which a privilege in the same form as the first special game state such as a free game, a second game, a mystery bonus, etc. is given to the player. It may be configured to be settable, and a predetermined number of game media may be paid out in any of these forms.
In the embodiment described above, both of these aspects are illustrated. Both of these aspects correspond to the second special gaming state in the present invention.

Further, the timing of paying out a predetermined number of game media is not limited to the timing at which the unit game is terminated and the symbols are stopped and displayed as in the mystery bonus as described above. When the game reaches the set value, the game medium may be immediately paid out.

Further, the method of paying out a predetermined number of game media is not particularly limited, and for example, coins may be actually paid out, the number of credits may be increased, a ticket with a barcode, etc. A ticket may be issued.

However, it is possible to distinguish and recognize whether the player has received a payout in a normal game or a bonus game (first special game state) or a payout in a return mode (second special game state). To do so, it is necessary to do the following: That is, when a coin is actually paid out with a mystery bonus in the return mode (second special gaming state), the timing needs to be paid out at a timing different from that of a normal game or bonus game (first special gaming state). There is. In addition, it is necessary to perform payout in a normal game or bonus game (first special game state) with actual coins, and payout in the return mode (second special game state) with a ticket as described above. By doing so, it is possible to differentiate between payouts in normal games and bonus games (first special game state) and payouts in the return mode (second special game state).

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit and the like can be appropriately changed. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic diagram which showed the row | line | column of the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each reel. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the correspondence table of a gaming machine identification number and a game history. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the correspondence table of setting value and the number of payout. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the correspondence table of setting value and the number of payout. FIG. 5 is a chart showing an authentication reading process procedure of a game program and a game system program by the motherboard and the gaming board shown in FIG. 4. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a game mode selection process. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on an upper image display panel and a lower image display panel in non-insurance mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on an upper image display panel and a lower image display panel in non-insurance mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on an upper image display panel and a lower image display panel in insurance mode. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a game execution process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a lottery process. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between multiple types of combination in this embodiment, the possibility of formation of each combination, and the number of payout. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a reel rotation control process. (A)-(d) is a side view for demonstrating rotation operation | movement of a reel. Step number and code No. It is the schematic diagram which showed the corresponding | compatible table | surface. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a help image display process. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on an upper image display panel and a lower image display panel in insurance mode. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a bonus game process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of return mode processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on an upper image display panel and a lower image display panel at the time of transfer in return mode (at the time of a 2nd special game state occurrence). It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a counting process. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on an upper image display panel and a lower image display panel when it becomes 30 games remaining until it transfers to return mode. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on an upper image display panel and a lower image display panel when it becomes five games remaining until it transfers to return mode.

Explanation of symbols

10 gaming machines (slot machines)
11 Cabinet 12 Top box 13 Main door 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) Reel 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) Display window 16 Lower image display panel 18 Coin tray 19 Coin payout port 20 Control panel 21 Coin receiving port 22 Bill identification Device 23 Spin button 24 Change button 25 Cash out button 26 1-BET button 27 Maximum BET button 29 Speaker 30 Lamp 31 Credit number display part 32 Payout number display part 33 Upper image display panel 34 Berry glass 35 Ticket printer 36 Card receiving port 37 Data display 38 Keypad 39 Bar code ticket 40 Motherboard 41 Main CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
44 Communication Interface 45 Power Supply Unit 50 Gaming Board 51 CPU
52 Boot ROM
53 Memory Card 54 GAL
60 Main body PCB
61 Sub CPU
62 Motor drive circuit 63 FPGA
64 Driver 65 Index detection circuit 66 Hopper 67 Coin detection unit 68 Graphic board 69 Touch panel 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) Stepping motor 71 Position change detection circuit 80 Door PCB
81 Cold Cathode Tube 100 Game System 200 Control Device

Claims (11)

A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on the condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted,
When a predetermined variable that is cumulatively counted every time a game is played after transitioning to the insurance mode reaches a set value to be compared with the predetermined variable, a predetermined value is given to the player. A process for reading out and executing a program for granting profit from the storage device;
Receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, based on the output data stored in the storage device, according to the remaining number until the predetermined variable reaches the set value A game machine that executes processing for outputting an image or sound to the output device. A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on the condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted,
When the number of games counted cumulatively every time a game is played after shifting to the insurance mode reaches a set value to be compared with the number of games, the gaming state is advantageous to the player. And a process for reading out and executing a program for generating a second special gaming state which is the same type as the first special gaming state or a different type of gaming state from the storage device;
Receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, an image corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value based on the output data stored in the storage device Alternatively, a game machine that executes a process of outputting a sound to the output device. An arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction regarding the insurance mode are provided, and the number of games in each of a plurality of gaming machines is cumulatively counted for each gaming machine. A gaming machine connected to a control device via a communication line,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on the condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted,
Each time a game is performed after shifting to the insurance mode, a process of transmitting identification information of the gaming machine stored in the storage device to the control device via the communication line;
A command signal transmitted from the control device when the number of games cumulatively counted by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine reaches a set value to be compared with the number of games. Processing to receive,
The storage device stores a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player and is the same type or different type of gaming state as the first special gaming state based on the command signal. Processing to read and execute from
Receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, an image corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value based on the output data stored in the storage device Alternatively, a game machine that executes a process of outputting a sound to the output device. A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on the condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted,
A process of cumulatively counting the number of games each time a game is performed after shifting to the insurance mode;
A process for determining whether or not the number of games has reached a set value;
When it is determined that the number of games has reached the set value, a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player and that is the same or different type of game state from the first special game state is generated. A process of reading the program from the storage device and executing the program,
Receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, an image corresponding to the remaining number until the number of games reaches the set value based on the output data stored in the storage device Alternatively, a game machine that executes a process of outputting a sound to the output device. A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on the condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted,
It is advantageous for the player when the balance of the game media that is cumulatively counted every time the game is played after the transition to the insurance mode becomes equal to or less than the set value to be compared with the balance of the game media. A process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a different gaming state and the same or different type of gaming state as the first special gaming state;
Receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, based on the output data stored in the storage device, the remaining number until the balance of the game medium becomes equal to or less than the set value. A game machine that executes a process of outputting a corresponding image or sound to the output device. An arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode are provided, and the balance of gaming media in each of a plurality of gaming machines is cumulatively accumulated for each gaming machine. A gaming machine connected via a communication line to a control device for counting,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on the condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted,
Each time a game is performed after shifting to the insurance mode, the number of game media inserted and paid out in the game stored in the storage device, together with the identification information of the gaming machine, is stored via the communication line. Processing to send to the control device;
A setting that the balance of the game medium that is cumulatively counted by the control device based on the identification information of the gaming machine and the number of game media inserted and paid out in the game is to be compared with the balance of the game media Processing to receive a command signal transmitted from the control device when the value is equal to or less than a value;
The storage device stores a program for generating a second special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player and is the same type or different type of gaming state as the first special gaming state based on the command signal. Processing to read and execute from
Receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, based on the output data stored in the storage device, the remaining number until the balance of the game medium becomes equal to or less than the set value. A game machine that executes a process of outputting a corresponding image or sound to the output device. A gaming machine comprising an arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, and an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode,
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for determining one combination selected from a plurality of predetermined combinations by executing a lottery program stored in the storage device;
When the determined combination is a special combination, a process for reading out from the storage device and executing a program for generating a first special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player;
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on the condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted,
A process of cumulatively counting the balance of game media every time a game is played after transitioning to the insurance mode;
A process for determining whether or not the balance of the game medium has become a set value or less;
When it is determined that the balance of the game medium has become equal to or less than the set value, a second special game state that is a game state advantageous to the player and that is the same or different type of game state from the first special game state is generated. A program for reading out from the storage device and executing the program,
Receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, based on the output data stored in the storage device, the remaining number until the balance of the game medium becomes equal to or less than the set value. A game machine that executes a process of outputting a corresponding image or sound to the output device. The arithmetic processing unit includes:
In the non-insurance mode, when a predetermined signal is received from the input device, a process of accepting the input of a required number of game media for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode is performed. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The output device is a display device having an image display area,
The input device is a touch panel that is disposed in front of the display area and that can detect contact by a player and outputs a signal indicating a contact position when the contact is detected.
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
In the non-insurance mode, a process for displaying a transition instruction input image for inputting an instruction for requesting a transition to the insurance mode in the display area;
When the transition instruction input image is displayed, when a signal indicating a contact position corresponding to the display position of the transition instruction input image is output from the touch panel, the mode shifts from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode. A process of accepting the input of the required number of game media to perform,
In the insurance mode, a process of displaying a display instruction input image for inputting an instruction for requesting display of an image related to the insurance mode at a position substantially the same as the display position of the transition instruction input image in the display area When,
When the display instruction input image is displayed, the output request signal is received when a signal indicating a contact position corresponding to the display position of the display instruction input image is output from the touch panel as the output request signal. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a processing to be executed is executed. Transitioning from non-insurance mode to insured mode on condition that a predetermined number of gaming media have been inserted;
When a predetermined variable that is cumulatively counted every time a game is played after transitioning to the insurance mode reaches a set value to be compared with the predetermined variable, a predetermined value is given to the player. Granting a profit;
Receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when an instruction regarding the insurance mode is input by a player, a process of outputting an image or sound corresponding to the remaining number until the predetermined variable reaches the set value is executed. A game control method characterized by the above. An arithmetic processing device, a storage device, an image or sound output device, a gaming machine provided with an input device for inputting an instruction relating to the insurance mode, and a control device connected to the gaming machine via a communication line A gaming system comprising
The arithmetic processing unit includes:
A process for reading and executing a program for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode from the storage device on condition that a predetermined game medium is inserted;
When a predetermined signal is received from the control device, a program for giving a predetermined benefit to the player from the storage device and executing the program,
A process of receiving an output request signal output from the input device when the input device is operated by a player;
In the insurance mode, when the output request signal is received from the input device, based on the output data stored in the storage device, according to the remaining number until the predetermined variable reaches the set value Processing to output an image or sound to the output device;
The controller is
A process of cumulatively counting a predetermined variable every time a game is performed after shifting to the insurance mode in the gaming machine;
When the predetermined variable reaches a set value to be compared with the predetermined variable, the gaming system is configured to execute a process of transmitting the predetermined signal to the gaming machine.

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