JP2010246707A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an unfair advantage or an unfair disadvantage over a player by recognizing the internal state of a game machine when the setting is changed. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes an internal state notifying part 35 for notifying of the carrying-over state of the right of winning in a special winning combination according to the kind of the special winning combination when the right of winning in the special winning combination is carried over in a case where the setting value of the setting concerning an estimated put-out amount is referred to by the operation of a prescribed setting change operation part 50. When the setting value of the setting concerning the estimated put-out amount is changed by the operation of the prescribed setting change operation part 50, the right of the winning in the special winning combination, where the right of the winning is carried over, is extinguished. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game in which game specifications can be set in a plurality of stages by a setting change device.

A gaming machine such as a slot machine has a “setting” for adjusting the amount of medals that can be paid out during a certain period. The setting is to increase or decrease the medal payout amount by winning as a result by changing the winning probability. For example, the set values are ranked from 1 to 6, and the probability of winning the winning combination (winning probability) varies depending on the difference of the set values. For example, the setting value 6 is formed to have a higher probability of being “around” than the setting value 1.
Here, regarding the setting change, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses many inventions related to fraud prevention. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 discloses a display in which a set value is displayed in a color corresponding to the value.

On the other hand, in a slot machine, a prize is awarded if the winning lottery is won and the symbols related to the winning can be stopped in a predetermined order by operating the stop switch. However, depending on the skill of the player, For bonus winnings that are set to carry over the right after the next game, the bonus symbol may not be stopped and the game is played, and the closing time may be left as it is. In such a case, a player who plays a game on the game table on the next day can start a game in the state inside the bonus from the beginning, and lacks fairness with other players.
In addition, depending on the specifications of the gaming machine, it is possible to create a gaming situation that will always be in the bonus internal state, in which case there is a possibility that the bonus flag will remain carried over. Get higher.

JP 2009-39587 A JP 2009-7955 A

However, in the conventional gaming machine, it is impossible to know the internal state of the gaming machine, for example, whether or not a predetermined winning flag is established and the type of flag that is established.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a gaming machine that can know the internal state of the gaming machine when the setting is changed at a gaming store, and can prevent the player from being unfairly profitable or unfairly disadvantaged. Objective.

The features of the present invention will be described below using the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings.
In addition, the code | symbol in parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.
(Feature point)
(Claim 1)
The invention described in claim 1 is characterized by the following points.
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of symbol display means (rotary reel 40) capable of variably displaying and stopping a plurality of symbols, and the symbols of the symbol display means (40) are visible from the front side. A symbol display window (13), a start switch (18) for starting symbol variation of the symbol display means (40), and a plurality of stops for respectively stopping symbol variation of the symbol display means (40) For the winning combination composed of the switch (19) and a predetermined symbol arrangement, the lottery table (71) is used to determine whether or not to win, based on the operation of the start switch (18). The symbol display means (40) corresponding to the stop switch (19) is started based on the lottery result of the winning determination and the operation of each stop switch (19) by starting to change the symbol of the symbol display means (40). Control device (2 0), the start switch (18) can be operated by inserting the game medium, and as a result of the lottery determination of the winning determination, the winning combination is won and all the plural symbol display means (40) are provided. The symbols constituting the winning combination of each of the symbol display means (40) visible from the symbol display window (13) in a state where the change is stopped are awarded in a predetermined manner and stopped in a predetermined manner. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which game media is paid out in accordance with the winning of the game, and has a setting relating to an assumed payout amount of game media.

Here, the “symbol display means” may be a rotating reel (40) that displays a plurality of symbols on the surface, and may be a display device in which symbols can be variably displayed and stopped on the liquid crystal screen. Good.
The “game media” includes game medals, coins, pachinko balls, and the like.
In addition, the “setting regarding the expected payout amount” is a setting of a so-called payout rate. Specifically, the lottery table (71) used when performing a lottery for determining whether or not a winner has been won is changed. Thus, by changing the winning probability of the internal winning, the amount of game media to be paid out by average winnings during a certain period is increased or decreased. The setting can be provided in a plurality of stages. For example, when the set value is low, the assumed payout amount is small, and when the set value is high, the assumed payout amount can be increased.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes at least a small combination in which a game medium is paid out as a winning combination and a plurality of special combinations that shift from a normal game to an advantageous game as a result of the winning combination. Until then, the right to win can be carried over, and in the game after winning the special role, the degree of advantage given to the player is set differently depending on the type of special role.
Here, “carrying over the right to win” includes carrying over the winning flag.
In addition, “games after winning a special role” includes a game in which the right to win the special role is carried over, an advantageous game started by winning a special role, and a game after the end of the advantageous game. Yes, “the advantage given to the player is different” means that it is easy to win the special role related to the winning (whether or not the symbols constituting the special role can be drawn), or the entire time in the advantageous game or 1 The number of set game media to be paid out by winning in a single game, or whether or not another advantageous game is added after the advantageous game started by winning the special role is different. As a result, if the degree of advantage is different, the above-described difficulty level of transition to the special game state, the number of paid-out game media, the privilege after completion, and the like may be set in any combination.

Then, the present invention, when referring to the setting value related to the assumed payout amount by the operation of the predetermined setting change operation unit (50), when the right to win the special role is carried over In accordance with the type of the special role, an internal state notification unit (notification lamp 35) for notifying the fact is provided, and the setting value for setting the estimated payout amount is changed by operating the predetermined setting change operation unit (50). Accordingly, the right to win the special role for which the right to win has been carried over is formed to be extinguished.
Here, the “setting change operation unit” refers to operation switches that are operated in order to change the setting, such as a switch for changing the gaming state to the setting change mode, a switch for changing the setting value, , Including a switch for confirming the set value. These switches may include a switch (for example, a start switch) that is used for other purposes when the setting is not changed in the gaming machine. In addition, “refer to the set value” means that the current set value of the gaming machine is displayed on a predetermined display unit and is confirmed. To “change the set value”, the same set value is set. This includes re-doing.

The internal state notifying unit (35) can be a display unit capable of displaying a light-emitting lamp or a character figure, and for other purposes (for example, winning notification or game number display) when the setting is not changed in the gaming machine. It may be used.
In the present invention, when the power of the gaming machine is turned off while the right to win the special role is carried over, the right to win will not be lost by itself, so the setting reference is made when the amusement store is closed or opened. Check the internal state. As a result, if the right to win a special role that is very advantageous to the player is carried over, or conversely, the right to win a special role that is very disadvantageous to the player is carried over, the setting change By performing the operation, the winning right carried over can be extinguished and the player can be prevented from being unfairly profitable or unfairly disadvantaged.

(Claim 2)
In addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1, the invention described in claim 2 carries over as the lottery table (71) the normal game table used in normal games and the right to win the special role. And an internal medium game table used in the special role internal game. The normal game table has at least a winning area for a small role, a winning area for a plurality of special roles, and a winning area for replay that is exempted from entering the game media of the next game due to winning a prize. Each winning area of the combination is provided so that the entire area overlaps with the specific small role or the winning area of the replay, and a plurality of the internal game tables are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of special combinations, There is a winning area for a small role including the specific small role, a winning area for replay, and a lost area. The winning area for the small role is set wider than the lost area. When the specific small combination or replay is won, the control device (20) always wins a symbol constituting the specific small combination or replay regardless of the operation mode of the stop switch (19). In the game in which the variation of the symbol variation means (40) is stopped so that it becomes the aspect of the above and the other winning combination is not won in the game in which the right to win the special role is carried over, the stop switch Based on the operation mode of (19), control is performed to stop the variation of the symbol variation means (40) so that the symbol constituting the special combination carrying over the right to win is in a winning mode under certain conditions. The specific small role is characterized in that the number of game media to be paid out by winning is set to be smaller than a prescribed number of game media to be inserted in order to play one game. .

Here, the “operation mode of the stop switch (19)” refers to the operation timing of the stop switch (19) and the operation order of the plurality of stop switches (19).
In the normal game, the special role is always formed so that a specific small role or replay is won at the same time, and if the special role and the small role or replay are simultaneously won, the special role is won. In this case, the winner's right carry-over (inside) allows a special role to be awarded only when the lottery result is lost.
According to the present invention, even if a special combination is won with high probability in a normal game, a special small combination or replay always wins, so that the special combination is in a state of carrying over the right to win. In the special role inside, the possibility that the special role is won depends on the probability of the loss. However, since the probability of losing is lower than the probability of a small role or a replay during the inside, the special state does not readily win a prize, and the internal state is extended for a long time. However, since the profit by winning a specific small role is set to be smaller than the prescribed number of input game media, a large amount of game media cannot be acquired before winning the special role.

  Since the gaming machine according to the present invention is formed as described above, it is assumed that a situation in which the game of the day ends with the special role being in the inside frequently occurs, and the internal state notification is performed at the time of setting reference. There is a great need.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can know the internal state of the gaming machine when the setting is changed, and that can prevent the player from being unfairly profitable or unfairly disadvantaged.

FIG. 4 is an external front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of the input and output of the control apparatus of a slot machine. It is a front view of a power supply unit. It is a figure which shows the conceptual diagram of a lottery table. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the control in a special game state among control of a slot machine. 4 is a flowchart showing setting change control in the slot machine control.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine.
(Slot machine 10)
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 includes a rectangular box-shaped casing 11 that opens on the front side, and a front door 3 that can open and close and lock the front opening of the casing 11.
Inside the casing 11, a reel unit 60 having three rotating reels 40 is installed at the upper part of the opening, and a hopper unit 65 and a power supply unit 5 are provided at the lower part of the opening. A control device 20 for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 10 is disposed above the reel unit 60.

  The front door 3 is a plate-like door that is rotatably attached to the housing 11 via a hinge (not shown) in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 1, an upper panel 12 facing the player is provided above the front door 3. In the center of the upper panel 12, the symbols of the three rotary reels 40 are provided. Is displayed. The lower side of the symbol display window 13 is a counter-like operation unit 3A provided with operation switches (the bet switch 16, the settlement switch 17, the start switch 18, and the stop switch 19) for operating the slot machine 10. The medal slot 14 is provided at the right end of the operation unit 3A. A medal selector 4 is provided below the medal slot 14 and behind the front door 3 for detecting the inserted medal and determining the medal.

The symbol display window 13 is provided with a winning line indicating the arrangement of symbols that are visible from the symbol display window 13. A total of five winning lines are provided: three horizontal lines, an upper line, a middle line, and a lower line, and two diagonal lines, a right-up line and a right-down line. Then, in accordance with the game state and the number of inserted medals, it is determined which of the winning lines is a valid line (effective line) for winning.
(Control device 20)
The control device 20 is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. Here, the number of CPUs is not limited to one and may be controlled by two or more CPUs. Further, the CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and the like may be integrated to form a one chip. The CPU reads various programs stored in the ROM and performs various controls. As the control device 20, as shown in FIG. 2, a game control device 21 and an effect control device 22 are provided.

The game control device 21 is mainly for performing control related to the game of the slot machine 1. The effect control device 22 receives various signals from the game control device 21 and mainly controls the effects associated with the game.
As shown in FIG. 2, parts of a medal sensor 15, a bet switch 16, a settlement switch 17, a start switch 18, a stop switch 19, and a setting change operation unit 50 are connected to the input stage of the control device 20. .
As shown in FIG. 1, the medal sensor 15 is a detection means such as a light shielding sensor provided in the medal selector 4 and detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bet switch 16 is a switch located on the left side of the upper surface of the operation unit 3A, and is used to replace a credit medal with a medal insertion. Here, the credit means that a predetermined number of inserted medals are stored inside the gaming machine, and the number of credits is displayed on a predetermined credit display section provided on the upper panel 12 although not particularly shown. When the bet switch 16 is operated, the credit display is subtracted, and the game can be started as if the corresponding medal has been inserted.
The settlement switch 17 is a switch located on the left side of the bet switch 16 as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the start switch 18 is a lever provided on the front surface of the operation unit 3A. The start switch 18 is provided on the condition that the medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is inserted, or at the time of “replay”. This is for starting the driving of the reel motor of the reel unit 60 on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the game. The start switch 18 functions as a setting change confirmation switch when the setting of the slot machine 10 is changed. This will be described later.
The stop switch 19 is for stopping the driving of the reel motor of the reel unit 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the stop switch 19 is composed of three switches corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 19 is arranged below each rotary reel 40. The operation of the stop switch 19 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set so that the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops rotating.

(Setting change operation section 50)
As shown in FIG. 3, the setting change operation unit 50 is an operation switch provided on the front surface of the power supply unit 5, and functions as an operation device when changing the setting of the slot machine 10 together with the start switch 18. It is. The setting change operation unit 50 includes a setting change switch 51, a setting key switch 52, and a power switch 53.
The setting change switch 51 is a push button type switch for changing the setting of the slot machine. Specifically, the setting value is changed each time the switch is pressed. The changed set value is displayed on the numerical value display unit 30.

  The setting key switch 52 is a switch for enabling the setting change by the setting change switch 51, and can be switched ON and OFF by inserting a key into the keyhole and rotating it. Specifically, by turning on the setting key switch 62 with the power switch 53 turned off, the slot machine 10 is switched from the game mode to the setting change mode, and then the power switch 53 is turned on. A setting value is displayed on the numerical value display unit 30 by operating the setting change switch 51 (this is referred to as setting value reference), or the setting change switch 51 is operable. Further, after the setting change is confirmed, the setting key switch 52 is turned OFF to switch the slot machine 10 from the setting change mode to the game mode.

The power switch 53 is for turning on the main power of the slot machine 10, but also functions as a setting change operation unit as described above when changing the setting.
Here, in the present embodiment, the setting change confirmation switch for confirming the setting value changed by the setting change switch 51 as the setting of the slot machine 10 is also used as the start switch 18. That is, when the slot machine 10 is in the setting change mode, the setting change is confirmed by operating the start switch 18 after the setting change switch 51 is operated.
As shown in FIG. 2, the reel unit 60, the hopper unit 65, the numerical value display unit 30, the notification lamp 35, and the effect display device 66 are connected to the output stage of the control device 20.

The reel unit 60 is a main gaming device of the slot machine 1, and includes three reel motors (not shown) fixed or supported on a frame and three reel motors fixed to the output shaft of each reel motor. It consists of a rotating reel 40. Each rotating reel 40 includes a rotating drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape attached around the rotating drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape.
The hopper unit 65 is a medal payout storage device for paying out medals stored in the medal tank one by one. The medals discharged from the hopper unit 65 are paid out to the lower plate from the medal payout opening provided in the front door 3.

The numerical value display unit 30 is a window provided below the symbol display window 13, and displays numerical values (such as the number of paid-out medals) relating to the gaming state by a 7-segment display or the like. In the setting change mode, the setting value is displayed here.
The notification lamp 35 is for notifying the internal state of the gaming machine.
The effect display device 66 is for performing various effect displays such as notifying a player of a prize or the like under the control of an effect control device 22 described later. Specifically, the effect display device 66 includes a liquid crystal display device 67 as an image display unit, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69.
As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display device 67 is arranged such that a liquid crystal screen is exposed from a window portion provided above the symbol display window 13 of the upper panel 12, and a character graphic moving image or the like is displayed on the liquid crystal screen. Is displayed, and a prize notification and other effects are displayed. As shown in FIG. 1, the lamp 68 is an electric decoration provided around the upper panel 12, and flashing of a light emitting body such as an LED or a light bulb provided inside the translucent lamp cover, This is for notifying the winning etc.

(Game control device 21)
The game control device 21 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 by operating the start switch 18 and the stop switch 19. As shown in FIG. 2, the game control device 21 includes a winning lottery means 70, a game state flag setting means 80, a reel control means 90, a winning determination means 100, a hopper control means 110, a setting change means 120, an internal state Each means of the notification means 130 is provided.
(Winning lottery means 70)
The winning lottery means 70 is for performing a lottery for determining whether or not the player has won. Specifically, the winning lottery means 70 includes a lottery table 71, a determination means 72, and a lottery table changing means 73. At the operation timing of the start switch 18, a count extraction means (not shown) reads the value of the loop counter, and the determination means 72 compares this value with the lottery table 71 to determine the presence / absence of winning.

Specifically, the lottery table 71 defines the winning area of each winning item with the numerical values (for example, 0 to 65535) counted by the loop counter as the entire area. The determination means 72 collates the count data picked up by the count extraction means with the winning determination area data of the lottery table 71, and determines the winning corresponding to the winning area when the count data belongs to a predetermined winning area. However, if the count data does not belong to any winning area, “lost” is determined.
Here, the winning combination includes a small role that gives a player a profit by paying out a game medal by winning a prize, and a special role that shifts from the next game to a special game state without paying a game medal by winning. The game medal is not paid out due to winning, but “replay” is provided in which the game can be played again without newly inserting a game medal in the next game. In the present embodiment, as a small role, “bell” composed of a symbol array of “bell bell bell” and a symbol array of “cherry any” any (any may be any symbol). Cherry "is provided. In addition, “BB1” having a symbol arrangement of “red 7, red 7, red 7” and “BB2” having a symbol arrangement of “white 7, white 7, white 7” are provided as special roles. . Note that “BB1” and “BB2” are both shifted to a big bonus game (BB game) which is in a special game state by winning.

  In the present embodiment, the BB game has a setting in which a game (regular bonus game / RB game) in which a winning combination of a small role is set higher than a normal game is continuously performed. The RB game is unconditionally started when the BB game is shifted to, and the specified number of inserted medals is changed to one. Then, one RB game is ended by a maximum of 8 wins or a maximum of 12 games, and when one RB game is ended, the next RB game is started again unconditionally. Then, the BB game ends when a predetermined number of medals are paid out. BB1 and BB2 have different settings for the number of payout medals, which is an end condition.

As a result of the lottery, if any winning combination is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning is established by the gaming state flag setting means 80 described later. When the winning combination is a small combination, a small combination winning flag is set, when the winning combination is a special combination, a special winning flag is set, and when replaying, a replay winning flag is set. The small winning combination flag and the replay winning flag are reset only for the game, but the special winning flag is not reset until the special winning combination wins. That is, in the case of a special winning, the winning right is carried over after the next game.
The lottery table changing means 73 is for selecting and determining a lottery table 71 to be used from among a plurality of lottery tables 71 according to the gaming state and the set value of the slot machine 10.

  Here, a specific example of the lottery table 71 in the present embodiment is shown in FIG. As the lottery table 71, there are a table A used during normal games, a table B used inside the BB1 (while the winning flag is being carried over), a table C used inside the BB2, and a table D used during the BB game. Is provided. For example, in Table A, the lost area is 0 to 1000, the replay winning area is 1001 to 30000, the winning area of Bell + BB1 is 30001 to 45000, the winning area of Bell + BB2 is 45001 to 60000, and the winning area of Cherry is 60001 to 65535. Is set in the range. It should be noted that the determination areas of Bell + BB1 and Bell + BB2 in Table A indicate overlapping winning areas that allow a plurality of winning combinations at the same time. When the winning combination defined in the overlapping winning area is won, the winning flag is established for all the overlapping winning combinations. Then, the lottery table changing unit 73 determines a lottery table for performing a winning determination from the above-described tables A to D based on a state flag set by a game state flag setting unit 80 described later.

On the other hand, the setting of the slot machine S is ranked from the setting value 1 to the setting value 6, and the probability of winning the winning combination (winning probability) varies depending on the setting value. For example, the setting value 6 is formed to have a higher probability of “winning” than the setting value 1, and if the winning probability is high, naturally the possibility of winning increases, so the setting value is adjusted. As a result, the relative payout medal amount of the gaming machine changes.
The lottery table 71 is provided for each setting although not particularly shown. That is, lottery table groups (tables A to D) shown in FIG. 4 are provided corresponding to the setting values 1 to 6, respectively. Therefore, when the setting is changed, the lottery table changing means 73 changes the entire group of the plurality of lottery tables 71 provided for each set value.

(Game state flag setting means 80)
The gaming state flag setting means 80 establishes a flag corresponding to the gaming state based on the lottery result of the winning lottery means 70, the determination result of the winning determination means 100 described later, and the operation signal of the setting change operation unit 50, This is for storing changes in the gaming state.
Specifically, the gaming state flag setting means 80 can establish a winning flag and a state flag. The winning flag is as described above. As the state flag, at least a special game operation flag and a setting change flag are provided. The special game operation flag is established at the start of the BB game and is reset at the end of the BB game. The BB1 operation flag established during the BB game based on the BB1 winning and the BB game during the BB2 winning. There is a BB2 operation flag that holds true. The setting change flag is established when the slot machine 10 is in the setting change mode (when the setting key switch 52 is turned on and the power switch 53 is turned on), and the slot machine 10 returns to the game mode. (When the setting key switch 52 is turned OFF).

Note that the winning flag and the operation flag are reset by operating the setting change switch 51 in the setting change mode.
(Reel control means 90)
The reel control means 90 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 based on the operation signals of the start switch 18 and the stop switch 19.
Specifically, when a valid operation signal of the start switch 18 is received, the reel motor of the reel unit 60 is driven to rotate the rotary reel 40. When the operation signal of the stop switch 19 is received during the rotation of the rotating reel 40 that is normally rotating, the rotating reel 40 is stopped.

  Further, the reel control means 90 performs predetermined kicking and pull-in control when stopping the rotary reel 40. Specifically, when the operation signal of the stop switch 19 is received, the symbol at a predetermined position is used as a reference symbol, and when the reference symbol may be stopped at that position, the rotary reel 40 is stopped as it is and stopped at that position. If not allowed, the time until the rotating reel 40 stops is delayed, and the winning symbol is kicked off from the active line and stopped. In addition, when the corresponding winning symbol is included in the four consecutive symbols that can be drawn from the reference symbol, the time until the rotating reel 40 stops is delayed and the symbol is displayed on the active line. Pull the winning symbol and stop.

  The above stop control is performed using a stop table. The stop table indicates how many frames are rotated from the reference symbol to stop the rotating reel 40 according to the operation timing of the stop switch 19, the arrangement of symbols displayed on the reel tape, and other predetermined conditions. Are defined on the table. Then, when the winning flag is established when the operation signal of the stop switch 19 is received, the reel control means 90 sets the stop position on the table in advance so that the symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the effective line. The stop position is determined using the set stop table for winning. Further, when the winning flag is not established, the stop position is determined using the stop table for losing in which the stop position is set in advance on the table so that no winning symbol is aligned on the active line. Then, a stop signal for stopping the driving of the reel motor is output at a timing at which the rotating reel 40 can be stopped at the determined stop position.

By the way, when the small winning combination flag and the special winning flag are simultaneously established inside the BB or due to overlapping winning, the reel control means 90 is set so that the small winning symbol is drawn preferentially. For example, when the operation timing of the stop switch 19 is the timing at which the symbol “bell” constituting the small role bell and the symbol “red 7” constituting the special role BB1 can be drawn on the active line. Pulls the “bell” into the active line and stops it. Only when it is a timing when only “Red 7” can be drawn onto the active line, “Red 7” is drawn into the active line and stopped.
Here, in the present embodiment, among the symbols displayed on each rotating reel 40, for the bell symbol, cherry symbol and replay symbol, the stop switch 19 can be operated at any timing and in any operation order. The symbols are displayed in an arrangement that allows the symbols to be drawn. That is, although not specifically illustrated, the bell symbol and the cherry symbol and the replay symbol of the left reel 41 are arranged so as not to be separated from the maximum number of frames that can be pulled in by four frames or more. Therefore, when the replay is won, the replay always wins, and when the bell or cherry wins, the bell or cherry always wins (that is, there is no need to press).

On the other hand, since there are only one or two red 7 symbols of BB1 and white 7 symbols of BB2, each of the reels is provided with about 1 to 2 symbols. The operation timing is related (that is, it is necessary to push the line), and even if BB is won, it is not always possible to win.
And if BB1 or BB2 and Bell are both won, or if cherries are won while carrying over the BB flag, the BB1 or BB2 wins because the Bell or Cherry symbol is preferentially drawn. There will be no. BB1 or BB2 may win only when the lottery result is lost in the interior of BB1 or BB2. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the lottery area of the lottery table C used inside the BB2 is set narrower (1/22) than the lottery table B used inside the BB1. Therefore, BB2 is very difficult to win.

(Winning determination means 100)
The winning determination means 100 is for determining whether or not there is a winning based on a stop symbol when all the rotating reels 40 are stopped. That is, when all the symbols constituting the winning combination are stopped on a predetermined active line, it is determined that the winning combination is made, and a winning process corresponding to the winning combination is performed. In other words, in the case of a small role winning, a predetermined number of medals are paid out, in the case of a special role winning, it is shifted to a special gaming state, and in the case of a replay winning, a medal for the next game is inserted. To do.
Here, the payout in the case of the small role winning in the present embodiment is determined according to the number of bets (specified number) of medals. Specifically, in a game with three bets, one bell is paid out and three cherry prizes are paid out. Also, in the single betting game, 12 prizes are paid out for the Bell prize and 6 prizes are awarded for the Cherry prize.

The slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called three-wager dedicated machine, and is set to be a one-wager game only during the BB game (more precisely during the RB game). During normal games and inside the BB, the probability that a small role bell wins is very high, and if a bell wins, it will always win, but the number of payouts is less than the number of coins inserted. Therefore, there is no inconvenience that the medals acquired by the player increase due to the small role winning even without shifting to the BB game.
(Hopper control means 110)
The hopper control means 110 is for controlling the operation of the hopper unit 65 based on the operation signal of the settlement switch 17 and the determination result of the winning determination means 110. That is, when the settlement switch 17 is operated, the hopper unit 65 is operated to pay back the credit medal, and when the predetermined number of payout commands are received from the winning determination means 100, the hopper unit 65 is operated to set the number of the medals. Pay out medals.

(Setting change means 120)
The setting change means 120 is for changing game settings based on an operation signal from the setting change operation unit 50. The setting changing unit 120 includes a setting change permission unit, a setting value changing unit, and a setting value determining unit, although not particularly illustrated.
The setting change permission means is for enabling a setting change operation and control related to the setting change based on the operation based on a signal from the setting key switch 52. Specifically, when the signal indicating that the setting key switch 62 is ON is received, the state of the slot machine 10 is switched from the game mode to the setting change mode, and the operation of the setting change switch 51 is validated. Further, the setting value can be displayed on the numerical value display unit 30. Further, in the present embodiment, the internal state notification means 130 is configured to notify the internal state of the gaming machine, specifically, the type of the special winning flag that has been established.

The setting value changing means is for changing a numerical value related to the setting based on a signal from the setting change switch 51. Specifically, when the setting change switch 51 is operated and the operation signal is received, one numerical value among the numerical values from 1 to 6 is determined and stored. For example, each time the operation signal of the setting change switch 51 is received, the stored numerical value is sequentially incremented. That is, when the setting value before the setting change is “3”, for example, each time the setting change switch 51 is pressed, the numerical values stored as “4”, “5”, and “6” are changed. “1” is stored. The numerical value stored by the setting value changing means is displayed on the numerical value display unit 30.
The setting value confirmation means is for confirming a numerical value related to the setting based on a signal from the start switch 18 as a setting change confirmation input device. Specifically, when the start switch 18 is operated and the operation signal is received, the setting value stored in the setting value changing means is determined as a numerical value related to the setting, and the numerical data is determined as the winning lottery means. Send to 70. Note that the lottery table changing means 73 acquires the lottery table group corresponding to the set value based on the numerical data, and the setting is changed.

(Internal state notifying means 130)
The internal state notifying means 130 is for notifying the established state of the winning flag using the notification lamp 35 based on the signal from the setting key switch 52. Specifically, when the setting key switch 52 is operated, that is, when the setting value is referred to and the special winning flag is established, the type of the special winning flag established is determined. Thus, the notification lamp 35 is caused to perform a predetermined display.
For example, when the winning flag for BB1 is established, the notification lamp 35 blinks in red, and when the winning flag for BB2 is established, the notification lamp 35 blinks in blue to inform the type of the establishment flag. can do. Alternatively, the blinking speed may be changed without changing the lighting color in both cases.

If the winning flag is not established, the notification lamp 35 is not turned on to notify that fact.
Further, the internal state notification is not limited to that by the notification lamp 35, and may be displayed by, for example, alphanumeric characters on any of the numerical value display units 30.
Here, in the present embodiment, the notification lamp 35 is described as being used when referring to the setting of the slot machine 10, but the notification lamp 35 can be shifted to, for example, a special gaming state during the game. It may be used to notify the gaming state by lighting it during the time (internal winning) or during the special gaming state.

(Outline of operation of slot machine 10)
An outline of the operation of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 5 shows the flow of one game of the slot machine 10, and FIG. 6 shows the control during the special game state.
First, in step 100 of FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the BB is inside, that is, whether or not a winning flag of either BB1 or BB2 is established. If inside the BB, the process proceeds to the next step 101.
In step 101, the lottery table changing means 73 selects the table B or C as the lottery table used for the game. That is, if it is inside BB1, table B is selected, and if it is inside BB2, table C is selected. In the initial state (when the power is turned on for the first time or after the setting is changed), the lottery table changing means 73 selects the table A. That is, the gaming state is a normal gaming state. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 102.

  In step 102, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of medals have been inserted (whether the insertion switch 15 has detected a medal or the bet switch 16 has been operated). The prescribed number of medals is 3 for normal games and BB internal games, and 1 for BB games. Here, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 14, the display is increased by one on a bet display unit (not shown), and when a predetermined number of medals are inserted, a credit display unit (not shown) is thereafter displayed. ) Credits are added and displayed. When the bet switch 16 is operated in a state where there is a credit, three bets are displayed on the bet display portion, and the number of credits in the credit display portion is subtracted by three. If the prescribed number of medals is not inserted, the process returns to step 102. If the insertion operation is performed, the process proceeds to the next step 103.

In step 103, it is determined whether or not the start switch 18 is turned on. If the start switch 18 is not turned on, the process returns to step 103. If the start switch 18 is turned on, the process proceeds to the next step 104.
In step 104, a winning lottery process by the winning lottery means 70 is performed. When the lottery result is a winning combination, a winning flag is set. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 105.
In step 105, the three rotary reels 40 start to rotate. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 106.

In step 106, it is determined whether any one of the stop switches 19 is turned on. If the stop switch 19 is not turned ON, the process returns to step 106. If the stop switch 19 is turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step 107.
In step 107, the rotation stop process of the rotary reel 40 corresponding to the operated stop switch 19 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 108.
In step 108, it is determined whether or not all three rotary reels 40 have stopped. When all the rotating reels 40 are not stopped, the process returns to step 106, and when all the rotating reels 40 are stopped, the process proceeds to the next step 109.

In step 109, it is determined whether or not a prize has been won. If no prize has been won, one game is finished as it is. If it is judged that a prize has been won, the process proceeds to the next step 110.
In step 110, a winning process according to the type of winning is performed. Specifically, in the case of a BB win, a transition process to the BB game is performed, and in the case of a replay win, a medal insertion process for the next game (the display of the bet display unit is automatically displayed up to a specified number). Done. Further, in the case of a small winning combination, a medal payout process corresponding to the winning combination is performed. Then, one game is finished.
Next, the transition process to the special game state and the special game control will be described based on the flow of FIG.

First, in step 200, it is determined whether or not a BB prize has been won. This is part of the determination in step 109 of FIG. If the BB prize has not been won, the control is terminated as it is. If BB is won, the process proceeds to the next step 201.
In step 201, the game state flag setting means 80 sets a BB operation flag corresponding to the winning special winning combination. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 202.
In step 202, the lottery table changing means 73 selects the table D as the lottery table used for the special game. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 203.
In step 203, a BB counter (not shown) (the payout number measuring means during the BB game) starts operating. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 204.

In step 204, game execution processing is performed. The game execution process is a flow (* in FIG. 5) from step 102 (medal insertion) to step 108 (all reels stopped) in the flow of FIG. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 205.
In step 205, it is determined whether or not a prize has been won. If no prize is awarded, the process returns to step 204. If a prize is awarded, the process proceeds to the next step 206.
In step 206, a medal payout process corresponding to the winning combination is performed, and the BB counter adds up the number of payouts. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 207.
In step 207, it is determined whether or not the total number of payouts has exceeded a certain value. Here, the fixed value is determined according to the type of special prize, specifically, for example, 200 sheets for BB1 and 100 sheets for BB2. If the total number of payouts does not exceed a certain value, the process returns to step 204. If the total number of payouts exceeds a certain value, the process proceeds to the next step 208.

In step 208, the BB counter resets the count and the operation ends. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 209.
In step 209, the game state flag setting means 80 resets the BB operation flag. Thereby, the special game state is ended. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 210.
In step 210, the lottery table changing means 73 selects the table A as a lottery table used in the next game. Thereby, the gaming state returns to the normal gaming state. Then, the special game control ends.
Now, in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, in the lottery table A used during the normal game, the overlapping winning area of the small role bell and BB occupies about half of the entire area. Therefore, the probability that either BB1 or BB2 wins is very high. However, as described above, the reel control means 90 is set so as to perform pull-in with priority on the small role in the stop control of the rotating reel 40, and the bell symbol is always controlled to be pulled in by the symbol arrangement on the rotating reel 40. Therefore, when the winning combination of the bell and the BB is won, the bell wins, and thereafter, the BB internal state where the BB flag is carried over is entered. In the inside of the BB, the table B or C shown in FIG. 4 is used, but the BB symbol is drawn only when the lottery result in which only the BB flag is established is lost. The loss area is set narrower than the other winning areas, and as a result, the probability that the BB wins is reduced. In particular, for BB2, even if it is inside, it is difficult to win (disadvantageous to the player). In this way, it can be considered that there is a frequent event that the game continues for a long time while the winning flag of BB1 or BB2 is always carried over, and the game is ended as it is closed. Therefore, it becomes necessary to determine the type of flag that is established when the power is turned on.

(Setting change control)
Next, the control at the time of changing the setting of the slot machine 10 will be described based on the flow of FIG.
First, at step 300 in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 52 is turned on when the power switch 63 is turned on. If the setting key switch 52 is not ON, the process returns to step 300. If the setting key switch 52 is ON, the gaming state flag setting means 80 sets the setting change flag and the slot machine 10 changes the setting. Become a mode. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 301.

In step 301, the current set value is displayed. Specifically, the current set value is displayed as, for example, “−3−3” on any one of the plurality of numerical display units 30. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 302.
In step 302, the internal state is notified. Specifically, the type of winning flag established is notified by the color of the notification lamp 35 or the blinking state. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 303.
In step 303, it is determined whether or not the setting change switch 51 has been operated. If the setting change switch 51 has been operated, the process proceeds to the next step 304.

In step 304, the established winning flag or operating flag is reset. Note that this step is omitted when the winning flag or the like is not established from the beginning or when the flag has already been reset. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 305.
In step 305, the set value displayed on the numerical display unit 30 is changed. For example, “−3−” becomes “−4−”. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 306.
If the setting change switch 51 is not operated in step 303, the process skips steps 304 and 305 and proceeds to step 306.
In step 306, it is determined whether or not the setting change confirmation switch, that is, the start switch 18 has been operated. If the setting change confirmation switch is not operated, the process returns to step 303. If the setting change confirmation switch is operated, the process proceeds to the next step 307.

In step 307, the determined set value is displayed on the numerical display unit 30. Specifically, the display of the numerical value display unit 30 is changed to a display indicating that the setting has been confirmed, for example, “5”. When the set value is confirmed, the lottery table changing unit 73 acquires a lottery table group corresponding to the confirmed set value. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 308.
In step 308, it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 52 has been turned OFF. If the setting key switch 52 is not turned off, the process returns to step 308. If the setting key switch 52 is turned off, the process proceeds to the next step 309.
In step 309, the game state flag setting means 80 resets the setting change flag, the setting change mode is switched to the game mode, and the display of the set value on the numerical display unit 30 disappears. Then, the setting change control ends.

In the above flow, the winning flag and the operation flag are reset when the setting change switch 51 is operated. However, the flag may be reset when the setting change confirmation switch (start switch 18) is operated. In such a case, if the setting key switch 52 is turned OFF before the setting change is confirmed, the original setting and the establishment flag are maintained as they are.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the setting key switch 52 is turned on and the set value is referred to, when it is determined by the internal state notification that one of the winning flags is established. The establishment flag can be reset by operating the setting change switch 51. In this case, for example, if the winning flag of BB1 is established, it will be an advantageous table for the player, but depending on the gaming table, for example, a regular customer may be served without resetting the flag as it is. Conceivable. On the other hand, if the winning flag of BB2 is established, it will be an unfair disadvantage for new players, so the flag may be reset, or in some cases left as it is. May be. These can be dealt with according to the store's sales policy.

Incidentally, when the setting is referred to but the setting is not changed, the setting change confirmation switch (start switch 18) may be operated as it is without operating the setting change switch 51.
In the present embodiment, the case where two types of BBs having different settings for the total number of payouts are provided as special roles for which the winning flag is carried over is described. Different types of periods (for example, replay time games (RT) set with a high replay winning probability, or assist time games (AT) in which winning notifications are given for specific small roles are added) Two or more types of BBs may be provided.

Further, the special role is not limited to the BB (RBB) in which the RB game is played during the game period as in the present embodiment, and the RB started by winning a predetermined transition role during the normal game, A challenge bonus game (CBB) may be provided in which a challenge game is started by winning a predetermined transition combination during a game, and a challenge game is set during the game period, regardless of the lottery result.
Needless to say, when two or more types of special roles are provided, the internal state notification pattern displayed by the notification lamp 35 may be increased according to the types of special roles.
Further, the area configuration of the lottery table 71 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, in the normal gaming table A, it is not necessary to provide a lost area or a single winning area for a small role. Also, the winning areas of BB1 and BB2 may be overlapped with the replay. In short, in special games, a special role is won with a high probability, but a special role winning is avoided by forcibly winning a small role or replay, and the lottery table 71 used in the carry-over of the special role flag It only needs to be configured so that the possibility of winning a special role varies depending on the size.

  The present invention can be used for a gaming machine other than a slot machine, for example, a parrot gaming machine that uses a pachinko ball in place of a game medal to perform a game similar to the slot machine.

10 Slot machine (game machine) 13 Symbol display window
18 Start switch 19 Stop switch
20 Control unit
21 Game control device 22 Production control device
30 Numeric display 35 Notification lamp (Internal status notification section)
40 rotating reel (symbol display means) 50 Setting change operation section
70 Winning lottery means 90 Lottery table changing means
130 Setting change method

Claims (2)

A plurality of symbol display means capable of variably displaying and stopping a plurality of symbols;
A symbol display window that allows the symbol of the symbol display means to be visually recognized from the front side;
A start switch for starting symbol variation of the symbol display means;
A plurality of stop switches for stopping the symbol variation of each symbol display means;
For a winning combination constituted by a predetermined symbol arrangement, a lottery for determining whether to win or not is performed using a lottery table, and the symbol on the symbol display means starts to fluctuate based on the operation of the start switch. Based on the lottery result of the winning determination and the operation of each stop switch, at least a control device that controls the variable stop of the symbol display means corresponding to the stop switch,
When the game medium is inserted, the start switch can be operated. As a result of the lottery determination, the winning combination is won, and a plurality of the symbol display means are suspended and all of the symbols are visually stopped from the symbol display window. A game machine in which a winning symbol of each of the possible symbol display means is awarded in a predetermined manner, and a game medium is paid out in accordance with the winning of a specific winning role. In a gaming machine having a setting related to an assumed payout amount,
The winning combination includes at least a small combination in which a game medium is paid out by winning, and a plurality of special combinations that shift from a normal game to an advantageous game by winning,
The special role is formed so that the right to win can be carried over until winning,
In the game after winning the special role, the advantage given to the player according to the type of special role is set differently,
If the right to win the special role is carried over when the set value related to the assumed payout amount is referred to by operating the predetermined setting change operation unit, depending on the type of the special role An internal state notification unit is provided to notify that effect,
By changing the setting value of the setting related to the assumed payout amount by operating a predetermined setting change operation unit, the right to win the special role in which the right to win has been carried over has been formed. A featured gaming machine. As the lottery table, at least a normal game table used in a normal game, and an internal medium game table used in a special role internal medium game in which the right to win the special role is carried over,
The normal game table has at least a winning area for a small role, a winning area for a plurality of special roles, and a winning area for replay that is exempted from entering the game media of the next game due to winning a prize. The winning area of the combination is provided so that the entire area overlaps with the winning area of the specific small role or replay,
The plurality of internal medium gaming tables are provided corresponding to the plurality of special roles, respectively, and have a winning area for a small role including the specific small role, a winning area for replay, and a lost area. The winning area of the small role is set wider than the area of the loss,
The control device, when the specific small role or replay is won, regardless of the operation mode of the stop switch, the symbol constituting the specific small role or replay is always in the winning mode. In the game where the winning means of the special role is carried over in the game where the winning means of the special role is carried over, the right of the winning is determined based on the operation mode of the stop switch. Control to stop the variation of the symbol variation means so that the symbol that constitutes the special role carrying over the symbol becomes a winning mode under a certain condition,
The specific small role is set such that the number of game media to be paid out by winning a prize is less than a predetermined number of game media to be inserted in order to play one game. The gaming machine according to 1.

Images