JP2008055207A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine executing a performance capable of gradually arousing a player's expectation of winning a bonus as the player continues to play a game. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is characterized by including a function for executing serial performances extending over a plurality of consecutive games, having different contents and having relevance mutually in game states other than a bonus game state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention introduces game media (medals, balls, etc.), moves (rotates) a reel (reel) composed of a plurality of types of patterns, and stops the pattern on the reel pattern display window when it stops. The present invention relates to a game machine (slot machine, pachinko machine, game machine, etc.) in which a winning is determined based on the combination and the user receives a refund of a predetermined game medium.

  Taking a slot machine as an example, a conventional slot machine has a plurality of different patterns arranged on a reel, for example, three reels, and simultaneously rotates all the reels as the game starts. Next, when all the reels are stopped, a winning is determined by a combination of patterns between the reels, and medals or the like corresponding thereto are paid out.

  In addition, in recent slot machines, a slot machine is widely known in which a privilege such as a bonus game in which a large number of medals can be obtained is defined as a rule so that a player can play a game with expectation.

  The bonus game benefit is that when each reel is stopped, if the combination of the patterns between the reels becomes, for example, “7-7-7”, a predetermined number of medals will be paid out, and thereafter The predetermined number of games becomes a high probability state, and the player is given an opportunity to acquire many medals.

  Although this bonus game is a good opportunity for players to win a large number of medals, the probability of entering the bonus game is low, so in some cases, even if a very large number of games are played, the bonus game will not be won at all. In the other case, there was a variation such as winning a bonus game continuously at short game intervals.

  In recent slot machines, a microcomputer (CPU) is used so that all winning combinations including a game of losing occur on average without fluctuation, that is, the payout rate is almost constant, In general, control is performed to determine a combination of patterns that may win a prize.

  In the slot machine driven by the control of the CPU, when the player starts the game and operates the start lever, an internal lottery is performed, and when the lottery is won (in the case of internal winning), the picture of the internal prize is displayed. A combination is determined, and a so-called effect is provided in which the player is actively notified as internal winning information. In addition, a pseudo-inward notification is given to give a sense of expectation so that the player does not enter the game.

  Note that the types of effects include, specifically, those based on reach eyes, which will be described later, and those that give an effect that the player can enjoy the game using lighting / flashing of backlights and lamps, sound effects, and the like.

  The main timings of performances in games are when the start lever is operated or when each reel is stopped. Usually, these types of performances are combined singly or in combination. Similarly, the execution timing is performed once or a plurality of times at different timings.

  In addition, the effects in the conventional slot machine are completed in one game, or are performed between consecutive games such as when the notification lamp is activated and lights up. However, the content was not related to each other and the content related to the same internal state was produced.

  Therefore, for example, even if an effect with an expectation to shift to the bonus game is made, the effect ends in the next game and the bonus winning expectation disappears, or the player suddenly wins the bonus game, etc. However, there is a problem that the player has little effect of increasing the expectation of the bonus winning due to the problem of obtaining a sense of incongruity or the effect that does not change like the operation of the notification lamp.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems of the prior art, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is that a player is expected to win a bonus as he plays a game. The purpose of this game is to provide a game machine that can produce gradually.

  In other words, when a game is played, the production starts at a certain time, the production continuously changes over multiple games, and a pattern that is related to each other is shown, so that a bonus prize is strongly expected. In addition, the present invention is to provide a game machine that can enjoy the process of finally shifting to a bonus game when winning a bonus inside.

  The effect of the invention of the present application (hereinafter referred to as “continuous effect”) refers to a notification that has a different content and is related to each other, and that is expected to win a bonus among a plurality of consecutive games. By performing the effect on the player, the player can be given a sense of expectation for the bonus prize.

  The present invention has been made to solve this problem, and according to the present invention, a plurality of rows of reels composed of a plurality of types of pictures are provided, a game medium is inserted, and a plurality of rows of reels are provided by a game start operation. At the same time that the reels start to move on the reel picture display window, whether or not to win a prize is determined by internal lottery of the control unit, and for each stop operation corresponding to each reel, each reel is given a predetermined picture based on the internal lottery. A game machine that controls and stops the combination to be displayed on the reel picture display window, determines a winning from the combination of the picture on the stopped reel picture display window, and pays out a predetermined number of game media. It is characterized by including a function of performing a continuous production that is related to each other and is different in content across a plurality of games.

  Furthermore, the continuous performance is characterized in that it starts at least before the operation of the notification lamp for notifying that the bonus has been won internally.

  Furthermore, the continuous production is based on at least the production in which the production content in the current game is derived from the production content in the previous game, or the production content in the previous game and the internal information of the game console in the previous game. It is characterized in that it is any one of the effects from which the contents of the effects in the game are derived.

  In addition, the continuous production includes winning by a lottery in a game that does not receive an internal prize as a bonus, a game that has been internally awarded to a bonus, a game that has been awarded a bonus, and a game that has been internally awarded to a bonus. It is started at least at any one timing of winning by lottery thereafter.

  Further, when the bonus is internally awarded, the continuous effect is at least a control for increasing the number of sliding frames for reel stop control as the game progresses, or a data table for controlling the reel stop is related to the bonus picture. From the data table in which reach eyes hardly appear to the data table in which it is known that the bonus is confirmed to be won internally, multiple data are prepared in stages, and as the game progresses, the data table in which reach eyes related to this bonus picture hardly appear is used. The control is started by any one of the control to sequentially use the control from the data table to the data table where it is known that the bonus is internally won.

  Further, the continuous effect when the bonus is not won internally is at least a control for increasing the number of sliding frames for reel stop control as the game progresses, or a data table for controlling the reel stop is related to the bonus picture. As the game progresses, we have multiple data tables from the data table where the reach is rarely seen to the data table where we expect the bonus to be won internally, but the bonus will appear as if there is an uncertain chance. From the control that uses the data table that hardly reaches the reach for the bonus picture, the data that makes it appear that there is a chance that the bonus is not sure whether the bonus is internally won or not, although it is expected that the bonus is internally won Any one of the controls using up to the table Characterized in that it is started.

  Furthermore, the continuous effect is a continuous effect by at least one of an image display device, a sound effect generator, a vibration generator device, and a light emitting device.

  Furthermore, by providing a game machine characterized by being a slot machine having the above features, the solution of the problem to be solved by the present invention can be achieved.

  According to the present invention, in a plurality of consecutive games, by providing effects that are different in content and related to each other, it is possible for a player to expect a bonus prize and to have a sense of incongruity. It is possible to provide a gaming machine that can shift to a prize, is motivated and has high expectation.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking a slot machine as an example of an embodiment of the present invention as an example.

<External configuration of slot machine>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  In the central portion of the slot machine main body 100 shown in FIG. 1, three reels (a left reel 101, a middle reel 102, and a right reel 103) in which a plurality of types of patterns including specific patterns are arranged on each outer peripheral surface are stored. The main body 100 can be rotated inside.

  The patterns of the reels 101 to 103 are displayed in the vertical direction for each reel from the reel pattern display windows 115 to 117 on the front surface of the main body 100 so that the player can see them. Accordingly, when the reels are stopped, a total of nine patterns of 3 × 3 are displayed to the player in the reel pattern display windows 115 to 117.

  Reference numeral 104 is a notification lamp for notifying the player as internal information of the internal winning status of each bonus (big bonus: hereinafter BB, regular bonus: hereinafter RB) as a result of the internal lottery using random numbers.

  Reference numeral 105 is a Win lamp that informs the player that the combination of the stopped patterns in the reel pattern display windows 115 to 117 is a prize.

  Reference numeral 106 is a start lamp for informing the player that the game has started.

  Reference numeral 107 is a weight lamp for notifying the player that the current game is waiting when the time from the start of the previous game to the start of the current game is equal to or less than a specified value.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes a replay lamp, which is a lamp for notifying the player that the next game is replay (replay) when a combination of the symbols stopped in the reel symbol display windows 115 to 117 wins a replay role.

  Reference numeral 109 is a credit indicator for displaying to the player that, for example, up to 50 medals earned by the player are credited.

  Reference numeral 110 is a medal insert lamp that prompts the player to insert a medal to start the game.

  Reference numeral 111 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT, which gives a sense of expectation such as a bonus prize by a continuous effect, or internal information of a gaming machine or a game Progress information and the like are displayed to the player using characters or the like according to each gaming state.

  Reference numeral 112 is a three-color, three-digit, seven-segment display device for performing the number of games such as BB and RB or an effect that enhances the expectation of the game.

  Reference numeral 113 is a payout display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out when the combination of the stopped patterns is a winning combination in the reel pattern display windows 115 to 117.

  Reference numeral 114 is a lamp for displaying a winning effective line, and displays the position of the effective line corresponding to the number of inserted medals and the winning line of the pattern aligned in the reel pattern display windows 115 to 117. This is an effective line indicator lamp.

  Here, the effective line in which the pattern aligned in the reel pattern display windows 115 to 117 is determined to be a prize is generally one horizontal line when one medal is inserted, and one middle line when two medals are inserted. 3 lines including 2 horizontal lines above and below the horizontal line, and 5 lines including diagonal lines from upper left to lower right and lower left to upper right when 3 medals are inserted are valid Line.

  Reference numeral 118 is a medal insertion slot through which a player inserts medals when starting a game.

  Reference numerals 119, 120, and 121 are credit bet buttons from credits, 119 is a button for up to 3 medals, 120 is a button for up to 2 medals, and 121 is a button for 1 medals, and each button is operated. Thus, 1 to 3 medals can be inserted (betted) into the gaming machine from the credit display 109 displayed in one game.

  Reference numeral 122 indicates a settlement button for settlement and discharge of medals stored in the credit indicator 109, and whether or not up to 50 medals acquired by the player in the slot machine body are stored in the slot machine body. This is a credit and settlement button that doubles as a credit switching button for switching.

  Reference numerals 123 to 125 are stop buttons for stopping the reels 101 to 103, and are provided corresponding to the reels. That is, the left reel 101 corresponds to the left reel stop button 123, the middle reel 102 corresponds to the middle reel stop button 124, and the right reel 103 corresponds to the right reel stop button 125. Reference numeral 126 is a start lever for starting a game. When this operation is performed, the reels 101 to 103 start rotating at the same time, and at the same time, a winning combination is awarded in the inside of the gaming machine (control unit). A random number lottery is performed to determine

  Reference numeral 127 is a sound hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the gaming machine, and generates a sound effect according to each gaming state.

  Reference numeral 128 is a medal payout opening at the time of winning a prize, and the paid-out medals are accumulated in the tray 129.

  Reference numeral 130 is a display board (odds panel) that displays the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to each winning combination.

  Reference numerals 131 and 132 are flicker display lamps, which are decorative lamps that energize the game by turning on / off / flashing the internal lamps according to the respective game states. Here, reference numeral 131 is for irradiating the player with light, and 132 is for displaying each gaming state for the entire game hall.

  The reference number 133 stops (impossible) the operation of functions such as notification, production, and service by the player's operation, stops roulette by the backlight, stops other production operations, and switches. It is a stop switch.

  The stop switch 133 enables or disables the operation of a predetermined function as described below, selectively enables (for example, alternately) or disables the operation of a predetermined function, or It goes without saying that it can be used as a switch for switching the operation (contents) of the function.

  Examples of the above-mentioned predetermined functions include an effect including an effect of a backlight imitating a roulette, an effect by an electronic roulette display device or a digital display device (rotation of a digital number), and an operation of a player's stop button The reels can be rotated or displayed on the reel device for production provided separately from the reel stop device that stops each reel on the reel picture display window. Paying by winning a prize between a predetermined number of games, a function that informs that a small role or BB or RB has been won internally, a function that displays the number of game media inserted by a player during a predetermined number of games The function to display the number of played game media and the time when each reel is stopped and displayed on the reel picture window from when the stop button is operated by the player A function for displaying the number of moving pieces of the moved pattern, a function for displaying the number of winning combinations for a predetermined number of games, a function for displaying a slump graph for a predetermined number of games, a reel pattern display window Service functions such as a notification function, a presentation operation function, and a demonstration, such as a function of displaying a combination of reach eyes informing that a bonus or a big bonus has been internally won when displayed above.

<Backlight>
As shown in FIG. 2, the three reels 101, 102, 103 housed in the reel picture display windows 115 to 117 shown in FIG. 1 are incorporated in one reel mount.

  Corresponding to the positions (9 places) where the picture is displayed on the reel picture display windows 115 to 117 when each reel stops, three pictures for each reel are selectively illuminated from the back side based on control. A backlight configured in is attached.

  Reference numerals 200, 201, and 202 shown in FIG. 2 indicate a backlight 210 (typically three on the left reel) so that each picture displayed on the reel picture display windows 115 to 117 is illuminated from behind when the reel is stopped. (A reference numeral 210 is attached to a portion corresponding to the pattern) in a vertical direction (printed circuit board).

  The backlight includes L1, L2, and L3 of the left substrate 200 as the backlight of the left reel 101, and L4, L5, and L6 of the central substrate 201 as the backlight of the central reel 102, and serves as the backlight of the right reel 103. A total of nine backlights L7, L8, and L9 of the right substrate 202 are provided.

  The light source of these backlights is not limited as long as it can illuminate a pattern such as an LED or a normal lamp from the back and can express the effect to the player.

  As described above, various effects are performed based on the progress of the game by turning on / off / flashing the backlights L1 to L9. For example, the whole game is enlivened by an effect such as roulette. In the embodiment of the present invention, as will be described later, a continuous effect pattern is displayed using this backlight.

<Configuration of control unit>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit in the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment. Reference number 200 is a control unit that controls the entire game, reference number 201 is a sub-control unit 201 that controls decorative lamps and sound effects for exciting the entire game, and reference number 202 is the reference number in FIG. The liquid crystal control unit 202 controls the liquid crystal indicated by reference numeral 111.

(Control unit 200)
A portion indicated by reference numeral 10 is a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as “Main CPU”) which is the center of the control operation of the slot machine in the present embodiment, and transfers control signals and data to and from the peripheral portion via the bus 30. Do.

  Reference numeral 11 is a random number generator used for lottery such as a winning combination (including a loser) in each game, and is connected to the Main CPU 10 via the bus 30.

  Reference numeral 12 is a medal sensor for detecting a game medal inserted from the medal slot 118, and reference numeral 13 is a signal from a stop button 123-125 pressed by the player to stop each reel or a stop switch 133. A stop button switch for detecting the input of the key, a reference number 14 is a sensor for detecting that the start lever 126 is operated, and a reference number 15 is for detecting that one of the credit bet buttons 119 to 121 is pressed. The credit bet button switch, reference numeral 16 is an overflow sensor for detecting that the amount of medals overflowing to the auxiliary tank from the hopper tank attached to the hopper for paying out medals exceeds a prescribed amount, and these are input interfaces. 17 through the bus 30 and the Main CPU 0 to be connected.

  Reference numeral 18 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a program for controlling the framework portion of the slot machine in the present embodiment, and a control for controlling the stop of the reels 101 to 103. The reference number 19 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), which stores the work area of the program, variable data, and the like. These ROM 18 and RAM 19 memories are connected to the bus 30. And is connected to the Main CPU 10.

  Reference numeral 20 is a motor control unit for rotating or stopping the reels 101 to 103, reference numeral 21 is a hopper control unit for paying out medals, and these are connected via a bus 30 via an input / output interface 22. It is connected to the Main CPU 10.

  Reference numeral 23 is a notification lamp 104 for notifying the player that the bonus is won internally as internal information, or a Win lamp for notifying the player that the combination of the symbols stopped on the reel symbol display window is a prize. 105, a start lamp 106 for notifying the player that the game has started, a weight lamp 107 for notifying the player that the elapsed time from the previous game is less than the specified time when the game is started, A replay lamp 108 for notifying the player that the player has won a replay game, a credit indicator 109 for displaying the remaining number of stored medals, and an insert lamp for prompting the player to insert medals 110, a 3-digit 7-segment indicator 112 that displays the game status such as the number of bonuses, etc. A lamp control unit that controls a payout display 113 that displays the number of medals, an effective line display lamp 114 that displays an effective pay line corresponding to the number of medals inserted into the game machine, and the like. The main CPU 10 is connected to the main CPU 10 via the output interface 24, and lighting / extinguishing / flashing control is performed according to the control of the Main CPU 10. Therefore, the player can check the progress of the game by referring to these lamps.

  Further, in addition to the control content of the lamp control unit 23 described above, control of illumination for illuminating the reels 101 to 103 from the upper side or the lower side, control of lighting / flashing / extinguishing of the backlight for illuminating the pattern from the back side, or decoration There is no problem even if the flicker display lamp 132 or the like is controlled.

(Sub-control unit 201)
The reference number S10 receives a signal from the control unit of the Main CPU 10 from the output interface 25 through the input interface S16 via the bus S30, and controls the transfer of data such as control signals to and from the peripheral unit corresponding to each gaming state. It is a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as SubCPU).

  Reference numeral S11 is a read-only memory (ROM), which includes a lamp for the slot machine in this embodiment, a program for controlling music such as sound effects and BGM, control data, and the like. Reference numeral S12 is a random access memory (RAM), which is a part for storing the work area of the program, variable data, etc. These ROM S11 and RAMS12 memory are connected to SubCPUS10 via bus S30. Has been.

  Reference number S13 is a control unit that controls the lighting / flashing / extinguishing of the backlight that illuminates the picture of the reel from the back, and the illumination that illuminates the reels 101 to 103 from the upper side or the lower side. It is connected to SubCPUS10 via bus S30 via S15.

  Needless to say, the illumination control for illuminating the reels 101 to 103 from the upper side or the lower side may be performed through the inverter board when the power is turned on, in addition to the control unit S13 described above. In other words, it may not be controlled by the SubCPUS10.

  Reference numeral S14 is a lamp control unit that controls lighting / flashing / extinguishing of lamps such as the flicker display lamp 132 at the time of bonus winning, or for production or decoration according to each game state. It is connected to SubCPUS10 via bus S30.

Reference numeral S19 is a speaker, which amplifies the control signal and data delivered from the SubCPUS10 by the amplifier of S18 via the output interface S17, and outputs each sound effect and BGM according to the instruction from the SubCPUS10.
(Liquid crystal control unit 202)
The reference number L10 is a microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as LcdCPU) that receives signals from the control unit of the SubCPU S10 from the output interface S20 via the input interface L11 and passes control data for controlling the LCD (liquid crystal) L18 via the bus L30. ). Here, depending on the state of the SubCPUS10, a signal from the output interface 25 by the MainCPU10 may be directly received via the input interface S16, the bus S30, and the output interface S20 of the SubCPUS10.

  Reference number L12 is ROM (read only memory), which includes control data for controlling LCD (liquid crystal), etc. Reference number L13 is RAM (random access memory), and is controlled by LcdCPUL10. These ROML12 and RAML13 memories are connected to LcdCPUL10 via a bus L30.

  Reference numeral L14 is a video display processor (VDP), which is a microprocessor for controlling LCD (liquid crystal) images. Reference number L15 is a ROM (Read Only Memory), which stores image data for controlling images. Reference number L16 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is used as a work area for controlling the VDPL 14, and the ROML 15 and the memory of the RAM L16 are directly connected to the VDPL 14. Reference numeral L18 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), that is, a liquid crystal display device. This liquid crystal display device is connected to the VDPL 14 via the output interface L17.

  In FIG. 3, it is needless to say that the SubCPU and the memory portion thereof may be included in the Main CPU as long as the program capacity and response time are not affected.

<Explanation of words>
Hereinafter, some special terms used in the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

"Press bitter"
It means that the player visually operates a stop button when a picture to be stopped passes through a predetermined position in order to stop a certain picture at a predetermined position.
"Reel stop control" and "Number of sliding frames"
When the player operates the stop button and stops the reel (by the control unit of the gaming table), control is performed so that the pattern corresponding to the flag indicating a winning combination such as a bonus is aligned, or the flag is established. Controlling the stop position of the reels so as not to align the roles. In general, when a flag of a winning combination is established, it is possible to bite and align the patterns constituting the winning combination, but for example, the corresponding pattern is positioned in front of four patterns on the winning line. Even if the stop button is operated while the player is on, the reels can be advanced by “4” symbols by reel stop control, and the corresponding symbols can be won. In this case, the number of sliding frames is “4”.

“Establish and hold flag”
When an internal winning combination is determined by lottery of random numbers generated by the random number generator, it is said that the flag is established, and the flag is set (set) internally. Therefore, when a predetermined winning combination flag is established, the corresponding combination can be arranged on the effective winning line depending on the operation timing of the stop button by the player.

  In addition, only when the flag related to the bonus picture is established, the flag establishment normal state is maintained in the game after the game where the flag is established until the combination of the corresponding picture is won. Opportunity to win. This is called “flag retention”.

"Missing"
When a flag for a winning combination is established (internal winning state), it means a time when the player cannot align the winning combination on the effective winning line. Here, if a certain winning combination is a small combination, the flag is not held after the next game, and therefore, the opportunity to win a medal is lost.

"Difference counter"
A counter that counts the difference between the number of medals that the player puts into the game table to play a game and the number of medals that are paid out by winning, and the state of the game is determined by the value of this counter reaching a predetermined value. For example, regarding the winning of a small role, it has a function of transitioning between “high probability” and “low probability” states.

  Specifically, the number of cases where the corresponding winning combination cannot be aligned despite the internal winning is increased, and when the counter value reaches a predetermined value, the “difference counter” indicates the game state as “high”. The probability of winning a small role increases, and the medal loss of a small role that was previously missed is corrected (relieved). In the “high probability state”, when the number of winnings increases and the number of payout medals increases, the value of the counter reaches a predetermined value and shifts to the “low probability state” of the small role.

"<Table method> in pull-in control"
Prepare several types of stop pattern data (data table) in advance, refer to those tables according to the situation, and perform “reel stop control” with “slip frame number” within a predetermined range according to the stop pattern data. A method of reel control.

"Reach eyes"
In the game that won an internal prize, if the appropriate combination of patterns is not prepared, the reel combination control is performed so that a predetermined combination of patterns different from the normal one is displayed on the reel pattern display window. Inform the player. If the player sees the reach regarding the bonus winning, it is assumed that the player is in the bonus internal winning state, and the player presses the stop button so that the bonus picture is aligned on the reel picture display window (striking).

<Outline of game operation>
The outline of the game by the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 will be described below.

  The game starts when the player inserts a medal from the medal slot 118 and operates the start lever 126.

  When the game starts, the three reels 101, 102, and 103 start rotating, and after the rotation speed of each reel reaches a predetermined speed, the operation of the stop buttons 123 to 125 provided corresponding to each reel is performed. Since it is validated, the player presses these buttons to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel.

  When each of the reels 101 to 103 is stopped, if the combination of the patterns stopped on the effective winning line determined by the number of inserted medals corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the number of medals corresponding to the type of winning is received by the tray 129. The game of one payout is completed.

<General game progress>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a general game progress of the slot machine as described above. The flow of a general slot machine game using three reels will be described below with reference to FIG. The same applies to other slot machines having a plurality of reels.

Step S101: (Medal insertion)
Depending on the player's selection, 1 to 3 game medals can be inserted from the medal slot 118, or a credit bet button (maximum 3 medals button 119, maximum 2 medals button 120, 1 medal 1 button 121) Select from and press. At this time, the effective line display lamp 114 is turned on according to the number of game medals to be dropped, and the player is notified (displayed) that the game is ready. If no medal is inserted, the process waits until a medal is inserted by a loop.

Step S102: (Start lever ON)
When the start lever 126 is operated, the start lever sensor 14 is turned on, and the Main CPU 10 detects acceptance of the start operation and starts the game.
Step S103: (Random lottery)
Simultaneously with the operation of the start lever 126 by the player, the control unit obtains a random value from the random number generator 11 and compares the value with a winning table stored in the ROM 18 to determine an internal winning. As the types of internal winnings, there are bonus games such as BB and RB, various types of small roles, and loss.

Step S104: (Internal information notification 1)
Since the type of the internal winning is determined in step S103, the information is notified in consideration of the reliability. Here, examples of the notification means include lamps such as a backlight, sound effects, and an image display device. If the bonus is won internally, a notification lamp may be used for notification.

Step S105: (all reel rotation)
The rotation of all reels 101, 102, 103 is started.

Step S106: (First reel stop button operation)
The player operates one of the stop buttons 123 to 125 to stop the corresponding reel.

Step S107: (first reel rotation stop)
In step S106, the reel corresponding to the stop button operated by the player stops rotating.

Step S108: (Notification of internal information 2)
As in step S104, internal winning information is notified. Alternatively, for example, when a picture constituting the internal winning combination appears on the effective winning line of the first reel that has been stopped, it is possible to produce an effect such as turning on / flashing the backlight in order to increase expectation. it can.

Step S109: (second reel stop button operation)
The player operates a stop button corresponding to the reel selected by the player among the two rotating reels.

Step S110: (second reel rotation stop)
In step S109, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button operated by the player is stopped.

Step S111: (Notification of internal information 3)
As in step S104, internal winning information is notified. Alternatively, for example, when a combination of pictures constituting a winning combination is in a reach state, it is possible to produce an effect such as a special sound effect in order to notify the player of the state.

Step S112: (third reel stop button operation)
The player operates a stop button corresponding to one rotating reel.

Step S113: (Third reel rotation stop)
In step S112, the reel corresponding to the stop button operated by the player stops rotating.

Step S114: (Winning determination)
It is determined whether or not the combination of the patterns corresponding to the winning is aligned on the effective winning line. That is, since a combination of pictures corresponding to the winning is stored in the ROM 18 as a winning table, a winning determination is made by comparing the winning table and the combination of pictures on the winning effective line. Here, when winning, it progresses to step S115, and when not winning, it progresses to step S116.

  In addition, in the above, an example in which a winning is determined by a plurality of patterns because it is a “combination of patterns” has been described. However, for example, a case where only one pattern represented by a “cherry” pattern is awarded The winning determination is performed in exactly the same manner.

Step S115: (medal payout)
As a result of the winning determination in step S114, a predetermined number of medals corresponding to the type of winning are paid out from the medal payout port 128 to the medal tray 129.

Step S116: (Notification of internal information 4)
As in step S104, internal winning information is notified. Or, as an example, it is possible to perform an effect such as notification of information on a missing winning combination or notification with a special sound effect when a bonus pattern is prepared.

  It should be noted that it is not always necessary to provide all the internal information notifications 1 to 4 in one game, and it is needless to say that the internal information notifications can be performed at any timing other than the internal information notifications 1 to 4.

<Progress of the game in the embodiment of the present invention>
The continuous production in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with two further examples.

  The first example shows a form of continuous effect 1 (linked effect) in which the effect performed in the currently executed game is derived from the effect contents performed in the previous game execution.

  The following example shows the form of continuous production 2 (linked production) in which the content of the production performed in the current game is determined from the content of the production performed in the previous game execution and the internal information of the game console. Show.

(Continuous production 1)
Continuous production 1 is an example of continuous production 1 (linked production) in which the production performed in the currently executed game is derived from the content of the production performed in the previous game execution. This will be described in detail using the control flow.

  The flowchart in FIG. 5 is the same as that in FIG. 4 except that the internal information notification is performed only after the random number lottery. Therefore, overlapping portions (S101 to S103 = S201 to S203, S105 to S107 = S205 to S207, S109 to S110 = S208 to S209, S112 to S115 = S210 to S213) are omitted, and only Step S204 (corresponding to the position of Step S104 in FIG. 4) will be described.

Step S204: (notification of internal information)
When the continuous production is started, the content of the production performed in the current game is determined by lottery based on the content of the continuous production performed in the previous game. In addition, when the continuous effect is not made, the same effect as the flowchart relating to the conventional game progress in FIG. 4 can be performed.

  Here, the types of continuous effects to be notified and the contents of the effects will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

  The production contents of the continuous production 1 change depending on the gaming state (A, B) shown in FIG. Here, in this example, the gaming state “A” is in the bonus internal winning state, and the gaming state “B” is in the bonus internal non-winning state.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the result of the previous game is as follows: no effect in the game state A, E1, E2, E3, E4; no effect in the game state B, E1, E2, E3 In order to produce the current game, the current production is determined by lottery from among E1, E2, E3, and E4, without the production of the “production of lottery” production.

  As shown in FIG. 7, these effect operations are the types of continuous effects, “E1”, “E2”, “E3”, and 3 × 3 = 9 pictures on the reel picture display window. The backlight corresponding to is turned on or off. In FIG. 7, “square” indicates a lighting state, and “black square” indicates a light-off state. For example, a pattern such as “E1” may be displayed on / off for the player for about 850 milliseconds, and the production “E4” is the operation (lighting) of the notification lamp.

  In the effect of drawing in FIG. 6, “double circle”, “circle”, and “X” each indicate the probability of selecting the effect, and “X” indicates that the effect of selection is “0”. Means not. “Double circle” and “circle” have a lottery probability exceeding 0 and less than 1. The degree of the lottery probability of “double circle” and “maru” is 0 <(lottery probability of “circle”) <(lottery probability of “double circle”) <1.

  Next, display contents of the continuous effect in the game state “A” (in the bonus internal winning state) will be described.

  First, when the player is currently playing the nth game and the (n-1) th game is not produced, the production in the ngame is “From the result of the previous game” as shown in FIG. Looking at the horizontal axis of “no effect”, one of the effects “E1”, “E2”, “E3”, “E4”, or “no effect” is selected by lottery. Among these, the probability that the effect “E1” is selected is higher than the probability that other effects (including “no effect”) are selected. When “E1” is selected as a result of the lottery, the effect at the nth game is “E1”, and the continuous effect is started here.

  Next, when the production “E1” is selected in the n game, the production in the (n + 1) -th game is the production “E1”, “E2”, “E3”, “E4” in the same manner as in FIG. One or “no effect” will be selected by lottery, and the probability that the effect “E2” will be selected is higher than the probability that other effects (including “no effect”) will be selected. For example, here, “E2” is selected by lottery as an effect in the (n + 1) game, and the effect is performed.

  In the following, when the effects selected by lottery after the (n + 2) game are considered based on the probability, the (n + 2) game effect is “E3” and the (n + 3) game effect is “ E4 "is selected in this order.

  From the above, the change in the content of the production in “gaming state A” is generally “no production” → “E1” → “E2” → “E3” → “E4”, and finally the notification lamp is activated. Then, the player is notified of the bonus internal winning state. In addition, although the above showed the case where the production | presentation was selected based on a probability, as another case where a low probability is selected, for example, "no production"-> "E1"-> "E2"-> " There is a case where the player is notified of the bonus internal winning status by following a route such as “no effect” → “E3” → “E4”.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in a plurality of consecutive games, when different types of effects are continuously performed in a predetermined order as described above, a player can win a bonus prize. It can be done while enjoying the game with the expectation of.

  On the other hand, the display content of the continuous effect in the game state “B” (in the bonus non-winning state) does not select the effect “E4” as shown in FIG. This means that the notification lamp is not operated because the bonus flag is not established. However, since the player can be given a sense of expectation for the bonus winning by performing the above-described continuous production even in the bonus internal non-winning state as described above, the production in the gaming state “B” is also achieved in the present invention. It is an example within the range.

  In this example, the use of the backlight to express the continuous effect as its lighting / extinguishing state has been described with reference to FIG. 7, but this is an example, and various lighting / flashing / extinguishing states can be used. Needless to say, it can be done. In addition, the continuous performance is performed by lamps other than the backlight, an image display device, a vibration generating device that vibrates the operation unit of the game table, and a device that can appeal to the five senses of the player such as voice. Can do.

  In the above example, the content of the effect to be performed in the next game is selected by lottery. For example, “E1” → “E2” → “E3” → “E4”. A method may be used in which the content of the production is fixed regardless of the lottery and is uniquely determined.

(Continuous production 2)
Continuous production 2 is an example of a continuous production (linked production) that determines the content of the production performed in the current game from the content of the production performed in the previous game execution and the internal information of the game console. Hereinafter, the flow of control in the example of the continuous effect 2 (only the continuous effect) will be described in detail using the control flow shown in FIG. In this example, explanations will be omitted with respect to insertion of medals, operation of the start lever, operation of the stop button, and the like. Needless to say, the continuous production in this example may be taken into the game at any timing.

Step S301: (Lottery winning?)
A lottery is performed to determine whether or not to start a continuous production. The lottery can be performed using a random number lottery for determining an internal winning combination or a random number lottery device for continuous production provided separately. If the lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S303 in order to start a continuous production. On the other hand, if the lottery is not won, the process proceeds to step S302.

Step S302: (Bonus internal prize?)
Even if the lottery is not won, if a bonus internal prize is won, the continuous production is started as in the case where the lottery is won. Here, if the bonus internal prize is not won, the continuous production is not started.

Step S303: ("Level 1" production)
The “level 1” continuous production is started, and the corresponding image is displayed on the liquid crystal. As a specific example, a scene where a large cruise ship departs for Paris, the final destination, via Hawaii, New York, and London is projected.

Step S304: (Small part internal prize?)
In a game in which a “level 1” image is displayed, when an internal prize is awarded to a small role with a small number of payout medals, the “level 1” image is continuously displayed in the next game. This is because, considering one game spent for a small role winning by the player, it is appropriate to carry out one continuous production many times, and when the same level of continuous production is made, the player is given the previous game. This is based on the reason for providing information that is in the state of winning a small role.

Steps S305 to S310:
Steps S305, 307, and 309 are the same as those in step S303 except that the content displayed on the liquid crystal screen differs depending on the “level”, and steps S306, 308, and 310 perform the same processing as step S304. The contents displayed on the liquid crystal screen at “level 2 to 4” are as follows.
"Level 2": Cruise ship arrival in Hawaii "Level 3": Cruise ship arrival in New York "Level 4": Cruise ship arrival in London Step S311: Bonus internal prize?
It is determined whether the bonus has been won internally. If the bonus has been won, the process proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, if the bonus has not been won internally, for example, the cruise ship sinks or is lost. Thus, the continuous production is stopped.

Step S312: “Level 5” production The final arrival destination of the cruise ship, the scenery of arrival in the vicinity of Paris, is displayed on the liquid crystal screen, and the player is informed of the information that has been won in the bonus. At this time, “bonus winning!” May be displayed on the screen. Furthermore, the bonus type (RB, BB, etc.) won internally may be displayed on the liquid crystal screen.

Step S313: Small internal prize?
The same processing as in step S304 described above is performed.

Step S314: Is the notification lamp turned on?
It is determined whether or not the notification lamp is activated and is in a lighting / flashing state. If the notification lamp is activated, the process proceeds to step S315. If the notification lamp is not activated, the process returns to step S312. The production “level 5” is repeated again.

Step S315: End of the continuous production In step S314, the bonus internal winning state is determined by the activation of the notification lamp, so the continuous production is terminated.

Step S316: Bonus winning?
In the game, it is determined whether or not a combination of bonus pictures such as “7-7-7” is aligned on the effective winning line, and if it is aligned, the process proceeds to step S317. If the combination of bonus patterns is not complete, step S316 is repeated until the combination is complete.

Step S317: Medal payout A predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player by bonus winning.

Step S318: Bonus winning effect An effect informing the player that the bonus has been won is executed. Specifically, the game is raised by displaying on the liquid crystal screen, generation of sound effects and vibrations, lighting and blinking of lamps, etc., and notification is given so as to enhance the sense of superiority. Thereafter, control is executed to execute a state where a winning can be won with high probability only for a predetermined number of games.

  In the above example, in order to determine the content of the continuous performance, the small bonus internal winning information in the previous game was used, but in addition to this, the status of the difference counter (high probability, low probability) ), The actual winning status of the small role, the type of the winning small role, etc. are appropriately calculated to determine the content of the continuous performance.

  Furthermore, here, the value of “level” is increased as the game progresses, but in order to further increase the expectation of the game, the LCD screen is displayed so that “level down” is once performed during continuous production. It can also be displayed.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 8, the continuous production starts from “level 1”. However, depending on the type of the established bonus flag, for example, suddenly it starts from “level 2” or “level 3”. You may do it.

  Further, the level value may be increased by the progress of one game as in the example of the continuous performance 2, or otherwise, for example, may be performed every time a predetermined number of games have elapsed.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it is needless to say that the present invention further includes the following items.

  (1) Continuous effects are reported using a backlight and liquid crystal, but other than this, sound effects such as speech synthesis, vibration devices, 7-segment displays, etc., especially those that can appeal to the human senses Without limitation, these devices can also be combined. As a specific example, in the case of using sound effects, the “E1” state in the continuous performance 1 is “Doremi” of the scale, the “E2” state is “Faso” of the same scale, the “E3” state is “Lashi”, or When using a lamp, when three lamps “E1”, “E2”, “E3” are arranged under the notification lamp as an indicator and the indicator lamp corresponding to the type of production is turned on, or a vibration device is used As such, there is a method of changing the degree of vibration of the operation unit according to the type of production.

  (2) The timing for starting the continuous production is as follows: (a) a game selected by lottery when the bonus internal is not won, (b) the game that won the bonus internally, (c) a predetermined number of games from the bonus internal prize game In the game after the elapse, (d) the game after the bonus internal winning game, a game selected by lottery, or the like can be given.

  (3) The type of continuous effects, the number of “levels” set, and the occurrence probability of continuous effects can be arbitrarily set in light of the purpose of increasing the expectation of the game.

  (4) When a continuous production is started in the bonus internal winning state, a bonus game may occur at a stage before the completion of the continuous production, which may result in a game lacking interest. Therefore, the following technique can be adopted to avoid such problems and to build a game so that the bonus game is won after the continuous production has ended.

  As a first method, in the initial stage of the continuous production, the “slip frame number” is controlled so that the bonus pattern is aligned only by “bitter press”. In this case, since it is quite difficult to align all the patterns of every three reels by “bitter pressing”, “missing” often occurs. Then, as the continuous effect level progresses, the “slip frame number” of the reel stop control is gradually increased, that is, the bonus pattern drawing rate is changed from “bad to good”. By this method, it becomes easier to gradually draw the bonus picture onto the effective winning line, so many players will win the bonus winning after the end of the continuous performance.

  As another method, a plurality of reel control data tables used for continuous production are prepared, and as for each of those contents, “Rakugo” is a feature that rarely appears to reach a bonus pattern even though the bonus is won internally. The control is performed using a “chance eye” that is expected to give a bonus internal prize but is not sure whether or not the bonus internal prize has been won, and an “iron plate” that shows that the bonus internal prize is definitely received.

  Here, for example, the data table of “separation” is used in the initial stage of the continuous production, the data table of “chance eye” is used in the middle of the continuous production, and the data table of “iron plate” is used in the latter half of the continuous production. , Have a change. Then, the player cannot easily determine the winning flag in the first mid-term stage where the continuous performance is performed, so it is difficult to understand if the player has won the bonus internally. Therefore, in order to build a game characteristic so that a bonus game is awarded after the continuous production has ended in the bonus internal winning state, either one of these two methods is used, or a combination of these is used. Many changes can be made.

  (5) The timing for performing the continuous performance can be performed at any timing other than that shown in the flowchart. As an example, the timing may be such that when the individual reels are stopped, all the reels are stopped, the game is not hindered, or a combination of a plurality of these timings may be used.

  (6) The continuous production described in the continuous production 1 and the continuous production 2 is performed in the game before the operation of the bonus notification lamp, but may be performed regardless of the operation of the notification lamp. Furthermore, in order to increase the expectation of the game, it is possible to perform a continuous production during the bonus.

  (7) In the embodiment of the present invention, control is performed so that the content of the presentation changes at the end of one game. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the same performance is maintained and notified in several consecutive games. Or, it is possible to perform a plurality of effects even within one game and make a second-class notification such as “level 2” and “level 3”.

  (8) In the embodiment of the present invention, the continuous production has been described based on the establishment of the internal flag of the prize winning in the background of the expectation for the bonus winning, but when there is a winning combination that can hold the flag in addition to the bonus, Needless to say, a continuous production can be set for the winning combination as well.

  As described above in detail according to the embodiments of the present invention, according to the present invention, a gaming table that has a function of performing continuous productions that are related to each other, are different in content, spanning a plurality of consecutive games. By providing the above, it is possible to provide a game table that allows a player to play with a sense of expectation without playing a game.

  That is, according to the present invention, the production contents of the current game are produced by the production contents of the previous game, or the production contents of the previous game and the inside of the game table in the previous game are produced. The player can increase the fun and expectation of the game by the continuous production that the production content of the current game is derived from the information.

  Taking reel stop control as an example of a specific continuous effect, if you have won a bonus internally, a continuous effect by reel stop control that increases the number of sliding frames of reel stop control as the game progresses, A data table for controlling reel stops is provided in stages (from a data table with few reach points related to bonus images) to a data table that clearly shows that bonuses are won internally, as the game progresses There is a continuous effect in which, from the control using the data table in which the reach for the bonus picture hardly appears, the control is performed from the data table that shows that the bonus is surely won internally.

  In addition, taking the reel stop control when the bonus has not been won internally as an example, the number of sliding symbols for reel stop control is increased as the game progresses, as in the case of having won the bonus internally. Perform a control to stop the control in the middle, or a bonus for the bonus that is expected to win the bonus internally from the data table, where the data table has almost no reach for the bonus picture. From the control that uses a data table that has almost no reach eyes related to the bonus design as the game progresses, gradually increase the number of data tables that have uncertain or uncertain chances. If you are not sure whether you have won the bonus inside, And controls the continuous production which Nsu first to use until the data table that appears, increase the expectation of winning of the player, it can be as interesting a game.

  These continuous effects according to the present invention are not only based on reel stop control, but also as described above, such as an image display device (LCD, CRT, EL, LED array, etc.), sound effect generator, vibration generation Needless to say, the present invention can be implemented by a device, a light emitting device, or the like.

  In addition, the timing for starting the continuous production is that a predetermined number of games have passed since winning a lottery in a game that has not won an internal prize as a bonus, a game when an internal prize is won for a bonus, or a game that has won a bonus internally And the time of winning by lottery after the game that won the bonus internally.

  As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the slot machine, but it goes without saying that the present invention can also be applied to a game table in which a rotating reel is provided in a hitting game machine such as a pachinko machine or a game machine. Absent.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the backlight of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the slot machine control part of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the production control of a general slot machine. It is a flowchart explaining the continuous effect by the backlight in the case of the continuous effect 1 in the embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the mutual relationship of the production | presentation between the continuous games in the continuous production 1 in the embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the lighting / extinguishing pattern of the backlight at the time of continuous production of the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the continuous effect by the liquid crystal of the continuous effect 2 in the embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 MainCPU
11 Random number generator 12 Medal sensor 13 Stop button switch 14 Start lever sensor 15 Credit bet button 16 Overflow sensor 17 Input interface 18 ROM
19 RAM
20 Motor control unit 21 Hopper control unit 22 Input / output interface 23 Lamp control unit 24 Output interface 25 Output interface 30 Bus S10 SubCPU
S11 ROM
S12 RAM
S13 Backlight S14 Upper display lamp S15 Output interface S16 Input interface S17 Output interface S18 Amplifier S19 Speaker S20 Output interface L10 LcdCPU
L11 ROM
L12 RAM
L13 VDP
L14 ROM
L15 Output interface L16 LCD
100 slot machine 101 left reel 102 middle reel 103 right reel 104 notification amplifier 105 win lamp 106 start lamp 107 wait lamp 108 replay lamp 109 credit display 110 insert lamp 111 liquid crystal display 112 three-color three-digit seven-segment display 113 payout display 114 Effective line display lamp 115 Left reel picture display window 116 Middle reel picture display window 117 Right reel picture display window 118 Medal slot 119 Up to three medals button 120 Up to two medals button 121 Up to two medals button 122 Medal Payment button / credit switch button 123 Left reel stop button 124 Middle reel stop button 125 Right reel stop button 126 Start lever 127 Sound hole 128 Medal payout port 29 medal tray 130 odds panel 131 flicker indicator (lower)
132 Flicker indicator lamp (upper side)
133 Stop switch 200 Left backlight board 201 Middle backlight board 202 Right backlight board 210 Backlights L1 to L9 Backlights corresponding to each of the pictures seen from the reel picture display window

Claims (8)

There are multiple rows of reels consisting of multiple types of pictures, game media is inserted, and the reels of the multiple rows are started to move on the reel design display window by a game start operation, and at the same time, a prize is won by internal lottery of the control unit. The result is confirmed, and in response to the stop operation corresponding to each reel, the reels are controlled to be stopped and stopped by controlling the reels to display a predetermined picture combination based on the internal lottery. A game stand that determines a winning from a combination of patterns on the reel pattern display window and pays out a predetermined number of game media,
A game table that includes a function of performing a continuous production that is related to each other and is related to a plurality of continuous games.   2. The game table according to claim 1, wherein the continuous performance starts at least before the operation of a notification lamp for notifying that a bonus has been won internally.   The continuous production is based on at least the production in which the production content in the current game is derived from the production content in the previous game, or the production content in the previous game and the internal information of the game machine in the previous game. 3. The game table according to claim 1, wherein the game content is any one of effects produced by a game content.   The continuous production includes winning by a lottery in a game that does not receive an internal prize as a bonus, the game that has won an internal bonus, when a predetermined number of games have passed since the game that has won an internal bonus, and after the game that has won the bonus internally The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the game table is started at least at any one timing of winning by lottery. If the bonus is internal winning, the continuous production is at least
Control that increases the number of sliding frames for reel stop control as the game progresses,
Or, as the game progresses, there are a plurality of data tables for controlling the reel stop, ranging from a data table that has almost no reach on the bonus pattern to a data table that shows that the bonus has been won. Start with any one of the control from the control using the data table in which the reach for the bonus pattern hardly appears to the control using the data table that shows that the bonus is surely received in the bonus. The game table according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the game table is provided. If the bonus is not awarded internally, the continuous production is at least
Control to increase the number of sliding frames of the reel stop control as the game progresses,
Or, the data table that controls the reels to stop is expected to be awarded to the bonus internally from the data table that hardly reaches the bonus pattern, but there is an uncertain chance that the bonus is internally won or not A bonus of what is expected to be internal winning in the bonus sequentially from the control using a data table in which a reach table relating to the bonus design hardly appears as the game progresses. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control is started by any one of the controls using up to a data table in which a chance chance that it is uncertain whether or not an internal prize has been won. The game table described in 1.   The continuous effect is at least one of a continuous effect by any one of an image display device, a sound effect generator, a vibration generator device, and a light emitting device. The listed game table.   The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein the gaming table is a slot machine.

Images