JP2007252508A - Game machine, program and information storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of preventing a game from becoming monotonous and making a player expect the acquisition of a large amount of game media without using a stock function, a program and an information storage medium. <P>SOLUTION: The winning probability of SB in a CBB state is controlled to be the probability higher than the winning probability of the SB in a normal state. The winning probability of CBB in an SB state is controlled to be the probability higher than the winning probability of the CBB in the normal state. When winning the SB in the CBB state, the CBB state is ended even if the putout number of tokens in the CBB state does not exceed a prescribed number. Also, the stipulated feed numbers of the tokens set as the game start conditions of the respective game states which are the normal state, the CBB state and the SB state are different from each other, and the winning probabilities of the CBB and the SB are controlled corresponding to the stipulated feed number set for each game state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, a program, and an information storage medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine (cylinder gaming machine, slot machine) having a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on an outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to game media such as medals and pachinko balls, and performs a game for acquiring such game media. In addition, this type of gaming machine performs a lottery based on the player's operation, displays the game result based on the lottery result using a combination of symbols arranged on the reel, and determines the medal according to the game result. It has a function to pay out etc.

Also, in recent years, even if a big bonus that allows you to win a lot of medals in a short period of time is won by lottery, the prize will be held, and the big bonus will be held based on a certain bonus release condition. Gaming machines with so-called stock functions to allow are gaining popularity.
JP 2004-159828 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-236062

  However, gaming machines with a stock function are highly gambling, and it is not desirable to allow players to use a large amount of medals etc. from the viewpoint of ensuring the health of the game, and its adoption is now prohibited. . In addition, in accordance with the prohibition of the adoption of the stock function, the winning probability of a role (so-called small role) related to the acquisition of medals etc. is currently changed except for a specific gaming state such as a big bonus, It is forbidden to pay out medals exceeding the maximum number.

  For this reason, game machine manufacturers are developing game machines that are attractive to players while complying with these regulations, but for players, the biggest concern is to acquire a large number of medals. For this reason, it has been pointed out that in gaming machines provided under such regulations, the game becomes uniform and monotonous and cannot fully attract the player's interest.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to prevent a game from becoming monotonous and allow a player to expect a large amount of game media without using a stock function. A computer, a program, and an information storage medium.

  (1) The present invention uses a plurality of reels that are rotatable with a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface, an operation means for performing an operation that triggers rotation and stop of the plurality of reels, and a random number. Lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether or not a plurality of combinations including the first special combination and the second special combination are successful; flag control means for setting a winning combination flag in an internal winning state based on the result of the lottery; Based on a stop operation to the operation means, the reel stop control means for controlling the plurality of rotating reels to stop according to the set state of the flag, the normal state, and the player has an advantage over the normal state Control is performed to shift the gaming state between a plurality of gaming states including the first special state and the second special state, the gaming state is shifted to the first special state in accordance with the winning of the first special role, and the first 2Game state with winning special role A gaming state transition control means for controlling to shift to the second special state, the winning probability of the first special role is changed according to the gaming state, and the winning probability of the second special role is changed according to the gaming state A game machine having a winning probability control means for performing control, wherein the gaming state transition control means is a small part in which the game medium is paid out in accordance with the winning regardless of the result of the lottery in the first special state. Is set to the internal winning state, and the first special game in which at least one of the plurality of reels is set to the uncontrolled state has a predetermined number of game media payouts in the first special state. In the second special state, the second special game in which the winning rate of the small part to which the game medium is paid out in accordance with the winning is increased is controlled to be executable only once. The winning probability control means controls the winning probability of the second special role in the first special state to be higher than the winning probability of the second special role in the normal state, and the second special state The gaming machine controls the winning probability of the first special combination at a higher probability than the winning probability of the first special combination in the normal state.

  In the present invention, in a normal state, among a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel, a symbol associated with a combination whose flag is set to the internal winning state is preferentially drawn into the active line. Control is performed to stop the reel so as to be a target, and this control state is referred to as a “normal control state”. On the other hand, in the first special state, unlike the “normal control state”, the reel is stopped in the “no control state” in which the above-described pull-in process does not substantially work. “Substantially” means to include a state in which the pull-in process is difficult to work. In addition, the “no control state” includes a state in which the drawing process is performed so that the amount of the symbols arranged on the reel is smaller than that in the “normal control state” regardless of the above. Also includes states that are not performed. In addition, the “no control state” is a state in which an accurate eye-pushing operation is required to stop the reel at the target position with respect to the operation for stopping the reel. Regarding the operation of stopping the reel, it can be said that the reel can be stopped at a target position without requiring a precise eye-pushing operation as in the “uncontrolled state”.

  According to the present invention, the winning probability of the second special role in the first special state is controlled to be higher than the winning probability of the second special role in the normal state, and the first special state is controlled in the second special state. Since the winning probability of the role is controlled to be higher than the winning probability of the first special role in the normal state, by winning the second special role winning with a high probability during the first special state In the second special state, an opportunity to shift to the first special state again with high probability can be obtained. As described above, according to the present invention, if the first special role is won in the normal state, an opportunity to move to the first special state with high probability can be obtained. Therefore, a large amount of game media can be provided to the player without using the stock function. A game section that can be expected to be acquired can be set.

  (2) In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the gaming state transition control means wins the second special combination in the first special state, the total number of payouts in the first special state is a predetermined number. Even if not exceeded, the first special state may be terminated.

  In this way, even if the first special state ends before acquiring the predetermined number of game media in the first special state, if the first special combination is won in the second special state, the first special again By making it possible to shift to the special state, it becomes possible to frequently play games for winning the first special role, thereby preventing the monotony of the game and attracting the player's interest. Will be able to.

  (3) Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the flag of the second special combination is in an internal winning state, the flag control means sets the internal winning state of the flag of the second special combination to the next and subsequent games. And when the second special combination is won in the first special state, the second special combination is based on the fact that the total number of payouts in the first special state exceeds a predetermined number. The flag may be set from the internal winning state to the non-internal winning state.

  In this way, if the second special combination is won in the first special state and the second special combination is not won by the end of the first special state, the second special combination won in the first special state Since the right to win the role will be lost, the player should play the game for the best opportunity to win the 2nd special role while paying attention to the total amount of game media paid out in the 1st special state. Become. Therefore, according to this aspect, by adding strategy to the procedure of the game in the first special state, it becomes possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous and attract the player's interest.

  (4) Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the flag of the second special combination is in the internal winning state, the flag control means sets the internal winning state of the flag of the second special combination to the next and subsequent games. And when the second special combination is won in the first special state, the first special state is based on the fact that the total number of payouts in the first special state exceeds a predetermined number. Even after ending, control may be carried over until the internal winning state of the flag of the second special combination is won.

  In this way, when the second special role is won in the first special state, a predetermined number of game media are paid out in the second special state by playing the game while avoiding winning of the second special role. Since it will be possible to win the second special role with the aim of winning the next first special role while enjoying the benefits of being made, the strategy of the game in the first special state can be enhanced, This prevents the game from becoming monotonous and attracts the player's interest.

  (5) Also, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the prescribed number of game media set as game start conditions for the respective game states of the normal state, the first special state, and the second special state are different from each other. The winning probability control means may control the winning probabilities of the first special combination and the second special combination in accordance with a specified number of throws set for each gaming state.

  In this way, the first special state is set to the high probability winning section of the second special role by controlling the winning probabilities of the first special role and the second special role according to the specified number of insertions set for each gaming state. And the second special state can be set to the high probability winning section of the first special combination.

  (6) In the present invention, a lottery means for performing lottery for determining whether or not a plurality of combinations including the first special combination and the second special combination using random numbers, and a flag for the winning combination based on the result of the lottery Flag control means for setting the internal winning state, reel stop control means for controlling a plurality of rotating reels to stop according to the set state of the flag based on a stop operation to the operation means, a normal state, The game state is controlled between a plurality of game states including a first special state and a second special state that are more advantageous to the player than the normal state, and the game state is changed in accordance with the winning of the first special role. According to the gaming state, gaming state transition control means for controlling to shift to the second special state in accordance with the winning of the second special role, and to shift to the first special state, and to control the transition of the gaming state to the second special state And the second feature A program that causes a computer to function as a winning probability control unit that performs control to change a winning probability of a role according to a gaming state, wherein the gaming state transition control unit is related to a result of the lottery in the first special state. A first special game in which a flag of a small part from which game media is paid out in accordance with winning is set in an internal winning state and at least one of the plurality of reels is set in an uncontrolled state. The second special game is controlled so that it can be executed until the total number of game media payouts in a special state exceeds a predetermined number, and in the second special state, the winning rate of the small role in which the game media is paid out in accordance with the winning is increased. The winning probability control means controls the winning probability of the second special role in the first special state to the second special role in the normal state. Control is performed so that the winning probability is higher than the winning probability, and the winning probability of the first special combination in the second special state is controlled to be higher than the winning probability of the first special combination in the normal state. It is related to the program to do.

  The present invention also relates to an information storage medium that is readable by a computer and stores a program that causes the computer to function as each of the means described above.

  In the program and the information storage medium according to the present invention, each aspect shown in the above (2) to (5) can be adopted as appropriate, and the computer functions as the means shown in (2) to (5). May be.

  Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a so-called slot machine or spinning-type gaming machine, and is a type of gaming machine that performs a game using a medal as a gaming medium.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a reel unit including a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 is housed in a box-shaped housing including a storage box BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD. A hopper unit (not shown) as a medal payout device is housed in the lower portion of the reel unit in the housing. In addition, a control board for controlling the operation of the gaming machine is housed in the casing of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

  Each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is divided into 21 regions (each region is referred to as a “frame”) at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surface, and any of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged on each frame. Has been. The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are pivotally supported by a step motor (reel driving means: not shown), and can be rotated around the axis of the step motor, respectively, and the number of drive pulses of the step motor. And by controlling the pulse width and the like, the frame can be stopped in units of frames (predetermined rotation angle units). That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the step motor rotates and drives the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 in accordance with the drive pulse supplied from the control board, and the supply of the drive pulse from the control board is interrupted, As the rotation of the step motor stops, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop.

  The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be individually openable and closable, and the front upper door UD has a display window DW that allows observation of the rotation state and the stop state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Is provided. In the stopped state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, three symbols (for three frames) of a plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, respectively. Can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window DW. In the stopped state of each reel R1 to R3, the symbols observed from the display window DW are stopped and displayed at any position on the five effective lines L1 to L5. The player's game result is judged by the combination of symbols stopped and displayed in the display window DW. If the combination of symbols on the active line is a combination corresponding to a predetermined combination, the combination is won. As a thing, medals are paid out from the hopper unit.

  The five activated lines L1 to L5 are determined according to the number of medals inserted (the number of bets). In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is possible to insert medals in the range of 1 to 3 for one game, and one medal is inserted into the medal slot MI provided in the front lower door DD. In this case, when one effective line L1 is activated and two medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, three effective lines L1 to L3 are activated and three medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot MI. When it is input, all the five effective lines L1 to L5 are activated.

  The front upper door UD is provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section DS is composed of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, and the like, and various types such as the number of stored medals (credits), the number of medals paid out (or the number acquired) in one game, the remaining number of bonus games, etc. Game information is displayed.

  In addition, the front upper door UD is provided with a liquid crystal display LCD for performing game effects. On the liquid crystal display LCD, various videos (or images) for assisting the game or for exciting the game are displayed. In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a plurality of speakers for performing a game effect are provided for the front upper door UD and the front lower door DD. From the speaker, various sounds for assisting the game or for exciting the game are output.

  The front lower door DD is provided with various operation means. As the operation means, a bet button B0 for performing an operation for putting a stored medal into an inserted state, and a start lever for performing an operation for triggering a game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. SL, stop buttons B1 to B3 are provided for performing operations that trigger each of the rotating reels R1 to R3.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the player is set in a ready state in which a game can be started by inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot MI or performing an operation of pressing the bet button B0. When the player depresses the start lever SL, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 start rotating by driving the step motor, and the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 increases to a predetermined speed. On the condition that a predetermined waiting time (wait time) has elapsed, the pressing operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted. Thereafter, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 at an arbitrary timing, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop according to the pressing timing.

  Further, a medal payout opening MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the lower part of the front lower door DD, and a number of medals according to the game result are paid out from the medal payout opening MO to the medal tray MP.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

  The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by the game control means 100. The game control means 100 receives input signals from input means such as the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240, etc., and performs various calculations for executing the game, and based on the calculation results. Then, operation control of output means such as the reel unit 310, the hopper unit (dispensing device) 320, the display device 330, the speaker 340, and the like is performed. The functions of the game control means 100 are realized by various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or hardware such as RAM, or software comprising a given program. Is done.

  The game control means 100 includes a random number generation means 110, a lottery means 120, a flag control means 122, a winning probability control means 124, a reel stop control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a gaming state. It includes a transition control unit 170, an effect control unit 180, and a storage unit 190.

  The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The lottery means 120 is a means for performing a lottery (so-called internal lottery) for determining whether or not a winning combination is made based on a game start signal from a start switch 210 that is actuated when the player depresses the start lever SL. In the internal lottery, the lottery means 120 acquires a random value (random number for lottery) from the random number generator 112 for each game based on the game start signal from the start switch 210, and the lottery table of the storage means 190 for the acquired random number value. With reference to the lottery table (see FIG. 3) stored in the storage unit 192, a process (random number determination process) for determining whether or not the winning combination is won is performed.

  Based on the result of the internal lottery, the flag control means 122 changes the winning combination flag determined to be won from the non-internal winning state (first flag state, off state) to the internal winning state (second flag state, on Process to set to (status). The flag setting information is stored in the flag storage unit 194 of the storage unit 190. Also, in this embodiment, a flag that can carry on the internal winning state for the next game until the prize is won (carry-over possible flag) and a non-internal winning without carrying the internal winning state for the next game regardless of the winning. A flag to be reset to a state (carry-over impossible flag) is prepared, and the flag control means 122 wins a winning combination in which the carry-over impossible flag is set to the internal winning state and the flag is set to the internal winning state in the game. If the flag is not achieved, the flag is reset to the non-internal winning state, and if the carryover flag is set to the internal winning state, the internal winning state of the flag is set to the next game until the winning is achieved. Carrying over control (flag carryover control) is also performed. The role associated with the carry-over possible flag is a challenge big bonus (CBB: first special role) and other roles (for example, small role, replay, single bonus (SB: second special role), etc.) Is associated with the no carry-over flag.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, in the challenge big bonus state (CBB state: first special state) in which the flag control means 122 shifts with the winning of the challenge big bonus (CBB), it is related to the result of the internal lottery by the lottery means 120. First, control is performed to set the small role flag to the internal winning state. Note that, in the CBB state, regardless of the result of the internal lottery, the type of the small combination whose flag is set to the internal winning state may be one type or a plurality of types.

  The winning probability control means 124 performs a process (lottery table selection process) for determining which lottery table to use for the lottery table out of a plurality of lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 192 of the storage means 190. Do. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a plurality of types of game states such as a normal state, a challenge big bonus state (CBB state: first special state), a single bonus state (SB state: second special state), and the like can be set. The storage 190 stores a lottery table for internal lottery in each gaming state. In the lottery table for each gaming state (see FIG. 3), a replay (replay: a medal for the next game with winning) is made for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535). ), Small role (a role in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out with a prize), challenge big bonus (CBB: first special role), single bonus (SB: second special role), etc. Any of various roles or loses are associated.

  In addition, the gaming machine in this embodiment is set as a game start condition for each game state in the normal state, the challenge big bonus state (CBB state: first special state), and the single bonus state (SB state: second special state). The prescribed insertion numbers of medals are different from each other, and the winning probability control means 124 determines a challenge big bonus (CBB: first special combination) and a single bonus according to the prescribed insertion number of medals set for each gaming state. The winning probability of (SB: second special role) is controlled. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the game is played on condition that medals corresponding to a predetermined specified number of inserted coins are inserted (actual medal insertion or credit medal insertion using a bet button) in each gaming state. An operation of the start lever SL for starting is permitted.

  Specifically, in the normal state, the prescribed number of inserted medals is set to 3, in the CBB state, the prescribed number of inserted medals is set to 2, and in the SB state, the prescribed number of inserted medals is set. Is set to one. The winning probability control means 124 is a lottery table in which the winning probability of the SB is set to be higher than the winning probability of the SB in the normal state in the CBB state according to the difference in the predetermined number of inserted in each gaming state. In the SB state, control is performed to select a lottery table in which the CBB winning probability is set to be higher than the CBB winning probability in the normal state.

  The reel stop control means 130 is rotating based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240 that is activated when the player presses (stops) the stop buttons B1 to B3 (operation means). Control for stopping the third reel R3 according to the set state of the flag is performed. The gaming machine of the present embodiment employs a table system that performs control to stop the reels with reference to the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage unit 196 of the storage unit 190. Specifically, referring to the stop control table, the stop positions of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are determined according to the pressing timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3 (mode of stop operation), and the determined stop Control is performed to stop the reels by stopping the supply of drive pulses to the step motor of the reel unit 310 so that the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop at the position.

  The reel stop control means 130 performs so-called pull-in processing and kick-out processing as control for stopping the reel. The pull-in process is a control process for stopping the reel so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose flag is set to the internal winning state is stopped on the active line (so that the winning combination can be won). On the other hand, the kicking process is a control to stop the reel so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose flag is set to the non-internal winning state does not stop on the active line (so that the winning combination cannot be won). It is processing. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in order to realize the pull-in process and the kick-off process, the flag setting state, the pressing timing and pressing order of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the stop position of the already stopped reel (or the effective line) The stop control table is set so that the stop position of each reel changes according to the types of symbols stopped on L1 to L5. In this way, the reel stop control means 130 can stop the symbol of the combination in which the flag is set to the internal winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination in which the flag is set to the non-internal winning state is a winning form. Stop control is performed to stop the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the number of frames required for each reel to stop is set up to an upper limit of 5 in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating reel. In the pull-in process for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the control means 130 pulls a symbol of up to four frames ahead from the frame located in the display window DW when the pressing operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is performed. The reels are controlled so that they can be stopped. For this reason, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be stopped by arranging a plurality of specific symbols (for example, replay symbols) arranged on each reel so that the interval is within 5 frames. It is also possible to configure the reel unit 310 having a symbol arrangement that allows a specific symbol to be drawn on the effective line regardless of the timing of pressing the buttons B1 to B3, the pressing order, or the like.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the reel stop control means 130 is in the challenge big bonus state (CBB state: first special state), at least one of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is selected. The reels are set to an uncontrolled state, and the corresponding reels are controlled to be stopped within 75 msec (corresponding to the time required for approximately one frame of rotational movement) uniformly from the timing of pressing the stop button. In other words, for the reel set to the uncontrolled state in the CBB state, the pull-in process described above is substantially invalidated. In this embodiment, since the so-called table system is adopted in the control for stopping the reels, the reels in the uncontrolled state are within one frame from the reel position corresponding to the pressing timing of the stop button corresponding to the reels. A stop control table for the CBB state is set so that the position is determined as the stop position.

  In the CBB state, for the reels other than the reel set to the uncontrolled state, the symbol pull-in process and the kicking process can be executed as described above. In this way, if the player concentrates on the stop operation related to the reel set in the uncontrolled state, the player can obtain the profit by winning the small role. Therefore, the operation burden on the player in the game in the CBB state is reduced. Can be reduced. Further, in the CBB state, when the flag control means 122 sets the flags of plural types of small roles in the internal winning state regardless of the result of the internal lottery, it corresponds to a specific small role among the plural types of small roles. The stop control table may be set so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination are subject to the pull-in process in preference to the symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to other small roles.

  The winning determination unit 140 performs processing for determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopped state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped, referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage unit 198 of the storage unit 190, the stop state of each reel. It is determined whether or not the combination of symbols stopped on the active line is a predetermined winning combination.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140, it is determined whether to perform control for paying out medals, replay processing, or control for shifting the game state. For example, when a small role wins, the payout control unit 150 performs medal payout control. When a replay wins, the replay processing unit 160 performs a replay process, and BB or SB wins. The game state transition control means 170 controls to shift the game state.

  The payout control means 150 performs control related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when winning a small combination, control is performed to instruct the hopper unit 320 (payout device) the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning small combination. The hopper unit 320 performs an operation of paying out the designated payout number of medals. If medal storage (credit) is permitted, the payout number is added to the stored medal number stored in a storage medal number storage area (not shown) of the storage unit 190 instead of paying out medals. Processing (credit processing) is performed.

  When the replay (re-game) wins, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (re-game process) for setting the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals for the next game. That is, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when a replay is won, the next game start operation (pressing the start lever SL by the player) is automatically waited with the same effective line as the previous game activated. To do.

  The gaming state transition control means 170 performs control to transition the gaming state between a normal state, a challenge big bonus state (CBB state), and a single bonus state (SB state) based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition. As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are defined, the gaming state can be shifted to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied.

  In the CBB state, when a challenge big bonus (CBB) is won in the internal lottery, a predetermined challenge big bonus symbol (CBB symbol) is displayed in a winning form (a symbol combination based on the CBB symbol is displayed on one active line) This is a gaming state where the starting condition is to stop the game. In addition, the CBB state is an end condition that medals exceeding a predetermined number (predetermined number of 253 or less) are paid out in the bonus game, or that a single bonus (SB) is won in the internal lottery in the bonus game. When the end condition is satisfied, control is performed to shift the gaming state to another gaming state.

  For example, when the CBB state ends when a medal exceeding a predetermined number is paid out, control for returning the gaming state to the normal state is performed. Further, for example, when the CBB state ends with the winning of the SB in the internal lottery, control is performed to shift the gaming state to the SB prize waiting state (in a broad sense, included in the normal state).

  In the CBB state, as described above, the flag control means 122 sets the small role flag to the internal winning state regardless of the result of the internal lottery, and the reel stop control means 130 sets the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. A challenge bonus game (CB game) in which a game is played in a state where at least one of the reels is set to an uncontrolled state can be repeatedly executed until the end condition is satisfied. For this reason, the CBB state is a game state (special state) that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state because it is easier to win a lot of medals in a short period of time as a small role wins more frequently than in the normal state. It can be said that there is.

  In the SB state, when a single bonus (CBB) is won in the internal lottery, a predetermined single bonus symbol (SB symbol) is stopped in the form of winning (displaying a symbol combination based on the SB symbol on one active line) It is a gaming state that has a starting condition as a starting condition. In the SB state, the end condition is that one bonus game is executed after winning the SB, and when the end condition is satisfied, control is performed to shift the game state to another game state.

  For example, if the CBB is won in the internal lottery in the SB state, the game state is shifted to the CBB state by winning the CBB in the bonus game, and if the CBB winning in the bonus game is missed, Control is performed to shift the state to the CBB winning standby state (in a broad sense, included in the normal state). Further, when the result of the internal lottery in the SB state is any one of the loss, the small role winning, and the replay winning, control is performed to return the gaming state to the normal state after the end of one bonus game.

  In the SB state, a single bonus game is executed in which the winning rate of the small combination is increased by increasing the type of small combination and the winning probability. For this reason, the SB state makes it easier to win a medal by making it easier to win a small role than the normal state, and can be said to be a gaming state (special state) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

  The effect control unit 180 performs control related to a display effect performed using the display device 330 such as a lamp, an LED, or a liquid crystal display, and a sound effect using sound output from the speaker 340. Specifically, in response to the occurrence of gaming events such as insertion of medals, operations on the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, winning or losing of a combination, winning a combination, transition of gaming state, etc. If the LED is turned on or blinking, or if a liquid crystal display is provided, the display content can be changed or sound can be output from the speaker 340 to boost the game or assist the game. Perform production control.

  Note that the functional block configuration of the present embodiment can also be applied to a computer system (including a game system). In these systems, the function is realized by downloading a program that causes the computer to function as the game control means 100 of the present embodiment from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or a Web server on the Internet via a network. be able to. In the above computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240 and the like virtually function their functions with respect to operation means such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, etc.), or a controller. This can be realized by assigning. In the computer system described above, the reel unit 310, the hopper unit 320, and the like are not indispensable constituent elements. These device units virtually perform their functions by controlling images displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD (display device 330). Can be realized.

2. Next, the control method employed in the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  First, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a normal state, a CBB state, and an SB state using a lottery table in which roles are associated with 65536 random numbers (increment counter count values) from 0 to 65535. The internal lottery is performed in each gaming state. Particularly in this embodiment, in the lottery table for normal conditions (table A), the challenge big bonus (CBB) and the single bonus (SB) are won with a relatively low probability (CBB is about 1/300 to 1/200). Win with probability, SB is set to win with a probability of about 1/65536 to 1/1024. On the other hand, in the lottery table (table B) for the CBB state, the SB is set to win with a higher probability than the normal state (win with a probability of about 1/20 to 1/10). In the state lottery table (table C), the CBB is set to win with a higher probability than the normal state (winning with a probability of about 1 / 1.2 to 1 / 1.1). In the example shown in FIG. 3, the CBB state ends in about 10 to 20 games (10 bonus games to 20 bonus games) in order to promote game soundness and quick transition of the game state. It is preferable to set the number of medals to be paid out (approximately 100 to 200: approximately 80 to 160 in terms of acquired number (TY)) so that the condition is satisfied.

  In the control method of the present embodiment, the prescribed number of medals (hereinafter, also referred to as the prescribed number) that is a game start condition in each of the normal state, the CBB state, and the SB state is 3, The lottery table used in the internal lottery is switched in accordance with the prescribed number of sheets that are different from each other and each game state. By doing so, it is possible to obtain an opportunity for the gaming state to shift to the SB state by winning the winning SB in the CBB state with a high probability and to shift to the CBB state again with a high probability in the SB state. become. Therefore, according to the control method of the present embodiment, if the CBB is won in the normal state, an opportunity to shift to the CBB state with high probability is obtained. As a result, the loop state in which the CBB state and the SB state are alternately visited is obtained. Can be generated. For this reason, according to the control method of the present embodiment, it is possible to set a game section that allows a player to expect a large amount of medals without using a stock function.

  Next, an example of control processing of the gaming machine that realizes the method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the normal state is set by default, and the game in the normal state is executed with the prescribed number of inserted medals being 3 (step S10). Then, in the internal lottery in the normal state, the CBB is won and the CBB flag is set to ON (internal winning state) (Y in step S11), and when the winning CBB is won (Y in step S12), the gaming state is the CBB state. (Step S13).

  In the CBB state, a challenge bonus game is executed in which the small role flag is set to ON regardless of the result of the internal lottery and at least one of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is set to the uncontrolled state. Is done. In the CBB state, the prescribed number of medals is set to two, and when the SB flag is set on by winning SB in the internal lottery in the CBB state (Y in step S14), the CBB state is terminated. The process shifts to the SB prize waiting state (to step S17). In addition, unless the SB is won, the CBB state continues until medals exceeding a predetermined number (a predetermined number of 253 or less) are paid out (N in Step 15 and Step S13), and the total number of medals in the CBB state If the number of payouts exceeds the predetermined number (Y in step S15), the CBB state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state (to step S10).

  In addition, when the SB is won in the CBB state or the normal state, the SB flag is set to ON (Y in Step S14 or Y in Step S16), and when the winning SB is won (Y in Step S17), the gaming state is changed. Transition to the SB state (step S18).

  In the SB state, the prescribed number of medals is set to one, and a bonus game in which the winning rate of the small combination is increased by increasing the type of small combination and the winning probability is executed only once. In the internal lottery in the SB state, when the CBB flag is set to ON by winning the CBB (Y in step S19), the gaming state is shifted to the CBB state in accordance with winning of the winning CBB (step S20). Y, go to step S13). On the other hand, the CBB flag is a carry-over flag even if the CBB winning in the bonus game in the SB state is missed, so the flag is turned on for the next and subsequent games until the game is won even if the game state returns to the normal state. The state is carried over (N in step S20, to step S12).

  In the example of the control process shown in FIG. 4 described above, when the SB is won in the CBB state, a method of forcibly terminating the CBB state is adopted (Y in step S14, to step S17). In this way, even if the CBB state ends before acquiring a predetermined number of medals in the CBB state, the CBB is highly probable in the SB state as in the example of the lottery table shown in FIG. Since the lottery is selected, if the CBB is won in the SB state, an opportunity to shift to the CBB state again can be obtained. Therefore, according to the example of the control process shown in FIG. 4, since the player frequently plays a game for winning SB or CBB, it prevents the game from becoming monotonous and strongly attracts the player's interest. Will be able to.

  The present invention is not limited to the one described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the flag associated with the SB (SB flag) is set as the carry-over impossible flag that is reset unless the winning game is won is described. May be set as a carry-over possible flag that can be carried over to the next and subsequent games until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  As a specific example, in the flag control means 122 shown in FIG. 2, when the SB flag is on (internal winning state), the on-state of the SB flag is controlled so that it can be carried over to the next game. At the same time, when the SB is won in the CBB state, the SB flag is reset based on the total payout number of medals in the CBB state exceeding the predetermined number (set from the on state to the off state (non-internal winning state)). You may make it do.

  A specific example of control processing in this case will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in this example, the normal state is set by the initial setting, and the game in the normal state is executed (step S30). Then, in the internal lottery in the normal state, the CBB is won and the CBB flag is set to ON (internal winning state) (Y in step S31), and when the winning CBB is won (Y in step S32), the gaming state is the CBB state. (Step S33).

  When the SB flag is set to ON by winning the SB in the internal lottery in the CBB state (Y in step S34), the SB flag is set as a carryover flag in this example, and the gaming state is in the CBB state. As long as there is a control, the SB flag is carried over to the next and subsequent games until SB is won. At this time, when the SB wins in the CBB state (Y in step S35), the CBB state is terminated and the SB state is shifted to the SB state (step S41).

  In this example, a predetermined number (253 or less predetermined numbers) is determined as long as SB is not won (N in Step S35) as well as SB is won (N in Step 34) as well as SB is not won (N in Step 34). The CBB state continues until medals exceeding (number of sheets) are paid out (N in step S36, to step S33), and when the total number of medals paid out in the CBB state exceeds a predetermined number (Y in step S36), CBB End the state. At this time, if the SB flag is on due to winning the SB in the CBB state (Y in step S37), the SB flag is reset (step S38), and then the gaming state is returned to the normal state (step S10). What).

  In addition, when the SB is won in the CBB state or the normal state, the SB flag is set to ON (Y in step S34 or Y in step S39), and if the winning SB is won (Y in step S35, Y in step S40) ), The gaming state shifts to the SB state (step S41).

  In the internal lottery in the SB state, when the CBB flag is set to ON by winning the CBB (Y in step S42), the gaming state is shifted to the CBB state in accordance with winning of the winning CBB (step S43). Y, go to step S33). On the other hand, the CBB flag is a carry-over flag even if the winning CBB win in the bonus game in the SB state is missed, so the CBB flag will be used for the next and subsequent games until winning even if the gaming state returns to the normal state. The ON state is carried over (N in step S43, to step S32).

  According to the example shown in FIG. 5 described above, if the SB is won in the CBB state, the right to win the winning SB in the CBB state is lost unless the SB is won by the end of the CBB state. Therefore, the player plays a game in search of an optimal opportunity to win the SB while paying attention to the total payout number of medals in the CBB state. Therefore, according to the example shown in FIG. 5, by adding a high level of strategy to the game procedure in the CBB state, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous and to attract the player's interest strongly. .

  As another example of the case where the SB flag is associated with the carryover enable flag, when the SB flag is on (internal winning state) in the flag control unit 122 shown in FIG. 2, the SB flag is turned on. When the state is controlled so that it can be carried over to the next and subsequent games, and when SB is won in the CBB state, after the CBB state ends based on the total number of medals paid out in the CBB state exceeding a predetermined number Alternatively, control may be performed to carry on until the SB flag is turned on.

  A specific example of the control process in this case will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in this example, the normal state is set by the initial setting, and the game in the normal state is executed (step S50). Then, in the internal lottery in the normal state, the CBB is won and the CBB flag is set to ON (internal winning state) (Y in step S51), and when the winning CBB is won (Y in step S52), the gaming state is the CBB state. (Step S53).

  When the SB flag is set to ON by winning SB in the internal lottery in the CBB state (Y in step S54), in this example, the SB flag is set as a carry-over enable flag, and until the SB is won, SB Control to carry the flag over to the next and subsequent games is performed. At this time, if the SB wins in the CBB state (Y in step S55), the CBB state is terminated and the SB state is shifted to the SB state (step S60).

  In this example, a predetermined number (253 or less predetermined numbers) is determined as long as SB is not won (N in Step S55) even if SB is won (N in Step S55) as well as a case where SB is not won (N in Step 54). The CBB state continues until medals exceeding (number of sheets) are paid out (N in step S56, to step S53), and when the total number of medals paid out in the CBB state exceeds a predetermined number (Y in step S56), CBB End the state. At this time, if the SB flag is on due to winning the SB in the CBB state (Y in step S57), the SB flag is carried over and the gaming state is returned to the SB prize waiting state (to step S59). If the SB is not won in the CBB state (N in step S57), the gaming state is returned to the normal state (to step S50).

  In addition, when the SB is won in the CBB state or the normal state, the SB flag is set to ON (Y in Step S54 or Y in Step S58), and when the winning SB is won (Y in Step S55, Y in Step S59) ), The gaming state shifts to the SB state (step S60).

  In the internal lottery in the SB state, when the CBB flag is set to ON by winning the CBB (Y in step S61), the gaming state is shifted to the CBB state in accordance with winning of the winning CBB (step S62). Y, go to step S53). On the other hand, the CBB flag is a carry-over flag even if the CBB winning in the bonus game in the SB state is missed, so the flag is turned on for the next and subsequent games until the game is won even if the game state returns to the normal state. The state is carried over (N in step S62, to step S52).

  According to the example shown in FIG. 6 described above, when a SB is won in the CBB state, a game is played while avoiding the SB winning, and thus a predetermined number of medals are paid out in the CBB state. SB can be won for the next CBB selection while enjoying profits, so the strategy of the game in the CBB state can be improved, and the player's interest is strengthened by preventing monotony of the game You will be attracted.

  In the above embodiment, the normal state, the CBB state, and the SB state are set as the game state. However, other game states may be set. For example, a regular bonus state (RB state) is set in which a bonus game in which the winning rate of the small role is continuously increased until a predetermined number (12 times) of games or a predetermined number (8 times) of winnings is achieved. May be. In addition, for example, a regular big bonus state (RBB state) is set in which a bonus game that can repeatedly shift to the RB state is executed until medals exceeding a predetermined number (a predetermined number of 360 or less) are paid out. Also good. Further, for example, a replay time state (RT state) may be set in which the winning probability of replay (replay) that does not require insertion of medals in the next game due to winning is raised from the normal state and the game is played. Further, for example, an assist time state (AT state) may be set for notifying the type of the small combination won by the internal lottery and the mode of the stop operation for winning the selected small combination. Also, for example, a single challenge bonus state (SCB state) in which a bonus game in which a small role flag is set to an internal winning state regardless of the lottery result and at least one reel is set to an uncontrolled state is performed only once. May be set. In addition, for example, when a specific winning combination is won, after it is stored, a stock time state (ST state) in which the stored combination is released based on a predetermined condition, or a release that increases the probability of releasing the stored combination A high probability state may be set. Further, for example, a gaming state in which the transition probability to a special gaming state different from the normal state such as the RT state, the AT state, the SCB state, and the ST state becomes high in a game in a certain section may be set.

  Further, in the CBB state, the winning combination of the small part is dealt with only by setting the reel to the non-control state without performing the control process of the flag for setting the small part flag to the internal winning state regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Control may be performed to stop the reels so that the symbol combination is displayed on the active line regardless of the result of the internal lottery.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the game machine of this embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the functional block of the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table used with the control method of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a control process of the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a control process of the gaming machine of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a control process of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

BX storage box, UD front upper door, DD front lower door, DW display window,
DS game information display, LCD liquid crystal display,
R1 first reel, R2 second reel, R3 third reel,
B0 bet button, SL start lever, B1-B3 stop button,
MI medal slot, MO medal outlet, MP medal tray,
100 game control means, 110 random number generation means, 120 lottery means,
122 flag control means, 124 winning probability control means, 130 reel stop control means,
140 winning determination means, 150 payout control means, 160 replay processing means,
170 gaming state transition control means, 180 effect control means, 190 storage means,
192 lottery table storage means, 194 flag storage means,
196 stop control table storage means, 198 winning determination table storage means,
210 medal insertion switch, 220 bet switch, 230 start switch,
240 stop switch, 310 reel unit, 320 dispensing device,
330 display device, 340 speaker

Claims (7)

A plurality of reels that can be rotated with a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface,
Operation means for performing an operation that triggers rotation and stop of the plurality of reels;
Lottery means for performing a lottery to determine the success or failure of a plurality of combinations including a first special combination and a second special combination using random numbers;
Flag control means for setting the winning combination flag to the internal winning state based on the result of the lottery,
Reel stop control means for performing control to stop the plurality of rotating reels according to a flag setting state based on a stop operation to the operation means;
A control is performed to shift the gaming state between a plurality of gaming states including a normal state and a first special state and a second special state in which the player is more advantageous than the normal state. A gaming state transition control means for performing a control for shifting the gaming state to the first special state and shifting the gaming state to the second special state in accordance with the winning of the second special role;
A gaming machine comprising: a winning probability control means for controlling the winning probability of the first special role in accordance with a gaming state and controlling the winning probability of the second special role in accordance with the gaming state. ,
The gaming state transition control means is
In the first special state, regardless of the result of the lottery, the small combination flag to which the game medium is paid out in accordance with the winning is set to the internal winning state, and at least one of the plurality of reels is not controlled. Controlling the first special game set in the state to be executable until the total payout number of game media in the first special state exceeds a predetermined number,
In the second special state, the second special game in which the winning rate of the small part to which the game medium is paid out in accordance with the winning is increased is controlled to be executable only once,
The winning probability control means is
Controlling the winning probability of the second special role in the first special state to be higher than the winning probability of the second special role in the normal state;
A gaming machine that controls the winning probability of the first special combination in the second special state to be higher than the winning probability of the first special combination in the normal state. In claim 1,
The gaming state transition control means is
When the second special combination is won in the first special state, the first special state is terminated even if the total number of payouts in the first special state does not exceed a predetermined number. Machine. In claim 1,
The flag control means is
When the flag of the second special combination is in the internal winning state, the internal winning state of the flag of the second special combination is controlled so that it can be carried over to the next game,
When the second special combination is won in the first special state, the flag of the second special combination is not changed from the internal winning state based on the total number of payouts in the first special state exceeding a predetermined number. A gaming machine characterized by being set to an internal winning state. In claim 1,
The flag control means is
When the flag of the second special combination is in the internal winning state, the internal winning state of the flag of the second special combination is controlled so that it can be carried over to the next game,
When the second special combination is won in the first special state, the first special state is terminated even after the first special state is ended based on the total number of payouts in the first special state exceeding a predetermined number. 2. A gaming machine that controls to carry on the internal winning state of the special role flag until winning. In any one of Claims 1-4,
The prescribed number of game media set as game start conditions for the game states of the normal state, the first special state, and the second special state are different from each other,
The winning probability control means is
A gaming machine, wherein the winning probabilities of the first special combination and the second special combination are controlled according to a predetermined number of insertions set for each gaming state. Lottery means for performing a lottery to determine the success or failure of a plurality of combinations including a first special combination and a second special combination using random numbers;
Flag control means for setting the winning combination flag to the internal winning state based on the result of the lottery,
Reel stop control means for performing control to stop a plurality of rotating reels according to a flag setting state based on a stop operation to the operation means;
A control is performed to shift the gaming state between a plurality of gaming states including a normal state and a first special state and a second special state in which the player is more advantageous than the normal state. A gaming state transition control means for performing a control for shifting the gaming state to the first special state and shifting the gaming state to the second special state in accordance with the winning of the second special role;
A program for causing a computer to function as a winning probability control means for controlling the winning probability of the first special role in accordance with a gaming state and controlling the winning probability of the second special role in accordance with a gaming state. ,
The gaming state transition control means is
In the first special state, regardless of the result of the lottery, the small combination flag to which the game medium is paid out in accordance with the winning is set to the internal winning state, and at least one of the plurality of reels is not controlled. Controlling the first special game set in the state to be executable until the total payout number of game media in the first special state exceeds a predetermined number,
In the second special state, the second special game in which the winning rate of the small part to which the game medium is paid out in accordance with the winning is increased is controlled to be executable only once,
The winning probability control means is
Controlling the winning probability of the second special role in the first special state to be higher than the winning probability of the second special role in the normal state;
A program for controlling the winning probability of the first special combination in the second special state to be higher than the winning probability of the first special combination in the normal state.   An information storage medium readable by a computer, wherein the program according to claim 6 is stored.

Images