JP2011030958A - 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 game machine includes a lower image display panel 141 having a symbol display area 4 composed of a plurality of polygonal symbol display blocks; an 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 identification data of various symbols read from the RAM 73 are displayed in the symbol display area 4, and whether or not the identification data of the same symbol are consecutively displayed in an adjacent symbol display block with at least one of a plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block adjacent to one another is determined. If it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol are displayed in the adjacent symbol display block as the result of determination, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols consecutively displayed in the adjacent symbol display block is given to the player. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that gives a prize according to the number of adjacent identical symbols 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 arranged on a winning line is a predetermined combination, a predetermined number of coins, etc. There is a slot machine with a concept of a winning line, such as paying out game media.

  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, the gaming machine of the present invention according to claim 1 displays a display having a symbol display area composed of a plurality of polygonal symbol display block groups, and the symbol display area of the display. A gaming machine comprising: a memory that stores symbol identification data; and a controller that executes the following processes (a) to (d): (A) reading identification data of various symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area of the display from the memory; (b) reading symbols corresponding to the identification data of various symbols read from the memory into the symbol display area of the display; (C) In the process of (b), the identification data of the same symbol is continuously displayed on a symbol display block on which at least one side is adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block. (D) When it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in the adjacent symbol display block as a result of the determination in (c), the data is continuous with the adjacent symbol display block. Awards are awarded according to the number of the same symbols displayed.

  According to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, the identification data of the same symbol is continuously displayed on the symbol display block having at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block. In such a case, a prize corresponding to the number of identical symbols displayed in succession is awarded. For this reason, for example, when scrolling and stopping a plurality of symbol bands, there is a possibility of winning until the scrolling of all symbol bands is stopped. Therefore, the player can always feel the possibility of winning a prize and can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  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, in the processing of (c), the controller further transmits the identification data of the same symbol to the polygon. The adjacent symbol display is performed by determining whether or not the display is continuously performed on the symbol display block touched by at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the shape symbol display block. The award according to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed on the block is given.

  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, the identification data of the same symbol is further converted into a plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block. Even when the symbols are displayed in succession on a symbol display block that is in contact with at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols displayed continuously is awarded. For this reason, for example, when a plurality of symbol bands are scroll-displayed and stopped in a predetermined order, the same symbols may increase due to the stopped symbol bands. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  The gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 3 is the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller further determines the same symbol as a result of the determination in (c). When it is determined that the identification data is displayed in the adjacent symbol display block, the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in a distinguishable manner.

  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, when the identification data of the same symbol is displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, the same The symbol display block displaying the identification data of the symbol is displayed so as to be identifiable. Therefore, for example, by displaying a frame surrounding a symbol display block displaying identification data of the same symbol, it is possible to notify the player of the number of the same symbol. Therefore, by notifying the number of the same symbols, it is possible to enhance the expectation for winning.

  The gaming machine of the present invention according to claim 4 has a symbol display area composed of a rectangular symbol display block group composed of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and the symbol display block group of a plurality of rows or a plurality of columns includes: A display that individually scrolls and displays a plurality of symbol bands in which a plurality of symbols are continuous in the row direction or the column direction, a memory that stores identification data of symbols forming a symbol band to be displayed in a symbol display area of the display, and A gaming machine comprising: a controller that executes the processes of (a) to (d). (A) A symbol band formed by the symbol identification data stored in the memory is scroll-displayed in the row or column direction for each symbol band in the symbol display area, and (b) in (a) In the processing, the symbol bands that are scroll-displayed in the row or column direction for each symbol band are stopped and displayed in a predetermined order. (C) In the process of (b), the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in the rectangular shape. It is determined whether or not at least one side is displayed on an adjacent symbol display block among a plurality of sides constituting the symbol display block. (D) As a result of the determination in (c), identification data of the same symbol is determined. When it is determined that the symbol is displayed in the adjacent symbol display block, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols displayed continuously in the adjacent symbol display block is given. It is given to.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 4, the identification data of the same symbol is continuously displayed on the symbol display block having at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. In such a case, a prize corresponding to the number of identical symbols displayed in succession is awarded. For this reason, when scroll display is performed in the row or column direction for each symbol band and the scrolled symbol bands are stopped and displayed in a predetermined order, there is a possibility of winning a prize until the scrolling of all the symbol bands is stopped. Therefore, the player can always feel the possibility of winning a prize and can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the gaming machine according to the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the controller further converts the identification data of the same symbol into the rectangular shape in the process (b). It is determined whether or not it is continuously displayed on a symbol display block that is in contact with at least one corner among a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides constituting the symbol display block, and the adjacent symbol display block A prize according to the number of the same symbols displayed in succession is given.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 5, in the gaming machine of the invention described in claim 4, the identification data of the same symbol is further intersected with a plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. When a plurality of corners formed by the above are continuously displayed on a symbol display block that is in contact with at least one corner, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed is awarded. For this reason, when the scroll display is performed in the row or column direction for each symbol band and the scrolled symbol bands are stopped and displayed in a predetermined order, the same symbols may increase due to the stopped symbol bands. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  A gaming machine according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the controller further performs a process for each symbol band in the processing of (b). Alternatively, the order of stopping the scroll display of the symbol bands scroll-displayed in the column direction is randomly determined, and the symbol bands scroll-displayed in the determined order are stopped.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 6, in the gaming machine of the invention according to claim 4 or claim 5, the order of stopping the scroll display of the symbol band scroll-displayed for each symbol band is set. Determine at random. For this reason, there is a possibility that the same symbols increase due to the symbol bands stopped in the determined order. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  A gaming machine according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the controller further includes identification data of the same symbol in the process (e). Is displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in an identifiable manner.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 7, in the gaming machine of the invention described in claims 4 to 6, when the identification data of the same symbol is displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, the same The symbol display block displaying the symbol identification data is displayed in an identifiable manner. Therefore, for example, by displaying a frame surrounding a symbol display block displaying identification data of the same symbol, it is possible to notify the player of the number of the same symbol. Therefore, by notifying the number of the same symbols, it is possible to enhance the expectation for winning.

  A method for controlling a gaming machine according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a gaming machine including a controller. (A) Reading identification data of various symbols to be displayed in a symbol display area of a display from a memory. (B) displaying symbols corresponding to identification data of various symbols read from the memory in the symbol display area of the display; (c) identifying the same symbol in the process of (b) Determining whether or not data is continuously displayed on an adjacent symbol display block of at least one side among a plurality of sides constituting a polygonal symbol display block; and (d) determining in (c) As a result, when it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in the adjacent symbol display block, And having the steps of awarding a prize according to the number of identical symbols displayed in succession on the symbol display block in contact, the.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 8, at least one side of the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block is used as the symbol display block adjacent to at least one side. When displaying continuously, a prize is given according to the number of the same symbols displayed continuously. For this reason, for example, when scrolling and stopping a plurality of symbol bands, there is a possibility of winning until the scrolling of all symbol bands is stopped. Therefore, the player can always feel the possibility of winning a prize and can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  A method for controlling a gaming machine according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the method for controlling a gaming machine according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, wherein the controller further performs the same in the process (c). It is determined whether or not the symbol identification data is continuously displayed on the symbol display block touched by at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block. And awarding a prize according to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display blocks.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 9, in the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 8, further, identification data of the same symbol is converted into a polygonal symbol display block. Among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the symbol, the award corresponding to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed is displayed even when the symbols are continuously displayed on the symbol display block touched by at least one corner. The control which gives is performed. For this reason, for example, when a plurality of symbol bands are scroll-displayed and stopped in a predetermined order, the same symbols may increase due to the stopped symbol bands. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  A method for controlling a gaming machine according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is the method for controlling a gaming machine according to the eighth or ninth aspect, wherein the controller further determines the determination in (c). As a result, when it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed on an adjacent symbol display block, the step of displaying the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol so as to be identifiable is included. And

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 10, in the method of controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 8 or 9, identification data of the same symbol is displayed adjacent to the symbol. When displayed in a block, control is performed so that the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol is identifiable. Therefore, for example, by displaying a frame surrounding a symbol display block displaying identification data of the same symbol, it is possible to notify the player of the number of the same symbol. Therefore, by notifying the number of the same symbols, it is possible to enhance the expectation for winning.

  The method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention according to claim 11 is a method for controlling a gaming machine comprising a controller, wherein (a) a symbol band formed by symbol identification data stored in a memory is displayed as a symbol. (B) scrolling display in the row or column direction for each symbol band in the region; and (b) in the processing of (a), the symbol band scroll-displayed in the row or column direction for each symbol band is predetermined. And (c) in the processing of (b), the symbol data in which at least one side is adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block in the processing of (c) and (b) A step of determining whether or not it is displayed in a block; and (d) as a result of the determination in (c), the identification data of the same symbol is adjacent If it is determined that the display in the symbol display block, characterized by having a the steps of providing an award corresponding to the number of identical symbols displayed in succession on the symbol display block the adjacent.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention as set forth in claim 11, identification data of the same symbol is transferred to a symbol display block having at least one side adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. When displaying continuously, a prize is given according to the number of the same symbols displayed continuously. For this reason, when scroll display is performed in the row or column direction for each symbol band and the scrolled symbol bands are stopped and displayed in a predetermined order, there is a possibility of winning a prize until the scrolling of all the symbol bands is stopped. Therefore, the player can always feel the possibility of winning a prize and can sufficiently increase the 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 eleventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the controller further performs the same operation in the process (b). It is determined whether or not the symbol identification data is continuously displayed on the symbol display block touched by at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. And awarding a prize according to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display blocks.

  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 11, further, identification data of the same symbol is converted into a polygonal symbol display block. Among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the symbol, the award corresponding to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed is displayed even when the symbols are continuously displayed on the symbol display block touched by at least one corner. The control which gives is performed. For this reason, when the scroll display is performed in the row or column direction for each symbol band and the scrolled symbol bands are stopped and displayed in a predetermined order, the same symbols may increase due to the stopped symbol bands. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  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 eleventh aspect or the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in which the controller further includes the step (b). A step of randomly determining the order of stopping the scroll display of the symbol bands scroll-displayed in the row or column direction for each symbol band, and stopping the symbol bands scroll-displayed in the determined order. And

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 13, in the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 11 or 12, the symbol band scroll-displayed for each symbol band. Control is performed to randomly determine the order in which the scroll display is stopped. For this reason, there is a possibility that the same symbols increase due to the symbol bands stopped in the determined order. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  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 eleventh to thirteenth aspects of the present invention, wherein the controller further includes the step (e). And, when it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed on an adjacent symbol display block, the step of displaying the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol in an identifiable manner, To do.

  According to the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claim 14, in the method for controlling a gaming machine of the present invention described in claims 11 to 13, identification data of the same symbol is displayed as adjacent symbols. When displayed in a block, control is performed so that the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol is identifiable. Therefore, for example, by displaying a frame surrounding a symbol display block displaying identification data of the same symbol, it is possible to notify the player of the number of the same symbol. Therefore, by notifying the number of the same symbols, it is possible to enhance the expectation for winning.

  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 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 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. 30 is a view illustrating a symbol display example displayed in a symbol display region of 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, as shown in FIG. 4, a lower image display panel 141 (display) having a symbol display area composed of a plurality of polygonal symbol display block groups, A RAM 73 (memory) for storing identification data of symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area of the lower image display panel 141, and a main CPU 71 (controller).

  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 the identification data of the same symbol is continuously displayed in the polygonal symbol display block in the symbol display area of the lower image display panel 141 in step S2 (step S3). Here, the identification data of the same symbol is continuously displayed means that at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block or the polygon is displayed. This is a case where at least one corner among a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides constituting the shape symbol display block is displayed continuously on the adjacent symbol display block.

  Then, the main CPU 71 gives a prize according to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display blocks based on the determination result of step S3.

  As described above, when the identification data of the same symbol is continuously displayed on a symbol display block having at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block, or the polygonal symbol display block Among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the symbol, at least one corner is awarded according to the number of the same symbols displayed in succession on the adjacent symbol display block. For this reason, for example, when displaying symbols by scrolling and stopping a plurality of symbol bands (hereinafter referred to as video reels), the player always feels the possibility of winning until the scrolling of all the video reels is stopped. Can increase the sense of 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.

<Symbol display>
Next, the gaming machine individually starts scrolling display of the symbol columns of each video reel in which a plurality of symbols are linked, and stops scrolling so that the determined symbols are displayed to the player.

<Winning determination>
Next, when the scrolling of the symbol column of each video reel in which a plurality of symbols are continuous stops, the gaming machine determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed to the player is related to winning.

  Here, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the same symbol is continuously displayed on a symbol display block having at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block, or When a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides constituting a polygonal symbol display block are displayed consecutively on an adjacent symbol display block, the combination of symbols is a winning combination. Judge that it is.

<Payout>
Next, when the symbol displayed on the player is related to the above-described winning, the gaming machine gives a bonus to the player according to the number of consecutive identical symbols.

  For example, when the combination of symbols related to the payout of coins is displayed as the same symbol combination related to the above-mentioned winning, the gaming machine pays out to the player a number of coins corresponding to the number of the same symbols.

  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, a game (free game) in which lottery related to the determination of the stop scheduled symbol is performed a predetermined number of times without consuming coins.

  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.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, each time the scrolling of the symbol column of each video reel is stopped, the identification data of the same symbol is used as a symbol having at least one side among a plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block. Displayed continuously on the display block, or at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block is displayed continuously on the adjacent symbol display block The contents of the effect to be displayed by counting the number of the same symbols are determined.

[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 embodiment of the present invention, 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 displays five video reels 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e) in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a rectangular symbol display block group having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

  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 in a predetermined order after a lapse of a predetermined time. As a result, a part of each symbol row (three consecutive symbols in this embodiment) is displayed to the player.

  In addition, each time a symbol column assigned to each video reel 3 stops scrolling, the symbol display block in which at least one side of the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block is adjacent to the same symbol identification data. Or the same one in which at least one corner among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block. Count and display the number of symbols.

  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, a case where a rectangular symbol display block group having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns is displayed in the symbol display area 4 will be described. It is possible to display a polygon symbol display block group such as a square.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, when the same symbol is continuously displayed on a symbol display block having at least one side among adjacent sides constituting a rectangular symbol display block, or a rectangular symbol When a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides constituting a display block are continuously displayed on an adjacent symbol display block, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols is awarded ( (See FIGS. 7 and 8 described later).

  The lower image display panel 141 includes a credit amount display area 142 and a payout number display area 143. In the credit amount display area 142, the number of coins owned by the player and deposited in the gaming machine 1 (hereinafter, credit amount) is displayed. 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”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE” are provided as symbol types.

  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, the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 are continuously displayed in a symbol display block on which at least one side is adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting a rectangular symbol display block, or a polygonal symbol display block is displayed. It is possible to award a prize according to the number of the same symbols displayed at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides continuously displayed in the adjacent symbol display block. .

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

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

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

  The memory card 54 is composed of a nonvolatile memory and stores a game program and a game system program. The game program includes a program related to game progression, a lottery program, and a program for executing effects by images and sounds (for example, see FIGS. 11 to 20 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 lottery program includes scroll stop order determination data for determining the order in which the symbol sequence of the scrolled video reels is stopped. The scroll stop order determination data is data defining a random value for randomly determining the order in which the video reels 3 are stopped.

  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.

  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 same symbol each time the scrolling of the symbol column of each video reel is stopped Of the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block, at least one side is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, or by the intersection of the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block A storage area is provided for counting the number of the same symbols displayed at least one of the plurality of formed corners continuously in the adjacent symbol display block.

  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.

  In the video RAM, each time the scrolling of the symbol column of each video reel stops, the identification data of the same symbol is continuously connected to the symbol display block having at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. Of the same symbol displayed continuously or at least one corner among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. A storage area is provided for storing count image data for displaying images counted in number.

  The VDP displays the count image data read from the storage area in the symbol display area 4. 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 FIGS.

  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 FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has at least one side among a plurality of sides constituting a rectangular symbol display block. A win is established when the symbols are displayed consecutively on adjacent symbol display blocks. In the embodiment of the present invention, the display brightness of the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 is adjusted, and all or part of the symbol display blocks of the symbol display area 4 where the winning is achieved is relatively bright. A frame 161 is displayed. Then, according to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display blocks, a privilege such as paying out coins or starting a bonus game is given to the player. If the same symbol displayed in the symbol display area 4 is not continuously displayed in the adjacent symbol display block, the winning is not established (so-called loss).

  Basically, “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY” displayed in the symbol display area 4 by each video reel 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e), Of the “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE” symbols, a winning is established when the same symbol is continuously displayed in the adjacent symbol display block.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the symbol “CHERRY” is displayed on the upper and middle stages of the video reel 3d. The symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in the symbol display block adjacent to one side among the plurality of sides constituting the symbol display block displaying the “CHERRY” symbol. The frame 161 is displayed on the display block. In this case, the winning combination is “CHERRY”, and “CHERRY” gives two prizes.

  The “CHERRY” symbol is also displayed on the middle stage of the video reel 3b, but one side of the plurality of sides constituting the symbol display block displaying the “CHERRY” symbol is another “CHERRY” symbol. Since the symbol display block is not adjacent to the symbol display block, the symbol “CHERRY” displayed in the middle stage of the video reel 3b is not included in the number of winning prizes.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7B, symbols “CHERRY” are displayed in the middle stages of the video reels 3b and 3c, and in the upper and middle stages of the video reel 3d. Among the multiple sides that make up the symbol display block displaying the “CHERRY” symbol, the “CHERRY” symbol is displayed on the symbol display block on which one or two sides are adjacent. The frame 161 is displayed on the symbol display block in which In this case, “CHERRY” gives a prize corresponding to four.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, at least one corner is adjacent among a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides constituting the same symbol with a rectangular symbol display block. Even when the symbols are continuously displayed in the symbol display block, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols is awarded.

  FIG. 8A is a view illustrating an example in which the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention displays a combination of three consecutive identical symbols. FIG. 8B is a view illustrating an example in which the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention displays combinations of five consecutive identical symbols.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in the upper and middle stages of the video reel 3d and in the lower stage of the video reel 3e. A symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in a symbol display block adjacent to one corner among a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides constituting a symbol display block displaying “CHERRY” in the lower stage of the video reel 3e. Therefore, “CHERRY” at the lower stage of the video reel 3e is also awarded, and the frame 161 is displayed on the symbol display block where the prize is established. In this case, the winning combination is “CHERRY”, and “CHERRY” gives a prize corresponding to three.

  Similarly, in the example shown in FIG. 8B, the symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in the middle stages of the video reels 3b and 3c, the upper and middle stages of the video reel 3d, and the lower stage of the video reel 3e. A symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in a symbol display block adjacent to one corner among a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides constituting a symbol display block displaying “CHERRY” in the lower stage of the video reel 3e. Therefore, “CHERRY” at the lower stage of the video reel 3e is also awarded, and the frame 161 is displayed on the symbol display block where the prize is established. In this case, the winning combination is “CHERRY”, and “CHERRY” gives a prize corresponding to five.

  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 (see FIG. 5). 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 (see FIG. 5). 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, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a display example of symbols and count images displayed in the symbol display area 4 of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 9A shows a display example when the video reels 3 (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e) are scroll-displayed in the symbol display area 4. FIG. FIG. 8B is a display example when scrolling of each video reel 3 is stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the video reels 3 in which a plurality of symbols are arranged are scroll-displayed individually in the column direction in a symbol display block group of a plurality of rows or columns.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the scrolled video reel 3 is stopped and displayed in the determined order after a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, a display example when the video reels 3a to 3c are stopped and displayed is shown. As shown in FIG. 5B, the symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in the middle of the video reels 3b and 3c. The symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in the symbol display block adjacent to one side among the plurality of sides constituting the symbol display block displaying the “CHERRY” symbol. The frame 161 is displayed on the display block.

  The symbol display area 4 displays a count image 162 that counts and displays the number of symbols displayed in the symbol display block in which a winning is established each time the scrolling of each video reel 3 is stopped. In the example of FIG. 9B, since the “CHERRY” symbol is displayed in the middle of the video reels 3b and 3c, a count image 162 in which the mouse character has a number of 2 is displayed. Thereby, it is informed that the number of symbols for which a winning has been established is two.

  FIG. 10A shows a display example when the scrolling of the video reels 3a to 3d is stopped. FIG. 10B shows a display example when scrolling of each video reel 3 is stopped.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, the scrolled video reel 3 is stopped and displayed in the determined order after a predetermined time has elapsed. Here, a display example is shown in which the scrolling of the video reels 3a to 3c shown in FIG. 9B is stopped and then the scrolling of the video reel 3d is further stopped. As shown in FIG. 6A, “CHERRY” symbols are further displayed on the upper and middle stages of the video reel 3d. Among the plurality of sides constituting the symbol display block displaying the “CHERRY” symbol, the “CHERRY” symbol is displayed on the symbol display block on which one or two sides are adjacent to each other. The frame 161 is displayed on the established symbol display block. In the example of FIG. 5A, the number of symbols for which a winning is achieved is increased by two by stopping the scrolling of the video reel 3d.

  The symbol display area 4 displays a count image 162 that counts and displays the number of symbols displayed in the symbol display block in which a winning is established each time the scrolling of each video reel 3 is stopped. In the example of FIG. 10A, since the symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in the middle stage of the video reels 3b and 3c and the upper stage and middle stage of the video reel 3d, the count image 162 in which the mouse character has the number 4 is displayed. indicate. Thereby, it is informed that the number of symbols for which a winning has been established is four.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the scrolling of the video reel 3d is stopped and displayed, the frame 161 is displayed on the symbol display block where the winning is achieved. In the example of FIG. 10B, the symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in the lower part of the video reel 3e. A symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in a symbol display block adjacent to one corner among a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides constituting a symbol display block displaying “CHERRY” in the lower stage of the video reel 3e. Therefore, “CHERRY” at the lower stage of the video reel 3e is also won, and 1 is added to the number of the count image 162 displayed in FIG. 10A, and the mouse character has a number of 5. An image 162 is displayed. Thereby, it is informed that the number of symbols that have finally won a prize is five. In this case, the winning combination is “CHERRY”, and “CHERRY” gives a prize corresponding to five.

  In this way, the scrolling display is performed in the column direction for each video reel 3, and the video reels 3 that are scroll-displayed are stopped and displayed in a predetermined order. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the identification data of the same symbol is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block of at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block, or the rectangular data This award is given according to the number of the same symbols displayed at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the symbol display block in succession on the adjacent symbol display block. Therefore, there is a possibility of winning until the scrolling of all the video reels 3 is stopped.

  In addition, depending on the video reel 3 that stops scrolling, the same symbols may increase significantly (see FIG. 10A). Further, by displaying the count display image 162 (see FIGS. 9B and 10A), the number of symbols for which winning has been established is also notified in the process of stopping and displaying the scrolling of each video reel 3. . Therefore, the player can always feel the possibility of winning a prize and can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

[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. Further, the order in which the scrolling of each video reel 3 is stopped is determined based on the random number value for the scroll stop order.

  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 in which a plurality of symbols are linked is started individually, and the scheduled stop symbol determined in the symbol lottery process in step S14 is a predetermined position (for example, the upper row in the symbol display area 4). Area). 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, scrolling of each video reel 3 is stopped and displayed in the determined order. Further, each time the video reels 3 are stopped, an image in which the number of symbols that have won a prize is counted is displayed (see FIGS. 9B, 10A, and 10B).

  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 same symbol is continuously displayed on a symbol display block on which at least one side is adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block, or a rectangular symbol display block is configured. When at least one corner among a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides is continuously displayed on an adjacent symbol display block, the number of payouts is determined according to the number of the same symbols and provided in the RAM 73. Stored in the payout amount 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 (step S45: YES), the main CPU 71 stores it in the BET number storage area provided in the RAM 73 based on the type of the BET button. 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 extracts a random value for the scroll stop order (step S113). The random number value for the scroll stop order is a value extracted to determine the order in which the scroll display is stopped for each video reel 3. When it is internally determined that the symbols to be displayed in the symbol display area 4 are stopped by a combination that gives a prize, the random number value for the scroll stop order is to scroll each video reel 3 in order from the left. The random number range is set so that the probability of stop display increases, or the random number range is set so that the probability of stop display of scrolling decreases from the left, and the main CPU 71 extracts the random number value for stop order. Thus, the order in which the scroll display is stopped can be determined for each video reel 3. Thereby, it is possible to notify that there is a high possibility that the symbol will stop in a combination that gives a prize to the player.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines the stop order of scrolling of each video reel 3 by lottery (step S114). Then, the main CPU 71 stores the determined stop symbol identification data of each video reel 3 and the scroll stop order of each video reel 3 in a symbol storage area provided in the RAM 73 (step S115). Next, the main CPU 71 continuously displays the same symbol on a symbol display block on which at least one side is adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block, or configures a rectangular symbol display block. The combination of symbols when at least one corner among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of two or more sides is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block and the winning combination corresponding to the number of the same symbols are defined The winning combination is determined based on the symbol storage area with reference to the symbol combination table (step S116). 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 determined symbol column of the video reel 3 based on the above-described symbol storage area (step S132).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not there is a winning symbol display block (step S133). Specifically, the main CPU 71 continuously displays the same symbol among a plurality of sides constituting a rectangular symbol display block, or at least one side is adjacent to the adjacent symbol display block, or the rectangular symbol display block. It is determined whether or not at least one corner among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the symbol is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that there is a winning symbol display block (step S133: YES), the main CPU 71 displays a frame (step S114). The main CPU 71 adjusts the display brightness of the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141, and every time the scrolling of each video reel 3 stops, the same symbol is displayed on a plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. Of these symbols, at least one corner among the plurality of corners formed by the intersection of the plurality of sides that are displayed continuously in the symbol display block having at least one side adjacent to the rectangular symbol display block. A frame 161 is displayed with a relatively high luminance on all or part of the symbol display blocks continuously displayed on the display block (see FIGS. 9B, 10A, and 10B).

  Next, the main CPU 71 displays a count image (step S135). Specifically, each time the scrolling of each video reel 3 stops, the main CPU 71 continues the same symbol to a symbol display block having at least one side among adjacent sides constituting a rectangular symbol display block. Or a winning is achieved by displaying at least one corner continuously on the adjacent symbol display block among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block A count image 162 corresponding to the number of symbols thus displayed is displayed (see FIG. 9B, FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10B).

  When determining that there is no symbol display block won in step S133 after step S135 (step S133: NO), the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the scrolling of all symbols is stopped (step S136). Specifically, the main CPU 71 determines to stop the scrolling of the symbol column of each video reel 3 started in step S131 in the order of video reels 3b, 3a, 3e, 3d, 3c, for example, in step S132. In this case, it is determined whether or not the symbol columns of all the video reels 3 are stopped by stopping the scrolling of the symbol columns of the video reels 3 in the determined order.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that scrolling of all symbols has not stopped (step S136: NO), the main CPU 71 proceeds to step S132. On the other hand, when it is determined that the scrolling of all symbols has been stopped (step S136: YES), the symbol display control process is terminated.

<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 determining that the winning combination is not a jackpot (step S151: NO), the main CPU 71 determines the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination (step S152). Specifically, among the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block, the same symbol is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, or the plurality of symbols constituting the rectangular symbol display block. In the case where at least one corner among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the sides is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, the number of payouts corresponding to the number of the same symbols is determined.

  Next, the main CPU 71 stores the determined number of payouts in the payout number storage area (step S153). When this process is performed, the payout number determination process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines in step S151 that the winning combination is a jackpot (step S151: YES), the main CPU 71 notifies the external control device 200 that the jackpot has been won (step S154). When receiving the notification, the external control device 200 transmits the jackpot amount that has been updated so far to the gaming machine 1. At this time, a part of the jackpot amount (for example, 80%) may be paid out, and the remaining part (for example, 20%) may be carried over in preparation for the next jackpot trigger establishment.

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

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

  FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance check processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance effective flag is on (step S171). When the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is not on (step S171: NO), the main CPU 71 ends the insurance-check process.

  On the other hand, 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, the main CPU 71 continuously displays the same symbol in a symbol display block having at least one side among a plurality of sides constituting a rectangular symbol display block, or displays a rectangular symbol display block. When it is determined that at least one corner among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of constituent edges is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols is awarded.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the identification data of the same symbol is continuously connected to the symbol display block having at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. Award corresponding to the number of the same symbols displayed in succession is awarded. For this reason, if each video reel 3 is scroll-displayed in the row or column direction and the scrolled video reels 3 are stopped and displayed in a predetermined order, the possibility of winning until the scrolling of all the video reels 3 is stopped. There is. Therefore, the player can always feel the possibility of winning a prize and can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block is obtained by identifying the same symbol identification data. Even when the symbols are continuously displayed in the adjacent symbol display block, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed is awarded. For this reason, when the video reels 3 are scroll-displayed in the row or column direction and the scrolled video reels 3 are stopped and displayed in a predetermined order, the same number of symbols may be increased by the stopped video reels 3. . Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the order of stopping the scroll display of the video reels 3 scroll-displayed for each video reel 3 is randomly determined. For this reason, there is a possibility that the same symbol is increased by the video reels 3 stopped in the determined order. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the identification data of the same symbol is displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in an identifiable manner. Therefore, for example, by displaying a frame surrounding a symbol display block displaying identification data of the same symbol, it is possible to notify the player of the number of the same symbol. Therefore, by notifying the number of the same symbols, it is possible to enhance the expectation for winning.

  Next, a gaming machine according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 21 is a display example of symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 of the gaming machine 1. In addition, since it is substantially the same as that of embodiment of this invention about the structure other than the structure demonstrated in the following figures, description is abbreviate | omitted here.

  The gaming machine 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention continuously displays identification data of the same symbol on a symbol display block on which at least one side is adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block. If it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block is given. .

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes at least one of a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block with identification data of the same symbol. It is determined whether or not it is displayed continuously in the symbol display block where one corner touches, and even if it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in the adjacent symbol display block, it is continuous to the adjacent symbol display block. Awards are awarded according to the number of the same symbols displayed.

  FIG. 21A shows a display example when symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4 composed of a plurality of pentagonal symbol display block groups. FIG. 21B is a display example when symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4 composed of a plurality of hexagonal symbol display block groups.

  First, with reference to FIG. 21A, a case where symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4 composed of a plurality of pentagonal symbol display block groups will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 is composed of a plurality of pentagonal symbol display block groups. In the example shown in FIG. 21A, the symbol “CHERRY” is displayed on the middle and upper stages of the video reels 3b and 3c, the upper and middle stages of the video reel 3d, and the upper stage of the video reel 3e. The “CHERRY” symbol is displayed on the pentagonal symbol display block that is adjacent to one or two sides of the plurality of sides constituting the pentagonal symbol display block displaying the “CHERRY” symbol. Is established, and the frame 161 is displayed on the pentagonal symbol display block where the winning is established. In this case, the winning combination is “CHERRY”, and “CHERRY” gives a prize corresponding to five.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 21B, a case where symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 4 formed of a plurality of hexagonal symbol display block groups will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 21B, the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 is composed of a plurality of hexagonal symbol display block groups. In the example shown in FIG. 21B, the symbol “CHERRY” is displayed in the middle stages of the video reels 3b and 3c, the upper and middle stages of the video reel 3d, and the lower stage of the video reel 3e. A “CHERRY” symbol is displayed in a pentagonal symbol display block in which one side, two sides, or three sides are adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting a hexagonal symbol display block displaying a “CHERRY” symbol. Therefore, the winning is established, and the frame 161 is displayed on the pentagonal symbol display block where the winning is established. In this case, the winning combination is “CHERRY”, and “CHERRY” gives a prize corresponding to five.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, identification data of the same symbol is transferred to a symbol display block having at least one side adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block. When displaying continuously, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols displayed continuously is awarded. For this reason, for example, when a plurality of video reels 3 are scrolled and stopped, there is a possibility of winning until the scrolling of all the video reels 3 is stopped. Therefore, the player can always feel the possibility of winning a prize and can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the identification data of the same symbol is further at least of a plurality of corners formed by the intersections of a plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block. Even when the symbols are continuously displayed on the symbol display block with which one corner touches, a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed is awarded. For this reason, for example, when a plurality of video reels 3 are scroll-displayed and stopped in a predetermined order, the same symbols may be increased by the stopped video reels 3. Therefore, the player can sufficiently increase the expectation for winning.

  Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the identification data of the same symbol is displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in an identifiable manner. To do. Therefore, for example, by displaying a frame surrounding a symbol display block displaying identification data of the same symbol, it is possible to notify the player of the number of the same symbol. Therefore, by notifying the number of the same symbols, it is possible to enhance the expectation for winning.

  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 embodiment described above, the same symbol is continuously displayed on a symbol display block having at least one side among a plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block, or the polygonal symbol display block is displayed. When it is determined that at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of constituent edges is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block, and a prize corresponding to the number of the same symbols is awarded. However, when the same symbol is continuously displayed on the symbol display block having at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block, the plurality of symbols constituting the polygonal symbol display block Among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the sides, at least one corner is adjacent to the symbol display block. Tsu If it is determined that the displayed continuously to click may be configured to impart an award based on one of them.

  In the case other than the bonus game, when the same symbol is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block of at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block, the number of the same symbols is increased. In the case of a bonus game and a free game, the same symbol is continuously displayed on a symbol display block on which at least one side is adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block. Or, depending on the number of the same symbol when at least one corner among the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block is continuously displayed on the adjacent symbol display block A prize may be given.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which each video reel 3 including a plurality of symbols is individually scroll-displayed in the column direction. However, each video reel 3 is configured to be scroll-displayed individually in the row direction. Also good.

  In addition, the direction in which each video reel 3 in which a plurality of symbols are continuous is scroll-displayed may be determined at random. In this case, when it is determined internally that the symbols displayed in the symbol display area 4 are stopped in a combination that gives a prize, the probability of scrolling each video reel 3 in the row direction or the column direction becomes high. The random value range may be set as described above.

  Further, in the case of a game other than the bonus game, each video reel 3 including a plurality of symbols is individually scrolled and displayed in the column direction. In the case of a bonus game or a free game, the video reels 3 are individually scrolled and displayed in the column direction. May be.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, every time the scrolling of each video reel 3 stops, the same symbol is continuously connected to the symbol display block having at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. All or a symbol display block in which at least one corner is continuously displayed on an adjacent symbol display block among a plurality of corners formed by intersections of a plurality of sides constituting a display or rectangular symbol display block Although the case where a part of the frame 161 is displayed with relatively high luminance has been described, the color of the symbol display blocks displayed continuously may be displayed in a different color from the other symbol display blocks.

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

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 Ticket with bar code 176 Card slot 161 Frame 162 Count image

Claims (14)

A display having a symbol display area composed of a plurality of polygonal symbol display block groups;
A memory for storing symbol identification data to be displayed in the symbol display area of the display;
A gaming machine comprising: a controller that executes the following processes (a) to (d):
(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) In the process of (b), whether or not the identification data of the same symbol is continuously displayed on the symbol display block having at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block. Determine whether
(D) As a result of the determination in (c), when it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in the adjacent symbol display block, the number of the same symbols continuously displayed in the adjacent symbol display block Awards are awarded according to. The controller further includes:
In the process of (c), the symbol display block in which at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersection of the plurality of sides constituting the polygon symbol display block is in contact with the identification data of the same symbol. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein it is determined whether or not the symbols are continuously displayed, and an award corresponding to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed is given to the adjacent symbol display blocks. The controller further includes:
As a result of the determination in (c), when it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in an adjacent symbol display block, the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in an identifiable manner. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. It has a symbol display area composed of a rectangular symbol display block group consisting of a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns,
A display that individually scrolls and displays a plurality of symbol bands of a plurality of symbols in a row or column direction in a plurality of rows or columns of symbol display block groups;
A memory for storing symbol identification data forming a symbol band to be displayed in the symbol display area of the display;
A gaming machine comprising: a controller that executes the following processes (a) to (d):
(A) a symbol band formed by symbol identification data stored in the memory is scroll-displayed in the row or column direction for each symbol band in the symbol matrix display area;
(B) In the process of (a), the symbol bands scroll-displayed in the row or column direction for each symbol band are stopped and displayed in a predetermined order,
(C) In the process of (b), it is determined whether or not identification data of the same symbol is displayed on a symbol display block on which at least one side is adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. And
(D) As a result of the determination in (c), when it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in the adjacent symbol display block, the number of the same symbols continuously displayed in the adjacent symbol display block Awards are awarded according to. The controller further includes:
In the processing of (b), the symbol display block in which at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block is in contact with the identification data of the same symbol. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein it is determined whether or not the symbols are continuously displayed, and a prize is awarded according to the number of the same symbols continuously displayed in the adjacent symbol display blocks. . The controller further includes:
In the process of (b), the order of stopping the scroll display of the symbol bands scroll-displayed in the row or column direction is randomly determined for each symbol band, and the symbol bands scroll-displayed in the determined order are stopped. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The controller further includes:
In the process of (e), when it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed on an adjacent symbol display block, the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in an identifiable manner. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the gaming machine is characterized in that: A method for controlling a gaming machine including a controller,
(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) Whether or not the identification data of the same symbol is continuously displayed in the symbol display block having at least one side among the plurality of sides constituting the polygonal symbol display block in the process of (b). A stage of determining
(D) As a result of the determination in (c), when it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in the adjacent symbol display block, the number of the same symbols continuously displayed in the adjacent symbol display block Granting a prize according to
A method for controlling a gaming machine, comprising: The controller further comprises:
In the process of (c), the symbol display block in which at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersection of the plurality of sides constituting the polygon symbol display block is in contact with the identification data of the same symbol. Determining whether or not to continuously display, and awarding according to the number of the same symbol displayed continuously in the adjacent symbol display block,
The gaming machine control method according to claim 8, further comprising: The controller further comprises:
If it is determined as a result of the determination in (c) that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed on an adjacent symbol display block, the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in an identifiable manner When,
The method for controlling a gaming machine according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by comprising: A method for controlling a gaming machine including a controller,
(A) a step of scrolling a symbol band formed by symbol identification data stored in the memory in a row or column direction for each symbol band in the symbol matrix display area;
(B) in the process of (a), stopping the symbol bands scroll-displayed in the row or column direction for each symbol band in a predetermined order;
(C) In the process of (b), it is determined whether or not identification data of the same symbol is displayed on a symbol display block on which at least one side is adjacent among a plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block. And the stage of
(D) As a result of the determination in (c), when it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in the adjacent symbol display block, the number of the same symbols continuously displayed in the adjacent symbol display block Granting a prize according to
A method for controlling a gaming machine, comprising: The controller further comprises:
In the processing of (b), the symbol display block in which at least one of the plurality of corners formed by the intersections of the plurality of sides constituting the rectangular symbol display block is in contact with the identification data of the same symbol. Determining whether or not to continuously display, and awarding according to the number of the same symbol displayed continuously in the adjacent symbol display block,
The gaming machine control method according to claim 11, further comprising: The controller further comprises:
In the process (b), a step of randomly determining the order of stopping the scroll display of the symbol bands scroll-displayed in the row or column direction for each symbol band, and stopping the symbol bands scroll-displayed in the determined order. When,
The method for controlling a gaming machine according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by comprising: The controller further comprises:
In the process of (e), when it is determined that the identification data of the same symbol is displayed on an adjacent symbol display block, the symbol display block displaying the identification data of the same symbol is displayed in an identifiable manner; ,
14. The gaming machine control method according to claim 11, further comprising:

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