JP2011030896A - Gaming machine permitting rearrangement with special symbol, and play method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine capable of making a player greatly expectant till all the symbols are rearranged, and a play method thereof. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of symbols 180 including a special symbol 181 are rearranged in an arrangement area 160 based on prescribed timing, and whether or not the special symbol 180 is included in a plurality of symbols 180 rearranged in an effective display area 150 of the arrangement area 160 is determined. If the special symbol 181 is included, whether or not the special symbol 181 is present at a special position 190 within the arrangement area 160 specified based on the position of the special symbol 181 in the effective display area 150 is determined. If the special symbol 181 is present, the special symbol 181 is moved from the specific position 190 to the effective display area 150 in the direction of arrangement, and a dividend is given according to the relations among the plurality of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area 150. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine and a playing method thereof.

  In a conventional gaming machine, for example, in a slot machine, when a player inserts a game medium such as a coin or bill into the slot machine slot and inputs a spin button, a plurality of symbols are displayed on a display provided on the front of the housing. Is scrolled and then each symbol automatically stops.

  In such a slot machine, a dividend is determined according to the symbols rearranged on the display. For example, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a payout is awarded when symbols stopped and displayed on the winning line are in a predetermined combination. Further, regardless of the winning line, a payout is awarded according to the number of symbols called scatter symbols displayed on the display.

US Pat. No. 6,604,999 B2 US Patent No. 2002065124A1

  In the conventional slot machine, symbols are randomly determined based on a predetermined condition, and the determined symbols are sequentially displayed on the display and rearranged. However, the player may be able to predict whether or not a dividend will be given to some extent by visually recognizing symbols that are sequentially stopped and displayed before all the symbols are rearranged. there were.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine having entertainment characteristics that is not in the prior art described above and a playing method thereof.

  More specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine and a playing method thereof that make a player feel high expectations until all symbols are rearranged.

  The present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, and includes a display device that has an arrangement area in which a plurality of symbols including special symbols are arranged in a matrix and displays the plurality of symbols in an effective display area in the arrangement area; And a controller programmed to perform the operations (a1) to (a5) below.

The controller is
(A1) A process of executing a first rearrangement that rearranges the plurality of symbols in the arrangement area based on a predetermined timing;
(A2) a process for determining whether or not the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area include special symbols;
(A3) When it is determined that the special symbol is included, it is determined whether or not the special symbol exists at a specific position in the arrangement area specified based on the arrangement position of the special symbol in the effective display area. Processing,
(A4) When the special symbol exists, a process of executing a second rearrangement for moving the special symbol from the specific position to the effective display area in the arrangement position direction;
(A5) a process of giving a payout according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area;
Execute.

  According to said structure, when a special symbol is arrange | positioned in an effective display area | region, a special symbol can be arrange | positioned in the position adjacent to an arrangement position. Furthermore, when a special symbol exists at a specific position based on the arrangement position of the special symbol, the special symbol at the specific position can be moved in the direction of the arrangement position. As a result, the special symbols can be brought close to each other, so that the expected value for giving a dividend is increased. As a result, since the possibility of giving a dividend is not predicted by the player until all the symbols are rearranged, it is possible to provide entertainment that makes the player feel a great expectation until the end of the game.

  In addition, the present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, and has a placement area where a plurality of symbols including special symbols are arranged in a matrix, and displays the plurality of symbols in the effective display area in the placement area And a controller programmed to perform the following operations (a1) to (a5).

The controller is
(A1) A process of executing a first rearrangement that rearranges the plurality of symbols in the arrangement area based on a predetermined timing;
(A2) a process for determining whether or not the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area include special symbols;
(A3) When it is determined that the special symbol is included, it is determined whether or not the special symbol exists at a specific position in the arrangement area specified based on the arrangement position of the special symbol in the effective display area. Processing,
(A4) A second symbol is arranged at a position adjacent to the arrangement position, and when the special symbol exists, the special symbol is moved from the specific position to the effective display area in the arrangement position direction. The process of performing the placement,
(A5) a process of giving a payout according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area;
Execute.

  According to said structure, when a special symbol is arrange | positioned in an effective display area | region, a special symbol can be arrange | positioned in the position adjacent to an arrangement position. Furthermore, when a special symbol exists at a specific position based on the arrangement position of the special symbol, the special symbol at the specific position can be moved in the direction of the arrangement position. As a result, the special symbols can be brought close to each other, so that the expected value for giving a dividend is increased. As a result, since the possibility of giving a dividend is not predicted by the player until all the symbols are rearranged, it is possible to provide entertainment that makes the player feel a great expectation until the end of the game.

  In addition, the controller of the slot machine of the present invention rearranges the special symbol at the specific position and the destination in the movement of the special symbol from the specific position to the arrangement position direction in the processing of (a4). The position of the symbol may be replaced.

  According to the above configuration, in the movement of the special symbol from the specific position to the arrangement position direction, the positions of the special symbol and the symbol rearranged at the movement destination are replaced. As a result, it is possible to expect a payout due to the replacement of the positions of both symbols, thereby providing new entertainment.

  The present invention is a gaming machine playing method in which a plurality of symbols including special symbols are arranged in a matrix in an arrangement area, and the plurality of symbols in the effective display area in the arrangement area are displayed. To do.

That is, the playing method of the gaming machine is:
(A1) executing a first rearrangement for rearranging the plurality of symbols in the arrangement area based on a predetermined timing;
(A2) determining whether the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area include special symbols;
(A3) When it is determined that the special symbol is included, it is determined whether or not the special symbol exists at a specific position in the arrangement area specified based on the arrangement position of the special symbol in the effective display area. And steps to
(A4) when the special symbol exists, performing a second rearrangement for moving the special symbol from the specific position to the effective display area in the arrangement position direction;
(A5) including a step of giving a payout according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area as a result of the first rearrangement and / or the second rearrangement.

  According to the above configuration, when a special symbol is arranged in the effective display area and there is a special symbol at a specific position based on the arrangement position of the special symbol, the special symbol at the specific position is moved to the arrangement position direction. Can be moved to. As a result, the special symbols can be brought close to each other, so that the expected value for giving a dividend is increased. As a result, since the player does not predict the possibility of giving a dividend until all the symbols are rearranged, it is possible to provide entertainment that makes the player feel high expectations until the end of the game.

  The present invention provides entertainment such that the player feels great expectations until the end of the game.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of the gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming machine. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a game system. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a display state. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a display state. It is explanatory drawing which shows a symbol row | line | column. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | positioning area | region storage table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a display state. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a display state. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a display state. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a slot machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is a figure which shows a payout table. It is a flowchart which shows starting processing. It is a flowchart which shows an initial process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal game execution process. It is a flowchart which shows a 2nd rearrangement process.

(Outline of gaming machine)
The gaming machine rearranges a plurality of symbols in the arrangement area as the first rearrangement and includes a special symbol in the effective display area in the arrangement area as the second rearrangement, and the special symbol at the specific position When the symbol exists, the special symbol at the specific position is moved.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 has an arrangement area 160 in which a plurality of symbols 180 including special symbols 181 are arranged in a matrix, and a plurality of effective display areas 150 in the arrangement area 160 are arranged. It has the 1st structure which has the display apparatus 101 which displays the symbol 180, and the controller 100 programmed so that the process of the following (a1)-(a5) may be performed.

  The processing (a1) to (a5) executed by the controller 100 of the gaming machine 1 will be described. (A1) is a first rearrangement in which a plurality of symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangement area 160 based on a predetermined timing. Is a process of executing. (A2) is a process of determining whether or not the plurality of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area 150 include the special symbol 181. In (a3), when it is determined that the special symbol 181 is included, whether the special symbol 181 exists at a specific position in the arrangement area 160 specified based on the arrangement position of the special symbol 181 in the effective display area 150. This is a process for determining whether or not. (A4) is a process of executing the second rearrangement in which, when the special symbol 181 exists, the special symbol 181 is moved from the specific position to the effective display area 150 in the arrangement position 160 direction. (A5) is a process of giving a payout according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area 150.

  Here, the display device 101 may be mechanically configured with a reel device that arranges the symbols 180 by rotating the reels, or has an electrical configuration in which the symbols 180 are arranged by video reels that display images. May be. Further, the display device 101 may be configured by combining a mechanical configuration (reel) and an electrical configuration (video reel). Examples of the electrical configuration include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display device, and an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display device. Further, any number of display windows 151 to 155 (effective display areas 150) to be described later may be used. A specific configuration of the display device 101 will be described later.

  Here, “arrangement” means that the symbol 180 can be visually confirmed by an external player. That is, the symbol 180 is displayed in the effective display area 150. Further, “rearrangement” means a state where the symbol 180 is arranged again after the arrangement of the symbol 180 is released.

  The “arrangement area” is used to determine a matrix-like arrangement mode of the symbols 180. That is, the symbol 180 is arranged in each of the cells of the matrix arrangement region 160, and the arrangement mode of the symbol 180 is determined. The symbol 180 in the effective display area 150 which is a predetermined area in the arrangement area 160 is displayed on the display device 101.

  In the present embodiment, the effective display area 150 (display windows 151 to 155) is a part of the arrangement area. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the entire arrangement area 160 may be the effective display area 150. In the present embodiment, the symbols 180 in the arrangement area 160 excluding the effective display area 150 are not displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. All the symbols 180 in the arrangement area 160 excluding the effective display area 150, or A part of the symbol 180 in the arrangement area 160 may be displayed.

  Further, the “arrangement area” is not limited to an area actually provided on the display device 101 as shown in FIG. 1, but may be virtually provided on the display device 101. That is, the state where the “display device has an arrangement area” state is a state in which the gaming machine 1 has a storage area corresponding to each cell of the matrix of the arrangement area 160 or an arrangement in each cell of the matrix of the arrangement area 160. This includes a state having a storage area for storing information for determining the symbol 180. Accordingly, the first rearrangement process (a1) executed by the gaming machine 1 is a process of determining a symbol 180 to be rearranged in the arrangement area 160 and storing information indicating the symbol 180 to be rearranged in the storage area. There may be. In this case, the display apparatus 101 displays symbols corresponding to the effective display area 150 among a plurality of symbols stored in a memory or the like.

  The “special symbol” is a symbol that triggers execution of the second rearrangement when rearranged in the effective display area 150. That is, when the special symbol 181 is included in the plurality of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area 150 of the display device 101, the second rearrangement is executed based on the arrangement position of the special symbol 181.

  In the present embodiment, the special symbol 181 includes a magnet trigger symbol 181a and a magnet kind symbol 181b. When the magnet trigger symbol 181a is rearranged in the effective display area 150, the magnet kind symbol 181b. However, the second rearrangement is not limited to this. For example, the special symbol 181 may be one type or may be three or more types. Further, the second rearrangement may be executed when the effective display area 150 is arranged at a predetermined position.

  The “specific position” is a position in the arrangement area 160 where the special symbol 181 is determined based on the arrangement position in the effective display area 150. In the present embodiment, the specific position indicates a position separated by two cells in six diagonal directions from the arrangement position of the magnet trigger symbol 181a. However, the specific position is not limited to this. For example, the specific position is two cells in eight diagonal directions. It may indicate a separated position or may indicate all positions that are separated by two cells or more.

  In the present embodiment, the second rearrangement in which the special symbol 181 is arranged above and below the arrangement position of the special symbol 181 is executed even when the special symbol 181 is not present at the specific position. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the special symbol 181 does not exist at a specific position, the second rearrangement may not be performed.

  The “effective display area from the specific position to the arrangement position direction” indicates a position close to the arrangement position between the arrangement position and the specific position. In the present embodiment, the “effective display area from the specific position to the arrangement position direction” indicates a position adjacent to the arrangement position one cell away from the arrangement position in six diagonal directions. Note that the position is not limited to this, and any position closer to the arrangement position than the specific position is acceptable.

  Also, “awarding a dividend according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area” means symbols displayed in the effective display area 150 as a result of the first rearrangement and the second rearrangement. When 180 satisfies a predetermined condition, a payout is awarded. In the present embodiment, the awarding of the dividend is determined in each of the first rearrangement and the second rearrangement, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the second rearrangement is not executed, it is determined that the dividend is awarded after the first rearrangement. When the second rearrangement is executed, the dividend is determined after the second rearrangement. It may be a thing.

  In addition, “awarding a dividend” includes a state that is advantageous for awarding a dividend. That is, it includes a state in which a so-called free game in which a unit game can be executed without using a BET as a condition, and a state in which symbols of the same kind 180 are easily rearranged. Here, the “unit game” is a series of operations from the start of BET acceptance until a state where a prize can be established. For example, the unit game of the normal 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.

  In the present embodiment, the processes (a1) to (a5) executed by the controller 100 of the gaming machine 1 are executed in the normal game, but are not limited thereto. For example, the processes (a1) to (a5) may be executed in a free game, bonus game, common game, and insurance insurance process.

  Insurance is a function provided for the purpose of relieving a player from a situation where a bonus game has not been played for a long period of time. For example, when the gaming state does not shift to the bonus game during a predetermined number of unit games, insurance processing that is advantageous for giving a payout or giving a payout is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the normal game is a so-called slot game. When the unit game of the slot game is bet, the symbol row with the plurality of symbols 180 is scroll-displayed on the display device 101, and then the plurality of symbols 180 are stopped and displayed.

  In addition, when the same type of symbols 180 are rearranged in adjacent cells of the effective display area 150, a payout is awarded according to the number of adjacent symbols 180, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a so-called scatter symbol system in which a payout is awarded according to the number of the same type of symbols 180 to be displayed may be used. Alternatively, for example, a payline may be set in the effective display area 150 and a payout may be awarded according to the number of the same type of symbols 180 on the payline.

  The gaming machine 1 having such a first configuration executes the first rearrangement in which the plurality of symbols 180 including the special symbol 181 are rearranged in the arrangement area 160 based on a predetermined timing, and the effective display area It is determined whether or not the plurality of symbols 180 rearranged at 150 include the special symbol 181, and when it is determined that the special symbol 181 is included, based on the arrangement position of the special symbol 181 in the effective display area 150. It is determined whether or not the special symbol 181 exists at a specific position in the arrangement area 160 specified in the above. When the special symbol 181 exists, the special symbol 181 is moved from the specific position to the effective display area 150 in the arrangement position direction. The second rearrangement to be moved is executed, and the arrangement according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area 150 is performed. It is realized how to play to grant. In other words, the gaming machine 1 is at least operable by the control method for executing the play method.

  Specifically, the playing method and the control method of the gaming machine 1 include a plurality of symbols in the effective display region 150 in the arrangement region 160 having the arrangement region 160 in which a plurality of symbols 180 including the special symbol 181 are arranged in a matrix. It is executed in a gaming machine 1 having a display device 101 for displaying 180 and a controller 100 programmed to execute the first rearrangement process and the second rearrangement process.

  The controller 100 of the gaming machine 1 performs a first step of executing a first rearrangement in which the plurality of symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangement area 160 based on a predetermined timing, and a plurality of rearrangements in the effective display area 150 A second step of determining whether or not the symbol 180 includes the special symbol 181 is specified based on the arrangement position of the special symbol 181 in the effective display area 150 when it is determined that the symbol 180 includes the special symbol 181. A third step of determining whether or not the special symbol 181 exists at a specific position in the arrangement area 160, and if the special symbol 181 exists, the special symbol 181 is moved from the specific position to the effective display area 150 in the arrangement position direction. A fourth step of executing the second rearrangement to be moved, and a plurality of rearrangements in the effective display area 150 A fifth step of awarding a payout according to the relationship of the symbol 180, the execution.

  As described above, when the special symbol 181 is arranged in the effective display area 150 and the special symbol 181 exists at a specific position based on the arrangement position of the special symbol 181, the special symbol 181 at the specific position is arranged. It can be moved in the position direction. As a result, the special symbols 181 can be brought close to each other, so that the expected value of the award is increased. As a result, since the possibility of giving a dividend is not predicted by the player until all of the plurality of symbols 180 are rearranged, it is possible to provide entertainment that makes the player feel great expectations until the end of the game.

  In addition to the first configuration, the gaming machine 1 may have a second configuration in which the controller 100 arranges the special symbol 181 at a position adjacent to the arrangement position in (a4).

  According to the above configuration, when the special symbol 181 is arranged in the effective display area 150, the special symbol 181 can be arranged at a position adjacent to the arrangement position. As a result, the special symbols 181 can be brought close to each other, so that the expected value of the award is increased. As a result, since the possibility of giving a dividend is not predicted by the player until all of the plurality of symbols 180 are rearranged, it is possible to provide entertainment that makes the player feel great expectations until the end of the game.

  In the present embodiment, the second rearrangement in which the special symbol 181 is arranged above and below the arrangement position of the special symbol 181 is executed regardless of whether or not the special symbol 181 is at a specific position. Not. For example, the special symbol 181 may be adjacent to all of the upper, lower, left, and right diagonal positions of the special symbol 181.

  In addition to the first or second configuration, the gaming machine 1 moves the special symbol 181 at the specific position when the controller 100 moves from the specific position of the special symbol 181 in (a4) toward the arrangement position. You may have the 3rd structure which replaces the position with the symbol 180 rearranged previously.

  According to the above configuration, in the movement of the special symbol from the specific position to the arrangement position direction, the positions of the special symbol and the symbol rearranged at the movement destination are replaced. As a result, it is possible to expect a payout due to the replacement of the positions of both symbols, thereby providing new entertainment.

(Function block of gaming machine 1)
In the present embodiment, the gaming machine 1 configured as described above is a stand-alone slot machine 10 as shown in FIG.

  The slot machine 10 includes a BET button unit 601, a spin button unit 602, and a display device 101, and a controller 100 that controls these units.

  The BET button unit 601 has a function of accepting a BET by a player's operation. The spin button unit 602 has a function of accepting the start of a game by a player's operation. The display device 101 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. The video display area 614b displays various types of effect video information executed while the game is in progress as a moving image or a still image.

  Specifically, the display device 101 has an arrangement area 160. In the arrangement area 160, a plurality of symbols 180 including special symbols 181 are arranged in a matrix. Further, the display device 101 displays a plurality of symbols 180 in the effective display area 150 in the arrangement area 160 in accordance with a command from the controller 100.

  The controller 100 includes a coin insertion / start check unit 603, a random value extraction unit 615, a symbol determination unit 612, a special symbol control unit 621, an effect random number extraction unit 616, an effect content determination unit 613, a speaker A unit 617, a lamp unit 618, a winning determination unit 619, and a payout unit 620. By having these configurations, the controller 100 has a function of repeatedly executing a unit game. Note that a game state in which a unit game can be repeatedly executed is referred to as a “normal game”.

  The random number extraction unit 615 extracts a random number within a predetermined range when receiving a BET. The symbol determination unit 612 uses the random number value from the random value extraction unit 615 to determine the symbol 180 to be rearranged, and displays the symbol 180 determined based on a predetermined timing in the arrangement area of the display device 101. A function for executing the first rearrangement to be rearranged in 160, a function for causing the display device 101 to display the symbols 180 in the effective display area 150 among the symbols 180 rearranged in the arrangement area 160, and rearrangement information of the symbols 180 Is output to the winning determination unit 619, and a function of outputting an effect designation signal to the effect random number extraction unit 616 based on the rearrangement state of the symbols 180.

  The special symbol control unit 621 has a function of determining whether or not the plurality of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area 150 after the first rearrangement include the special symbol 181. That is, the special symbol control unit 621 has a function of determining whether or not the special symbol 181 is displayed on the display device 101.

  Further, when the special symbol control unit 621 determines that the special symbol 181 is included, the special symbol 181 is located at a specific position in the arrangement area 160 that is specified based on the arrangement position of the special symbol 181 in the effective display area 150. Has a function of determining whether or not exists. That is, the special symbol control unit 621 has a function of determining whether or not the special symbol 181 exists at a specific position regardless of whether or not the display is performed on the display device 101.

  In addition, when the special symbol 181 exists at a specific position, the special symbol control unit 621 has a function of executing a second rearrangement for moving the special symbol 181 from the specific position to the effective display area 150 in the arrangement position direction. Have. In other words, the special symbol control unit 621 has a function of moving the special symbol 181 at the specific position to the special symbol 181 at the arrangement position and displaying it on the display device 101.

  Further, when the gaming machine 1 has the above-described second configuration, the special symbol control unit 621 is positioned adjacent to the arrangement position regardless of the presence or absence of the special symbol 181 at the specific position in the second rearrangement. The special symbol 181 is arranged.

  Further, when the gaming machine 1 has the above-described third configuration, the special symbol control unit 621 moves with the special symbol 181 at the specific position when the special symbol 181 moves from the specific position to the arrangement position direction. It has a function of replacing the position with the symbol 180 rearranged earlier.

  Further, the special symbol control unit 621 has a function of outputting the rearrangement information of the symbols 180 as a result of the second rearrangement to the winning determination unit 619.

  When the effect random number extraction unit 616 receives an effect command signal from the symbol determination unit 612 and the special symbol control unit 621, the effect random number value is extracted to the effect content determination unit 613. It has a function to output. The effect content determination unit 613 has a function of determining the effect content using the effect random number value, a function of outputting video information of the determined effect content to the video display area 614b of the display device 101, 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.

  The winning determination unit 619 determines the presence / absence of a winning when the rearrangement information of the symbols 180 in the display state rearranged as a result of the first rearrangement and the second rearrangement on the display device 101 is obtained. And a function for calculating a payout amount based on the winning combination when it is determined that a winning is achieved, and a function for outputting a payout signal based on the payout amount to the payout unit 620. The payout unit 620 has a function of paying out game value to the player in the form of coins, medals, credits, and the like.

  Here, the “game value” is a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information 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 a ticket with a barcode, for example.

  Each block of the controller 100 may be formed by hardware, or may be formed by software as necessary.

(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.

<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 (A1).

<Symbol decision>
Next, when the spin button unit 602 is pressed by the player, the gaming machine 1 extracts a random number for symbol determination, and scrolls the symbol row in accordance with each of the plurality of video reels displayed on the display device 101. The symbol 180 to be displayed to the player when the player is stopped is determined (A2).

<Symbol display>
Next, the gaming machine 1 starts scrolling the symbol column of each video reel, and stops scrolling so that the determined symbol 180 is displayed to the player (A3).

  That is, the gaming machine 1 performs the first rearrangement in which the symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangement area 160 in the processes of A2 and A3, and displays the symbols 180 in the effective display area 150 in the arrangement area 160 on the display device 101. Let

(Special symbol placement judgment)
Next, the gaming machine 1 determines whether or not the special symbol 181 is arranged in the effective display area 150 as a result of the first rearrangement (A4). When the special symbol 181 is not arranged in the effective display area 150 (A4: NO), the process proceeds to A7 described later.

(Special symbol judgment at a specific position)
On the other hand, when the special symbol 181 is arranged in the effective display area 150 (A4: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol 181 is arranged at a specific position based on the arrangement position of the special symbol 181 in A4 ( A5). When the special symbol 181 is not arranged at the specific position (A5: NO), the process proceeds to A7 described later.

(Second rearrangement)
On the other hand, when the special symbol 181 is arranged at the specific position (A5), the second rearrangement is executed (A6). That is, the special symbol 181 at the specific position is moved in the direction of the special symbol 181 at the arrangement position.

<Winning determination>
Next, when the scrolling of the symbol column of each video reel is stopped, the gaming machine 1 determines whether or not the combination of the symbols 180 displayed to the player is related to winning (A7).

  That is, as a result of the first rearrangement and the result of the second rearrangement, it is determined whether or not the symbols 180 displayed in the effective display area 150 are combinations that give a payout. When the combination of symbols 180 is related to winning (A7: YES), the process proceeds to A8, and when the combination of symbols 180 is not related to winning (A7: NO), the process proceeds to A1.

<Payout>
Next, when the combination of symbols 180 displayed to the player is related to winning, the gaming machine 1 gives the player a privilege according to the combination type of the symbols 180 (A8).

  For example, when a combination of symbols 180 related to the payout of coins is displayed, the gaming machine 1 pays out a number of coins corresponding to the combination of symbols 180 to the player.

  Note that the gaming machine 1 that executes such processing is not limited to a single slot machine 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine 1 is a game composed of an external control device 200 such as a server and a plurality of slot machines 10 connected by a communication line 301 capable of data communication with the external control device 200. System 300 may also be used.

  The external control device 200 controls a plurality of slot machines 10. The external control device 200 is a so-called hall server installed in a gaming facility having a plurality of slot machines 10. Each slot machine 10 is assigned a unique identification number, and the external control device 200 determines the origin of data sent from each slot machine 10 based on the identification number. Also, when data is transmitted from the external control device 200 to the slot machine 10, the transmission destination is specified using the identification number.

  It should be noted 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.

  In the case of such a game system 300, as shown in FIG. 2, the coin insertion / start check unit 603 of the gaming machine 1 transmits data to the external control device 200, and the payout unit 620 receives data from the external control device 200. Can be received. As a result, the gaming machine 1 transmits information indicating a part of the bet amount when betting to the base game to the external control device 200, and according to the result of the common game that can be executed simultaneously by the plurality of slot machines 10, The game value corresponding to the accumulated value of a part of the amount can be paid out.

(Display state)
An example of the display state of the display device 101 in the operation process of the gaming machine 1 and the playing method will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. The display state will be described based on a configuration in which the lower image display panel 16 having a function as the display device 101 arranges the symbols 180 by the video reel method.

  Here, the symbols 180 arranged on the lower image display panel 16 are “THUNDER SP”, “THUNDER”, “SUN”, “UMBRELLA”, “K”, “Q”, “J”, “10”. It has a symbol to show. The symbol 180 indicating “THUNDER SP” and “THUNDER” is a special symbol 181. Further, “THUNDER SP” is the above-described magnet trigger symbol 181a, and “THUNDER” is the above-described magnet kind symbol 181b.

  The lower image display panel 16 has display windows 151 to 155 as an effective display area 150 for displaying the symbols 180 as described above. The display windows 151 to 155 are arranged at the center of the lower image display panel 16.

(Display state: first rearrangement)
First, the first rearrangement is displayed. Specifically, a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols 180 is scroll-displayed in the display windows 151 to 155 (see FIG. 5). Here, the display windows 151 to 155 are divided into upper stages 151a, 152a, 153a, 154a and 155a, middle stages 151b, 152b, 153b, 154b and 155b, and lower stages 151c, 152c, 153c, 154c and 155c. The symbols 180 are stopped (arranged) in the respective stages 151a to 155a, 151b to 155b, and 151c to 155c. For example, in FIG. 5, “THUNDER” is stopped in the upper stage 151 a of the display window 151, “SUN” is stopped in the middle stage 152 b of the display window 152, and “SUN” is stopped in the lower stage 153 c of the display window 153. As a result, the display windows 151 to 155 display a symbol matrix composed of five columns and three rows. An area where one symbol 180 in the symbol matrix is displayed is called a cell (cells 151a to 155a / 151b to 155b / 151c to 155c). The symbol matrix is not limited to 5 columns and 3 rows. In the present embodiment, the scroll display is stopped and displayed in the order of the display windows 151 to 155, but is not limited thereto.

  In the present embodiment, when four or more symbols 180 of the same type are adjacent to each other on the lower image display panel 16, a process of giving a payout such as paying out coins is performed. Specifically, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the “SUN” symbol 180 is arranged in the cells 152 b, 153 c, 154 b, 154 c, and 155 b in the effective display area 150. Among these, the four cells 153c, 154b, 154c, and 155b are adjacent to at least one of the cells. That is, since four “SUN” symbols 180 are adjacent to each other, a payout related to the “SUN” symbol 180 is awarded to the player. “THUNDER SP” and “THUNDER” are classified into the same type. That is, a payout is also awarded when there are four or more “THUNDER SP” and “THUNDER” symbols 180 adjacent to each other.

  Here, in the first rearrangement, a symbol string scroll-displayed in the display windows 151 to 155 will be described. The symbol column is formed by 22 symbols as shown in the symbol table of FIG. Any code number from 0 to 21 is assigned to each symbol constituting each symbol column. Each symbol column is configured by combining symbols of “THUNDER SP”, “THUNDER”, “J”, “Q”, “UMBRELLA”, “SUN”, “K”, and “10”. Such a symbol row is scroll-displayed, and three consecutive symbols in the symbol row are displayed in each of the display windows 151 to 155 as a stop mode.

  The stop mode after the symbol string is scroll-displayed is determined based on the contents in the arrangement area storage table stored in the RAM 43. That is, information indicating the symbol 180 determined based on the extracted random number value is stored in the arrangement area storage table, and the symbol displayed in the effective display area 150 based on the information of the symbol 180 stored in the arrangement area storage table. 180 is determined.

(Arrangement area storage table)
Here, the arrangement area storage table will be described with reference to FIG. In the arrangement area storage table, symbols 180 to be rearranged in the arrangement area 160 including the symbols 180 to be displayed in the effective display area 150 are stored. Specifically, in the arrangement area storage table, the arrangement area 160 stores arrangement columns 161 to 165 and symbols 180 corresponding to the arrangement rows d, a, b, c, and e. Among these, the arrangement columns 161 to 165 correspond to the display windows 151 to 155, and the arrangement rows a, b, and c correspond to the upper stage, the interruption, and the lower stage of the effective display area 150. That is, the symbols 180 corresponding to the arrangement rows a, b, and c in the arrangement columns 161 to 165 are displayed in the effective display area 150.

  In addition, the symbol 180 stored in the arrangement row d stores the symbol 180 one level higher in the symbol column (see FIG. 7) of the symbol 180 displayed on the upper stage of the effective display area 150. Further, the symbol 180 stored in the arrangement row e stores the symbol 180 one level lower in the symbol column (see FIG. 7) of the symbol 180 displayed in the lower stage of the effective display area 150. That is, in the arrangement area storage table, five consecutive symbols 180 are stored for each symbol column, and as shown in FIG. It is in a state that it has.

  In this way, the symbols 180 to be rearranged in the arrangement area 160 are determined, and the first rearrangement in which the symbols 180 in the effective display area 150 in the arrangement area 160 are displayed as a stop mode is executed. Note that when four or more “SUN” symbols 180 are arranged adjacent to each other in the effective display area 150, a bonus trigger occurs, and the gaming state shifts from the base game to the bonus game. Hereinafter, the “SUN” symbol 180 may be referred to as a trigger symbol.

  Here, the bonus game is a gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal game. In the present embodiment, the bonus game is a free game. A free game is a game that can be played a predetermined number of times without betting coins. The bonus game is not particularly limited as long as it is advantageous to the player, that is, if it is more advantageous than the normal game. For example, the bonus game has a higher probability than the normal game in a state where more game media can be obtained. A state where game media can be acquired, a state where the number of game media consumed is smaller than that of a normal game, and the like can be given. Specifically, free games, second games, feature games, and the like can be listed as bonus games.

  Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 6, four “SUN” symbols 180 are arranged adjacent to each other. That is, a payout corresponding to the “SUN” symbol 180 is awarded, and a free game that does not require a BET is started as a bonus game.

(Display state: second rearrangement)
Thus, in the effective display area 150, the symbol row is scroll-displayed, and after the plurality of symbols 180 are stopped and displayed, the second rearrangement is displayed. In the second rearrangement, when the magnet trigger symbol 181a as the special symbol 181 is displayed in the effective display area 150, the magnet kind symbol 181b is arranged above and below the magnet trigger symbol 181a and arranged at a specific position. A display is performed in which the magnet kind symbol 181b as the special symbol 181 is moved in the direction of the magnet trigger symbol 181a.

  Referring to FIG. 9, an example of a state in which the first rearrangement display is performed is shown. In the example of FIG. 9, the arrangement area 160 other than the effective display area 150 and the symbol 180 are indicated by two-dot chain lines and are not displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the entire arrangement area 160 may be always displayed, or the entire arrangement area 160 may be displayed in the second rearrangement.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the magnet trigger symbol 181a is displayed in the cell 153b of the effective display area 150 (the arrangement row b of the arrangement column 163 in the arrangement area 160) (the arrangement of the magnet trigger symbol 181a (special symbol 181)). position). First, display is made such that the magnet kind symbol 181b is arranged at the upper and lower positions of the magnet trigger symbol 181a.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, a display is performed in which the magnet kind symbol 181b is arranged in the arrangement rows a and b of the arrangement column 163 indicating the upper and lower sides of the magnet trigger symbol 181a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a magnet kind symbol 181b is arranged at a specific position 190 specified based on the arrangement position of the magnet trigger symbol 181a.

  Specifically, the specific position 190 is a cell that is separated from the arrangement position of the magnet trigger symbol 181a by two cells in the left-right direction and all diagonal directions. That is, when the magnet trigger symbol 181a is arranged in the arrangement row b of the arrangement column 163 in the arrangement area 160, the specific position 190 is six cells in the arrangement rows d, b, and e of the arrangement columns 161, 165. In FIG. 10, the magnet kind symbol 181b is arranged at a specific position 190 indicated by the arrangement row b of the arrangement column 161 and the arrangement rows b and e of the arrangement column 165.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the magnet kind symbol 181b is arranged at the specific position 190, a display for moving the second magnet kind symbol 181b of the cell from the arrangement position in the direction of the magnet trigger symbol 181a by one cell is performed. Is called.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the magnet kind symbol 181b at the specific position 190 is replaced with the magnet kind symbol 181b at the specific position 190 and the symbol 180 at the first cell position from the specific position 190 toward the magnet trigger symbol 181a. The display to replace is performed.

  Specifically, in the arrangement area storage table of FIG. 8, the magnet kind symbol 181b of the arrangement row b in the arrangement column 161 is replaced with the symbol 180 of the arrangement row b in the arrangement column 162, and the magnet of the arrangement row d in the arrangement column 163. The kind symbol 181b is replaced with the symbol 180 in the arrangement row a in the arrangement column 163, and the magnet kind symbol 181b in the arrangement row b is replaced with the symbol 180 in the arrangement row b in the arrangement column 165, and is arranged in the arrangement column 165. The magnet kind symbol 181b in the row e is replaced with the symbol 180 in the arrangement row c in the arrangement column 164. As shown in FIG. 11, the symbol 180 in the effective display area 150 of the arrangement area 160 subjected to the replacement is displayed on the lower image display panel 16.

  Thus, when the magnet trigger symbol 181a as the special symbol 181 is arranged in the effective display area 150, the magnet kind symbol 181b as the special symbol 181 is placed at the upper and lower positions adjacent to the arrangement position of the magnet trigger symbol 181a. Can be arranged. Further, when the magnet kind symbol 181b exists at the specific position 190 based on the arrangement position of the magnet trigger symbol 181a, the magnet kind symbol 181b at the specific position 190 can be moved in the arrangement position direction of the magnet trigger symbol 181a. Thereby, since the symbols 180 indicating the same type of “THUNDER SP” and “THUNDER” can be brought close to each other, an expected value to which a payout is awarded according to the number of the adjacent symbols 180 of the same type is increased.

  As a result, since the possibility of giving a dividend is not predicted by the player until all of the plurality of symbols 180 are rearranged, it is possible to provide entertainment that makes the player feel great expectations until the end of the game. For example, the magnet trigger symbol 181a as the special symbol 181 can be arranged in the display window 155 even if the display window 154 is stopped and the payout cannot be expected regardless of the stop mode of the display window 155. Therefore, the player can be expected to give a dividend until all symbols are stopped and displayed.

  Further, when the magnet kind symbol 181b is moved from the specific position 190 in the direction of the arrangement position of the magnet trigger symbol 181a, the positions of the magnet kind symbol 181b and the symbol 180 rearranged at the movement destination are replaced. As a result, a new payout can be expected when the destination symbol 180 is moved to the specific position 190, and new entertainment can be provided.

(Mechanical configuration of slot machine 10)
As shown in FIG. 12, the slot machine 10 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.

  The main door 13 is provided with a lower image display panel 16. The lower image display panel 16 is formed of a transparent liquid crystal panel. The lower image display panel 16 has an effective display area 150 at the center. The effective display area 150 includes 15 cells in 5 columns and 3 rows. The cells in each column form display windows 151-155. The display windows 151 to 155 are displayed as pseudo reels, and are moved and displayed in a downward direction while changing the speed as a whole, so that the symbols 180 displayed in each cell are scrolled and displayed in the vertical direction and then stopped. It is possible to perform rearrangement. In the present embodiment, the lower image display panel 16 scrolls and displays the symbols 180 in the vertical direction, and then automatically stops and rearranges the symbols 180.

  In this embodiment, the case where the slot machine 10 is a so-called video slot machine is described. However, the slot machine 10 of the present invention may substitute a so-called mechanical reel for some pseudo reels.

  Further, although not shown, a touch panel 69 is provided on the front surface of the lower image display panel 16, and the player can input various instructions by operating the touch panel 69. An input signal is transmitted from the touch panel 69 to the main CPU 41.

  Below the lower image display panel 16, a control panel 20 composed of a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 for inputting instructions relating to game progress by the player, a coin receiving slot 21 for receiving coins into the cabinet 11, and bill recognition A container 22 is provided.

  The control panel 20 is provided with a start button 23, a change button 24, a CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET button 27. The start button 23 is used to input an instruction to start symbol scrolling. The change button 24 is used when requesting a change of money from an attendant of the game facility. The CASHOUT button 25 is used to input an instruction for paying out a credited coin to the coin tray 18.

  The 1-BET button 26 is used to input an instruction to bet one coin among the credited coins on the game. The maximum BET button 27 is used to input an instruction to bet on the game the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game among credited coins.

  The banknote discriminator 22 recognizes the suitability of banknotes and accepts regular banknotes in the cabinet 11. Note that the bill validator 22 may be configured to be able to read a barcode-added ticket 39 to be described later. A berry glass 34 on which a character of the slot machine 10 is drawn is provided on the lower front surface of the main door 13, that is, below the control panel 20.

  An upper image display panel 33 is provided on the front surface of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 includes a liquid crystal panel and displays, for example, an image representing introduction of game contents and explanation of game rules.

  The top box 12 is provided with a speaker 29. Below the upper image display panel 33, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35 is for printing a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, an identification number of the slot machine 10 and the like are encoded on a ticket and outputting it as a ticket 39 with a bar code. The player can exchange the bar code-added ticket 39 with a bill or the like at a predetermined location in the gaming facility (for example, a cashier in a casino).

  The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and writes data to the smart card. The smart card is a card possessed by the player, and stores, for example, data for identifying the player and data relating to a history of games played by the player. The smart card may store data corresponding to coins, bills, or credit cards. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted instead of the smart card. The data display 37 is composed of a fluorescent display or the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 36 or data input by the player via the keypad 38. The keypad 38 is used for inputting instructions and data related to ticket issuance and the like.

(Electric configuration of the slot machine 10)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine 10 shown in FIG. The gaming board 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55, a boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54 connected to each other via an internal bus. And.

  The memory card 53 is composed of a nonvolatile memory such as a compact flash (registered trademark) (a) and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the effective display area 150.

  The card slot 53S is configured so that the memory card 53 can be inserted and removed, and is connected to the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, by removing the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game program in the memory card 53, and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S, the type and contents of the game played in the slot machine 10 are changed. be able to. The game program includes a program related to game progress.

  The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 connected to each other by an internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 by a PCI bus. The PCI bus transmits signals between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 50.

  The motherboard 40 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose motherboard (printed wiring board on which basic components of a personal computer are mounted), and includes a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43. ing. The mother board 40 corresponds to the controller in the present invention.

  The ROM 42 includes a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a basic input / output system (BIOS) executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, a predetermined peripheral device is initialized, and a process for taking in a game program stored in the memory card 53 via the gaming board 50 is started. In the present invention, the ROM 42 may be rewritable or impossible.

  The RAM 43 stores data used when the main CPU 41 operates and programs such as a symbol determination program. The RAM 43 can store a game program.

  Further, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80, which will be described later, are connected to the mother board 40 by USB. Further, a power supply unit 45 is connected to the mother board 40.

  The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to devices and devices that generate input signals input to the main CPU 41 and devices and devices whose operations are controlled by control signals output from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes a predetermined arithmetic process by executing a game program stored in the RAM 43 based on an input signal input to the main CPU 41 and stores the result in the RAM 43, or for each device or apparatus. As a control process, a control signal is transmitted to each device or apparatus.

  The main body PCB 60 includes a lamp 30, a hopper 66, a coin detector 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 29, a touch panel 69, a bill validator 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch 38S, a data display 37, and a random number generator. A device 64 is connected. The lamp 30 is lit in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

  The hopper 66 is installed in the cabinet 11 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout opening 19 to the coin tray 18 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The coin detection unit 67 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when detecting that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout exit 19.

  The graphic board 68 controls image display on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. In the effective display area 150 of the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16, a symbol that scrolls or stops is displayed. The graphic board 68 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, a video RAM that temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. Note that the image data used when generating the image data by VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.

  The bill validator 22 recognizes whether or not a bill is appropriate and accepts a regular bill into the cabinet 11. When the bill validator 22 accepts a regular bill, it outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on the amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores the number of credits corresponding to the amount of bills transmitted by the input signal in the RAM 43.

  Based on the control signal output from the main CPU 41, the ticket printer 35 prints on the ticket a barcode in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and identification number of the slot machine 10 stored in the RAM 43 is encoded. Output as a ticket 39 with code. The card reader 36 reads data from the smart card and transmits it to the main CPU 41, or writes data to the smart card based on a control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when the keypad 38 is operated by the player. The data display 37 displays data read by the card reader 36 and data input via the keypad 38 by the player based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

  The random number generator 64 generates a random number at a predetermined timing. The range of random numbers generated by the random number generator 64 is 0 to 65535. In the present embodiment, the case where the random number generator 64 is provided and the random number is extracted from the random number generator (a so-called hardware random number is used) has been described. However, in the present invention, random numbers may be generated on a program (when so-called software random numbers are used).

  A control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. The control panel 20 includes a start switch 23S corresponding to the start button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUT switch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26, A maximum BET switch 27S corresponding to the maximum BET button 27 is provided. Each of the switches 23S to 27S and 90S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when the corresponding button 23 to 27 is operated by the player.

  The coin counter 21 </ b> C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 21 and identifies whether or not a coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 by the player is appropriate. Items other than regular coins are discharged from the coin payout exit 19. The coin counter 21 </ b> C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when a regular coin is detected.

  The reverter 21S operates based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, and a coin (not shown) installed in the slot machine 10 is a coin recognized as a regular coin by the coin counter 21C. Or, it is distributed to the hopper 66. That is, when the hopper 66 is filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight installed on the back side of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33, and lights up based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

  Note that the game program stored in the memory card 53 indicates the data of each symbol column (see FIG. 7) composed of a plurality of symbols 180 displayed in the effective display area 150, and the amount of payout for each symbol 180. The payout table data and the like are included and read into the RAM 43 when the slot machine 10 is activated. Although not shown, a predetermined random number range is assigned to each symbol 180 of the symbol row, and the symbols 180 in the range including the extracted random number value are displayed in the effective display area 150. .

(Dividend table)
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a payout table read into the RAM 43. In the payout table, a payout rate per 1 BET when the number of adjacent symbols 4 to 9 is 4 to 9 is assigned. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when four symbols 180 indicating “SUN” are adjacent to each other in the effective display area 150, the size of the payout is 15 times per BET. For example, when the amount of 1 BET is 1 dollar and 5 BET, the payout amount to be awarded is 1 dollar × 5 BET × 15 times = 75 dollars.

(Processing operation of slot machine 10: start-up process)
When the power is turned on, the main CPU 41 of the slot machine 10 executes a startup process routine shown in FIG. This activation process is a process performed by the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50. It is assumed that the memory card 53 is inserted into the card slot 53S of the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is attached to the IC socket 54S.

  First, when the power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit 45, the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated. When the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated, separate processes are performed in parallel. That is, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52, and the authentication program is falsified in advance according to the read preliminary authentication program before being loaded into the motherboard 40. Pre-authentication is performed to confirm and prove that there is no data (S1). On the other hand, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 42 and expands the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM 43 (S2). Then, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS expanded in the RAM 43, and performs diagnosis and initialization of various peripheral devices (S3).

  Since the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected to the main CPU 41 via the PCI bus, the main CPU 41 reads the authentication program stored in the ROM 55 and stores the read authentication program in the RAM 43. A process of storing is performed (S4). At this time, the main CPU 41 takes the checksum by the ADDSUM method (standard check function) in accordance with the BIOS standard BIOS function, and stores the authentication program in the RAM 43 while confirming whether or not the storage is definitely performed. Let

  Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU 41 accesses the memory card 53 inserted into the card slot 53S via the IDE bus, and from the memory card 53, the game program And reading out the game system program. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads out data constituting the game program and the game system program 4 bytes at a time. Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs authentication for confirming and proving that the read game program and game system program are not falsified in accordance with the authentication program stored in the RAM 43 (S5).

  When this authentication process ends normally, the main CPU 41 writes and stores the game program and game system program to be authenticated (authenticated) in the RAM 43 (S6).

  Next, the main CPU 41 accesses the GAL 54 attached to the IC socket 54S via the PCI bus, reads the payout rate setting data from the GAL 54, and writes and stores it in the RAM 43 (S7).

  Next, the main CPU 41 reads out the country identification information stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and performs a process of storing the read country identification information in the RAM 43 (S8).

  After performing the processing described above, the main CPU 41 executes the initial processing shown in FIG. 16 by sequentially reading and executing the game program and the game system program.

(Processing operation of slot machine 10: initial processing)
Next, initial processing performed in the slot machine 10 will be described. When the execution of the startup process shown in FIG. 15 ends, the main CPU 41 reads the initial process routine shown in FIG. 16 from the RAM 43 and executes it.

  First, the main CPU 41 performs an operation check of each work memory such as the RAM 43, an operation check of various sensors, an operation check of various drive mechanisms, and an operation check of various illuminations (S201). Then, it is determined whether or not all the check results are normal (S202). When it is determined that any of the check results is not normal (S202: NO), an abnormal signal is output (S203), an abnormal state is notified by turning on the lamp 30 or the like (S204), and this routine is executed. Exit.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S202 that all the check results are normal (S202: YES), an activation signal is output (S205). And a game program, a game system program, etc. are read from RAM43 (S206). Thereafter, a demonstration screen is displayed on the upper image display panel 33 or the like based on the read program (S207), and the execution of this routine is terminated.

(Processing operation of slot machine 10: normal game execution processing)
Next, the normal game execution processing routine will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin has been bet (S10). In this process, the main CPU 41 outputs an input signal output from the 1-BET switch 26S when the 1-BET button 26 is operated, or is output from the maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is operated. It is determined whether or not an input signal is received. If it is determined that no coin is bet, the process returns to step S10.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that a coin has been betted, the main CPU 41 performs a process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 according to the number of coins bet (S11). If the number of coins bet is greater than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the process returns to step S10 without performing the process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. Further, when the number of coins bet exceeds the upper limit value (in this embodiment, the maximum BET is 500) that can be bet on one game, the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is subtracted. The process proceeds to step S12 without performing the process.

  Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the start button 23 is turned on (S12). In this process, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal output from the start switch 23S is received when the start button 23 is pressed. If it is determined that the start button 23 is not turned on, the process returns to step S10. When the start button 23 is not turned on (for example, when an instruction to end the game is input without the start button 23 being turned on), the main CPU 41 cancels the subtraction result in step S11. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the start button 23 has been turned ON, the main CPU 41 executes symbol determination processing (S13). In the symbol determination process, the main CPU 41 executes the symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43 to determine the symbol 180 when the scroll display of the symbol row is stopped. Specifically, the random number value is acquired, and the acquired random number value and the code No. associated with each symbol 180 of the symbol table are obtained. Based on the above, the symbol 180 of the arrangement area 160 is determined.

  Next, in step S14, the main CPU 41 performs a scroll display control process. In the scroll display control process, the symbol 180 in the effective display area 150 among the symbols 180 in the arrangement area 160 determined in S13 when the scroll display is stopped is rearranged and displayed. The display control process is performed as described above.

  Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a prize has been established (S15). In the process of step S15, the main CPU 41 determines whether there are four or more adjacent similar symbols 180 in the effective display area 150 for the symbols 180 rearranged in step S14. Then, when there are four or more adjacent similar symbols 180 in the effective display area 150, it is determined that a prize has been established.

  When it is determined that a prize has been established, the main CPU 41 performs processing related to coin payout (S155). In this process, the main CPU 41 refers to the odds data stored in the RAM 43 and determines the payout amount based on the number of the same kind of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area 150. The odds data is data indicating the correspondence between the number of the same type of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area 150 and the payout rate (see FIG. 14).

  Next, in step S16, a second rearrangement process is performed. The second rearrangement process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When it is determined in step S15 that a prize has not been established, or after executing the process of step S16, the main CPU 41 determines that four or more symbols 180 (trigger symbols) indicating “SUN” are present in the effective display area 150. It is determined whether or not rearrangement has been performed (S17). If it is determined in step S17 that four or more trigger symbols are rearranged adjacent to each other, the main CPU 41 executes a bonus game execution process (S18). In the bonus game execution process, a free game is executed a plurality of times (in this embodiment, seven free games for one bonus game).

  In step S17, when it is determined that four or more trigger symbols are not rearranged adjacently, or after executing the process of step S18, the main CPU 41 executes an insurance process (S19). Here, a player relief process such as an insurance process is performed. In the present embodiment, in the insurance process, when the unit game is counted and there is no transition to the bonus game until a predetermined number of unit games are counted, a free game is performed a plurality of times (seven times in the present embodiment). Executed. That is, when the bonus game execution process of S18 is performed, the unit game count is reset. Thereafter, the main CPU 41 executes processing from S10 again.

(Processing operation of slot machine 10: second rearrangement process)
Next, a second rearrangement processing routine that is a subroutine of the normal game execution processing routine will be described with reference to FIG. First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the plurality of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area 150 include the magnet trigger symbol 181a as the special symbol 181 (S300). When the magnet trigger symbol 181a is not arranged (S300: NO), this routine is finished.

  On the other hand, when the magnet trigger symbol 181a is arranged (S300: YES), the main CPU 41 places the magnet kind symbol 181b as the special symbol 181 at positions adjacent to the upper and lower sides of the arrangement position where the magnet trigger symbol 181a is arranged. Arrange (S310). That is, data corresponding to positions adjacent to the upper and lower positions of the arrangement area storage table (see FIG. 8) is updated to the magnet kind symbol 181b, and the updated display area 150 of the lower image display panel 16 is updated with the updated contents. Is updated (see FIG. 10).

  Next, the main CPU 41 executes processing for determining the specific position 190 (S320). Specifically, the specific position 190 determined based on the arrangement position of the magnet trigger symbol 181a is determined. In the present embodiment, six positions that are two cells separated in the left and right directions and the four oblique directions from the arrangement position of the magnet trigger symbol 181a in the arrangement area 160 are determined as the specific positions 190. That is, it is determined which data is set as the specific position 190 in the arrangement area storage table (see FIG. 8).

  Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the special symbol 181 is arranged at the specific position 190 determined in S320 (S330). That is, it is determined whether or not the special symbol 181 exists at the specific position 190 in the arrangement area storage table (see FIG. 8) determined in S320. When the special symbol 181 does not exist at the specific position 190 (S330: NO), the process of step S350 described later is executed.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol 181 exists at the specific position 190 (S330: YES), the main CPU 41 moves the special symbol 181 at the specific position 190 from the specific position 190 to the effective display area 150 in the arrangement position direction of the magnet trigger symbol 181a. The moving process is executed (S340). Specifically, the special symbol 181 at a position separated by two cells from the arrangement position of the magnet trigger symbol 181a is replaced with a symbol 180 at a position separated by one cell in the same direction (adjacent to the arrangement position). That is, the data update is performed by replacing the special symbol 181 at the specific position 190 in the arrangement area storage table (see FIG. 8) with the symbol 180 adjacent in the same direction from the arrangement position of the magnet trigger symbol 181a. The display in the effective display area 150 of the side image display panel 16 is updated (see FIG. 11).

  Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a prize has been established (S350). Specifically, the arrangement of the plurality of symbols 180 in the effective display area 150 is updated in step S310 and / or step S340, so that four or more adjacent similar symbols 180 are formed in the effective display area 150. It is determined whether or not it has been done. Then, when four or more adjacent symbols 180 of the same type are formed in the effective display area 150, it is determined that a prize by the second rearrangement has been established.

  When it is determined that a prize has been established (S350: YES), the main CPU 41 performs processing related to coin payout (S360). In this process, the main CPU 41 refers to the odds data (payout table) stored in the RAM 43 and determines the payout amount based on the number of the same kind of symbols 180 rearranged in the effective display area 150. Thereafter, this routine is terminated and the routine returns to the normal game execution processing routine. Thus, the main CPU 41 has a function as the controller 100.

(Modification)
In the present embodiment, the special symbols 181 are the magnet trigger symbol 181a and the magnet kind symbol 181b, but are not limited thereto. For example, the special symbol 181 may be only one symbol.

  Further, when the special symbol 181 is only one symbol, and when the two special symbols 181 are displayed in the effective display area 150 and are at the specific position 190, priority is given to each cell in the effective display area 150 in advance. The special symbol 181 having a lower priority may be moved in the direction of the special symbol 181 having a higher priority.

  In the present embodiment, the second rearrangement is executed when the special symbol 181 is displayed at any position in the effective display area 150, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second rearrangement may be executed only when the special symbol 181 is displayed only in a specific area (for example, the middle stage of the display windows 152 to 154) in the effective display area 150.

  In the present embodiment, the special symbol 181 having a specific distance and direction of the special symbol 181 displayed in the effective display area 150 is moved. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the special symbol 181 is displayed in the effective display area 150, the special symbol 181 in the arrangement area 160 that is not displayed (an area other than the effective display area 150 in the arrangement area 160) is displayed in the effective display area 150 (for example, effective display). It may be moved to any of the cells adjacent to the special symbol 181 displayed in the region 150 diagonally up, down, left and right.

  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.

  The present invention can be used in general gaming machines such as gaming machines.

1 Gaming machine 16 Lower image display panel 41 Main CPU
100 Controller 101 Display device 150 Effective display area 151, 152, 153, 154, 155 Display window 160 Arrangement area 180 Symbol 181 Special symbol 181a Magnet trigger symbol 181b Magnet kind symbol 190 Specific position

Claims (4)

A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A display device having a placement area where a plurality of symbols including special symbols are arranged in a matrix, and displaying the plurality of symbols in an effective display area in the placement area;
A controller programmed to perform the operations (a1) to (a5) below,
The controller is
(A1) A process of executing a first rearrangement that rearranges the plurality of symbols in the arrangement area based on a predetermined timing;
(A2) a process for determining whether or not the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area include special symbols;
(A3) When it is determined that the special symbol is included, it is determined whether or not the special symbol exists at a specific position in the arrangement area specified based on the arrangement position of the special symbol in the effective display area. Processing,
(A4) When the special symbol exists, a process of executing a second rearrangement for moving the special symbol from the specific position to the effective display area in the arrangement position direction;
(A5) a process of giving a payout according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area;
Execute. A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A display device having a placement area where a plurality of symbols including special symbols are arranged in a matrix, and displaying the plurality of symbols in an effective display area in the placement area;
A controller programmed to perform the operations (a1) to (a5) below,
The controller is
(A1) A process of executing a first rearrangement that rearranges the plurality of symbols in the arrangement area based on a predetermined timing;
(A2) a process for determining whether or not the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area include special symbols;
(A3) When it is determined that the special symbol is included, it is determined whether or not the special symbol exists at a specific position in the arrangement area specified based on the arrangement position of the special symbol in the effective display area. Processing,
(A4) a second arrangement that arranges a special symbol at a position adjacent to the arrangement position and moves the special symbol from the specific position to the effective display area in the arrangement position direction when the special symbol exists. The process of performing the relocation,
(A5) a process of giving a payout according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area;
Execute. The game machine according to claim 1 or 2,
In the movement of the special symbol from the specific position to the arrangement position direction in the processing of (a4), the controller determines the position of the special symbol at the specific position and the symbol rearranged at the movement destination. It is characterized by replacing. A gaming machine playing method in which a plurality of symbols including special symbols are arranged in a matrix in an arrangement area, and the plurality of symbols in an effective display area in the arrangement area are displayed.
The playing method of the gaming machine is:
(A1) executing a first rearrangement for rearranging the plurality of symbols in the arrangement area based on a predetermined timing;
(A2) determining whether the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area include special symbols;
(A3) When it is determined that the special symbol is included, it is determined whether or not the special symbol exists at a specific position in the arrangement area specified based on the arrangement position of the special symbol in the effective display area. And steps to
(A4) when the special symbol exists, performing a second rearrangement for moving the special symbol from the specific position to the effective display area in the arrangement position direction;
(A5) including a step of giving a payout according to the relationship between the plurality of symbols rearranged in the effective display area as a result of the first rearrangement and / or the second rearrangement.

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