JP2011004819A - Gaming machine and method of play therein, capable of easily enhancing player's sense of expectancy for dividend provided in bonus game - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily enhance a player's sense of expectancy for dividends to be provided in a bonus game.SOLUTION: When the player wins in the bonus game executed independently from a basic game, a dividend is determined based on a dividend table corresponding to a selected dividend rule, and the determined dividend is provided for the player. Accordingly, the dividend to be provided for the player varies according to the selected dividend rule even if the result of the bonus game is the same.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a player's expectation for a payout awarded in a bonus game is likely to increase, and a playing method thereof.

  Conventionally, in a slot machine, a game is started by betting a predetermined amount, scrolling of a plurality of symbol columns displayed on a display is started, and scrolling of a plurality of symbol columns is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, there is known one that gives a prize based on a combination of symbols displayed in a stopped state.

  In such a slot machine, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, when symbols stopped and displayed on the winning line are in a predetermined combination, a predetermined number of game media are paid out. . Furthermore, regardless of the winning line, a predetermined number of game media are paid out according to the number of symbols called scatter symbols displayed on the display.

US Pat. No. 6,604,999 US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0065124

  In the conventional slot machine, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the basic game, a bonus game that is more advantageous to the player than the basic game is played. However, such a bonus game has a single payout rule relating to awarding of a payout, like a free game that follows the game method of the basic game. For this reason, there is a limit to the player's expectation for the payout awarded in the bonus game.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with new entertainment properties and a playing method thereof.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine and a playing method thereof in which the player's expectation for the payout awarded in the bonus game is likely to increase.

  The present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, and includes a payout awarding device that awards a payout, a payout rule storage device that stores a plurality of payout rules that are rules relating to the awarding of the award, and And a controller programmed to operate as follows. (A1) A normal game is executed, (a2) when the normal game is won, the payout is awarded by the payout award device, and (a3) when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal game, the normal game A special game independent of the game is executed, (a4) any one of the plurality of payout rules is randomly selected in the special game, and (a5) the payout rule selected when the special game is won. The payout based on the above is given by the payout giving device.

  According to the above configuration, when a special game executed independently of the base game is won, a payout based on the selected payout rule is awarded to the player. Therefore, even if the game result of the special game is the same, the payout to be given to the player differs depending on the selected payout rule, so the player's expectation for the payout to be given in the special game (bonus game) is different. Easy to rise.

  The present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, a payout award device for giving a payout, a payout rule storage device for storing a plurality of payout rules as rules relating to the awarding of the payout, and an image display device for displaying images And a controller programmed to operate as in (b1) to (b6) below. (B1) A base game is executed, (b2) when the base game is won, the payout is awarded by the payout award device, and (b3) when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the base game, the base (B4) randomly selecting one of the plurality of payout rules in the special game, and (b5) displaying an image corresponding to the selected payout rule in the image display device. (B6) When the special game is won, the payout based on the selected payout rule is awarded by the payout awarding device.

  According to the above configuration, when a special game executed independently of the base game is won, a payout based on the selected payout rule is awarded to the player. Therefore, even if the game result of the special game is the same, the payout to be given to the player differs depending on the selected payout rule, so the player's expectation for the payout to be given in the special game (bonus game) is different. Easy to rise.

  In addition, since an image corresponding to the selected payout rule is displayed on the image display device, it is easy for the player to know which payout rule is determined based on which payout rule.

  The present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, and is provided for each payout rule, a payout awarding device for giving a payout, a payout rule storage device for storing a plurality of payout rules that are rules relating to the awarding of the payout A payout table storage device for storing a plurality of payout tables used when determining a payout according to a corresponding payout rule, a controller programmed to operate as in the following (c1) to (c6), Is provided. (C1) A base game is executed, (c2) when the base game is won, the payout is awarded by the payout award device, and (c3) when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the base game, the base A special game that is independent from the game is executed. (C4) In the special game, one of the plurality of payout rules is randomly selected. (C5) The payout rule selected when the special game is won. The payout is determined based on the payout table corresponding to (i), and (c6) the determined payout is awarded by the payout awarding device.

  According to the above configuration, when a special game executed independently of the base game is won, a payout is determined based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule, and this payout is given to the player. Is granted. Therefore, even if the game result of the special game is the same, the payout to be given to the player differs depending on the selected payout rule, so the player's expectation for the payout to be given in the special game (bonus game) is different. Easy to rise.

  The present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, and is associated with each payout rule, a payout awarding device for giving a payout, a payout rule storage device for storing a plurality of payout rules that are rules relating to the awarding of the payout A probability storage device that stores the probability, a payout table storage device that is provided for each of the payout rules, and that stores a plurality of payout tables used when determining payouts according to the corresponding payout rules, and displays an image An image display device, and a controller programmed to operate as described in (d1) to (d7) below. (D1) A normal game is executed, (d2) when the normal game is won, the payout is awarded by the payout award device, and (d3) when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal game, the normal game (D4) In the special game, one of the plurality of payout rules is selected with a probability associated with each payout rule, and (d5) the selected payout rule (D6) When the special game is won, the payout is determined based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule, and (d7) the determined payout is displayed. The award is given by the award giving device.

  According to the above configuration, when a special game executed independently of the base game is won, a payout is determined based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule, and this payout is given to the player. Is granted. Therefore, even if the game result of the special game is the same, the payout to be given to the player differs depending on the selected payout rule, so the player's expectation for the payout to be given in the special game (bonus game) is different. Easy to rise.

  In addition, since an image corresponding to the selected payout rule is displayed on the image display device, it is easy for the player to know which payout rule is determined based on which payout rule.

  In the special game, one of a plurality of payout rules is selected with a probability associated with each payout rule. Thereby, when the probability associated with the specific payout rule is changed, the specific payout rule is easily selected or difficult to select, so that the special game is likely to change.

  The present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, and is associated with a payout award device for giving a payout, a payout rule storage device for storing a plurality of payout rules that are rules relating to the awarding of the payout, and a specific payout rule A probability storage device that stores the specific probability and the other probability higher than the specific probability, and is provided for each of the payout rules and is associated with the corresponding payout rule. A payout table storage device for storing a plurality of payout tables used for determining a payout, an image display device for displaying images, and a controller programmed to operate as described in (e1) to (e7) below And comprising. (E1) A base game is executed, (e2) when the base game is won, the payout is awarded by the payout award device, and (e3) when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the base game, the base (E4) In the special game, one of the plurality of payout rules is selected with a probability associated with each payout rule, and (e5) the selected payout rule (E6) When the special game is won, the payout is determined based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule, and (e7) the determined payout is displayed. The award is given by the award giving device.

  According to the above configuration, when a special game executed independently of the base game is won, a payout is determined based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule, and this payout is given to the player. Is granted. Therefore, even if the game result of the special game is the same, the payout to be given to the player differs depending on the selected payout rule, so the player's expectation for the payout to be given in the special game (bonus game) is different. Easy to rise.

  In addition, since an image corresponding to the selected payout rule is displayed on the image display device, it is easy for the player to know which payout rule is determined based on which payout rule.

  In the special game, one of a plurality of payout rules is selected with a probability associated with each payout rule, and a specific probability associated with a specific payout rule is associated with another payout rule. Is lower than other probabilities. Thereby, since it is difficult to select a specific payout rule, it is easy to cause a change in the special game.

  The present invention is a gaming machine playing method, wherein the gaming machine playing method includes: (f1) a step of executing a normal game; and (f2) a payout is awarded by a payout award device when the normal game is won. (F3) a step of executing a special game when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the base game; and (f4) a plurality of rules relating to the awarding of the payout in the special game in the special game. Randomly selecting any of the payout rules; and (f5) giving the payout based on the selected payout rule by the payout awarding device when the special game is won.

  According to the above configuration, when a special game executed independently of the base game is won, a payout based on the selected payout rule is awarded to the player. Therefore, even if the game result of the special game is the same, the payout to be given to the player differs depending on the selected payout rule, so the player's expectation for the payout to be given in the special game (bonus game) is different. Easy to rise.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with new entertainment properties and a playing method thereof.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a playing method of the gaming machine. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a function flow of the gaming machine. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a playing method of the gaming machine. 1 is a view showing a game system including a gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an overall configuration of a gaming machine. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an arrangement of symbols drawn on a peripheral surface of a reel of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the payout rule determination table. It is a figure which shows the payout table for all scatters. It is a figure which shows the payout table for 9 lines. It is a figure which shows the payout table for 20 lines. It is a figure which shows a display state. It is a figure which shows a display state. It is a figure which shows a display state. It is a figure which shows a display state. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of main control processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of coin insertion / start check processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of jackpot-related processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance-related processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol lottery processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol display control processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of a payout amount determination process of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance check processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a flowchart of bonus game processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance selection processing of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the payout rule determination table.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Outline of gaming machine)
The gaming machine (slot machine) according to the present invention (a) executes a normal game, (b) gives a payout by a payout award device when the normal game is won, and (c) a predetermined condition in the normal game. When the above is established, a special game that is independent from the base game is executed. (D) In the special game, any of a plurality of payout rules that are rules relating to the awarding of a payout is associated with each payout rule. (E) an image according to the selected payout rule is displayed on the image display device, and (f) a payout according to the corresponding payout rule provided for each payout rule when a special game is won. A payout is determined based on a payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule among a plurality of payout tables used for determining the payout, and (g) the determined payout is assigned to a payout awarding device. More to impart.

  That is, the gaming machine includes a payout award device for giving a payout, a payout rule storage device for storing a plurality of payout rules that are rules relating to the awarding of the payout, and a probability memory for storing a probability associated with each payout rule. A payout table storage device for storing a plurality of payout tables provided for each payout rule and used when determining a payout according to a corresponding payout rule, an image display device for displaying an image, and a controller programmed to operate as in a1) to (a7).

  The contents of steps (a1) to (a7) executed by the controller of the gaming machine 1 will be described. Step (a1) is a process for executing a normal game. Step (a2) is a process in which a payout is awarded by the payout award device when the base game is won. Step (a3) is a process of executing a special game independent of the normal game when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal game. Step (a4) is a process of selecting one of a plurality of payout rules with a probability associated with each payout rule in the special game. Step (a5) is a process for causing the image display device to display an image corresponding to the selected payout rule. Step (a6) is a process for determining a payout based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule when the special game is won. Step (a7) is processing for giving the determined payout by the payout giving device.

  Here, the “ordinary game” means a basic game that is executed on condition that a bet of game value is set. In the present embodiment, the basic game is an all scatter game. In the all-scatter game, as will be described later, when a plurality of types of symbols 180 are arranged as scatter symbols in the matrix-like symbol display region 4, a predetermined number (for example, three) of the same type of symbols is displayed in the symbol display region 4. When displayed as above, a payout is awarded.

  The “game value” is a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information (credit) corresponding to these. The game value in the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be a game medium such as a medal, token, electronic money, ticket or the like. The ticket is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a ticket with a barcode described later.

  “Arrangement” means that the symbol 180 can be visually confirmed with respect to an external player. That is, the symbol 180 is displayed in the symbol display area 4 as shown in FIG. In addition, after canceling the arrangement of the symbol 180, arranging it again is referred to as “rearrangement”.

  The “predetermined condition” is that four or more “A” symbols 180 are displayed in the symbol display area 4.

  The “special game” means a bonus game that is more advantageous to the player than the basic game. In the present embodiment, the bonus game is a free game. A free game is a game in which a unit game can be performed a plurality of times without betting game value.

  The “payout rule” means a rule applied when a payout is awarded to a player. In the present embodiment, the payout rules are all scatter, 9 lines, and 20 lines. As in the basic game, the all scatter is a rule in which a payout is awarded when a predetermined number (for example, three) or more of the same type of symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4. As will be described later, nine lines are provided with nine paylines crossing any one of the video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e, and a predetermined number of symbols of the same type (for example, 3 This is a rule in which a payout is awarded when they are displayed side by side in succession. As will be described later, 20 lines are provided with 20 paylines crossing any one of the video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e, and a predetermined number (for example, 3) of the same type of symbols is provided on any payline. This is a rule in which a payout is awarded when they are displayed side by side in succession.

  Note that the payout rule is not limited to these, and may be a rule in which a payout is awarded when a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the payline have a predetermined combination. In addition, when some paylines are randomly determined as valid lines among a plurality of preset paylines and the same type of symbols are displayed side by side with a predetermined number (for example, three) or more on the valid lines, It may be a rule that a dividend is awarded.

  The gaming machine 1 having such a configuration selects a payout rule for each unit game as shown in FIG. 1 in a special game (free game) that is executed independently of the base game (basic game). A game method of giving a payout based on the selected payout rule is realized.

  The controller of the gaming machine 1 performs a first step of executing a normal game, a second step of giving a payout by a payout award device when winning the normal game, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal game A third step of executing a special game independent of the base game, and a fourth step of selecting one of a plurality of payout rules with a probability associated with each payout rule in the special game, A fifth step of displaying an image according to the payout rule on the image display device, a sixth step of determining a payout based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule when the special game is won, and the determined payout And a seventh step in which the award is awarded by the payout awarding device.

  Specifically, in the special game (free game), when all scatter is selected as the payout rule, an image 161 corresponding to the all scatter is displayed on the image display device as shown in FIG. When a predetermined number (for example, three) or more of the same type of symbols is displayed in the symbol display area 4, a payout is awarded.

  In the special game (free game), when 9 lines are selected as the payout rule, an image 162 corresponding to the 9 lines is displayed on the image display device as shown in FIG. A payout is awarded when a predetermined number (for example, three) or more of the same type of symbols are displayed consecutively on any one of the nine paylines.

  Further, in the special game (free game), when 20 lines are selected as the payout rule, an image 163 corresponding to the 20 lines is displayed on the image display device as shown in FIG. A payout is awarded when a predetermined number (for example, three) or more of the same type of symbols are displayed side by side on any one of the 20 paylines.

  Thus, according to the gaming machine playing method, when a special game executed independently of the base game is won, the payout is determined based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule. This payout is awarded to the player. Conventionally, since there is a single payout rule related to the awarding of payouts, there is a limit to the player's expectation for payouts awarded in bonus games. However, according to the present embodiment, even if the game result of the bonus game is the same, the payout awarded to the player differs depending on the selected payout rule. Expectation is likely to increase.

  In addition, since an image corresponding to the selected payout rule is displayed on the image display device, it is easy for the player to know which payout rule is determined based on which payout rule.

  In the special game, one of a plurality of payout rules is selected with a probability associated with each payout rule. Thereby, when the probability associated with the specific payout rule is changed, the specific payout rule is easily selected or difficult to select, so that the special game is likely to change.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with new entertainment properties and a playing method thereof.

(Explanation of functional flow diagram)
With reference to FIG. 2, the basic functions of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a BET button unit 601, a spin button unit 602, a display unit 614, and a storage unit 624, and a controller 630 that controls them. The BET button unit 601 and the spin button unit 602 are a kind of input device.

  The BET button unit 601 has a function of receiving a bet amount by a player's operation for each unit game and a function of receiving a predetermined insurance subscription amount by a player's operation for each unit game. The spin button unit 602 has a function of accepting the start of a game such as a normal game by a player's operation, that is, a start operation.

  Here, the “unit game” is a series of operations from the start of accepting a bet to a state where a prize can be established. For example, the unit game of the base game is in a state including a bet time for accepting a bet, a game time for rearranging the stopped symbols 180, and a payout time for payout processing for giving a payout once.

  The display unit (image display device) 614 has a function of displaying various symbols 180, still image information such as numerical values and symbols, and moving image information such as effect images. Further, the display unit 614 has a touch panel as an input device, and has a function of accepting various commands by a player's pressing operation. The display unit 614 has a symbol display area 614a and a video display area 614b. As shown in FIG. 1, the symbol display area 614 a displays a symbol 180. The video display area 614b displays an image according to the payout rule and various effect video information executed during the game as a moving image or a still image.

  A storage unit (payout rule storage device, probability storage device, payout table storage device) 624 includes a payout rule storage area 624a for storing a plurality of payout rules, and a probability storage area 624b for storing probabilities associated with the payout rules. The payout table storage area 624c stores payout tables associated with the payout rules.

  The controller 630 includes a coin insertion / start check unit 603, a normal game execution unit 605, a special game execution unit 607, a symbol determination random value extraction unit 615, a mystery bonus random value extraction unit 623, and a symbol determination unit. 612, an effect random number extraction unit 616, an effect content determination unit 613, a speaker unit 617, a lamp unit 618, a winning determination unit 619, and a payout unit 620.

  The coin insertion / start check unit 603 outputs a bet amount received by the BET button unit 601 and a predetermined insurance participation amount for each unit game to the winning determination unit 619 and accumulates the jackpot amount for each unit game. And a function of calculating an amount (cumulative amount) and transmitting the amount (cumulative amount) to the external control device (server) 200. The external control device 200 accumulates the accumulated amount transmitted from each gaming machine 1 in the jackpot amount.

  The normal game execution unit 605 has a function of executing a normal game (basic game) on condition that the BET button unit 601 is operated.

  The special game execution unit 607 has a function of executing a special game (bonus game) in which a free game is repeated with a plurality of games only by operating the spin button unit 602.

  The symbol determination random value extraction unit 615 extracts a symbol determination random value for each unit game. The mystery bonus random value extraction unit 623 extracts a mystery bonus random value for each unit game.

  The symbol determination unit 612 uses the random value from the symbol determination random value extraction unit 615 to determine the symbol 180 to be rearranged, and the determined symbol 180 in the symbol display area 614a of the display unit 614. A function of rearranging, a function of outputting rearrangement information of the symbol 180 to the winning determination unit 619, a function of outputting an effect designation signal to the effect random number extraction unit 616 based on the rearrangement state of the symbol 180, have.

  The effect random number extraction unit 616 has a function of extracting an effect random value when receiving an effect command signal from the symbol determination unit 612 and a function of outputting the effect random number to the effect content determination unit 613. is doing. The effect content determination unit 613 has a function of determining the effect content using the random number value for the effect, a function of outputting video information of the determined effect content to the video display area 614b of the display unit 614, and a sound of the determined effect content. A function of outputting light emission information to the speaker unit 617 and the lamp unit 618 is provided.

  In the base game, the winning determination unit 619 displays the all-scatter payout rule stored in the payout rule storage area 624a when the rearrangement information of the symbols 180 in the display state rearranged on the display unit 614 is obtained. And has a function of determining the presence or absence of winning. In addition, in the special game, the winning determination unit 619 selects one of the plurality of payout rules stored in the payout rule storage area 624a with the probability stored in the probability storage area 624b, and then rearranges it in the display unit 614. When the rearrangement information of the symbol 180 in the displayed state is obtained, the presence / absence of winning is determined using the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule among the plurality of payout tables stored in the payout table storage area 624c. It has the function to judge. The winning determination unit 619 calculates a payout amount using a payout table corresponding to the payout rule and determines a payout signal based on the payout amount and outputs a payout signal to the payout unit 620 when determining that a win has been won. ,have.

  Also, the winning determination unit 619 determines whether or not a predetermined condition (bonus game trigger) is established when the rearrangement information of the symbols 180 that are in the rearranged display state on the display unit 614 is obtained. The function and the function of shifting the process to the special game execution unit 607 so as to execute the special game from the next unit game when it is determined that the predetermined condition is established.

  Further, the winning determination unit 619 determines in advance whether or not to establish the mystery bonus based on the random number value from the random value extraction unit 623 for the mystery bonus, and when the mystery bonus is established, is determined in advance. And a function of outputting a payout signal based on the given amount to the payout unit 620.

  The winning determination unit 619 has a function of transmitting a signal indicating that the BET button unit 601 has received a predetermined insurance subscription amount to the insurance trigger signal transmission unit 621.

  In addition, the winning determination unit 619 has a function of determining whether or not a jackpot trigger is established when the rearrangement information of the symbols 180 in the display state rearranged on the display unit 614 is obtained, and the jackpot And a function of transmitting a signal to the effect that the jackpot trigger has been established to the jackpot trigger signal transmitter 622 when it is determined that the trigger has been established.

  The insurance trigger signal transmission unit 621 receives a signal indicating that the BET button unit 601 has received a predetermined insurance subscription amount, and a function of counting the number of games and a large payout by a bonus game or the like are performed. And a function for determining whether or not the counted number of games has reached a predetermined number, and the amount set for insurance when it is determined that the counted number of games has reached a predetermined number And a function of outputting a payout signal based on the above to the payout unit 620.

  The jackpot trigger signal transmission unit 622 has a function of transmitting, to the external control device (server) 200, a signal that identifies a gaming machine in which the jackpot trigger is established when a signal indicating that the jackpot trigger is established is received. Have. The external control device 200 outputs a payout signal based on the jackpot amount to the payout unit 620 of the gaming machine in which the jackpot trigger is established.

  The payout unit (payout award device) 620 has a function of paying out game value to the player in the form of coins, medals, credits, and the like.

(Operation of gaming machine 1)
The operation of the gaming machine 1 configured with the above functional blocks will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The gaming machine 1 executes game processing (A1) to (A11). Specifically, first, the gaming machine 1 executes a normal game (basic game) (A1). As a result, the following series of operations is executed.

(Coin insertion / start check)
First, the gaming machine 1 checks whether or not the BET button unit 601 has been pressed by the player, and subsequently checks whether or not the spin button unit 602 has been pressed by the player.

(Symbol decision)
Next, when the spin button unit 602 is pressed by the player, the gaming machine 1 extracts a random number value for symbol determination, and scrolls the symbol row in accordance with each of the plurality of video reels displayed on the display unit 614. The symbol 180 to be displayed on the player when the player is stopped is determined.

(Symbol display)
Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the gaming machine 1 starts scrolling the symbol columns of the video reels 3a to 3e, and stops scrolling so that the determined symbols 180 are displayed on the player.

(Winning determination)
Next, when the scrolling of the symbol columns of the video reels 3a to 3e is stopped, the gaming machine 1 determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed on the player is related to winning (A2).

(Payout)
Next, when the symbol combination displayed on the player is related to winning (A2, YES), the gaming machine 1 gives the player a privilege according to the type of symbol combination (A3). For example, when a combination of symbols related to coin payout is displayed, the gaming machine 1 pays out to the player a number of coins corresponding to the symbol combination.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 pays out the jackpot amount to the player when the jackpot trigger is established. The jackpot accumulates a part of the coins consumed by the player in each gaming machine 1 as a jackpot amount, and when there is a gaming machine for which the jackpot trigger is established, A function that pays out the pot amount.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with benefits such as a mystery bonus and insurance in addition to the above benefits. The mystery bonus is a payout of a predetermined amount by winning a dedicated lottery.

  Insurance is a function provided for the purpose of relieving the player from a situation where a bonus game has not been played for a long period of time. In the present embodiment, the player can arbitrarily select whether or not the insurance is valid. When insurance is activated, it is exchanged for a predetermined amount of insurance.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 determines whether or not a predetermined condition (bonus game trigger) is established after the combination of symbols displayed to the player is not related to winning (A2, NO) or after A3. (A4). When the predetermined condition is not satisfied (A4, NO), the gaming machine 1 returns to A1. On the other hand, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (A4, YES), the gaming machine 1 executes a special game (bonus game) (A5). In the present embodiment, as a bonus game, a game (free game) in which lottery related to the determination of the symbols to be stopped is performed a predetermined number of times without consuming coins.

  The gaming machine 1 selects one of a plurality of payout rules with a probability associated with each payout rule for each unit game in the special game (A6).

(Determination of production)
The gaming machine 1 produces effects by displaying an image on the display unit 614, outputting light from the lamp unit 618, and outputting sound from the speaker unit 617. The gaming machine 1 extracts a random number for production, and determines the content of the production based on a symbol determined by lottery.

  In the special game, the gaming machine 1 displays an image corresponding to the selected payout rule on the video display area 614b of the display unit 614 (A7).

  When the scrolling of the symbol columns of the video reels 3a to 3e is stopped, the gaming machine 1 determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed on the player is related to winning (A8).

  Next, when the combination of symbols displayed on the player is related to winning (A8, YES), the gaming machine 1 determines a payout based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule (A9). For example, when the payout rule is 9 lines, the gaming machine 1 determines a payout based on a payout table corresponding to 9 lines. Then, the gaming machine 1 pays out to the player a number of coins corresponding to the determined payout (A10).

  Next, the gaming machine 1 determines whether or not to end the special game when the combination of symbols displayed on the player is not related to winning (A8, NO) or after A10 (A11). When it is determined that the special game is not to be ended (A11, NO), the gaming machine 1 re-executes from A5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the special game is to be ended (A11, YES), the gaming machine 1 re-executes from A1.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 executes the game processes (A1) to (A11). When a special game (bonus game) executed independently of the base game (basic game) is won, the payout is determined based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule. Is given to the player. As a result, even if the game result of the bonus game is the same, the payout given to the player differs depending on the selected payout rule, so that the player's expectation for the payout given in the bonus game is likely to increase.

  In addition, since an image corresponding to the selected payout rule is displayed on the image display device, it is easy for the player to know which payout rule is determined based on which payout rule.

  In the special game, one of a plurality of payout rules is selected with a probability associated with each payout rule. Thereby, when the probability associated with the specific payout rule is changed, the specific payout rule is easily selected or difficult to select, so that the special game is likely to change.

(The whole game system)
Next, a game system including the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The game system 300 includes a plurality of gaming machines 1 and an external control device 200 connected to each gaming machine 1 via a communication line 301.

  The external control device 200 controls a plurality of gaming machines 1. In the present embodiment, the external control device 200 is a so-called server installed in a gaming facility having a plurality of gaming machines 1. Each gaming machine 1 is assigned a unique identification number, and the external control device 200 determines the origin of data sent from each gaming machine 1 based on the identification number. In addition, when transmitting data from the external control device 200 to the gaming machine 1, the transmission destination is specified using the identification number.

  Note that the game system 300 may be constructed in one gaming facility capable of performing various games, such as a casino, or may be constructed among a plurality of gaming facilities. Further, when the game system 300 is constructed in one gaming facility, the game system 300 may be constructed for each floor or section of the gaming facility. The communication line 301 may be wired or wireless, and a dedicated line or an exchange line can be employed.

(Overall structure of gaming machine)
Next, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the gaming machine 1, coins, bills, or electronic valuable information corresponding to these are used as game media. In the present embodiment, a ticket with a barcode, which will be described later, is also used. Note that game media is not limited to these, and for example, medals, tokens, electronic money, and the like can be employed.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided on the front surface of the cabinet 11.

  In the center of the main door 13, a lower image display panel 141 (symbol display area 614a) is provided. The lower image display panel 141 includes a liquid crystal panel and constitutes a display. The lower image display panel 141 has a symbol display area 4. In the symbol display area 4, five video reels 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e) are displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the video reel is a video representing a rotation and stop operation of a mechanical reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on its peripheral surface. Each video reel 3 is assigned a symbol string composed of a plurality of predetermined symbols (22 symbols in this embodiment) (see FIG. 7 described later).

  In the symbol display area 4, the symbol strings assigned to the respective video reels 3 are scrolled and stopped after a predetermined time. As a result, a part of each symbol row (three consecutive symbols in this embodiment) is displayed on the player.

  In the symbol display area 4, one symbol is displayed in each of the three areas of the upper stage 151a, the middle stage 151b, and the lower stage 151c according to each video reel 3. That is, in the symbol display area 4, 15 symbols of 5 columns × 3 are displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the basic game is an all scatter game. In the all scatter game, when a plurality of types of symbols 180 are arranged as scatter symbols in the matrix symbol display area 4, a predetermined number (for example, three) or more of the same type of symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4. In addition, a dividend is awarded.

  In the present embodiment, the bonus game is played based on any of a plurality of payout rules. Specifically, in the bonus game, any one of all scatter, 9 lines, and 20 lines is selected as a payout rule for each unit game. As in the basic game, the all scatter is a rule in which a payout is awarded when a predetermined number (for example, three) or more of the same type of symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4. Nine lines are provided with nine paylines crossing any of the stages of each of the video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e, and a predetermined number (for example, three) or more of the same type of symbols are continuously provided on any payline. It is a rule that a dividend is awarded when displayed side by side. The 20 lines are provided with 20 paylines crossing one of the stages of each of the video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e, and a predetermined number (for example, 3) or more of the same type of symbols are continuously provided on any of the paylines. It is a rule that a dividend is awarded when displayed side by side.

  The lower image display panel 141 includes a credit amount display area 142 and a payout number display area 143. In the credit amount display area 142, the number of coins owned by the player and deposited in the gaming machine 1 (hereinafter, credit amount) is displayed. In the payout number display area 143, the number of coins to be paid out to the player when winning is established (hereinafter referred to as the number of payouts) is displayed.

  The lower image display panel 141 includes a touch panel 114. The player can input various instructions by touching the lower image display panel 141.

  Below the lower image display panel 141, various buttons are arranged, including various buttons arranged on the control panel 30, and various devices to be operated by the player.

  The spin button 31 (spin button unit 602) is used when starting to scroll the symbol column of each video reel 3. The change button 32 is used when requesting a change of money from an attendant of the game facility. The CASHOUT button 33 is used when paying out coins deposited in the gaming machine 1 to the coin tray 15 (payout unit 620).

  The 1-BET button 34 and the maximum BET button 35 (BET button unit 601) are for determining the number of coins used for the game (hereinafter referred to as BET number) from the coins deposited in the gaming machine 1. The 1-BET button 34 is used when determining the BET number in units of one sheet. The maximum BET button 35 is used when the BET number is set to the specified upper limit number.

  The coin receiving slot 36 is provided for receiving coins. The bill validator 115 is provided for receiving bills. The banknote discriminator 115 sorts whether or not the banknote is appropriate, and accepts the appropriate banknote into the cabinet 11. Note that the bill validator 115 may be configured to be able to read a barcoded ticket 175 described later.

  An upper image display panel 131 (video display area 614b) is provided on the front surface of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 131 is a liquid crystal panel and constitutes a display. On the upper image display panel 131, an image related to the effect, an introduction of the contents of the game, and an image showing the rules are displayed. In the bonus game, an image corresponding to the payout rule is displayed on the upper image display panel 131. Further, the top box 12 is provided with a speaker 112 and a lamp 111. In the gaming machine 1, an effect is executed by displaying an image, outputting sound, and outputting light.

  Below the upper image display panel 131, a ticket printer 171, a card slot 176, a data display 174, and a keypad 173 are provided.

  The ticket printer 171 prints on a ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and an identification number of the gaming machine 1 are encoded, and outputs it as a ticket 175 with a bar code. The player can play the game by causing the gaming machine 1 to read the ticket 175 with the barcode, or exchange the ticket 175 with the barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined location in the gaming facility (for example, a cashier in the casino). .

  The card slot 176 is for inserting a card storing predetermined data. For example, the card stores data for identifying the player and data regarding the history of games played by the player.

  The card inserted into the card slot 176 is read and written by a card reader 172 described later. The card may store data corresponding to coins, bills or credits.

  The data display unit 174 includes a fluorescent display, an LED, and the like, and displays data read by the card reader 172 or data input by the player via the keypad 173, for example. The keypad 173 is for inputting instructions and data related to ticket issuance and the like.

(Circuit configuration of the gaming machine)
Next, a configuration of a circuit included in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The gaming board 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52 and a boot ROM 53, which are connected to each other via an internal bus, a card slot 55 corresponding to the memory card 54, and an IC socket 57 corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 56.

  The memory card 54 is composed of a nonvolatile memory and stores a game program and a game system program. The game program includes a program related to game progression, a lottery program, and a program for executing effects by images and sounds (see, for example, FIGS. 14 to 23 described later). Further, the game program includes data (see FIG. 7) that defines the configuration of the symbol sequence assigned to each video reel 3.

  The lottery program is a program for determining a stop scheduled symbol of each video reel 3 by lottery. The scheduled stop symbol is data for determining three symbols to be displayed by the symbol display area 4 among the 22 symbols constituting the symbol row. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment determines a symbol to be displayed in a predetermined area (for example, the upper area) among the three areas corresponding to each video reel 3 in the symbol display area 4 as a scheduled stop symbol.

  The lottery program includes symbol determination data. According to each video reel 3, the symbol determination data is determined with an equal probability (that is, 1/22) for each of the 22 symbols (code numbers “00” to “21”) constituting the symbol row. In this way, it is data defining a random value.

  The probability that each of the 22 symbols is determined is basically equal. However, since the number of various symbols included in the 22 symbols is different, the probability that various symbols are determined is different (that is, a weight is generated). For example, referring to FIG. 7, the symbol column of the first video reel 3a includes one symbol “JACKPOT7”, but includes four symbols “10”. Therefore, the former is determined with a probability of “1/22”, while the latter is determined with a probability of “4/22”.

  In the present embodiment, the data is defined so that the number of symbols constituting the symbol column of each video reel 3 is the same. However, according to each video reel 3, the number of symbols constituting the symbol column is determined. The number may be different. For example, the symbol sequence of the first video reel 3a may be composed of 22 symbols, while the symbol sequence of the second video reel 3b may be composed of 30 symbols. This increases the degree of freedom in setting the probability that various symbols are determined for each video reel 3.

  The card slot 55 is configured so that the memory card 54 can be inserted and removed, and is connected to the motherboard 70 via an IDE bus.

  The GAL 56 is a kind of PLD (Programmable Logic Device) having an OR fixed type array structure. The GAL 56 includes a plurality of input ports and output ports. When a predetermined input is input to the input port, the corresponding data is output from the output port.

  The IC socket 57 is configured so that the GAL 56 can be attached and detached, and is connected to the mother board 70 by a PCI bus. The contents of the game played in the gaming machine 1 can be changed by replacing the memory card 54 with another program written therein or rewriting the program written in the memory card 54 with another one. .

  The CPU 51, ROM 52, and boot ROM 53 connected to each other via an internal bus are connected to the motherboard 70 via a PCI bus. The PCI bus transmits signals between the motherboard 70 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power from the motherboard 70 to the gaming board 50.

  The ROM 52 stores an authentication program. The boot ROM 53 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) for the CPU 51 to start the preliminary authentication program.

  The authentication program is a program (tamper check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The authentication program and the preliminary authentication program are described in accordance with a procedure (authentication procedure) for authenticating that the target program has not been tampered with.

  The motherboard 70 includes a main CPU 71 (controller 630), a ROM 72, a RAM 73, and a communication interface 82.

  The ROM 72 includes a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS executed by the main CPU 71 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 71, initialization processing of predetermined peripheral devices is performed. In addition, the game program and the game system program fetching process stored in the memory card 54 is started via the gaming board 50.

  The RAM 73 (storage unit 624) stores data and programs used when the main CPU 71 operates. For example, when the above-described game program, game system program, and authentication program are loaded, these can be stored. The RAM 73 is provided with a work area for executing the program. For example, an area for storing a counter for managing the number of games, the number of BETs, the number of payouts, the number of credits, an area for storing symbols (code numbers) determined by lottery, an area for storing payout rules, and the like are provided. .

  The communication interface 82 is for communicating with the external control device 200 such as a server via the communication line 301. The motherboard 70 is connected to a later-described door PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 90 and a main body PCB 110 by USB. Further, a power supply unit 81 is connected to the motherboard 70.

  When power is supplied from the power supply unit 81 to the motherboard 70, the main CPU 71 of the motherboard 70 is activated, and power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus to activate the CPU 51.

  Input devices such as switches and sensors and peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by the main CPU 71 are connected to the door PCB 90 and the main body PCB 110.

  A control panel 30, a reverter 91, a coin counter 92C, and a cold cathode tube 93 are connected to the door PCB 70.

  The control panel 30 is provided with a spin switch 31S, a change switch 32S, a CASHOUT switch 33S, a 1-BET switch 34S, and a maximum BET switch 35S corresponding to the above-described buttons. Each switch detects that the corresponding button has been pressed by the player, and outputs a signal to the main CPU 71.

  The coin counter 92C determines whether or not the coins inserted into the coin receiving slot 36 are appropriate in material and shape, and outputs a signal to the main CPU 71 when an appropriate coin is detected. Inappropriate coins are discharged from the coin payout exit 15A.

  The reverter 91 operates based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71, and distributes appropriate coins selected by the coin counter 92C to a hopper 113 or a cash box (not shown). When the hopper 113 is not filled with coins, it is sorted into the hopper 113, and when the hopper 113 is filled with coins, it is sorted into the cash box.

  The cold cathode tube 93 functions as a backlight installed on the back side of the upper image display panel 131 and the lower image display panel 141, and lights up based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71.

  Connected to the main body PCB 110 are a lamp 111, a speaker 112, a hopper 113, a coin detection unit 113S, a touch panel 114, a bill validator 115, a graphic board 130, a ticket printer 171, a card reader 172, a key switch 173S, and a data display 174. ing.

  The lamp 111 is lit based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71. The speaker 112 outputs a sound such as BGM based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71.

  The hopper 113 operates based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71, and pays out a designated payout number of coins from the coin payout exit 15 </ b> A to the coin tray 15. The coin detection unit 113 </ b> S detects coins paid out by the hopper 113 and outputs a signal to the main CPU 71.

  The touch panel 114 detects a position touched by a finger of the player on the lower image display panel 141 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected position to the main CPU 71. When the banknote discriminator 115 receives an appropriate banknote, it outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of the banknote to the main CPU 71.

  The graphic board 130 controls display of images performed by each of the upper image display panel 131 and the lower image display panel 141 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71. In the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141, five video reels 3 are displayed, and the operation of scrolling and stopping the symbol columns of each video reel 3 is displayed. The graphic board 130 includes a VDP that generates image data, a video RAM that stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. In the credit amount display area 142 of the lower image display panel 141, the credit amount stored in the RAM 73 is displayed. In the payout number display area 143 of the lower image display panel 141, the number of coins paid out is displayed.

  The graphic board 130 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71, a video RAM that temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. ing. Note that the image data used when generating image data by VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 54 and stored in the RAM 73.

  Based on the control signal output from the main CPU 71, the ticket printer 171 prints on the ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and identification number of the gaming machine 1 stored in the RAM 73 is encoded. Output as a ticket 175 with code.

  The card reader 172 reads the data stored in the card inserted in the card slot 176 and transmits it to the main CPU 71 or writes data based on a control signal from the main CPU 71.

  The key switch 173S is provided on the keypad 173, and outputs a predetermined signal to the main CPU 71 when the keypad 173 is operated by the player.

  The data display 174 displays data read by the card reader 172 or data input by the player via the keypad 173 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71.

(Video reel symbol column)
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the configuration of the symbol column included in the video reel 3 of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  The first video reel 3a, the second video reel 3b, the third video reel 3c, the fourth video reel 3d and the fifth video reel 3e are respectively composed of 22 symbols corresponding to the code numbers “00” to “21”. A symbol string to be configured is assigned.

  Symbol types include “JACKPOT 7”, “10”, “J”, “Q”, “K”, “A”, “THUNDER”, “SUN”, and “MOON”.

(Dividend rule determination table)
Next, a payout rule determination table for determining a payout rule for each unit game in the bonus game will be described with reference to FIG. This payout rule determination table is stored in the RAM 73 of the motherboard 70.

  In the payout rule determination table, various payout rules are associated with probabilities. Specifically, a 34% probability is associated with the all-scatter payout rule, and a 33% probability is associated with the 9-line payout rule. The 20-line payout rule is associated with a probability of 33%. Various payout rules are selected with corresponding probabilities, whereby the payout rules for the unit game in the bonus game are determined. The probabilities associated with the payout rules are not limited to these and can be rewritten.

(Dividend table)
Next, with reference to FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9C, a payout table used when determining payouts according to various payout rules will be described. This payout table is stored in the RAM 73 of the motherboard 70.

  In the payout table, the symbol type and the payout are associated with each other. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the all-scatter payout table, a payout is awarded when three or more symbols of the same type are displayed in the symbol display area 4. For example, when three “10” symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4, the payout per bet is “2”, and four “10” symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4. The payout per bet is “5”, and the payout per bet when five or more “10” symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4 is “30”.

  Further, when four or more “A” symbols 180 are displayed in the symbol display area 4, a bonus trigger is established. Further, when five or more “JACKPOT 7” symbols 180 are displayed in the symbol display area 4, a jackpot trigger is established.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, in the payout table for 9 lines, the same type is placed on any payline among 9 paylines crossing any stage of each video reel 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e. A payout is awarded when three or more symbols are displayed in a row. For example, when three “10” symbols are displayed continuously on any payline, the payout per bet is “5”, and the “10” symbol is 4 on any payline. The payout per bet when displayed in succession is “20”, and the payout per bet when five “10” symbols are displayed continuously on any payline is , “100”.

  Further, when four “A” symbols 180 are displayed in succession on any payline, a bonus trigger is established. Further, when five “JACKPOT 7” symbols 180 are continuously displayed on any payline, a jackpot trigger is established.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, in the payout table for 20 lines, the same type is placed on any payline among 20 paylines crossing any stage of each video reel 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e. A payout is awarded when three or more symbols are displayed in a row. For example, when three “10” symbols are displayed continuously on any payline, the payout per bet is “5”, and the “10” symbol is 4 on any payline. The payout per bet when consecutively displayed is “10”, and the payout per bet when five “10” symbols are continuously displayed on any payline is , “50”.

  Further, when four “A” symbols 180 are displayed in succession on any payline, a bonus trigger is established. Further, when five “JACKPOT 7” symbols 180 are continuously displayed on any payline, a jackpot trigger is established.

  Note that coins are paid out by actually discharging coins from the coin payout exit 15A, adding to the number of credits, or issuing a bar code ticket.

(Display state)
An example of the display state of the upper image display panel 131 and the lower image display panel 141 in the operation process of the gaming machine 1 will be specifically described.

(Basic game screen)
In the basic game, as shown in FIG. 10, in the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141, the scroll of the symbol columns of the video reels 3a to 3e is started for each unit game, and then the scrolling is stopped. Is done. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11, a related image 161 representing an all scatter that is a payout rule of the basic game is displayed on the upper image display panel 131. The related image 161 includes a matrix image 191 with 5 columns and 3 rows. When the basic game is won, three or more of the 15 cell images 191a to 191o constituting the matrix image 191 are displayed. The cell images corresponding to the positions of the same type of symbols are displayed in a manner different from the other cell images. In FIG. 11, seven cell images 191a, 191b, 191d, 191e, 191h, 191k, and 191o are displayed in a manner different from other cell images. When there are a plurality of three or more symbols of the same type, the cell image corresponding to the position of one symbol and the cell image corresponding to the position of another symbol are displayed in different modes. In FIG. 11, three cell images 191a, 191d and 191h corresponding to the position of the symbol “10”, and four cell images 191b, 191e, 191k and 191o corresponding to the position of the symbol “MOON” Are displayed in different manners. Thereby, it is easy for the player to know that the basic game has been won.

  In the related image 161, a result image 192 indicating the game result of the unit game is displayed. The result image 192 shows that three “10” symbols are rearranged and four “MOON” symbols are rearranged. Thereby, the game result of the unit game is easily grasped by the player.

(Bonus game screen)
In the bonus game, as shown in FIG. 10, for each unit game, the scroll of the symbol columns of the video reels 3a to 3e is started in the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141, and then the scrolling is stopped. Is done. Thereafter, a related image representing the bonus game payout rule is displayed on the upper image display panel 131. When the all scatter is selected as the payout rule, as shown in FIG. 11, the related image 161 representing the all scatter as the payout rule is displayed on the upper image display panel 131. The related image 161 is as described above.

  Further, in the bonus game, when 9 lines are selected as the payout rule, as shown in FIG. 12, a related image 162 representing 9 lines as the payout rule is displayed on the upper image display panel 131. The related image 162 includes a matrix image 193 of 5 columns and 3 rows and line images 194a to 194i showing nine paylines. When the bonus game is won, three or more of the same type are included. The line image corresponding to the payline in which the symbols are continuously arranged is displayed in a manner different from the other line images. In FIG. 12, a line image 194f corresponding to the sixth payline is displayed in a mode different from other line images. Thereby, it is easy for the player to know that the bonus game has been won.

  In the related image 162, a result image 195 indicating the game result of the unit game is displayed. The result image 195 represents that three “10” symbols are displayed in succession on the sixth payline. Thereby, the game result of the unit game is easily grasped by the player.

  Further, in the bonus game, when 20 lines are selected as the payout rule, a related image 163 representing the 20 lines as the payout rule is displayed on the upper image display panel 131 as shown in FIG. The related image 163 includes a matrix image 196 with 5 columns and 3 rows and line images 197a to 197t showing 20 paylines. When the bonus game is won, 3 or more same types are included. The line image corresponding to the payline in which the symbols are continuously arranged is displayed in a manner different from the other line images. In FIG. 13, a line image 197f corresponding to the sixth payline is displayed in a different manner from the other line images. Thereby, it is easy for the player to know that the bonus game has been won.

  In the related image 163, a result image 198 showing the game result of the unit game is displayed. The result image 198 shows that three “10” symbols are displayed in succession on the sixth payline. Thereby, the game result of the unit game is easily grasped by the player.

(Program contents)
Next, a program executed by the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Main control process)
First, the main control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the main CPU 71 reads the authenticated game program and game system program from the memory card 54 via the gaming board 50 and writes them to the RAM 73 (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S). 11).

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs an initialization process at the end of one game (S12). For example, unnecessary data for each game is cleared in the work area of the RAM 73, such as the number of BETs and symbols determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a coin insertion / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15 (S13). In this process, input of a BET switch or a spin switch is checked.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs symbol lottery processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 18 (S14). In this process, the symbol to be stopped is determined based on the random number for symbol determination.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a mystery bonus lottery process (S15). In this process, lottery is performed to determine whether to establish a mystery bonus trigger. For example, the main CPU 71 extracts a mystery bonus random value from a range of “0 to 99”, and establishes a mystery bonus trigger when the extracted random value is “0”.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs effect content determination processing (S16). The main CPU 31 extracts an effect random number value and determines any of a plurality of predetermined effect contents by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a symbol display control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 (S17). In this process, scrolling of the symbol column of each video reel 3 is started, and the scheduled stop symbol determined in the symbol lottery process of S14 is stopped at a predetermined position (for example, the upper area in the symbol display area 4). That is, three symbols including symbols to be stopped are displayed in the symbol display area 4. For example, if the symbol to be stopped is a symbol with a code number “10” and is displayed in the upper area, the symbols with the code numbers “11” and “12” are in the middle of the symbol display area 4. Displayed in each lower row.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a payout amount determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 20 (S18). In this process, the number of payouts is determined based on the number of symbols of the same type displayed in the symbol display area 4 and stored in a payout number counter provided in the RAM 73.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established (S19). When determining that the bonus game trigger has been established, the main CPU 71 conducts bonus game processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 (S20).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a mystery bonus trigger has been established after the processing of S20 or when it is determined in S19 that a bonus game trigger has not been established (S21). When determining that the mystery bonus trigger has been established, the main CPU 71 performs a mystery bonus process (S22). In this process, the number of payouts set for the mystery bonus (for example, 300) is stored in a payout number counter provided in the RAM 73.

  After the process of S22 or when determining that the mystery bonus trigger has not been established in S21, the main CPU 71 performs an insurance check process described later with reference to FIG. 21 (S23). In this process, it is checked whether or not to pay out by insurance.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a payout process (S24). The main CPU 71 adds the value stored in the payout number counter to the credit number counter provided in the RAM 73. The driving of the hopper 113 may be controlled based on the input of the CASHOUT switch 33S, and coins corresponding to the value stored in the payout number counter may be discharged from the coin payout exit 15A. Alternatively, the ticket printer 171 may be driven to issue a barcoded ticket in which the value stored in the payout counter is recorded. After this processing is performed, the process proceeds to S12.

(Coin insertion / start check process)
Next, a coin insertion / start check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not coin insertion has been detected by the coin counter 92C (S41). When determining that coin insertion has been detected, the main CPU 71 adds a credit counter (S42). In addition to the insertion of coins, it is determined whether or not the insertion of banknotes is detected by the banknote discriminator 115, and when it is determined that the insertion of banknotes is detected, the value corresponding to the banknotes is added to the credit counter. You may make it do.

  The main CPU 71 determines whether or not the credit number counter is 0 after S42 or when it is determined in S41 that coin insertion has not been detected (S43). When the main CPU 71 determines that the credit counter is not 0, the main CPU 71 permits operation acceptance of the BET button (S44).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not an operation of the BET button is detected (S45). When the main CPU 71 detects that the BET button has been pressed by the player using the BET switch, the main CPU 71 adds the BET number counter provided in the RAM 73 and subtracts the credit number counter based on the type of the BET button ( S46).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the BET number counter is maximum (S47). When the main CPU 71 determines that the BET number counter is maximum, the main CPU 71 prohibits updating of the BET number counter (S48). The main CPU 71 permits the operation reception of the spin button after S48 or when it is determined in S47 that the BET number counter is not the maximum (S49).

  When the main CPU 71 determines after S49 that the operation of the BET button is not detected in S45, or when it is determined that the credit number counter is 0 in S43, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the operation of the spin button is detected. Discriminate (S50). When determining that the operation of the spin button has not been detected, the main CPU 71 shifts to S41.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the operation of the spin button has been detected, the main CPU 71 performs jackpot-related processing described later with reference to FIG. 16 (S51). In this process, the amount accumulated in the jackpot amount is calculated and transmitted to the external control device 200.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs insurance-related processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 17 (S52). In this process, the number of games that triggers payout by insurance is counted. When this process is performed, the coin insertion / start check process is terminated.

(Jackpot related processing)
Next, jackpot-related processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 calculates an accumulated amount (S71). The main CPU 71 obtains the product of the value of the BET number counter and a preset cumulative ratio, and calculates the cumulative amount to the jackpot amount.

  Next, the main CPU 71 transmits the calculated accumulated amount to the external control device 200 (S72). When receiving the accumulated amount, the external control device 200 updates the jackpot amount. When this process is performed, the jackpot-related process is terminated.

(Insurance related processing)
Next, insurance-related processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance effective flag is on (S91). The insurance-effective flag is set to ON when an instruction to enable insurance is input by the player in the insurance selection process described later with reference to FIG.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is not on, the main CPU 71 ends the insurance-related processing. On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is on, the main CPU 71 updates the insurance game number counter provided in the RAM 73 (S92). The insurance game number counter is a counter for managing the number of games until the payout by insurance is performed. In the process of S92, the main CPU 31 adds 1 to the insurance game number counter. When this process is performed, the insurance-related process is terminated.

(Symbol lottery processing)
Next, the symbol lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 extracts a random number for symbol determination (S111). Next, the main CPU 71 determines to-be stopped symbols for each video reel 3 by lottery (S112). The main CPU 71 performs lottery according to each video reel 3, and determines any of the 22 symbols (code numbers “00” to “21”) as the scheduled stop symbols. At this time, each of the 22 symbols (code numbers “00” to “21”) is determined with an equal probability (that is, 1/22).

  Next, the main CPU 71 stores the determined to-be stopped symbols for each video reel 3 in a symbol storage area provided in the RAM 73 (S113). Next, the main CPU 71 refers to the symbol combination table (FIG. 7) and determines a winning combination based on the symbol storage area (S114). The main CPU 31 determines whether the combination of symbols displayed on the winning line by each video reel 3 matches the combination of symbols specified in the symbol combination table, and determines the winning combination. When this process is performed, the symbol lottery process is terminated.

(Symbol display control processing)
Next, the symbol display control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 starts scrolling the symbol column of each video reel 3 displayed in the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 (S131). Next, the main CPU 71 stops scrolling the symbol column of each video reel 3 based on the above-described symbol storage area (S132). When this process is performed, the symbol display control process is terminated.

(Payout number determination process)
Next, with reference to FIG. 20, the payout amount determination process will be described.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the winning combination is a jackpot (S151). When determining that the winning combination is not a jackpot, the main CPU 71 determines the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination (S152). For example, when the winning combination is “10”, the number of payouts per bet is determined (see FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C). In the case of a loss, “0” is determined as the number of payouts. Next, the main CPU 71 stores the determined number of payouts in the payout number counter (S153). When this process is performed, the payout number determination process is terminated.

  When determining that the winning combination is a jackpot, the main CPU 71 notifies the external control device 200 that the jackpot has been won (S154). When receiving the notification, the external control device 200 transmits the jackpot amount that has been updated so far to the gaming machine 1. At this time, a part of the jackpot amount (for example, 80%) may be paid out, and the remaining part (for example, 20%) may be carried over in preparation for the next jackpot trigger establishment.

  Next, the main CPU 71 receives the amount of jackpot from the external control device 200 (S155). Next, the main CPU 71 stores the received jackpot amount in the payout counter (S156). When this process is performed, the payout number determination process is terminated.

(Insurance check processing)
Next, the insurance check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance effective flag is on (S171). When the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is not on, the main CPU 71 ends the insurance-check process.

  When determining that the insurance-effective flag is on, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined winning combination has been established (S172). In the present embodiment, “bonus game trigger”, “jackpot”, and “mystery bonus” are targeted as predetermined winning combinations.

  When determining that the predetermined winning combination has not been established, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance game number counter has reached a predetermined number (for example, 300) (S173). When the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance game number counter has not reached the predetermined number of times, the main CPU 71 ends the insurance check process.

  When determining that the insurance game number counter has reached the predetermined number, the main CPU 71 conducts payout processing based on the insurance amount (S174). The main CPU 31 adds a predetermined amount (for example, 200) as the insurance amount to the credit number counter.

  The main CPU 71 resets the insurance game number counter after S174 or when determining that a predetermined winning combination has been established in S172 (S175). Next, the main CPU 71 turns off the insurance effective flag (S176). When this process is performed, the insurance check process is terminated.

(Bonus game processing)
Next, the bonus game process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines the number of bonus games (S191). The main CPU 71 extracts a random number for determining the number of bonus games, and determines one of a plurality of types of bonus games such as “50”, “70”, and “100” by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 stores the determined bonus game number in a bonus game number counter provided in the RAM 73 (S192).

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs an initialization process at the end of one game, similarly to the process of S12 described with reference to FIG. 14 (S193). Next, the main CPU 71 performs the symbol lottery process described with reference to FIG. 18 (S194). Next, the main CPU 71 performs an effect content determination process in the same manner as the process of S16 described with reference to FIG. 14 (S195). Next, the main CPU 71 performs the symbol display control process described with reference to FIG. 19 (S196).

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts payout rule determination processing (S197). The main CPU 71 uses the payout rule determination table described with reference to FIG. 8 to determine any of the all scatter, 9 lines, and 20 lines as the payout rule.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts related image display processing (S198). The main CPU 71 causes the upper image display panel 131 to display a related image corresponding to the determined payout rule. The main CPU 71 transmits a command to display a related image to the graphic board 130. Based on the command, the graphic board 130 generates a related image and displays it on the upper image display panel 131.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a payout amount determination process described with reference to FIG. 20 (S199). The number of payouts is determined using a payout table corresponding to the payout rule among the payout tables described with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established (S200). When determining that the bonus game trigger has been established, the main CPU 71 determines the number of bonus games to be added (S201). Similar to the processing of S191 described above, the number of bonus games is determined. Next, the main CPU 71 adds the determined bonus game number to the bonus game number counter (S202).

  The main CPU 71 performs a payout process after the process of S202 or when it is determined in S200 that the bonus game trigger has not been established (S203). In this payout process, the main CPU 71 adds the value of the payout number counter stored in the payout number determination process of S199 described above to the bonus payout number counter. The bonus payout counter is for managing the total payout determined during the bonus game.

  When the bonus game process is completed, the main CPU 71 sets the value stored in the bonus payout counter to the credit number counter provided in the RAM 73 in the payout process of S24 described with reference to FIG. to add. That is, the total number of payouts determined in the bonus game is paid out collectively. Note that coins may be discharged from the coin payout exit 15A, or a ticket with a barcode may be issued.

  Next, the main CPU 71 decrements the bonus game number counter by 1 (S204). Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the bonus game number counter is 0 (S205). When the main CPU 71 determines that the bonus game number counter is not 0, the process proceeds to S193. On the other hand, when it is determined that the bonus game number counter is 0, the bonus game process is terminated. When the bonus game process ends, the process proceeds to S21 described with reference to FIG.

  Thus, when a bonus game executed independently of the basic game is won, a payout is determined based on the payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule, and this payout is awarded to the player. . As a result, even if the game result of the bonus game is the same, the payout given to the player differs depending on the selected payout rule, so that the player's expectation for the payout given in the bonus game is likely to increase.

  Further, since a related image corresponding to the selected payout rule is displayed on the upper image display panel 131, it is easy for the player to know which payout rule is determined based on which payout rule.

  In the bonus game, one of a plurality of payout rules is selected with a probability associated with each payout rule. As a result, when the probability associated with a specific payout rule is changed, the specific payout rule is easily selected or difficult to select, and the bonus game is likely to change.

(Insurance selection process)
Next, the insurance selection process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance effective flag is on (S221). When determining that the insurance-effective flag is not on, the main CPU 71 displays an insurance-ineffective image (S222). The main CPU 71 transmits a command to display the insurance invalid image to the graphic board 130. Based on the command, the graphic board 130 generates an insurance invalid image and displays it on the lower image display panel 141.

  As the insurance invalid image, for example, an image indicating “INSURANCE BET $ 1.00 TOUCH TO BET” is displayed. This image is an image for prompting the player to select whether to activate insurance and notifying the player of an amount necessary for enabling insurance. The player can input an instruction to activate insurance by touching a predetermined location on the touch panel 114.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 71 determines whether there is an insurance-effective instruction input (S223). If the main CPU 71 determines that there is no insurance-effective instruction input, the main CPU 71 keeps the insurance-effective flag off and proceeds to S221. On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that there is an insurance-effective instruction input, the main CPU 71 turns on the insurance-effective flag (S224).

  Next, the main CPU 71 subtracts the insurance participation value from the credit number counter (S225). In the present embodiment, for example, a value corresponding to 1 dollar is subtracted from the credit number counter. The main CPU 71 displays an insurance-effective image after S225 or when it is determined in S221 that the insurance-effective flag is on (S226).

  As the insurance effective image, for example, an image indicating “INSURANCE CONTINUED WIN 200 CREDIT” is displayed. This image informs the player that the insurance is valid and that the value of “200” is added to the credit counter when the insurance condition is satisfied. When this process is performed, the process proceeds to S221.

(Modification of this embodiment)
The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited, and the specific configuration and the like can be appropriately changed in design. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the probability associated with each payout rule is almost the same. However, as shown in FIG. 24, the specific probability associated with a specific payout rule (all scatter) may be lower than the other probabilities associated with other payout rules. Thereby, since it is difficult to select a specific payout rule, it is easy to cause a change in the bonus game. The specific payout rule is not limited to all scatter. Further, the probabilities associated with each payout rule may be different from each other so as to be large, medium, and small.

  Further, the number of payout rules is not limited to three, and may be four or more. The more types of payout rules, the easier it is to change the bonus game.

  In the embodiment described above, the payout rule is selected for each unit game. However, the payout rule is selected every time a randomly determined number of unit games are played. It may be. As a result, the payout rule changes irregularly, so that it is easy to cause a change in the bonus game.

  In the above-described embodiment, the all-scatter that is the basic game payout rule is selected as the payout rule in the bonus game. However, the basic game payout rule and the payout selected in the bonus game are selected. The rules may be different from each other. In this case, since the content of the bonus game is different from the content of the basic game, the interest given to the player by the bonus game is increased.

  In the above detailed description, the present invention has been described mainly with respect to characteristic parts so that the present invention can be more easily understood. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the above detailed description, and other implementations are possible. It can also be applied to forms and its scope should be interpreted as widely as possible. The terms and terminology used in the present specification are used to accurately describe the present invention, and are not used to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Moreover, it would be easy for those skilled in the art to infer other configurations, systems, methods, and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in this specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims should be regarded as including an equivalent configuration without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, the purpose of the abstract is to allow the patent office and general public organizations, engineers belonging to this technical field who are not familiar with patents, legal terms or technical terms to understand the technical content and essence of this application. It is intended to be able to make a quick decision with a simple survey. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the claims. In addition, in order to fully understand the object of the present invention and the effects of the present invention, it is desirable to fully consider the literatures already disclosed.

  The above detailed description includes processing executed on a computer or a computer network. The above description and expressions are described for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the most efficiently. In this specification, each step used for deriving one result or a block having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In each step and each block, transmission / reception of electric or magnetic signals, recording, and the like are performed. In the processing in each step and each block, such a signal is expressed by bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., but these are used only for convenience of explanation. It is necessary to pay attention to. In addition, the processes in each step and each block may be described in expressions common to human behavior, but the processes described in this specification are executed by various devices in principle. Further, other configurations required for each step and each block are obvious from the above description.

1 Gaming machine (slot machine)
3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e Video reel 4 Symbol display area 71 Main CPU
131 Upper image display panel 141 Lower image display panel 161, 162, 163 Related image 180 Symbol 200 External control device 300 Game system

Claims (6)

A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A dividend granting device for granting a dividend;
A payout rule storage device for storing a plurality of payout rules which are rules relating to the awarding of the payout
A controller programmed to operate as in (a1) to (a5) below;
Is provided.
(A1) A normal game is executed,
(A2) When the base game is won, the payout is awarded by the payout awarding device;
(A3) When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal game, a special game independent from the normal game is executed,
(A4) In the special game, one of the plurality of payout rules is randomly selected,
(A5) When the special game is won, a payout based on the selected payout rule is given by the payout giving device. A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A dividend granting device for granting a dividend;
A payout rule storage device for storing a plurality of payout rules which are rules relating to the awarding of the payout;
An image display device for displaying an image;
A controller programmed to operate as in (b1) to (b6) below;
Is provided.
(B1) A normal game is executed,
(B2) When winning the base game, the payout device gives the payout,
(B3) When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal game, a special game independent from the normal game is executed,
(B4) In the special game, one of the plurality of payout rules is randomly selected,
(B5) causing the image display device to display an image according to the selected payout rule;
(B6) When the special game is won, a payout based on the selected payout rule is given by the payout giving device. A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A dividend granting device for granting a dividend;
A payout rule storage device for storing a plurality of payout rules which are rules relating to the awarding of the payout;
A payout table storage device that is provided for each payout rule and stores a plurality of payout tables used when determining a payout according to a corresponding payout rule;
A controller programmed to operate as in (c1) to (c6) below;
Is provided.
(C1) A normal game is executed,
(C2) When the base game is won, the payout is given by the payout giving device;
(C3) When a predetermined condition is established in the normal game, a special game independent from the normal game is executed,
(C4) In the special game, randomly select one of the plurality of payout rules,
(C5) When winning the special game, the payout is determined based on a payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule;
(C6) The determined payout is awarded by the payout giving device. A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A dividend granting device for granting a dividend;
A payout rule storage device for storing a plurality of payout rules which are rules relating to the awarding of the payout;
A probability storage device for storing the probability associated with each payout rule;
A payout table storage device that is provided for each payout rule and stores a plurality of payout tables used when determining a payout according to a corresponding payout rule;
An image display device for displaying an image;
A controller programmed to operate as (d1) to (d7) below;
Is provided.
(D1) A normal game is executed,
(D2) When winning the base game, the payout device gives the payout,
(D3) When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal game, a special game independent from the normal game is executed,
(D4) In the special game, one of the plurality of payout rules is selected with a probability associated with each payout rule,
(D5) causing the image display device to display an image according to the selected payout rule;
(D6) If the special game is won, the payout is determined based on a payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule;
(D7) The determined payout is awarded by the payout giving device. A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A dividend granting device for granting a dividend;
A payout rule storage device for storing a plurality of payout rules which are rules relating to the awarding of the payout;
A probability storage device for storing a specific probability associated with a specific payout rule and another probability higher than the specific probability associated with another payout rule;
A payout table storage device that is provided for each payout rule and stores a plurality of payout tables used when determining a payout according to a corresponding payout rule;
An image display device for displaying an image;
A controller programmed to operate as in (e1) to (e7) below;
Is provided.
(E1) Run a normal game,
(E2) When the base game is won, the payout is awarded by the payout giving device;
(E3) When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal game, a special game independent from the normal game is executed,
(E4) In the special game, one of the plurality of payout rules is selected with a probability associated with each payout rule,
(E5) causing the image display device to display an image according to the selected payout rule;
(E6) When winning the special game, the payout is determined based on a payout table corresponding to the selected payout rule,
(E7) The determined payout is awarded by the payout giving device. It ’s a way to play gaming machines,
The playing method of the gaming machine is:
(F1) executing a normal game;
(F2) a step of awarding a payout by a payout award device when the normal game is won;
(F3) executing a special game when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the base game;
(F4) In the special game, randomly selecting any of a plurality of payout rules that are rules relating to the awarding of the payout in the special game;
(F5) a step of giving a payout based on the selected payout rule by the payout awarding device when the special game is won;
including.

Images