JP2011177582A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine such as a slot machine which continues a player's excitement and enjoyment in a game. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine such as a slot machine, a probability varying type game machine varying a probability that specific symbols lead to a jackpot adds the real thrill of researching whether or not the probability variation is won from an ensuing change in the behavior of the game machine by failing to clarify whether or not the player wins a probability variation. Specifically, the game machine can give the player the pleasure of a research which is not found in a conventional probability varying type game machine through the inference of whether or not the probability variation is won by taking clues from the light emission of a lamp and a dot display, and a performance carried out by a liquid crystal display and the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine or the like.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a rotating game machine represented by a slot machine, a technique for changing a winning probability to a high probability by changing a probability is known (see Patent Document 1). During the probability fluctuation, the probability of winning the jackpot is changed and the player is able to continuously generate jackpots in a short period of time, which makes a big change in the game (especially the player Increase in game value acquired by the player).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-178898 (2nd page, FIG. 1)

  In the above prior art, even if the probability of winning the jackpot is high due to the probability fluctuation, a considerable number of games are required before winning the next jackpot. At this time, the player plays the game while consuming the game value already acquired by the jackpot. However, depending on the type of gaming machine, there is a habit of drastically reducing the gaming value before winning the next jackpot, or conversely increasing it slightly, and since the player only has to follow this machine's habit, it is left to the machine The monotonous game will continue. For this reason, there is a problem that the interest of the player is lowered.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for changing the game and enhancing the interest.

  The technique of the present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.

(Solution 1)
The solution 1 starts and stops according to the player's operation in a state in which a predetermined number of game values are multiplied for each game, and the display of the symbols is changed by the activation according to the player's operation. On the other hand, it is provided with a symbol display device that displays a plurality of symbols in combination when stopped according to the player's operation, and based on the symbol combination mode displayed when the symbol display device is stopped, a prescribed number as required The game value is given to the player to finish one game, and when the combination mode of the symbols matches a predetermined display mode set in advance, a special game that is relatively advantageous to the player over the normal gaming state In a gaming machine capable of controlling the transition to a state, an internal lottery means for lottery of whether one of a plurality of pre-selected winning types is applicable, and a lottery performed by the internal lottery means When the result is a specific winning type, special control is performed to shift the gaming state to the special gaming state on condition that the symbol combination mode corresponding to the specific winning type is displayed when the symbol display device is stopped. A gaming state control means; a winning probability defining means for defining a winning probability for each of the plurality of winning types in the lottery performed by the internal lottery means; and the winning for at least one winning type from the plurality of winning types. Probability changing means capable of changing the winning probability defined by the probability defining means high, and whether or not the winning probability in the internal lottery of the winning type by the probability changing means should be changed when the special gaming state is completed The probability changing lottery means for performing the lottery separately from the lottery performed by the internal lottery and the probability changing lottery means Probability changing gaming state control means for performing control to shift the gaming state to the probability changing gaming state in which the winning probability in the internal lottery of the winning type is changed by the probability changing means when winning the lottery, It is a gaming machine to play.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is a game in which a player determines a multiplication value of the gaming value every time and plays a stop operation suitable for the corresponding winning type when winning in the internal lottery of the gaming machine. The combination mode of symbols corresponding to the winning type is displayed by the user. In particular, when a predetermined winning type is obtained in the internal lottery, the special gaming state is controlled when the combination mode of the symbols matches the predetermined display mode. In the special game state, the game state is controlled as a bonus game, and the player acquires a large amount of game value (medals, coins, game balls, etc.) during the bonus game as compared to the normal game. It becomes possible.

  The bonus games include a big bonus game (BB game) and a regular bonus game (RB game), and each time the BB game is performed, the winning probability of the BB internal lottery is significantly larger than the probability in a normal game. A lottery is performed to determine whether or not to increase the high probability state. Winning this lottery will increase the probability of winning the BB in progressing the subsequent games, and change the winning probability of some or all other winning types (small roles, etc.) to a high probability. Can do. Therefore, the player can reach the game with a shorter number of games than the normal game until the next BB is won. Also, in the game until the next BB is won, it is easy to win a small role etc. with high probability, so the game can be progressed without consuming almost any game value, so the player is very cheap. It becomes possible to play games with heart.

(Solution 2)
The solving means 2 gives the plurality of winning types a specific winning combination that is the specific winning type that triggers the transition of the gaming state to the special gaming state, and a gaming value for each game result. A winning value selected by the probability changing means, including a game value imparting role that is a winning type that can be played, and a re-game role that is a winning type that can be played again with the predetermined number of game values multiplied The type is a gaming machine according to Solution 2, characterized in that it includes at least one of the specific winning combination, the game value giving combination, and the re-game combination.

  The gaming machine of the present invention has a BB role (or RB role corresponding to the RB game) that shifts the gaming state to a BB game (or RB game) and a game value (medal, coin, game) that is completed in one game. It consists of multiple winning types such as a game value-providing role (small role) with payout of a ball, etc., and a re-game role (replay) that can be played again with the same multiplier as the previous game. In the high probability state, at least one of the above winning types can be selected and changed to a high probability. The winning type changed with a high probability will be won very frequently in subsequent games. For this reason, depending on the winning type with a high probability, the game value may be greatly increased, or the game may be continued without consuming much game value.

(Solution 3)
The solving means 3 is the gaming machine according to the solving means 2, characterized in that the winning types selected by the probability changing means include at least two of the specific winning combination, the game value giving combination, and the re-game combination. .

  The gaming machine of the present invention can select two or more winning types from a plurality of winning types (BB combination (or RB combination), small combination, replay, etc.) and change them with high probability. The winning type changed with a high probability will be won very frequently in subsequent games. For this reason, depending on the combination of winning types with high probability, the game value can be greatly increased, or the game can be continued without consuming much game value. It is possible to increase the interest of the player.

(Solution 4)
The solving means 4 is a gaming machine characterized in that one of the at least two winning types selected in claim 3 is the specific winning combination.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, BB can be included in the winning type having a high probability in the solution means 3. This makes it possible for the player to win BB continuously by making the BB highly probable, and allows the player to acquire a large amount of game value in a short period of time. As a result, each time the player wins BB, he can have an expectation that BB may have a high probability.

(Solution 5)
The solving means 5 further has a predetermined number of divisions in which the probability change gaming state has different winning probabilities of at least one of the game value giving combination and the re-game combination, and has been won by the probability changing lottery means In this case, the gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 2 to 4, further comprising: a section determining unit that determines which of the predetermined number of sections corresponds.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a plurality of gaming states in which the winning probability of the winning type (small role or replay) is the same or different even in the high probability state. When a high probability state is reached, the game is determined as one of a plurality of game states and progressed. For this reason, a change can be seen in the gaming state such that the winning ratio of a specific small role is biased, or the small role is rarely won and missed evenly. This also implicitly informs the player that the player has entered a high probability state, and the player concentrates on determining the gaming state of the gaming machine by comprehensively judging the gaming result of each game.

(Solution 6)
The solution means 6 determines which of the classifications the classification determined by the classification determination means falls under again in order to change the classification determined by the classification determination means when a predetermined condition is established for the game in the corresponding classification determined by the classification determination means. The gaming machine according to claim 5, further comprising a re-segment determination unit for determining.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can further change the gaming state in a game that is in a high probability state. When a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a predetermined number of games is reached), the gaming state is changed in the high probability state. When the game state is changed, the winning type that makes it easier to win changes, so that it is possible to change the game in the high probability state.

(Solution 7)
The solving means 7 is the gaming machine according to the solving means 6, further comprising condition changing means for changing a pre-defined condition under which the division is determined by the re-segment determining means.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can change the conditions in the solution means 6. This can be changed to a condition every time a lottery for whether or not to change to a high probability state is performed, can be changed in advance according to the management policy of the hall, or can be changed randomly when the power is turned on before opening the hall. By doing so, it becomes possible to avoid that the game machine's trap and game development become one pattern, and the player can experience various game development every time the game machine plays, and get bored with the game Can be avoided as much as possible.

(Solution 8)
The solution means 8 includes an effect display means for displaying a predetermined effect toward the outside of the gaming machine, and an effect display determination for determining an effect corresponding to the corresponding category while having a plurality of effects corresponding to the predetermined number of categories. The gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 7, further comprising: means.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can display an effect toward the outside. This display is possible by using a liquid crystal display or a dot display. By making this production (for example, playing with a liquid crystal display or a character having an adventure) as the game progresses, the player feels bored or the game is not at all interesting Can be solved. Furthermore, by making the content of the presentation different for each of a plurality of gaming states in a high probability state, it is possible to inspire the player to guess the current gaming state and to inspire gaming.

(Solution 9)
The solving means 9 is the gaming machine according to the solving means 8, further comprising an effect display permitting means for allowing the effect display determined by the effect display determining means to be displayed at a predetermined ratio. .

  The gaming machine of the present invention can suggest a change in the gaming state to the player by frequently generating or suppressing the production in games in a high probability state. As a result, it is possible to draw out the player's inquiring mind and enhance the interest of the game.

(Solution 10)
The solution means 10 has a production sound generating means for generating a predetermined production sound toward the outside of the gaming machine, and a plurality of production sounds corresponding to the predetermined number of divisions and producing a production sound according to the corresponding division. The gaming machine according to any one of solution means 1 to 9, further comprising effect sound determination means for determining.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can generate sounds (such as sound effects and alarm sounds) toward the outside. This is possible by using a speaker, a buzzer or the like. As the game progresses, it can be performed in conjunction with a liquid crystal display or the like, so that the player's willingness to play can be raised, or when a bonus game such as BB or RB is won, a fanfare or the like can be enjoyed. Furthermore, by changing the sound effect for each of a plurality of gaming states in a high probability state, it is possible to work on the player's hearing and suggest a change in the gaming state.

(Solution 11)
The solving means 11 further comprises effect sound generation permitting means for allowing the effect sound determined by the effect sound determining means to be generated at a predetermined rate. is there.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to make a player notice that a change has occurred in the gaming state by frequently generating sound effects or suppressing the occurrence in high probability games. is there. This allows the player to play the game while carefully observing the effects and sound effects, which increases the fun of the game.

(Solution 12)
The solving means 12 includes a light emitting means for emitting light toward the outside of the gaming machine, a light emission control determining means for determining a light emission control corresponding to the corresponding section, having a plurality of light emission controls corresponding to the predetermined number of sections. The gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 11, further comprising:

  The gaming machine of the present invention can emit light toward the outside. This light emission is possible by using a light emitting means such as a lamp. The gaming machine can be appealed to the player and the player's surroundings by changing the light emission mode in various ways (lighting, blinking, light emission of a large number of colors, etc.). Furthermore, by changing the content of light emission for each of a plurality of gaming states in a high probability state, it is possible to give the player a hint for searching the current gaming state and improve the game motivation.

(Solution means 13)
The solution means 13 is the gaming machine according to the solution means 12, further comprising light emission control permission means for allowing the light emission control determined by the light emission control determination means to be performed at a predetermined ratio. .

  The gaming machine of the present invention may cause the player to think that the gaming state has changed by causing the lamp to emit light frequently or not at all in games in a high probability state. Is possible. This makes it possible to make the player think that the player is in a high probability state and advance the game.

(Solution 14)
The solving means 14 is a multiplier determining means for determining a multiplier in a state where a predetermined number of game values are multiplied for each game, and a starting operation means for accepting a player's starting operation with the multiplier determined. And a symbol display device that rotates a plurality of rotating bodies with symbols in the circumferential direction to change the display of the symbols, while stopping the rotation of the rotating body and displaying a combination of the symbols. A stop operation means for receiving a stop operation by a player to stop the rotating body, and when the start operation is received by the start operation means, the rotating body starts to rotate, and the stop operation is performed while the rotating body is rotating. When the stopping operation is received by the means, the rotating body driving means for stopping the rotating body in the order in which the stopping operations are received and all the rotations by the rotating body driving means for one game. When the game is stopped, based on the combination mode of the symbols when all the rotating bodies are stopped, a game value giving means for giving a specified number of game values to the player as necessary, and a plurality of pre-selected winning types Only when an internal lottery means for lottering whether or not one of the two is selected and a stop operation corresponding to the winning type won for the internal lottery are accepted by the rotating body driving means. When the rotary body is stopped, the stop control means that can display the combination mode of the winning type symbols, and when the lottery result performed by the internal lottery means becomes a specific winning type, the specific winning type The game state is shifted to a special game state that is relatively more advantageous to the player than the normal game state, provided that the combination of symbols corresponding to is displayed when the symbol display device is stopped. Special gaming state control means for performing control, and when the gaming state is shifted to the special gaming state by the special gaming state control means, an opportunity to be given gaming value by the gaming value giving means is the normal gaming state Game value addition opportunity increasing means that can be increased as compared to the above, a winning probability defining means for defining the winning probability of each of the plurality of winning types in the lottery performed by the internal lottery means, and the plurality of winning prizes Probability changing means capable of changing the winning probability defined by the winning probability defining means for at least one winning type from among the types, and the winning change type by the probability changing means when the special gaming state ends. A probability change in which a lottery to determine whether or not to change the winning probability in the internal lottery is performed separately from the lottery performed by the internal lottery. If the lottery means and a lottery by the probability changing lottery means are won, the probability changing game for performing control to shift the gaming state to the probability changing gaming state in which the winning probability in the internal lottery of the winning type by the probability changing means is changed A gaming machine comprising state control means.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine, particularly a slot machine, etc., after performing a starting operation in a state in which a player has determined a multiplier of a gaming value (medals, coins, etc.) for performing one game, Based on the stop operation by the player, the combination of symbols can be displayed only when the stop operation that allows the display of the combination of symbols selected in the internal lottery at that time is performed. In response, the game value is paid out and one game is completed. If a stop operation is performed in which a combination of symbols won by the internal lottery cannot be displayed, the symbol combination cannot be displayed even if the internal lottery is won. For example, even if BB is won in the internal lottery, the combination of BB symbols is not displayed unless a stop operation that can display the combination of BB symbols is performed. Here, when a stop operation capable of displaying the combination of BB symbols is performed, the combination of symbols is displayed, and the BB game is started thereafter. In the BB game, an opportunity for paying out the game value is increased, so that a very large amount of game value can be acquired in a short period of time compared to the normal game state.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, first, when winning in an internal lottery for a predetermined winning type (for example, BB, hereinafter referred to as BB), BB is included in the subsequent games after the end of the BB game. In addition, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not the winning probability by the internal lottery of a plurality of small roles (or replays) is to be high. When this lottery is won, the winning probabilities of a plurality of small roles (or replays) including BB are changed to a high probability. Since the above lottery is won each time the BB is won and the BB game is finished, the player can have the pleasure of winning the BB and the expectation that he may win the lottery even after the BB ends. It will be possible to enjoy joy twice in one BB win. Furthermore, among the high-probability states, it is divided into multiple high-probability states (the winning probabilities for the small role and replay are different from each other), and the transition of the gaming state is performed for each other. Various changes can be made to the monotonous gaming state depending on the bias of (or replay), the winning situation, and the like. As a result, the player is released from being forced to play a monotonous game without any change until the next BB is won, although it is in a high probability state, and other than winning the BB. You will find it interesting.

  According to the present invention, the monotonous game left by the machine is eliminated, and the player's interest can be raised.

It is a front view of the slot machine to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is an internal structure diagram of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a slot machine. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence of 1 game (rotational game) in a slot machine. It is a flowchart of a starting process. It is a flowchart of a reel stop process. It is a flowchart of a determination process. It is a flowchart of a big bonus game process. It is a flowchart of a regular bonus / JAC game game process. It is a flowchart of a probability variation process. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the transition condition of a game state.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine will be described along the following items with reference to the corresponding drawings.

(Outline of one embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a front view of a slot machine 1 which is a swivel type gaming machine according to an embodiment. The slot machine 1 of FIG. 1 is of a type that uses, for example, medals, coins, etc. (hereinafter unified as medals) as game media.

  The slot machine 1 has a front door 3 on the front surface facing the player, and has a box-shaped main body portion 2 behind the front door 3. The inner surface of the left side wall of the main body portion 2 and the back surface of the left end portion of the front door 3 are connected to each other via two upper and lower hinges (not shown). With this hinge as an axis, the front door 3 can be opened and closed in a single-opening manner by inserting a key dedicated to the slot machine 1 into the key hole 25 located on the right end thereof and turning clockwise. In the closed state, the hinge is accommodated inside the main body portion 2 so as to be hidden behind the front door 3.

  The front door 3 has a liquid crystal display unit 30 in the upper half portion, and a flat transparent plate (game panel) 4 below the liquid crystal display unit 30. The lower half portion of the front door 3 is formed so as to protrude forward from the game panel 4, and the protruding portion includes a medal slot 14, bet buttons 6, 7, 8 (multiply determining means), a start lever 9 (start operation means), left, middle and right stop buttons 11, 12, 13 (stop operation means) and the like are arranged along the lower edge of the game panel 4. In addition, a storage and settlement button 24 and a decorative plate 26 are provided in the lower half of the front door 3, and a receiving tray 28 is provided under the decorative plate 26.

  The liquid crystal display unit 30 (effect display means) plays a role of assisting the player in the progress of the game by displaying an image for the effect accompanying the progress of the game, the number of medals obtained in a bonus game described later, and the like. Yes.

  A rectangular display window 5 is formed at a substantially central position of the game panel 4, and through this display window 5, the variable rotators 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c provided in the slot machine 1 can be seen through. . The game panel 4 is formed with display areas 20, 21 and display parts 17, 18, 19, etc. so as to surround the display window 5. Various character information and symbol information are attached to the display area 21 located on the right side of the display window 5 when viewed from the front, and the bet lamp 22 and the bonus notification lamp 23 are provided in the display area 20 located on the opposite left side. Lighting display sections are arranged.

  In addition to the start lamp 16 located below the display area 20, the game panel 4 is provided with a credit number display unit 17, a game number display unit 19, a payout number display unit 18, and a medal-in lamp 15. . Each lamp is a lamp unit (not shown) behind the game panel 4. The player can visually recognize the light emitted from each lamp on the game panel 4.

  The medal inlamp 15 blinks (or lights up) before the player starts the game, and plays a role of prompting the player to insert a medal into the medal insertion slot 14.

  The bet lamp (effective line lamp) 22 corresponds to the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 14 by the player. (1) of the bet lamp 22 in the figure corresponds to 1 bet, 2 represents 2 bets, and 3 represents 3 bets. ). It should be noted that pressing operations of the bet buttons 6, 7, and 8 correspond to 1-, 2-, and 3-sheets respectively. In particular, since the maximum of 3 cards can be multiplied by one game, it is called a MAX bet (the bet button 22 is a MAX bet button).

  The start lamp 16 is lit (or flashes) when the operation of the start lever 9 becomes valid, and plays a role of prompting the player to start the game. The payout number display unit 18 displays the number of payouts when the winning type accompanied by the payout of medals is displayed as a combination of symbols, as well as various abnormalities occurring in the slot machine 1 and the progress of the game. It also functions as an error indicator that displays the abnormality that has occurred. Therefore, hereinafter, the payout number display unit 18 is also referred to as an error display unit 18 as necessary.

  The credit number display unit 17 plays a role of notifying the player of the stored number as the number of stored medals when there is storage of medals exceeding the maximum multiplying number (for example, 3 bets). The credit number display unit 17 can be displayed by operating the storage settlement button 24 once to cancel the storage, and to settle the medal storage (credit).

  Up to 50 credits can be stored. Since the number of bets for the next game can be selected from the number stored in the credits by operating the bet buttons 6, 7, and 8, the game can proceed smoothly. When a bet is made from credit, the number bet is subtracted from the number stored as credit. Note that when the maximum number of credits is exceeded with the payout of medals, the medals are paid out to the tray 28 through the payout exit 27.

  The bonus flag notification lamp 23 serves to notify the player that a bonus or the like described later has been won.

  The number-of-games display unit 19 displays a status such as the number of benefits that are concentrated on payout of medals in a bonus game, which will be described later, and plays a role in smoothly progressing the game of the player's bonus game. .

  Although not particularly drawn in FIG. 1, the model name and illustrations of the slot machine 1 are drawn on the decorative plate 26. The decorative board 26 has a role of decorating the front door 3 and attracting the player's eyes to inspire gaming.

  The key hole 25 can be inserted into a key dedicated to the slot machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as a dedicated key) and can be turned (twisted) about 45 degrees to the left and right. The game can be established, and by turning counterclockwise, the state in which the game of the slot machine 1 is interrupted can be returned (reset) to a state where the game can be resumed. The resetting operation can be performed by pressing a reset switch 66 described later.

  Two speakers 29 (effect sound generating means) are provided on the left and right sides of the payout opening 27, and sound effects, BGM, sounds, and the like accompanying the progress of the game are output from these speakers 29.

  In addition, lamps 33 and lamps 31, 32, and 34 are arranged on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display unit 30 and along the outer periphery of the slot machine 1, and these lamps 31, 32, 33, and 34 (light emitting means) are in a gaming state. It is possible to produce an effect by the corresponding light emitting decoration.

  The five effective lines 35a, 35b, and 35c indicated by broken lines in FIG. 1 define the direction for viewing the arrangement of symbols displayed in the display window 5 as one combination, one for each. It is a line (straight line) that is activated in accordance with the number of bets multiplied by two, two, or three. Specifically, in a single-ply game, only one horizontal effective line 35a at the middle position is activated, and when it is doubled, two horizontal lines at the upper and lower positions are added. The effective line 35b is activated and there are three convenient lines. In the three-game game, both two diagonal active lines 35c are enabled, and all the five active lines 35a, 35b, 35c are enabled. In any case, the arrangement of symbols arranged along the lines 35a to 35c activated according to the multiplier at that time can be seen as one combination.

  FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the main body portion 2 of the slot machine 1. FIG. 2 shows a state where the front door 3 is removed. A variable symbol display device 10 having the above-described variable rotating bodies 10a, 10b, and 10c is installed in the upper half of the main body portion 2. A sub-control board 51, a main control board 50, and an external terminal board 52 are attached to the inner surface of the main body portion 2 so as to surround the variable symbol display device. In addition, a power supply unit 40 is installed along the left inner wall surface as viewed in FIG. 2 and a hopper device 35 is installed at a substantially central position at the bottom of the main body 2 in the lower half of the main body 2. In addition, a game medal auxiliary storage 38 is installed at a position on the right side of the hopper device 35.

  Here, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the mechanical variable symbol display device (rotating device) is composed of three variable rotating bodies. These three variable rotating bodies have the same shape, and all have a translucent pattern in which multiple types of symbols (bells, watermelons, plums, apples, cherries, numbers, letters, etc.) are printed on a cylindrical frame. The belt is stretched to form a cylindrical shape. In the gaming machine such as a slot machine, the variable rotator having a cylindrical shape is called a reel or a drum (hereinafter, the variable rotator is a reel and the variable symbol display device is a reel device). ).

  Each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is provided with a reel motor 44a, 44b, 44c (rotating body driving means) comprising a stepping motor, and can therefore be rotated and stopped independently. A plurality of types of symbols are displayed in the display window 5 while continuously changing from top to bottom. The rotation axes of the reels 10a, 10b, 10c are arranged on the same axis extending in the horizontal direction. Each reel 10 a, 10 b, 10 c is provided with reel internal lamps 45 a, 45 b, 45 c for illuminating the symbol moved to the position visually recognized from the display window 5 from the inner peripheral side of the reel. The upper part, the middle part, and the lower part of the possible reels can be lit independently for each reel 10a, 10b, 10c. These reels 10a, 10b, and 10c cannot be directly touched from the outside by closing the front door 3.

  The main control board 50 is a central device for proceeding with the game of the slot machine 1, and the main control board 50 rotates and stops the reel device 10 such as insertion and withdrawal of medals and the display units 15. 16, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, and 23 manage operations directly related to the progress of the game such as display.

  The sub-control board 51 displays effects on the liquid crystal display unit 30 and assists the lamps 31, 32, 33, 34 to assist the progress of the game in the slot machine 1.

  The external terminal board 52 serves as a gateway for various information when the slot machine 1 is connected to a hall computer or the like.

  The main control board 50 is connected to the sub-control board 51 and the external terminal board 52 by wires and connectors (not shown). Therefore, transmission of various information from the main control board 50 can be performed to the sub control board 51 and the external terminal board 52.

  The power supply unit 40 has a setting key switch 41, a reset switch 42, and a power switch 43. The setting of the slot machine 1 is changed, an error state is released when an abnormality occurs, ON-OFF can be performed. Further, the power supply unit 40 is connected by wiring, a connector and the like in order to supply power to various boards including the main control board 50. The power supply unit 40 is provided with a cover (not shown) formed of a synthetic resin such as plastic for preventing direct contact by unauthorized means from the outside of the slot machine 1.

  The hopper device 35 serves as a supply source in the case where medals are paid out by always storing medals. Although not shown, the hopper device 35 is provided with a hopper motor. When the medals are paid out, the hopper motor rotates so that the medals stored in the hopper device 35 are paid out from the payout port 36. The When the number of medals stored in the hopper device 35 reaches a certain number, the overflowed state and the medals exceeding the certain number are led from the overflow outlet 37 to the game medal auxiliary storage 38 and to the game medal auxiliary storage 38. It will be stored.

  As described above, the game medal auxiliary storage 38 has an auxiliary role for storing medals in order to accept the overflowed medals in the hopper device 35.

(Internal configuration of slot machine)
FIG. 3 schematically shows configurations of various mechanism elements, electronic devices, operation members, and the like equipped in the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 has a main control board 50 for comprehensively controlling the progress of the game. The main control board 50 is mounted with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface, and the like.

  The bet buttons 6, 7, 8 and the start lever 9, the stop buttons 11, 12, 13 and the storage settlement button 24 are all connected to the main control board 50. These operation buttons use sensors (not shown). Thus, an operation by the player can be detected, and the detected operation signal can be output to the main control board 50. Specifically, the start lever 9 outputs an operation signal for starting the above-described three reels 10a to 10c to the main control board 50, and the stop buttons 11, 12, and 13 are operations for stopping the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c, respectively. A signal is output to the main control board 50. The key hole 25 can output a reset signal to the main control board 50 from an error release sensor 70 (not shown in FIG. 1) installed behind the key hole 25 by turning counterclockwise after inserting the dedicated key. When the front door 4 is opened by turning clockwise, an opening signal is output to the main control board by a door opening sensor provided on the back of the front door 4 (not shown). The door opening sensor is installed adjacent to the error release sensor 70, and when the front door 4 is opened, it can be detected that the front door 4 and the main body portion 2 are separated.

  The slot machine 1 accommodates other devices together with the main control board 50, and various signals are input from these devices to the main control board 50. In addition to the reel device 10 having the three reels 10a to 10c, the devices include a hopper device 35 and the like.

  The reel device 10 has a position sensor (not shown) for detecting a reference position related to the rotation of each reel 10a, 10b, 10c, and a detection signal (index signal) from these position sensors is a main control board. 50 is input. Further, an insertion sensor 46 and a lockout solenoid 47 (not shown) are installed in the back of the medal insertion slot 14. Of these, the insertion sensor 46 can detect a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 14 and output a medal detection signal to the main control board 50. One lockout solenoid 47 plays a role of locking out (blocking) a passage of a medal selector (not shown) disposed behind the medal slot 14 inside the front door 3. The lockout solenoid 47 locks out the passage of the medal selector in a normal (non-actuated) state, but when activated, this passage is opened (lockout release) so that the insertion of medals can be accepted. The inserted medal is detected by the insertion sensor 46. Conversely, when the lockout solenoid 47 is deactivated, the medal selector is locked out and no medal insertion is accepted, and even if the player inserts a medal, it is spit out and returned to the tray 28. In addition, since the function of the insertion sensor 46 is invalidated at this time, neither bet / credit addition by medal insertion is performed.

  The hopper device 35 has a payout sensor 49 that detects the medals paid out in the payout port 36 one by one, and a payout medal signal for each medal is input to the main control board 50 from the payout sensor 49. Has been. The game medal auxiliary storage 38 is provided with a medal full tank sensor 39, and when the number of medals stored inside exceeds a predetermined number, a detection signal indicating that the number of medals exceeds the predetermined number is sent to the main control board. 50, and an error display notifying the abnormality of the gaming machine is performed by the liquid crystal display unit 30 or the like, and the player or the like is notified.

  On the other hand, a control signal is output from the main control board 50 to the reel device 10 and the hopper device 35. That is, a drive pulse signal for controlling the start and stop of the stepping motors 44a, 44b, 44c for rotating the reels 10a, 10b, 10c described above is output from the main control board 50. The hopper device 35 receives a drive signal from the main control board 50 in accordance with the type of symbol on which the combination is displayed, and the hopper device 35 receives the medal in response to this. At this time, if the number of medals required for payout is insufficient in the hopper device 35 or if there are no medals at all, the number detection by the payout sensor 49 is delayed, and when a predetermined time elapses (for example, 3 seconds), A payout medal abnormality signal is output from the payout sensor 49 to the main control board 50. In response to this, the main control board 50 informs the error display unit 18 and the liquid crystal display unit 30 of the content that indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the medal payout. Etc.

  The slot machine 1 includes a sub control board 51 in addition to the main control board 50. The sub control board 51 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface, a VDP, a sound source IC, an audio amplifier, and the like (all of which are illustrated). Not implemented). The sub control board 51 receives various command signals from the main control board 50 and controls the lighting or blinking of the liquid crystal display unit 30 and the lamps 31, 32, 33 and 34 and the operation of the speaker 29.

  Further, an external terminal board 52 is connected to the main control board 50, and the slot machine 1 is connected to the hall computer 53 of the game hall via the external terminal board 52. The external terminal board 52 plays a role of relaying various signals (inserted medal signal, payout medal signal, game status, etc.) transmitted from the main control board 50 to the hall computer 53.

  In addition, a power supply unit 40 is accommodated in the slot machine 1, and the power supply unit 40 takes in power from an external power source and generates power necessary for the operation of the slot machine 1. The electric power generated here is supplied from the power supply unit 40 to each unit.

  The power supply unit 40 also includes a setting key switch 41, a reset switch 42, a power switch 43, and the like. None of these switches are exposed to the outside of the slot machine 1 and can be operated only by opening the front door 3. Among them, the power switch 43 is for turning on / off the power supply to the slot machine 1, and the setting key switch 41 is for changing the setting (for example, settings 1 to 6) of the slot machine 1. . The reset switch 42 is used to cancel an error that has occurred in the slot machine 1 and is also operated when changing the setting together with the setting key switch 41.

(Game processing)
Next, the flow of game processing in the slot machine 1 will be described. The following game processing proceeds in accordance with a processing procedure on a control program executed by the CPU of the main control board 50.

(1. Crotch game processing)
FIG. 3 shows one processing procedure for one basic game (rotating game) in the slot machine 1. One game starts from start processing (step S10). This starting process is a process for starting the rotation of the reels 10a, 10b, 10c. Here, a random number triggered by the insertion of a medal or the operation of the bet buttons 6, 7, 8 or the operation of the starting lever 9 is used. A process such as lottery is performed. The details of the starting process (step S10) will be described later in detail using another flowchart.

  In one game, a stop process (step S20) is executed following the start process (step S10). This stop process stops the rotation of the reels 10a to 10c and controls the stop positions of the reels 10a to 10c. This corresponds to a process called “reel control”. For stop processing using reel control, there are two methods, for example, a table method for determining the final stop position with reference to two of the winning combination and the position where the stop button is pressed, and a control method for drawing the winning combination to the maximum In this case, either may be used. The winning combination will be described in the starting process described later. Stop processing using reel control will also be described later using another flowchart.

  When the stop process is finished by the reel control, the determination process (step S30) is executed next. This determination process determines whether or not a combination of symbols is displayed on the effective line from the display mode (outgoing) of the symbols displayed when all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped. It is for providing the game result according to. The main benefit of the game results is the medal payout, but even if there is no medal payout, the bonus game is given according to the type of displayed combination symbol (big bonus symbol, regular bonus symbol, etc.) In some cases, the internal state (various modes) may be changed separately from the medal payout. The specific contents of the determination process will be described after the stop process.

(2. Start processing)
FIG. 4 specifically shows the contents of the start process. Here, first, the insertion of medals or the operation of the bet buttons 6, 7, 8 is awaited (step S101). As long as the player does not make a bet or insert a medal (No), the start lever 9 is not activated, so the determination in Step S104 is denied (No) and the standby state (Step S101) continues to be looped. When there is a bet operation or a medal insertion, an acceptance process (step S102) is performed in response to this, and the effective line lamp is turned on according to the bet number. In the acceptance process (step S <b> 102), a medal insertion command or a bet command is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 51.

  Subsequent to the acceptance process (step S102), a start lever valid process (step S103) is performed, and the operation of the start lever 9 is substantially validated for the first time. When the player operates the start lever 9 in this state, the determination in step S104 is affirmed (Yes), and then the start lever invalidation process (step S105) is performed.

  When the start lever 9 is operated, random number extraction (random lottery) is performed in response to this operation (step S106). The timing for extracting the random number after receiving the operation of the start lever 9 is not particularly defined, and an appropriate extraction timing can be set in the programming process.

  In the next flag processing (step S107), winning / losing is determined from the extracted random number value (internal lottery means), and in the case of winning, a flag corresponding to the type of winning combination (small role, special small role, etc.) is set. While being turned ON, a winning flag command is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub-control board 51.

  In the case of a loss, a lost flag that cannot be used for any winning combination (small combination, special small combination, etc.) is turned ON. A winning / losing flag (a so-called establishment flag) is obtained only when the corresponding symbol is aligned when the corresponding flag is ON. Each benefit will be described later using another flowchart in the determination process.

  When the above flag processing (step S107) is performed, it is determined whether or not the wait timer started in the previous start processing has timed up (for example, 4.1 seconds have elapsed) (step S108). When time-up (Yes) is confirmed, each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is started (step S109), and a wait timer from this point to the next start is started (step S110).

(3. Reel stop processing: Stop control means)
FIG. 5 shows the contents of reel stop processing by the table method as an example. Since a well-known technique can be applied to the reel control, the flow of processing will be schematically described here.

  In the reel stop process, first, a reel control table is selected according to the establishment flag indicating the winning result in the corresponding game (step S201). A reel control table having a plurality of patterns for all the winning results is prepared in advance, and these are stored in the ROM of the main control board 50 as read-only table data.

  With the reel control table having an appropriate pattern selected, the standby state is set until the stop buttons 11, 12, 13 are pressed (steps S202, S210, S217, S219). In these standby states, it is determined whether each of the left and middle reels 10a, 10b has already stopped, or whether the first reel stop flag is not set (= 0). In addition, it is determined whether any one of the left, middle, and right stop buttons 11, 12, and 13 is pressed. If none of the stop buttons 11, 12, and 13 are pressed, both the determinations in step S 219 and step S 209 are denied (No), and step S 202 and subsequent steps are repeated.

  For example, if the left stop button 11 is first pressed in accordance with a so-called “forward press” or “forward scissor press” procedure (step S202 = Yes), the first stop button 11 is pressed when the left stop button 11 is pressed. Since the reel stop flag is not set (step S203 = Yes), the first reel stop process (step S204) is executed for the left reel 10a. Here, the “first reel stop process” means a process for stopping the reel first.

  Alternatively, when the center stop button 12 is first pressed in accordance with the so-called “middle push” procedure (step S210 = Yes, step S211 = Yes), the first reel stop process (step S212) is executed for the middle reel 10b. The In addition to this, when the right stop button 13 is first pressed in accordance with the so-called “reverse push” or “reverse scissor push” procedure (step S217 = Yes, step S218 = Yes), the right reel 10c is A one reel stop process (step S219) is executed.

  When the first reel stop process (steps S204, S212, and S219) is performed for any one of the left, middle, and right reels 10a, 10b, and 10c, the reel control table of a plurality of patterns corresponding to the corresponding establishment flag is used. A table pattern is selected based on the random value. For example, for one winning combination “Bell”, a plurality of reel control tables are prepared in advance in order to stop the symbol “Bell” on the reels 10a to 10c on the effective line. It means that one pattern is selected from among them. When one pattern is selected, the stop positions of the reels 10a to 10c are controlled based on the corresponding reel control table. Thereby, for example, the symbol “bell” is stopped somewhere on the active line.

  For example, taking a pattern in which the left reel 10a is stopped first along the forward pressing procedure, the first reel stop process is performed on the left reel 10a in step S204. At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (first stop information command) representing the stop eye of the left reel 10 a to the sub control board 51.

  In the next step S206, reel control tables (stop tables) for the remaining middle and right reels 10b and 10c are determined by random lottery. Specifically, assuming that the symbol “bell” is stopped at the lower position when the left reel 10a is stopped in FIG. 1, two lines, a lower line or a right-up line, are displayed as lines for displaying a combination of symbols when the left reel 10a is stopped. (In the case of a MAX bet) can be selected, but either one (for example, a line rising to the right) is selected by random number lottery here. The random number lottery distribution rate may be about half.

  When the above processing (step S206) is performed, the first reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) (step S207), and the left reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) (step S208). ). Since all the reels 10a to 10c are not stopped at the stage where the left reel stop flag is turned on (= 1), the determination in step S209 is negative (No), and step S202 and subsequent steps are executed.

  Then, since the left reel 10a has already stopped at this time (step S202 = No), when the stop button 12 at the center position is pressed secondly (step S210 = Yes) along the forward pressing procedure, the first reel After the stop flag is determined (step S211 = No), the middle reel stop process (step S213) is executed. In the middle reel stop process, the stop position is controlled based on the reel control table (stop table) previously selected for the middle reel 10b. Thus, in the example of the line in which the symbols are displayed as a combination in the above-mentioned right upward direction, the symbol “bell” on the middle reel 10b stops at the middle position. In addition, the top of the stop is a state in which two symbols “bells” are aligned on the left and middle reels 10a and 10b on the right-up line (so-called “right-up template”). At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (second stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the middle reel 10 b to the sub control board 51. In this case, since the middle reel 10b is in the second stop, steps S212, S214, and S215 are all bypassed, and the middle reel stop flag is only turned ON (= 1) in step S216.

  Similarly, when the right stop button 13 is finally pressed (step S217 = Yes), the reel control previously selected for the right reel 10c is performed after the determination of the first reel stop flag (step S218 = No). The stop position is controlled based on the table (stop table) (step S220). As a result, the symbol “bell” on the third right reel 10c stops at the upper position, so that when all the reels are stopped, three symbols “bell” are aligned on the right-up line. At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (third stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the right reel 10 c to the sub control board 51. In this case, since the right reel 10c is in the third stop, steps S219, S221, and S222 are all bypassed, and the right reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) in step S223.

  If the all-reel stop flag is turned on through the processing so far, the determination in step S209 is affirmed (Yes), and the processing by the main control board 50 exits this routine.

  The above is an example of the reel stop process by the table method. In addition to this, there is a reel stop process by a control method, but since a known process can be applied to this, a specific description is omitted here. In this embodiment, either the control method or the table method of reel stop processing may be executed, and which method should be adopted may be determined as appropriate when constructing the control program.

(4. Judgment processing)
FIG. 6 specifically shows the contents of the determination process. When all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped by the reel stop process described above, the main control board 50 performs a process of confirming the output displayed at that time (step S301).

  Next, whether the symbol displayed as a combination from the outcome when all reels are stopped is a big bonus symbol (specific winning combination) (step S302) or a regular bonus symbol (specific winning combination) (step S303), It is determined whether it is a small role symbol (game value imparting role) (step S304), a replay symbol (re-game role) (step S305), or a lost symbol. Then, if it is determined that the symbol displayed as a combination corresponds to either the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) (Yes), a sound effect that informs that the symbol combination is displayed. A command is transmitted to the sub control board 51 (steps S306 and S307). If it is determined that the symbol of the displayed combination corresponds to a small role (step S304 = Yes), the hopper device 35 is instructed to perform a medal payout operation corresponding to each small role symbol, and a payout sound command. Is transmitted to the sub-control board 51 (step S308). Alternatively, when it is determined that a combination of replay symbols has been displayed (step S305 = Yes), a replay process (step S311) is executed. Here, the replay process means that the next game can be executed as a replay without newly inserting medals or performing a betting operation. In that case, the number of active lines is the same as the active line of the game with the replay symbols (for example, when replays are completed as a result of starting the game with 3 bets, when replaying is started at the next game. The number of lines for 3 bets is also valid).

  When it is permitted to display the big bonus symbol or the combination of the regular bonus symbol, that is, when the winning flag of the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) is turned ON in the flag processing of FIG. The big bonus game process (step S309) or the regular bonus / JAC game game process (step S310) is executed according to the combination symbol displayed at that time, and the determination process ends.

  If it is allowed to display a combination of a small role symbol and a replay symbol, a payout or replay process is executed according to the combination symbol displayed at that time, and the winning flag for the small role or replay is turned OFF. (Steps S312 and S313) This process ends. It should be noted that the payout according to the above symbols and step S308 correspond to an example of game value giving means. In addition, when the loss flag is ON or the symbols corresponding to the establishment flag are not aligned on the active line (other than when the loss flag is ON, the fact that it will be missed is referred to as “missing” below) (step S305 = No), the establishment flag other than the BB or RB winning flag is turned off (step S314), and the determination process is also ended. Here, the establishment flags other than the BB or RB winning flag are turned OFF. That is, the winning flag of BB or RB is maintained. This is because BB or RB is more advantageous for the player than for a bonus when a small role or replay is displayed as a combination. The advantage of this BB or RB benefit will be described later. Furthermore, since BB or RB has a small number of symbols for each reel (for example, 1 to 3), even if the BB or RB winning flag is turned on, it is necessary to stop (so-called) to aim at the symbol. There is. That is, when the flag turned ON is other than the winning flag of BB or RB, the established flag disappears even if the symbols corresponding to the established flag are aligned or missed in the turned-on game. However, the winning flag of BB or RB is maintained until the symbols are aligned. The maintenance of the BB or RB winning flag can be said to be a convenience designed to prevent a significant difference in the benefits of the BB or RB due to the difference in the skill of the player.

  When the process proceeds to the big bonus game process (step S309) or the regular bonus / JAC game game process (step S310), the BB or RB winning flag is turned OFF during each of these processes.

(Special gaming state: Special gaming state control means)
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a combination of symbols is displayed with a big bonus symbol (for example, “7-7-7”) or a regular bonus symbol (for example, “BAR-BAR-BAR”), the next game is started. The game proceeds to special game states called “big bonus game” and “regular bonus game”, respectively. These big bonus games and regular bonus games include multiple game opportunities, and there is a possibility of paying out medals etc. in the meantime, so it is advantageous for the player than usual It can be said (a means for increasing the opportunity to add game value).

  In the big bonus game and the regular bonus game, the former includes more game opportunities. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a maximum number of times (for example, a single bonus game) (30 times) an opportunity to play a small role game and an opportunity to play a JAC game (regular bonus game) a maximum number of times (for example, 3 times).

(1. Big bonus game processing)
FIG. 7 specifically shows the contents of the big bonus game process. Here, first, initialization processing is performed, and the random value lottery value table is changed for the small role game (step S401). The changed winning value table has a larger winning value for the small role than usual, and it can be said that the winning probability of the small role is high during the big bonus game.

  Next, the big bonus winning flag is turned off (step S402), and then the reel device 10 is started (step S403) and stopped (step S404). The contents of the start process and the stop process are the same as those already described.

  When all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped by the stop process, the outcome at that time is transmitted to the sub-control board 51 (step S405), and only one internal small game counter is counted up (step S405). S406).

  Next, it is determined whether or not all reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped, and it is determined whether or not JAC symbols have been prepared (step S407), or whether or not a combination of small role symbols has been displayed (step S412). Is done. The JAC symbol used here can be used, for example, as a replay symbol at normal times, but a mode in which a dedicated JAC symbol is provided separately may be used.

  As a result of the determination, if neither the JAC symbol combination nor the small role symbol combination is displayed (No), the process proceeds to step S415, and the establishment flag is turned OFF. In this case, the lost flag was turned on in the lottery, or even if the winning flag was turned on, the player could not stop each reel to display the combination of symbols, or the player It is considered that each reel is actively stopped so as not to display the symbol combination corresponding to the establishment flag positively.

  On the other hand, when the combination of the JAC symbol or the small role symbol is displayed in the determination in step S407 or step S412, respectively (Yes), the main control board 50 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the symbol to the hopper device 35. At the same time, the payout sound command is transmitted to the sub-control board 51 (steps S409 and S413). Further, when the main control board 50 instructs the payout, the payout counter is counted up by that number (steps S409 and S414).

  When a combination of JAC symbols is displayed during the big bonus game (step S407 = Yes), a game opportunity called a “JAC game” is given to the player. Since the content of the JAC game is the same as that of the regular bonus game, in this case, an RB / JAC game game process is executed following step S409 (step S410).

  The contents of the RB / JAC game game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart. When the RB / JAC game game process is completed once, the JAC game counter is incremented there (step S411).

  Similarly, when a combination of JAC symbols or small role symbols is displayed, step S415 is executed subsequent to step S411 or step S414, respectively, and the establishment flag (in this case, a winning flag for JAC symbols or small role symbols) is executed. Turns off. Then, after each game end, it is determined whether or not the big bonus game itself should be ended (step S416), and while the end condition is not satisfied (No), the process returns to step S403 and the next start processing is performed. Done.

In general, a big bonus game ends when any of the following conditions is satisfied.
(1) The count of the small role game counter has reached 30 in step S406.
(2) The count number of the JAC game counter has reached 3 in step S411.

  If any of the above conditions is satisfied, the end determination in step S416 is affirmed (Yes), and then the big bonus game end processing is performed and the winning value table is restored (step S417).

(2. RB / JAC game processing)
FIG. 8 specifically shows the contents of the RB / JAC game game process. Here, first, as an initialization process, the RB winning flag is turned OFF, and the random value lottery value table for the RB / JAC game is changed (step S501). The hit value table changed here has more hit values for JAC symbols than usual, and it can be said that the probability of displaying combinations of JAC symbols is high.

  Next, a start process (step S502) and a stop process (step S503) of the reel device 10 are executed. When all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped by the stop process, the outcome at that time is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 51 (step S504), and the RB / JAC game counter is incremented by one. (Step S505).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the outcome when all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped is a specified symbol combination (step S506). The symbols specified here are usually the same as the JAC symbols (dedicated “JAC-JAC-JAC” or dual-purpose “Replay-Replay-Replay”). A mode in which a combination is displayed (for example, “BAR-replay-replay”, “7-replay-replay”, etc.) may be provided. If the outcome at the time of the stop is not a combination of JAC symbols (step S506 = No), the process proceeds to step S510 and the establishment flag is turned OFF. In this case, either the lost flag was turned on in the lottery, or the reels could not be stopped so that the player could display the symbols as a combination even if the winning flag was turned on. Conceivable. Conversely, if it is determined that the outcome at the time of stoppage is a combination of JAC symbols (Yes), the main control board 50 drives the hopper device 35 to execute a prescribed number (for example, 15) of medal payouts. The payout sound command is transmitted to the sub control board 51 (step S508). When the payout is performed, the payout counter is counted up by the number of sheets (step S509), and subsequently, the establishment flag is turned off (step S510).

Also in the RB / JAC game game process, the end determination (step S511) of one JAC game (regular bonus game) is performed. While the number of times the combination of JAC symbols has been displayed during the JAC game (regular bonus game) has not reached a certain number (for example, 8 times), the end determination is negative (No), and the process returns to step S502, and the JAC game ( Regular bonus game) continues. After this, when the number of times the combination of JAC symbols is displayed in a JAC game (regular bonus game) reaches a certain number (for example, 8 times), it is determined that one JAC game (regular bonus game) should be terminated there. (Yes). In this case, the process proceeds to step S512, JAC game (regular bonus game) end processing is performed, and the winning value table is returned to the state before the change.

(Probability change: Probability change means)
When the slot machine 1 of the present invention wins BB, the winning probability is changed at a rate of 1/2 (50%) in the next game after the end of the BB game (hereinafter, unified as probability change). .

  Probability change is to change the winning probability by increasing or decreasing the range of the random value lottery of a specific winning type (for example, BB, RB or small role) performed in the internal lottery (to the normal winning probability) To make it easier or more difficult to win a particular winning type.

  The probability change performed in the slot machine 1 takes the form of increasing the winning probability of winning types such as BB, small role, replay, etc., but instead of increasing the probability of a specific winning type, the winning probability of another winning type It is good also as a form which performs combination, such as making low probability. Hereinafter, a gaming state in which the winning probability of a specific winning type is changed to a high probability by changing the probability is referred to as a high probability state, whereas a gaming state with a normal probability is referred to as a normal probability state. Specific winning probabilities will be explained using the table below.

  Table 1 shows the winning probabilities of the various winning types of the slot machine 1 (winning probability defining means). The normal probability is the winning probability of the various winning types applied to the game in the normal probability state, and the high probability is the winning probability of the various winning types applied to the game in which the probability change is made and the high probability state is applied. . The high probability can be further divided into high probabilities A, B, and C in which the winning probabilities of a plurality of winning types are different.

  For example, when comparing the normal probability and the high probability A in Table 1, the winning probability of BB is about five times higher at the high probability A than the normal probability. At this time, the range of the winning value of the random number lottery performed in the internal lottery has also increased about five times. On the contrary, the appearance ratio of deviation is reduced to about ½ of the normal probability. At this time, the range of the winning value of the random number lottery performed in the internal lottery (in this case, the range other than the winning value, that is, the range of outliers) is reduced to ½. As described above, the probability change performed in the slot machine 1 is performed by increasing or decreasing the range of the winning value of the random number lottery.

When the slot machine 1 changes the winning probability of the BB from the normal probability to the high probability, there are six setting values (for example, 1 to 6). In the normal probability, the winning of the BB, RB, etc. is set for each setting. The probability of winning is set to about 5 times based on the probability), but the winning probability at high probability is uniform (common to all settings) regardless of the setting. Good. Table 1 shows the winning probability of setting 1 as an example.

In Table 1, bells, cherries, and watermelons are small roles, respectively.
There are 8 bells, 2 cherries, 12 watermelons. Of these, the cherry and watermelon are small parts that can be missed if they are not accurately pressed because the number of symbols arranged on each reel is small.

As features of high probability A to C that can be said from Table 1,
(1) In the high probability A, the bell is likely to win frequently, but since the winning probability of other small roles and replays has not changed, the number of medals will hardly decrease as the game continues, but at the present It can be said that there is a high possibility that it will be maintained.
(2) With a high probability B, it is easy to win the cherry as well as the bell. Or, since the appearance rate of the gap will also decrease, you can expect the medal to increase slightly as you continue playing.
(3) With high probability C, all of bell, cherry, and watermelon are not frequent, but it is easy to win evenly, and it is very easy to win for replay. Therefore, as you continue to play, you can expect the medal to increase significantly. The above is mentioned.

  In the above, while the player is playing in the high probability state, “the medal is hardly reduced” (the above high probability A) “a slight increase can be expected” (the above high probability B) “ Although it can be divided into three stages such as “I can expect” (the above-mentioned high probability C), the hall suffers a disadvantage because the medal is greatly reduced, which is disadvantageous to the player, and conversely, the medal is greatly increased. In order not to break the profit balance between the player and the hall, it may be divided into two stages such as “at least the current status can be maintained” and “a slight increase can be expected”. In addition, if a small role such as a watermelon is to be changed to a higher probability by changing the probability, the player will need to look forward to each game, and there will be a difference in the number of medals earned by the power of the push. Therefore, the player seriously plays the game every time in order to improve his skill.

  From the above, it is possible to play a game with almost no medals even if any of the high probabilities A to C is selected. In addition, the longer the number of games until the next BB is won, the higher the expectation that medals may increase. This eliminates the monotony of the game, such as just waiting for the next BB to be won in a game in a high probability state, and the player can play a game in the high probability state for as long as possible, rather than winning the next BB earlier. I hope to continue playing games. In this way, a new game characteristic capable of finding fun other than the BB game can be given.

(Probability change processing: probability change lottery means, probability change game state control means)
The slot machine 1 performs a lottery (hereinafter, unified as a high-probability state entry lottery) as to whether or not the gaming state is to be changed to a high-probability state in the next game after the BB game is finished. FIG. 10 specifically shows the progress of the probability changing process.

  In step S601, it is determined whether it is the next game after the end of the BB game. If it is determined that the game is (Yes), a high probability state entry lottery is performed (step S602). In step S603, it is determined whether or not a high probability state entry lottery has been won. In the case of winning (Yes), a lottery (sort lottery) is further performed for distribution to any of the high probabilities A to C (step S604) (classification determining means). In step S605, the winning probability is changed to one of the high probabilities A to C determined by the sorting lottery. In this distribution lottery, since the distribution to the high probabilities A to C is performed evenly (each of which is distributed by 1/3), there is no particular bias.

  If it is determined in step S601 that the game is not applicable (No), the process ends. In addition, when it is shifted to the high probability state entry lottery in step S603 (No), it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a high probability state, and if it is determined that the probability state is high (Yes) (step) S606), the winning probability is changed to the normal probability, and the process ends (step S607). If it is determined in step S606 that the state is not a high probability state (No), the process ends. In addition to the next game after the end of the BB game, the timing at which the high probability state entry lottery is performed may be a content such as a lottery performed at the time of winning the BB or during the BB game.

  Probability change processing is performed every time BB is won, whether a high probability state entry lottery is won and a high probability state is entered, or a non-winning state and a normal probability state are maintained. Therefore, it can be said that the high probability state may continue as long as it continues to win the 1/2 (50%) high probability state entry lottery. This is a very advantageous game state for the player because the player can play the game with little consumption of medals while the high probability state continues. Therefore, each time the player wins BB, the player can enjoy the joy of winning BB and have an expectation that may enter a high probability state.

(Game state transition in high probability state)
As described above, the slot machine 1 according to the present invention assigns the winning probability to any one of the high probabilities A to C when entering the high probability state. That is, a change is made between the high probabilities A to C. Specifically, a game based on the normal probability is performed in the normal probability state, and the game is advanced while transitioning between the high probabilities A to C in the high probability state. In this way, the gaming state transitions even in a high-probability state, so that a large change can be given to the progress of the game even after winning the BB after becoming a high-probability state due to the probability change. It becomes possible.

  FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing the transition state of the game state including the normal probability state. The transition of the gaming state is performed between the normal probability state and the high probability state, triggered by the high probability state entry lottery performed in the next game after the end of the BB game, and the game is performed in any gaming state. It will progress.

  In FIG. 11, the transition (or transition) of the gaming state in the high probability state will be specifically described. Tables 2 and 3 show the game state transition ratios in the settings of the slot machine 1 (odd number setting and even number setting), respectively. Table 2 shows the percentage of game state transitions made based on odd settings (ie, settings 1, 3, and 5), and Table 3 shows even numbers (ie, settings 2, 4, and 6). Furthermore, every time 50 games (number of required games to be transferred) are played in one game state, a transfer lottery is performed and reassigned again (repartition determining means). That is, the lottery is again performed according to the transition ratios shown in Tables 2 and 3 in the 50th game in the high probability state. This distribution lottery is repeated every 50 games until BB is won. In addition, it is good also as a form which performs the opportunity for this redistribution lottery performed again when a specific winning type is won a predetermined number of times or every game. Moreover, it is not necessary to limit to said 50 games.

From Table 2 and Table 3, as the characteristics of odd setting and even setting,
(1) In the odd setting, since the transition from the high probability B to the high probability B is the largest in proportion, there is a high possibility that a game in which a bell and a cherry are often won frequently will last for a long time.
(2) In the even setting, since the rate of transition from high probability A to high probability A and high probability C to high probability C is large, in the transition from high probability A to high probability A, the game that Bell frequently wins is long. Subsequently, in the transition from the high probability C to the high probability C, the replay is frequently won, and there is a high possibility that a game with almost no outage will continue for a long time. The above can be said. Therefore, it is also possible for the player to determine whether the setting of the gaming machine is an odd setting or an even setting and use it as a clue to be useful for the subsequent games. Even if it shifts to a high probability state, the progress of the game can have various changes depending on the status of winning the small role and replay (winning frequency, winning small role, replay bias). It is possible to remarkably increase interest. In addition, it is possible to give the player the pleasure of guessing the setting. In addition to the odd number setting and the even number setting, the above-described transition ratio may be changed according to the usage, such as providing a feature for each setting or conversely making it difficult to grasp the feature for each setting.

(Production and others: effect display determining means, effect sound determining means, light emission control determining means)
The above is an example of the game control by the main control board 50. However, in the slot machine 1 of the present invention, the sub-control board 51 controls the presentation operation in accordance with the progress of the game, and the liquid crystal display unit 30, the speaker 29, Players can be attracted visually and audibly by performing together the effects of the lamp portions 31, 32, 33, 34, and the like.

The ratio at which the production is performed is changed for each of the high probabilities A to C described above (production display permission means).
(1) When the high probability A is selected, the performance is performed when all the small roles or replays are won at 1/3.
(2) When the high probability B is selected, the performance is performed when all the small roles are won at 1/7.
(3) When the high probability C is selected, the performance is performed when a small role (not limited to all small roles) is won at 1/10.
(4) The effect in the normal probability state is performed when winning a small combination (not limited to all small combinations) and replay at 1/10.
It is assumed that contents such as production are performed. The game state in which medals are more likely to increase even in the high probability state (high probability A <high probability B <high probability C), the less often the performance is performed. This also means that a clue to determine the game state is given. large. Therefore, the player will advance the game with increased motivation to explore the gaming state and settings.

  Regarding the contents of the production, the contents should be easy for the player to understand which winning role or replay is won (for example, if you win a bell, you will win a watermelon with a bell-shaped shooting star in the background) In this case, a shooting star in the shape of a watermelon will flow, etc.), and the lamp color may be determined for each corresponding small role and replay, and suggested to the player along with the production. Light emission modes such as timbres and lamps may be prepared (production sound generation permission means, light emission control permission means).

  In addition, the winning type for which the performance is performed is not limited to all small roles and replays as described above, and the winning type other than the winning type having a high probability (for example, watermelon in the high probability B) is won. It is good also as the content which makes an effect only when. As a result, the player's behavior of the gaming machine (in this case, a specific small role is frequently won or a performance is frequently performed) is witnessed by the change, trying to guess the setting, You can feel the freshness of trying to determine which winning probability of the probabilities A to C is currently being played, and making new discoveries for each game.

(References to other embodiments)
The above is one form of the slot machine 1 of the present invention, but is not limited to this. Hereinafter, an example (modified example) in which a part of the embodiment described above is modified will be described. The drawings, symbols, and the like are the same as those of the slot machine 1 of the above embodiment. If they are different, the description will be made using new reference numerals as appropriate.

(Modification 1)
The distribution ratio, the transition ratio, and the number of required games for the high probabilities A to C may be changeable (condition changing means). This can be changed in advance for each hole, in accordance with the purpose of what kind of game the player wants to play, or be changed each time a high probability state entry lottery is performed, or For example, a change may be made every time the power is turned on. In this way, the player can experience various game state transitions every time he / she plays, so that the freshness of the game can be maintained for a long time.

  For example, if each of the above ratios and the required number of games are changed for each high probability state entry lottery, it is possible to find unexpectedness in the game every time, regardless of how many times the game of the game machine is played, The attractiveness that attracts the player to the gaming machine can be fully exhibited. As a result, the game machine can be expected to become a valuable presence for the hall.

  Although the modification has been described above, the embodiment and the modification 1 may be combined. By doing so, it becomes possible to further improve the game characteristics of the slot machine 1 of the present invention, and to realize game characteristics according to the purpose of the hole. For example, by giving the player the pleasure of guessing the setting by highlighting the characteristics of each setting, and conversely suppressing the characteristics of each setting, the player is interested in various variations of games in a high probability state. It can also be made.

  The above is the description of one embodiment, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the present invention is not limited to slot machines, and can be applied to parrot machines and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 3 Front door 6, 7, 8 Bet button 9 Start lever 10 Reel device 11, 12, 13 Stop button 14 Medal slot 17 Credit number display part 18 Payout number display part (error display part)
19 Game number display section 24 Storage settlement button 25 Key hole 27 Discharge outlet 28 Receptacle 30 Liquid crystal display section 31, 32, 33, 34 Lamp section 35 Hopper device 39 Medal full sensor 40 Power supply unit 41 Setting key switch 42 Reset switch 43 Power switch 48 Error release sensor 49 Discharge sensor 50 Main control board 51 Sub control board 52 External terminal board

Claims (1)

The game is activated and stopped according to the player's operation in a state where a predetermined number of game values are multiplied for each game, and the display of the symbols is changed by the activation according to the player's operation. Provided with a symbol display device that displays a plurality of symbols in combination when stopped according to an operation, based on the symbol combination displayed when the symbol display device is stopped, a specified number of game values are played as needed When a game is completed and a combination of the symbols matches a predetermined display mode, a transition to a special gaming state that is relatively advantageous to the player over the normal gaming state is made. In a controllable gaming machine,
An internal lottery means for lottery of whether or not one of the plurality of winning types prepared in advance is applicable;
When the lottery result performed by the internal lottery means becomes a specific winning type, the special game state is entered on condition that the combination mode of the symbol corresponding to the specific winning type is displayed when the symbol display device is stopped. Special gaming state control means for performing control to shift the gaming state;
Winning probability defining means for defining the winning probability of each of the plurality of winning types in the lottery performed by the internal lottery means;
Probability changing means capable of changing the winning probability defined by the winning probability defining means for at least one winning type out of the plurality of winning types;
A probability changing lottery means for performing a lottery on whether or not to change the winning probability in the internal lottery of the winning type by the probability changing means when the special gaming state is ended, separately from the lottery performed by the internal lottery;
When winning the lottery by the probability changing lottery means, probability changing gaming state control means for performing control to shift the gaming state to the probability changing gaming state in which the winning probability in the winning type internal lottery by the probability changing means is changed;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: