JP2009142406A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine capable of suppressing a sense of dissatisfaction of a player that they cannot recognize the consumption degree of a replay combination low probability state at all, in the slot machine for returning to a normal state corresponding to the consumption of the prescribed number of games or the internal winning of a bonus combination after shifting from the normal state to the replay low probability state. <P>SOLUTION: The slot machine 1 includes: a game state switching means 40 for generating the replay low probability state and ending the replay low probability state and returning to the normal state when a prescribed period elapses in the replay low probability state and when the bonus combination is internally won; and a remaining period reporting mean s44 for reporting a remaining period which is a non-consumed period of the prescribed period to the player side when the bonus combination is internally won in the replay low probability state and the replay low probability state is ended. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that changes an internal winning probability of a replay combination in accordance with a stop display of a state transition symbol.

  Conventionally, for example, there is a slot machine that determines an internal winning combination by an internal lottery and gives a prize according to the determined internal winning combination. As such a slot machine, there is one that changes the internal winning probability of the replay role triggered by the stop display of the state transition symbol (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As a pattern for changing the internal winning probability of the replay role, there is a pattern for shifting to a replay low probability state in which the internal winning probability of the replay role is lower than that of the normal state in response to the stop display of the state transition symbol in the normal state. In many of such slot machines, it is set so that the normal state is returned to the normal state in response to the consumption of a predetermined number of games or the internal winning of the bonus combination, and the internal winning probability of the replay combination is restored.

  However, the conventional slot machine described above has the following problems. That is, when the remaining number of games of the predetermined number of games is displayed for the slot machine in which the replay low probability state is generated, a slot machine with a long remaining number of games is avoided from a player who is about to start a new game. On the other hand, if the remaining number of games is not displayed at all, there is a possibility that the player who has newly started playing does not know how much the predetermined number of games has been consumed and feels dissatisfied.

JP 2006-340866 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and after the transition from the normal state to the low replay probability state, the normal state is restored in response to the digestion of a predetermined number of games or the internal winning of the bonus combination. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that can suppress a player's dissatisfaction that the degree of digestion of the low probability state of replay is not known at all.

The present invention includes a symbol variation display means including a plurality of variation display units that variably display a plurality of types of symbols according to a predetermined arrangement in the symbol display area,
Game start operating means operated by the player to start the game;
In accordance with the operation of the game start operation means, an internal lottery for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of types including at least a replay combination and a bonus combination is performed, and an internal winning corresponding to the determined internal winning combination is performed. Internal lottery means for establishing a flag;
A stop operation means operated by the player to stop the display of variation of symbols in the variation display section;
Display control means for drawing a symbol corresponding to the internal winning flag in accordance with an operation of the stop operation means within a predetermined drawing range and stopping and displaying the symbol in the symbol display area;
Winning determination means for determining whether or not the symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol variation display means is a predetermined winning symbol;
A slot machine comprising: a normal state; and a game state switching means for generating a replay low-probability state in which the winning probability of the replay role is lower than the normal state,
The gaming state switching means generates the replay low probability state when the symbol variation display means stops displaying the predetermined state transition symbol in the normal state, while the predetermined period has elapsed in the replay low probability state, And when the bonus combination is won internally, the replay low probability state is terminated and returned to the normal state,
In the replay low probability state, when the bonus combination is won internally and the replay low probability state ends, a remaining period informing means for informing the player of the remaining period that is an undigested period of the predetermined period is provided. The present invention resides in a slot machine (claim 1).

  The slot machine of the present invention includes the gaming state switching means for generating the normal state and the replay low probability state. The gaming state switching means generates the replay low probability state when the predetermined state transition symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal state. On the other hand, the gaming state switching means ends the replay low probability state and returns to the normal state when the predetermined period has elapsed and when the bonus combination is won internally.

  Further, the slot machine of the present invention notifies the player of the remaining period that is an undigested period of the predetermined period when the low replay probability state ends due to an internal winning of a bonus combination. Means. If the remaining period is informed, the player can recognize the length of the remaining period that is an undigested period of the replay low-probability state, although it is after the fact that the replay low-probability state has been completed. Therefore, dissatisfaction that the player may feel can be suppressed. In particular, when the remaining period is long, the joy of the internal winning of the bonus combination is further increased, and the player's satisfaction can be increased.

  As described above, according to the slot machine of the present invention, when returning to the normal state according to the internal winning of the bonus combination, it is possible to grasp the remaining period that is an undigested period of the replay low probability state. Is less likely to feel frustrated. In particular, when a long period is notified as the remaining period, a bonus combination can be won early, and the joy of being able to finish the low replay low probability state quickly increases, and the player's satisfaction Can be even higher.

The slot machine of the present invention may be a slot machine in a narrow sense using medals and coins as game media, or a parrot (R) using pachinko balls as game media.
The remaining period is not only notified of the specific number of games in the remaining period, but also the number of games to which the remaining period belongs, for example, within 100 games to 200 games or more than 200 games. Notification is also included.

In addition, the remaining period notifying means is configured so that when the bonus combination is won in the replay low probability state and the replay low probability state ends, the bonus game is generated at the start of a bonus game that occurs in response to winning of the bonus combination. It is preferable that the remaining period is notified at least at any timing during the game and at the end of the bonus game.
In this case, the remaining period can be notified to the player at an appropriate timing.

In addition, there is provided a state transition history display means for displaying a transition history to the replay low probability state in a game period from the end of the bonus game corresponding to the winning of the bonus combination until the bonus combination is newly won internally. (Claim 3).
In this case, by displaying the transition history to the replay low probability state, it is possible to allow the player to grasp the occurrence status of the replay low probability state in the game period until the bonus combination is newly won internally. . The player can grasp the occurrence state of the replay low-probability state after the fact but is less likely to feel dissatisfaction.

Further, the gaming state switching means generates the replay low probability state when the symbol variation display means stops displaying the first state transition symbol which is the predetermined state transition symbol in the normal state, while the symbol is displayed. The variable display means is configured to generate a replay high probability state in which the winning probability of the replay role is higher than the normal state when the second state transition symbol different from the predetermined state transition symbol is stopped and displayed.
The state transition history display means is a transition history to the replay low probability state and the replay high probability state in a game period from the end of the bonus game corresponding to the bonus combination winning until the bonus combination is newly won internally. Is preferably displayed (claim 4).

  In this case, by displaying the transition history of the replay high probability state and the replay low probability state, the player can be made aware of the occurrence status of the replay high probability state and the replay low probability state.

(Example)
This example relates to the slot machine 1 that changes the internal winning probability of the replay combination in accordance with the stop display of the state transition symbol. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.
The slot machine 1 of this example has variable display portions 21L, C, and R (hereinafter referred to as reels 21L, C, and R) that display a plurality of types of symbols according to a predetermined arrangement in the symbol display areas 110L, C, and R. At least replaying according to the operation of the start symbol 62, the symbol variation display means 2 provided, the game start operation means 62 (hereinafter referred to as the start lever 62) operated by the player to start the game. An internal lottery means for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of types including a combination and a bonus combination, and establishing an internal winning flag corresponding to the determined internal winning combination; Stop operation means 61 (hereinafter referred to as stop button 61) operated by the player to stop the change display of symbols, and operation of the stop button 61 Accordingly, the display control means 45 that draws the symbol corresponding to the internal winning flag within a predetermined drawing range and stops and displays it in the symbol display area 110, and the symbol that is stopped and displayed by the symbol variation display means 2 is a predetermined winning symbol. A slot machine having a winning determination means 49 for determining whether or not the game is performed and a game state switching means 40 for generating a replay low probability state in which the winning probability of the replay role is lower than that in the normal state and the replay role. .

The gaming state switching means 40 generates a replay low probability state when the symbol variation display means 2 stops displaying the first state transition symbol in the normal state, while in the replay low probability state, a predetermined period (in this example, When the first predetermined period has elapsed, and when the bonus combination is won internally, the low replay probability state is terminated and the normal state is restored.
When the bonus combination is won internally in the replay low probability state and the replay low probability state ends, the slot machine 1 has a remaining period (in this example, a first period that is an undigested period). The remaining period notifying means 44 for notifying the player side of the remaining period.
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, in addition to the BIG bonus combination and the replay combination, nine types of combinations including small combinations such as eight combinations and two types of one combination are set. In FIG. 3, the names of the respective roles are shown in the left column, the winning symbols corresponding to the respective roles are shown in the middle row, and the privileges to be given to the player according to the winning are 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 a winning symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination is established along any of the winning lines set in the symbol display window 11, the winning combination becomes a winning combination.

  Next, the playability of the slot machine 1 of this example will be described. In the slot machine 1 of the present example, in addition to the BIG bonus game, first to fourth normal states having different internal winning probabilities for replay roles may occur (in FIG. 3 and FIG. Illustrated by ~ 4). The third normal state is an initial gaming state that is started after the slot machine 1 is reset and after the BIG bonus game is ended. The first and second normal states are gaming states in which the internal winning probability of the replay combination is set lower than in the third normal state. The fourth normal state is a gaming state in which the internal winning probability of the replay combination is set higher than that in the third normal state. That is, in the slot machine 1 of this example, the first and second normal states are the replay low probability state, and the fourth normal state is the replay high probability state.

  As shown in FIG. 3, as the first state transition symbol which is a state transition symbol to the first normal state (replay low probability state), the winning symbol of the first single symbol combination and the first single symbol symbol The missing pattern is set. As the first state transition symbol which is a state transition symbol to the second normal state (replay low probability state), a winning symbol of the second one-piece combination and a missing symbol of the second one-piece combination are set. ing. As described above, in this example, the winning symbol of one combination and its missing symbol are set as the first state transition symbols to be shifted to the first and second normal states that are in the low replay probability state. When the winning combination is won internally, either the winning symbol or the missing symbol is always stopped and a low replay probability state may occur. On the other hand, as a second state transition symbol which is a state transition symbol to the fourth normal state which is a replay high probability state, a winning symbol of eight winning combinations is set.

  In the slot machine 1 of this example, 300 games are set as the first predetermined period, which is the end condition of the first normal state, and 600 games are set as the first predetermined period with respect to the second normal state. Yes. On the other hand, 30 games are set as the second predetermined period as the end condition of the fourth normal state. Note that the first, second, and fourth normal states all end when the BIG bonus combination is won internally, and return to the third normal state.

  Next, 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. In the front frame 10, a liquid crystal display unit 53, a pair of left and right speakers 520, and a decorative lamp unit 56 are disposed above the symbol display window 11 in the vertical direction. A base 100 that forms the base of the slot machine 1 is formed on the lower side in the vertical direction. Further, on the right side of the symbol display window 11, a payout amount display unit 551 for displaying the medal payout amount and a credit number display unit 552 for displaying the credit amount are arranged.

  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 has a bet button 64 for betting a medal credited (stored) by a credit function, a settlement button 65 for paying out the credited medal, and a game A medal insertion slot 630 for inserting medals to bet on is arranged. The operation panel 13 is provided with a start lever 62 for starting the symbol variation of the reel 21 and a stop button 61 for stopping the symbol variation.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bet button 64 is a 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 representing the number 3 of game bets. 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, a bet signal is not generated.

  In the slot machine 1 which is a 3-bet dedicated machine, the start lever 62 is set to the valid state when a medal is directly inserted or when three medals are bet by operating the bet button 64. Instead of the slot machine 1 of this example, which is a so-called 3-bet dedicated machine for betting 3 medals for each game (game), a slot of a type in which the number of game bets can be selectively set according to the player's preference It may be a machine. In this case, it is preferable to provide a single bet button for generating a single bet signal in addition to a maximum bet button for generating a 3-bet signal.

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.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the symbol display window 11 is a display window including symbol display areas 110L, C, and R. Each symbol display area 110L, C, R is a symbol display area for three symbols. In the entire symbol display window 11, symbol display areas for nine symbols arranged in a two-dimensional matrix of 3 rows and 3 columns are formed. The entire symbol display window 11 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 a two-dimensional matrix, winning lines 211 to 215 that are the arrangement direction of winning symbols to be awarded are set. As the winning lines, there are horizontal winning lines 211 to 213 and diagonal winning lines 214 and 215.

  On the back side of each symbol display area 110L, C, R, reels 21L, C, R constituting the symbol variation display means 2 are respectively arranged as shown in FIGS. The reels 21L, 21C, 21R are rotary reels having a substantially columnar shape and 21 symbols 20 arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof with a substantially constant interval. 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. The reel 21 may be an image-type reel that displays the symbols on the liquid crystal display in place of the rotary reel of this example.

  The liquid crystal display unit 53 includes a liquid crystal display as shown in FIGS. The liquid crystal display unit 53 of the present example is configured to display a BIG bonus screen 501 (FIG. 5) during the generation of a BIG bonus game and various effect screens for producing a game. The configuration of the BIG bonus screen 501 will be described later.

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 a inserted medal detection unit 63 that detects a medal inserted as a game medium, a reel drive unit 22 that rotationally drives the reel 21, and a rotation position of the reel 21. A reference position detecting unit 66 for performing the game, a medal paying unit 54 for paying out medals, various display units 55 for producing a game, a set value operating unit 68 for setting a set value representing the player's advantage, and a speaker. An audio output unit 52 that controls 520 is electrically connected.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inserted medal detection unit 63 is a detection unit for medals inserted from the medal insertion port 630. The inserted medal detection unit 63 outputs an insert signal every time a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 630. Three insert signals correspond to a 3-bet signal. In the slot machine 1 of this example, which is a 3-bet dedicated machine, the start lever 62 is set to an effective state when a medal is inserted or when three bets are bet by operating the bet button 64.

  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 is a means for rotationally driving the reel 21 by the rotational driving force of the stepping motor. The stepping motor rotates one step for each control pulse fetched from the control board 3. The reel drive unit 22 captures the variation start signal to start the rotation of the reel 21 and captures the variation stop signal to stop the reel 21.

As shown in FIG. 1, the reference position detection unit 66 is a detection unit that detects the passage of the reference position pieces of the reels 21L, 21C, and R, and outputs a detection signal.
The medal payout unit 54 is a payout unit that pays out a predetermined number of medals to the medal tray 15 under the control of the control board 3.
The set value operation unit 68 is an operation unit for changing a set value for setting the winning probability of the BIG bonus combination to 6 levels using the setting key 680.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the control board 3 includes a CPU 31, ROM 33 and RAM 34 as memory means, an I / O unit 32 as an input / output interface, and a random number extraction unit that extracts random numbers for internal lottery. 35. The CPU 31 executes a software program read from the ROM 33 to thereby determine a winning symbol 49 for determining a winning symbol, a display control unit 45 for controlling the reel 21, an internal lottery unit 42 for determining an internal winning combination by lottery, an internal winning unit. The winning flag control means 41 for controlling the flag, the game state switching means 40 for generating various game states such as four kinds of normal states, and the first and second normal states are executed in a first predetermined period. A number-of-games counting means 43 for counting the number of games, a remaining period notifying means 44 for notifying the player of the first remaining period, a history of transition to the first and second normal states, which are low-replay probabilities, and the like. Each function of the state transition history display means 46 to be displayed is realized.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the ROM 33 as the memory means stores a winning random number table 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. This winning random number table is prepared for each set value and each gaming state. In the slot machine 1, by switching the winning random number table applied to the internal winning combination lottery for each set value, the internal winning probability of at least one of the combinations is changed according to the set value. Moreover, the internal winning probability of the replay role is changed by switching the winning random number table applied for each gaming state.

  FIG. 6A shows a winning random number table applied to the first normal state which is a replay low probability state. In the figure, the left column shows the winning combination, the middle column shows the starting and closing prices of the winning random numbers, and the right column shows the internal winning probability of each winning combination. FIG. 6B shows the winning random numbers of the replay combination additionally set in the second normal state which is the low probability of replaying, based on the winning random number table of FIG. FIG. 6C shows winning random numbers for the replay combination additionally set in the third normal state with reference to the winning random number table of FIG. FIG. 6D shows the winning random numbers of the replay combination additionally set in the fourth normal state that is the high probability of replaying, based on the winning random number table of FIG. According to the winning random number table shown in FIG. 6, the internal winning probabilities of the replay combination in the first to fourth normal states are 1 / 7.3, 1 / 7.0, 1 / 3.3, 1 and 1 respectively. /1.3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the random number extraction unit 35 is a part that extracts a random number for internal lottery. The random number extraction unit 35 extracts a random number from the integers generated by the random number generation unit 350. The random number generator 350 is a part that generates an integer belonging to the range of 0 to 65535 (decimal number display). The random number extraction unit 35 samples an integer generated by the random number generation unit 350 using a game start signal corresponding to the operation of the start lever 62 as a trigger (trigger), and extracts it as a random number for internal lottery. The random number extracted by the random number extraction unit 35 becomes a random number for internal lottery for the internal lottery means 42 to draw the internal winning combination.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the internal lottery means 42 determines an internal winning combination with reference to the winning random number table (FIG. 6) based on the random number extracted by the random number extraction unit 35, and an internal winning combination corresponding to the internal winning combination. Means for establishing a flag. As shown in FIG. 3, the internal winning combination that the internal lottery means 42 of the present example draws includes two types of BIG bonus combination, replay combination, 8 combination “ringo”, first and second single combination, etc. It is a kind of role.

  The winning flag control means 41 is a means for controlling an internal winning flag representing a state in which each winning combination can be won. The winning flag control means 41 is in an off state with respect to an internal winning flag such as a small role including a replay role before starting the next game regardless of whether or not a winning is made in a game in which the internal winning flag is set for the first time. Switch to. On the other hand, the BIG bonus flag which is the internal winning flag of the BIG bonus combination is carried over to the next game until winning, and switched to the off state according to the BIG bonus combination winning. By such control of the winning flag control means 41, a small part including a replay part that has not won a prize in an internally won game is so-called missing. On the other hand, once the BIG bonus combination is won internally, the bonus confirmed state can be maintained until winning.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display control means 45 is a means for starting the symbol fluctuation of the reel 21 according to the fluctuation start signal and stopping the symbol fluctuation of the reel 21 according to the fluctuation 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 unit 45 counts the number of control pulses input to the reel driving unit 22, that is, the number of steps rotated by the stepping motor. In particular, the display control means 45 of this example counts the number of steps generated after the most recent detection signal by resetting the number of steps for each reel 21 every time the detection signal of the reference position piece is fetched. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display control means 45 performs so-called pull-in control in which symbols within a predetermined pull-in range determined by rules (rules for game machine certification, type verification, etc.) are stopped on the winning line. . In this example, a range corresponding to 4 symbols is set as the pull-in range.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the winning determination means 49 is a means for determining whether or not a combination of symbols that the three reels 21L, 21C, 21R stop display is a winning symbol. Specifically, the winning determination means 49 determines whether or not the combination of symbols stopped on the winning lines 211 to 215 set so as to cross the three reels 21L, 21C, 21R is a winning symbol. And determine the winning combination. The winning determination means 49 takes in the number of steps counted by the display control means 45 for each stepping motor of the reel drive unit 22 after each reel 21L, C, R stops. The winning determination means 49 obtains the type of the symbol 20 stopped on the winning lines 211 to 215 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 determination means 49 outputs a medal payout number (see FIG. 3) according to the type of winning combination to the medal payout unit 54.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming state switching means 40 selectively generates one of the gaming states of the first to fourth normal states and the BIG bonus game. In the gaming state switching means 40, a state flag that is a control flag for controlling the gaming state of the slot machine 1 is set. The state flags include first to fourth normal flags corresponding to the first to fourth normal states, a BIG bonus game flag corresponding to the BIG bonus game, and the like.

  The first (second) normal flag is switched to the on state in accordance with the stop display of the first (second) single winning symbol in the third normal state, or the stop symbol of the missing symbol, In accordance with the expiration of 300 games (600 games), which is the predetermined period, or the internal winning of the BIG bonus combination, the game is switched to the off state. The fourth normal flag is turned on in response to the stop display of the winning symbol of the eight-piece winning combination, and is turned off in response to the expiration of 30 games, which is the second predetermined period, or the internal winning of the BIG bonus winning combination. Can be switched. The BIG bonus game flag is switched to an on state in accordance with the winning of the BIG bonus combination, while the BIG bonus game flag is switched to an off state when the cumulative medal payout number in the BIG bonus game reaches 465. The third normal flag is set to the on state when all of the first, second and fourth normal flags and the BIG bonus game flag are in the off state, and when any of the state flags is switched to the on state. Is switched off.

  Here, in this example, as described above, the first state in which the winning symbol of one winning combination and the missing symbol are the state transition symbols to the first or second normal state in which the replay is in a low probability state. It is set as a transition symbol. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this example, when a single winning combination is won internally, the first or second normal state, which is a replay low probability state, can always be entered.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the game number counting means 43 is in a first remaining period that is a game period until the first or second normal state that is in a low replay probability state expires, and in a high replay probability state. This is means for counting a second remaining period which is a game period until the fourth normal state expires. The game number counting means 43 uses the game number counter set in the RAM 34 to count the first or second remaining period. The game number counting means 43 counts 300 (600) games (first predetermined period) as the initial value of the game number counter when counting the first remaining period, which is the end condition of the first (second) normal state. And every time one game is digested, one game is subtracted. In counting the second remaining period, which is the end condition of the fourth normal state, 30 games (second predetermined period) are set as the initial value of the game number counter, and one game is played each time one game is consumed. Subtract.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the remaining period notifying means 44 is a means for notifying the first remaining period at the time when the first or second normal state, which is in a low replay probability state, is ended by the internal winning of the BIG bonus combination. . The remaining period notifying unit 44 notifies the first remaining period via the BIG bonus screen 501 (see FIG. 5) displayed during the BIG bonus game. Further, the remaining period notifying means 44 of the present example is the second remaining period which is an undigested period until the fourth normal state expires during the occurrence of the fourth normal state which is a replay high probability state. Is informed. During the occurrence of the fourth normal state, which is a replay high probability state, the remaining period notifying unit 44 notifies the second remaining period via an effect screen (not shown).

  The state transition history display means 46 is a means for displaying the transition history of the gaming state as shown in FIG. The state transition history display means 46 includes a low replay probability state (first and second normal normal states) and a high replay amount in a game period from when the previous BIG bonus game ends until a new BIG bonus combination is won internally. The history of transition to the probability state (fourth normal state) and the like are displayed via the BIG bonus screen 501 (see FIG. 5).

  Here, the configuration of the BIG bonus screen 501 will be described with reference to FIG. The BIG bonus screen 501 includes a bonus game display field 502 for notifying that a BIG bonus game is being generated by displaying characters “Congratulations!”, And a gaming state for displaying the type of gaming state when the BIG bonus combination is won internally. A display column 503 and a state transition history display column 504 for displaying the transition history of the replay low probability state and the replay high probability state in the game period from the end of the previous BIG bonus game to the internal winning of the BIG bonus combination. And a status display field 505 for displaying that the BIG bonus game is being generated with a winning symbol of the BIG bonus role, an acquisition number display field 506 for displaying the total number of medals acquired during the BIG bonus game, and a BIG bonus game The number-of-payout display field 507 for displaying the total number of medals to be paid out , Comprising a combination of.

  Here, in the game state display column 503 and the state transition history display column 504, the first to fourth normal states are displayed by circled numbers 1 to 4, respectively. The game state display field 503 displays that when the game state when the BIG bonus combination is won internally is the first normal state or the second normal state. The state transition history display column 504 displays the transition history only when the state transition to a different normal state is repeated three or more times.

  Further, the BIG bonus screen 501 of the present example is the first predetermined period which is the end condition of the replay low probability state when the BIG bonus combination is won internally in the first or second normal state which is the replay low probability state. It is possible to display the first remaining period, which is an undigested period of (300 games and 600 games are set for the first and second normal states, respectively). In this example, the length of the first remaining period is displayed by color-coding the background of the BIG bonus screen 501.

  Specifically, the BIG bonus screen 501 has a red background color when the first remaining period is 200 games or more, a yellow background color for 101 games or more and less than 200 games, and a blue color for 1 game or more and 100 games or less. Display by background color. Instead of this example, the number of games in the first remaining period can be specifically displayed. Furthermore, if the BIG bonus combination is won internally during the occurrence of the third normal state and the fourth normal state, the BIG bonus screen 501 displays that fact with a green background color.

  Note that the BIG bonus screen 501 illustrated in FIG. 5 returns to the third normal state after the previous BIG bonus game ends, and then the first normal state, the third normal state, and the second normal state. It is a display screen when a BIG bonus combination is won internally through the above. Furthermore, this BIG bonus screen 501 is an example of a display screen displayed during the progress of the BIG bonus game. The cumulative medal acquisition number is 225, and the cumulative medal payout number is 375. Is displayed.

  Next, the operation of the slot machine 1 of this example configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the flow of the state transition process. Both FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 constitute a state transition process, and are displayed in different diagrams for the sake of space. 7 and 8 are connected to each other by a block indicated by “A”.

  First, the flow of the state transition process will be described with reference to FIGS. In the state transition process, as shown in FIG. 7, it is first determined whether or not the slot machine 1 has been reset (setting changed) in step S101. If not reset, it is determined in step S102 that the BIG bonus game is over. When the BIG bonus game is over, the third normal flag is set to the on state as in step S103, and the other state flags are reset to the off state (step S104).

  When the reset is performed (step S101), the process proceeds to step S110, and the flag state of the third normal flag is determined. If the third normal flag is in the on state, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol of the first single winning combination or its missing symbol is stopped and displayed as in step S111. When the winning symbol or missing symbol of the first single winning combination is stopped and displayed, the first normal flag is set to ON as in step S112, and 300 games are set in the game number counter (step S113). ). Thereafter, all state flags other than the first normal flag are reset to the off state as in step S104.

  When the winning symbol and the missing symbol of the first single winning combination are not stopped and displayed (step S111), the stop display of the winning symbol or the missing symbol of the second single winning combination is determined as in step S120. When the winning symbol or missing symbol of the second single winning combination is stopped and displayed, the second normal flag is set to the on state as in step S121, and 600 games are set in the game number counter (step S122). ). Thereafter, all the state flags other than the second normal flag are reset to the off state as in step S104.

  Further, when neither the winning symbol of the first or second single winning combination nor the missing symbols are stopped and displayed (steps S111 and S120), the winning display of the winning combination of eight winning combinations is displayed as in step S130. To be judged. When the winning symbol of 8 winning combinations is stopped and displayed, the fourth normal flag is set to the on state (step S131), and 30 games are set to the game number counter (step S132). Thereafter, all state flags other than the fourth normal flag are reset to the off state as in step S104.

  If the third normal flag is in the OFF state in step S110, the process proceeds from FIG. 7 to FIG. 8 via the “A” block, and the first normal flag, the second normal flag, and the fourth normal flag. The flag state of the flag is determined (steps S201, S210, S220). When each state flag is in the on state, the value of the game number counter is determined (steps S202, S211, S221), and when it is zero, each state flag is reset to the off state (steps S203, S212, S222). Thereafter, as in step S204, the third normal flag is set to the on state.

  If all of the first, second and fourth normal flags are in the off state, it is determined whether or not the BIG bonus combination has been won internally as in step S230. When the BIG bonus combination is won internally, the BIG bonus flag is set to the on state as in step S231, and all other state flags are reset to the off state (step 232).

  As described above, the slot machine 1 of the present example grasps the first remaining period which is an undigested period of the replay low probability state when returning to the third normal state according to the internal winning of the BIG bonus combination. Because it is possible, the player is less likely to feel dissatisfied. In particular, when a long period is notified as the first remaining period, the joy of internal winning of the BIG bonus combination that triggered the return to the third normal state increases, and the player's satisfaction is further increased. Can be expensive.

  In this example, the background color of the BIG bonus screen 501 is used to notify the first remaining period that is an undigested period of the low replay probability state (first and second normal states). One remaining period can be displayed by a specific number of games. Also, instead of changing the background color, the length of the first remaining period may be notified by changing the type of the fanfare at the time of winning the BIG bonus combination or the music in the BIG bonus game. Furthermore, it is also possible to notify the length of the first remaining period by changing the end effect of the BIG bonus game.

  In this example, four types of normal states with different internal winning probabilities for the replay combination are provided. Instead, two types, three types, or five types of normal states with different internal winning probabilities for the replay combination are set. It is also good. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide means for notifying the transition to a different normal state and notifying the player when a transition to a different normal state occurs.

Furthermore, when the first or second normal state, which is a low replay probability state, returns to the third normal state, or when the third normal state shifts to the first or second normal state, etc. It is also possible to provide state transition notifying means for notifying that when a state transition occurs.
The state transition symbol is not limited to this example, and various combinations of symbols can be set.

The block diagram which shows the mechanical structure of the slot machine in an Example. The front view which shows the external appearance of the slot machine in an Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the role of a slot machine, a winning symbol, and a privilege in an Example. The expanded view which expands and shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol in each reel in an Example. The front view which shows the BIG bonus screen in an Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the winning random number table in an Example. The flowchart (first half) which shows the flow of a state transfer process in an Example. The flowchart (second half) which shows the flow of a state transfer process in an Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 11 Symbol display window 110 Symbol display area 2 Symbol variation display means 20 Symbol 21 Variation display part (reel)
3 Control board 35 Random number extraction unit 350 Random number generation unit 40 Game state switching means 41 Winning flag control means 42 Internal lottery means 43 Game number counting means 44 Remaining period notification means 45 Display control means 46 State transition history display means 49 Winning determination means 53 Liquid crystal display 61 Stop operation means (stop button)
62 Game start operation means (start lever)

Claims (4)

A symbol variation display means provided with a plurality of variation display units for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols according to a predetermined arrangement in the symbol display area;
Game start operating means operated by the player to start the game;
In accordance with the operation of the game start operation means, an internal lottery for determining an internal winning combination from a plurality of types including at least a replay combination and a bonus combination is performed, and an internal winning corresponding to the determined internal winning combination is performed. Internal lottery means for establishing a flag;
A stop operation means operated by the player to stop the display of variation of symbols in the variation display section;
Display control means for drawing a symbol corresponding to the internal winning flag in accordance with an operation of the stop operation means within a predetermined drawing range and stopping and displaying the symbol in the symbol display area;
Winning determination means for determining whether or not the symbol stopped and displayed by the symbol variation display means is a predetermined winning symbol;
A slot machine comprising: a normal state; and a game state switching means for generating a replay low-probability state in which the winning probability of the replay role is lower than the normal state,
The gaming state switching means generates the replay low probability state when the symbol variation display means stops displaying the predetermined state transition symbol in the normal state, while the predetermined period has elapsed in the replay low probability state, And when the bonus combination is won internally, the replay low probability state is terminated and returned to the normal state,
In the replay low probability state, when the bonus combination is won internally and the replay low probability state ends, a remaining period informing means for informing the player of the remaining period that is an undigested period of the predetermined period is provided. A slot machine characterized by that.   When the bonus game is won in response to the winning of the bonus combination when the bonus combination is internally won in the replay low probability state and the replay low probability state ends, 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the slot machine is configured to notify the remaining period at least at any time during execution and at the end of the bonus game.   It is provided with a state transition history display means for displaying a transition history to the replay low probability state in a game period from the end of the bonus game corresponding to the winning of the bonus combination until the bonus combination is newly won internally. The slot machine according to claim 1 or 2. The game state switching means generates the replay low probability state when the symbol variation display means stops displaying the first state transition symbol which is the predetermined state transition symbol in the normal state, while the symbol variation display The means is configured to generate a replay high probability state in which the winning probability of the replay role is higher than the normal state when the second state transition symbol different from the predetermined state transition symbol is stopped and displayed.
The state transition history display means is a history of transition to the replay low probability state and the replay high probability state in the game period from the end of the bonus game corresponding to the bonus combination winning until the bonus combination is newly won internally. The slot machine according to claim 3, wherein the slot machine is configured to display.

Images