JP2008173479A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine and its play method which achieve entertaining potentialities. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 10 is provided with a display 101 for arraying a plurality of symbols 180 and a game controller 100. The game controller 100 rearranges the plurality of symbols 180 by the execution of a unit game and displays the possibility of the establishment of the first prize in the course of the unit game while keeping the possibility of the establishment of the second prize from being displayed up to the end of the execution of the unit game. The betting for receiving dividends with the establishment of the first prize is received up to the start of the unit game and the betting for receiving dividends with the establishment of the second prize is received up to a prescribed period during the execution of the unit game. It is so programmed that a dividend determined from the prize established is awarded when at least one of the first and second prizes involved in the betting is established. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a playing method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gaming machines are known in which a plurality of players can execute a game by betting from a client terminal while sharing a common screen. For example, Patent Document 1 (US2005 / 0059474A1), Patent Document 2 (US2005 / 0282618A1), and Patent Document 3 (US2005 / 0218590A1) describe a gaming machine in which a plurality of consoles, a central controller, and a common display unit are connected. Is disclosed.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0059474 US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0282618 US Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0218590

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine with entertainment characteristics that is not in the above-described prior art and a playing method thereof.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, a display on which a plurality of symbols are arranged, and a game controller programmed to operate as described in (a1) to (a5) below. It has.

(a1) The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game.
(a2) The possibility that the first prize is established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize is established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden.
(a3) Accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started.
(a4) A bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established is accepted until a predetermined time during execution of the unit game.
(a5) When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, for the first prize in which the possibility of winning is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. When at least one of the first prize and the second prize bet is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  Further, the present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, and receives a bet and gives a payout, a plurality of terminal devices, a display on which a plurality of symbols are arranged, and operates as described below (b1) to (b5) And a game controller programmed to do so.

(b1) The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game.
(b2) The possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden.
(b3) The terminal device accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started.
(b4) The terminal device accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established until a predetermined time during execution of the unit game.
(b5) When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded at the betting terminal device.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the following series of operations is performed in each of the plurality of terminal devices. That is, for the first prize for which the possibility of winning a prize is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. When at least one of the first prize and the second prize bet is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  Further, the present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, a plurality of terminal devices for accepting a bet and giving a payout, a storage device for storing a gaming value related to the bet, a display for arranging a plurality of symbols, And a game controller programmed to operate as in (c1) to (c7) below.

(c1) A part of the game value betted in each terminal device is subtracted, and the part of the game value is stored in the storage device.
(c2) Rearrange the symbols by executing the unit game.
(c3) The possibility that the first prize is established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize is established until the execution of the unit game is ended is hidden.
(c4) The terminal device accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started.
(c5) The terminal device accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established until a predetermined time during execution of the unit game.
(c6) When the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded at the terminal device betting on the first prize.
(c7) When the betted second prize is established, a payout determined based on the game value stored in the storage device is awarded at the terminal device betting on the second prize.

  According to the present invention, the following series of operations are performed in each of the plurality of terminal devices. That is, for the first prize for which the possibility of winning a prize is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. Part of the bet game value is accumulated. When the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded. When the bet second prize is established, a payout determined based on the accumulated game value is awarded.

  Moreover, this invention is a playing method of a gaming machine provided with the following structure. The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game. The possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden. A bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established is accepted until the unit game is started. A bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  According to the playing method of the gaming machine of the present invention, for the first prize in which the possibility of winning is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. When at least one of the first prize and the second prize bet is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  Moreover, this invention is a playing method of a gaming machine provided with the following structure. The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game. The possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden. A bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established is received at the terminal device until the unit game is started. A bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established is received at the terminal device until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded at the bet terminal device.

  According to the gaming machine playing method of the present invention, the following series of operations are performed in each of the plurality of terminal devices. That is, for the first prize for which the possibility of winning a prize is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. When at least one of the first prize and the second prize bet is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  Moreover, this invention is a playing method of a gaming machine provided with the following structure. A part of the game value betted in each of the plurality of terminal devices is subtracted to accumulate the part of the game value. The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game. The possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden. A bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established is received at the terminal device until the unit game is started. A bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established is received at the terminal device until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. When the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded at the terminal device betting on the first prize. When the betted second prize is established, a payout determined based on the accumulated game value is awarded at the terminal device betting on the second prize.

  According to the present invention, the following series of operations are performed in each of the plurality of terminal devices. That is, for the first prize for which the possibility of winning a prize is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. Part of the bet game value is accumulated. When the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded. When the bet second prize is established, a payout determined based on the accumulated game value is awarded.

An embodiment of a gaming machine and a playing method thereof according to the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a display 101 on which a plurality of symbols 180 are arranged, and a game controller 100. The game controller 100 is capable of executing a program that operates as in steps (a1) to (a5).

  In step (a1), the symbols 180 are rearranged by executing the unit game. In step (a2), the possibility that the first prize is established during the execution of the unit game is displayed on the display 101, and the possibility that the second prize is established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden. Step (a3) accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started. In step (a4), a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established is accepted until a predetermined time during execution of the unit game. In step (a5), when at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  Here, the “unit game” is a game from the start to the end of the rearrangement of the symbols 180. “Arrangement” means that the symbol 180 including the scatter symbol 182 can be visually confirmed by an external player. That is, in FIG. 1, the symbol 180 is displayed in the display windows 151-155. In addition, after canceling the arrangement of the symbol 180, arranging it again is referred to as “rearrangement”.

  The “first prize” is a prize for which a player can predict the possibility of winning a prize during the execution of the unit game. For example, it is a combination of symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L or a scatter symbol 182.

  “Pay line L” is used to determine the combination of the symbols 180. That is, when the symbols 180 are rearranged on the payline L and outside the payline L, the combination is determined only for the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline. If the winning combination is established as a result of the determination of the combination, processing such as paying out coins based on the winning combination is performed.

  In addition, the “scatter symbol 182” is a symbol that uses only the arrangement as a condition for establishing a prize regardless of the payline L. In other words, a prize is established when the scatter symbols 182 are rearranged, and coins are paid out according to the number of all the scatter symbols 182 rearranged on and outside the payline L.

  “Display the possibility that the first prize is established during the execution of the unit game on the display 101” means that the player is given the possibility that the first prize will be established by the symbols 180 being sequentially stopped and displayed. It is a state that makes it foreseeable. For example, when a prize is established by a combination of the symbols 180, the symbols 180 are stopped and displayed in order, thereby displaying a process of completing the combination. Further, when a predetermined number or more of the scatter target symbols 181 are rearranged, when the scatter target symbols 181 are set as the scatter symbols 182, the symbols 180 are stopped and displayed in order, so that the scatter symbols 182 are displayed. The possibility of appearing is foreseen.

  The “scatter target symbol 181” is a symbol that functions as a scatter symbol on condition that a predetermined number or more are rearranged. For example, in the case where the scatter target symbol is “bell” and the number of rearrangements (setting threshold) is set to “3”, if three or more “bells” are rearranged, the scatter It functions as a symbol, and functions as a normal symbol if less than 3 “bells” are rearranged. The “symbol 180” refers to all symbols used in the gaming machine 10 and includes a scatter symbol 182 and a scatter target symbol 181. Specific contents such as the payline L, the symbol 180, the scatter symbol 182, and the winning combination will be described later.

  The “second prize” is an award in which the player cannot predict the possibility of winning a prize until the end of the unit game. For example, an award determined immediately after the end of the unit game or a jackpot. The “jackpot” is obtained by subtracting a part from the betted game value and accumulating the game value when a prize is established. The “predetermined time during the execution of the unit game” is a fixed time, a time according to the game state, a time changed randomly, etc. There may be. “Game value” includes medals, coins, game balls, money, banknotes, magnetic cards, and the like.

  The gaming machine 10 configured as described above displays the stage of rearranging the symbols 180 by the execution of the unit game, the possibility of the first prize being established during the execution of the unit game, and the execution of the unit game. A step of hiding the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end, a stage of accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started, and the establishment of the second prize A stage for accepting a bet for receiving a dividend sometimes until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game, and when at least one of the first prize and the second prize bet is established, based on the established prize A playing method comprising the step of awarding a determined payout.

  Thus, according to the gaming machine 10 and the playing method, a bet is accepted for the first prize for which the possibility of winning a prize is displayed during the execution of the unit game until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. As a result, even after the unit game is started, betting on the second prize is possible, so that the player has more opportunities to enjoy betting. On the other hand, since the possibility of winning a prize is not displayed until the end of the unit game for the second prize, even if a bet is placed after the start of the unit game, the probability that the payout will not increase does not increase.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of terminal devices 400 that accept bets and give dividends. That is, the gaming machine 10 has a multi-participant configuration. In addition, although the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment has a multi-participant type configuration including a plurality of terminal devices 400, a display 101, and a game controller 100, it is not limited to this. For example, the gaming machine 10 may have a single participation type configuration in which a betting mechanism and a payout mechanism having the function of the terminal device 400, a display 101, and a game controller 100 are provided in one housing. Also, a multi-participation type or single-participation type gaming machine 10 may be connected to be capable of data communication via the Internet, thereby forming a huge multi-participation type game system.

  When the gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of terminal devices 400, the game controller 100 can execute a program that operates as in steps (b1) to (b5). In step (b1), the symbols 180 are rearranged by executing the unit game. In step (b2), the possibility that the first prize is established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize is established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden. In step (b3), the terminal device 400 accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started. In step (b4), the terminal device 400 accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. In the step (b5), when at least one of the betted first prize and the second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded at the bet terminal device 400.

  Thereby, the gaming machine 10 displays the stage of rearranging the symbols 180 by the execution of the unit game, the possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game, and the second until the end of the execution of the unit game. A step of hiding the possibility of winning the first prize, a step of accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established in the terminal device 400 until the unit game is started, and the establishment of the second prize A stage for accepting a bet for receiving a dividend sometimes at the terminal device 400 until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game, and at least one of the first and second prizes bet is established A playing method is provided that includes a step of awarding a payout determined based on a prize at the terminal device 400 bet.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 10 and the playing method provided with the plurality of terminal devices 400, the operation by the gaming machine 10 and the playing method for executing the above steps (b1) to (b5) is performed in each terminal device 400. be able to.

  Further, in the gaming machine 10, the second prize may be a jackpot. In this case, the gaming machine 10 further includes a storage device 401 that stores game values related to bets. Note that the gaming machine 10 may have a configuration of a multi-person participation type or a single participation type. The multi-participant game controller 100 is capable of executing a program that operates as in steps (c1) to (c7).

  In step (c1), a part of the game value betted in each terminal device 400 is subtracted, and this part of the game value is stored in the storage device 401. In step (c2), the symbols 180 are rearranged by executing the unit game. In step (c3), the possibility that the first prize is established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize is established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden. In step (c4), the terminal device 400 accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started. In step (c5), the terminal device 400 accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established until the predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. In the step (c6), when the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded in the terminal device 400 bet on the first prize. In step (c7), when the betted second prize is established, a payout determined based on the game value stored in the storage device 401 is awarded at the terminal device 400 bet on the second prize. .

  Thereby, the gaming machine 10 subtracts a part of the gaming value betted in each of the plurality of terminal devices 400, accumulates the part of the gaming value, and rearranges the symbols 180 by executing the unit game. Displaying the possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game, and hiding the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game, The terminal device 400 accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the prize is established until the unit game is started, and a terminal for receiving a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. When the device 400 accepts and when the betted first prize is established, the payout determined based on the first prize is given to the terminal device 400 betting on the first prize. And when the betted second prize is established, the terminal device 400 betting on the second prize is awarded with a payout determined based on the accumulated game value. Execute play method.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 10 and the playing method including the plurality of terminal devices 400 and having the jackpot as the second prize, the gaming machine 10 and the playing method for executing the above steps (c1) to (c7). Can be performed in each terminal device 400. Furthermore, when the bet second prize (jackpot) is established, a payout determined based on the accumulated game value is awarded at the terminal device 400 bet on the jackpot.

  Further, the gaming machine 10 determines by randomly selecting the scatter target symbol 181 from among the plurality of symbols 180, rearranging the symbols 180 on the display, and symbols rearranged on the payline L When a payout determined by the combination of 180 is given and when a predetermined number or more of the scatter target symbols 181 are rearranged, the scatter target symbols 181 are set as the scatter symbols 182, and determined based on the scatter symbols 182. A playing method comprising the step of awarding a payout.

  Further, the gaming machine 10 provides a display area (scatter target symbol display unit 163) in a portion different from the arrangement area (display windows 151 to 155) where the symbols 180 are arranged, and displays the scatter target symbol 181 in the display area. And a step of notifying that the scatter target symbols 181 have been set as the scatter symbols 182 when a predetermined number or more of the scatter target symbols 181 are rearranged.

(Display 101)
As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10 that executes the above playing method has a display 101 and a game controller 100. The display 101 has a payline L and is configured to arrange a plurality of symbols 180 including a scatter symbol 182. The display 101 is configured to provide a scatter object symbol display unit 163 (display area) in a portion different from the display windows 151 to 155 (arrangement area) in which the symbols 180 are arranged.

  The display 101 may be mechanically configured with a reel device that arranges the symbols 180 by rotating the reels, or may be electrically configured to arrange the symbols 180 by video reels that display images. Further, the display 101 may be configured by combining a mechanical configuration (reel) and an electrical configuration (video reel). Examples of the electrical configuration include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display device, and the like. A specific configuration of the display 101 will be described later.

(Game controller 100)
The game controller 100 includes a scatter target symbol storage unit 105 that stores scatter target symbols 181, a scatter symbol storage unit 106 that stores scatter symbols 182, a symbol storage unit 108 that stores all symbols including the scatter symbols 182, A display symbol storage unit 107 that stores symbols in the storage units 105, 106, and 108 as display symbols is provided. The display symbol storage unit 107 is accessible by the display control unit 102. The display control unit 102 sets an arrangement area 101 a for arranging a plurality of symbols 180 and a display area 101 b for displaying a scatter target symbol 181 in different parts of the display 101. Further, the display control unit 102 reads the symbols 180 of the display symbol storage unit 107 based on the control of the game execution unit 110, displays a plurality of symbols 180 in the arrangement area 101a, and displays the scatter target symbols 181 in the display area 101b. indicate. A specific display state will be described later.

  The game controller 100 is connected to the game start unit 109. The game start unit 109 has a function of automatically outputting a game start signal at predetermined time intervals. The game controller 100 is based on a combination of a game execution unit 110 that executes a unit game for rearranging symbols and a symbol rearranged on a payline in the unit game, with a game start signal from the game start unit 109 as a trigger. A combination payout determining unit 111 that determines a payout, a scatter symbol payout determining unit 112 that determines a payout based on scatter symbols rearranged on and off the payline, and a game value stored when winning a jackpot A jackpot payout determining unit 117 that determines the distribution of coins, and a payout giving unit 1 that gives each terminal device 400 the payouts determined by the combination payout determining unit 111, the scatter symbol payout determining unit 112, and the jackpot payout determining unit 117. It has three and.

  Furthermore, the game controller 100 has a symbol determination unit 104 that operates in response to an input of a game start signal from the game start unit 109. The symbol determination unit 104 determines by randomly selecting a scatter target symbol 181 from a plurality of symbols 180. The symbol determination unit 104 outputs the scatter target symbol 181 to the rearrangement number determination unit 114 and the scatter target symbol storage unit 105. The rearrangement number determination unit 114 sets the scatter target symbols 181 as the scatter symbols 182 when a predetermined number or more of the scatter target symbols 181 are rearranged. That is, the rearrangement number determination unit 114 sets the scatter symbol 182 by transferring the scatter object symbol 181 stored in the scatter object symbol storage unit 105 to the scatter symbol storage unit 106.

  Furthermore, the game controller 100 includes a communication unit 115 connected to the terminal device 400 so that data communication is possible. The communication unit 115 is connected to the game execution unit 110 and is also connected to the participation notification unit 116, the bet processing unit 118, and the storage device 401. The participation notification unit 116 performs a process of notifying participation in a bet in each terminal device 400. Specifically, the participation notifying unit 116 performs a process of notifying the participation in the bet for receiving a payout when the winning of the scatter symbol 182 or the payline L is established until the unit game is started, and the jackpot award. A process of notifying a bet for receiving a payout when established until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game is executed.

  The bet processing unit 118 stores the number of coins bet on each terminal device 400 as a bet number in the storage device 401 and subtracts a part of the bet number to accumulate a part of coins in the storage device 401. Execute the process. The storage device 401 stores data of the terminal device management table of FIG. That is, the storage device 401 stores data of the terminal number, the normal bet number, the jackpot bet number, the normal payout number, and the jackpot payout number of each terminal device 400. Each block of the game controller 100 may be formed by hardware, or may be formed by software as necessary.

(Operation of the game controller 100)
In the above configuration, the operation of the game controller 100 will be described.
A notification signal is output from the participation notification unit 116 to each terminal device 400 via the communication unit 115. Thereby, the process which alert | reports participation in a bet in each terminal device 400 is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, before the start of the unit game, a scatter symbol 182 or a message indicating permission to participate in a bet for receiving a payout when a payline L is established is displayed. When a pot prize is established, a message is displayed indicating that participation in a bet for receiving a dividend is permitted. Also, a message indicating that a bet for receiving a payout is permitted when a jackpot prize is established until a predetermined time has elapsed after the unit game is started.

  When a bet is placed in the terminal device 400, the number of bets is stored in the storage device 401, and part of the bet is accumulated as a jackpot payout. When a game start signal is output, the symbol determination unit 104 starts processing, and the game execution unit 110 starts a unit game, whereby the rearrangement of the symbols 180 is started. In the symbol determination unit 104, the determination is performed by randomly selecting the scatter target symbol 181 from among the plurality of symbols 180 stored in the symbol storage unit 108. Then, the determined scatter target symbol 181 is stored in the scatter target symbol storage unit 105 and used for the determination process in the rearrangement number determination unit 114.

  The scatter object symbol 181 stored in the scatter object symbol storage unit 105 is output to the display symbol storage unit 107 and then used for image processing in the display control unit 102, thereby being displayed in the display area 101 b of the display 101. The That is, the game controller 100 provides the display area 101b in a portion different from the arrangement area 101a where the symbols 180 are arranged, and displays the scatter object symbol 181 in the display area 101b. Accordingly, the player can easily recognize that the scatter object symbol 181 is displayed because the scatter object symbol 181 is displayed in the display area 101b in a state separated from the arrangement area 101a.

  Further, when the symbols 180 are rearranged by the execution of the unit game, the rearrangement number determination unit 114 identifies the scatter target symbols 181 from the rearranged symbols 180 and determines the rearrangement number of the scatter target symbols 181. Ask. When a predetermined number or more of the scatter target symbols 181 are rearranged, the scatter target symbols 181 are set as the scatter symbols 182. That is, the scatter object symbol 181 stored in the scatter object symbol storage unit 105 is transferred to the scatter symbol storage unit 106. As a result, the scatter target symbol 181 functions as the scatter symbol 182. Then, a payout determined based on the scatter symbols 182 rearranged on and outside the payline L is awarded.

  When the scatter symbol 182 is stored in the scatter symbol storage unit 106, the scatter symbol 182 is displayed on the display 101 by information processing in the display control unit 102. That is, when a predetermined number or more of the scatter target symbols 181 are rearranged, the game controller 100 notifies that the scatter target symbols 181 are set as the scatter symbols 182. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, since the scatter object symbol 181 is switched to the display of the scatter symbol 182, the player can easily recognize that the condition for becoming the scatter symbol 182 is satisfied, and also the scatter symbol. The joy of receiving 182 dividends can be obtained.

  Next, a payout determined by the combination of the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L is awarded by the scatter symbol payout determining unit 112 and the payout giving unit 113. Thereby, the game controller 100 gives a payout determined by the combination of the symbols 180 rearranged on the payline L by rearranging the symbols.

  Further, when the rearrangement of the symbols 180 is completed, that is, when the unit game is finished, as shown in FIG. When the jackpot is established, the jackpot payout determination unit 117 determines the payout for each terminal device 400 bet on the jackpot based on the data in the storage device 401, and the terminal device 400 pays out.

  As described above, the gaming machine 10 displays the possibility that the first prize of the payline L or the scatter symbol 182 is established during the execution of the unit game, and the second prize of the jackpot until the end of the execution of the unit game. A game that hides the possibility of establishing is accepted, and a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established is accepted until the unit game is started, and when the second prize is established. A play method for receiving a bet for receiving a payout until a predetermined time during execution of a unit game is realized.

(Display state of display 101)
An example of the display state of the display 101 in the operation process of the gaming machine 10 and the playing method will be specifically described. The display state will be described based on a configuration in which the display 101 arranges symbols by the video reel method as shown in FIG.

  The display 101 has display windows 151 to 155 as an arrangement area for arranging a plurality of symbols. The display windows 151 to 155 are arranged at the center of the display 101. In the display windows 151 to 155, a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols 180 is scroll-displayed. Each display window 151-155 is divided into an upper stage 151a, a middle stage 151b, and a lower stage 151c. The symbols 180 are stopped (arranged) at the respective stages 151a, 151b, and 151c. For example, “ORANGE” is stopped at the upper stage 151a of the display window 151, “STRAWBERRY” is stopped at the middle stage 151b of the display window 151, and “BLUE7” is stopped at the lower stage 151c of the display window 151. As a result, the display windows 151 to 155 display a symbol matrix composed of five columns and three rows. The symbol matrix is not limited to 5 columns and 3 rows.

  The display 101 also has a scatter object symbol display unit 163 as a display area for displaying the scatter object symbol 181. The scatter object symbol display unit 163 is arranged in the upper right part of the display 101 so as not to overlap with the display windows 151 to 155. Note that the scatter target symbol display unit 163 can be provided at an arbitrary position on condition that the overlap with the display windows 151 to 155 can be avoided.

  A selection target window 165 is provided below the scatter target symbol display portion 163. In the selection target window 165, symbols that are candidates for the scatter target symbol 181 are displayed. Therefore, the player can intuitively recognize that the scatter target symbol 181 is randomly selected from the candidate symbols displayed in the selection target window 165 and displayed on the scatter target symbol display unit 163. it can.

  Further, the display 101 has a scatter symbol display unit 171. The scatter symbol display unit 171 is formed in a basket shape, and displays the scatter symbol 182 as a contained item. The scatter symbol display unit 171 is provided at the upper center of the display 101. In addition, the scatter symbol display part 171 can be provided in arbitrary positions on condition that the overlap with the display windows 151-155 and the scatter object symbol display part 163 can be avoided. Further, the display 101 has a jackpot display unit 172. The jackpot display unit 172 displays the total number of coins paid out when a jackpot prize is established. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the display 101 displays a jackpot character 173 when winning a jackpot.

(Display state of terminal device 400)
As shown in FIG. 1, a display window unit 412 simulating display windows 151 to 155 of the display 101 is displayed on the display panel 411 of the terminal device 400. When various prizes are established, the display window unit 412 performs display color, blinking, and the like associated with the contents of the established prizes. As a result, the player can notice that the prize has been established not only on the display 101 but also on the display panel 411.

  Further, on the display panel 411, a first bet display unit 413 and a second bet display unit 414 are displayed. The first bet display unit 413 displays whether or not a bet on the payline L can be accepted. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the first bet display portion 413 can participate in “Payline L” until the unit game is executed. ”Is displayed, and“ Payline has ended. ”During the period from the start of execution of the unit game to the end of execution. Is displayed. The second bet display unit 414 displays whether or not jackpots can be accepted. Specifically, the second bet display unit 414 is able to participate in “jackpot participation” until a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the unit game. ”Is displayed, and“ Jackpot is finished ”during the period from when the specified time has elapsed until the end of the unit game. Is displayed. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the display panel 411 displays a jackpot character 173 when winning a jackpot.

(Symbols, combinations, etc.)
As shown in FIG. 8, the symbols 180 displayed in the display windows 151 to 155 of the display 101 form a symbol row with 22 symbols. Any code number from 0 to 21 is assigned to each symbol constituting each symbol column. Each symbol string is configured by combining symbols of “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE”.

  Three consecutive symbols in the symbol column are displayed (arranged) in the upper stage 151a, the middle stage 151b, and the lower stage 151c of the display windows 151 to 155, respectively, so that the display windows 151 to 155 have five columns and three rows. The symbol matrix is configured. The symbols constituting the symbol matrix automatically start scrolling when a predetermined bet acceptance time has elapsed since the end of the unit game. When scrolling is started, scrolling of each symbol stops (rearrangement) after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In addition, various winning combinations are determined in advance for each symbol. The winning combination is a combination in which the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line L is advantageous to the player. The advantageous state includes a state in which coins corresponding to the winning combination are paid out, a state in which the number of coins to be paid out is added to credits, a state in which a bonus game is started, and the like.

  Specifically, when the combination of “APPLE” symbols on the payline L is stopped, a bonus trigger occurs, and the gaming state shifts from the basic game to the bonus game. When the “CHERRY” symbol is stopped on the payline L, 20 coins (game media) are paid out per bet. When the “PLUM” symbol is stopped on the payline L, 5 coins are paid out per bet.

  The bonus game is a gaming state that is more advantageous than the basic game. In the present embodiment, the bonus game is a free game. A free game is a game that can be played a predetermined number of times without betting coins. The bonus game is not particularly limited as long as it is advantageous to the player, that is, more advantageous than the basic game. For example, the bonus game has a higher probability than the basic game, in a state where more game values can be obtained than the basic game. A state where a game value can be acquired, a state where the number of game values consumed is smaller than a basic game, and the like. Specifically, free games, second games, and the like can be listed as bonus games.

(Machine configuration: gaming machine body 1)
Next, the game machine 10 configured as described above will be described with respect to one form when it is specifically configured mechanically and electrically.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 is installed in a gaming facility. The gaming machine 10 executes a unit game by using a game medium that is a game value. The game medium is a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to these. The game medium in the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a coin, a token, electronic money, or a ticket. The ticket is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a ticket with a barcode described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a gaming machine body 1 and a gaming machine terminal 2. The gaming machine main body 1 includes a game controller 100 including an arithmetic device, a storage device, and the like, and a display 101 such as a liquid crystal display device whose display is controlled by the game controller 100. The display 101 is set to a large screen size that can be viewed by a plurality of players with a long turn.

  The display 101 displays video reels and various information related to games, effect images, and the like. That is, the display 101 displays the display windows 151 to 155 of 5 columns and 3 rows, the scatter object symbol display unit 163, and the scatter symbol display unit 171 and displays other effect images as necessary.

  In this embodiment, the case of displaying symbols in 5 columns and 3 rows is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a mechanical reel having symbols on the peripheral surface is rotated and stopped. Thus, the symbols may be displayed through the display window 15.

  On the display 101, one activated payline L is displayed. The payline L is set so as to horizontally traverse the middle stage 151b of the display windows 151-155. In the present embodiment, the payline L crosses the middle stage 151b of the display windows 151 to 155, but may cross other stages of the display windows 151 to 155. For example, the payline L may cross the upper stage 151a or the lower stage 151c of the display windows 151 to 155. The payline L may cross the lower stage 151c of the display window 151, the middle stage 151b of the display window 152, and the upper stage 151a of the display window 153. Further, there may be two or more paylines L. When there are two or more paylines L, all the paylines L may be activated, or the number of paylines L according to a predetermined condition such as the number of coins bet may be activated.

(Machine configuration: gaming machine terminal 2)
A gaming machine terminal 2 is arranged in front of the display 101. The gaming machine terminal 2 includes a housing 3, a plurality of terminal devices 400 provided in the housing 3, and a plurality of chairs 4 disposed in the vicinity of the housing 3. The housing 3 is formed in a fan shape with the display 101 as a center point. Terminal devices 400 are arranged at equal intervals on the upper surface of the housing 3. A coin tray 416 of each terminal device 400 is disposed on the side surface of the housing 3.

  The terminal device 400 includes a liquid crystal display device that forms the above-described display panel 411, an operation panel 415, and a coin tray 416. The operation panel 415 has a coin receiving slot and a bill validator. The control panel 20 includes various buttons. These buttons allow the player to input instructions related to the game. The coin receiving port allows coins to be received in the housing 3.

  The operation panel 415 includes a change button, a cashout button, a 1-bet button (payline button), a maximum bet button (payline button), and a jackpot button. The change button is a button used when requesting a change of money from a game facility staff. The cashout button is a button for inputting an instruction to pay out coins corresponding to the total number of credits to the coin tray 416. The 1-bet button is a button for inputting an instruction to bet one coin on the game out of coins corresponding to the total number of credits. The maximum bet button is a button for inputting an instruction to bet on the game the maximum number of coins (for example, 50) that can be bet on one game out of the total number of credits. The jackpot button is a button for inputting a bet for a jackpot prize.

  The bill validator identifies whether or not the bill is a regular one and accepts the regular bill into the terminal device 400. The bill validator can read a ticket with a barcode. When the bill validator reads a barcode-added ticket, it outputs a read signal relating to the read content.

  Further, the operation panel 415 is provided with a ticket printer, a card reader, a data display, and a keypad. The ticket printer prints on a ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and an identification number of the gaming machine 10 is encoded, and outputs it as a ticket with a bar code. A player can play a game with another gaming machine using a ticket with a barcode, or exchange the ticket with a barcode with a bill or the like with a cashier of a gaming facility.

  The card reader 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 is composed of a fluorescent display or the like and displays, for example, data read by a card reader or data input by a player using a keypad. The keypad inputs instructions and data related to ticket issuance and the like.

  Berry glass is provided around the operation panel 415 and the side surface of the gaming machine terminal 2. In the berry glass, a character of the gaming machine 10 is drawn. Furthermore, the terminal device 400 can display an image representing an effect image, introduction of game contents, and explanation of game rules. Further, the housing 3 is provided with a speaker for audio output.

(Electric configuration: gaming machine body 1)
The control unit shown in FIG. 6 is provided inside the game controller 100 of the gaming machine main body 1. The control unit includes a motherboard 40, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60, a gaming board 50, a sub CPU 61, various switches, a speaker 29, and a storage device 401.

  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 to be stopped on the payline L (a code number corresponding to the symbol). 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 is data indicating the correspondence between the code number of each symbol and one or more random values belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0 to 256) for each of the display windows 151 to 155.

  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.

  Further, the memory card 53 stores various data used in the game program and the game system program. Specifically, data indicating the relationship between the symbols 180 displayed in the display windows 151 to 155 of FIG. 1 and the random number range is stored in the format of the scatter object symbol determination table of FIG. The data in the data table of FIG. 9 is used when a scatter target symbol 181 is randomly selected from a plurality of symbols 180. Further, data indicating the relationship between the set threshold and the random number range is stored in the format of the set threshold determination table in FIG. The data in the data table of FIG. 10 is used when a setting threshold value for determining whether to set the scatter object symbol 181 as the scatter symbol 182 is randomly selected from “2” to “6”. Details of each data table will be described later. These data are transferred to the RAM 43 of the mother board 40 when the game program is executed.

  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 gaming 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.

  The GAL 54 includes a plurality of input ports and output ports. When data is input to the input port, the GAL 54 outputs data corresponding to this data from the output port. The data output from the 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. The IC socket 54S is connected to the mother board 40 by a PCI bus. Therefore, after the GAL 54 is removed from the IC socket 54S and the program stored in the GAL 54 is rewritten, the GAL 54 is attached to the IC socket 54S, so that the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 can be changed. become.

  The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 that are connected to each other via an internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 via 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, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43. The main CPU 41 has a function as a controller that controls the entire gaming machine 10. In particular, the main CPU 41 performs control for scrolling the symbol 180 after a predetermined bet acceptance time has elapsed since the end of the unit game, control for determining the symbol 180 to be stopped after the symbol 180 is scrolled, and the determined symbol. The control etc. which stop 180 by the display windows 151-155 are performed.

  That is, after scrolling the plurality of symbols 180, the main CPU 41 selects and determines the arrangement symbols to the symbol matrix from among the plurality of types of symbols 180 and rearranges them as a new symbol matrix. It has a function as an arrangement controller for executing arrangement control that stops at the determined symbol.

  Further, the main CPU 41 subtracts a part of the bet number of coins betted in each terminal device 400, and accumulates the part of the bet number in the storage device 401, and re-executes the symbol by executing the unit game. A process of arranging, a process of displaying the possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game, and a process of hiding the possibility of the establishment of the second prize until the end of the execution of the unit game; The terminal device 400 accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the prize is established until the unit game is started, and a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. When the terminal device 400 accepts the process and the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is bet on the first prize. The terminal device 400 that bet on the second award is determined based on the processing to be given in the terminal device 400 and the bet second prize is awarded based on the bet number accumulated in the storage device 401. The game controller 100 has a function of executing the processing to be given in the above.

  Further, the main CPU 41 determines by randomly selecting a scatter target symbol 181 from among a plurality of symbols 180, a process of rearranging the symbols 180 on the display, and a symbol 180 rearranged on the payline L. When a predetermined amount or more of the scatter target symbols 181 are rearranged, the scatter target symbols 181 are set as the scatter symbols 182 and determined based on the scatter symbols 182. And a function as a game controller 100 for executing a process for giving a payout.

  Further, the main CPU 41 provides a display area (scatter object symbol display unit 163) in a portion different from the arrangement area (display windows 151 to 155) where the symbols 180 are arranged, and displays the scatter object symbol 181 in the display area. In addition, when a predetermined number or more of the scatter target symbols 181 are rearranged, the game controller 100 has a function of performing a process of notifying that the scatter target symbols 181 are set as the scatter symbols 182.

  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. For example, in the RAM 43, a scatter target symbol storage unit 105, a scatter symbol storage unit 106, a symbol storage unit 108, and a display symbol storage unit 107 are formed in the form of data areas. The scatter object symbol 181 is stored in the data area of the scatter object symbol storage unit 105. The scatter symbol 182 is stored in the data area of the scatter symbol storage unit 106. In the data area of the symbol storage unit 108, symbols 180 are stored in the format of the data table of FIG. In the data area of the display symbol storage unit 107, a symbol 180, a scatter target symbol 181 and a scatter symbol 182 are stored.

  The mother board 40 is connected to the communication interface 44. The communication interface 44 is for performing communication with a plurality of terminal devices 400 and host computers provided in the game facility via a communication line. 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.

(Electric configuration: gaming machine terminal 2)
Each terminal device 400 provided in the gaming machine terminal 2 is provided with the control unit of FIG. The control unit includes a motherboard 240, a first PCB 280, a second PCB 260, various switches, and a speaker 229. The mother board 240 includes a terminal CPU 241, a ROM 242 and a RAM 243. The terminal CPU 241 has a function as a controller that controls the entire terminal device 400.

  The ROM 242 stores programs such as BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) executed by the terminal CPU 241 and the terminal-side processing routine of FIG. 15 and stores data to be used permanently. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, initialization processing of each peripheral device is performed. The RAM 243 stores data used when the terminal CPU 241 performs processing.

  The terminal CPU 241 is connected to the communication interface 244. The communication interface 244 is for performing communication with the gaming machine main body 1 via a communication line. A power supply unit 245 is connected to the mother board 240. When the power of the power supply unit 245 is supplied to the mother board 40, the terminal CPU 241 of the mother board 240 is activated.

  A first PCB 280 and a second PCB 260 are connected to the motherboard 240 via a signal bus. The first PCB 280 is connected to a device or device that generates an input signal input to the terminal CPU 241 and a device or device whose operation is controlled by a control signal output from the terminal CPU 241. The terminal CPU 241 executes a game program and a game system program stored in the RAM 243 based on an input signal input to the terminal CPU 241 to perform arithmetic processing and store the result in the RAM 243. As a control process for the apparatus, a process of transmitting a control signal to each device or apparatus is performed.

  Connected to the second PCB 260 are a lamp 230, a hopper 266, a coin detector 267, a graphic board 268, a speaker 229, a bill validator 222, a ticket printer 235, a card reader 236, a key switch 238S, and a data display 237. .

  The lamp 230 is turned on / off based on a control signal output from the terminal CPU 241. The hopper 266 is installed in the housing 3 and pays out a predetermined number of coins to the coin tray 416 based on a control signal output from the terminal CPU 241. The coin detection unit 267 detects that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out, and outputs an input signal to the terminal CPU 241.

  The graphic board 268 controls image display on the display panel 411 based on a control signal output from the terminal CPU 241. The graphic board 268 also includes a VDP that generates image data based on a control signal output from the terminal CPU 241, a video RAM that temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like.

  The bill validator 222 reads an image of a bill and accepts a regular bill within the housing 3. Moreover, when the bill validator 222 accepts a regular bill, it outputs an input signal to the terminal CPU 241 based on the amount of the bill. The terminal CPU 241 stores the number of credits corresponding to the amount of the banknote transmitted by the input signal in the RAM 243 and transmits it to the gaming machine main body 1 via the communication interface 244.

  Based on the control signal output from the terminal CPU 241, the ticket printer 235 prints on the ticket a barcode in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and the identification number of the gaming machine 10 stored in the RAM 243 is encoded. Output as a ticket with a code.

  The card reader 236 reads data from the smart card and transmits it to the terminal CPU 241 or writes data to the smart card based on a control signal from the terminal CPU 241. The key switch 238S is provided on the keypad and outputs an input signal to the terminal CPU 241 when the keypad is operated by the player. The data display 237 displays data read by the card reader 236 or data input by the player via the key switch 238S based on a control signal output from the terminal CPU 241. Note that these data are transmitted to the gaming machine main body 1 via the communication interface 244.

  A control panel 220, a reverter 221S, a coin counter 221C, and a cold cathode tube 281 are connected to the first PCB 280. The control panel 220 includes a change switch 224S corresponding to the change button, a cashout switch 225S corresponding to the cashout button, a 1-bet switch 226S corresponding to the 1-bet button, and a maximum bet switch corresponding to the maximum bet button. 227S is provided. Further, the control panel 220 is provided with a jackpot switch 232S corresponding to the jackpot button. Each of the switches 223S to 227S and 232S outputs an input signal to the terminal CPU 241 when the corresponding button is operated by the player.

  The coin counter 221C identifies whether or not the coin inserted by the player is genuine. Items other than regular coins are discharged to the coin tray 416. Further, the coin counter 221C outputs an input signal to the terminal CPU 241 when it detects a regular coin.

  The coin counter 221 </ b> C operates based on a control signal output from the terminal CPU 241, and a coin recognized as a regular coin by the coin counter 221 </ b> C is sent to a cash box or hopper 266 installed in the gaming machine 10. Distribute. That is, when the hopper 266 is filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the cash box by the reverter 221S. On the other hand, when the hopper 266 is not filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the hopper 266. The cold cathode tube 281 functions as a backlight installed on the back side of the display panel 411 and lights up based on a control signal output from the terminal CPU 241.

(Data table)
Next, the scatter target symbol determination table in FIG. 9 will be described. The data of this table is stored in the RAM 43 of the motherboard 40. This table has a symbol field and a random number range field. In the symbol column, five types of symbols including “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “ORANGE”, “STRAWBERRY”, and “PLUM” are stored. In the random number range column, five types of range data consisting of “0-50”, “51-100”, “101-150”, “151-200”, and “201-255” are stored. Each column is associated with the symbol field and the random number range field. As a result, the scatter object symbol determination table can randomly select a random value in the range of “0 to 255” and randomly select a symbol from the relationship between the selected random value and the range data. Specifically, when “120” is selected as the random value, “STRAWBERRY” corresponding to “101 to 200” is selected.

  The setting threshold value determination table in FIG. 10 will be described. The data of this table is stored in the RAM 43 of the motherboard 40. This table has a setting threshold value column and a random number range column. In the setting threshold value column, five types of setting threshold values including “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “6” are stored. In the random number range column, five types of range data consisting of “0-50”, “51-100”, “101-150”, “151-200”, and “201-255” are stored. Each column is associated with the setting threshold value field and the random number range field. Thereby, the setting threshold value determination table can randomly select a random value in the range of “0 to 255” and randomly select a setting threshold value from the relationship between the selected random value and the range data. Specifically, when “72” is selected as the random value, “3” corresponding to “51 to 100” is selected.

  The terminal device management table in FIG. 11 will be described. The data of this table is stored in the storage device 401 of the gaming machine body 1. This table has a terminal number field, a normal bet number field, a jackpot bet number field, a normal payout number field, and a jackpot payout number field. In the terminal number column, a unique terminal number set for each terminal device 400 is stored. Specifically, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, and “5” are stored. The number of bets bet on the payline L and the scatter symbol 182 is stored in the normal bet number column. The number of bets bet on the jackpot is stored in the jackpot bet number column.

  The number of coins to be paid out when a prize based on the payline L and the scatter symbol 182 is established is stored in the normal payout number column. If no prize is established, “0” indicating that no payout is made is stored. The number of coins to be paid out when a jackpot prize is established is stored in the jackpot payout number column. If no prize is established, “0” indicating that no payout is made is stored.

(Processing operation: gaming machine body 1)
Processing performed in the gaming machine main body 1 will be described. The game proceeds by the main CPU 41 of the game controller 100 reading and executing the game program. As shown in FIG. 12, in the main body side main process, the start of the unit game is waited until the bet reception time elapses (S1). While waiting for the bet acceptance time, the terminal device 400 accepts a bet by pressing a 1-bet button, a maximum bet button, a jackpot button, or the like. Details of the operation of the terminal device 400 will be described later.

  Next, a unit game start signal indicating the start of the unit game is output to the terminal device 400 (S2). As a result, the terminal device 400 can recognize that the unit game has started in the gaming machine main body 1. Thereafter, symbol determination processing is executed (S3). That is, the symbols 180 that stop at each stage of the 15 display windows 151 to 155 are determined. As a result, a combination of symbols to be stopped on the payline L is determined.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the symbols 180 of the display windows 151 to 155 on the display 101 are scroll-displayed (S4). In this scrolling process, after the symbol 180 is scrolled in the direction of the arrow, the symbol 180 determined in S3 is stopped (rearranged) in the display windows 151 to 155.

  Thereafter, a scatter target symbol determination process is executed (S5). Specifically, the scatter target symbol determination table in FIG. 9 is referred to. Then, the scatter target symbol 181 is randomly determined from the symbols 180 of “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE”. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the determined scatter object symbol 181 is displayed on the scatter object symbol display unit 163. Thereafter, the setting threshold value determination table in FIG. 10 is referred to, and the setting threshold value is randomly selected.

  As a result, all players seated on the terminal device 400 side visually observe the state in which no stuff is displayed on the scatter symbol display unit 171 and the state in which the scatter target symbol 181 is displayed on the scatter target symbol display unit 163. Thus, a symbol that can be a scatter symbol 182 can be intuitively recognized.

  Next, the scroll of the symbol 180 is stopped (S6). Then, a unit game end signal is output to the terminal device 400 (S7). As a result, the terminal device 400 can recognize that the unit game has ended in the gaming machine main body 1. Thereafter, a jackpot is drawn (S8), and a payout number calculation process is executed (S9).

  When the payout number calculation process is executed, the rearrangement number of the scatter object symbol 181 is acquired as shown in FIG. 13 (A1). It is determined whether the number of rearrangements is equal to or greater than a set threshold value (A2). If the rearrangement number is not equal to or greater than the set threshold (A2, NO), it is determined whether or not the combination of symbols 180 stopped on the payline L is a winning combination (A7). If it is not a winning combination (A7, NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not a jackpot has been won (A8).

  On the other hand, if it is equal to or greater than the set threshold (A2, YES), the scatter target symbol 181 is set as the scatter symbol 182. Specifically, after the scatter object symbol 181 moves from the scatter object symbol display unit 163 to the scatter symbol display unit 171 and is accommodated in the scatter symbol display unit 171, a scatter symbol display unit is performed. 171 is displayed in a state of being stored as stored items (A3). Note that the characters “scatter” may be displayed near the scatter symbol 182. Thereby, the player can easily recognize that the scatter object symbol 181 is set to the scatter symbol 182.

  Thereafter, the normal payout amount in the terminal device 400 is calculated based on the scatter symbol 182, the winning combination, and the normal bet number, and stored in the terminal device management table of FIG. 11 (A4). Then, it is determined whether or not the calculation of the normal payout number of all the terminal devices 400 is completed (A5). When calculation of all terminal devices 400 is not completed (A5, NO), A4 is re-executed until calculation of all terminal devices 400 is completed. When calculation of all the terminal devices 400 is completed (A5, YES), normal payout number data is transmitted to each terminal device 400 (A6). Thus, each terminal device 400 pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the normal payout number data.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a jackpot prize has been established by jackpot drawing in S8 (A8). If no jackpot prize has been established (A8, NO), this routine is terminated and the process returns to the main process on the main body side in FIG. On the other hand, if the jackpot prize is established (A8, YES), the jackpot payout number of each terminal device 400 is calculated based on the jackpot payout number (A9). Thereafter, jackpot payout number data is transmitted to each terminal device 400 (A10), and this routine is terminated. Thus, each terminal device 400 pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the jackpot payout number data.

  When the execution of the payout number calculation process is completed as described above, the process returns to the main body side main process of FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not a bonus trigger is established as a winning combination. That is, it is determined whether or not the combination of “APPLE” is arranged on the payline L (S10). If it is determined that the bonus trigger is established (S10, YES), the bonus game process is executed. (S11). On the other hand, if the bonus trigger has not been established (S10, NO), this routine is terminated as a loss.

  Further, the game controller 100 executes the betting process independently of the main body side main process in order to manage the betting situation in each terminal device 400. As shown in FIG. 14, when the bet process is executed, it is determined whether or not a bet signal is received from the terminal device 400 (B1). If the bet signal has not been received (B1, NO), this routine ends. On the other hand, when a bet signal is received (B1, YES), various data such as the number of bets, bet types, and terminal numbers included in the bet signal are acquired (B2). Then, the data in the terminal device management table of FIG. 4 in the storage device 401 is updated using these data (B3). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the unit game is finished (B4). If the unit game has not ended (B4, NO), this routine ends. On the other hand, if the unit game has ended (B4, YES), the terminal device management table is initialized (B5), and then this routine ends. Thereby, the game controller 100 can calculate the number of payouts when a prize is established by managing the number of bets of each terminal device 400 and the like.

(Processing operation: terminal device 400)
Next, processing performed in each terminal device 400 of the gaming machine terminal 2 that is linked to the gaming machine main body 1 will be described. When each terminal device 400 executes the terminal-side process of FIG. 15, first, the participation permission to the payline L and the jackpot is notified (C1). That is, as shown in FIG. 3, “Pay line participation can be made in the first bet display portion 413 on the display panel 411. ”Is displayed, and the 2nd bet display section 414 can participate in“ Jackpot ”. ] Is displayed.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the unit game is started in the gaming machine main body 1 (C2). When the unit game has not started (C2, NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not there is a bet (C3). If there is no bet (C3, NO), the process is restarted from C1. If there is a bet (C3, YES), it is determined whether or not there is a bet on the payline L (C4). If there is no bet on the payline L (C4, NO), the process is re-executed from C1.

  On the other hand, if there is a bet on the payline L (C4, YES), after “normal” is set as the bet type (C7), a bet signal including this bet type is sent to the game controller 100 of the gaming machine body 1. It is output (C8). If there is a jackpot bet (C5, YES), after “jackpot” is set as the bet type (C6), a bet signal including this bet type is sent to the game controller 100 of the gaming machine body 1. (C8).

  Next, when the unit game is started in the gaming machine body 1 (C2, YES), the end of participation in the payline L is notified and permission to participate in the jackpot is notified (C9). That is, as shown in FIG. 3, “Pay line is finished.” On the first bet display portion 413 on the display panel 411. ”Is displayed, and the 2nd bet display section 414 can participate in“ Jackpot ”. ] Is displayed.

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (C10). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (C10, NO), it is determined whether or not there is a bet (C11). If there is no bet (C11, NO), the process is restarted from C10. On the other hand, if there is a bet (C11, YES), after a “jackpot” is set as the bet type (C12), a bet signal including this bet type is output to the gaming machine body 1 (C13).

  When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the unit game (C10, YES), the end of participation in the jackpot is notified (C14). That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second bet display portion 414 on the display panel 411 displays “Jackpot finished. ] Is displayed. Then, bet acceptance is stopped (C15), and thereafter, the process waits until the unit game ends (C17). When the unit game ends, bet acceptance starts (C17).

  Thereafter, a payout process for paying out coins based on the payout amount data from the gaming machine main body 1 is executed (C18). At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, when the jackpot prize is established, the jackpot character 173 appears on the display 101 and the display panel 411, and the jackpot prize is notified. Thereafter, this routine is ended, and bet acceptance for the next unit game is started.

  In the above detailed description, the present invention has been described mainly with respect to characteristic parts so that the present invention can be more easily understood. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the above detailed description, and other implementations are possible. It can also be applied to the form and its scope should be interpreted as widely as possible. The terms and terminology used in the present specification are used to accurately describe the present invention, and are not used to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Moreover, it would be easy for those skilled in the art to infer other configurations, systems, methods, and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in this specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims should be regarded as including an equivalent configuration without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, the purpose of the abstract is to allow the patent office and general public organizations, engineers belonging to this technical field who are not familiar with patents, legal terms or technical terms to understand the technical content and essence of this application. It is intended to be able to make a quick decision with a simple survey. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the claims. In addition, in order to fully understand the object of the present invention and the effects of the present invention, it is desirable to fully consider the literatures already disclosed.

  The above detailed description includes processing executed on a computer or a computer network. The above description and expressions are described for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the most efficiently. In this specification, each step used for deriving one result or a block having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In each step and each block, transmission / reception of electric or magnetic signals, recording, and the like are performed. In the processing in each step and each block, such a signal is expressed by bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., but these are used only for convenience of explanation. It is necessary to pay attention to. In addition, the processes in each step and each block may be described in expressions common to human actions, but the processes described in this specification are executed by various devices in principle. Further, other configurations required for each step and each block are obvious from the above description.

(Outline of this embodiment)
As described above, the present invention is a gaming machine 10 having the following configuration, and operates as the following (a1) to (a5) and the display (display 101) on which a plurality of symbols (symbol 180) are arranged. And a programmed game controller (game controller 100). (a1) The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game. (a2) The possibility that the first prize is established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize is established until the execution of the unit game is ended is hidden. (a3) Accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started. (a4) A bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established is accepted until a predetermined time during execution of the unit game. (a5) When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, for the first prize in which the possibility of winning is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. When at least one of the first prize and the second prize bet is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  Further, the present invention is a gaming machine 10 having the following configuration, which receives a bet and gives a payout, a plurality of terminal devices (terminal device 400), a display on which a plurality of symbols are arranged, and the following (b1) to ( and a game controller programmed to operate as in b5). (b1) The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game. (b2) The possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize will be established until the execution of the unit game is ended is hidden. (b3) The terminal device accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started. (b4) A bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established is received at the terminal device until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. (b5) When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded at the betting terminal device.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the following series of operations is performed in each of the plurality of terminal devices. That is, for the first prize for which the possibility of winning a prize is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. When at least one of the first prize and the second prize bet is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  In addition, the present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, a plurality of terminal devices that accept bets and give dividends, a storage device (storage device 401) that stores gaming values related to the bets, and a plurality of symbols. A display to be arranged and a game controller programmed to operate as described in (c1) to (c7) below are provided. (c1) A part of the game value betted in each terminal device is subtracted, and the part of the game value is stored in the storage device. (c2) The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game. (c3) The possibility that the first prize is established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize is established until the execution of the unit game is ended is hidden. (c4) The terminal device accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started. (c5) The terminal device accepts a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. (c6) When the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded at the terminal device betting on the first prize. (c7) When the betted second prize is established, a payout determined based on the game value stored in the storage device is awarded at the terminal device betting on the second prize.

  According to the present invention, the following series of operations are performed in each of the plurality of terminal devices. That is, for the first prize for which the possibility of winning a prize is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. Part of the bet game value is accumulated. When the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded. When the bet second prize is established, a payout determined based on the accumulated game value is awarded.

  Moreover, this invention is a playing method of a gaming machine provided with the following structure. The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game. The possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden. A bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established is accepted until the unit game is started. A bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  According to the playing method of the gaming machine of the present invention, for the first prize in which the possibility of winning is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. When at least one of the first prize and the second prize bet is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  Moreover, this invention is a playing method of a gaming machine provided with the following structure. The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game. The possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden. A bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established is received at the terminal device until the unit game is started. A bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established is received at the terminal device until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded at the bet terminal device.

  According to the gaming machine playing method of the present invention, the following series of operations are performed in each of the plurality of terminal devices. That is, for the first prize for which the possibility of winning a prize is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. When at least one of the first prize and the second prize bet is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded.

  Moreover, this invention is a playing method of a gaming machine provided with the following structure. A part of the game value betted in each of the plurality of terminal devices is subtracted to accumulate the part of the game value. The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game. The possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game is displayed, and the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden. A bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established is received at the terminal device until the unit game is started. A bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established is received at the terminal device until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game. When the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded at the terminal device betting on the first prize. When the betted second prize is established, a payout determined based on the accumulated game value is awarded at the terminal device betting on the second prize.

  According to the present invention, the following series of operations are performed in each of the plurality of terminal devices. That is, for the first prize for which the possibility of winning a prize is displayed during the execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until the unit game is started. On the other hand, for the second prize whose possibility of winning is hidden until the end of execution of the unit game, a bet is accepted until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game after the unit game is started. Part of the bet game value is accumulated. When the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded. When the bet second prize is established, a payout determined based on the accumulated game value is awarded.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of operation | movement of a game machine. It is a block diagram of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the playing method of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing of the playing method of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing of the playing method of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit of the main body side of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control circuit at the terminal side of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol and the code number of each symbol. It is explanatory drawing of a scatter object symbol determination table. It is explanatory drawing of a setting threshold value determination table. It is explanatory drawing of a terminal device management table. It is a flowchart of a main body side main process. It is a flowchart of a payout number calculation process. It is a flowchart of a betting process. It is a flowchart of a terminal side process.

Explanation of symbols

1 gaming machine body 2 gaming machine terminal 10 gaming machine 100 game controller 101 display 180 symbol 400 terminal device 401 storage device

Claims (6)

A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A display for arranging a plurality of symbols;
And a game controller programmed to operate as (a1) to (a5) below.
(a1) Rearrange the symbols by executing the unit game,
(a2) Display the possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game, and hide the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game.
(a3) accepting a bet to receive a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started;
(a4) accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established until a predetermined time during execution of the unit game;
(a5) When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded. A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A plurality of terminal devices that accept bets and give dividends;
A display for arranging a plurality of symbols (a common unit may be provided in each terminal device);
And a game controller programmed to operate as in (b1) to (b5) below.
(b1) The symbols are rearranged by executing the unit game,
(b2) Display the possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game, and hide the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game.
(b3) accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established at the terminal device until the unit game is started;
(b4) Accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established at the terminal device until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game;
(b5) When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded at the betting terminal device. A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A plurality of terminal devices that accept bets and give dividends;
A storage device for storing a gaming value related to the bet;
A display for arranging a plurality of symbols;
And a game controller programmed to operate as in (c1) to (c7) below.
(c1) A part of the game value betted in each terminal device is subtracted, and the part of the game value is stored in the storage device,
(c2) Rearrange the symbols by executing the unit game,
(c3) Display the possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game, and hide the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game.
(c4) accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the first prize is established at the terminal device until the unit game is started;
(c5) Accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established at the terminal device until a predetermined time during execution of the unit game;
(c6) When the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded at the terminal device betting on the first prize,
(c7) When the betted second prize is established, a payout determined based on the game value stored in the storage device is awarded at the terminal device betting on the second prize. It is a playing method of a gaming machine having the following configuration,
Rearrange the symbols by executing the unit game,
While displaying the possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game, the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden.
Accepting a bet to receive a payout when the first prize is established until the unit game is started;
Accepting a bet to receive a payout when the second prize is established until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game;
When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded. It is a playing method of a gaming machine having the following configuration,
Rearrange the symbols by executing the unit game,
While displaying the possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game, the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden.
Accepting a bet to receive a payout when the first prize is established at the terminal device until the unit game is started;
Accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established at the terminal device until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game;
When at least one of the betted first prize and second prize is established, a payout determined based on the established prize is awarded at the bet terminal device. It is a playing method of a gaming machine having the following configuration,
Subtract a part from the gaming value bet on each of the plurality of terminal devices, accumulate the part of the gaming value,
Rearrange the symbols by executing the unit game,
While displaying the possibility that the first prize will be established during the execution of the unit game, the possibility that the second prize will be established until the end of the execution of the unit game is hidden.
Accepting a bet to receive a payout when the first prize is established at the terminal device until the unit game is started;
Accepting a bet for receiving a payout when the second prize is established at the terminal device until a predetermined time during the execution of the unit game;
When the betted first prize is established, a payout determined based on the first prize is awarded at the terminal device betting on the first prize,
When the betted second prize is established, a payout determined based on the accumulated game value is awarded at the terminal device betting on the second prize.

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