JP2008023319A - Slot machine and its play method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine with new entertainment property, and its play method. <P>SOLUTION: In a unit game while a basic game is executed, when the combination of the symbol of "LOBSTER" is stopped, the stop control game of pressing a stop switch and stopping the symbols being scrolled is executed. Then, when a player depresses the stop switch to stop the symbols and the combination of the symbols of "CRAB" is not stopped on a winning line L, a first putout table is selected. When the combination of the symbols of "CRAB" is stopped on the winning line, a second putout table wherein a putout amount is set to be larger than that in the first putout table is selected. Then, when a winning combination is established in the next game, putout based on the selected putout table is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine for playing a game using game media such as coins and bills, and a playing method thereof.

  In the conventional slot machine, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,960,133 B1 (Patent Document 1) or US Pat. No. US 6012983 (Patent Document 2), a player inserts a game medium such as a medal, a coin, or a bill into the slot slot. When the spin button is input, the plurality of symbols are scroll-displayed on the display unit provided on the front surface of the casing, and then each symbol is automatically stopped. At this time, a random number is generated when the scroll display of each symbol is started with the input of the spin button, so that coins and credits associated with prizes such as mystery bonuses can be randomly executed, or a second game When it is determined to shift to the bonus game such as, the basic game is shifted to the bonus game, and the bonus game is executed.

The slot machine pays out a predetermined payout when a winning combination is generated as the game progresses.
US Patent US6960133B1 US Patent US6012983

  In such a conventional slot machine, only the scrolled symbols are automatically stopped, and the appearance of a slot machine with new entertainment properties is desired.

  A first aspect of the present invention is a slot machine having the following configuration, in which a plurality of symbols arranged on a display are automatically rearranged, and the plurality of symbols are received from an external control input signal. When the control input signal is received and rearranged, the rearrangement is performed using a combination of specific symbols and the combination of specific symbols is not rearranged. A controller for controlling the amount of payout when rearranged to be different is provided.

  In the slot machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, when a symbol placed on a display is received by receiving a control input signal from the outside, a case where the symbol is rearranged in a combination of particular symbols, and a particular symbol The payout amount when the winning combination is rearranged in the subsequent game is set differently depending on whether the combination is not rearranged.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a slot machine having the following configuration. When a plurality of symbols arranged on a display are rearranged, the plurality of symbols are automatically rearranged, and the plurality of symbols May be rearranged in response to an external control input, and when a combination of predetermined symbols is rearranged as a result of automatically rearranging the plurality of symbols, an external control input is accepted. The unit game for rearranging the symbols is executed, and in this unit game, when the combination of a specific symbol is rearranged and when the combination of the specific symbol is not rearranged, the unit game is rearranged. A controller that controls the payout amount to be different.

  In the slot machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, when a symbol combination is rearranged as a result of automatically rearranging symbols arranged on the display, an external control input signal is received and displayed on the display. A unit game for rearranging the arranged symbols is executed. In this unit game, the payout amount is set differently when the combination of specific symbols is rearranged and when the combination of specific symbols is not rearranged.

  A third aspect of the present invention is a slot machine having the following configuration, a display on which a symbol matrix formed by a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows is arranged, and after scrolling a plurality of symbols arranged on the display In order to re-arrange as a new symbol matrix, to select and determine a symbol to be arranged in the symbol matrix from a plurality of types of symbols, and to execute arrangement control to stop at the decided symbol from the scroll state The arrangement controller is provided. Further, a stop switch connected to the arrangement controller and operable by the player, a plurality of payout tables for setting different payouts for the same winning combination, and a winning line set for the symbol matrix When the combination of the predetermined symbols is rearranged, the stop control enables the symbols to be rearranged in the next unit game in relation to the input timing by the player of the stop switch regardless of the arrangement control of the arrangement controller. A stop switch controller that executes a game, and a case where a combination of specific symbols is rearranged by execution of the stop control game, and a case where a combination of specific symbols is not rearranged. When winning combination in the unit game executed is rearranged, and a payout table selection controller for determining a payout amount by selecting different payout table.

  In the slot machine of the third aspect of the present invention, when the stop control game is executed, different payout tables are used when the combination of specific symbols is rearranged and when the combination of specific symbols is not rearranged. A payout amount is determined when a winning combination is established in a unit game that is selected and executed thereafter.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is a playing method of a slot machine having the following configuration, in which a unit game in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on a display and rearranged by a combination of symbols determined by a controller is repeated, In each of the unit games, there are a case where a plurality of symbols arranged on a display are automatically rearranged, and a case where the plurality of symbols are rearranged in response to an external control input signal. When received and rearranged, the amount of payout when rearranged to a subsequent winning combination differs depending on whether the specific symbol combination is rearranged or the specific symbol combination is not rearranged. To control.

  In the playing method of the slot machine according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in each unit game, when a symbol placed on the display is rearranged in response to an external control input signal, the symbol is rearranged to a specific symbol combination. The payout amount when the winning combination is rearranged in a subsequent game is set differently depending on whether the winning combination is rearranged in the combination of specific symbols.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is a playing method executed by a slot machine having the following configuration, where a plurality of symbols are arranged on a display, and a plurality of symbols arranged on the display are rearranged. Prior to the rearrangement, the controller determines a plurality of symbols for the rearrangement, rearranges the combination of the plurality of symbols on the display, and the rearranged symbols are in a predetermined combination. When the stop switch connected to the controller is activated, the input of the stop switch allows the symbols to be rearranged regardless of the control of the controller, and the input of the stop switch When a combination of symbols is rearranged and a specific symbol When the combination is not relocated, and a step to the different payout amounts for the player.

  In the playing method executed by the slot machine according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the symbols arranged on the display are rearranged, the combination of the predetermined symbols is rearranged, so that the stop switch is activated. The symbols arranged on the display can be rearranged by operating the stop switch. The amount of payout to the player differs depending on the operation of the stop switch when the combination of specific symbols is rearranged and when the combination of specific symbols is not rearranged.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a playing method executed in a slot machine having the following configuration, wherein a game is started by scrolling a plurality of symbols on the display under the control of the controller, and the controller A unit game in which the game is ended by stopping and being arranged with a combination of a plurality of symbols determined by the above is repeated, and when a symbol that becomes a predetermined combination is rearranged on the display, a stop connected to the controller A first step of setting a symbol scrolled on the display based on an input signal from the switch to a controllable state, and rearranging based on an input signal from the stop switch in the control state Symbol con A second step of determining whether or not a combination has become a specific combination, a third step of determining whether or not a winning combination has been rearranged in the unit game after the control state, and the second If it is determined that the determination result at the stage is a specific combination, the player when it is determined that the wing combination is rearranged at the third stage, rather than when it is determined that the combination is not a specific combination. And a fourth stage for increasing the payout amount for.

  In the playing method executed in the slot machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when a unit game is executed and symbols arranged on the display are rearranged, a combination of predetermined symbols is rearranged. A stop control game is executed in which the input of the stop switch is received and the symbols are rearranged. By executing the stop control game, a larger payout amount is generated when a specific symbol combination is rearranged than when a specific symbol combination is not rearranged.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a slot machine with new entertainment properties and a playing method of the slot machine.

  FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing a playing method of a slot machine according to the present invention. The schematic operation of the slot machine and the playing method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 1 and the perspective view shown in FIG.

  In the slot machine according to the present invention, when the power is turned on and the slot machine is activated, authentication processing is first performed (step S100). In this authentication process, an initial confirmation process is performed at a stage before starting the unit game, such as whether the program for operating the system operates normally or whether the program has been tampered with.

  Next, a basic game is executed (step S200). In this basic game, when the spin button 23 is pressed in a state where a desired number of credits is bet, for example, by inserting coins into the coin receiving slot 21, five columns and three rows are provided on the front surface of the cabinet 11. Symbol scrolling is started in each display area 28 (28a-28e) of the liquid crystal display 17 inside the window 15 (15a-15e), and then the scrolling is stopped and the symbol is stopped (rearranged) in each display area 28. ) Unit game is executed.

  In each unit game, a process for determining a symbol to be stopped in each display area 28 (28a to 28e) is performed, and a combination of symbols serving as a bonus trigger on the winning line L set in the middle of each display area 28, for example, When the symbol “APPLE” is stopped on the winning line L, the game proceeds to the bonus game.

  Further, when a predetermined condition such as a combination of a predetermined symbol (for example, “LOBSTER” symbol) is stopped in each display area 28, when the stop switch 82 is pressed by the player, Then, a stop control game is executed to stop the symbol being scrolled in relation to the pressed timing (steps S300 and S400).

  When the stop control game is started, symbol scrolling is started again in the display area 28 (28a to 28e), and the stop switch 82 is activated. When the stop switch 82 is pressed by the player, the scrolled symbol is stopped. A plurality of symbols are set depending on whether or not a specific symbol, for example, “CRAB” symbol, is stopped on the winning line L set as the middle horizontal line of each of the five display areas 28 (28a to 28e). A desired payout table is selected from the payout tables being stored (step S500).

  For example, for a winning combination with payout, a first payout table for setting a payout amount and a second payout table for setting a payout amount larger than the first payout table are provided. When the specific symbol is stopped, the second payout table is selected, and when the specific symbol is not stopped, the first payout table is selected.

  Thereafter, the scrolling of symbols is started again in the display area 28 (28a to 28e) (step S600). As a result, it is determined whether or not the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line L set in the display area 28 (28a to 28e) of the liquid crystal display 17 is a winning combination with payout (step S700). As an example of the winning combination, there is a case where the symbol “CHERRY” stops on the winning line L.

  When the winning combination with payout is stopped on the winning line L, payout is performed based on the payout table determined in step S500 (step S800). For example, for the winning combination where “CHERRY” stops on the winning line L, the first payout table (see FIG. 4A) has a payout amount of 20 coins, whereas the second payout table. There is a payout amount of 30 coins (see FIG. 4B).

  That is, in the stop control game executed in the process of step S400, if the player presses the stop switch 82 to stop at a specific symbol such as “CRAB”, the symbol that will be the winning combination in the next game When the player stops, the payout amount increases, and the player can obtain a larger payout amount.

  In the above example, an example in which symbols are stopped and displayed in the display areas 28 (28a to 28e) corresponding to the display windows 15 (15a to 15e) in five columns and three rows has been described. The display area 28 is not limited to five columns and three rows. Further, an example in which symbols are displayed on each display area 28 using the liquid crystal display 17 has been described. However, a mechanical rotary reel having a cylindrical shape and a plurality of symbols displayed on the side surface is used. It is also possible to employ a configuration in which the symbols are stopped inside the display windows 15 (15a to 15e) after being rotated.

  In the above example, the case where two payout tables of the first payout table and the second payout table are provided has been described. However, three or more payout tables are provided, a stop control game is executed a plurality of times, and specified. The payout table may be selected according to the number of times of stopping at the symbol.

  Further, in the above example, in the basic game, the symbols are scrolled and displayed in the vertical direction with respect to the display areas 28 (28a to 28e), and then the symbols are stopped (rearranged). Symbols may be changed and displayed (rearranged) in each display area 28 (28a to 28e).

  Next, the configuration of the slot machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the perspective view shown in FIG. The slot machine 10 is installed in a game facility.

  In the slot machine 10, coins, bills, or electronic valuable information corresponding to these are used as game media for executing a unit game. 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.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot 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, there is provided a liquid crystal display 17 for scrolling symbols in 5 columns and 3 rows inside the display window 15 (15a to 15e). The liquid crystal display 17 has 5 columns and 3 rows. The display area 28 (28a to 28e) for displaying the symbols is provided. That is, when the basic game is executed, the symbols are scrolled in the display areas 28 (28a to 28e) in five columns and three rows, and the scrolled symbols are displayed on the player through the display windows 15 (15a to 15e). Is visible.

  In this embodiment, the display area 28 (28a to 28e) of the 5 columns and 3 rows of the liquid crystal display 17 is taken as an example of the display, but a mechanical reel displaying symbols on the side surface is rotated. After that, the symbols may be displayed through the display window 15 by stopping. The display area 28 is not limited to 5 columns and 3 rows.

  A stop switch 82 is provided below the liquid crystal display 17 inside the cabinet 11 to stop the scrolled symbols when the stop control game is started. When the stop switch 82 is pressed by the player, the player stops when the stop switch 82 is pressed.

  When the stop control game is started, the display lamp 83 provided on the stop switch 82 is turned on. Thus, the player is notified that the symbols scrolled in the display area 28 can be stopped by pressing the stop switch 82.

  A lower image display panel 16 is provided in front of the liquid crystal display 17 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 is provided with a credit amount display unit 31 and a payout number display unit 32. The credit amount display unit 31 displays the number of credited coins as an image. In the payout number display section 32, the number of coins to be paid out when a combination of symbols stopped on a winning line L to be described later is a winning combination is displayed as an image.

  The lower image display panel 16 has five rows of display windows 15 (15a to 15e) through which symbols displayed in the five rows of display areas 28 (28a to 28e) of the liquid crystal display 17 provided on the lower image display panel 16 can be seen. ) Is provided. Further, in the middle of the five rows of display windows 15 (15a to 15e), one winning line L that horizontally crosses these display windows 15 (15a to 15e) is formed. The winning line L defines a combination of symbols. When the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line L is a winning combination, the number of coins corresponding to the winning combination and the number of coins inserted (BET number) is paid out.

  In this embodiment, an example in which one winning line L is set will be described. For example, three winning lines that horizontally cross the upper, middle, and lower stages of the five display windows 15 (15a to 15e), or Winning lines that pass diagonally (V-shaped, inverted V-shaped, etc.) are formed, the number of winning lines corresponding to the number of coins inserted is activated, and a combination of symbols that are stopped on the activated winning line In the case of a winning combination, the number of coins corresponding to the combination may be paid out.

  Further, a touch panel 69 (see FIG. 5) is provided on the front surface of the lower image display panel 16, and the player can input various instructions by operating the touch panel 69.

  Below the lower image display panel 16, a control panel 20 including a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 to which an instruction relating to game progress is input by the player, a stop switch 82, and a coin receiving slot for receiving coins into the cabinet 11. 21 and a bill validator 22 are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the stop switch 82 is used to stop the symbol being scrolled, but a transparent touch panel is arranged on the front side of the display window 15 instead of the mechanical stop switch 82. Thus, this touch panel may be used in place of the stop switch 82. As such a touch panel, a touch panel employed in a mobile terminal or a bank ATM can be used. By arranging the touch panel as a stop switch 82 on the front side of the display window 15 in this way, the player can stop (rearrange) the display area 15 while viewing the symbol change state through the display window 15. ) By touching the desired symbol, an instruction for rearrangement can be made. Such a rearrangement operation is advantageous in that it can be performed at intervals such that the symbols are directly touched.

  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 a button for inputting an instruction to start scrolling the symbols displayed in the display area 28. The change button 24 is a button used when requesting exchange of money from a game facility staff. The cashout button 25 is a button for inputting an instruction to pay out credited coins to the coin tray 18.

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

  The stop switch 82 is activated when the stop control game is started, and is a switch for performing an operation for the player to stop the scrolled symbol. The stop switch 82 is provided with a display lamp 83. As will be described later, when the operation of the stop switch 82 is activated, the display lamp 83 is lit and the operation of the stop switch 82 is effective. This is notified to the player. Instead of the stop switch 82, an operation lever, a trackball, a touch panel, or the like can be used.

  The banknote discriminator 22 recognizes whether or not the banknote is a regular one and accepts the regular banknote into 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 slot 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.

  The top box 12 is provided with a speaker 29 for outputting sound. 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 slot machine 10 is encoded, and outputs it as a ticket 39 with bar code. The player can play a game with another slot machine using the bar code-added ticket 39, or exchange the bar code-added ticket 39 with bills or the like using a cashier or the like of a game facility.

  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 data display 37 includes 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 inputs instructions and data related to ticket issuance and the like.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing symbol rows scrolled in the display areas 28 (28a to 28e) provided in the liquid crystal display 17 provided in the cabinet 11. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, in each display area 28 (28a to 28e), a total of 22 symbol columns each having code numbers "00" to "21" are scrolled. The column of symbols differs for each display area 28 (28a to 28e).

  Symbols displayed in the display areas 28 (28a to 28e) are "JACKPOT 7," "BLUE 7," "BELL," "CHERRY," "STRAWBERRY," "PLUM," "ORANGE," "APPLE," The symbols “LOBSTER” and “CRAB” are combined. Also, a winning combination with payout is set by the combination of the above symbols. A first payout table and a second payout table are set as tables for determining the payout amount when the winning combination is established.

  FIG. 4A shows the first payout table. The first payout table is selected when a normal basic game is being executed or when a combination of specific symbols (for example, “CRAB” symbols) is not stopped in the stop control game. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the symbol “APPLE” is stopped on the winning line L of the five display areas 28 (28a to 28e), a bonus trigger is triggered and the gaming state is changed from the basic game to the bonus. Move to the game.

  Further, when the combination of the symbols “LOBSTER” which is a predetermined symbol is stopped on the winning line L, a stop control game is executed. When the symbol “CHERRY” stops on the winning line L, 20 coins are paid out. When the “PLUM” symbol stops on the winning line L, five coins are paid out.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a second payout table. This second payout table is selected in the next game when a combination of specific symbols (for example, “CRAB” symbol) is stopped in the stop control game. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the combination of “APPLE” symbols on the winning line L is stopped, a bonus game trigger occurs, and the gaming state shifts from the basic game to the bonus game.

  When the combination of “LOBSTER” symbols on the winning line L is stopped, a stop control game is executed. When the combination of “CHERRY” symbols on the winning line L is stopped, 30 coins are paid out. When the combination of “PLUM” symbols on the winning line L stops, 10 coins are paid out.

  That is, the second payout table is set to have a larger coin payout amount when the symbols constituting the winning combination are stopped on the winning line L than the first payout table. As will be described later, in the normal state, the first payout table is selected, the payout amount is determined, the stop control game is executed, and a combination of specific symbols such as a “CRAB” combination is displayed on the winning line L. When stopped, the second payout table is selected.

  Further, the bonus game that is performed with the combination of the symbols “APPLE” stopped on the winning line L is a gaming state that is more advantageous than the basic game. 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 bonus game is not particularly limited as long as it is an advantageous game state for the player. In addition, the bonus game advantageous to the player is not particularly limited as long as it is more advantageous than the basic game. For example, a state in which more game media can be obtained than the basic game, and a higher probability than the basic game. And a state where the number of game media consumed is smaller than that of the basic game. Specifically, examples of the bonus game include a free game and a second game.

  The symbols displayed (arranged) in the display areas 28 (28a to 28e) start scrolling when the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is pressed and then the spin button 23 is pressed. When scrolling of each symbol is started, scrolling of each symbol is stopped (rearranged) after a predetermined time has elapsed. At this time, any one of the symbols in the display area 28 (28a to 28e) shown in FIG. 3 is displayed in the display area 28 (28a to 28e) inside the display window 15 (15a to 15e). Stop.

  Further, for each symbol, various winning combinations (see FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B) are determined in advance, and when the symbol that becomes the winning combination stops on the winning line L, the winning combination is displayed. The number of coins to be paid out is added to the credits owned by the player. When the bonus game trigger is established, that is, when the combination of five “APPLE” symbols stops on the winning line L in this embodiment, the gaming state shifts from the basic game state to the bonus game gaming state. To do.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the control circuit includes a motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gaming board 50, a sub CPU 61, a door PCB 80, and various switches, sensors, and other components. ing.

  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 stores a game program and a game system program. The game program includes a stop symbol determination program. The stop symbol determination program is a program for determining a symbol (a code number corresponding to a symbol) to be stopped on the winning line L of each display area 28 (28a to 28e). This stop symbol determination 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 includes, for each of the five columns of display areas 28 (28a to 28e), a code number (see FIG. 3) of each symbol and one or a plurality of random values belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0 to 256). It is the data which shows the corresponding relationship.

  The payout rate is determined based on the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54, and the stop symbol is determined based on the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate.

  The card slot 53S is configured such that the memory card 53 can be inserted and removed, and is connected to the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, by removing the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game program and game system program into the memory card 53, and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S, the types of games performed in the slot machine 10 And can change the contents.

  The game program includes a program related to game progress and a program for shifting to a bonus game. The game program includes image data and sound data output during the game. Further, the game program includes, as notification data for notifying the player that the stop operation of the symbol being scrolled by the stop switch 82 is possible when the stop control game is started in the procedure described later. Image data and sound data are included.

  The GAL 54 includes a plurality of input ports and output ports. When data is input to the input port, the data corresponding to the data is output 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 removing 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.

  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 a program for confirming and verifying that the game program and the game system program have not been tampered with. That is, the authentication program is described in accordance with the procedure for authenticating the game program and the game system program. 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 is not falsified, that is, a procedure for authenticating the authentication program.

  The motherboard 40 includes a main CPU 41 (controller), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication interface 44.

  The main CPU 41 has a function as a controller that controls the entire slot machine 10. In particular, the main CPU 41 controls the sub CPU 61 to output a command signal for scrolling symbols in the display areas 28 (28a to 28e) of the liquid crystal display 17 when a credit is bet and the spin button 23 is pressed. After the symbols in each display area 28 (28a to 28e) are scrolled, control is performed to determine a symbol that stops at the middle position (on the winning line L), and the symbol so that the determined symbol stops on the winning line L. Control to display.

  That is, the main CPU 41 scrolls a plurality of symbols displayed on the display (liquid crystal display device 17), and then rearranges the symbols arranged in the symbol matrix from a plurality of types of symbols in order to rearrange them as a new symbol matrix. It has a function as an arrangement controller for selecting and determining, and executing arrangement control to stop at the determined symbol from the scroll state.

  Further, when a predetermined symbol combination (for example, “LOBSTER” symbol) is rearranged on the winning line L set for the symbol matrix, the main CPU 41 sets the stop switch 82 in the next unit game. As a stop switch controller that executes a stop control game that enables the symbols scrolled in the display area 28 to be rearranged irrespective of the placement control of the placement controller in relation to the input timing of the stop switch 82 by the player It has the function of.

  Further, as will be described later, the main CPU 41 executes a stop control game when a specific symbol is rearranged (for example, when a combination of “CRAB” symbols on the winning line L is stopped) When a specific symbol is not rearranged and a winning combination is rearranged in the display area 28 (28a to 28e) in the next game, a function as a payout table selection controller that selects a payout table and determines payout Is provided.

  The ROM 42 stores a program such as a basic input / output system (BIOS) executed by the main CPU 41, and data used permanently. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, initialization processing of each peripheral device is performed, and reading processing of the game program and game system program stored in the memory card 53 via the gaming board 50 is started.

  The RAM 43 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 41 performs processing.

  The communication interface 44 is for performing communication with a host computer or the like provided in the gaming facility via a communication line.

  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 (Universal Serial Bus). 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 arithmetic processing by executing the game program and game system program stored in the RAM 43 based on the input signal input to the main CPU 41 and stores the result in the RAM 43. As a control process for the device or apparatus, a process for transmitting a control signal to each device or apparatus is performed.

  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, a touch panel 69, a bill discriminator 22, a ticket printer 35, and a card reader 36. The key switch 38S and the data display 37 are connected. Further, a stop switch 82 and a display lamp 83 provided corresponding to the stop switch 82 are connected to the main body PCB 60.

  The lamp 30 is controlled to be turned on / off based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

  The sub CPU 61 controls the scrolling of symbols in the five columns of display areas 28 (28 a to 28 e) set in the liquid crystal display 17, and is connected to a VDP (Video Display Processor) 46.

  The VDP 46 reads the symbol image data stored in the image data ROM 47, generates a scroll image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 17, and outputs the scroll image to the liquid crystal display 17.

  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 exit 19 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it is detected that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout exit 19.

  The graphic board 68 controls image display other than symbols to be displayed in the display area 28 on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 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. Further, the payout number display section 32 of the lower image display panel 16 displays the number of coins paid out. The graphic board 68 includes a VDP 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.

  The bill validator 22 reads an image of a bill and accepts a regular bill into the cabinet 11. Moreover, 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 barcode in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and identification number of the slot 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 an 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 via the keypad 38 by the player based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

  The stop switch 82 is a button for stopping a symbol being scrolled when a later-described stop control game is executed. When the stop control game is executed, the stop switch 82 is activated and the display lamp 83 is lit. Then, the sub CPU 61 performs control to stop the symbol being scrolled at the timing when the stop switch 82 is pressed by the player.

  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, and a 1-BET switch corresponding to the 1-BET button 26. 26S and 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 21C 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 genuine. 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 (not shown) installed in the slot machine 10 is a coin recognized as a regular coin by the coin counter 21C. Or distribute 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.

  Next, specific processing performed in the slot machine 10 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the authentication reading process of the game program and game system program (the process of step S100 shown in FIG. 1) by the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 shown in FIG. It is assumed that the memory card 53 is attached to 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 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 is falsified in advance before being loaded 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 diagnoses and initializes 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. Further, the main CPU 41 performs processing for storing the read authentication program in the RAM 43 (step S1-4).

  Next, the main CPU 41 accesses the memory card 53 attached to the card slot 53S via the IDE bus. Then, the main CPU 41 reads out the game program and game system program stored in the memory card 53.

  Next, the main CPU 41 performs authentication to confirm and prove that the read game program and game system program have not been tampered with in accordance with the authentication program stored in the RAM 43 (step S1-5).

  When this authentication process ends normally, the main CPU 41 stores the authenticated game program and game system program 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 stores it in the RAM 43 (step S1-7). Next, the main CPU 41 reads the country identification information stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and stores the read country identification information in the RAM 43 (step S1-8).

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

  After the authentication reading process shown in FIG. 6 is performed, the main CPU 41 performs a basic game execution process. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a specific processing procedure of the basic game execution processing shown in step S200 of FIG.

  In the basic game execution process, first, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin has been bet (step S11). In this processing, the main CPU 41 outputs an input signal output from the 1-BET switch 26S when the 1-BET button 26 is pressed, or is output from the maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is pressed. It is determined whether an input signal has been received. If it is determined that no coin is bet, the process returns to step S11.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that a coin has been betted, the main CPU 41 performs a process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 according to the number of coins bet (step S12). If the number of coins bet is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the process returns to step S11 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 to step S13. In this state, the symbols can be scroll-displayed in the display area 28 (28a to 28e).

  Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S13). In this process, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal output from the spin switch 23S is received when the spin button 23 is turned on.

  If it is determined that the spin button 23 is not turned on, the process returns to step S11. 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 S12. .

  In the present embodiment, after a coin is bet (step S11), before the determination of whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S13), a process of subtracting the number of credits (step S12) is performed. explain. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, after a coin is bet (step S11), it is determined whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S13). If it is determined that the spin button 23 is turned on (YES in step S13), the number of credits It is good also as performing the process (step S12) which subtracts.

  If it is determined in step S13 in FIG. 7 that the spin button 23 has been turned on, the main CPU 41 performs a stop symbol determination process (step S14). In the stop symbol determination process, the main CPU 41 executes a stop symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43 to display the symbols through the display window 15 when the symbols are stopped in the display areas 28 (28a to 28e). Determine the symbol to be played. Thereby, a combination of symbols that stop on the winning line L is determined.

  Next, the main CPU 41 performs a symbol scroll display process (step S15). This process is performed in each display area 28 (28a to 28e) so that the symbols determined in step S14 stop on the winning line L after starting the scroll of symbols in each display area 28 (28a to 28e). This is a process to stop the symbol.

  Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line L is a combination of “LOBSTER” that is a predetermined combination (step S16), and the combination of “LOBSTER” is determined to be the winning line L. When stopped upward, a stop control game described later is executed (step S17). It should be noted that stopping a predetermined combination a plurality of times continuously may be used as a trigger for executing the stop control game. For example, the stop control game may be executed when a combination of “LOBSTER” stops on the winning line L a plurality of times.

  On the other hand, if the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line L is not a combination of “LOBSTER”, whether or not a bonus trigger is established, that is, whether the combination of “APPLE” on the winning line L is stopped. If it is determined that the bonus trigger has been established, a bonus game process described later is executed (step S19).

  If the bonus trigger is not established, it is determined whether a winning combination is established, for example, whether the “PLUM” combination is stopped (step S20), and the winning combination is established. If it is determined that the payout combination is made, a payout process corresponding to the winning combination is performed (step S21).

  When storing the coins to be paid out, the main CPU 41 adds a predetermined number of credits to the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. 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 this 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.

  If it is determined that a winning combination has not been established (NO in step S20), that is, in the case of a loss, coins are not paid out. In this way, the basic game is executed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the stop control game. When the stop control game is executed in the process of step S17 shown in FIG. 7, the main CPU 41 scrolls the symbols in the five display areas 28 (28a to 28e) (step S31). In the process of step S31, when the stop control game is executed, that is, when the “LOBSTER” symbol is stopped in the process of step S16 of FIG. 7, symbol scrolling may be automatically started. Alternatively, the scrolling of the symbols may be started after the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is newly pressed and the spin button 23 is pressed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14A, the main CPU selects “CRAB” on the winning line L of the four columns of display areas 28 (28a to 28d) out of the five columns of display areas 28 (28a to 28e). Are stopped and only the remaining display area 28e is scrolled. Further, the main CPU 41 validates the operation of the stop switch 82 (step S32). That is, when the player presses the stop switch 82, the symbols in the display area 28e being scrolled are brought into a stoppable state. Further, the display lamp 83 attached to the stop switch 82 is turned on. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the characters “You can press the button to stop the reel!” Are displayed on the upper image display panel 33 of the slot machine 10. Furthermore, an arrow pointing upward and an image 92 indicating “LOOK UP!” Are displayed at the bottom of the lower image display panel 16. Thereby, it is possible to notify the player that the stop control game is being executed. Moreover, you may alert | report by audio | voice or an electrical decoration simultaneously with this.

  Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the stop switch 82 has been pressed (step S33). When the stop switch 82 is pressed, the main CPU 41 stops the symbol being scrolled in the display area 28e at the timing when the stop switch 82 is pressed (step S35). In this case, the main CPU 41 receives a detection signal from a detection sensor (not shown) provided in the stop switch 82, and stops the scrolling symbol when detecting that the stop switch 82 is pressed.

  If the stop switch 82 is not pressed for a predetermined time or longer by the player (NO in step S33), the symbols scrolled in the display area 28e are automatically stopped after the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S34). (Step S35).

  After that, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the combination of the specific symbols “CRAB” on the winning line L is stopped (step S36).

  When the main CPU 41 determines that the “CRAB” symbol has stopped on the winning line L as shown in FIG. 14B (YES in step S36), the payout table is shown in FIG. 4B. The second payout table is selected (step S38). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14 (c), when it is determined that the “CRAB” symbol is not stopped on the winning line L (NO in step S36), a payout table is shown in FIG. 4 (a). The first payout table shown is selected (step S37).

  Next, the main CPU 41 scrolls again the symbols displayed in the five rows of display areas 28 (28a to 28e), and then sequentially stops the symbols scrolled in the display areas 28 (28a to 28e) ( Step S39). Thereafter, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the symbol that becomes the winning combination has stopped on the winning line L (step S40), and determines that the symbol that becomes the winning combination has stopped (YES in step S40). The payout is made with reference to the payout table selected in the processes of steps S37 and S38 (step S41).

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B described above, the payout amount when the winning combination is established on the winning line L in the second payout table rather than in the first payout table. Is set to increase. For example, when the symbol “CHERRY” is arranged as a winning combination, when the first payout table is selected, 20 coins are paid out and the second payout table is selected. In this case, payout of 30 coins occurs.

  Therefore, when the stop control game is executed, if the player presses the stop switch 82 to stop the scrolled symbol with a combination of specific symbols (in this example, “CRAB”), When a winning combination is established on the winning line L in the display area 28 in this game, a larger payout amount can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, when two payout tables of the first payout table and the second payout table are set and a specific symbol (for example, “CRAB”) can be stopped in the stop control game, The example in which the second payout table with a large payout amount is selected has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more payout tables with different coin payout amounts are set, and two or more stop control games are executed. It is also possible to select a payout table that increases the payout amount of coins as the number of times symbols are stopped increases.

  Hereinafter, a modification of the stop control game based on this content will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the stop control game is executed in the process of step S17 shown in FIG. 7, the main CPU 41 sets a value n indicating the number of times of the stop control game to n = 1 and a specific symbol in the stop control game. The number of times P can be stopped is set to P = 0 (step S101).

  Then, the main CPU 41 scrolls the symbols in the five display areas 28 (28a to 28e) (step S102). In the process of step S102, symbol scrolling may be automatically started when the stop control game is executed, the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is newly pressed, and Symbol scrolling may be started after the spin button 23 is pressed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 14A, the main CPU selects “CRAB” on the winning line L of the four columns of display areas 28 (28a to 28d) out of the five columns of display areas 28 (28a to 28e). Are stopped and only the remaining display area 28e is scrolled. Further, the main CPU 41 validates the operation of the stop switch 82 (step S103). That is, when the player presses the stop switch 82, the symbols in the display area 28e being scrolled are brought into a stoppable state. Further, the display lamp 83 attached to the stop switch 82 is turned on. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the characters “You can press the button to stop the reel!” Are displayed on the upper image display panel 33 of the slot machine 10. Furthermore, an arrow pointing upward and an image 92 indicating “LOOK UP!” Are displayed at the bottom of the lower image display panel 16. Thereby, it is possible to notify the player that the stop control game is being executed. Moreover, you may alert | report by audio | voice or an electrical decoration simultaneously with this.

  Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the stop switch 82 has been pressed (step S104). When the stop switch 82 is pressed, the main CPU 41 stops the symbol being scrolled in the display area 28e at the timing when the stop switch 82 is pressed (step S106). In this case, the main CPU 41 receives a detection signal from a detection sensor (not shown) provided in the stop switch 82, and stops the scrolling symbol when detecting that the stop switch 82 is pressed.

  If the stop switch 82 is not pressed for a predetermined time by the player (NO in step S104), the symbols scrolled in the display area 28e are automatically stopped after the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S105). (Step S106).

  Thereafter, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the combination of symbols “CRAB”, which is a specific symbol, has stopped on the winning line L (step S107).

  When the main CPU 41 determines that the “CRAB” symbol has stopped on the winning line L as shown in FIG. 14B (YES in step S107), a value P indicating the number of successes of the stop control game. Is set to P = 1 (step S108).

  Next, a value n indicating the number of times of execution of the stop control game is set to n = 1 (step S109). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the number n of executions of the stop control game has reached a predetermined number N (N is, for example, 5) set in advance (step S110). If the value of n has not reached N (NO in step S110), the processing from step S102 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if n = N (YES in step S110), a payout table is selected according to the value of P at this time (step S111). In this modified example, six types of payout tables (not shown) having different payout numbers when the winning combination is established are set, and P = 5, that is, a specific symbol in all five stop control games. When the combination of “CRAB” is stopped, the payout table with the largest payout amount is selected. When P = 4, the payout table having the second largest payout amount is selected. Similarly, a payout table with a smaller payout amount is selected as the value of P decreases.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 41 performs a process of scrolling the symbols again in the display area 28 (28a to 28e) and then stopping the symbols (step S112). As a result, when the symbol that becomes the winning combination is stopped on the winning line L (YES in step S113), payout is performed using the payout table selected in step S111 (step S114). Therefore, the player can obtain a larger payout amount as the number of times that the stop control game is executed a plurality of times (for example, five times) and the combination of a specific symbol is stopped increases.

  Next, the stop symbol determination process shown in step S14 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the stop symbol determination process shown in step S14 of FIG. This processing is performed by the main CPU 41 executing the stop symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43.

  First, the main CPU 41 executes a random number generation program included in the stop symbol determination program, so that a random number corresponding to each of the display areas 28 (28a to 28e) in each column is selected from the numerical range of 0 to 255. A numerical value is selected (step S51).

  Next, the main CPU 41 refers to the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 and stored in the RAM 43, and based on the selected five random number values, each display area 28 (28a To 28e) are determined (step S52).

  The code number of each display area 28 (28a to 28e) corresponds to the code number of the symbol to be stopped and displayed on the winning line L. The main CPU 41 determines the winning combination by determining the code number of each display area 28. For example, when the code numbers of the display areas 28 (28a to 28e) are respectively determined as “00”, “00”, “00”, “00”, “00”, the main CPU 41 sets the winning combination to “JACKPOT 7”. It will be decided.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the symbol scroll display process shown in step S15 of FIG. This process is a process performed between the main CPU 41 and the sub CPU 61.

  First, the main CPU 41 transmits to the sub CPU 61 a start signal for starting scroll display of symbols in the display area 28 of the liquid crystal display 17 (step S61). When the sub CPU 61 receives the start signal from the main CPU 41, it outputs a symbol scroll display command to the VDP 46, and the VDP 46 reads out the symbol image data stored in the image data ROM 47, and the liquid crystal display 17. The symbols are scrolled in the five display areas 28 (28a to 28e) (step S71). Thus, symbol scrolling is started in each of the five columns of display areas 28 (28a to 28e).

  The main CPU 41 transmits a start signal to the sub CPU 61 in step S61 shown in FIG. 11, and then performs an effect at the time of symbol scrolling (step S62). This process is performed for a period of time (for example, 3 seconds) determined according to the result of the stop symbol determination process (step S14 in FIG. 7) and the like. This is a process for performing output and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not it is a timing to instruct to stop scrolling (step S63 in FIG. 11).

  If it is determined in step S63 that it is not time to instruct to stop scrolling, the process returns to step S63, and the effect at the time of scrolling is continuously performed. If it is determined in step S63 that it is the timing to instruct stop of scrolling, the main CPU 41 transmits the code number of the symbol stored in the RAM 43 to the sub CPU 61 (step S64). When the sub CPU 61 receives the code number of the symbol from the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 determines a scroll stop position so as to correspond to the code number (step S72).

  Thereafter, scroll stop processing is performed, and the symbols are stopped and displayed in the display areas 28 (28a to 28e) inside the display windows 15 (15a to 15e) (step S73). Further, the effect image display process by the main CPU 41 ends (step S65).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the bonus game process shown in step S19 of FIG. In the bonus game process, first, the main CPU 41 calculates the bonus game execution count T from 10 to 10, based on the random number value obtained by executing the random number generation program included in the stop symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43. A determination is made from 25 games (step S81). The main CPU 41 stores the data of the determined bonus game number T in the RAM 43.

  Next, the main CPU 41 performs stop symbol determination processing (step S82) and symbol scroll display processing (step S83). The process in step S82 is substantially the same as the process described using FIG. Further, the process in step S83 is substantially the same process as described with reference to FIG. Since these processes have already been described, description thereof is omitted here.

  Next, in FIG. 12, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the bonus game trigger has been established, that is, “APPLE” on the winning line L formed in the display area 28 (28 a to 28 e) inside the display window 15. It is determined whether the combination has been stopped (step S84). If it is determined that a bonus game trigger has been established (YES in step S84), a bonus game repeat count t is newly determined (step S85), and the determined repeat count t is determined based on the current bonus game game. It is added to the number T (step S86). As a result, if the bonus game is won again during the bonus game, the remaining number of bonus games increases.

  If the bonus game trigger is not established, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination is established (step S87). If it is determined that a winning combination has been established (YES in step S87), the main CPU 41 pays out coins according to the number of coins inserted and the winning combination (step S88). At this time, payout based on the first payout table shown in FIG.

  When the process of step S86 or S88 is executed, or when it is determined in step S87 that no winning combination has been established (when it is determined that it is a loss), the main CPU 61 is stored in the RAM 43. The game number T of the bonus game is read, 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 S89).

  Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the number T of bonus games has reached the number determined in step S81 (step S90). 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 times the bonus game has been executed has reached the number determined in step S81. If it is determined that the process has not been performed, the process returns to step S82 to repeat the above-described process.

  On the other hand, if the number of games T is 0, that is, if it is determined that the number of executions of the bonus game has reached the number of games T determined in step S81, the process is terminated. In this way, a bonus game is played.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of images displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 when the stop control game is executed. An image 92 indicating an upward arrow and “LOOK UP!” Is displayed at the bottom of the lower image display panel 16. The image 92 is an image for prompting the player to see the upper image display panel 33.

  On the upper image display panel 33, characters “You can press the button to stop the reel” are displayed. By viewing this display, the player can recognize that the symbol being scrolled can be stopped by pressing the stop switch 82.

  Thus, in the slot machine and the playing method according to the present embodiment, when a combination of predetermined symbols such as “LOBSTER” stops on the winning line L, the player presses the stop switch 82 to display A stop control game capable of stopping the symbols being scrolled in the region 28 is started. Then, when the player presses the stop switch 82 to stop the symbol being scrolled and, as a result, the combination of a specific symbol such as the “CRAB” combination stops on the winning line L, the combination of the specific symbol A payout table with a larger payout amount is selected than when the payout amount is not stopped, and the payout amount when the winning symbol is stopped in the next game is determined.

  Therefore, when a stop control game is executed, a larger payout amount is obtained when the stop control game is stopped with a combination of specific symbols than when the stop control game is not stopped with a combination of specific symbols. Therefore, the player can be made interested in the stop control game, and the player can be prevented from losing interest in the game.

  In addition, the payout table is selected such that the more the stop control game is executed, and the more the number of times that the combination of specific symbols can be stopped is increased, the more the payout amount is increased. Therefore, the player can be more interested in the stop control game.

  Further, when a stop control game is executed, a player who can be stopped by a combination of specific symbols can obtain a larger payout amount, and thus can have technical intervention in the game.

  As mentioned above, although the embodiment of the slot machine according to the present invention has been described, it is merely a specific example, does not particularly limit the present invention, and the specific configuration of each means and the like can be appropriately changed in design. . 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.

It is a flowchart which shows the playing method of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the symbol displayed on the display area of 5 columns of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and the code number of each symbol. (A) is a first payout table showing the relationship between the winning combination and the payout amount, and (b) is a diagram showing a second payout table showing the relationship between the winning combination and the payout amount. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of authentication reading processing of a game program and a game system program by a motherboard and a gaming board of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the basic game performed with the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the stop control game performed with the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which concerns on the modification of the stop control game performed with the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the stop symbol determination process performed with the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 21 is a flowchart showing a procedure of symbol scroll display processing executed in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the bonus game performed with the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. In the slot machine concerning one embodiment of the present invention, it is an explanatory view showing an example of a display which reports that a stop control game is performed. (A) is a diagram showing a display example when a stop control game is executed on the winning line L, (b) is a diagram when a specific symbol is stopped in the stop control game, and (c) is specified in the stop control game. It is a figure when the symbol of is not stopped.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Slot machine 11 Cabinet 12 Top box 13 Main door 15 Display window 16 Lower image display panel 17 Liquid crystal display 18 Coin tray 19 Coin payout 20 Control panel 21 Coin receiving 21C Coin counter 21S Reverter 22 Bill discriminator 23 Spin button 23S Spin Switch 24 Change Button 24S Change Switch 25 Cash Out Button 25S Cash Out Switch 26 BET Button 26S BET Switch 27 Maximum BET Button 27S Maximum BET Switch 28 Display Area 29 Speaker 30 Lamp 31 Credit Number Display Unit 32 Payout Number Display Unit 33 Upper Side Image display panel 34 Berry glass 35 Ticket printer 36 Card reader 37 Data display 38 Keeper De 38S key switch 39 bar-coded ticket 40 motherboard 41 CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
44 Communication interface 45 Power supply unit 46 VDP
47 ROM
50 Gaming board 51 CPU
52 ROM
53 Memory Card 53S Card Slot 54 GAL
54S IC socket 55 ROM
60 PCB
61 CPU
66 Hopper 67 Coin detector 68 Graphic board 69 Touch panel 80 PCB
81 Cold cathode tube 82 Stop switch 83 Indicator lamp 92 Image

Claims (18)

  A slot machine having the following configuration, wherein a plurality of symbols arranged on a display are automatically rearranged, and the plurality of symbols may be rearranged in response to an external control input signal. When the input signal is received and rearranged, the payout amount when the rearrangement is performed in a combination of a specific symbol and when the combination of the specific symbol is not rearranged and is rearranged in a subsequent winning combination. A slot machine comprising a controller that controls differently.   2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein when the controller receives the control input signal from the outside and rearranges the symbols, the controller further rearranges the symbols according to the combination of the specific symbols. A slot machine, characterized in that control is performed so that the amount of payout when rearranged in a subsequent winning combination is greater than when not rearranged in a combination.   2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein, as a result of automatically rearranging the plurality of symbols, when the combination of predetermined symbols is rearranged on the display, the controller externally only for the next unit game. When the control input from is received and the symbol is set to be relocatable, the combination of the specific symbol is relocated and the combination of the specific symbol is not relocated due to the reception of the control input from the outside Thus, the slot machine is controlled so that the payout amount when it is rearranged in the subsequent winning combination is different.   2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein, as a result of automatically rearranging the plurality of symbols, when the combination of predetermined symbols is rearranged on the display, the controller externally performs a plurality of unit games thereafter. When the control input is received, the symbol is set to be rearrangeable, and in the multiple unit game, when the combination of the specific symbol is rearranged, it is rearranged to a subsequent winning combination. A slot machine that is controlled so that the payout amount is different. A slot machine having the following configuration, when rearranging a plurality of symbols arranged on a display, automatically rearranging the plurality of symbols, and accepting an external control input for the plurality of symbols There is a case to rearrange,
As a result of automatically rearranging the plurality of symbols, when a combination of predetermined symbols is rearranged, a unit game is executed to accept the control input from the outside and rearrange the symbols. A controller for controlling the amount of payout when the combination of a specific symbol is rearranged and when the combination of the specific symbol is not rearranged to be different when a rearrangement is made in a subsequent winning combination. A featured slot machine.   6. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein the controller receives the control input signal from the outside and rearranges the symbols, and when the rearrangement is performed using the combination of the specific symbols, A slot machine, characterized in that control is performed so that the amount of payout when rearranged in a subsequent winning combination is greater than when not rearranged in a combination.   6. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein, as a result of automatically rearranging the plurality of symbols, when the combination of predetermined symbols is rearranged on the display, the controller externally only for the next unit game. When the control input is received and the symbol is set to be relocatable, and the control input from the outside is relocated to a specific symbol combination, the specific symbol combination is relocated. A slot machine characterized by controlling so that the amount of payout when rearranged in a subsequent winning combination is larger than when not.   6. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein, as a result of automatically rearranging the plurality of symbols, when the combination of a predetermined symbol is rearranged on the display, the controller performs an external operation in a plurality of unit games thereafter. When the control input from is received and the symbol is set to be rearranged, the more the number of times the combination of a specific symbol is rearranged in this multi-unit game, the higher the number of rearranged winning combinations A slot machine that is controlled to increase the amount of payout. It is a slot machine with the following configuration,
A display for arranging a symbol matrix formed by a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows;
After scrolling a plurality of symbols arranged on the display, in order to rearrange as a new symbol matrix, a symbol to be arranged in the symbol matrix is selected from a plurality of types of symbols and determined from the scroll state. A placement controller for performing placement control to stop at the determined symbol;
A stop switch connected to the arrangement controller and operable by a player;
Multiple payout tables for setting different payout amounts for the same winning combination,
When a combination of predetermined symbols is rearranged on the winning line set for the symbol matrix, the symbol is placed in the placement controller in relation to the input timing by the player of the stop switch in the next unit game. A stop switch controller that executes a stop control game that can be rearranged independently of the placement control of
When a combination of specific symbols is rearranged by execution of the stop control game and when a combination of specific symbols is not rearranged, and a winning combination is rearranged in a unit game to be executed later And a payout table selection controller for selecting a payout table and determining a payout amount.   10. The slot machine according to claim 9, wherein the payout table selection controller is configured such that when the combination of specific symbols is rearranged by execution of the stop control game, the combination of specific symbols is not rearranged. Even a slot machine that features a payout table with more payouts.   10. The slot machine according to claim 9, wherein the stop switch controller notifies a player that the stop control game has been executed. It is a playing method of a slot machine with the following configuration,
From the state where multiple symbols are placed on the display, repeat the unit game to rearrange with the combination of symbols determined by the controller,
In each of the unit games, there are a case where a plurality of symbols arranged on a display are automatically rearranged, and a case where the plurality of symbols are rearranged in response to an external control input signal. When received and rearranged, the amount of payout when rearranged to a subsequent winning combination differs depending on whether the specific symbol combination is rearranged or the specific symbol combination is not rearranged. A method for playing a slot machine, characterized in that the control is controlled to the following.   13. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 12, wherein when a symbol is rearranged in response to an external control input signal, the particular symbol combination is more rearranged when the particular symbol combination is rearranged. A method of playing a slot machine, characterized in that control is performed so that the amount of payout when rearranged in a subsequent winning combination is greater than when no is rearranged.   13. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 12, wherein when the combination of predetermined symbols is rearranged on the display as a result of automatically rearranging the plurality of symbols, only the next unit game is externally applied. When the control input is received, the symbol is set to be rearrangeable, and when the control input from the outside is received, the combination of the specific symbol and the combination of the specific symbol are not rearranged. A playing method of a slot machine, characterized in that the amount of payout when rearranged in a subsequent winning combination is controlled to be different.   13. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 12, wherein when the plurality of symbols are automatically rearranged and a combination of predetermined symbols is rearranged on the display, a plurality of unit games are performed from the outside thereafter. Receiving control input and setting the symbol to be rearrangeable, payout when rearranged to the following winning combination according to the number of times the combination of a specific symbol is rearranged in this multiple unit game A method of playing a slot machine, wherein the amount is controlled to be different. It is a playing method that is executed on a slot machine having the following configuration,
When arranging a plurality of symbols on the display and rearranging the plurality of symbols arranged on the display, the controller determines a plurality of symbols for the rearrangement prior to the rearrangement,
Rearranging a combination of symbols on the display;
When the rearranged symbols are in a predetermined combination, a stop switch connected to the controller is activated, and the input of the stop switch allows the plurality of symbols to be rearranged regardless of the control of the controller. A stage to allow placement;
A slot machine comprising: a step of changing a payout amount to a player when a combination of specific symbols is rearranged by an input of a stop switch and when a combination of specific symbols is not rearranged How to play. The playing method executed in the slot machine according to claim 16,
A slot machine play characterized in that a payout amount to a player is increased when a combination of specific symbols is rearranged by an input of the stop switch, compared to when a combination of specific symbols is not rearranged. Method. It is a playing method executed on a slot machine having the following configuration,
A game is started by scrolling a plurality of symbols on the display under the control of the controller, and a unit game in which the game is ended by being stopped and arranged by a combination of the plurality of symbols determined by the controller is repeated. ,
When a symbol that is a predetermined combination is rearranged on the display, a symbol that is scrolled and displayed on the display based on an input signal from a stop switch connected to the controller is placed in a control state that can be rearranged. Stage 1 and
A second step of determining whether or not a combination of symbols rearranged based on an input signal from the stop switch is a specific combination in the control state;
A third step of determining whether or not the winning combination has been rearranged in the unit game after the control state;
When it is determined that the determination result in the second stage is a specific combination, when it is determined that the wing combination is rearranged in the third stage, rather than when it is determined that the combination is not a specific combination And a fourth stage of increasing the payout amount to the player.

Images