JP2008307239A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine having excellent characteristics for largely varying winning probability of a bonus pattern by simple control. <P>SOLUTION: In the slot machine 1, when a combination of symbols corresponding to a bonus pattern along a prize winning line, a combination of symbols corresponding to a specific small prize pattern is displayed along another prize winning line. At least one of reels 21 is configured to have at least two symbols corresponding to the bonus pattern, and not to simultaneously include two or more kinds of symbols of the specific small prize pattern within a shifting range. In a specific game state generated by specific game state-generating means 43, the rate of a game notifying a player of achievement of a flag of the specific small-prized pattern through notification means 47, is set higher than in a normal game state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that generates a winning according to an internal lottery result.

  Conventionally, as a gaming machine installed in a game arcade or the like, for example, there is a slot machine provided with a plurality of reels for variably displaying symbols. In such a slot machine, each reel starts to change symbols by operating the start lever, and each reel is individually stopped by stopping the stop button. The slot machine gives a prize according to the combination of symbols stopped along the prize line, and gives a privilege to the player.

  As the slot machine as described above, for example, there is one provided with an internal lottery means for establishing an internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination determined by lottery. In the slot machine provided with the internal lottery means, a state is set in which the corresponding winning combination can be won according to the establishment of the internal winning flag. In the slot machine, by operating the stop button with good timing in a state where the internal winning flag is established, it is possible to win a winning combination corresponding to the internal winning flag. Many of these slot machines have a lottery of an internal winning combination with a substantially constant winning probability for each game, and there is a possibility that the gameability becomes monotonous. In particular, there is a possibility that a player's willingness to play can not be sufficiently drawn out for a player who desires undulating game play with a large variation in the number of balls.

  Therefore, a slot machine has been proposed that temporarily accumulates a bonus flag, which is an internal winning flag of a bonus combination, and cumulatively carries it over, while releasing a bonus flag with a high probability when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, (See Patent Document 1). In this slot machine, the bonus combination cannot be won at the same time as the bonus combination is won and the bonus combination cannot be won. Can be accumulated. This slot machine attempts to realize a game with a lot of undulations by unevenly distributing the generation time of the bonus game by the control as described above.

  However, the conventional bonus slot machine has the following problems. That is, a process for stocking the bonus flag, a process for determining whether or not to release the bonus flag, and the like are required, and therefore, control tends to be complicated, which contributes to the cost increase of the slot machine itself. There is a problem of becoming.

JP 2002-219214 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine having excellent characteristics capable of greatly changing the winning combination probability of a bonus combination by simple control.

The first invention is provided with a plurality of symbol display portions for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols to be displayed on a plurality of winning lines according to a predetermined arrangement, and corresponds to a bonus combination along any of the winning lines. When the symbol combination is displayed, the symbol variation display means in which the predetermined arrangement of each symbol display unit is configured so that the symbol combination corresponding to the specific small role is displayed along the other winning lines; ,
An internal lottery means for executing an internal lottery for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of types of combinations including two or more types of the specified small combinations and establishing an internal winning flag corresponding to the determined internal winning combination; ,
Informing means for informing a player of the establishment of a specific small combination flag that is an internal winning flag corresponding to the specific small combination;
Specific game state generating means for generating a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state;
In response to the player's stop operation to stop the variable display of symbols, the symbols included in the predetermined pull-in range are drawn and stopped on the winning line, and the role corresponding to the internal winning flag is played. While the symbol combination is allowed to be displayed along one of the winning lines, the symbol variation display means is controlled so that the symbol combination of the combination for which the internal winning flag is not established is not displayed along the winning line. Display control means for
A winning combination determining means for determining whether or not the symbol combination stopped and displayed along each winning line of the symbol variation display means is a predetermined symbol combination;
At least one of the symbol display portions in the symbol variation display means includes symbols corresponding to the bonus combination in at least two places, and two or more types of specific small combinations are simultaneously included in the pull-in range. The above-mentioned predetermined arrangement is configured so as not to be
The specific game state generated by the specific game state generation means is a game state in which a ratio of a game for notifying the player of establishment of the specific small role flag to the player via the notification means is set higher than that in the normal game state. The present invention resides in a slot machine (claim 1).

  In the slot machine of the first invention, when the symbol combination of the bonus combination is displayed along any of the winning lines, the specific small combination displayed along the other winning lines is set. ing. In addition, at least one of the symbol display units is configured in such a manner that two or more symbols of different specific small roles are not simultaneously included in the pull-in range.

  In the slot machine, if the symbol combination of the bonus combination is arranged along the winning line and stopped, the symbol combination of any specific small combination is necessarily aligned along the other winning line. Therefore, in this slot machine, it is not sufficient that the internal winning flag for the bonus combination is established, and if the internal winning flag for a specific small role displayed along other winning lines is not established, The role cannot be awarded. That is, in the slot machine, in order for the bonus combination to win, it is necessary that the internal winning flag of the bonus combination is established and the specific small combination flag is established.

  The slot machine according to the first aspect of the invention generates notifying means for notifying a player of the establishment of the specified small role flag and the specified gaming state in which a ratio of a game for notifying the establishment of the specified small role flag is set high. Specific game state generating means to be provided. In the specific game state, since the probability that the player can grasp the specific small role flag is high, there is a high possibility that the player can stop aiming at the role symbol corresponding to the specific small role flag. If the bonus flag that is the internal winning flag of the bonus combination is established together with the specific small combination flag, the bonus combination can be won at the same time. On the other hand, in the normal gaming state in which the probability that the specific small combination flag is notified is low, there is a high possibility that the winning of the bonus combination will be hindered by the design of the specific small combination for which the specific small combination flag is not established. As described above, in the slot machine, by executing the specific gaming state in which the ratio of the game for notifying the specific small combination flag is increased, the substantial winning probability of the bonus combination can be increased.

  As described above, in the slot machine of the first invention, the substantial winning probability of the bonus combination can be greatly varied depending on whether or not the specific gaming state is being implemented. You can improve your interest.

The second invention is provided with a plurality of symbol display portions for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols to be displayed on a plurality of winning lines according to a predetermined arrangement, and corresponds to a bonus combination along any of the winning lines. When the symbol combination is displayed, the symbol variation display means in which the predetermined arrangement of each symbol display unit is configured so that the symbol combination corresponding to the specific small role is displayed along the other winning lines; ,
An internal lottery means for executing an internal lottery for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of types of combinations including two or more types of the specified small combinations and establishing an internal winning flag corresponding to the determined internal winning combination; ,
Informing means for informing a player of the establishment of a specific small combination flag that is an internal winning flag corresponding to the specific small combination;
Specific game state generating means for generating a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state;
In response to the player's stop operation to stop the variable display of symbols, the symbols included in the predetermined pull-in range are drawn and stopped on the winning line, and the role corresponding to the internal winning flag is played. While the symbol combination is allowed to be displayed along one of the winning lines, the symbol variation display means is controlled so that the symbol combination of the combination for which the internal winning flag is not established is not displayed along the winning line. Display control means for
A winning combination determining means for determining whether or not the symbol combination stopped and displayed along each winning line of the symbol variation display means is a predetermined symbol combination;
At least one of the symbol display portions in the symbol variation display means includes symbols corresponding to the bonus combination in at least two places, and two or more types of specific small combinations are simultaneously included in the pull-in range. The above-mentioned predetermined arrangement is configured so as not to be
The specific gaming state generated by the specific gaming state generating means is a gaming state in which a probability that at least one of the specific small roles is internally won is set higher than a normal gaming state. (Claim 2).

  In the slot machine of the second invention, as in the first invention, when the symbol combination of the bonus combination is displayed along any one of the winning lines, it is displayed along the other winning lines. Multiple specific small roles are set. Therefore, in the slot machine, as in the first invention, in order for the bonus combination to win, the internal winning flag of the bonus combination is established, and any specific small combination flag is established. It is necessary to have.

  The specific gaming state implemented by the slot machine of the second invention is a gaming state in which at least one of the specific small roles has a higher probability of internal winning than the normal gaming state. The player of this slot machine may perform a stop operation (so-called “push”) aiming at stopping the role symbol of a specific small role that has a higher probability of winning internally in the specific game state than in the normal game state. It is possible to increase the probability that the bonus combination is won together with the winning of the specific small combination.

  As described above, in the slot machine of the second invention, the substantial winning probability of the bonus combination can be greatly varied depending on whether or not the specific gaming state is being implemented. It can improve and enhance interest.

The first and second slot machines may be narrow slot machines using medals or coins as game media, or Parrot (registered trademark) using pachinko balls as game media.
In addition, a game number counting means for counting the number of games executed after the previous bonus winning is provided,
It is preferable that the specific game state generating means is configured to start the specific game state when the number of games counted by the game number counting means exceeds a threshold value.
Here, the previous bonus winning means the latest bonus winning in time among the bonus winnings that have occurred in the slot machine in the past. When configured as described above, the threshold value acts as a so-called ceiling, and a player who cannot win a bonus combination for a long time can be relieved.

Preferably, the specific game state generating means is configured to start the specific game state in response to a predetermined winning combination.
In this case, the player's sense of expectation for the bonus combination can be given according to the winning combination of the opportunity. In order not to miss the winning combination of the above-mentioned opportunity, it is possible to direct the player so that the game is always concentrated.

In addition, a bonus combination which is a bonus combination which is different from the bonus combination described above is set, and the symbol variation display means displays the symbol combination corresponding to the specific small combination along the winning line. Preferably, the predetermined arrangement of the symbol display units is configured such that a symbol combination corresponding to the single winning bonus combination can be displayed along a winning line (claim 5).
The bonus combination that can be won independently can be awarded regardless of the internal winning or winning of the specific small role.

The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the following examples.
Example 1
This example is an example related to the slot machine 1 in which a specific small combination that is won at the same time as the bonus combination is set. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 1 of this example includes a plurality of symbol display units 21 (hereinafter referred to as reels 21) that variably display a plurality of types of symbols displayed on a plurality of winning lines according to a predetermined arrangement. When a symbol combination corresponding to a bonus combination is displayed along one of the winning lines, the symbol combination corresponding to the specific small combination is displayed along the other winning lines. An internal lottery for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of types of combinations including the symbol variation display means 2 in which the predetermined arrangement of each reel 21 is configured and two or more types of specific small combinations is executed and determined An internal lottery means 42 for establishing an internal winning flag corresponding to the selected internal winning combination, a notifying means 47 for notifying the player of the establishment of a specific small combination flag which is an internal winning flag corresponding to the specific small combination, A specific game state generating means 43 that generates a specific game state (in this example, an AT state; hereinafter referred to as an AT state) that is more advantageous to the player than the state of the game, and a game that is intended to stop the symbol variation display In response to the player's stop operation, the symbols included in the predetermined pull-in range are drawn and stopped on the winning line, and the symbol combination corresponding to the internal winning flag is displayed along one of the winning lines. Display control means 45 for controlling the symbol variation display means 2 so that the symbol combination of the combination for which the internal winning flag is not established is not displayed along the winning line, and the symbol variation display means 2 And a winning combination determining means 49 for determining whether or not the symbol combination stopped and displayed along each winning line is a predetermined symbol combination.

At least one of the reels 21 in the symbol variation display means 2 has symbols corresponding to bonus combinations arranged in at least two places, and two or more types of specific small symbols are simultaneously included in the pull-in range. The predetermined arrangement is configured so as not to be performed.
The AT state generated by the specific gaming state generating means 43 is a gaming state in which the proportion of the game for notifying the player of the establishment of the specific small role flag via the notification means 47 is set higher than that in the normal gaming state.
Hereinafter, this content will be described in detail.

  First, the combination of the slot machine 1, the internal winning combination, and the winning combination will be described with reference to FIGS. In the slot machine 1 of this example, 31 types of combinations including bonus combinations (MB combinations) and 27 types of small combinations such as 10-sheet combinations are set. In FIG. 3, the name of each combination is shown in the left column, the combination of each symbol 20 is shown in the middle column, and the privilege to be given as a prize is shown in the right column. In the slot machine 1, an internal winning combination by the internal lottery means 42 becomes an internal winning combination. When the role symbols, which are symbols 20 constituting the internal winning combination, are arranged along the winning line, the role becomes a winning combination. In particular, in the slot machine 1 of this example, as shown in FIG. 3, 27 types corresponding to all combinations of three types of symbols “black plum”, “hatched plum” and “white plum”, The double role “Cherry” is set as the specific small role.

  The slot machine 1 of this example has an external configuration as shown in FIG. In the slot machine 1, the front portion facing the player is formed by a front frame body 10 having a substantially rectangular symbol display window 11 provided substantially at the center. The front frame 10 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 530, a pair of left and right speakers 520, and a pair of left and right lamp units 560 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the symbol display window 11. The front frame 10 has a base portion 100 that forms the base of the slot machine 1 on the lower side in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 100 is formed so as to protrude relatively toward the player with respect to the symbol display window 11 located behind the player. The base portion 100 has a table-like operation surface 14 at the upper end adjacent to the symbol display window 11, a medal tray 15 for paying out medals at the lower end, and a space between the operation surface 14 and the medal tray 15. An operation panel 13 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation surface 14 is a bet button 64 for betting a credited (stored) medal, a credit checkout button 65 for paying out a credited medal, and a bet on a game. A medal insertion slot 630 for inserting medals is arranged. On the operation panel 13, a start lever 62 for starting the symbol variation of the reel 21 and a stop button 61 for stopping the symbol variation are arranged.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bet button 64 is an operation button for designating 3 bets, which is the maximum bet number, as the number of game bets. The bet button 64 generates a 3-bet signal indicating the number 3 of game bets according to the operation. However, when the remaining credit is 2 or 1, a 2 bet signal or 1 bet signal is generated, and when the credit is zero, no bet signal is generated. In the slot machine 1 which is a 3-bet exclusive machine, when a medal is directly inserted or when three medals are bet by operating the bet button 64, the start lever 62 is set to an effective state.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the start lever 62 is an operation lever that generates a change start signal, which is a control signal for the reel 21, at the timing when the player operates.
The stop button 61 is an operation button that is generated at a timing when a player operates a variable stop signal that is a control signal of the reel 21. The stop button 61 of this example is a combination of a left stop button 61L corresponding to the left reel 21L, a middle stop button 61C corresponding to the middle reel 21C, and a right stop button 61R corresponding to the right reel 21R.

  The symbol display window 11 is a display window for displaying nine symbols 20 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix of three rows and three columns as shown in FIG. The portion corresponding to the symbol display window 11 in the front frame 10 is formed of a transparent resin plate so that the symbol 20 can be seen from the player side. For the nine symbols 20 arranged in the two-dimensional matrix, three winning lines 211 to 213 in the horizontal direction, which are the arrangement direction of symbols to be awarded, are set. In the slot machine 1 of the present example, no diagonal winning line is set. Further, since the slot machine 1 of this example is a max bet machine, three pay lines 211 to 213 are set in all games.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the reel 21 constituting the symbol variation display means 2 includes a left reel 21L, a middle reel 21C, and a right reel 21R. Each of the reels 21L, 21C, 21R is a rotary reel having a substantially columnar shape and seven types 21 symbols 20 arranged at substantially constant intervals on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Each reel 21L, C, R has a reference position piece (not shown) at one reference position in the rotation direction. The reference position piece is a member as a detected piece detected by a reference position detection unit 66 described later. In this example, the rotary reel 21 is used, but instead of this, an image type reel that displays the symbols on the liquid crystal display in a variable manner may be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the left reel 21L forms one column at the left end in a three-row × three-column two-dimensional matrix displayed in the symbol display window 11. The right reel 21R forms one row at the right end in the two-dimensional matrix. The middle reel 21C forms a central row in the two-dimensional matrix.

  In each reel 21 of this example, as shown in FIG. 4, “7”, which is a bonus symbol (hereinafter referred to as a bonus symbol), is arranged at three positions in the circumferential direction every six symbols. In each reel 21, for each of the three bonus symbols “7” in the same figure, in each position adjacent to the lower side, the role symbols “Black Plum”, “Hatching Plum” of 10 special roles, which are specific small roles. ”And“ white plum ”are alternatively arranged.

  Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this example, when the bonus symbol “7” is aligned along the winning line 211 or 212, the “black plum”, “hatching plum” and the winning line 212 or 213 are always included. A combination of symbols composed of “white plums”, that is, a combination of symbols of 10 combinations (see FIG. 3), which is a specific small role, is arranged.

  Further, in the left reel 21L, a two-combination role symbol “Cherry” is arranged two symbols higher than the bonus symbol “7”. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this example, when the bonus symbols are aligned along the winning line 213, the two-piece combination that is a specific small role is always established along the winning line 211. As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this example, when the bonus symbols are aligned along any of the winning lines 211 to 213, other specific small roles can be established along the other winning lines.

  The liquid crystal display unit 530 includes a liquid crystal display as shown in FIGS. The liquid crystal display unit 530 is configured to display various effect screens that produce games. The liquid crystal display unit 530 of this example is configured to display an AT effect screen (see FIGS. 9 and 10) that is a notification screen for a specific small role flag. The configuration of the AT effect screen will be described later together with the description of the notification means 47.

Next, the slot machine 1 of this example has a mechanical configuration as shown in FIG.
A control board 3 that controls the overall operation of the slot machine 1 and each part that is electrically connected to the control board 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In addition to the above-described configuration, the control board 3 detects the inserted medal detection unit 63 that detects a medal inserted as a game medium, the symbol variation display means 2 that rotationally drives the reel 21, and the rotational position of the reel 21. A reference position detection unit 66, a medal payout unit 54 for paying out medals, various display units 55 for producing a game, a lamp control board 56 for controlling the lighting of the lamp unit 560, and a set value representing a player's advantageous degree are set. The set value operation unit 68, the audio control board 52 that controls the speaker 520 (audio output unit), and the display control board 53 that controls the liquid crystal display unit 530 are electrically connected.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inserted medal detection unit 63 is configured to output an insert signal each time a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 630. In the slot machine 1 of this example, a predetermined number of medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 630, or the start lever 62 is set to an effective state in accordance with the operation of the bet button 64 and the game is started. It becomes possible.

  The symbol variation display means 2 includes the reel 21 and a reel driving unit 22 that rotationally drives each reel 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the reel driving unit 22 includes a stepping motor (not shown) that can be controlled in units of steps, and rotationally drives the reel 21 by the rotational driving force of the stepping motor. The stepping motor rotates by one step for each control pulse fetched from the control board 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reference position detection unit 66 is configured to detect the passage of the reference position piece of each reel 21L, C, R and output a detection signal.
As shown in FIG. 1, the medal payout unit 54 is configured to pay out a predetermined number of medals to the medal tray 15 under the control of the control board 3.
As shown in FIG. 1, the set value operation unit 68 uses a set key 680 to change a set value for setting a winning combination such as a bonus combination in six stages.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the various display units 55 include a credit display unit 551 and a payout amount display unit 552. The credit display unit 551 is a display unit that displays the number of medals credited (stored) by the credit function. The payout number display unit 552 is a display unit that displays the number of payout medals at the time of winning a prize.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control board 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 33 and a RAM 34 as memory means, and an I / O unit 32 as an input / output interface. The CPU 31 executes a software program read from the ROM 33 to extract a random number extracting means 48 for extracting random numbers, a winning combination determining means 49 for determining a winning combination, a display control means 45 for controlling the reel 21, and an internal winning combination. An internal lottery means 42 for controlling, an internal winning flag control means 41, a specific gaming state generating means 43 for generating the AT state as the specific gaming state, and a notification means 47 for notifying the player of the specific small role flag It is comprised so that each function of may be implement | achieved.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ROM 33 as the memory means stores a winning random number table (not shown) used by the internal lottery means 42 for the lottery of the internal winning combination. The winning random number table is a data table that defines winning random numbers for each winning combination. The winning random number table of this example is set so that the internal winning probability of each combination becomes each value shown in FIG. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present example, the internal winning probability of the bonus combination is almost 1 (99%), and the internal winning probability of each of the 10 winning combinations is 1/10. The internal winning probability of a certain two-piece combination is 1/1000. In the slot machine 1 of this example, bonus combinations can be won internally in almost all games.

  Each of the 10 small combinations that are specific small combinations can be won internally with a probability of 1/10, while there are a total of 27 types of 10 single combinations. In order to win a specific 10-piece combination, it is necessary that the 10-piece combination is won internally and a combination of symbols of a specific 10-piece combination out of 27 types is arranged along the winning line. Therefore, in the normal game state in which the specific small combination flag is not notified, the substantial winning probability of each of the 10 winning combinations is 1/270 (1/27 × 1/10) as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in this example, when the bonus symbols are aligned along the winning line, the symbols of the reels 21 are arranged so that one of the specific small roles is always established along the other winning lines. . In order to win a bonus winning in the slot machine 1, it is necessary that a specific small combination flag that is an internal winning flag of a specific small combination displayed along other winning lines is established. Therefore, the winning probability of the substantial bonus combination in the slot machine 1 of this example is about 1/213 as shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in the AT state in which the specific small combination flag is notified, it is possible to perform an eye-push operation aiming at the symbol corresponding to the established specific small combination flag. Therefore, the actual winning probability (actual winning probability) of the 10-player combination in the AT state is 1/10 as shown in FIG. Since the internal winning probability of the bonus combination is almost 1, a bonus winning can be generated with a high probability in accordance with the winning of 10 sheets. Therefore, the actual winning probability of the bonus combination in the AT state is 1/10 which is substantially the same as the actual winning probability of the 10-piece combination. In the total value column in the figure, the total value of the substantial winning probability in the normal gaming state and the substantial winning probability in the AT state is shown. The total value indicates the winning probability of each combination over the game period in the normal gaming state and the AT state.

  Further, the ROM 33 stores a stop table used when the reel 21 is controlled to stop. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, the stop table is a table in which the stop position of each reel 21 is set. The stop table includes a table corresponding to one internal winning flag (not shown), a table corresponding to a combination of a plurality of internal winning flags (for example, FIGS. 7 and 8), and a table corresponding to a loss (for example, , FIG. 6). In a state where a stop table corresponding to one internal winning flag is set, only a combination corresponding to the internal winning flag can win. In a state where a table corresponding to a combination of a plurality of internal winning flags is set, any of the corresponding combinations including simultaneous winnings can win. In the state where the table corresponding to the loss is set, only the combination of the lost symbols can be stopped and displayed along the winning line.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8, the stop table is a data table in which a stop position for stopping on the winning line 212 is set by defining the number of drawn symbols (number of smooth frames) corresponding to each symbol. The position where the number of drawn symbols is zero corresponds to the stop position, and for the symbols located in the lower side of the figure than the stop position, the amount of drawing required to pull in to the stop position and stop is Corresponding as the number of symbols. The state of stop control of the reel 21 using the stop table will be described later.

The random number extraction means 48 is a means for extracting random numbers by an internal calculation of the CPU 31, as shown in FIGS. The random number extraction means 48 of this example extracts a random number according to the operation of the start lever 62 and inputs it to the internal lottery means 42.
As shown in FIG. 1, the internal lottery means 42 determines an internal winning combination with reference to the winning random number table (not shown) based on the random number extracted by the random number extracting means 48 and corresponds to the internal winning combination. Means for establishing an internal winning flag. As shown in FIG. 3, the internal winning combination that the internal lottery means 42 of the present example draws is 31 bonus combinations, 10 types of 27 combinations, 9 combinations “Bell”, 2 combinations “Cherry”, and replay combinations 31 It is a kind of role.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the flag control means 41 is a means for controlling an internal winning flag indicating a state where each winning combination can be won. The flag control means 41 starts the next game regardless of whether or not the internal winning flag other than the bonus flag which is the internal winning flag of the bonus combination is won in the game in which the internal winning flag is set for the first time. Switch off before By such control of the flag control means 41, all the combinations other than the bonus combination that has not won a prize in the internally won game are missed. On the other hand, regarding the bonus flag, the established state is carried over to the next game until winning.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the notification means 47 is a means for notifying a specific small combination flag in the established state. The notification means 47 displays an AT effect screen on the liquid crystal display unit 530 to notify the specific small combination flag. The specific small combination flag notified by the notification means 47 includes 27 types of internal winning flags corresponding to 10 types and 2 types of combinations.

The AT effect screen includes a reel stop position screen 531 shown in FIG. 9 and a stop symbol screen 532 shown in FIG. The notification means 47 of this example selectively displays the reel stop position screen 531 or the stop symbol screen 532.
A reel stop position screen 531 shown in FIG. 9 is a screen for displaying three symbols of the left reel 21L to be stopped on the symbol display window 11. The reel stop position screen 531 illustrated in the figure displays a specific small combination flag corresponding to the double combination “cherry” by displaying the double symbol combination “cherry”, “R”, and the bonus symbol “7”. It is a screen which alert | reports that is materialized. The reel stop position screen 531 further notifies that there is a possibility that the bonus symbols may be aligned along the winning line 213 by stopping the role symbol “cherry” on the winning line 211.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the stop symbol screen 532 is a screen that displays combinations of role symbols of specific small roles that can be won. The stop symbol screen 532 illustrated in the figure is a screen for informing that the specific small combination flag of the corresponding 10-sheet combination is established by displaying “white plum”, “white plum”, and “white plum”. is there. If each reel 21 can be stopped so that the symbol “white plum” is aligned along the winning line 212 or 213, the bonus symbol “7” can be aligned along the winning line 211 or 212.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the specific game state generating means 43 is means for generating an AT state (specific game state) which is a game state advantageous to the player. The AT state in this example is a so-called assist time in which the specific small combination flag in the established state is notified using the notification means 47. The specific game state generating means 43 of this example implements an AT state for 30 games according to the internal winning of the two-player combination “Cherry” as an opportunity.

  The specific game state generating means 43 manages the 30 games using an AT counter that is a counter value of a subtraction counter that subtracts one for each game. The specific game state generating means 43 sets an initial value 30 in the AT counter when the double winning combination “Cherry” is won internally. The specific gaming state generating means 43 sets the AT flag to the on state when the AT counter is 1 or more, and sets the AT flag to the off state when the AT counter is zero or less. The specific gaming state generating means 43 implements the AT state according to the AT flag set to the on state.

  This example is an example in which, in all games executed in the AT state, the established specific small combination flag is notified, while in the normal gaming state, the specific small combination flag is not notified. Alternatively, a specific small role flag notification game may be generated even in the normal gaming state, while a specific small role flag notification game occurrence rate (occurrence rate) in the AT state may be set higher than that in the normal gaming state. good.

  The display control means 45 is a means for controlling the symbol variation of the reels 21L, 21C, 21R via the reel drive unit 22, as shown in FIGS. The display control means 45 starts the symbol variation of the reel 21 in response to the variation start signal and stops the symbol variation of the reel 21 in response to the variation stop signal. The display control means 45 inputs a control pulse to the stepping motor constituting the reel driving unit 22 and rotates the stepping motor by one step for each pulse. The display control means 45 counts the number of control pulses input to the reel drive unit 22, that is, the number of steps rotated by the stepping motor. In particular, in this example, the number of steps generated after the most recent detection signal can be counted by resetting the number of steps to zero each time the detection signal of the reference position piece of each reel 21 is captured.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display control means 45 is a means for carrying out so-called pull-in control for stopping symbols within a pull-in range determined by rules (rules for game machine certification and type verification, etc.) on the winning line. is there. In this example, a range corresponding to four symbols is set as the above-described pull-in range. The display control means 45 can calculate the symbol currently displayed on each reel 21L, C, R (the symbol located on the winning line) based on the number of steps.

  The display control means 45 calculates a bita symbol, which is the symbol 20 instantaneously located on the winning line 212, based on the number of steps when the fluctuation stop signal is taken in, and displays the bitter symbol in the stop table (for example, 6 to 8)). Then, the number of drawn symbols defined corresponding to the bitter symbol is acquired, and the reels 21 are stopped by drawing the symbols for the number of drawn symbols.

  The winning combination determining means 49, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is related to each stepping motor (reel drive unit 22) corresponding to each reel 21L, C, R after the reels 21L, C, R are stopped. Capture the number of steps. The winning combination determining means 49 obtains the type of the symbol 20 stopped on the winning lines 211 to 213 based on the number of steps, and determines whether or not a winning combination is established for the combination of the symbols 20. The winning combination determining means 49 outputs a medal payout number (see FIG. 3) according to the type of winning combination to the medal paying unit 54.

  Next, the operation of the slot machine 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flow showing a rough flow of the game. FIG. 12 is a flow showing the flow of the game start process P1. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the winning process P2. 14 and 16 are flowcharts showing the flow of the reel stop process P3. FIGS. 15 and 17 are diagrams specifically illustrating how the left reel 21L stops.

First, as shown in FIG. 11, the slot machine 1 of this example executes a game by processing the game start process P1 and the winning process P2 in this order.
As shown in FIG. 12, in the game start process P1, first, the operation of the start lever 62 is determined as in step S101. When the start lever 62 is operated, the internal lottery process P11 is performed. This internal lottery process P11 is a process in which the internal lottery means 42 determines an internal winning combination by lottery. In step S102, it is determined whether or not the AT counter is equal to or less than zero. If the AT counter is less than or equal to zero, the AT flag is set to zero (off state) as in step S103.

  If the AT counter is not less than zero (step S102), the AT flag is set to 1 (ON state) as in step S113. In the subsequent step S104, the AT counter is decremented by 1, and it is determined whether the AT flag is 1 (ON state) as in step 105. When the AT flag is 1 (on state), the rotation of the reel 21 is started simultaneously with the start of the AT effect (AT state) as in steps S106 and S107. On the other hand, when the AT flag is zero (off state), the rotation of the reel 21 is started simultaneously with the start of the normal performance (normal game state) as in steps S116 and S107.

  Next, the winning process P2 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, first, as in step S201, the pressing operation of the stop button 61 is determined. When the stop button 61 is pressed, a symbol stop signal is transmitted as in step S202, and a reel stop process P3 described later is performed. Thereafter, in step S203, it is determined whether or not the rotation of all the reels 21 has been stopped.

  When the rotation of all the reels 21 is stopped, the symbol stopped along the winning line is determined as in step S204. When the double winning “cherry” is won (step S205), 30 is set in the AT counter as in step S206, and two medals are paid out as in step S207. When 10 winning combinations are won (step S216), 10 medals are paid out as in step S217.

  Thereafter, in step S208, it is determined whether or not a bonus combination is won. If the bonus combination is won, the process proceeds to a bonus game as in step S209. In step S210, the AT effect (AT state) or the normal effect (normal game state) ends. Note that when neither of the two-piece combination and the ten-piece combination is won (steps S205 and S216), after the other payout process P22 is performed, the above-described steps S208 and S209 are bypassed, and step S210 is processed. The

  Next, the reel rotation stop process P3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 16 are flowcharts showing the flow of the reel stop process. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel stop process P31 for the left reel 21L in the game in which the internal winning flag of the 10 winning combination and bonus winning combination of “hatching plum-white plum-white plum” is simultaneously established. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel stop process P32 for the left reel 21L in the game in which the internal winning flag for the double winning combination and the bonus winning combination is simultaneously established. In addition, when two or more types of internal winning flags are simultaneously established, in addition to the case where two or more types of internal winnings are made at the same time in one game, the bonus flag that is the internal winning flag of the bonus combination is carried over. There are cases where other roles are won internally in the game in the state.

  First, the flow of the reel stop process P31 shown in FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, first, as in step S301, reception of the symbol stop signal of the left stop button 61L is determined. When the symbol stop signal of the left stop button 61L is received, the symbol of the left reel 21L located on the middle pay line 212 is determined as in steps S302, S313, and S324.

  When any of symbols Nos. 2 to 7 is positioned on the middle winning line 212 (step S302), the symbol number 6 of the left reel 21L is positioned on the winning line 212 as in step S303. No. “Black plum” or 7th bonus symbol “7” is pulled in and stops. For example, when the symbol number 4 is located on the winning line 212, the number of symbols to be drawn is determined by collating with the stop table in FIG. “Black plum” is drawn on the winning line 212 and stops.

  If any of symbols 9 to 14 is positioned on the middle winning line 212 as in step S313, the symbol number of the left reel 21L on the winning line 212 as in step S314. No. 13 “Black Plum” or No. 14 bonus symbol “7” is drawn and stopped. As illustrated in FIG. 15A, when the “bell” of the symbol number 10 is positioned on the winning line 212, the number of symbols to be drawn is determined by collating with the stop table of FIG. The “hatched plum” of symbol number 13 is drawn on the winning line 212 and stopped.

  Further, when any of the symbols of symbol numbers 16 to 21 is positioned on the middle pay line 212 as in step S324, the symbol of symbol number 20 in the middle of the left reel 21L as in step S325. “Plum” or No. 21 bonus symbol “7” is drawn and stops. In cases other than the above, that is, when the symbols No. 1, No. 8, No. 15 are positioned on the winning line 212, as shown in FIG. (Step S335). In the right column of FIG. 7, “X” indicates the possibility of winning a bonus according to the operation timing of the stop button 61L. A circle indicates an operation timing at which a bonus prize can occur, and a cross indicates an operation timing at which a bonus prize cannot be awarded.

  Next, the flow of the reel stop process P32 shown in FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, the reel stop process P32 is a process in a game in which the internal winning flags of the two-piece combination and the bonus combination are simultaneously established. Here, first, as in step S351, reception of the symbol stop signal of the left stop button 61L is determined. When the symbol stop signal of the left stop button 61L is received, the symbol located on the middle pay line 212 is determined as in steps S352, S363, and S374.

When any of the symbols No. 1 and Nos. 18 to 21 is located on the middle winning line 212 as in Step S352, the No. 1 symbol on the winning line 212 as in Step S353. “R” is pulled in and stops.
Further, when any of the symbols No. 4 to No. 8 is located on the middle winning line 212 as in Step S363, the No. 8 symbol on the winning line 212 as in Step S364. “R” is pulled in and stops.

  If any of symbols 11 to 15 is positioned on the middle winning line 212 as in step S374, the symbol of symbol 15 is displayed on the winning line 212 as in step S375. “R” is pulled in and stops. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, when the “hatching plum” with the symbol number 13 is located on the winning line 212, the number of drawn symbols is calculated based on the stop table in FIG. 8. It is decided, 2 frames are drawn, and “R” of symbol number 15 is drawn and stops.

  In cases other than the above, that is, if any of the symbols No. 2, No. 3, No. 9, No. 10, No. 16, and No. 17 is located on the middle winning line 212, Step S385 is performed. It is not drawn in and stops bitter. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16B, when the “cherry” of the symbol number 9 is located on the winning line 212, the number of symbols to be drawn zero is determined based on the stop table of FIG. Vita is stopped. In FIG. 8, “X” has the same meaning as in FIG.

  Furthermore, referring to FIG. 6, a specific example of the stop control of each reel 21 when the small combination is not internally won will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, FIG. 6 is a stop table applied to a game in which the internal winning flag of the small role is not yet established. In this stop table, only the number of drawn symbols of the left reel 21L is shown.

  First, as illustrated in FIG. 18A, when the symbol number 12 “bell” is positioned on the middle pay line 212 when the symbol stop signal for the left reel 21L is received, the stop of FIG. The number of drawn symbols is determined by collating with the table. Then, the left reel 21L is drawn by one frame as shown in FIG. 5B, and the “hatching plum” of symbol number 13 stops on the winning line 212.

  Next, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, when the symbol “12” is positioned on the middle pay line 212 when the symbol stop signal for the middle reel 21R is received, it is not shown. The number of drawn symbols is determined by collating with the stop table. Then, as shown in FIG. 4D, the middle reel 21C is drawn by one frame, and the “hatching plum” of the symbol number 13 stops on the winning line 212.

  Finally, as shown in FIG. 5E, when the symbol number “R” is positioned on the middle pay line 212 when the symbol stop signal for the right reel 21R is received, a stop table (not shown) The number of drawn symbols is determined by collating with. Then, the right reel 2R is drawn by two frames as shown in FIG. 5F, and the bonus symbol “7” of symbol number 14 stops on the winning line 212. Thereby, it becomes a lose game.

As described above, the slot machine 1 of this example can set the substantial winning probability of the bonus combination significantly higher than that in the normal gaming state by executing the AT state. Therefore, the slot machine 1 exhibits undulating game characteristics.
In the slot machine 1 of the present example, when the symbol of the bonus combination is stopped and displayed on the winning line, the symbol arrangement in each reel 21 configured so that the specific small combination is established along the other winning line. On the other hand, the winning probability of a substantial bonus combination is greatly changed by an extremely simple configuration in which the AT state for notifying the specific small combination flag is combined. In the slot machine 1 of this example, it is possible to omit the bonus flag stock process necessary for the conventional stock machine, the determination process for determining whether or not to release the bonus flag, and the like. The slot machine 1 of this example is an excellent slot machine that can improve the fun of games with a very simple and simple configuration.

  In this example, the three winning lines 211 to 213 in the horizontal direction are set, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, there may be two winning lines or four or more winning lines. It is only necessary to configure the symbol arrangement of each reel 21 so that the bonus symbol and the specific small role symbol can be stopped and displayed on different pay lines. In this example, the internal winning probability of the bonus combination is set to approximately 99%. Instead, for example, in the case of a slot machine in which the internal winning probability of a specific small role or the winning probability varies, the internal winning probability of a bonus role may be set to 100%. Thus, an internal winning probability of about 1/260 may be used.

Further, a game that notifies the specific small role flag in the normal gaming state may be generated, or a game that does not notify the specific small role flag in the AT state may be generated. It suffices that the frequency of notifying the specific small combination flag is higher in the AT state than in the normal gaming state.
Further, the transition from the normal gaming state to the AT state may not be immediately after the transition condition (in this example, a winning combination of two sheets) is established. For example, the transition to the AT state may be made 10 games after the transition condition is established, and in this case, a special effect representing a sign may be performed from several games before the transition to the AT state.

In addition, when the number of games or the number of winnings of a small role reaches a predetermined number (ceiling function), or when a predetermined small role (bell, plum, etc.) is won or after the bonus game ends, a specific small role flag is set. The frequency of notification may be increased. Further, a lottery for determining whether or not to increase the frequency of notifying the specific small combination flag may be performed.
Furthermore, whether or not to shift to the AT state after the bonus game is ended may be selected during the bonus game. For example, when 10 winning combinations are prepared during the bonus game, the transition to the AT state may be selected after the bonus ends.
In this example, the specific small role flag notification effect is implemented using the AT effect screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 530. Instead, the blinking by the lamp unit 560, the sound effect by the speaker 520, and the like. A notification effect can also be implemented using.

In addition to the bonus combination in this example that cannot be awarded unless the internal winning flag is established for the specific small role that is stopped and displayed along the winning line at the same time, a bonus that can be won independently regardless of other roles It is also possible to set a bonus winning combination that is a single winning combination.
Furthermore, a plurality of types of bonus combinations similar to those in this example may be set. In this case, as a plurality of types of bonus combinations, a bonus combination with a different number of medals and a bonus combination with different specific small combinations that are stopped and displayed at the same time can be set.

  Furthermore, it is also possible to add a game number counting means for counting the number of games digested after the previous bonus winning to the slot machine 1 of this example. For example, the AT state may be started when the number of games after winning a bonus exceeds a preset threshold value. In this case, a player who has not been able to obtain a bonus prize for a long time can be relieved to some extent.

  In addition, the specific gaming state may be a gaming state in which the internal winning probability of any one of the specific small roles is increased instead of the AT state in this example. In this case, in the specific gaming state, the substantial winning probability of the bonus combination can be increased by aiming for the role pattern of the specific small combination having a high internal winning probability. Further, in this case, the notification means 47 can be omitted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a mechanical configuration of the slot machine in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating an appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a slot machine role, a role symbol, and a payout medal number in the first embodiment. The expanded view which expands and shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of the reel in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the internal winning probability and real winning probability of each combination in Example 1. Explanatory drawing which shows the stop table which prescribed | regulated the drawing symbol number in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the stop table which prescribed | regulated the drawing symbol number in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the stop table which prescribed | regulated the drawing symbol number in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a reel stop position screen in the first embodiment. The front view which shows the stop symbol screen in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a game flow in the first embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the game start process in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of a winning process in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of reel stop processing in the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the stop control of the reel in Example 1 (A: When there is a possibility of a bonus winning B: When there is no possibility of a bonus winning). FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of reel stop processing in the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which illustrates the stop control of the reel in Example 1 (A: When there is a possibility of a bonus winning B: When there is no possibility of a bonus winning). FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating reel stop control according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 11 Symbol display window 2 Symbol fluctuation display means 21 Symbol display part (reel)
22 reel drive unit 20 design 3 control board 41 flag control unit 42 internal lottery unit 43 specific game state generation unit 45 display control unit 47 notification unit 48 random number extraction unit 49 winning combination determination unit 530 liquid crystal display unit 531 reel stop position screen 532 stop Design screen 61 Stop button 62 Start lever

Claims (5)

A plurality of symbol display units for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols to be displayed on a plurality of winning lines according to a predetermined arrangement are provided, and symbol combinations corresponding to bonus combinations are displayed along any of the winning lines. In the case, the symbol variation display means in which the predetermined arrangement of each symbol display unit is configured so that the symbol combination corresponding to the specific small role is displayed along the other winning lines,
An internal lottery means for executing an internal lottery for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of types of combinations including two or more types of the specified small combinations and establishing an internal winning flag corresponding to the determined internal winning combination; ,
Informing means for informing a player of the establishment of a specific small combination flag that is an internal winning flag corresponding to the specific small combination;
Specific game state generating means for generating a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state;
In response to the player's stop operation to stop the variable display of symbols, the symbols included in the predetermined pull-in range are drawn and stopped on the winning line, and the role corresponding to the internal winning flag is played. While the symbol combination is allowed to be displayed along one of the winning lines, the symbol variation display means is controlled so that the symbol combination of the combination for which the internal winning flag is not established is not displayed along the winning line. Display control means for
A winning combination determining means for determining whether or not the symbol combination stopped and displayed along each winning line of the symbol variation display means is a predetermined symbol combination;
At least one of the symbol display portions in the symbol variation display means includes symbols corresponding to the bonus combination in at least two places, and two or more types of specific small combinations are simultaneously included in the pull-in range. The above-mentioned predetermined arrangement is configured so as not to be
The specific game state generated by the specific game state generation means is a game state in which a ratio of a game for notifying the player of establishment of the specific small role flag to the player via the notification means is set higher than that in the normal game state. A slot machine characterized by that. A plurality of symbol display units for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols to be displayed on a plurality of winning lines according to a predetermined arrangement are provided, and symbol combinations corresponding to bonus combinations are displayed along any of the winning lines. In the case, the symbol variation display means in which the predetermined arrangement of each symbol display unit is configured so that the symbol combination corresponding to the specific small role is displayed along the other winning lines,
An internal lottery means for executing an internal lottery for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of types of combinations including two or more types of the specified small combinations and establishing an internal winning flag corresponding to the determined internal winning combination; ,
Informing means for informing a player of the establishment of a specific small combination flag that is an internal winning flag corresponding to the specific small combination;
Specific game state generating means for generating a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state;
In response to the player's stop operation to stop the variable display of symbols, the symbols included in the predetermined pull-in range are drawn and stopped on the winning line, and the role corresponding to the internal winning flag is played. While the symbol combination is allowed to be displayed along one of the winning lines, the symbol variation display means is controlled so that the symbol combination of the combination for which the internal winning flag is not established is not displayed along the winning line. Display control means for
A winning combination determining means for determining whether or not the symbol combination stopped and displayed along each winning line of the symbol variation display means is a predetermined symbol combination;
At least one of the symbol display portions in the symbol variation display means includes symbols corresponding to the bonus combination in at least two places, and two or more types of specific small combinations are simultaneously included in the pull-in range. The above-mentioned predetermined arrangement is configured so as not to be
The specific gaming state generated by the specific gaming state generating means is a gaming state in which a probability that at least one of the specific small roles is internally won is set higher than a normal gaming state. . In claim 1 or 2, comprising game number counting means for counting the number of games executed after the previous bonus winning,
The slot machine is characterized in that the specific game state generating means is configured to start the specific game state when the number of games counted by the game number counting means exceeds a threshold value.   The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the specific game state generating means is configured to start the specific game state in response to a predetermined winning combination. .   5. The single winning combination bonus combination which is a different type of bonus combination from the bonus combination is set in any one of claims 1 to 4, and the symbol variation display means displays a symbol corresponding to the specific small role. The predetermined arrangement of each of the symbol display units is configured so that a symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination that can be independently won can be displayed along the winning line without displaying the combination along the winning line. A featured slot machine.

Images