JP2011030957A - Gaming machine and method of controlling gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine allowing a player to always feel the possibility of winning to sufficiently enhance the sense of expectancy for the winning. <P>SOLUTION: The gaming machine includes: a lower image display panel 141 having a symbol display area 4 composed of symbol display blocks including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; a RAM 73 for storing identification data of symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 4; and a main CPU 71. Symbols corresponding to the identification data of various symbols read from the RAM 73 are displayed in the symbol display area 4, and if a special symbol 161 is displayed in the symbol display area 4, a symbol displayed in an adjacent symbol display area 164 adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol 161 is moved within the adjacent symbol display area 164. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a symbol adjacent to a special symbol moves between symbol display blocks and a control method thereof.

  Conventionally, in a slot machine, when a player inserts coins or bills into the slot machine and inputs a spin button, a plurality of symbols are scrolled on a display provided on the front of the housing, Each symbol stops automatically.

  In such a slot machine, for example, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,093,102, when a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line is a predetermined combination, a predetermined number of coins are used. There is a slot machine having a concept of a winning line, such as a game medium such as a payout.

  In addition, such a slot machine includes, for example, a combination of symbols displayed on a winning line as disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,604,999 and US 2002/0065124. There are slot machines that perform two types of payouts, that is, a payout determined, a payout determined by the number of scatter symbols displayed, and the like.

US Pat. No. 6,093,102 US Pat. No. 6,604,999 US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0065124

  However, in a gaming machine represented by such a conventional slot machine, when the payout is determined by a combination of symbols displayed on the winning line, how many symbols are continuously arranged on the determined winning line from the left. The dividend was decided depending on. In addition, since each symbol has its result determined by stopping the determined array reel, the combination of symbols is not a predetermined combination in the process in which the array reel stops in order from the left, It is predicted that there is no possibility of winning, and it is impossible to feel the possibility of winning in the process of stopping the array reels.

  In addition, when the payout is determined by the number of scatter symbols displayed, it is possible to have only a random payout expectation by combining a plurality of types of scatter symbols with symbols displayed on the display without regularity. It cannot be increased.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and the purpose of the present invention is to allow the player to always feel the possibility of winning a prize and to fully expect the winning prize. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can be increased.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a display having a symbol display area including a symbol display block group including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and a symbol display of the display. A gaming machine comprising: a memory that stores identification data of symbols including special symbols to be displayed in a region; and a controller that executes the following processes (a) to (f). (A) reading identification data of various symbols to be displayed in each symbol display area of the display from the memory, and (b) displaying symbols corresponding to the identification data of various symbols read from the memory in the symbol display area of the display. (C) It is determined whether the identification data of the special symbol is displayed in the symbol display area of the display, and (d) it is determined that the identification data of the special symbol is displayed as a result of the determination of (c). In this case, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol is moved in the adjacent symbol display area while holding the symbol displayed in the area other than the adjacent symbol display area. ) In the process (d), the moved symbol is stopped in the adjacent symbol display area. And, (f) the identification data of the identification data and the special symbols adjacent symbols displayed in the symbol display area including the symbol display area when a predetermined combination, a prize is awarded.

  According to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, when the special symbol is displayed, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol moves in the adjacent symbol display area. For this reason, if the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area before moving the symbol is not a combination that gives a prize, the symbol moves after moving in the adjacent symbol display area. May be combined. Even if the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area before the symbol moves is a combination that gives a prize, the prize moves higher in the adjacent symbol display area, so that the prize having a higher payout than before the symbol moves. May be combined. Therefore, by moving the symbols, the player can always feel the possibility of winning and the expectation for winning can be sufficiently enhanced.

  A gaming machine according to a second aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the controller further includes the plurality of rows and the plurality of rows in the processes (d) and (e). When moving a symbol adjacent to the special symbol displayed in a symbol display area composed of a rectangular symbol display block group consisting of a row of symbols, the symbol display block group centered on the special symbol is the adjacent symbol. It is set as a display area, and movement between the symbol display blocks in the annular adjacent symbol display area is controlled clockwise or counterclockwise around the special symbol.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 2, in the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 1, when the special symbol is displayed, the symbol displayed in the annular adjacent symbol display area centering on the special symbol is displayed. The symbol display block moves clockwise or counterclockwise around the special symbol. Therefore, depending on which symbol display block the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area stops, the symbol combination may be a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the symbols with an increased expectation for winning.

  A gaming machine according to a third aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the controller further displays the adjacent symbol display area in the processing of (d). The number of the symbol display blocks for moving the displayed symbols is determined at random.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 3, in the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 1 or 2, the number of symbol display blocks for moving the symbol is determined at random. Therefore, depending on which symbol display block the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area stops, the symbol combination may be a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the symbol in the hope of stopping at the symbol display block which is a combination for giving a prize.

  A gaming machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the controller further displays the symbol display area in the processing of (b). The symbol corresponding to the first identification data of the selected symbol is higher than the symbol displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area and the symbol corresponding to the second identification data of the special symbol in the process (f). In the case of this symbol, a prize is awarded based on the first identification data.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 4, in the gaming machine of the invention described in claims 1 to 3, the symbol corresponding to the first identification data is more than the symbol corresponding to the second identification data. In the case of a high payout, a prize is awarded based on the first identification data. Therefore, if the combination of symbols displayed before the symbol moves is a combination that gives a prize having a higher payout than the combination of symbols displayed after the symbol moves, the combination of symbols displayed before the symbol moves Award based on. Therefore, the player can expect that the combination of symbols displayed after the symbols have moved becomes a combination that gives a higher payout than the combination of symbols displayed before the symbols have moved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the controller further displays the symbol display area in the processing of (b). When the symbol identification data is a predetermined combination, the first prize is determined. In the process (f), the symbol and special symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area are predetermined. A second prize is determined, and the first prize and the second prize are combined to give a prize.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 5, in the gaming machine according to claims 1 to 3, the first prize determined before the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area moves. And a second prize determined after the symbol has been moved together. For this reason, even when the first prize is determined before the symbol moves, the prize is awarded together with the second prize determined after the symbol moves, so that a prize with a high dividend can be awarded. It becomes. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation of a prize having a high payout by moving the symbol.

  The gaming machine according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the controller further includes a special symbol from the memory as a result of the determination in (c). If it is determined that the identification data has been read, the first identification data is added to the first identification data without executing the processes (d) to (f) and the processes (d) to (f). Based on this, the second process of giving a prize is randomly switched.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 6, in the gaming machine according to claims 1 to 3, when the special symbol is displayed, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area moves. The process in which the symbol does not move is determined at random. For this reason, when the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area is not a combination that gives a prize, the combination that gives a prize by moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area, and the adjacent symbol display area In some cases, the symbol displayed on the screen does not move and remains a combination for giving a prize. Therefore, the player can have a sense of expectation for the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area to move.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a display having a symbol display area composed of a symbol display block group consisting of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns; and a special symbol displayed in the symbol display area of the display. What is claimed is: 1. A gaming machine comprising: a memory for storing identification data of symbols including a controller; and a controller for executing the following processes (a) to (h): (A) reading identification data of various symbols to be displayed in each symbol display area of the display from the memory, and (b) displaying symbols corresponding to the identification data of a plurality of types of symbols read from the memory. (C) In the process (b), it is determined whether the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area is a predetermined combination. (D) In the process (c) When it is determined that the identification data is not a predetermined combination, the special symbol identification data to be displayed in the symbol display area is read from the memory, and (e) the special symbol corresponding to the special symbol identification data read from the memory is displayed. The symbol display area to be displayed, the special symbol is displayed in the determined symbol display area, f) moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol within the adjacent symbol display area while holding the symbols displayed in areas other than the adjacent symbol display area; In the process of (f), the moved symbol is stopped in the adjacent symbol display area, and (h) the identification data of the symbol displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area and the identification of the special symbol When the data is a predetermined combination, a prize is awarded.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 7, when the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area is not a predetermined combination, a special symbol is displayed and adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol. The symbol displayed in the symbol display area moves in the adjacent symbol display area. For this reason, if the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area before displaying the special symbol is not a combination that gives a prize, the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area are moved to move the combination of symbols displayed after the movement. May be a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, by moving the symbol, the player can always feel the possibility of winning, and the expectation for winning can be sufficiently enhanced.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, wherein in the processes (f) and (g), a rectangular shape including the plurality of rows and a plurality of columns is used. When moving a symbol adjacent to the special symbol displayed in a symbol display area composed of a symbol display block group, the symbol display block group centered on the special symbol is set as the adjacent symbol display area. The movement control between the symbol display blocks in the adjacent symbol display area is performed clockwise or counterclockwise with the special symbol as the center.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 8, when the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area is not a predetermined combination in the gaming machine of the invention described in claim 7, a special symbol is displayed, The symbol displayed in the annular adjacent symbol display area centering on the special symbol moves clockwise or counterclockwise around the special symbol between the symbol display blocks. Therefore, depending on which symbol display block the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area stops, the symbol combination may be a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the symbols with an increased expectation for winning.

  A gaming machine according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the seventh or eighth aspect, wherein the controller further displays the adjacent symbol display area in the processing of (f). The number of the symbol display blocks for moving the symbol is determined at random.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 9, in the gaming machine of the invention described in claim 7 or claim 8, if the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area is not a predetermined combination, the special symbol And the number of symbol display blocks for moving the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area is determined at random. Therefore, depending on which symbol display block the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area stops, the symbol combination may be a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the symbol in the hope of stopping at the symbol display block which is a combination for giving a prize.

  A method for controlling a gaming machine according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a gaming machine including a controller, and (a) a step of reading identification data of various symbols displayed in each symbol display area of the display. (B) displaying symbols corresponding to the read identification data of various symbols in the symbol display area of the display; and (c) whether the identification data of special symbols is displayed in the symbol display area of the display. And (d) if it is determined that the special symbol is displayed as a result of the determination in (c), the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol is adjacent The adjacent symbol display area while holding the displayed symbols other than the symbol display area And (e) stopping the moved symbol in the adjacent symbol display area in the step (d), and (f) displaying the symbol in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area. And awarding a prize when the identification data of the symbol and the identification data of the special symbol are a predetermined combination.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 10, when a special symbol is displayed, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol is within the adjacent symbol display area. Execute the control to move. For this reason, if the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area before moving the symbol is not a combination that gives a prize, the symbol moves after moving in the adjacent symbol display area. May be combined. Even if the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area before the symbol moves is a combination that gives a prize, the prize moves higher in the adjacent symbol display area, so that the prize having a higher payout than before the symbol moves. May be combined. Therefore, by moving the symbol, the player can always feel the possibility of winning, and the expectation for winning can be sufficiently enhanced.

  A method for controlling a gaming machine according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is the method for controlling a gaming machine according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the controller includes a plurality of controllers in the steps (d) and (e). When moving a symbol adjacent to the special symbol displayed in a symbol display area composed of a rectangular symbol display block group consisting of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the symbol display block group centered on the special symbol is Setting as the adjacent symbol display area, and moving between the symbol display blocks in the annular adjacent symbol display area clockwise or counterclockwise around the special symbol.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 11, in the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 10, when the special symbol is displayed, an annular adjacent symbol centered on the special symbol Control is performed so that the symbols displayed in the display area move clockwise or counterclockwise between the symbol display blocks around the special symbols. Therefore, depending on which symbol display block the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area stops, the symbol combination may be a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the symbols with an increased expectation for winning.

  A method for controlling a gaming machine according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the method for controlling a gaming machine according to the tenth or eleventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the controller performs the step (d) in the step (d). Randomly determining the number of symbol display blocks for moving symbols displayed in adjacent symbol display areas.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 12, in the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 10 or 11, the number of symbol display blocks for moving the symbol is randomly selected. Control to decide on. Therefore, depending on which symbol display block the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area stops, the symbol combination may be a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the symbol in the hope of stopping at the symbol display block which is a combination for giving a prize.

  A method for controlling a gaming machine according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the method for controlling a gaming machine according to the tenth to twelfth aspects of the present invention, in which the controller performs the step (b) in the step (b). The symbol corresponding to the first identification data of the symbol displayed in the symbol display area corresponds to the second identification data of the symbol displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area and the special symbol in the step (f). And awarding a prize based on the first identification data in the case of a symbol having a higher payout than the symbol to be played.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 13, in the method for controlling a gaming machine according to claims 10 to 12, the symbol corresponding to the first identification data is When the payout is higher than the symbol corresponding to the second identification data, control is performed to give a prize based on the first identification data. Therefore, if the combination of symbols displayed before the symbol moves is a combination that gives a prize having a higher payout than the combination of symbols displayed after the symbol moves, the combination of symbols displayed before the symbol moves Award based on. Accordingly, the player can expect that the combination of symbols displayed after the symbols move will be a combination that gives a prize with a high payout, rather than the combination of symbols displayed before the symbols move.

  A method for controlling a gaming machine according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the method for controlling a gaming machine according to the tenth to twelfth aspects of the present invention, wherein the controller performs the step (b) in the step (b). The symbol displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area in the step of determining the first prize when the identification data of the symbols displayed in the symbol display area is a predetermined combination, and the step (f) And determining a second prize when the identification data of the special symbol is a predetermined combination, and granting a prize by combining the first prize and the second prize.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 14, in the method for controlling a gaming machine according to claims 10 to 12, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area is moved. The first award determined before and the second award determined after the symbol moves are combined to give a prize. For this reason, even when the first prize is determined before the symbol moves, the second prize determined after the symbol moves is also awarded, so that a prize with a high payout can be awarded. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation of a prize having a high payout by moving the symbol.

  The method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 15 is the method of controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 10 to claim 12, wherein the controller determines the result of the determination in (c), When it is determined that the identification data of the special symbol has been read, the first process for executing the steps (d) to (f) and the steps (d) to (f) are not executed. Randomly switching between a second process of giving a prize based on one identification data.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 15, in the gaming machine control method of the present invention described in claims 10 to 12, when the special symbol is displayed, the adjacent symbol display area is displayed. Control is performed to randomly determine a process for moving the displayed symbol and a process for not moving the symbol. For this reason, when the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area is not a combination that gives a prize, the combination that gives a prize by moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area, and the adjacent symbol display area In some cases, the symbol displayed on the screen does not move and remains a combination for giving a prize. Therefore, the player can have a sense of expectation for the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area to move.

  The method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention according to claim 16 is a method for controlling a gaming machine including a controller, and (a) reading identification data of various symbols displayed in each symbol display area of the display And (b) displaying symbols corresponding to the read identification data of the plurality of types of symbols in the symbol display area of the display, and (c) symbols displayed in the symbol display area in the step (b). And (d) in the step (c), if it is determined that the symbol identification data is not the predetermined combination, a special symbol displayed in the symbol display area is displayed. A step of reading the identification data; and (e) a special symbol corresponding to the identification data of the read special symbol. A symbol display area for displaying the symbol, and displaying a special symbol in the determined symbol display area; (f) a symbol displayed in an adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol; (G) in the stage of (f), the moved symbol is stopped in the adjacent symbol display area while the symbols displayed outside the symbol display area are held. And (h) awarding a prize when the identification data of the symbols displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area and the identification data of the special symbol are a predetermined combination.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention according to claim 16, when the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area is not a predetermined combination, the special symbol is displayed and the symbol display area in which the special symbol is displayed. Control is performed so that the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to move within the adjacent symbol display area. For this reason, if the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area before displaying the special symbol is not a combination that gives a prize, the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area are moved to move the combination of symbols displayed after the movement. May be a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, by moving the symbol, the player can always feel the possibility of winning, and the expectation for winning can be sufficiently enhanced.

  A method for controlling a gaming machine according to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the method for controlling a gaming machine according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the controller includes a plurality of controllers in the steps (f) and (g). When moving a symbol adjacent to the special symbol displayed in a symbol display area composed of a rectangular symbol display block group consisting of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the symbol display block group centered on the special symbol is Setting as the adjacent symbol display area, and moving between the symbol display blocks in the annular adjacent symbol display area clockwise or counterclockwise around the special symbol.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 17, in the gaming machine control method of the present invention described in claim 16, the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area is not a predetermined combination. In this case, a special symbol is displayed, and control is performed such that the symbol displayed in the annular adjacent symbol display area centering around the special symbol moves clockwise or counterclockwise around the special symbol between the symbol display blocks. Therefore, depending on which symbol display block the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area stops, the symbol combination may be a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the symbols with an increased expectation for winning.

  The method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 18 is the method of controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 16 or 17, wherein the controller performs the step (f) in the step (f). Randomly determining the number of symbol display blocks for moving symbols displayed in adjacent symbol display areas.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 18, in the method for controlling a gaming machine according to claim 16 or 17, the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area is predetermined. If the combination is not, a special symbol is displayed, and control is performed to randomly determine the number of symbol display blocks for moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area. Therefore, depending on which symbol display block the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area stops, the symbol combination may be a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the symbol in the hope of stopping at the symbol display block which is a combination for giving a prize.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which a player can always feel the possibility of winning and the expectation for winning can be sufficiently increased.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of game processing of 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 structure of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a configuration of a symbol column of the gaming machine according to the 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 an example of displaying symbol combinations of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a display example of symbols to be displayed in a symbol display area of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a display example of symbols to be displayed in a symbol display area of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a display example of symbols to be displayed in a symbol display area of the gaming machine according to the 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 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. 20 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol display control processing for the gaming machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the payout amount determination processing for the gaming machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the characteristics of the game processing of this gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is a slot machine, and displays various symbols in a symbol display area composed of a symbol display block group composed of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, as shown in FIG. A side image display panel 141 (display), a RAM 73 (memory) for storing identification data of symbols including special symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area of the lower image display panel 141, and a main CPU 71 (controller) are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main CPU 71 reads out various symbol identification data to be displayed in the symbol display area of the lower image display panel 141 from the symbol identification data stored in the RAM 73 (step S1). .

  Then, the main CPU 71 displays symbols corresponding to the identification data of various symbols read from the RAM 73 in step S1 in the symbol display area of the lower image display panel 141 (step S2).

  Then, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not special symbol identification data is displayed in the symbol display area of the lower image display panel 141 in step S2 (step S3). Here, the special symbol is the same as the winning symbol when a specific symbol (for example, BLUE 7) is displayed in the vertical or horizontal symbol display block of the symbol display block displaying the special symbol (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol). This symbol is determined to be a combination of symbols.

  If the main CPU 71 determines that the identification data of the special symbol is displayed based on the determination result of step S3, the main CPU 71 displays the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol. It moves within the adjacent symbol display area while holding the symbols displayed outside the symbol display area (steps S4 and S5). When moving a symbol adjacent to the special symbol displayed in the symbol display area, the main CPU 71 sets a symbol display block group centered on the special symbol as the adjacent symbol display area, and the symbols in this annular adjacent symbol display area The display block is controlled to move clockwise or counterclockwise around the special symbol.

  Then, the main CPU 71 determines an adjacent symbol display area for stopping the adjacent symbol whose movement is controlled in step S5, and stops the adjacent symbol (step S6, step S7). That is, the main CPU 71 randomly determines the number of symbol display blocks for moving the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area, and stops moving the symbols when the number of symbols to be moved reaches the determined number of symbol display blocks.

  Then, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbol identification data and the special symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area are a predetermined combination (step S8). Here, the predetermined combination means a combination of the same symbols in which symbols corresponding to the symbol identification data are continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the symbol identification data is a predetermined combination based on the determination result of step S8, the main CPU 71 gives a prize according to the number of the same symbols consecutive in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. Processing is performed (step S9).

  As described above, when a special symbol is displayed in the symbol display area, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area in which the special symbol is displayed moves in the adjacent symbol display area. For this reason, if the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area before moving the symbol is not a combination that gives a prize, the symbol moves after moving in the adjacent symbol display area. May be combined. Even if the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area before the symbol moves is a combination that gives a prize, the prize moves higher in the adjacent symbol display area, so that the prize having a higher payout than before the symbol moves. May be combined. Therefore, by moving the symbol, the player can always feel the possibility of winning and can provide a gaming machine that can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

[Explanation of function flow diagram]
This completes the description of the features of the game processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the basic functions of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention 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.

  When a special symbol is displayed, a random number for symbol movement is extracted, and the number of symbol display blocks for moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol 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.

  When the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention further displays a special symbol, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol is displayed in a region other than the adjacent symbol display area. The number of symbol display blocks is moved in the adjacent symbol display area while holding the symbol, and then stopped.

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

  Here, the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention determines that the combination of symbols is related to winning when the symbols are combinations of the same symbols continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. In addition, when a special symbol is displayed and a symbol adjacent to the special symbol is moved within the adjacent symbol display area, the symbol including the special symbol is a combination of symbols continuously in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction after the movement is stopped. In addition, it is determined that the symbols are combinations of the same symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction.

<Payout>
Next, when the symbols displayed to the player are combinations of the same symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the gaming machine gives the player a privilege according to the number of the same continuous symbols.

  For example, when a combination of symbols related to payout of coins is displayed as a combination of the same symbols continuously in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the gaming machine pays out a coin corresponding to the number of symbols to the player.

  Further, the gaming machine starts the bonus game when displaying the symbol combination related to the bonus game trigger. In the embodiment of the present invention, as a bonus game, the lottery related to the determination of the symbols to be stopped and the number of symbol display blocks for moving the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area are determined without consuming coins. A game (free game) in which lottery related to is performed a predetermined number of times is executed.

  Further, when the gaming machine displays the symbol combination related to the jackpot trigger, the gaming machine pays out the coin of the jackpot amount to the player. 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 embodiment of the present invention, it is possible for the player to arbitrarily select whether or not 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 given 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 embodiment of the present invention. Next, the overall structure of the gaming machine 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 embodiment of the present invention, a ticket with a bar code 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. The symbol display area 4 includes a symbol display block group including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and displays five video reels 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e).

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the video reel expresses the rotation and stop operations of the mechanical reel with a plurality of symbols drawn on its peripheral surface by video. Each video reel 3 is assigned with a symbol string composed of a plurality of predetermined symbols (22 in the embodiment of the present invention) (see FIG. 5 described later).

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

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

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when a special symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 4, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol is displayed in a symbol other than the adjacent symbol display area. Is moved in the adjacent symbol display area, and the symbol movement is stopped when the number of symbols to be moved reaches a predetermined number of symbol display blocks.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 are combinations of the same symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the number of the same symbols depends on the combination of the symbols to be awarded. A prize is awarded (see FIG. 7 described later).

  In addition, although the specific aspect which gives a prize can be employ | adopted arbitrarily, for example, when it is the combination of the same symbol which continued in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, or the diagonal direction, it shall employ | adopt as a combination which gives a prize. Can do.

  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. The payout number display area 143 displays the number of coins to be paid out to the player when a winning is achieved (hereinafter, the number of payouts).

  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 image showing an introduction to the contents of the game, and an 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.

  A card inserted into the card slot 176 reads and writes data 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 an arrangement of symbols 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”, “APPLE”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “SP” are provided as symbol types.

  “SP” is a special symbol, and when “SP” is displayed in the symbol display area 4, a trigger for moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol displaying “SP” within the adjacent symbol display area Is a symbol.

  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 have a symbol row composed of a plurality of the same symbols in succession ( For example, the code numbers 05, 06, 07 of the first video reel 3a).

  As a result, when the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 are combinations of the same symbols continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, a prize according to the number of the same symbols can be awarded.

[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, a symbol movement program, and a program for producing effects by images and sounds (for example, see FIGS. 11 to 22 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 three symbols to be displayed by the symbol display area 4 among the 22 symbols constituting the symbol row. In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a symbol to be displayed in a predetermined region (for example, the upper region) among three regions corresponding to each video reel 3 in the symbol display region 4 is a symbol to be stopped. Determine as.

  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 embodiment of the present invention, the data is defined so that the number of symbols constituting the symbol column of each video reel 3 is the same. However, the symbols constituting the symbol column according to each video reel 3 You may make it differ in the number of. 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 upper lottery program includes symbol identification data. The symbol identification data is data for identifying symbols including special symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4.

  The symbol moving program is a program for moving a symbol adjacent to the special symbol when a special symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 4. When the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention moves symbols adjacent to the special symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4, the special symbols are displayed on the upper, middle, and lower stages of the video reels 3b, 3c, and 3d. The symbol display block group centering on the special symbol is set as the adjacent symbol display area.

  When the special symbols 161 are displayed on the upper, middle and lower stages of the video reels 3a3e, symbol display block groups adjacent in the vertical and horizontal directions of the special symbols are set as adjacent symbol display areas.

  The symbol movement program includes block number determination data for determining the number of symbol display blocks. The block number determination data is data for determining the number of blocks by which the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area move between the symbol display blocks by lottery.

  When the number of blocks of the moving symbol is determined based on the block number determination data, the symbols adjacent to the special symbol stop after moving the determined number of blocks.

  Note that the block number determination data may be set so that the number of blocks to be determined is different when it is internally determined that symbols are stopped in a combination that gives a prize. For example, when it is internally determined to stop with a combination that gives a prize, a random number range is set so that the number of blocks to be moved is relatively large, or the number of blocks to be moved is relatively small. A random number range may be set as described above, and a random number value may be extracted to determine the number of blocks to be moved. Thereby, it is possible to notify that there is a high possibility that the player will stop with a combination that gives a prize to the player.

  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 along 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, a process for taking in the game program and the game system program 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. Therefore, the RAM 73 stores symbol identification data including special symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 by performing a process of taking in symbol identification data stored in the memory card 54. .

  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.

  The communication interface 82 is for communicating with the external control device 200 such as a server via the communication line 301. Also, 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 distributed to the hopper 113, and when the hopper 113 is filled with coins, it is distributed to 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. The credit amount display area 142 of the lower image display panel 141 displays the credit amount stored in the RAM 73. In the payout number display area 143 of the lower image display panel 141, the payout of coins is displayed.

  The graphic board 130 also 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. Yes.

  The video RAM is provided with a storage area for storing moving image data in which a symbol displayed in an adjacent symbol display area adjacent to a symbol display area displaying a special symbol is moved between display blocks in the adjacent symbol display area. .

  The VDP displays the moving image data read from the storage area in the adjacent symbol display area. 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.

[Example of displaying symbol combinations]
This completes the description of the circuit configuration of the gaming machine 1. Next, symbol combinations will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7A is a view illustrating an example in which the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention displays two consecutive combinations of the same symbols. FIG. 7B is a view illustrating an example in which the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention displays four consecutive combinations of the same symbols.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a symbol display area 4 including a symbol display block group including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. A winning is established when the displayed symbols are combinations of the same symbols continuous in the vertical or horizontal direction. In the embodiment of the present invention, the symbol display block of the symbol display area 4 in which a winning is established is defined as a winning symbol display area 160. Then, according to the number of the same symbols displayed in the winning symbol display area 160, a privilege such as paying out coins or starting a bonus game is given to the player. Note that if the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 are not combinations of the same symbols continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the winning is not established (so-called loss).

  Basically, “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “APPLE”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE” and “SP” displayed in the symbol display area 4 by the respective video reels 3. Is a combination of the same symbols consecutive in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, a winning is established.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7A, since the symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in a combination of two consecutive symbols in the vertical direction, the symbol display area 4 in which two “CHERRY” symbols are displayed in the vertical direction is displayed. This symbol display block is defined as a winning symbol display area 160. In this case, the winning combination is “CHERRY”, and the number of payouts is determined based on the combination of two “CHERRY” displayed in the winning symbol display area 160.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7B, since “CHERRY” symbols are displayed in a combination of two symbols in the vertical direction and three in the horizontal direction, four “CHERRY” symbols are displayed in succession. The symbol display block in the symbol display area 4 is defined as a symbol display area 160. In this case, the number of payouts is determined based on the combination of “CHERRY” displayed in the winning symbol display area 160.

  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 all the video reels 3 display the symbol “JACKPOT 7” as a combination of five consecutive symbols in the vertical or horizontal direction, the winning combination is “jackpot” and the jackpot amount is determined as the number of payouts. The

  “APPLE” is a symbol related to the bonus game trigger. When all the video reels 3 display the symbol “APPLE” as a combination of five consecutive symbols in the vertical or horizontal direction, the winning combination is “bonus game” and the bonus game is started from the next game. .

[Symbol display example of symbol display area]
This completes the description of the symbol combination table. Next, display examples of symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8A shows a display example when a special symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 4. FIG. 8B is a display example in the case of moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area 4 displaying the special symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, symbols are displayed in accordance with each video reel 3 in a symbol display area 4 composed of a rectangular symbol display block group composed of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

  When the special symbol 161 is displayed in the symbol display area 4, the fact that the symbol display block group in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction of the symbol display block displaying the special symbol 161 is set as the adjacent symbol display area 164 is identifiable. Here, a display example in the case where a special symbol is displayed in the middle stage of the video reel 3d is shown. As shown in FIG. 5A, a symbol display block group centered on the special symbol 161 is displayed as an adjacent symbol display area 164 so as to be identifiable. In this case, since the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 are not combinations of the same symbols continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the winning is lost.

  When the special symbol 161 is displayed, the display brightness of the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 is adjusted, and all or a part of the adjacent symbol display area 164 is displayed with relatively high brightness. In the example of FIG. 8A, the frame 162a surrounding the adjacent symbol display area 164 is displayed with high luminance. By displaying the frame 161a with high luminance, the adjacent symbol display area 164 is highlighted. By highlighting the adjacent symbol display area 164, it is possible to notify the player that the symbols in the adjacent symbol display area 164 are moving.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 move in the adjacent symbol display area 164 while holding the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 other than the adjacent symbol display area 164. . Here, a display example when the symbols displayed in the annular adjacent symbol display area 164 move counterclockwise is shown. As shown in FIG. 4B, the symbols displayed in the annular adjacent symbol display area 164 move counterclockwise between the symbol display blocks in the adjacent symbol display area 164 with the special symbol 161 as the center.

  When the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 start to move, the display brightness of the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 is adjusted so that all or a part of the adjacent symbol display area 164 is relatively high. Display in brightness. In the example of FIG. 8B, the frame 162b having a different color scheme from the frame 162a displayed in FIG. 8A is displayed to emphasize that the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 has moved. To display. By emphasizing that the symbol is moving, it is possible for the player to increase the expectation for the movement of the symbol.

  FIG. 9A shows a display example when the symbols are moved and then stopped at a combination of three consecutive symbols including special symbols. FIG. 9B is a display example when the symbol is moved and then stopped at a combination of two consecutive symbols including the special symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the symbols in the adjacent symbol display area 164 stop in the adjacent symbol display area 164 after moving a predetermined symbol display block. Here, a display example is shown when the stopped symbol combination is stopped by a combination of three consecutive symbols including the special symbol. As shown in FIG. 6A, since the symbol “BLUE 7” adjacent to the special symbol 161 is displayed as a combination of two consecutive symbols in the horizontal direction, the special symbol 161 and the symbol “BLUE 7” adjacent to the special symbol 161 are displayed. The symbol display block of the symbol display area 4 displaying “” is defined as a winning symbol display area 160. In this case, the winning combination is “BLUE 7”, and the number of payouts is determined based on the combination of “BLUE 7” displayed in the winning symbol display area 160.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, when one “BLUE 7” symbol adjacent to the special symbol 161 is displayed in the vertical direction, the special symbol 161 and the adjacent “BLUE 7” symbol are displayed. The symbol display block in the symbol display area 4 is defined as a winning symbol display area 160. In this case, the winning combination is “BLUE 7”, and the number of payouts is determined based on the combination of “BLUE 7” displayed in the winning symbol display area 160.

  As described above, when the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 are not combinations of the same symbols continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the winning is lost. (See FIG. 8 (a)). However, when the special symbol 162 is displayed, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 moves within the adjacent symbol display area 164 (see FIG. 8B), and the symbol displayed in the symbol display area 4 is special. There is a possibility of stopping at a combination of symbols including symbols 161 that are continuous in the vertical or horizontal direction (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). That is, there is a possibility that a winning will be established when the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 move within the adjacent symbol display area 164.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the special symbols 161 are displayed on the upper, middle, and lower stages of the video reels 3b, 3c, and 3d, the symbols displayed in the annular adjacent symbol display area 164 are displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164. The symbol display block moves clockwise or counterclockwise around the special symbol 162. When the special symbols 161 are displayed in the upper, middle and lower stages of the video reels 3a and 3e, the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 as shown in FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b). Moves between the symbol display blocks in the adjacent symbol display area 164 in the vertical and horizontal directions.

  FIG. 10A shows a display example when a special symbol is displayed in the middle stage of the video reel 3a. FIG. 10B shows a display example when the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area is moved when the special symbol is displayed in the middle stage of the video reel 3a.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, when the special symbol 161 is displayed in the symbol display area 4 composed of a rectangular symbol display block group composed of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, the symbol display in which the special symbol 161 is displayed. The frame 162a is displayed so that it can be identified that the symbol display block groups on the upper and lower and left and right sides of the block are set as the adjacent symbol display area 164.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 are displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 while holding the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 other than the adjacent symbol display area 164. Moving. Further, the frame 162b is displayed so that it can be identified that the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 is moving. Here, as shown in FIG. 10A, since the special symbol 161 is displayed in the middle stage of the video reel 3a, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 is in the vertical or horizontal direction while holding the special symbol 161. Move to.

[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. 11 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. 12 (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. 15 (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. 16 (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, three symbols including symbols to be stopped are displayed in the symbol display area 4. For example, if the symbol to be stopped is a symbol with a code number “10” and is displayed in the upper area, the symbols with the code numbers “11” and “12” are Displayed in the middle and bottom.

  In the symbol display control process, when the special symbol 161 is displayed in the symbol display area 4, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 adjacent to the symbol display area 4 displaying the special symbol 161 is within the adjacent symbol display area 164. To move. That is, when the symbol row of each video reel 3 is stopped and the special symbol 161 is displayed in the symbol display area 4, the main CPU 71 reads the moving image data from the video RAM, and the symbol moves in the adjacent symbol display area 164. The moving image of the symbol to be displayed is displayed.

  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, when the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 are combinations of the same symbols continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the number of payouts is determined based on the number of the same symbols, and the number of payouts provided in the RAM 73 Stored in the storage area.

  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 a bonus game trigger has been established (step S19: YES), the main CPU 71 performs a bonus game process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 (step S20).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether the mystery bonus trigger is established after the process of step S20 or when it is determined in step S19 that the bonus game trigger is not established (step S19: NO) (step S19: NO). Step S21). When the main CPU 71 determines that a mystery bonus trigger has been established (step S21: YES), 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 is not established in step S21 (step S21: NO), the main CPU 71 performs an insurance check process described later with reference to FIG. 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. 12 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 the main CPU 71 determines that coin insertion has been detected (step S41: YES), 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 has been detected by the banknote discriminator 115. When it is determined that the insertion of banknotes has been 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 S41: NO). Determination is made (step S43). When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the credit amount storage area is not 0 (step S43: NO), 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 (step S47: YES), 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 (step S47: NO), the main CPU 71 permits the operation reception of the spin button (step S49). .

  The main CPU 71 determines that the operation of the BET button is not detected in step S45 after step S49 (step S45: NO), or the value stored in the credit number storage area in step S43 is 0. Is determined (step S43: YES), it is determined whether or not an operation of the spin button is detected (step S50). When the main CPU 71 determines that the operation of the spin button is not detected (step S50: NO), 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 jackpot-related processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 13 (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. 14 (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. 13 is a view illustrating a flowchart of 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. 14 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 (step S91: NO), the insurance-related processing ends. On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is on (step S91: YES), the main CPU 71 updates the value stored in the insurance game frequency 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. 15 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 stop symbol identification data of each video reel 3 in the symbol storage area provided in the RAM 73 (step S113). Next, the main CPU 71 refers to a symbol combination table that defines combinations of the same symbols in which symbols are continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction and winning combinations corresponding to the number of the same symbols, and based on the symbol storage area, Is determined (step S114). The main CPU 71 determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 matches the combination of symbols defined in the symbol combination table, and determines a 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. 16 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol display control processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 stores identification data of symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 in a symbol storage area provided in the RAM 73, and starts scrolling the symbol column of each video reel 3. (Step S131).

  Next, the main CPU 71 displays symbols in the symbol display area 4 by stopping the scrolling of the symbol columns of each video reel 3 based on the above-described symbol storage area (step S132). In this case, by stopping scrolling in order from the first video reel 3a on the left of each video reel 3, the player can combine the same symbols in which the symbol combinations displayed in the symbol display area 4 are continuous in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. It becomes possible to feel the possibility of becoming. Then, the main CPU 71 stores the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area 4 in the storage area of the RAM 73 as first identification data (step S133).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the identification data of the special symbol 161 is displayed in the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 (step S134). Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the special symbol 161 corresponding to the identification data of the special symbol 161 is displayed in any of the symbol display blocks in the symbol display area 4 (see FIG. 8A). .

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the special symbol 161 is not displayed (step S134: NO), the symbol display control process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the special symbol 161 is displayed (step S134: YES), the adjacent symbol display area 164 is set (step S135). In the embodiment of the present invention, when the special symbols 161 are displayed on the upper, middle, and lower stages of the video reels 3b, 3c, and 3d, the symbol display block group centering on the special symbols 161 is set as the adjacent symbol display area 164. (See FIG. 8A). When the special symbols 161 are displayed on the upper, middle and lower stages of the video reels 3a and 3e, the symbol display block groups adjacent to the upper and lower and left and right symbol display block groups of the symbol display block displaying the special symbols 161 are displayed. The adjacent symbol display area 164 is set (see FIG. 10A).

  Next, the main CPU 71 holds the symbols displayed outside the adjacent symbol display area 164 (step S136). Specifically, the main CPU 71 holds the displayed symbols by storing the symbol columns of each video reel displayed in the symbol display area 4 other than the adjacent symbol display area 164 in the storage area of the RAM 73.

  Next, the main CPU 71 randomly determines the number of symbol display blocks for moving the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 (step S137). Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines the number of symbol display blocks for moving the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 based on the above-described block number determination data. For example, when the number of blocks is determined to be 38 based on the block number determination data, the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 are determined to move 38 symbol display blocks.

  Next, the main CPU 71 moves the symbols in the adjacent symbol display area 164 within the adjacent symbol display area (step S138). Specifically, when the special symbols 161 are displayed on the upper, middle, and lower stages of the video reels 3b, 3c, and 3d, the main CPU 71 reads the moving image data from the video RAM and displays the symbols adjacent to the special symbols 161. Is controlled so as to move clockwise or counterclockwise around the special symbol 161 between the symbol display blocks in the annular adjacent symbol display area 164 (see FIG. 8B).

  In addition, when the special symbols 161 are displayed on the upper, middle and lower stages of the video reels 3a3e, the main CPU 71 reads the moving image data from the video RAM and displays the symbols adjacent to the special symbols 161 in the adjacent symbol display area 164. Display control is performed so as to move between the symbol display blocks in the vertical and horizontal directions (see FIG. 10B).

  When moving a symbol adjacent to the special symbol 161, when it is internally determined that the symbol displayed in the symbol display area 4 is stopped in a combination that gives a prize after stopping the movement of the adjacent symbol. Sets the random number range so that the probability of control to move clockwise increases, or sets the random number range to increase the probability of control to move counterclockwise, the main CPU 71 It may be configured to extract a random number value and decide to move clockwise or counterclockwise. Accordingly, it is possible to notify that there is a high possibility that the movement is stopped by a combination that gives a prize to the player.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 have moved by the number of symbol display blocks determined in step S137 (step S139). When the main CPU 71 determines that the determined number of symbol display blocks has not been moved (step S139: NO), the main CPU 71 returns to step S139.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the determined number of symbol display blocks has been moved (step S139: YES), the main CPU 71 stops the symbols moved in the adjacent symbol display area 164. (Step S140). When the main CPU 71 stops the symbol, it stores the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area 4 including the adjacent symbol display area 164 after the stop as second identification data in the storage area of the RAM 73 (step S141). When this process is performed, the symbol display control process is terminated.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, after step S133, the symbol movement random number value is extracted, the first process for executing the process from step S134 to step S141, and the process from step S134 to step S141 are not executed. Alternatively, the second process of determining the number of payouts based on the first identification data stored in step S133 may be determined at random.

  In this case, after the movement of the adjacent symbols is stopped, the first process is determined when it is internally determined that the symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 4 are stopped in a combination that gives a prize. The random number range is set so that the probability is high, or the random number range is set so that the probability that the second process is determined is high, and the main CPU 71 extracts the random value and performs the first process or the second process. You may comprise so that a process may be determined.

<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 (step S151: NO), the main CPU 71 performs a process of comparing the first identification data with the second identification data (step S152). In this process, the main CPU 71 displays the symbol identification data (first identification data) displayed in the symbol display area 4 in step S133 in FIG. 16 and the symbol display including the adjacent symbol display area 164 in step S141 in FIG. The symbol identification data (second identification data) displayed in the region 4 is compared.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbol corresponding to the first identification data is a higher payout symbol than the symbol corresponding to the second identification data (step S153). When the main CPU 71 determines that the symbol corresponding to the first identification data is a higher payout symbol than the symbol corresponding to the second identification data (step S153: YES), the main CPU 71 corresponds to the winning combination corresponding to the first identification data. The number of payouts to be made is determined (step S154). For example, when the symbol corresponding to the first identification data is a combination of two symbols in which “CHERRY” symbols are consecutive in the vertical direction (see FIG. 7A), the symbol is moved in step S137 of FIG. However, the symbol corresponding to the second identification data may be lost. In this case, “CHERRY” corresponding to the first identification data determines the number of payouts based on the two combinations.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the symbol corresponding to the first identification data is not a higher payout symbol than the symbol corresponding to the second identification data, the main CPU 71 sets the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination corresponding to the second identification data. Determination is made (step S155). For example, when the symbol corresponding to the first identification data is lost (see FIG. 8A), the symbol is moved in step S137 in FIG. 15, and the symbol corresponding to the second identification data is the special symbol 161. There is a case where the operation stops at a combination of three consecutive symbols including (see FIG. 9A). In this case, “BLUE 7” corresponding to the second identification data determines the number of payouts based on the three combinations. When the symbol corresponding to the first identification data and the second identification data is lost, “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 S156). When this process is performed, the payout number determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in step S151 that the winning combination is a jackpot (step S151: NO), the main CPU 71 notifies the external control device 200 that the jackpot has been won (step S157). 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 S158). Next, the main CPU 71 stores the received jackpot amount in the payout amount storage area (step S159). 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 (step S171: NO), the main CPU 71 ends the insurance-check process.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is on (step S171: YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined winning combination has been established (step S172). In the embodiment of the present invention, “bonus game trigger”, “jackpot”, and “mystery bonus” are targeted as predetermined winning combinations.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that a predetermined winning combination has not been established (step S172: NO), 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). Determination is made (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 (step S173: NO), the main CPU 71 ends the insurance check process.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the insurance game number storage area has reached the predetermined number (step S173: YES), 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 frequency storage area after step S174 or when it is determined in step S172 that a predetermined winning combination has been established (step S172: YES) (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. 11 (step S193). Next, the main CPU 71 performs the symbol lottery process described with reference to FIG. 12 (step S194). Next, the main CPU 71 performs an effect content determination process in the same manner as the process in step S16 described with reference to FIG. 11 (step S195). Next, the main CPU 71 performs the symbol display control process described with reference to FIG. 16 (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 (step S198: YES), 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 (step S201) after the process of step S200 or when it is determined in step S198 that a bonus game trigger has not been established (step S198: NO). 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 (step S203: NO), 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 (step S203: YES), the bonus game process is terminated. When the bonus game process ends, the process proceeds to 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 (step S221: NO), 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 (step S223: NO), the main CPU 71 proceeds to step S221 while keeping the insurance effective flag off. On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that there is an insurance effective instruction input (step S223: YES), 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 the 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 S221: YES) (step S226).

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

  As described above, when the main CPU 71 displays the special symbol 161 in the symbol display area 4, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 adjacent to the symbol display area 4 displaying the special symbol 161 passes through the adjacent symbol display area 164. Control to move. Therefore, by moving the symbol, the player can always feel the possibility of winning and can provide a gaming machine that can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the special symbol 161 is displayed, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 adjacent to the symbol display area 4 displaying the special symbol 161 is displayed as an adjacent symbol. Move within region 164. For this reason, when the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 before the movement of the symbols is not a combination that gives a prize, the combination of symbols displayed after the movement by moving the symbols in the adjacent symbol display area 164 May be a combination that gives a prize. Even if the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 before the symbol moves is a combination that gives a prize, the symbol moves in the adjacent symbol display area 164, so that the dividend can be paid more than before the symbol moves. There is a possibility of a combination that gives a high prize. Therefore, by moving the symbols, the player can always feel the possibility of winning and the expectation for winning can be sufficiently enhanced.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the special symbol 161 is displayed, the symbols displayed in the annular adjacent symbol display area 164 centering on the special symbol 161 are centered on the special symbol 161 between the symbol display blocks. Move clockwise or counterclockwise. For this reason, depending on which symbol display block the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 stops, there is a possibility that the combination of symbols is a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the symbols with an increased expectation for winning.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the number of symbol display blocks for moving symbols is determined at random. For this reason, depending on which symbol display block the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 stops, there is a possibility that the combination of symbols is a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can see the movement of the symbol in the hope of stopping at the symbol display block which is a combination for giving a prize.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the symbol corresponding to the first identification data is higher than the symbol corresponding to the second identification data, a prize is awarded based on the first identification data. . Therefore, if the combination of symbols displayed before the symbol moves is a combination that gives a prize having a higher payout than the combination of symbols displayed after the symbol moves, the combination of symbols displayed before the symbol moves Award based on. Therefore, the player can expect that the combination of symbols displayed after the symbols have moved becomes a combination that gives a higher payout than the combination of symbols displayed before the symbols have moved.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the special symbol 161 is displayed, a process for moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 and a process for not moving the symbol are randomly determined. For this reason, when the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 is not a combination that gives a prize, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 moves to become a combination that gives a prize, In some cases, the symbols displayed in the display area 164 do not move and remain a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, the player can have a sense of expectation for the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 to move.

  Next, a gaming machine according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of symbol display control processing. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of payout amount determination processing. Note that processes other than the processes described in the following drawings are substantially the same as those of the embodiment of the present invention, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  In the symbol display control process according to another embodiment of the present invention, control is performed to display the special symbol 161 in the symbol display area 4 when the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area 4 is not a predetermined combination.

  In the payout amount determination processing according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first prize is determined and displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 4 when the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area 4 is a predetermined combination. After the symbol is moved in the symbol display area 4 and stopped, the second prize is determined when the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area is a predetermined combination, and the first prize is determined. The award and the second prize will be awarded together.

<Symbol display control processing>
First, the symbol display control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a flowchart of symbol display control processing according to another embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing from step S338 to step S344 in FIG. 21 is substantially the same as the processing from step S135 to step S141 in FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 stores symbol identification data for displaying symbols in the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 in a symbol storage area provided in the RAM 73, and scrolls the symbol column of each video reel 3. Start (step S331).

  Next, the main CPU 71 displays symbols in the symbol display area 4 by stopping the scrolling of the symbol column of each video reel 3 based on the above-described symbol storage area (step S332). Then, the main CPU 71 stores the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area 4 as first identification data in the storage area of the RAM 73 (step S333).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbol identification data stored in the RAM 73 in step S333 is a predetermined combination (step S334). When the main CPU 71 determines that the symbol identification data is not a predetermined combination (step S334: NO), the main CPU 71 ends the symbol display process.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the symbol identification data is a predetermined combination (step S334: YES), the main CPU 71 reads out the special symbol identification data from the symbol identification data stored in the RAM 73 (step S335).

  Next, the main CPU 71 randomly determines a symbol display area in which the special symbol 161 is displayed (step S336). Specifically, the main CPU 71 randomly determines one symbol display block from the symbol display block group in the symbol display area 4 including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

  Next, the main CPU 71 reads the special symbol identification data from the RAM 72 in the symbol display area 4 determined in step S336, and displays the symbol special symbol 161 (step S337).

<Payout number determination process>
Next, payout number determination processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 22 is a view showing a flowchart of the payout amount determination process according to another embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing from step S360 to step S3362 in FIG. 22 is substantially the same as the processing from step S157 to step S159 in FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the winning combination is a jackpot (step S351). When determining that the winning combination is not a jackpot (step S351: NO), the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbols corresponding to the first identification data are a predetermined combination (step S352). Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbol identification data (first identification data) displayed in the symbol display area 4 in step S133 in FIG. Determine whether or not.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the symbols corresponding to the first identification data are a predetermined combination (step S352: YES), the main CPU 71 determines the first prize (step S353).

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the symbol corresponding to the first identification data is not a predetermined combination after step S353 or in step S352 (step S342), the symbol combination corresponding to the data in the second identification is a predetermined combination. It is determined whether it is a combination (step S354). Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines in step S139 in FIG. 16 that the symbol identification data (second identification data) displayed in the symbol display area 4 including the adjacent symbol display area 164 is the vertical direction or the horizontal direction including the special symbol. It is determined whether or not the combination of symbols is continuous in the direction (see FIGS. 9A and 9B).

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the symbols corresponding to the second identification data are a predetermined combination (step S354: YES), the main CPU 71 determines the second prize (step S355).

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the symbol corresponding to the symbol corresponding to the second identification data is not a predetermined combination after step S355 or in step S354 (step S354: NO), the first prize and the second prize It is determined whether or not a prize has been determined (step S356). Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the first prize is determined in step S353 and further the second prize is determined in step S355.

  When determining that the first prize and the second prize have been determined (step S356: YES), the main CPU 71 determines the number of payouts by combining the first prize and the second prize (step S357). For example, when the first prize is a combination of two consecutive symbols of “BLUE 7” in the horizontal direction, the second prize is in the vertical direction of the symbol of “BLUE 7”. When it becomes a combination of three consecutive symbols, “BLUE 7” determines the number of payouts based on the three combinations.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the first prize and the second prize have not been determined (step S356: NO), the main CPU 71 determines the number of payouts based on the first prize, the second prize, or the loss. (Step S358). Specifically, when one of the first prize and the second prize is determined, the main CPU 71 determines the number of payouts based on the determined first prize or second prize. Further, when the first prize and the second prize are not determined, “0” is determined as the number of payouts based on the loss.

  Next, after step S357 or after step S358, the main CPU 71 stores the determined number of payouts in the payout number storage area (step S359). When this process is performed, the payout number determination process is terminated.

  As described above, when the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area is not a predetermined combination, the main CPU 71 displays the special symbol 161 and displays the adjacent symbol display area 164 adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol 161. Control is performed so that the displayed symbol moves in the adjacent symbol display area 164. Therefore, by moving the symbol, the player can always feel the possibility of winning and can provide a gaming machine that can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 is not a predetermined combination, the special symbol 161 is displayed and the special symbol 161 is displayed. The symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 adjacent to the symbol display area 4 moves in the adjacent symbol display area 164. For this reason, when the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 before displaying the special symbol 161 is not a combination that gives a prize, the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 is moved and displayed after the movement. There is a possibility that a combination of symbols is a combination that gives a prize. Therefore, by moving the symbol, the player can always feel the possibility of winning, and the expectation for winning can be sufficiently enhanced.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first prize determined before the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area 164 moves and the second prize determined after the symbol moved are combined. Award. For this reason, even when the first prize is determined before the symbol moves, the prize is awarded together with the second prize determined after the symbol moves, so that a prize with a high dividend can be awarded. It becomes. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation of a prize having a high payout by moving the symbol.

  The gaming machine and the gaming machine control method according to the present invention have been described above based on the illustrated embodiment. However, the present invention is merely illustrated and is not intended to limit the present invention. The configuration can be changed as appropriate. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where one special symbol 161 is displayed in the symbol display area 4 has been described. However, when a plurality of special symbols 161 are displayed, symbols adjacent to the special symbol 161 are moved simultaneously, or You may comprise so that it may determine at random that it moves in order.

  In this case, if it is internally determined that the symbols after movement will stop at the combination that gives a prize, set the random number range so that the probability of moving at the same time or moving in order is relatively high Then, it may be determined that the random number value is extracted and the symbols adjacent to the special symbol 161 are moved simultaneously or sequentially. Thereby, it is possible to notify that there is a high possibility that the player will stop with a combination that gives a prize to the player.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the special symbol 161 is displayed in the symbol display area 4 and the adjacent symbol moves in the adjacent symbol display area 164 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of times of moving the symbols displayed on the screen may be determined at random, and the number of times of movement within the adjacent symbol display area 164 may be determined while the symbols displayed other than the adjacent symbol display area 164 are held.

  In this case, if it is determined internally that the symbol after movement stops with a combination that gives a prize, the random number range is set so that the number of times the symbol moves is relatively large or small, A random number value may be extracted and the number of times of moving a symbol adjacent to the special symbol 161 may be determined. Thereby, it is possible to notify that there is a high possibility that the player will stop with a combination that gives a prize to the player.

  The present invention is extremely useful for sufficiently enhancing the expectation for winning by constantly feeling the possibility that a player will win a game executed in a slot machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming machine 3 Video reel 4 Symbol display area 11 Cabinet 12 Top box 13 Main door 15 Coin tray 30 Control panel 31 Spin button 32 Change button 33 CASHOUT button 34 1-BET button 35 Maximum BET button 36 Coin entrance 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 92 Coin Counter 93 Cold Cathode Tube 110 Main Body PCB
111 Lamp 112 Speaker 113 Hopper 114 Touch Panel 115 Banknote Discriminator 130 Graphic Board 131 Upper Image Display Panel 141 Lower Image Display Panel 142 Credit Number Display Area 142
143 Payout number display area 171 Ticket printer 172 Card reader 174 Data display 173 Keypad 174 Data display 175 Bar code ticket 176 Card slot 160 Winning symbol display area 161 Special symbol 162 Frame 164 Adjacent symbol display area

Claims (18)

A display having a symbol display area composed of a symbol display block group consisting of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns;
A memory for storing symbol identification data including special symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area of the display;
A gaming machine comprising: a controller that executes the following processes (a) to (f):
(A) Reading identification data of various symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area of the display from the memory;
(B) displaying symbols corresponding to identification data of various symbols read from the memory in a symbol display area of the display;
(C) determining whether the identification data of the special symbol is displayed in the symbol display area of the display;
(D) When it is determined that the identification data of the special symbol is displayed as a result of the determination in (c), the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol is displayed as an adjacent symbol. Move within the adjacent symbol display area while holding symbols displayed outside the area,
(E) In the process of (d), the moved symbol is stopped in the adjacent symbol display area,
(F) When the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area and the special symbol identification data are in a predetermined combination, a prize is awarded. The controller further includes:
In the processes (d) and (e), when moving a symbol adjacent to the special symbol displayed in a symbol display area composed of a rectangular symbol display block group composed of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The symbol display block group centered on the special symbol is set as the adjacent symbol display area, and the symbol display blocks in the annular adjacent symbol display area are clockwise or counterclockwise centered on the special symbol. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein movement control is performed. The controller further includes:
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, in the process of (d), the number of the symbol display blocks for moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area is determined at random. The controller further includes:
In the process (b), the symbol corresponding to the first identification data of the symbol displayed in the symbol display area is the symbol displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area in the process (f). 4. The prize according to claim 1, wherein a prize is awarded based on the first identification data in the case of a symbol having a higher payout than a symbol corresponding to the second identification data of the special symbol. 5. Gaming machine. The controller further includes:
In the process of (b), when the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area is a predetermined combination, a first prize is determined,
In the process of (f), when the identification data of the symbols and special symbols displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area is a predetermined combination, a second prize is determined, and the first prize and The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a prize is awarded together with the second prize. The controller further includes:
When it is determined that the identification data of the special symbol is displayed from the memory as a result of the determination in (c),
A first process for executing the processes (d) to (f);
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second process of giving a prize is randomly switched based on the first identification data without executing the processes of (d) to (f). 5. A gaming machine according to any one of the above. A display having a symbol display area composed of a symbol display block group consisting of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns;
A memory for storing symbol identification data including special symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area of the display;
A gaming machine comprising: a controller that executes the following processes (a) to (h):
(A) Reading identification data of various symbols to be displayed in each symbol display area of the display from the memory;
(B) displaying symbols corresponding to identification data of a plurality of types of symbols read from the memory in a symbol display area of the display;
(C) In the process of (b), it is determined whether the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area is a predetermined combination;
(D) In the process of (c), when it is determined that the symbol identification data is not a predetermined combination, the special symbol identification data to be displayed in the symbol display area is read from the memory;
(E) determining a symbol display area for displaying a special symbol corresponding to the identification data of the special symbol read from the memory, and displaying the special symbol in the determined symbol display area;
(F) moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol in the adjacent symbol display area while holding the symbol displayed in other than the adjacent symbol display area;
(G) In the process of (f), the moved symbol is stopped in the adjacent symbol display area,
(H) A prize is awarded when the symbol identification data displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area and the special symbol identification data are in a predetermined combination.   In the processes (f) and (g), when moving a symbol adjacent to the special symbol displayed in a symbol display area composed of a rectangular symbol display block group composed of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The symbol display block group centered on the special symbol is set as the adjacent symbol display area, and the symbol display blocks in the annular adjacent symbol display area are clockwise or counterclockwise centered on the special symbol. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein movement control is performed. The controller further includes:
9. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein, in the processing of (f), the number of the symbol display blocks for moving the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area is determined at random. A method for controlling a gaming machine including a controller,
(A) reading identification data of various symbols to be displayed in each symbol display area of the display;
(B) displaying symbols corresponding to the read identification data of the various symbols in the symbol display area of the display;
(C) determining whether special symbol identification data is displayed in the symbol display area of the display;
(D) If it is determined that the special symbol is displayed as a result of the determination in (c), symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol are displayed in areas other than the adjacent symbol display area. Moving within the adjacent symbol display area while retaining the displayed symbols;
(E) stopping the moved symbol in the adjacent symbol display area in the step (d);
(F) awarding a prize when the identification data of the symbols displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area and the identification data of the special symbol are a predetermined combination;
A method for controlling a gaming machine, comprising: The controller further adjoins the special symbol displayed in the symbol display area composed of a rectangular symbol display block group composed of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns in the steps (d) and (e). When moving a symbol, the symbol display block group centered on the special symbol is set as the adjacent symbol display area, and the symbol display blocks in the annular adjacent symbol display area are rotated clockwise around the special symbol. Or a step of moving counterclockwise,
The gaming machine control method according to claim 10, further comprising: The controller randomly determining the number of the symbol display blocks for moving the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area in the step (d);
The method for controlling a gaming machine according to claim 10 or 11, comprising: The controller further displays a symbol corresponding to the first identification data of the symbol displayed in the symbol display area in the step (b) including the adjacent symbol display area in the step (f). Awarding a prize based on the first identification data when the symbol is higher than the symbol corresponding to the second identification data of the symbol and special symbol displayed in the area;
The gaming machine control method according to claim 10, further comprising: The controller further determines a first prize when the identification data of the symbols displayed in the symbol display area is a predetermined combination in the step (b);
In the step (f), when the identification data of the symbols and special symbols displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area is a predetermined combination, a second prize is determined, and the first prize and Awarding a prize together with the second prize;
The gaming machine control method according to claim 10, further comprising: When the controller further determines that the identification data of the special symbol has been read as a result of the determination in (c),
A first process for executing the steps (d) to (f);
A step of randomly switching between a second process of giving a prize based on the first identification data without performing the steps (d) to (f);
The gaming machine control method according to claim 10, further comprising: A method for controlling a gaming machine including a controller,
(A) reading identification data of various symbols to be displayed in each symbol display area of the display;
(B) displaying a symbol corresponding to the read identification data of the plurality of types of symbols in the symbol display area of the display;
(C) determining whether the identification data of the symbols displayed in the symbol display area in the step (b) is a predetermined combination;
(D) in the step (c), when it is determined that the symbol identification data is not a predetermined combination, a step of reading the identification data of the special symbol displayed in the symbol display area;
(E) determining a symbol display area for displaying a special symbol corresponding to the read identification data of the special symbol, and displaying the special symbol in the determined symbol display area;
(F) moving the symbol displayed in the adjacent symbol display area adjacent to the symbol display area displaying the special symbol in the adjacent symbol display area in a state where the symbols displayed in areas other than the adjacent symbol display area are held; ,
(G) stopping the moved symbol in the adjacent symbol display area in the step (f);
(H) a step of giving a prize when the identification data of the symbols displayed in the symbol display area including the adjacent symbol display area and the identification data of the special symbols are a predetermined combination;
A method for controlling a gaming machine, comprising: The controller further adjoins the special symbol displayed in the symbol display area composed of a rectangular symbol display block group composed of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns in the steps (f) and (g). When moving a symbol, the symbol display block group centered on the special symbol is set as the adjacent symbol display area, and the symbol display blocks in the annular adjacent symbol display area are rotated clockwise around the special symbol. Or a step of moving counterclockwise,
The gaming machine control method according to claim 16, further comprising: The controller further randomly determines the number of the symbol display blocks for moving the symbols displayed in the adjacent symbol display area in the step (f);
18. The gaming machine control method according to claim 16 or claim 17, further comprising:

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