JP2011030915A - Gaming machine and control method of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine with a new entertaining feature and control method of the same. <P>SOLUTION: Symbols for each special performance comprising A1 to A4, B1 to B4 and C1 to C4 are shown on each video reel for the first reel pattern. When a winning symbol is determined in the game result, a special performance is selected, for example, when the special performance with the symbols of A1 to A4, the light of the background of the symbols A1 to A4 of the first reel pattern is on and the light of the background of the other symbols (B1 to B4 and C1 to C4) are out. Thus, when the video reel is scrolled, the symbols of A1 to A4 are displayed intermittently in the symbol display area to allow player to see and check these symbols frame by frame. Therefore, it is possible to make a player realize that winning symbol has been determined and to make the player have the sense of expecting the same. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that uses a gaming medium such as coins and banknotes, and a gaming machine control method.

  As a conventional gaming machine, for example, a slot machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-183110 (Patent Document 1) is known.

  In this slot machine, it is described that a display area for displaying various effect images is mechanically moved using a moving means when a slot game is executed, and a novel effect can be performed. Can provide an unexpected performance.

JP 2008-183110 A

  However, in the conventional gaming machine described above, the display area of the effect image only moves, and the appearance of a gaming machine with new entertainment properties is desired.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having new entertainment properties and a method for controlling the gaming machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the first invention of the present application has symbol display areas in which display blocks for displaying symbols are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and each column of the symbol display areas includes: A first symbol in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, including a display that displays various symbols by scrolling a symbol band in which a plurality of symbols are continuous in a column direction, and a continuous image symbol that is a symbol on which images are associated with each other Storage means for storing each image data of the belt for each column, a controller configured to execute the following processes (a) to (d), and (a) a process for determining a winning combination by lottery , (B) a process for determining an effect corresponding to the determined winning combination, (c) scrolling the first symbol band, and drawing the first symbol band during the scrolling Among the data, when the continuous image symbol corresponding to the effect determined in the process of (b) is displayed in the symbol display area, the background of the continuous image symbol is lit, and a symbol other than the continuous image symbol is displayed. When the symbol is displayed in the symbol display area, (d) a process of generating a payout corresponding to the winning combination.

  In the first invention, when the winning combination is determined by lottery, an effect corresponding to the winning combination is determined, and the background of the continuous image symbol displaying the determined effect in the first symbol band is lit. The first symbol band is scroll-displayed. Therefore, continuous symbols that display the determined effects are intermittently displayed in the symbol display area and are visually recognized by the player in the frame advance state. By performing such an effect display, it is possible to allow the player to detect that the winning combination has been determined, and to allow the player to have an expectation that the winning combination has been determined. . As a result, a gaming machine with new entertainment properties can be provided.

  A gaming machine according to a second aspect of the present invention has a symbol display area in which display blocks for displaying symbols are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and a symbol band in which a plurality of symbols are connected in each column of the symbol display area. A display that displays various symbols by scrolling in the column direction, storage means that stores the following (A) to (C), and (A) a continuous image symbol that is a symbol in which images related to each other are written. Image data of a first symbol band in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, (B) image data of a second symbol band made up of various symbols relating to a payout, (C) each of the first symbol band and the second symbol band Identification data corresponding to image data, a controller configured to execute the following processes (a) to (f), (a) a process for determining a winning combination by lottery, ( ) Processing for determining an effect corresponding to the determined winning combination, (c) During scrolling of the first symbol band, corresponding to the effect determined by the process of (b) among the image data of the first symbol band When the continuous image symbol is displayed in the symbol display area, the background of the continuous image symbol is lit, and when a symbol other than the continuous image symbol is displayed in the symbol display area, the background is turned off. (D) a process of scrolling the symbol after changing to the second symbol band after a lapse of a predetermined time after starting scrolling of the first symbol band, and (e) a winning determined by the lottery A process of displaying the symbols of the second symbol band in the symbol display area in a combination to be a winning combination; and (f) a process of generating a payout corresponding to the winning combination. It is characterized in.

  In the second invention, when the winning combination is determined by lottery, the effect according to the winning combination is determined, the background of the continuous image symbol displaying the determined effect in the first symbol band is lit, The first symbol band is scroll-displayed. Furthermore, after the first symbol band is scrolled for a predetermined time, the symbol is scrolled by changing to the second symbol band. Therefore, continuous symbols that display the determined effects are intermittently displayed in the symbol display area and are visually recognized by the player in the frame advance state. Also, the display of the effect image ends after a predetermined time has elapsed. By performing such an effect display, it is possible for the player to recognize that the winning combination has been determined for a predetermined time, and to give the player the expectation that the winning combination has been determined. be able to. As a result, a gaming machine with new entertainment properties can be provided.

  A gaming machine according to a third aspect of the present invention has a symbol display area in which display blocks for displaying symbols are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and a symbol band in which a plurality of symbols are connected in each column of the symbol display area. A display that displays various symbols by scrolling in the column direction, storage means that stores the following (A) to (C), and (A) a continuous image symbol that is a symbol in which images related to each other are written. Image data of a first symbol band in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, (B) image data of a second symbol band made up of various symbols relating to a payout, (C) each of the first symbol band and the second symbol band Identification data corresponding to image data, a controller configured to execute the following processes (a) to (g), (a) a process for determining a winning combination by lottery, ( ) When the determined winning combination is a specific winning combination, a process for determining whether or not to produce an effect. (C) When it is decided to produce an effect, an effect corresponding to this specific winning combination is decided. (D) During the scrolling of the first symbol band, among the image data of the first symbol band, the continuous image symbols corresponding to the effect determined in the process (c) are displayed in the symbol display area. (E) a process of lighting the background of the continuous image symbol when displayed, and displaying the background with the background turned off when a symbol other than the continuous image symbol is displayed in the symbol display area; A process of scrolling a symbol by changing to the second symbol band after a predetermined time has elapsed after starting scrolling of one symbol band, and (f) a combination that becomes a winning combination determined by the lottery, Processing for displaying the symbol of the symbol period in the symbol display area, characterized by comprising a process for generating a payout corresponding to (g) the winning combination.

  In the third invention, when a winning combination is determined by lottery, it is determined whether or not to produce an effect by a continuous image with a predetermined lottery probability. The production is decided. In the first symbol band, the background of the continuous image symbol displaying the determined effect is lit, and the first symbol band is scroll-displayed. Accordingly, continuous symbols that display the determined effects are intermittently displayed in the symbol display area and are visually recognized by the player in the frame advance state. By performing such an effect display, when a winning combination is determined, an effect based on continuous images is performed with a predetermined lottery probability, so that the player can detect that the winning combination has been determined. , It is possible to give the player the expectation that the winning combination has been determined. As a result, a gaming machine with new entertainment properties can be provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine control method comprising: a step of accepting execution of a unit game by external input; a step of determining a winning combination by lottery for each unit game; and an effect corresponding to the determined winning combination. And a step of determining, and when the unit game is executed, images related to each other in the display blocks of the respective columns of a display having a symbol display area in which display blocks for displaying symbols are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns Scrolling and displaying each of the first symbol bands in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, including a continuous image symbol that is a symbol marked with, and during the scrolling of the first symbol band, the first symbol band When the continuous image symbol corresponding to the determined effect is displayed in the symbol display area in the image data of the symbol band, the continuous image symbol is displayed. When the background of the image symbol is lighted and a symbol other than the continuous image symbol is displayed in the symbol display area, the background is turned off and displayed, and the payout corresponding to the winning combination is generated. , Provided.

  In the fourth invention, when a winning combination is determined by lottery, an effect corresponding to the winning combination is determined, and the background of the continuous image symbol displaying the determined effect in the first symbol band is lit. The first symbol band is scroll-displayed. Therefore, continuous symbols that display the determined effects are intermittently displayed in the symbol display area and are visually recognized by the player in the frame advance state. By performing such an effect display, it is possible to allow the player to detect that the winning combination has been determined, and to allow the player to have an expectation that the winning combination has been determined. . As a result, a gaming machine with new entertainment properties can be provided.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the winning combination is won by executing the game, the background of the continuous image symbol is displayed with a bright light, so that the frame advance image in which the displayed image changes intermittently is displayed. It is possible to provide a gaming machine with new entertainment characteristics.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a symbol arrangement (first reel pattern) drawn on a peripheral surface of a video reel used in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a function flow of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a view illustrating a game system including a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a view illustrating an overall configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a symbol arrangement (second reel pattern) drawn on the peripheral surface of the video reel used in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a symbol combination table of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 12 is a correspondence table showing a relationship between winning combinations and effect images of a gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a symbol arrangement (first reel pattern) drawn on a peripheral surface of a video reel used in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of main control processing of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of coin insertion / start check processing of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of jackpot-related processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance-related processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol lottery processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol display control processing of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of a light-on / off process of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of a payout amount determination process of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance check processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of bonus game processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance selection processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of a light-on / off process of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

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

[Description of First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a symbol arrangement of a first reel pattern (first symbol band) set on a video reel used in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, each of the five video reels is provided with 12 symbols. That is, the first reel pattern is provided with symbols A1, B1, C1, A2, B2, C2, A3, B3, C3, A4, B4, and C4 in order from the bottom, with A1, A2, A3, and A4. One continuous symbol (an image related to each other) is configured, B1, B2, B3, and B4 form one continuous symbol, and similarly, C1, C2, C3, and C4 form one continuous symbol. The Therefore, if any video reel is scrolled with the surroundings of the symbols A1 to A4 turned on and the surroundings of the other symbols B1 to B4 and C1 to C4 turned off, the symbols A1 to A4 can be visually recognized. Thus, a continuous image that is frame-fed to the player can be visually recognized.

  Specifically, in the symbols A1 to A4, an operation in which a rabbit is tackling is displayed, in the symbols B1 to B4, an operation in which an angler picks up a fish is displayed, and in the symbols C1 to C4, an operation in which fireworks are launched. Will be displayed. That is, the symbols A1 to A4, B1 to B4, and C1 to C4 each constitute a continuous image symbol.

  In the first embodiment, the second reel pattern (second symbol band, see FIG. 5) that is normally used when a predetermined condition is satisfied is changed to the first reel pattern described above, and an effect is executed. Thus, an effect is given to give the player a sense of expectation for winning the slot game.

[Explanation of function flow diagram]
With reference to FIG. 2, a basic function of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a function flow of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

<Coin insertion / start check>
First, the gaming machine checks whether or not the BET button has been pressed by the player, and subsequently checks whether or not the spin button has been pressed by the player.

<Symbol decision>
Next, the gaming machine extracts a random number for symbol determination when the spin button is pressed by the player, and stops scrolling the symbol row in accordance with each of the plurality of video reels displayed on the display. The symbol to be displayed to the player is determined.

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

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

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

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

  Further, the gaming machine starts a bonus game when a symbol combination related to the bonus game trigger is displayed. 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.

  Further, the gaming machine pays out the coin of the jackpot amount to the player when the combination of symbols related to the jackpot trigger is displayed. The jackpot accumulates a portion of the coins consumed by the player at each gaming machine as a jackpot amount. A function that pays out coins of the pot amount.

  The gaming machine calculates the amount (accumulated amount) accumulated in the jackpot amount for each game and transmits it to the external control device. The external control device accumulates the accumulated amount transmitted from each gaming machine into the jackpot amount.

  In addition to the above benefits, the gaming machine is provided with benefits such as a mystery bonus and insurance.

  In the mystery bonus, a predetermined amount of coins is paid out by winning a special lottery. When the spin button is pressed, the gaming machine extracts a random value for the mystery bonus and determines by lottery whether or not to establish the mystery bonus trigger.

  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. 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.

  When insurance is validated, the gaming machine starts counting the number of games. Then, the gaming machine pays out a coin of the amount set for insurance when the counted number of games reaches a predetermined number without paying out a large amount due to a bonus game or the like.

<Determination of production>
The gaming machine produces effects by displaying an image on a display, outputting light from a lamp, and outputting sound from a speaker. The gaming machine extracts a random number for production, and determines the content of the production based on the symbol determined by lottery.

[Overall game system]
This completes the description of the basic functions of the gaming machine. Next, a game system including a gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a game system including the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  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 hall 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 within one game facility, the game system 300 may be constructed for each floor or section of the game 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]
This completes the description of the game system according to the present embodiment. Next, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the overall configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  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.

  A lower image display panel 141 is provided at the center of the main door 13. 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. 5 described later).

  Further, as will be described later, when a winning combination is established and a lottery for determining whether or not to execute a special performance is won, each video reel 3 has a plurality of symbols ( A first reel pattern) is assigned.

  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 (four consecutive symbols in this embodiment) is displayed to the player.

  In the symbol display area 4, one symbol is displayed in each of the four areas of the upper stage, the upper center stage, the lower center stage, and the lower stage according to each video reel 3. That is, 20 symbols of 5 columns × 4 are displayed in the symbol display area 4. An area for displaying one symbol is a display block.

  In the present embodiment, any one of the above four areas is selected according to each video reel 3, and a line formed by connecting the respective areas is used as a winning line.

  Although the specific mode of the winning line can be arbitrarily adopted, for example, in addition to the straight line connecting the upper central regions corresponding to the respective video reels 3, a V-shaped or bent shape is used. Lines can be used. Also, the number of winning lines can be arbitrarily adopted, for example, 30.

  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, the number of credits) is displayed. In the payout number display area 143, the number of coins to be paid out to the player when a winning is established (hereinafter, 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 that are arranged on the control panel 30 and various devices to be operated by the player are arranged.

  The spin button 31 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.

  The 1-BET button 34 and the maximum BET button 35 are for determining the number of coins (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”) used in the game 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 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. The upper image display panel 131 displays an image related to the effect, an introduction of the contents of the game, and an image showing the explanation of the rules. 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. A player can play a game by having the gaming machine read the ticket 175 with a barcode, or can exchange the ticket 175 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined location of the gaming facility (for example, a cashier in a casino). .

  The card slot 176 is for inserting a card storing predetermined data. For example, the card stores data for identifying a player and data relating to a 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.

[Video reel symbol column]
This completes the description of the overall structure of the gaming machine 1. Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the configuration of the symbol column included in the video reel 3 of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a symbol array (second reel pattern) drawn on the peripheral surface of the reel of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  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.

  “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE” are provided as symbol types.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of symbols of the first reel pattern used in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, in this first reel pattern, all five video reels (first to fifth video reels) are configured to have the same symbol, and the symbols A1 to A4 are displayed by a rabbit. Symbols B1 to B4 are symbols indicating the fisherman's action of catching fish, and symbols C1 to C4 are symbols indicating fireworks.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of symbols of the first reel pattern used in the second embodiment. Symbols for performing archery are arranged on A1 to A4 of each video reel, symbols for performing football are arranged on B1 to B4, and symbols for performing bowling are arranged on C1 to C4. .

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, in the first reel pattern, the A1 to A5 symbols are displayed on the first video reel, and then the A1 to A5 symbols are displayed on the second video reel. Next, the A1 to A5 symbols are displayed on the third video reel, the A1 to A5 symbols are displayed on the fourth video reel, and then the A1 to A5 symbols are displayed on the fifth video reel. Display feed. By performing such symbol display, the effect that the archery player hits with an arrow is displayed so as to move from the left side to the right side.

  In addition, when the symbols B1 to B4 are used, an effect that the soccer player shoots and finishes the goal is displayed so as to move from the left side to the right side. When the symbols C1 to C4 are used, the bowling player The effect that throws the ball and strikes is displayed to move from the left side to the right side.

[Circuit configuration of the gaming machine]
This completes the description of the configuration of the symbol columns included in the video reel 3 of the gaming machine 1. Next, a configuration of a circuit included in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  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. 10 to 21 described later). Further, the game program includes data (see FIG. 5) 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 four symbols to be displayed by the symbol display area 4 among the 22 symbols constituting the symbol row. The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment determines a symbol to be displayed in a predetermined area (for example, an upper area) among four 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. 5, the symbol sequence of the first video reel 3a includes one symbol “JACKPOT7”, but includes seven symbols “ORANGE”. Therefore, the former is determined with a probability of “1/22”, while the latter is determined with a probability of “7/22”.

  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, 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 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 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, and the like are provided. Further, the RAM 73 has a first reel pattern (first symbol band) composed of continuous image symbols A1 to A4, B1 to B4, and C1 to C4, and a second reel pattern (second symbol band) shown in FIG. A function as a storage means for storing the image data of each symbol set to 1 and the identification data corresponding to each image data.

  The communication interface 82 is for communicating with the external control device 200 such as a server via the communication line 301. In addition, a door PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 90 and a main body PCB 110, which will be described later, are connected to the motherboard 70 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 90.

  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 player's finger or the like on the lower image display panel, 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 and data input by the player via the keypad 173 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71.

[Configuration of symbol combination table]
This completes the description of the circuit configuration of the gaming machine 1. Next, the symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a symbol combination table of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The symbol combination table defines combinations of symbols related to winning and the number of payouts. In the gaming machine 1, the scrolling of the symbol column of each video reel 3 is stopped, and the winning combination is established when the symbol combination displayed on the winning line matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table. To do. Then, according to the winning combination, a privilege such as paying out coins or starting a bonus game is given to the player. If the combination of symbols displayed on the winning line does not match any of the symbol combinations defined by the symbol combination table, the winning is not established (so-called “losing”).

  Basically, all the symbols displayed on the winning line by each video reel 3 are “JACKPOT 7”, “APPLE”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”. And “ORANGE”, a winning combination is established. However, for each type of “CHERRY” and “ORANGE” symbols, one or three symbols of one type are displayed on the winning line by the video reel 3, and a winning is established.

  For example, when the symbols “BLUE 7” are displayed on the winning line by all the video reels 3, the winning combination is “BLUE”, and “10” is determined as the number of payouts. Then, coins are paid out based on the determined payout number. The coin is paid out by actually discharging the coin from the coin payout exit 15A, adding to the number of credits, or issuing a bar code ticket.

  “JACKPOT 7” is a symbol related to the jackpot trigger. When the symbols “JACKPOT 7” are displayed on the winning line by all the video reels 3, the winning combination is “Jackpot”, and the jackpot amount is determined as the number of payouts.

  “APPLE” is a symbol related to the bonus game trigger. When the symbols “APPLE” are displayed on the winning line by all the video reels 3, the winning combination is “bonus game trigger”, and the bonus game is started from the next game.

[Program contents]
This completes the description of the symbol combination table. Next, a program executed by the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Main control processing>
First, the main control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the main control processing of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the main CPU 71 reads out the authenticated game program and game system program from the memory card 54 via the gaming board 50 and writes them in the RAM 73 (step S11).

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs an initialization process at the end of one game (step 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. 11 (step 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. 14 (step 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 (step 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 (step S16). The main CPU 71 extracts a random number for production, and determines any of a plurality of predetermined production contents by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a symbol display control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15 (step 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 in step S14 is stopped at a predetermined position (for example, the upper area in the symbol display area 4). . That is, four symbols including the scheduled stop symbol are displayed in the symbol display area 4. For example, if the symbol to be stopped is the symbol with the code number “10” and is displayed in the upper area, the symbols with the code numbers “11”, “12”, and “13” are displayed in the symbol display area 4. It is displayed in each of the upper middle, lower middle and lower stages.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a payout amount determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 17 (step S18). In this process, the number of payouts is determined based on the combination of symbols displayed on the winning line, and stored in a payout number storage area provided in the RAM 73.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established (step S19). When the main CPU 71 determines that the bonus game trigger has been established, the main CPU 71 performs bonus game processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 (step S20).

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

  After the process of step S22 or when determining that the mystery bonus trigger has not been established in step S21, the main CPU 71 performs an insurance check process described later with reference to FIG. 18 (step S23). In this process, it is checked whether or not to pay out by insurance.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts payout processing (step S24). The main CPU 71 adds the value stored in the payout amount storage area to the value stored in the credit number storage area 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 values stored in the payout number storage area may be discharged from the coin payout exit 15A. Alternatively, the ticket printer 171 may be controlled to issue a barcoded ticket in which the value stored in the payout amount storage area is recorded. After this process is performed, the process proceeds to step S12.

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

  FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a flowchart of coin-insertion / start-check processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not coin insertion has been detected by the coin counter 92C (step S41). When determining that coin insertion has been detected, the main CPU 71 adds the value stored in the credit amount storage area (step 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 stored in the credit number storage area. You may make it add to the stored value.

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

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not an operation of the BET button has been detected (step 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 value stored in the BET number storage area provided in the RAM 73 based on the type of the BET button. Then, the value stored in the credit number storage area is subtracted (step S46).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value stored in the BET number storage area is the maximum (step S47). When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the BET number storage area is the maximum, the main CPU 71 prohibits updating of the value stored in the BET number storage area (step S48). After determining that the value stored in the BET number storage area is not the maximum after step S48 or at step S47, the main CPU 71 permits the operation acceptance of the spin button (step S49).

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the operation of the BET button is not detected in step S45 after step S49, or determines that the value stored in the credit amount storage area is 0 in step S43, the main CPU 71 It is determined whether or not a button operation is detected (step S50). When determining that the operation of the spin button has not been detected, the main CPU 71 proceeds to step S41.

  When determining that the operation of the spin button has been detected, the main CPU 71 performs a jackpot-related process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 12 (step 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. 13 (step 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.

  FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the jackpot-related processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 calculates an accumulated amount (step S71). The main CPU 71 obtains the product of the value stored in the BET number storage area 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 (step 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. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance-related processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance effective flag is on (step S91). The insurance effective flag is set to ON when an instruction to enable insurance is input by the player in the insurance selection processing 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 value stored in the insurance game number storage area provided in the RAM 73 (step S92). The insurance game number storage area is an area for storing the number of games until the payout by insurance is performed. In the process of step S92, the main CPU 71 adds 1 to the value stored in the insurance game frequency storage area. 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. FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol lottery processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 extracts random numbers for symbol determination (step S111). Next, the main CPU 71 determines to-be stopped symbols for each video reel 3 by lottery (step 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 (step 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 (step S114). The main CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the winning line by each video reel 3 matches the symbol combination defined 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. FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol display control processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not to execute a special effect (effect using the first video reel) (step S131). In this determination process, when it is determined in the symbol lottery process shown in FIG. 14 that a winning combination is established, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to execute a special effect with a predetermined lottery probability.

  The main CPU 71 determines whether or not to execute the special effect by the lottery process (step S132). If it is determined to execute the special effect, the process proceeds to step S133. If it is determined not to execute the special effect, the process proceeds to step S137.

  When determining that the special effect is to be executed, the main CPU 71 sets the video reel to be scrolled to the first reel pattern (first symbol band) (step S133). That is, by scrolling the first reel pattern shown in FIG. 1, symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4 shown in FIG.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines the content of the special effect based on the winning combination obtained by the symbol lottery process (step S134). Specifically, one of the effects A1 to A4, the effects B1 to B4, and the effects C1 to C4 shown in FIG. 1 is determined.

  The main CPU 71 scrolls and displays the first reel pattern in the symbol display area 4 based on the content of the effect determined by the above processing, and performs a symbol light / light-out process according to the content of the effect (step S135). Details of this processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The main CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of symbol scrolling (step S136). If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S137.

  The main CPU 71 sets the video reel to be scrolled in the symbol display area 4 to the second reel pattern (see FIG. 5) (step S137). That is, after the symbol of the first reel pattern set in the process of step S133 is scrolled for a predetermined time, the symbol is changed to the second reel pattern and the symbol of the second reel pattern is scrolled (step S138). If the determination in step S132 is NO, the symbol of the second reel pattern is scrolled from the start of scrolling (step S138).

  The main CPU 71 stops scrolling the symbols after executing the scroll display of the symbols of the second reel pattern for a predetermined time (step S139). When this process is performed, the symbol display control process is terminated.

<Symbol lighting / extinguishing process>
Next, the symbol lighting / extinguishing process shown in step S135 of FIG. 15 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 sets a variable n indicating the video reel number of the first reel pattern (see FIG. 1) to n = 1 (step S141).

  The main CPU 71 brightly displays a desired symbol on the nth video reel (step S142). For example, when the contents of the special effect determined in the process of step S134 in FIG. 15 are effects A1 to A4 shown in FIG. 1, the background of the symbols A1, A2, A3, and A4 of the first video reel Is turned on and the background of the symbols B1, B2, B3, B4 and C1, C2, C3, C4 is turned off, and the first reel pattern is scroll-displayed. As a result, in the symbol display area 4, the player can visually recognize the image of the rabbit tacking on the first video reel (the leftmost video reel; see FIG. 1) in a frame advance state.

  Thereafter, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the video reel has rotated three times (step S143). If it is determined that the video reel has rotated three times (YES in step S143), n = n + 1 is set (step S144). That is, n = 2 at this time.

  The main CPU 71 determines whether or not n> 5 (step S145). Since n = 2 as described above, a NO determination is made in step S145, and the process returns to step S142.

  Thereafter, in step S142, the same process as described above is executed for the second reel pattern. Accordingly, the symbols A1, A2, A3, and A4 of the second reel pattern are turned on and the others are turned off, so that the player can visually recognize the video of the rabbit on the second video reel by frame advance. . After that, when the video reel rotates three times, this time, n = 3, so that the symbols A1, A2, A3, and A4 of the third video reel are lit, and the fourth video reel and the fifth video reel are the same as the rabbit. The video with the 餅 is displayed in the frame advance state.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that n> 5, that is, when the symbols A1, A2, A3, and A4 are lit on the fifth video reel (YES in step S145), the process is terminated.

  From the above, when the content of the special effect is determined to be the effect by the symbols A1 to A4, the symbols A1 to A4 are sequentially lit on the first to fifth video reels, and the other symbols are turned off. Since the symbols are scrolled, it is possible for the player to recognize the video of the rabbit on each video reel in the frame advance state.

<Payout number determination process>
Next, the payout amount determination process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the payout amount determination processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the winning combination is a jackpot (step S151). When the main CPU 71 determines that the winning combination is not a jackpot, the main CPU 71 determines the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination (step S152). For example, when the winning combination is “BELL”, “8” is determined as the number of payouts (see FIG. 7). 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 storage area (step S153). When this process is performed, the payout number determination process is terminated.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the winning combination is a jackpot, the main CPU 71 notifies the external control device 200 that the jackpot has been won (step 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 (step S155). Next, the main CPU 71 stores the received jackpot amount in the payout amount storage area (step 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. FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance check processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance effective flag is on (step 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 (step 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 value stored in the insurance game number storage area has reached a predetermined number (for example, 300) (step S173). . When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the insurance game count storage area has not reached the predetermined count, the main CPU 71 ends the insurance check process.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the insurance game count storage area has reached the predetermined count, the main CPU 71 performs payout processing based on the insurance amount (step S174). The main CPU 71 adds a predetermined amount (for example, 200) as the insurance amount to the value stored in the credit amount storage area.

  The main CPU 71 resets the value stored in the insurance game number storage area after step S174 or when it is determined in step S172 that a predetermined winning combination has been established (step S175). Next, the main CPU 71 turns off the insurance effective flag (step 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. FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the bonus game processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines the number of bonus games (step 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 storage area provided in the RAM 73 (step S192).

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs an initialization process at the end of one game, similarly to the process of step S12 described with reference to FIG. 10 (step S193). Next, the main CPU 71 performs the symbol lottery process described with reference to FIG. 14 (step S194). Next, the main CPU 71 performs an effect content determination process in the same manner as the process of step S16 described with reference to FIG. 10 (step S195). Next, the main CPU 71 performs the symbol display control process described with reference to FIG. 15 (step S196). Next, the main CPU 71 performs a payout amount determination process described with reference to FIG. 17 (step S197).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established (step S198). When determining that the bonus game trigger has been established, the main CPU 71 determines the number of bonus games to be added (step S199). The number of bonus games is determined in the same manner as in step S191 described above. Next, the main CPU 71 adds the determined number of bonus games to the value stored in the bonus game number storage area (step S200).

  The main CPU 71 performs a payout process after the process of step S200 or when it is determined in step S198 that the bonus game trigger has not been established (step S201). In this payout process, the main CPU 71 adds the value stored in the payout number storage area in the payout number determination process in step S197 described above to the value stored in the bonus payout number storage area. The bonus payout amount storage area is an area for storing the total number of payouts determined during the bonus game.

  When the bonus game process is completed, the main CPU 71 uses the value stored in the bonus payout number storage area in the payout process in step S24 described with reference to FIG. Add to the value stored in the storage area. 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 subtracts 1 from the value stored in the bonus game number storage area (step S202). Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value stored in the bonus game number storage area is 0 (step S203). When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the bonus game number storage area is not 0, the main CPU 71 proceeds to the process of step S193. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value stored in the bonus game number storage area is 0, the bonus game process is terminated. When the bonus game process ends, the process proceeds to the process of step S21 described with reference to FIG.

<Insurance selection process>
Next, the insurance selection process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance selection processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance effective flag is on (step S221). When the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is not on, the main CPU 71 displays an insurance-ineffective image (step 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 or not to activate insurance and notifying the player of the amount necessary to activate 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 or not there is an insurance-effective instruction input (step S223). When 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 step 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 (step S224).

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

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

  In this way, in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that a winning combination is generated in the symbol lottery process, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to execute a special effect. When a lottery is won, a special effect is executed when the video reel is scrolled. For example, by turning on the background of the symbols shown in A1 to A4 of FIG. 1 and turning off the background of the other symbols, the desired effect content (in this case, the effect that the rabbit is tackling) is displayed in the frame advance state. . Therefore, the player can recognize that a winning combination has occurred before the symbol being scrolled completely stops by visually recognizing the frame advance image, and the winning combination is generated for the player. It is possible to have a sense of expectation and to improve interest.

  In the above example, an example in which the symbols A1 to A4 are displayed frame by frame has been described. However, when the symbols B1 to B4 are selected, an effect that the angler fishes a fish is displayed, and C1 to C4 are displayed. When a symbol is selected, an effect that fireworks are launched is displayed. Accordingly, when there are a plurality of special effects patterns and the special effects are executed, any one of them is selected and frame-by-frame displayed, so that a plurality of special effects patterns can be provided, It is possible to increase the willingness to play without getting bored.

[Description of Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, when a winning combination is won in the symbol lottery process (the process of step S114 in FIG. 14), the effect contents of the special effect and the number of times the video reel is rotated are changed according to the winning combination. . Further, the gaming machine according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above only in the symbol lighting / extinguishing process shown in FIG. To do.

  In the second embodiment, the pattern shown in FIG. 9 is used as the first reel pattern. That is, in the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 1, when a special effect is executed, an example in which the same effect is displayed frame by frame from the first video reel to the fifth video reel will be described. However, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a continuous frame advance image is displayed from the first video reel to the fifth video reel (from one end side to the other end side). Is different.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the A1 to A5 symbols are displayed on the first video reel by frame advance, the A1 to A5 symbols are displayed by frame advance on the second video reel, and then the third video reel is displayed. The symbols A1 to A5 are displayed frame by frame, then the symbols A1 to A5 are displayed frame by frame on the fourth video reel, and then the symbols A1 to A5 are displayed frame by frame on the fifth video reel. By performing such symbol display, the effect that the archery player hits with an arrow is displayed so as to move from the left side to the right side.

  In addition, when the symbols B1 to B4 are used, an effect that the soccer player shoots and finishes the goal is displayed so as to move from the left side to the right side. When the symbols C1 to C4 are used, the bowling player The effect that throws the ball and strikes is displayed to move from the left side to the right side.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the relationship between the winning combination and the effect image is set. For example, when the winning combination is “JACKPOT7”, it is set that the special effect by the symbols C1 to C4 is continuously performed ten times.

<Symbol lighting / extinguishing processing of the second embodiment>
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of symbol light-on / off processing according to the second embodiment. First, when a winning combination is generated by the symbol lottery process, the main CPU 71 refers to the correspondence table shown in FIG. 8 and recognizes the number of sets (number of scrolls) P corresponding to the winning combination (step S231). . For example, when “JACKPOT7” is won, an effect using the symbols C1 to C4 is selected, and the scroll count P of this symbol is set to 10 sets.

  Next, the main CPU 71 sets both the variable M for counting the number of sets and the variable n for counting the number of rotations of the reels to “1”. That is, “M = 1, n = 1” is set (step S232).

  The main CPU 71 lights the background of the desired symbol on the nth video reel (step S233). For example, when the effect using the symbols C1 to C4 is selected as described above, the background of the symbols C1 to C4 is turned on and the background of the other symbols is turned off. Then, the video reel is scrolled.

  The main CPU 71 determines whether or not the video reel has rotated once (step S234). When the video reel makes one rotation, the symbols C1, C2, C3, and C4 of the first video reel shown in FIG. 9 are intermittently displayed, and the bowling player throws the ball to the player in the frame advance state. Will be.

  If the main CPU 71 determines that the video reel has made one revolution (YES in step S234), it increments n. That is, “n = n + 1”. In this case, n = 2.

  The main CPU 71 determines “n> 5” (step S236). Since n = 2, the determination is NO, and in the process of step S233, the symbols C1, C2, C3, and C4 of the second video reel are lit. . Thereafter, the video reel is rotated once. As a result, since C1 to C4 of the second video reel are displayed intermittently, the symbol is visually recognized by the player in the frame advance state so that the bowling ball moves gradually from the left to the right.

  Similarly, the 3rd video reel, 4th video reel, and 5th video reel rotate once with the C1 to C4 symbols lit, so it looks as if the bowling player throws the ball and the ball moves from the left to the right. The effect image of the operation of moving to and making a strike is displayed frame by frame. Then, when the rotation of the fifth video reel is finished, “n> 5” is established, YES is determined in the process of step S236, and the process shifts to step S237.

  The main CPU 71 sets a variable M for counting the number of sets to “M = M + 1” (step S237). At this time, “M = 2”. Thereafter, the main CPU 71 determines “M> P”. In this example, since the scroll count P is set to 10 sets, “P = 10” is obtained, and NO is determined in step S238.

  The main CPU 71 sets n = 1 (step S239), and returns the process to step S233. Therefore, the series of frame advance image display described above is repeatedly executed. Further, the above process is repeated, and when “M> P” is satisfied (YES in step S238), this process ends.

  That is, after a series of frame advance images in which the bowling player throws the ball and strikes are displayed P times (in this case, 10 times) continuously, this processing ends. In other words, the player can visually recognize the special effect image of throwing a bowling ball and making a strike ten times in succession, and thereafter, the image is displayed by changing to the second reel pattern. Therefore, the player can obtain a sense of expectation that he / she has won the winning combination based on the pattern of the effect image displayed frame-by-frame and the number of repetitions of the effect.

  In the above example, as shown in FIG. 8, the case where the winning combination is “JACKPOT7” is shown. However, for example, in the case of a winning combination having five “APPLE” symbols, B1 to B4 A frame-by-frame image with the symbol of That is, the image that the soccer player kicks the ball and decides the goal is repeated 10 times.

  In this way, in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment, when a winning combination occurs in the slot game, the special effect pattern corresponding to the winning combination and the number of times of executing the special effect are set. Production is performed. As a result, it is possible to perform a novel and interesting special production for the player, and to detect the winning combination based on the pattern of the special production and the number of executions. Without being able to sustain the willingness to play.

  The gaming machine and the gaming machine control method of the present invention have been described based on the illustrated embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each unit is an arbitrary configuration having the same function. Can be replaced.

  The present invention is extremely useful in improving the interest of gaming machines.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming machine 3a-3e 1st-5th video reel 4 Symbol display area 11 Cabinet 12 Top box 13 Main door 15 Coin tray 15A Coin payout 30 Control panel 31 Spin button 31S Spin switch 32 Change button 32S Change switch 33 CASHOUT button 33S CASHOUT switch 34 1-BET button 34S 1-BET switch 35 Maximum BET button 35S Maximum BET switch 36 Coin receiving slot 37 Insurance setting button 37S Insurance setting switch 50 Gaming board 51 CPU
52 ROM
53 Boot ROM
54 Memory card 55 Card slot 56 GAL
57 IC socket 70 Motherboard 71 Main CPU
72 ROM
73 RAM
81 power supply unit 82 communication interface 90 door PCB
91 Reverter 92C Coin Counter 93 Cold Cathode Tube 110 Main Body PCB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 111 Lamp 112 Speaker 113 Hopper 113S Coin detection part 114 Touch panel 115 Banknote identification device 130 Graphic board 131 Upper image display panel 141 Lower image display panel 142 Credit number display area 143 Payout number display area 171 Ticket printer 172 Card reader 173 Keypad 173S Key switch 174 Data display 175 Ticket with bar code 176 Card slot 200 External control device 300 Game system 301 Communication line

Claims (9)

A display block for displaying symbols has a symbol display area arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. In each column of the symbol display area, a symbol band including a plurality of symbols is scrolled in the column direction to display various symbols. A display to display;
Storage means for storing, for each column, each image data of a first symbol band in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, including a continuous image symbol that is a symbol in which images associated with each other are written;
A gaming machine comprising: a controller configured to execute the following processes (a) to (d):
(A) Processing for determining a winning combination by lottery,
(B) a process for determining an effect corresponding to the determined winning combination;
(C) The first symbol band is scrolled, and the continuous image symbols corresponding to the effect determined in the process (b) are displayed in the symbol display area among the image data of the first symbol band during the scrolling. When the background of this continuous image symbol is lighted, and when a symbol other than the continuous image symbol is displayed in the symbol display area, the background is turned off and displayed.
(D) Processing for generating a payout corresponding to the winning combination.   2. The continuous image symbols are arranged in the first symbol band of each column so that a series of continuous images are displayed from a column on one end side to a column on the other end side. The gaming machine described in. The controller is
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the process of lighting the background of the symbol is terminated after a predetermined time has elapsed. A display block for displaying symbols has a symbol display area arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. In each column of the symbol display area, a symbol band including a plurality of symbols is scrolled in the column direction to display various symbols. A display to display;
Storage means for storing the following (A) to (C);
(A) Image data of a first symbol band in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, including a continuous image symbol that is a symbol in which images related to each other are written;
(B) Image data of the second symbol band composed of various symbols relating to the payout,
(C) identification data corresponding to the image data of each of the first symbol band and the second symbol band;
A gaming machine comprising: a controller configured to execute the following processes (a) to (f):
(A) Processing for determining a winning combination by lottery,
(B) a process for determining an effect corresponding to the determined winning combination;
(C) During the scrolling of the first symbol band, among the image data of the first symbol band, the continuous image symbol corresponding to the effect determined in the process of (b) is displayed in the symbol display area. When the background of this continuous image symbol is lighted and a symbol other than the continuous image symbol is displayed in the symbol display area, the background is turned off and displayed.
(D) a process of scrolling a symbol by changing to the second symbol band after a predetermined time has elapsed after starting scrolling of the first symbol band;
(E) a process of displaying the symbols of the second symbol band in the symbol display area in a combination that becomes a winning combination determined by the lottery,
(F) Processing for generating a payout corresponding to the winning combination.   5. The continuous symbol symbols are arranged in the first symbol band of each column such that a series of continuous images are displayed from a column on one end side to a column on the other end side. The gaming machine described in. A display block for displaying symbols has a symbol display area arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. In each column of the symbol display area, a symbol band including a plurality of symbols is scrolled in the column direction to display various symbols. A display to display;
Storage means for storing the following (A) to (C);
(A) Image data of a first symbol band in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, including a continuous image symbol that is a symbol in which images related to each other are written;
(B) Image data of the second symbol band composed of various symbols relating to the payout,
(C) identification data corresponding to the image data of each of the first symbol band and the second symbol band;
A gaming machine comprising: a controller configured to execute the following processes (a) to (g):
(A) Processing for determining a winning combination by lottery,
(B) When the determined winning combination is a specific winning combination, a process for determining whether or not to produce an effect,
(C) a process for determining an effect corresponding to the specific winning combination when it is determined to perform an effect;
(D) During the scrolling of the first symbol band, among the image data of the first symbol band, the continuous image symbol corresponding to the effect determined in the process of (c) is displayed in the symbol display area. When the background of this continuous image symbol is lighted and a symbol other than the continuous image symbol is displayed in the symbol display area, the background is turned off and displayed.
(E) a process of scrolling a symbol by changing to the second symbol band after a predetermined time has elapsed after starting scrolling of the first symbol band;
(F) a process of displaying the symbols of the second symbol band in the symbol display area in a combination that becomes a winning combination determined by the lottery,
(G) Processing for generating a payout corresponding to the winning combination.   7. The continuous symbol symbols are arranged in the first symbol band of each column such that a series of continuous images are displayed from a column on one end side to a column on the other end side. The gaming machine described in. A step of accepting execution of a unit game by external input;
For each unit game, determining a winning combination by lottery;
A step of determining a production corresponding to the determined winning combination;
When a unit game is executed, a symbol having a symbol display area in which display blocks for displaying symbols are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Scrolling and displaying each of the first symbol bands on which a plurality of symbols are arranged, including the continuous image symbols,
During the scrolling of the first symbol band, when the continuous image symbol corresponding to the determined effect is displayed in the symbol display area in the image data of the first symbol band, a background of the continuous image symbol is displayed. When a symbol other than the continuous image symbol is displayed in the symbol display area, the background is turned off and displayed.
Generating a payout corresponding to the winning combination;
A method for controlling a gaming machine, comprising:   The first symbol band of each column further includes a step of lighting a background of the continuous image so that a series of continuous images are displayed from a column on one end side to a column on the other end side. The gaming machine control method according to claim 8.

Images