JP2010172415A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine which fluctuates emotions of a player in terms of a sense of expectation to an ART state in which a replay time and an assist time occur concurrently and shows excellent game properties to make the player keep the sense of expectation for a long period of time in the slot machine which generates the so-called ART state. <P>SOLUTION: The slot machine 1 is equipped with a replay high probability state transition means 463 for generating a transition of a state to a replay high probability state in which a probability of winning a replay combination is high when the number of played games in a replay low probability state reaches the number of games for a transition, a stop operation informing means 71 for informing of the operation information to stop and display a prize winning pattern of a specific combination, and an informing lottery means 47 for executing an informing lottery to determine whether an informing state in which the operation information is informed is generated or not. An expectation value for the ratio of the number of pay-out to the number of cast medals is more than 1 in the informing state in the replay high probability state, and the expectation value is set at 1 or less in a non-informing state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that generates a replay time having a high internal winning probability of a replay combination and an assist time for notifying operation information for winning an internal winning combination.

  In a general slot machine game, a winning can occur when a winning symbol corresponding to an internal winning combination determined by lottery from a plurality of types is stopped and displayed. Even if any winning combination is determined as an internal winning combination, a winning combination cannot be obtained unless the winning symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination can be stopped and displayed. In order to stop and display the winning symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination, it is necessary to stop the reel or the like that displays the symbol in a variable manner at a good timing.

  Conventionally, there is known a slot machine that generates a replay time (RT state) that increases the internal winning probability of a replay role. In the replay time, the winning frequency of the replay role is increased and the holding of the game medium such as a medal is improved, so that the player's degree of advantage is increased. In addition, a slot machine that generates an assist time (AT state) in which a so-called target symbol can be known by notification of an internal winning combination is also realized.

  Furthermore, in recent years, a slot machine having a so-called ART function that generates an assist time simultaneously with a replay time has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this slot machine game, an ART state can occur when a lottery executed for each game is won.

  However, the conventional slot machine having the ART function has the following problems. In other words, in the gameability in which whether or not to generate the ART state is drawn at a certain probability for each game, there is a risk of falling into a monotonous game. Furthermore, there is a problem that it is difficult to maintain a high expectation for the ART state over a long period of time because of the gameability that an ART state can occur unexpectedly when a lottery for each game is won.

JP 2007-296399 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and is a slot machine that generates a so-called ART state, which can give the player a sense of expectation for the ART state, It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that exhibits excellent game play that can maintain a sense of expectation over a long period of time.

The present invention includes a symbol variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols in a symbol display area according to a predetermined arrangement;
Game start operation means operated by the player to start the game in a state in which a game medium is inserted;
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 a special combination, a specific combination and a replay combination is executed, and the determined internal winning combination is handled. Internal lottery means for establishing an internal winning flag to be established;
A stop operation means operated by a player to stop the display of the variation of the symbol by the symbol variation display means;
While the internal winning flag corresponding to the specific combination is established, when a stop operation is performed on the stop operation means by a specific stop operation, the winning symbol of the specific combination is stopped and displayed, which is different from the specific stop operation. Display control means for stopping and displaying a symbol different from the winning symbol of the specific role when a stop operation by a non-specific stop operation is performed;
Stop symbol determination means for determining a symbol combination stopped and displayed in the symbol display area of the symbol variation display means;
Special state generating means for generating a special state when it is determined by the stop symbol determining means that the winning symbol corresponds to the special combination;
A replay having a high internal winning probability of a replay role when the special symbol flag that is an internal winning flag corresponding to the special role is determined to be a low-probability transition symbol preset by the stop symbol determination means While the state transition from the high probability state to the replay low probability state where the internal winning probability of the replay combination is low is generated, the stop symbol determination means determines that the low probability transition symbol is in the established state of the special combination flag. Replay low-accuracy state transition means configured not to cause a state transition from the replay high-accuracy state to the replay low-accuracy state;
When the number of games digested after the transition to the replay low probability state reaches the number of transition games set in advance according to the type of the low probability transition symbol that triggered the replay low probability state, the special Replay high-accuracy state transition means for generating a state transition to the replay high-accuracy state regardless of whether a combination flag is established;
Stop operation notifying means for notifying operation information suggesting the specific stop operation under a predetermined notification state in the established state of the special combination flag in the replay high-accuracy state;
Notification lottery means for executing a notification lottery for determining whether or not to generate the notification state,
The notification lottery means is configured to execute the notification lottery with a lottery probability corresponding to a game result in the replay low-probability state,
In the replay high-accuracy state, an expected value of the ratio of the number of payouts with respect to the number of game media inserted in the game executed in the notification state exceeds 1, while the game is executed in a non-notification state that is not the notification state The slot machine is characterized in that the expected value in the game to be played is set to 1 or less (claim 1).

  In the game of the slot machine according to the present invention, the expected value exceeds 1 when the replay high-probability state is in the notification state, which is advantageous to the player. This replay high probability state occurs when the number of games after the state transition to the replay low probability state has reached the predetermined number of transition games. However, even if the replay high-accuracy state occurs, if the special combination flag is not established, the state transition to the replay low-probability state occurs according to the stop display of the low-accuracy transition symbol.

  Further, even if the special combination flag is established in the replay high-accuracy state, the expected value is 1 or less in the non-notification state, which is disadvantageous for the player. Therefore, when the notification lottery is lost and the notification state does not occur, the special combination corresponding to the special combination flag is quickly won to digest the special state, and the notification lottery means A gaming strategy of executing a new lottery is effective.

  In the game of the slot machine, the replay high probability state can be maintained if the special combination flag is in the established state at the time when the state transition from the replay low probability state to the replay high probability state occurs. In the notification lottery, the occurrence of the notification state can be won by the lottery probability according to the game result in the replay low probability state. If the notification state is executed in the replay high probability state according to the winning in the notification lottery, it will be advantageous to the player side. Therefore, in the game of the slot machine, the game result in the replay low probability state is very It has become an important element. Therefore, according to the slot machine, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game over a plurality of games in the replay low probability state.

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.
When the special combination flag is established in the replay low probability state, the player's sense of expectation can be further enhanced by performing the notification lottery and notifying that the player has won.

Moreover, it is preferable that the notification lottery means sets a lottery probability according to the length of the game period until the special combination flag is established after the end of the special state (claim 2).
In this case, the degree of expectation for the notification state can vary according to the timing when the special combination is won internally. Therefore, it is possible to give the slot machine game a sense of strategy such as playing at a time when the expectation level for the notification state is high or avoiding a time when the expectation level for the notification state is low. it can.

In addition, a stop number counting means for counting the number of times of the target symbol stop, which is the number of times determined by the winning determination means to be a preset target symbol,
In the notification lottery means, it is preferable that a lottery probability is set according to the number of times of the target symbol stop counted until the state transition to the replay high-accuracy state occurs after the start of the replay low-accuracy state. (Claim 3).
In this case, since the occurrence probability of the notification state varies according to the number of times of the target symbol stop, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game during the occurrence of the replay low probability state.

Moreover, it is preferable that the symbol to be counted is a winning symbol corresponding to the special combination (claim 4).
In this case, in order to generate the notification state, it is necessary to win a lot of the special combination. However, if the special combination flag is not established at the time of shifting to the replay high-accuracy state, the special combination The winning of the role becomes meaningless. When the special combination flag is established, it is necessary to play a game so as to cause a state transition to the replay high-accuracy state, and more complicated game play can be realized.

  In particular, if it is set so that the winning probability by the notification lottery increases as the number of times of the target symbol stop for the symbol to be counted that is the symbol of the special role is increased, the degree of advantage is increased each time the special character is won. On the other hand, it is possible to realize a high degree of gameability in which a state transition occurs when the special combination flag is not established, so that neither the child nor the child disappears.

In addition, there is provided a winning number counting means for counting the number of times the target winning combination determined as the internal winning combination is a count target role set in advance,
In the notification lottery means, it is preferable that a lottery probability is set in accordance with the number of target winnings counted after the start of the replay low probability state until the state transition to the replay high probability state occurs. (Claim 5).
In this case, since the probability of occurrence of the notification state varies according to the number of times that the target combination is won, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game during the occurrence of the replay low probability state.

  As described above, the slot machine of the present invention is a slot machine having excellent characteristics in that the player's expectation for the notification state can be raised and lowered and the expectation can be maintained for a long period of time.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating an appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the role of a slot machine, a winning symbol, and profit in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a development view showing a developed arrangement of symbols arranged on the outer periphery of the reel in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine in the first embodiment. The transition diagram which shows the transition of the game state in the game of a slot machine in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the continuation probability lottery table in Example 1. FIG. The transition diagram which shows the transition of the game state in the game of a slot machine in Example 2. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the 1st continuation probability lottery table in Example 2. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd continuation probability lottery table in Example 2. FIG. The front view which shows the bonus confirmation screen which alert | reports establishment of the bonus combination flag in Example 2. FIG.

The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the following examples.
Example 1
This example is an example related to the slot machine 1 that can generate the AT state (notification state) simultaneously with the replay high-accuracy state. This will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the external configuration of the slot machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. In the slot machine 1, the front portion facing the player is formed by a front frame body 10 having a substantially rectangular symbol display window 11 provided substantially at the center. The front frame 10 is configured by arranging a liquid crystal display unit 53, a pair of left and right speakers 520, and a decorative lamp unit 56 on the upper side of the symbol display window 11. A base 100 that forms the base of the slot machine 1 is formed below the symbol display window 11. On the right side of the symbol display window 11, a payout number display unit 551 for displaying the number of medal payouts and a credit number display unit 552 for displaying the number of credits are arranged.

  The base portion 100 is formed so as to protrude relative to the symbol display window 11 located behind the player. The base unit 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 (game media) at the lower end, and the operation surface 14 and the medal tray 15. And an operation panel 13.

  On the operation surface 14, a bet button 64 for inserting a medal credited (stored) by a credit function, a settlement button 65 for paying out a credited medal, and a medal insertion for directly inserting a medal A mouth 630 is arranged. The operation panel 13 is provided with a start lever 62 (game start operation means) for starting the symbol fluctuation of the reel 21 and a stop button 61 (stop operation means) for stopping the symbol fluctuation.

  The bet button 64 is a button for inserting three medals out of the credited medals. The bet button 64 generates a 3-bet signal indicating the insertion number 3. 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.

  The start lever 62 is an operation lever that generates a game start signal that is a control signal for the reel 21 in accordance with the player's operation. In the slot machine 1, the start lever 62 is set to the valid state on the premise that a medal is inserted directly or a medal is inserted by operating the bet button 64. When the replay winning combination is won, a state is set in which a medal is directly inserted or a medal is automatically inserted without a betting operation, that is, a state where the next game can be started.

  The stop button 61 is an operation button that generates a variable stop signal that is a control signal for the reel 21 in accordance with the player's operation. 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. 1, the symbol display window 11 is a display window including symbol display areas 110L, C, and R. Each of the symbol display areas 110L, C, and R is a symbol display area for three symbols. In the entire symbol display window 11, symbol display regions for nine symbols arranged in a two-dimensional matrix composed of three rows and three columns are formed. The 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.

  Reels 21L, C, and R constituting the symbol variation display means 2 are arranged on the back side of the symbol display areas 110L, C, and R, respectively. The reels 21L, 21C, 21R are rotary reels having a cylindrical shape and 21 symbols 20 arranged at substantially constant intervals on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The symbol arrangement on each reel 21L, C, R will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, as the reel 21, an image-type reel that variably displays a symbol on the liquid crystal display can be adopted instead of the rotary reel of this example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the speaker 520 and the decorative lamp unit 56 are rendering means for rendering a game with sound or light.
The payout number display unit 551 is a display unit that displays the number of medals paid out at the time of winning a prize.
The credit number display unit 552 is a display unit that displays the number of medals credited (stored) by the credit function.

  The liquid crystal display unit 53 includes a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display unit 53 displays various effect screens for effecting a game. The liquid crystal display unit 53 has a function as a stop operation notifying unit 71 for notifying operation information for winning the 15 winning combinations internally. Further, the liquid crystal display unit 53 may display a bonus confirmation screen (not shown) for notifying the player when the bonus combination flag is established.

Next, an outline of the role, symbol arrangement, and game play of the slot machine 1 of this example will be described.
In the slot machine 1, roles are set as shown in FIG. In the figure, the name of each combination is shown in the left column, a winning symbol that is a combination of symbols 20 corresponding to each combination is shown in the middle column, and the profit given to the player according to the winning is shown in the right column. The winning symbol consists of a combination of three symbols, left, middle and right. In the slot machine 1, the winning combination by the internal lottery becomes the internal winning combination.

  As a combination, a bonus combination (special combination), 15 combination (specific combination), watermelon, cherry, and replay combination are set. As the 15-piece combination, only three symbols corresponding to the left reel 21L are different, and three types corresponding to the other reels 21C and R are the common symbol “bell”. In the slot machine 1, 15 winning combinations are set as a specific combination to be notified in the AT state (informing state).

  The symbol arrangement on each reel 21L, C, R is as shown in FIG. Here, the arrangement of symbols composing the 15 winning symbols will be described. Among the three types of 15 winning symbols, the common symbol “bell” is arranged in plural on the reels 21C and 21R, and the maximum interval is 4 symbols. In the slot machine 1, all three symbols displayed in each symbol display area 110C, R can be positioned on any winning line, while the maximum drawing range by the display control means 43 described later is four symbols. . Therefore, when any of the 15 winning combinations is won internally, the common symbol “bell” is drawn on the winning line and stopped regardless of the timing of stopping the middle reel 21C and the right reel 21L. It will be.

  Of the three types of 15 winning symbols, the symbols “White 7”, “Black 7”, and “BAR” corresponding to the left reel 21L are arranged one by one on the left reel 21L. Therefore, a stop operation (specific stop operation) performed at a timing when a specific symbol is drawn to a target position on the winning line, that is, a so-called eye-opening is required. Here, if any of the 15 winning combinations is won internally, the 15 winning combinations can be won if the symbol corresponding to the left reel 21L can be pressed. That is, in the game of the slot machine 1 of the present example, the AT state in which operation information indicating a specific stop operation for winning the internally winning 15 winning combination is notified is very advantageous. This example is an example in which information that can identify the type of the 15 winning combination is notified as the operation information. According to this operation information, it is possible to identify a symbol to be pushed (specific stop operation) with the left reel 21L in order to win the internal winning 15-piece combination.

  The gaming state generated in the slot machine 1 of this example includes a normal 0 state in which a bonus combination (special combination) may be won internally, a normal 1 state in which a bonus combination flag (special combination flag) is carried over, and a bonus There are three types of bonus states (special states) that occur when winning a winning combination. The bonus state is an advantageous gaming state that ends in response to four winnings or eight games.

  In the normal 0 state and the normal 1 state, either the RT0 state (replay high-accuracy state) where the internal winning probability of the replay role is high or the RT1 state (replay low-accuracy state) where the internal winning probability of the replay role is low is selectively appear. Further, in the RT0 state under the normal 1 state, there are an ART state in which an AT state (notification state) for notifying the type of the 15 winning combinations is simultaneously generated, and an NRT state in which a non-notification state in which the AT state is not simultaneously generated Can occur selectively. The transition of the gaming state in the slot machine 1 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. For the control unit 3 that controls the overall operation of the slot machine 1, in addition to the above-described configuration, the inserted medal detection unit 63 that detects a medal inserted directly through the medal slot 630 (FIG. 1), the reel 21 A reel driving unit 22 constituting the symbol variation display means 2, a reference position detecting unit 66 for detecting the rotational position of the reel 21, a medal paying unit 54 for paying out medals, a payout number display unit 551 and a credit number display unit 552 are included. Various display units 55, a set value operation unit 68 for setting a set value representing the player's degree of advantage, an audio output unit 52 for controlling the speaker 520, and the like are electrically connected.

  The inserted medal detection unit 63 is a detection unit for a medal inserted directly 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. In the slot machine 1 of this example, when three medals are inserted by direct insertion of medals or operation of the bet button 64, the start lever 62 is set to an effective state and a new game can be started. It becomes a state.

The reel driving unit 22 includes a stepping motor (not shown) that can be controlled in units of steps, and is means for rotating the reel 21 by the rotational driving force of the stepping motor.
The reference position detection unit 66 is a detection unit that detects the passage of the reference position piece for each of the reels 21L, 21C, and R and outputs a detection signal.

The medal payout unit 54 is a payout unit that pays out the number of medals according to the winning combination (see FIG. 2) to the medal tray 15. For example, when 15 winning combinations are winning combinations, 15 medals are paid out.
The set value operation unit 68 is an operation unit for changing set values of 6 stages having different internal winning probabilities such as bonus combinations using the setting key 680.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 33 / RAM 34 as memory means, an I / O unit 32 as an input / output interface, a random number generation unit 350 for generating random numbers, and a random number for extracting random numbers. And an extraction unit 35. The CPU 31 executes a software program read from the ROM 33 to thereby execute an internal lottery means 41 for drawing an internal winning combination, a flag control unit 411 for controlling an internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination, and a display control for controlling the reel 21. Means 43, stop symbol determination means 44 for determining the symbol combination displayed in a stopped state, profit granting means 45 for giving a profit in accordance with winning, special state generating means 461 for generating a bonus state, RT0 state (replay high-accuracy state) Replay low-accuracy state transition means 462 that generates a state transition from the RT1 state to the RT1 state (replay low-probability state), replay high-accuracy state transition means 463 that generates a state transition from the RT1 state to the RT0 state, and AT state (notification state) Notification lottery means 47 for performing AT lottery (notification lottery) for determining whether or not to generate, AT Realizing the functions as the AT continues selecting means 48 to perform whether the AT continues lottery to continue state.

  A game counter 341 for counting the number of digested games is set in the storage area of the RAM 34 which is a memory means. The number of digested games counted by the game counter 341 includes the number of RT1 state games after the transition to the RT1 state and the number of normal 0 state games until the bonus combination flag is established after the bonus state ends. The number of RT1 state games is cleared to zero at the time of transition to the RT1 state, and is added by one game every time the game is digested under the RT1 state. The number of normal 0 state games is cleared to zero in accordance with the end of the bonus state, and is added one game each time the game is digested in the normal 0 state that occurs thereafter.

  The ROM 33 as a memory means includes an internal winning combination lottery table (not shown) used for lottery of an internal winning combination, a reel control table (not shown) used for stop control of the reel 21, and a continuation probability lottery table for AT lottery (see FIG. 6) and a continuous lottery table (not shown) for AT continuous lottery. The reel control table is a table in which stop positions that can be stopped on the pay lines 211 to 215 are defined.

  The internal winning combination lottery table is a data table in which the winning random number of each combination is defined in the random number range of 0 to 65535. In the slot machine 1 of this example, an internal winning combination lottery table is prepared for each gaming state. In the internal winning combination lottery table normally applied to the 0 state, the internal winning probability of the bonus combination is 1/200. On the other hand, in the internal winning combination lottery table that is normally applied to the 1 state, the internal winning probability of the bonus combination is 0. Also, in the internal winning combination lottery table applied to the normal 0 state and the normal 1 state, the internal winning probabilities of the three types of 15 double combinations are each 1/12.

  The continuation probability lottery table is a data table for determining a continuation probability that is a winning probability in the AT continuous lottery by lottery. In the continuation probability lottery table, in addition to winning random numbers corresponding to four types of continuation probabilities, winning random numbers corresponding to the case where no AT state is generated are defined. An AT state may occur when any one of the four types of continuation probabilities is won, while an AT state does not occur when “when no AT state is generated” is won. The contents of the continuation probability lottery table will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  The continuous lottery table (not shown) is a data table for AT continuous lottery of whether to continue or end the AT state while the AT state is continuing. As the continuous lottery table, four types for each continuation probability are set. For example, according to the continuation lottery table corresponding to the continuation probability of 70%, it can be won that the AT state is continued as it is with a probability of 70%.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the random number generator 350 is a part that generates random numbers belonging to a predetermined integer range. Random numbers generated by the random number generator 350 include random numbers belonging to a range of 0 to 65535 for internal winning combination lottery, random numbers belonging to a range of 0 to 127 for continuous probability lottery, and a predetermined range for AT continuous lottery. There are random numbers.

  The random number extraction unit 35 is a part that extracts a random number for internal winning combination lottery, a random number for continuous probability lottery, a random number for continuous AT lottery, and the like. The random number extraction unit 35 extracts a random number for internal winning combination lottery, a random number for continuous probability lottery, and a random number for continuous AT lottery from random numbers generated by the random number generation unit 350. The random number extraction unit 35 extracts a random number for internal winning combination lottery triggered by a game start signal corresponding to the operation of the start lever 62. Also, a random number for continuation probability lottery is extracted according to the internal winning of the bonus combination in the normal 0 state, and a random number for continuous continuation lottery is extracted every 20 games in the AT state.

  The internal lottery means 41 is a means for determining an internal winning combination by internal lottery and establishing an internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination. The internal lottery means 41 determines the internal winning combination by collating the random numbers for the internal winning combination lottery against the winning random numbers of each combination specified in the internal winning combination lottery table (not shown), and determines the internal winning combination. The winning flag is established.

  The flag control means 411 is a means for controlling the internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination. The flag control means 411 turns off the internal winning flags of other combinations other than the bonus combination until the next game is started regardless of whether or not the internal winning flag has been won for the first time. Reset to zero). Therefore, if each combination other than the bonus combination is not won in the internal winning game, all will be missed. On the other hand, with respect to the bonus combination flag which is an internal winning flag of the bonus combination, the establishment state of the internal winning flag is sequentially reset to the next game until the winning is made, and is reset to the off state in accordance with the carry-over winning.

  The notification lottery means 47 is a means for executing an AT lottery for determining whether or not to generate an AT state (notification state) in which operation information for winning the 15 winning combination that is a specific combination is notified. The notification lottery means 47 performs AT lottery by comparing the random number for continuation probability lottery extracted by the random number extraction unit 35 with the continuation probability lottery table (FIG. 6). When “not generated” is won, the AT state is not generated, while when the continuation probability of 5% or more is won, the AT state is generated.

  The AT continuous lottery means 48 is a means for executing AT continuous lottery for determining whether or not to continue the AT state during the occurrence of the AT state. The AT continuous lottery means 48 executes the AT continuous lottery by checking the random number for the AT continuous lottery against the continuous lottery table corresponding to the continuation probability won by the notification lottery means 47.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display control means 43 is means for starting the symbol fluctuation of the reel 21 in response to the game start signal and stopping the symbol fluctuation of the reel 21 in response to the fluctuation stop signal. The display control means 43 inputs a control pulse to the stepping motor constituting the reel driving unit 22 and rotates the stepping motor by one step for each pulse. The display control means 43 counts the number of control pulses input to the reel drive unit 22, that is, the number of steps rotated by the stepping motor. In particular, the display control means 43 of this example counts the number of steps generated after the most recent detection signal by resetting the number of steps to zero each time the detection signal of the reference position piece of each reel 21 is fetched.

  The display control means 43 is a means for executing so-called pull-in control in which symbols within a predetermined pull-in range determined by rules (rules for game machine authorization and type verification, etc.) are stopped on the winning line. In this example, as described above, a range corresponding to four symbols is set as the pull-in range. The display control means 43 collates the number of steps when the variable stop signal is taken in with the reel control table, and determines the stop position. The display control means 43 pulls the symbol corresponding to the determined stop position and stops the reel 21.

  The stop symbol determining means 44 is a means for determining a symbol combination that the three reels 21L, 21C, 21R stop display as shown in FIG. Specifically, the stop symbol determination means 44 determines the winning / losing according to the symbol combination stopped on the winning lines 211 to 215 set so as to cross the three reels 21L, 21C, 21R. The stop symbol determination means 44 takes in the number of steps of each stepping motor (reel drive unit 22) corresponding to each reel 21L, C, R after each reel 21L, C, R stops. The stop symbol determination means 44 obtains the type of the symbol 20 stopped on the winning lines 211 to 215 based on the number of steps, and determines the type or winning of the winning combination for the symbol combination.

  The profit granting means 45 is a means for giving a profit according to the winning combination determined by the stop symbol determining means 44. For example, when the bonus combination is a winning combination, the profit giving means 45 gives a profit that a bonus state is generated. If the 15 winning combination is a winning combination, a benefit of paying out 15 medals is given.

  The special state generating unit 461 is a unit that generates a bonus state when a bonus combination is won. As a condition for ending the bonus state, achievement of any one of four winnings and eight games is set.

  The replay low probability state transition means 462 is a means for generating a state transition to the RT1 state (replay low probability state) when a predetermined low probability transition symbol is stopped and displayed under the RT0 state (replay high probability state). . In the normal 0 state of this example, all stop symbols are set as the predetermined low-accuracy transition symbols. Therefore, in the game in the normal 0 state of the slot machine 1, since the state transition can always occur in the first game under the RT0 state, the RT0 state ends in one game and the RT1 state is started.

  The replay high probability state transition means 463 is a means for generating a state transition to the RT0 state when the number of digested games after the transition to the RT1 state reaches a predetermined number of transition games. As the number of transition games, 31 games are set for all the low-probability transition symbols that can trigger the state transition to the RT1 state. It is also possible to set a different number of transfer games for each type of low-accuracy transfer symbol.

  The stop operation notifying means 71 is a means for notifying operation information for winning 15 winning combinations in the AT state as described above. The stop operation means 71 displays a stop operation notification screen (not shown) on the liquid crystal display unit 53 to notify the operation information. The stop operation notification screen displays the winning symbol of the 15 winning winning combinations so that the type can be specified. If you can grasp the types of the 15 winning combinations, you can clearly grasp the symbols that you should aim for. That is, the operation information notified by the stop operation notifying unit 71 of this example is suggestion information of the eye pressing operation that is the specific stop operation.

  Next, the transition of the gaming state in the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, in the normal 0 state and the normal 1 state, either the RT0 state (replay high-accuracy state) where the internal winning probability of the replay role is high or the RT1 state (replay low-probability state) where the internal winning probability of the replay role is low. Will occur selectively. Further, in the RT0 state under the normal 1 state, there are an ART state in which an AT state (notification state) for notifying the type of the 15 winning combinations is simultaneously generated, and an NRT state in which a non-notification state in which the AT state is not simultaneously generated Can occur selectively.

  In the normal 0 state and the normal 1 state, it is set as a condition for the state transition to the RT0 state that the number of games digested after the transition to the RT1 state has reached 31 games (the number of transition games). Further, in the normal 0 state, the state transition from the RT0 state to the RT1 state can occur, while in the normal 1 state, the state transition from the RT0 state to the RT1 state does not occur. The state transition from the RT0 state to the RT1 state in the normal 0 state can occur according to a stop display of a predetermined low-accuracy transition symbol.

  In this example, all stop symbols that may be stopped and displayed in the normal 0 state are set as the low-accuracy transition symbols. Therefore, in the game of the slot machine 1 of this example, the RT0 state under the normal 0 state always ends with one game, and the state transition to the RT1 state occurs. The first game executed in the normal 0 state after the bonus state ends is in the RT0 state, the 2nd to 32nd games are in the RT1 state, the 33rd game is in the RT0 state, and the 34th to 64th games are in the RT1 state. Unless the above is established, the RT0 state and the RT1 state occur periodically.

  It should be noted that the transition to the RT1 state also occurs when the bonus combination flag is established in one game in the normal 0 state and the RT0 state, that is, a game in which the low-probability transition symbol is stopped and displayed. As soon as the flag is established, the state transition to the normal 1 state occurs immediately. Then, an AT lottery (notification lottery) is executed as to whether or not the AT state is generated simultaneously with the transition to the normal 1 state.

  Here, the payout rate in the NRT state and the ART state (expected value of the ratio of the number of payouts to the number of medals inserted) will be described. In this example, the payout rate in the NRT state is set to 100% or less, while the payout rate in the ART state exceeds 100%. In the ART state, an increase in medals can be expected by winning 15 winning combinations according to the notified operation information. On the other hand, in the NRT state, the payout rate is 100% or less and the number of medals on hand decreases, so it is advantageous to win a bonus combination as soon as possible.

  In the AT state, an AT continuous lottery for determining whether or not to continue the AT state is executed every time 20 games are consumed. If this AT continuous lottery is won, the AT state can continue for at least 20 games. If the AT state does not occur in spite of the transition to the normal 1 state and the RT0 state, and if the AT state ends after the AT continuous lottery, the player is prompted to win a bonus combination. In addition, a bonus winning symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 53. This is because it is advantageous to win a bonus combination early in the NRT state.

  Next, the continuation probability lottery table will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the continuation probability lottery table is a data table for determining the continuation probability that is the winning probability in the AT continuous lottery by lottery. In the continuation probability lottery table, in addition to continuation probabilities of 5%, 70%, 90%, and 99%, a case where an AT state is not generated (not generated in the figure) is set. An AT state may occur when a continuation probability of 5% or more is won, while an AT state does not occur when “not generated” is won. For example, if a continuation probability of 70% is won, the fact that the AT continuation lottery executed every time 20 games are digested after the occurrence of the AT state will be won with a probability of 70% and will be ended. You can win with the remaining 30% probability.

  In the continuation probability lottery table, among the random numbers of 0 to 127, each continuation probability and a winning random number “not generated” are defined. In particular, in this example, after completion of the bonus state, a plurality of types of continuity probability lotteries for each range of the normal 0 state game number, which is the number of games when the state transition to the normal 1 state occurs according to the establishment of the bonus combination flag The table is set up. For example, in the normal 0-state game number range of 1-31 games, winning random numbers of 126-127 are defined for a continuation probability of 99%. In the range where the number of normal games is 32 games, winning random numbers of 64 to 127 are defined for a continuation probability of 99%.

  As can be seen from FIG. 6, in the continuation probability lottery table of this example, the smaller the number of games in the normal 0 state, the smaller the number of winning random numbers “not generated” and the larger the number of winning random numbers with a high continuation probability. ing. In addition, a particularly advantageous timing appears on the player side every 32 games, such that the number of games in the normal 0 state is 32, 64, 96. For example, when the number of games in the normal 0 state is 32 games, “None” and 5% of winning random numbers are both zero, while the number of winning random numbers with a 99% continuation probability is 64 out of 128. ing. Here, as described above with reference to FIG. 5 in the description of the gaming state, the normal 0 state number of games 32, 64, 96... Is the final state under the RT1 state immediately before the state transition to the RT0 state occurs. It is a game. Therefore, in the game of the slot machine 1 of this example, if the bonus combination is won internally in the game immediately before the state transition from the RT1 state to the RT0 state occurs under the normal 0 state, a winning with a high continuation probability can be expected. If a high continuation probability is won, a very hot gaming state in which the AT state can continue for a long time can occur.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present example configured as described above, when the number of games after the transition to the RT1 state (replay low probability state) has reached 31 games (the number of transition games), the RT0 state A state transition to (Replay high accuracy state) occurs. However, even if the RT0 state occurs, if the bonus combination flag is not established, the state transition to the RT1 state occurs as soon as one game is consumed.

  Even if the bonus combination flag is established in the RT0 state, the expected value is 1 or less in the NRT state, which is disadvantageous for the player. Therefore, when the AT lottery is lost and the AT state does not occur and the state shifts to the NRT state, the bonus combination corresponding to the bonus combination flag is promptly won to digest the bonus state, and a new AT lottery The game strategy of executing is effective.

  In this slot machine 1 game, the RT0 state can be maintained if the bonus combination flag is established at the time of the state transition from the RT1 state to the RT0 state. In addition, in the AT lottery, the occurrence of the AT state can be won with a lottery probability corresponding to the game result in the RT1 state (in this example, the number of games in the normal 0 state until the bonus combination flag is established after the bonus state ends). Therefore, according to the slot machine 1 of this example, the player's interest can be attracted to the game result in the RT1 state, and the interest of the game can be enhanced over a plurality of games under the RT1 state.

  As described above, the slot machine 1 of the present example is a slot machine that generates a so-called ART state, and can make the player's expectation for the ART state undulating, and further, the expectation for a long period of time. It is a slot machine that exhibits excellent gameability that can be sustained across.

In this example, the continuation probability determined by the AT lottery is fixedly handled until the ART state ends. Instead, it is also possible to execute a lottery to determine whether or not the promotion can be promoted to a high continuation probability during the continuation of the ART state.
Further, when the bonus combination is won while the ART state is generated and the ART state is ended, the ART state may be generated unconditionally according to the establishment of the next bonus combination flag. In this case, the disadvantage of termination of the ART state corresponding to the bonus winning can be compensated to some extent.

  This example is an example in which three types of 15 combinations that cannot be simultaneously won are set as specific combinations. Instead of this, when the stop operation is performed in the predetermined pressing order of the three stop buttons 61, it is also possible to set the combination that the winning symbol stops regardless of the timing of the stop operation as the specific combination. In this case, the stop operation according to the pressing order becomes the specific stop operation, and the press order becomes the operation information suggesting the specific stop operation.

(Example 2)
This example is an example in which the RT1 state and the RT2 state are set as two types of replay low-accuracy states having different durations based on the slot machine of the first embodiment. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the slot machine 1 of this example, as shown in FIG. 7, in addition to the bonus state (special state), a normal 0 state and a normal 1 state occur. The normal 0 state is a gaming state in which a bonus combination can be won internally with a probability of 1/10. The normal 1 state is a gaming state that shifts from the normal 0 state in accordance with the establishment of the bonus combination flag, and is a gaming state in which a bonus combination lottery is not executed. The bonus state is a gaming state that can occur in response to a bonus winning in the normal one state. As a condition for ending the bonus state, one game is set.

  In the bonus state, the normal 0 state, and the normal 1 state, the RT0 state (replay high probability state) in which the replay role is internally won with high probability, the RT1 state and RT2 state (replay low probability state) in which the internal winning probability of the replay role is low, respectively. ) Can occur alternatively. As in the first embodiment, the RT0 state to the RT2 state are game states in which three types of 15 winning combinations can each be internally won with a probability of 1/12.

  The difference between the RT1 state and the RT2 state is in the number of transition games in which the state transition to the RT0 state occurs and the low-accuracy transition pattern that triggers the state transition from the RT0 state. As a low-accuracy transition symbol that triggers state transition to the RT1 (2) state, a winning symbol for a replay combination (15-card combination) is set. Moreover, the state transition from the RT1 (2) state to the RT0 state may occur when the number of digest games since the start of the RT1 (2) state has reached 80 (160) games, which is the number of transition games. . Note that the state transition from the RT1 (2) state to the RT0 state may occur in all gaming states including the bonus state. On the other hand, the state transition from the RT0 state to the RT1 (2) state can occur only in the normal 0 state.

  The slot machine 1 of this example is provided with a notification lottery means configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and also includes a stop number counting means for counting the number of bonus winnings (the number of times of target symbol stop) in the RT1 state and the RT2 state. Has been added. Furthermore, the game counter (corresponding to reference numeral 341 in FIG. 4) of this example counts the number of RT1 state games after the transition to the RT1 state and the number of RT2 state games after the transition to the RT2 state.

  In this example, the continuation probability lottery table referred to by the notification lottery means in the continuation probability lottery is different from that of the first embodiment. In the slot machine of this example, a continuation probability lottery table (FIG. 8) that is referred to when transitioning from the RT1 (2) state to the RT0 state when the bonus combination flag is established, and the bonus combination flag is displayed during the occurrence of the RT0 state. A continuation probability lottery table (FIG. 9) to be referred to when established is set.

  In the continuation probability lottery table of FIG. 8, the greater the number of bonus winnings during the stay period in the RT1 (2) state, the smaller the number of winning random numbers “not generated” and the larger the number of winning random numbers with a high continuation probability. It has become. For example, when the number of bonus winnings is in the range of 23 to 29, there is no possibility of winning “not occurring”, but a 99% continuation probability can be won with a high probability. In the continuation probability lottery table of FIG. 9, the number of each winning random number is fixedly set. Therefore, when the bonus combination flag is established under the RT0 state, the AT state can occur with a certain probability. Note that the AT continuous lottery for determining whether or not to continue the occurring AT state is the same as in the first embodiment.

  For example, when the bonus combination flag is established in the normal 1 state and the RT1 state, the bonus combination flag notification screen 72 illustrated in FIG. 10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 53. The bonus combination flag notification screen 72 includes a flag notification column 72a that notifies the establishment of the bonus combination flag, a remaining game number display column 72b that displays the number of remaining games in the RT1 state, and a bonus winning number display column that displays the number of bonus winnings. This is a display screen on which 72c is arranged.

In the remaining game number display field 72b, the number of games obtained by subtracting the number of RT1 state games from 80 games which are the number of transition games in the RT1 state is displayed. In the bonus winning number display column 72c, the number of bonus winnings (the number of times of target symbol stop) counted by the stop number counting means is displayed.
Other configurations and operational effects are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as in the first and second embodiments, these specific examples merely disclose an example of the technology included in the scope of claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be construed as limited by the configuration, numerical values, or the like of the specific examples. The scope of the claims includes techniques obtained by variously modifying or changing the specific examples using known techniques, knowledge of those skilled in the art, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 11 Symbol display window 110 Symbol display area 2 Symbol fluctuation display means 21 Reel 3 Main board 35 Random number extraction part 350 Random number generation part 41 Internal lottery means 411 Flag control means 43 Display control means 44 Stop symbol determination means 45 Profit giving means 461 Special state generating means 462 Replay low probability state transition means 463 Replay high probability state transition means 47 Notification lottery means 48 AT continuous lottery means 53 Liquid crystal display 61 Stop button (stop operation means)
62 Start lever (game starting operation means)
71 Stop operation notification means

Claims (5)

A symbol variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols according to a predetermined arrangement in the symbol display area;
Game start operation means operated by the player to start the game in a state in which a game medium is inserted;
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 a special combination, a specific combination and a replay combination is executed, and the determined internal winning combination is handled. Internal lottery means for establishing an internal winning flag to be established;
A stop operation means operated by a player to stop the display of the variation of the symbol by the symbol variation display means;
While the internal winning flag corresponding to the specific combination is established, when a stop operation is performed on the stop operation means by a specific stop operation, the winning symbol of the specific combination is stopped and displayed, which is different from the specific stop operation. Display control means for stopping and displaying a symbol different from the winning symbol of the specific role when a stop operation by a non-specific stop operation is performed;
Stop symbol determination means for determining a symbol combination stopped and displayed in the symbol display area of the symbol variation display means;
Special state generating means for generating a special state when it is determined by the stop symbol determining means that the winning symbol corresponds to the special combination;
A replay having a high internal winning probability of a replay role when the special symbol flag that is an internal winning flag corresponding to the special role is determined to be a low-probability transition symbol preset by the stop symbol determination means While the state transition from the high probability state to the replay low probability state where the internal winning probability of the replay combination is low is generated, the stop symbol determination means determines that the low probability transition symbol is in the established state of the special combination flag. Replay low-accuracy state transition means configured not to cause a state transition from the replay high-accuracy state to the replay low-accuracy state;
When the number of games digested after the transition to the replay low probability state reaches the number of transition games set in advance according to the type of the low probability transition symbol that triggered the replay low probability state, the special Replay high-accuracy state transition means for generating a state transition to the replay high-accuracy state regardless of whether a combination flag is established;
Stop operation notifying means for notifying operation information suggesting the specific stop operation under a predetermined notification state in the established state of the special combination flag in the replay high-accuracy state;
Notification lottery means for executing a notification lottery for determining whether or not to generate the notification state,
The notification lottery means is configured to execute the notification lottery with a lottery probability corresponding to a game result in the replay low-probability state,
In the replay high-accuracy state, an expected value of the ratio of the number of payouts with respect to the number of game media inserted in the game executed in the notification state exceeds 1, while the game is executed in a non-notification state that is not the notification state A slot machine, wherein the expected value in a played game is set to 1 or less.   2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the notice lottery means sets a lottery probability according to the length of a game period until the special combination flag is established after the special state is completed. . A stop number counting means for counting the number of times of the target symbol stop, which is the number of times determined by the winning determination means as being a preset target symbol,
In the notification lottery means, a lottery probability is set according to the number of times of the target symbol stop counted after the start of the replay low probability state until the state transition to the replay high probability state occurs. The slot machine according to claim 1.   4. The slot machine according to claim 3, wherein the symbol to be counted is a winning symbol corresponding to the special combination. A number-of-wins counting means for counting the number of target winnings determined as an internal winning combination,
In the notification lottery means, a lottery probability is set according to the number of target winnings counted until the state transition to the replay high probability state occurs after the start of the replay low probability state. The slot machine according to claim 1.

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