JP2009119041A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve entertaining potentialities of games by the BB (big bonus) game with wider allowance of technical intervention for increase in the number of tokens by enabling players to increase the number of tokens to be acquired in the BB game. <P>SOLUTION: The game is so controlled as to set a successive game with a high probability of replay (RT (code 402)) in motion in the BB game. In the setting of the requirements for setting the game with a high probability of replay in motion, as the combinations of figures that allow the setting of the RB (regular bonus) game (RB1 game (code 404) and the RB2 game (code 405)) in motion in the BB game, the RB1 winning combination with the setting of RT in motion (winning combination for setting high-probability game in motion as first high dividend winning combination) and the RB2 winning combination without the setting of RT in motion (winning combination for setting high-probability game in motion as second high dividend winning combination) are used. In the technical intervention to the successive game with a high probability of replay, there are many options, for example, ending the BB game while leaving out the RB2 and delaying the timing of making figures line up for the RB1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  Conventionally, there are many gaming machines such as slot machines (hereinafter also simply referred to as “slot machines”), and they are played by many players. The slot machine includes a plurality of (for example, three) reels on which symbols are arranged, and the plurality of reels rotate when a player inserts medals (for example, three) and depresses a start lever. Each spinning reel is stopped by the player's operation of the reel stop button, and a winning is determined based on a symbol combination (hereinafter referred to as “symbol combination”) that appears when all reels stop rotating. And a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

  For each slot machine model, a winning combination corresponding to the type of symbol combination is determined in advance, and when these symbols stop on the winning line, a payout corresponding to the winning combination is made. Also, if the stopped symbol is a big bonus (BB) or regular bonus (RB) symbol, the game shifts to a special game such as a BB game or an RB game, and the player acquires many medals. be able to. The number of medals acquired by the player is, for example, about 300 for the BB game and about 100 for the RB game.

  In recent slot machines, the number of medals to be paid out in the above-mentioned BB game is fixed, that is, a payout number fixing method is adopted. According to this method, regardless of the number of games consumed in the special game, the BB game is ended when the prescribed payout number is reached. The prescribed number of payouts is, for example, 345 in the BB game. However, when this method is adopted, there is no longer any room for using technical intervention such as replay haze, so that the number of medals obtained is almost uniform. As a result, it can be said that the player's interest in the BB game of the slot machine adopting the payout number fixing method has faded.

It can be said that Patent Document 1 discloses a technique capable of solving such a situation. That is, Patent Document 1 discloses a payout (the number of payouts at the time of winning a winning combination) in a big bonus game (corresponding to the above-mentioned “BB game”) in a regular bonus game (corresponding to the “RB game” above). ) Which are different from each other are selectively executed by lottery under a predetermined probability. Therefore, any regular bonus during the big bonus game is selected. It is disclosed that the number of acquired sheets varies depending on whether the game is executed and that the number of acquired sheets can be prevented from being uniform. Further, it is disclosed that a player needs to play a game by trial and error so as to aim for a type of regular bonus with as much payout as possible, and requires technical intervention, so that the game preference can be improved.
JP 2005-31663 A (summary, paragraphs 0080, 0108-0112, etc.)

  However, it can be said that the technique of Patent Document 1 makes the number of winnings non-uniform by reducing the payout corresponding to the winning combination during the regular bonus game (specifically, as an example, the role of RB2). The number of payouts at the time of winning is set to 15 and the maximum number of winnings is set to 8 (according to the current rules established by the countries, etc., this is the setting that maximizes the dividend). , The number of payouts for the winning combination RB1 is set to 1 and the maximum number of winnings is set to 5). Since a player generally desires to increase the number of medals obtained as much as possible, the above technique cannot be said to have a gaming preference by increasing the number of medals.

  Further, the technical intervention in Patent Document 1 is too monotonous, and it can be said that there is little room for increasing the number of medals. According to the description in Patent Document 1, the player can intentionally remove the symbol of RB2 that has already been won and aim for RB1 (continue to wait until winning and align the symbol combination after winning). Intervention is not possible. For example, if you aim for other regular bonuses, you can win many medals as a result, or adjust the timing of aligning RB2 symbols in order to get many medals. It can be said that there are not many choices of possible means. Therefore, it can be said that the above technique cannot increase the game preference by technical intervention.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and by increasing the number of medals earned by players by BB games and expanding the scope for technical intervention to increase the number of games, games by BB games The purpose is to improve preference.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention is characterized by controlling a game so that a re-game high probability continuous game is activated in a BB game. In setting the conditions for the replay high probability game to be activated, a plurality of types of symbol combinations in which the RB game is activated in the BB game are used. And there are many options for the technical intervention for this replay high probability continuous game. Details will be described later.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve the game preference of the BB game by increasing the number of medals obtained by the player by the BB game and expanding the room for technical intervention for increasing the number.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration of the slot machine of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external view of the slot machine of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the slot machine of this embodiment.

≪Configuration (Appearance) ≫
As shown in FIG. 1, a front panel is attached to the front door 2 of the slot machine 1. The player passes the three reels 4 to 6 arranged in parallel inside the slot machine 1 through the three transparent display windows 7 to 9 (hereinafter also referred to as “inside the frame”) in the front panel. It can be visually recognized.
For example, 21 symbols are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 4-6. The symbols include, for example, a big bonus (BB) symbol, a small role symbol, a replay (replay) symbol, and the like (details will be described later in FIG. 3). Each reel 4 to 6 has a different symbol arrangement, and the player can draw a total of nine, three drawn from the display windows 7 to 9 on the upper, middle and lower sides of each reel 4 to 6, respectively. The design is visible. That is, these display windows 7 to 9 constitute a symbol display area.

  The display windows 7 to 9 display a total of five winning lines, three in the horizontal direction (L1, L2a and L2b) and two in the diagonal direction (L3a and L3b). . Each of the reels 4 to 6 is sequentially stopped, and when a specific symbol is arranged on any of the winning lines, a winning is won and a predetermined medal (game medium) is paid out.

The number of winning lines is the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 3 or the number of medals inserted by the operation (pressing) of the BET switch 49 (when medals are credited (stored) in the credit medal display unit 20). ) The effective number varies. For example, when one medal is inserted, the number “1” of the winning line display lamp 10 is lit and one winning line L1 is displayed. When two medals are inserted, the number “2” of the winning line display lamp 10 is turned on, and three winning lines L1, L2a, and L2b are displayed. When three medals are inserted, the number “3” of the winning line display lamp 10 is lit and all five winning lines are displayed.
Although the number of winning lines is five here, it may be four or less or six or more.

  Side lamps 18 and side speakers 11 a are provided on both sides of the front door 2, and an upper lamp 16 is provided above the front door 2. In addition, a liquid crystal display unit 17 is provided above the display windows 7 to 9, and LED display units 23 and 24 are provided on the lower right side of the display windows 7 to 9 for displaying the number of games and the number of winnings. Yes. These are driven through each drive circuit and output general winning notifications during games, sound effects of machine operations, sound effects, etc., as well as displays for notifying players of the results of various internal lotteries Functions as a means. In addition, the notification of the internal winning during the game may be performed by providing a separate dedicated notification display unit in addition to the display means.

  In the center of the front surface of the slot machine 1, there is provided a start lever 12 that is operated when the reels 4 to 6 are rotated. Further, reel stop buttons 13 to 15 (reel for stopping the rotation of the reels 4 to 6). There are three stop means corresponding to each of the reels 4-6.

  In addition, a medal tray 25 is provided at the lower front portion of the slot machine 1. The medal tray 25 is for storing medals discharged from a return port (not shown) for returning inserted medals and a medal payout outlet (not shown) for paying out medals when winning a prize.

  The reels 4 to 6 are configured as a reel unit, and a stepping motor 27 (see FIG. 2), which is a part of reel driving means, is connected to each of the reels 4 to 6. The reels 4 to 6 are rotated by the driving of the stepping motor 27 to move and display the reels 4 to 6 in the display windows 7 to 9. Each of the reels 4 to 6 is provided with three lamp cases (not shown), and a backlight 29 (see FIG. 2) is attached in each lamp case. Each backlight 29 is individually controlled to light through a lamp driving circuit (not shown), and three symbols can be illuminated from the back (inside) for each of the reels 4 to 6.

  A medal hopper 30 (see FIG. 2) and a power supply unit 31 for power supply (see FIG. 2) are provided below the reel unit. The power supply unit 31 (see FIG. 2) includes a setting stage selection switch 32 (see FIG. 2) and a setting stage selection switch for changing setting values (for example, six stages from setting 1 to setting 6) of the internal lottery winning probability. Setting key switch 33 (see FIG. 2) for enabling the operation of 32 (see FIG. 2), setting whether to stop after the end of the BB game (game stop until a predetermined release operation) Are connected to a stop setting switch 52 (see FIG. 2) and an automatic checkout setting switch 53 (see FIG. 2) for setting whether or not to execute automatic checkout (credit payout) after the BB game ends.

≪Configuration (Hardware) ≫
As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 includes a main control unit 34 and a sub control unit 35 as control means. The main control unit 34 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 36, a clock generation circuit 37, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 38, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 39, a lottery processing unit 40 (lottery means), and a game control unit 41 (control). Means), a game number counting part 42 (control means), a sending timing control circuit 43 for sending data to the sub-control part 35, a data sending circuit 44, and the like.

  The CPU 36 (design stop control means: control means) includes an input port 45 and an output port 46, through which the medal sensor 47, the reel stop buttons 13 to 15, the start lever 12, the first and second , 3 reel index 48, BET switch 49 and the like. Further, peripheral devices such as a medal block solenoid 50, a start lever LED 51, a BET display lamp 21, LED display units 23 and 24, and a stepping motor 27 are electrically connected to the output port 46.

  The three stepping motors 27 are coaxially connected to the reels 4 to 6 and rotate the reels 4 to 6 at a constant step angle. The first, second, and third reel indexes 48 detect a reset pulse that is generated each time the reels 4 to 6 make one rotation, and count the rotation angle from a predetermined reference position as each rotation position of the reels 4 to 6. Then, the count value is input to the CPU 36 via the input port 45.

  In addition to the game sequence program executed in the slot machine 1, the ROM 38 has a symbol table (a symbol stop control table or the like), a winning combination table, a lottery probability table, or the like for the CPU 36 to perform each control (process). Fixed data is stored. The RAM 39 is used as a temporary data storage area for programs executed by the CPU 36.

  The sub-control unit 35 includes a CPU 54, an audio LSI 55, a data input circuit 56, a clock generation circuit 57, a control ROM 58, a RAM 59, an audio ROM 60, an amplifier circuit 61, and the like. The sub-control unit 35 is connected to the upper lamp 16, the liquid crystal (dot) display unit 17, the side lamp 18, the backlight 29, the speaker 11 (including the side speaker 11a), and the like.

  The CPU 36 of the main control unit 34 outputs an output timing information signal to the data transmission circuit 44 according to the game situation. The data transmission circuit 44 temporarily stores the output timing information signal and then outputs the output timing information signal to the data input circuit 56 of the sub control unit 35 based on the output signal from the transmission timing control circuit 43.

  Further, the CPU 36 calls necessary data from the fixed data stored in the ROM 38 according to the progress of the game, and inputs / outputs from the peripheral devices connected to the input port 45 and the output port 46. The operation of the slot machine 1 is controlled based on the signal.

  Next, an outline of a gaming method related to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. First, the player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 3 or, if there is a credited medal on the credit medal display section 20, operates the BET switch 49 to select the number of medals to be inserted (for example, three). Determine arbitrarily. The winning line is activated according to the number of inserted medals (hereinafter, the activated winning line is also referred to as “effective line”), and the game is started by operating the start lever 12.

When the start lever 12 is operated, the reels 4 to 6 start to rotate, and the player operates the reel stop buttons 13 to 15 corresponding to the reels 4 to 6 to stop the rotation of the reels 4 to 6. Usually, immediately after the start lever 12 is operated, a random number is sampled by the lottery processor 40. As a result of the internal lottery by sampling, a win is awarded when a predetermined winning combination is won, and when all the reels 4 to 6 are stopped and a specific symbol is aligned with any of the five winning lines. The combination corresponding to the type of symbol combination is determined in advance, and medals are paid out according to the combination.
Note that the game control unit 41 controls the progress of the game in the gaming state in which the lottery probability of the combination to be internally drawn by the lottery processing unit 40 and the payout of the combination are determined, and the transition between the gaming states. The game number counting unit 42 measures the number of games digested in the gaming state controlled by the game control unit 41.

≪Game contents≫
Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the reel arrangement of the slot machine, the payout structure for special and small items, and the gaming state will be described (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 as appropriate). FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the reel arrangement (1), (2) is a diagram showing a payout configuration of special features and small roles, and (3) is a bonus termination condition for special features. FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the transition of the gaming state.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (1), in the reels 4a (4), 5a (5) and 6a (6), the symbols are arranged at positions of symbol numbers 1 to 21, respectively. There are eight types of symbols: red 7, white 7, BAR, replay (REP), bell, watermelon, cherry, and blank (octagon).

  As shown in FIG. 3 (2), the special symbol combination and the small combination are set with a corresponding symbol combination, winning combination and dividend. This payout is a numerical value of the number of payouts in each game state, such as general games, RT (replay time) and special games (BB game and RB game), and the contents of the game that is activated when the winning combination is complete. Further, the payout shown in FIG. 3B is common in each gaming state.

  Two special types of BBs, BB1 (first high payout winning combination high probability game increasing game trigger) and BB2 (second high payout winning combination high probability game increasing game trigger), and RB1 (first special combination) There are two types of RBs, one high-payout winning combination high-probability game trigger) and RB2 (second high-dividend winning combination high-probability game trigger). Each corresponding symbol combination is as shown in FIG. The special bonus game is a game for allowing a player to continue a game with a higher payout than usual (advantageous game) until the bonus end condition of FIG. 3 (3) is satisfied, and from several games thereafter A lot of medals are paid out in about tens of games.

  BB1 and BB2 have 0 payouts, but the game state can be shifted from a general game to a BB game. In BB games, when BB1 is aligned, RB1 and RB2 described later are aligned with a probability of RB1: RB2 = 80: 20, and when BB2 is aligned, RB1 and RB2 are respectively RB1: RB2 = 50 : Arranged with a probability of 50. Since BB1 is more likely to have RB1 than BB2, the player can acquire more medals (details will be described later). As shown in FIG. 3 (3), BB1 and BB2 end the BB game when 345 medals are paid out. In the present embodiment, BB1 and BB2 are not aligned during the BB game.

  RB1 and RB2 have 0 payouts, but the game state can be changed to RB game during BB game (the game state can be changed from non-BB game state to RB game) In this embodiment, the description regarding this transition is omitted.) In the RB game, the symbol combinations shown as small roles in FIG. In the present embodiment, during the RB game, the number of inserted medals (BET) in 1G (game) is set to two, but the present invention is not limited to this. After the completion of the RB game when RB1 is complete, RT is activated, and the game as RT can be digested by 100G. On the other hand, RT is not triggered after the RB game is completed when RB2 is aligned (the RT that was activated after RB1 is aligned and RB game is terminated can be terminated even in the middle (RT Punk).). Further, as shown in FIG. 3 (3), regardless of which of RB1 and RB2 is complete, the RB game is finished by digesting 12G or winning eight times (small role). As a result, according to the payout shown in FIG. 3 (2), when RB games are consumed, 120 medals are basically paid out.

  Note that the lottery probabilities of BB1 and BB2 as special combinations are, for example, about 1/300. In addition, when BB or RB is won, even if the player does not arrange the corresponding symbols, the flag (winning result) is carried over to the next and subsequent games until the corresponding symbols are arranged. Flags other than BB or RB are valid only in the game, and are not carried over to the next and subsequent games.

Next, a small role will be described. Small plays include replays, bells, watermelons and cherries. Each corresponding symbol is as shown in FIG.
Replay is a replay in which the next one game can be played without using medals, although there are no payouts. The replay lottery probability is, for example, 1/7 in general games and 1 / 1.5 in RT.

  Bell is paid out 10 medals. However, when the number of inserted medals (BET) is 2, the number is 15. The lottery probability of the bell is, for example, 1/15 in the general game (the lottery probability in the other game states is omitted, but the lottery probability in the RB game is higher than that of the general game).

  Watermelon is paid out 6 medals. However, when the number of inserted medals (BET) is 2, the number is 15. The watermelon lottery probability is, for example, 1/64 (although the lottery probability in other gaming states is omitted, the lottery probability in the RB game is higher than that of the general game).

  Cherry is paid out two medals. However, when the number of inserted medals (BET) is 2, the number is 15. The lottery probability of cherry is, for example, 1/128 (although the lottery probability in other gaming states is omitted, the lottery probability in RB games is higher than that of general games).

  The general game (reference numeral 401 in FIG. 4) is a game state in which a predetermined lottery probability and a payout are determined. The slot machine 1 starts from this general game at the time of shipment or when the main control unit 34 is initialized. If the player wins BB1 or BB2 during the game of the general game, the game shifts to the BB general game (reference numeral 403 in FIG. 4) and starts the BB game.

  RT (reference numeral 402 (replay high-probability continuous game) in FIG. 4 is a game state in which the replay lottery probability is greatly increased as compared to a general game. Since medals are likely to increase compared to a general game, This RT is an advantageous state for a player, and this RT treats the RT performed during non-BB gaming and the RT performed during BB gaming as one gaming state. In order to determine the end condition, the game control unit 41 measures the number of medals to be paid out, but this does not apply to RT performed during non-BB games, and the number of games is counted during RT games during non-BB games. If the prescribed number of games measured by the unit 42 (100 games in this embodiment, but not limited to this) is used, the game shifts to a general game (reference numeral 401 in FIG. 4). On the other hand, if 100 games are consumed during the RT game during the BB game, the game shifts to the BB general game (reference numeral 403 in FIG. 4) In the RT during the BB game, medals are paid out to 345 or more. (That is, when the bonus end condition is satisfied), the game is switched to RT during non-BB game, and if BB1 or BB2 is won during RT game during non-BB game, BB general game (see FIG. 4 (reference numeral 403), and the BB game is started (that is, RT puncture) (however, it may be switched to RT during the BB game) and during the RT game during the BB game. If RB1 is won, the game shifts to RB1 game (404 in FIG. 4), starts RB game, and if RB2 is won, RB2 game (40 in FIG. 4). ) And start RB games (that is, RT punctures) Note that in RT, small lotteries such as bells, winning, and winning are performed in the same manner as general games and BB games. .

  The BB general game (reference numeral 403 (first or second high payout winning combination high probability game increase game) in FIG. 4) is a game state in which a predetermined lottery probability and a payout are determined in the BB game. If the RB1 is won, the RB1 game (reference numeral 404 in FIG. 4) is entered and the RB game is started. If the RB2 is won, the RB2 game (reference numeral 405 in FIG. 4) is entered and the RB game is started. In addition, when medals are paid out to 345 or more (that is, the bonus end condition is satisfied), the BB general game (reference numeral 403 in FIG. 4) ends and the general game (reference numeral 401 in FIG. 4). Migrate to

  The RB1 game (symbol 404 (first high payout prize winning high probability game) in FIG. 4) has a predetermined lottery probability and payout, and has a higher probability than those of the general game, RT, and BB general game (replay is And the gaming state is set for a high payout. When 12G has been digested or 8 wins have been won (that is, the bonus end condition has been satisfied), the routine proceeds to RT (in the BB game) RT (reference numeral 402 in FIG. 4). However, if the payout of medals reaches 345 or more before satisfying the condition, the RB1 game is immediately terminated, the BB game is also terminated, and RT (during the non-BB game) RT (reference numeral in FIG. 4). 402) (that is, RB1 game puncture).

  The RB2 game (symbol 405 in FIG. 4 (second high-payout prize winning high-probability game)) has a predetermined lottery probability and a payout, and has a higher probability than those of the general game, RT, and BB general game (replay is And the gaming state is set for a high payout. If 12G has been consumed or 8 wins have been won (that is, the bonus end condition has been satisfied), the game shifts to a BB general game (reference numeral 403 in FIG. 4). However, if the payout of medals reaches 345 or more before satisfying the condition, the RB2 game is immediately terminated, the BB game is also terminated, and a transition is made to a general game (reference numeral 401 in FIG. 4) ( In other words, RB2 game punk).

In this way, by activating RT during the BB game, the number of medals acquired by the BB game can be increased. Conventionally, since the processing is advanced in the BB general game, if any of the roles is not won (or if the winning is lost), medals corresponding to the number of inserted coins are consumed. According to this, it is possible to suppress the insertion of medals because replays are almost performed instead of losing.

≪Processing (BB game) ≫
Next, processing of the slot machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6, 7, and 8 (refer to other figures as appropriate). In the present embodiment, only processing during BB gaming (hereinafter referred to as “BB processing”) will be described. 5A and 5B are flowcharts showing processing of the slot machine during the BB general game. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the slot machine during the RB2 game. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing of the slot machine during the RB1 game. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the RT game number measurement process. Note that the number of games when the RT is digested is measured by the game number counting unit 42.

Referring to FIG. 5A, when starting the BB process, first, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the operation signal from the start lever 12 has been received via the input port 45 (step S501), and does not receive it (step S501). No), the process of step S501 is continued, and if received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S502.
In step S <b> 502, the CPU 36 performs an internal lottery by the lottery processing unit 40.

  In step S503, the CPU 36 determines whether or not a small role has been won. If it is elected (Yes in Step S503), the process proceeds to Step S504, and if not elected (No in Step S503), the process proceeds to Step S508.

  In step S <b> 504, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the winning small role has been won when the player presses the reel stop buttons 13 to 15. When a combination such as a small combination or a special combination is won, processing is performed to align the combination on the active line by reel pull-in control (so-called “slip control”) for up to four symbols by the stepping motor 27. To do. When the winning small combination is won (Yes in step S504), the small combination processing including the payout of medals is performed on the small combination (step S505), and the RT game number measurement processing described later is also performed (step S506). ), The process proceeds to step S507. When the winning combination is not won (No in step S504), the process proceeds to step S508.

  In step S507, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the game control unit 41 has paid out 345 medals during the BB game. When the number is 345 or more (Yes in step S507), the BB process ends because the BB1 or BB2 bonus end condition is satisfied. If the number is not 345 or more (No in step S507), the process returns to step S501.

  Next, referring to FIG. 5B, in step S508, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the flag F (RB2) of RB2 is “1” in the game. If it is “1” (Yes in step S508), it means that the RB2 flag that has already been won has been carried over, and the process proceeds to step S511. If it is not “1” (No in step S508), F (RB2) = 0, which means that the player has not already won RB2, and proceeds to step 509. Note that F (RB2) is a parameter that takes a binary value of 0 or 1. When “0”, the CPU 36 controls to continue the game that is not won by RB2, and when “1”, the CPU 36 Control to continue the game won in RB2.

  In step S509, the CPU 36 determines whether or not RB2 has been won. If it is elected (Yes in Step S509), the flag F (RB2) of RB2 is updated to “1” (Step S510), and the process proceeds to Step 511. If not elected (No in Step S509), Step The process proceeds to S514.

  In step S511, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the winning RB2 has been won (or won) when the player presses the reel stop buttons 13 to 15. If a prize is won (Yes in step S511), the RT game number measurement process is performed (step S512), and the RB2 process is started in order to activate the RB game by RB2 (step S513). If no winning is made (No in step S511), the process proceeds to step S520.

  In step S514, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the flag F (RB1) of RB1 is “1” in the game. If it is “1” (Yes in step S514), it means that the RB1 flag that has already been won has been carried over, and the process proceeds to step S517. If it is not “1” (No in step S514), F (RB1) = 0 means that RB1 has not been won already, and the process proceeds to step 515. Note that F (RB1) is a parameter that takes a binary value of 0 or 1. When “0”, the CPU 36 controls to continue a game that is not won by RB1, and when “1”, the CPU 36 Control to continue the game won in RB1.

  In step S515, the CPU 36 determines whether or not RB1 has been won. If it is elected (Yes in Step S515), the flag F (RB1) of RB1 is updated to “1” (Step S516), and the process proceeds to Step 517. If not elected (No in Step S514), Step The process proceeds to S520.

  In step S517, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the winning RB1 has been won (or won) when the player presses the reel stop buttons 13 to 15. If a winning is made (Yes in step S517), RT game number measurement processing is performed (step S518), and RB1 processing is started in order to activate the RB game by RB1 (step S519). If no winning is made (No in step S517), the process proceeds to step S520.

  In step S520, the CPU 36 performs processing when no winning combination is won, or when the player does not win any winning combination, the player presses the reel stop buttons 13-15. In order not to win any combination, a loss process including a control process for the stepping motor 27 to prevent any line from being aligned on the active line using a reel pull-in control for a maximum of 4 symbols is performed. Then, RT game number measurement processing is performed (step S521), and the process returns to step S501.

Referring to FIG. 6, the RB2 process (step S513 in FIG. 5B) is started, and the processes from step S601 to step S605 are the same as the processes from step S501 to step S505 in FIG. 5A, respectively. Omitted. However, when the small combination is not won (No in step S603) and when the selected small combination is not won (No in step S604), a loss process is performed (step S606 (same as step S520)).
After performing the small combination process (step S605), the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S607, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the number of medals paid out during the BB game is 345 or more by the game control unit 41. When 345 or more (Yes in step S607), RB2 flag F (RB2) is updated to “0” in order to terminate RB2 when the BB1 or BB2 bonus termination condition is satisfied (step S608). ) The RB2 process is terminated (step S609), and the process proceeds to step S610. If the number is not 345 or more (No in step S607), the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S610, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the gaming state (in this case, non-BB gaming) started after the end of the RB2 process is in the RT state. If it is during RT (Yes in step S610), the RT process performed in that RT is terminated (step S611). As a result, the BB process ends. If it is not during RT (No in step S610), the BB process is simply terminated.

  In step S612, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the bonus end condition (12G digestion or 8 wins) for RB2 is satisfied. If satisfied (step S612 Yes), the flag F (RB2) of RB2 is updated to “0” (step S613), the RB2 process is terminated (step S614), and the process proceeds to step S615. If not satisfied (No in step S612), the process returns to step S601.

  In step S615, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the gaming state (in this case, BB gaming) started after the end of the RB2 process is in the RT state. If it is during RT (Yes in step S615), the RT process performed in that RT is terminated (step S616). Thereby, the BB process is resumed. If it is not during RT (No in step S615), the BB process simply resumes.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the RB1 process (step S519 in FIG. 5B) is started, and the processes from step S701 to step S709 are the same as the processes from step S601 to step S609 in FIG. 6, respectively. The processing up to S713 is the same as the processing from step S612 to step S614 in FIG. In this case, “RB2” in FIG. 6 and the description related thereto is read as “RB1”, and “F (RB2)” is read as “F (RB1)”.

  After completing the RB1 process (step S709), the CPU 36 sets the number of RT games to 0 by the game number counting unit 42 and starts the RT process (step S710). As a result, the BB process ends.

  After the RB1 process is completed (step S713), the CPU 36 sets the number of RT games to 0 by the game number counting unit 42 and starts the RT process (step S714). Thereby, the BB process is resumed.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the RT game number measurement process (step S506 in FIG. 5A, steps S512, S518, and S521 in FIG. 5B) is started, and CPU 36 determines whether the game is in RT (during BB game). It is determined whether or not (step S801). If it is during RT (Yes in step S801), the number-of-games counting unit 42 increments the number of RT games by 1 (step S802), and proceeds to step S803. If not RT (No in step S801), the process ends.

In step 803, the CPU 36 determines whether or not the number of RT games has reached 100 games. When 100 games have been reached (Yes in step S803), the RT process is terminated and the RT game number measurement process is terminated. When 100 games have not been reached (No in step S803), RT is continued and the RT game number measurement process is terminated.
This is the end of the description of the slot machine processing.

≪Technical intervention≫
As described above, various technical interventions can be used by activating RT during the BB game. An example is shown below.

(Example 1)
FIG. 9 illustrates the progress of the game using the technical intervention shown as Example 1. The horizontal axis means the number of games to be digested, and the game state is shown as a band. Example 1 is an example of technical intervention that is used when a game is in progress during a non-RT game (that is, a BB general game (reference numeral 403 in FIG. 4)) just before the end of the BB game.

  In order to win many medals, it is desirable to consume as much RT as possible during the BB game, but even after the BB game is over, if you start the game with RT, you will get even more medals. Can be earned. In order to start RT after the end of the BB game, it is necessary to complete the BB game by aligning RB1.

  However, when the BB general game is currently being played and the number of medals to be paid out is 340 (that is, the BB game will end soon), as shown in FIG. BB game will end immediately, and RT cannot be started after BB game is over. (If the winning cherries are aligned, the number of payouts will be added to 342, and if the selected watermelon is aligned, payout will be made.) The number is added to 6 to 348, which satisfies the BB bonus end condition (payout of 345 or more).)

  Therefore, a technical intervention is used, such as continuing to remove the selected small role until RB1 wins. As shown in (b), even if a cherry is won, the player presses the reel stop buttons 13 to 15 in anticipation of the timing when the cherry symbol does not stop on the active line. If the cherry can be removed, the number of payouts remains 340. After that, even if the watermelon is won, the player presses the reel stop buttons 13 to 15 at the timing when the watermelon symbol does not stop on the active line. If the watermelon can be removed, the number of payouts remains 340.

  Fortunately, if RB1 wins, we aim to make sure that the symbol combinations are properly aligned. However, even if it is mistakenly removed, the flag is carried over, so there is no need to worry about it. If RB1 is won, the RT activation condition is satisfied, and the BB game is completed at the end of the RB1 game (RB1 game puncture) (the number of payouts is 355 (= 340 + 15)). RT can then be started.

  However, as shown in (c), even if you continue to remove the selected small role, you have no choice but to give up if RB2 wins. This is because, as long as RB2 has been won, there is no room left for RB1 to win until the end of the BB game. As a result, the RB2 game is finished (RB2 game puncture), the BB game is finished (because the number of payouts is 355 (= 340 + 15)), and the general game is started.

  In this way, when the BB game is about to end, when it is not in RT, the possibility that the RT can be started after the end of the BB game using technical intervention can be increased.

(Example 2)
FIG. 10 illustrates the progress of the game using the technical intervention shown as Example 2. The horizontal axis means the number of games to be digested, and the game state is shown as a band. Example 2 is a non-RT game (ie, a BB general game (reference numeral 403 in FIG. 4)) when the number of games that must be consumed by the end of the BB game remains, but RB1 is won. This is an example of technical intervention used when the game is in progress.

  The point of starting RT after the end of the BB game in order to acquire more medals is the same as in Example 1. However, since RT can be activated at any time if interested, RB1 is Consider adjusting the alignment timing.

  When BB general game is currently in progress and the number of medals to be paid out is 205 (in the middle of the BB game) and RB1 is selected (F (RB1) = 1), RB1 is won immediately. Even if it has been made, RT can be started after the end of the BB game if the small roles are continuously arranged in the RT starting after the RB1 game is digested. As shown in (a), the winning RB1 when the number of medals paid out is 205 is won, the RB1 game is digested, and the number of medals paid out is added to 120 to 325. Thereafter, at the starting RT, the winning of the bell and winning (payout is 10 payouts) are repeated twice, the medal payout number is 345 (= 325 + 10 + 10), and the BB game is ended. Thereby, RT which has already been activated can be continued even after the BB game is over.

  Even if RB1 is won immediately, RT can be started after the end of BB game if RB1 wins in RT starting after digesting the RB1 game. As shown in (b), the winning RB1 when 205 medals are paid out is won, the RB1 game is digested, and 120 medals are added up to 325. After that, if RB1 wins at the starting RT (until the small roles are arranged so that the number of medals to be paid out reaches 345), by aligning the RB1 and ending the RB1 game (puncture of the RB1 game) The number of medals to be paid out is 355 (= 325 + 15 + 15) and the BB game is terminated. Thereby, RT can be continued even after the end of the BB game in a state where a new RT is overwritten on the RT that was originally activated.

  However, when RB1 is won immediately, if RB2 is won in RT starting after digesting the RB1 game, there is a possibility that RT cannot be started after the BB game ends. As shown in (c), the winning RB1 when the number of medals paid out is 205 is won, the RB1 game is digested, and the number of medals paid out is added to 120 to 325. After that, when RB2 is won at the starting RT (until the small roles are aligned so that the number of medals to be paid out reaches 345), when the RB2 is aligned, the RB2 game is ended (RB2 game puncture) Therefore, the number of medals paid out is 355 (= 325 + 15 + 15) and the BB game is ended. However, since RB2 has been aligned, the RT that was originally digested is punctured, and the general game (reference numeral 401 in FIG. 4) starts after the end of the BB game. If RB2 is elected, if RB2 is removed and the small roles are aligned, the number of medals to be paid out will be increased to 345 or more, and the already digested RT will be continued after the BB game ends. It is possible.

  However, in order to surely start RT after the end of the BB, it is better not to immediately align the winning RB1 but delay the alignment timing. As shown in (d), the winning RB1 continues to be removed, the winning small roles are arranged in the meantime, and the number of medals paid out is slightly increased. In a state where the number of medals paid out is 205, the winning of a bell and winning (payout is 10 payouts) are performed twice, and the number of medals paid out is 225 (= 205 + 10 + 10). If the number of medals to be paid out is 225, 120 more medals are added by the RB1 game, and the number of medals to be paid out is 345, so that the BB game can be terminated. Therefore, as long as RB1 can be removed until the number of medals paid out reaches 225 at the minimum, it is possible to eliminate the need for RB2 to win by the end of the BB game as shown in (c).

  In this way, even in the middle stage of a BB game, under certain conditions, RT can be reliably started after the end of the BB game using technical intervention.

≪Summary≫
As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the game is controlled so as to start RT during the BB game, the number of medals obtained by the player by the BB game can be increased, and the game preference by the BB game can be increased. Can be improved. This is because the loss for the number of inserted sheets could be avoided by replaying.

  In addition, it is not a monotonous technical intervention that only removes a small part of the payout as in the past, but what kind of technical intervention should be performed in order to win more medals in consideration of the current gaming state Since there are various options such as this, the room for technical intervention can be expanded, and the game preference by BB games can be improved.

≪Others≫
The above-described embodiment is the best for carrying out the present invention. However, the embodiment can be variously modified without changing the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in this embodiment, two types of BBs (BB1 and BB2) having different ratios for winning between RB1 and RB2 are used. However, a BB that wins only RB1 or a BB that wins only RB2 may be provided, and a difference may be provided in the payout that a player can enjoy in the BB game depending on the type of BB to be won.

  In the present embodiment, RB1 is a symbol for activating RT, that is, an RT activation symbol, and RB1 is a symbol for ending RT that was activated by RB2, ie, an RT termination symbol. , RB2 was used. However, a dedicated symbol combination that becomes the RT activation symbol and the RT end symbol may be used.

  Further, in this embodiment, RT (reference numeral 402 in FIG. 4) is treated as one gaming state regardless of whether it is BB gaming or non-BB gaming. However, RT during BB gaming and RT during non-BB gaming are handled. May be provided separately. In this separate RT, the replay lottery probability and the number of continued games may be different.

  In addition, when removing a small part or special combination that has been won by technical intervention, the selected small part or special combination should not be aligned when the reels 4 to 6 that are idle are automatically stopped. If it is a slot machine to be controlled, the player should not leave it on his own, but leave it up to the machine. Although this method takes time, it can be performed reliably, so the player may adjust the timing of using this method in consideration of time efficiency and the progress of the game. In the sense that this embodiment provides room for such adjustment, it can be said that the room for technical intervention can be further expanded.

  In addition, specific configurations such as hardware and flowcharts can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

It is an external view of the slot machine of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions in the slot machine of this embodiment. (1) is a diagram showing an example of a reel arrangement, (2) is a diagram showing a payout configuration of special bonus items and small bonuses, and (3) is a diagram showing bonus termination conditions for special bonuses. . It is a figure which shows transition of a gaming state. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the slot machine in BB general game. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the slot machine in BB general game. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the slot machine in RB2 game. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the slot machine in RB1 game. It is a flowchart which shows RT game number measurement processing. FIG. 6 illustrates the progress of a game using the technical intervention shown as Example 1. FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates the progress of a game using the technical intervention shown as Example 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 4, 5, 6 Reel 13, 14, 15 Reel stop button 17 Liquid crystal display unit 27 Stepping motor 34 Main control unit 36 CPU
40 lottery processing section 41 game control section 42 game count section

Claims (3)

A plurality of reels with symbols arranged on the outer periphery;
Reel driving means for individually rotating the plurality of reels;
A plurality of reel stop means corresponding to the plurality of reels and operated to stop the plurality of reels individually;
Lottery means for performing re-games and a predetermined winning combination for each game;
As a result of lottery by the lottery means, when a re-game or a predetermined winning combination is won, the corresponding symbol combination can be stopped on the effective winning line by a predetermined number of symbols drawing control Is a symbol stop control means for stopping,
Control means for controlling a game based on a gaming state including a general game in which a lottery probability and a payout are determined for at least a re-game and a predetermined winning combination;
A gaming machine comprising
In the gaming state,
The first high payout winning combination high-probability game and the second high payout winning combination high-probability game in which a winning combination having a higher payout than the payout in the general game is won with a higher probability than the lottery probability in the general game. When,
It is possible to perform at least one of the first high payout winning combination high probability game and the second high payout winning combination high probability game a plurality of times, and ends when a predetermined number of game media are paid out. A high-payout prize-winning high-probability game,
There is a replay high-probability continuous game in which a game in which the lottery probability of the replay is a higher probability than the general game is continued a predetermined number of times,
The winning combination includes
The first high-payout prize-winning high-probability game is activated, and the first high-payout prize-winning high-probability game is activated after the first high-paid-winning prize-winning high-probability game ends. When,
A second high payout winning combination high probability game invoking the second high payout winning combination high probability game;
A high-payout prize-winning and high-probability game-increasing game invoking the high-paid-out prize-winning high-probability game, and
The control means includes
When the symbol combination corresponding to the high payout winning combination high probability game increasing game trigger stops on an effective winning line, control to activate the high payout winning combination high probability game increasing game trigger,
When the symbol combination corresponding to the first high-payout winning combination high-probability game activator stops on an effective winning line during the high-dividend winning combination high-probability game increase game, the first high-paid-out winning combination Control to activate the high probability game,
When the symbol combination corresponding to the second high payout winning combination high probability game actuator stops on an effective winning line during the high payout winning combination high probability game increasing game, the second high payout winning combination is displayed. Control to activate the high probability game,
When the first high payout winning combination high probability game satisfies a predetermined end condition, the first high payout winning combination high probability game is terminated and the replay high probability continuous game is activated. A gaming machine characterized by that. In the high dividend winning combination high probability game increase game trigger, at least,
During the high-payout prize-winning high-probability game increase game, the lottery probability of the first high-paid-winning prize-winning high-probability game trigger and the lottery probability of the second high-paid-winning prize winning high-probability game trigger are first. A first high-payout prize-winning high-probability game-initiating game determined by the ratio of
During the high-payout prize-winning high-probability game increase game, the lottery probability of the first high-paid-winning prize-winning high-probability game and the lottery probability of the second high-paid-winning prize high probability game-invoking 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein there is a second high payout winning combination high-probability game-increasing game act defined by a second ratio different from the ratio of 1. The second high dividend winning combination high-probability game trigger is a winning combination that ends the re-play high-probability continuous game,
The control means includes
When the symbol combination corresponding to the second high dividend winning combination high probability game invoicing role is stopped on an effective winning line during the replay high probability consecutive game, the second high dividend winning combination high probability 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is controlled so as to activate the game, and is controlled so as to end the replay high probability continuous game. 4.

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