JP2012106096A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve game spirit during a shift period to an RT mode.SOLUTION: A slot machine includes a counter and a state control unit. The counter stores an initial value (for example, "0") until a watermelon wins, and sets a reference value (for example "100") when the watermelon wins. After this, a subtraction value (for example, "1") is subtracted from a counter value in each game. The state control unit enables the slot machine to shift to an permission condition for allowing shift to the RT mode when a bell wins, and cancels the permissible condition when a cherry wins, or the RT mode ends. Then, the slot machine shifts to the RT mode when keeping a counter value not less than "1", and when remaining in an allowable condition. The RT mode ends when a game is executed by the amount of a value stored in the counter.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine installed in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor.

  A slot machine installed in a pachinko parlor or the like is called a pachislot machine, and a game is played using, for example, a medal as a game medium. Pachislot machines are equipped with reels with multiple types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, and a winning combination determination means for performing a winning combination lottery to determine one of multiple types of winning combinations or loses. And the winning combination lottery is executed.

  As a winning combination, for example, players such as BB (Big Bonus) mode, RB (Regular Bonus) mode, AT (Assist Time) mode, RT (Replay Time) mode, ART (Assist Replay Time) mode, etc. For example, there are provided a mode transition combination for shifting to a game state advantageous for the game (advantage mode), a small combination in which medals are paid out, and a replay combination that enables the next game without inserting medals.

  In the pachislot machine, when the reel is stopped, a symbol corresponding to the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed, and when this winning combination wins, a process associated with the winning winning combination is executed. Thus, one game is finished. If no winning combination is won when the reels are stopped, one game is completed by stopping the reels.

  In addition, some pachislot machines are configured to increase the number of remaining games in the BB mode when a specific winning combination is won during the BB mode (see Patent Document 1 below). According to this, it is possible to provide a new gameability in which the advantage and disadvantage change depending on whether or not the specific winning combination is won during the BB mode.

JP 2006-271864 A

  However, the pachislot machine described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 has a problem of poor gameability because the gameability in the advantageous mode (BB mode) can be improved, but the gameability until the transition to the advantageous mode does not change at all. .

  The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the game performance until the mode is shifted to the advantageous mode.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention performs a winning combination in which a reel having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery and a winning combination lottery to determine one of a plurality of types of winning combination or a loser. Determining means, a symbol corresponding to the predetermined winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed when the predetermined winning combination is won in the winning combination lottery and the reel is stopped, and the winning combination is displayed. In a gaming machine that pays out an amount of game media corresponding to the winning combination when winning, in at least two game modes: a normal mode and an advantageous mode that is more advantageous to the player than the normal mode A game system that controls the execution of the game and sets the number of games to be executed in the advantageous mode as an end condition of the advantageous mode, and terminates the advantageous mode when the end condition is satisfied. Means for reducing the number of games executed in the advantageous mode for each game during the advantageous mode, and not reducing the number of games executed in the advantageous mode if a predetermined condition is satisfied during the advantageous mode, An end condition changing means for changing the end condition of the advantageous mode is provided.

  The ending condition changing means may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied based on winning of a predetermined fourth winning combination.

  Based on the fact that the predetermined second winning combination has been won, the game control means shifts to an allowable state that allows the transition to the advantageous mode, and the predetermined first winning combination is won during the allowable state. On the basis of this, as the condition for ending the advantageous mode, the number of games executed in the advantageous mode may be set to a preset reference value to shift to the advantageous mode.

  According to the present invention, when the first winning combination wins or wins, the end condition of the advantageous mode, that is, the number of games in the advantageous mode and the total payout amount of game media to be paid out in the advantageous mode are set as the reference value. After this, until the transition to the advantageous mode, the end condition of the advantageous mode changes, so that the gameability until the transition to the advantageous mode can be improved.

  In addition, when the second winning combination wins, the game is shifted to an allowable state in which the shift to the advantageous mode is permitted, and the number of games in the advantageous mode and the total amount of game media to be paid out in the advantageous mode are also displayed. If the shift to the advantageous mode is made when the payout amount is 1 or more, a new game can be added to the game until the shift to the advantageous mode.

  Furthermore, if the third winning combination wins during the permitted state and the permitted state is canceled, a new game can be added to the game up to the transition to the advantageous mode.

2 is an external perspective view of the slot machine. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of an electrical structure of a slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow transferred to RT mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when a watermelon, a bell, and a cherry tree win. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram when a storage medium storing a program is installed in a slot machine.

  In FIG. 1, the slot machine (gaming machine) 11 has a normal mode, a BB mode in which the payout rate (the ratio of the number of medals paid out with respect to the insertion of one medal) is higher than the normal mode, and no medal is inserted. An RT mode (advantageous mode) with a high probability of winning a replay that enables the next game is provided. In the slot machine 11, a game is played in any of these modes.

  The slot machine 11 includes a slot machine main body 12 and a front door 13. The slot machine body 12 includes a storage box 12a. The storage box 12a stores various devices such as a reel and a control board for executing a game. The front door 13 includes an upper door 13a and a lower door 13b, and the storage box 12a is opened and closed by the upper door 13a and the lower door 13b.

  A display window 14 is provided on the upper door 13a. A first reel 15a, a second reel 15b, and a third reel 15c are provided in the back of the display window 14. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first to third reels 15a to 15c, and three symbols per reel are displayed through the display window 14 when the reels stop. In the slot machine 11, a total of five winning effective lines 16, consisting of three laterally and two diagonally, are set. Then, whether or not the winning combination has been won is displayed by the combination of symbols stopped on the winning winning line 16 when the first to third reels 15a to 15c are stopped.

  The lower door 13b has a medal slot 19 for inserting medals (game media) prior to the start of the game, and a start lever 20 for starting the rotation of the first to third reels 15a to 15c to display the symbols in a variable manner. Stop buttons 21 a to 21 c for stopping the rotating reel, a payout port 23 for paying out medals to the medal tray 22, and the like are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a control board 31 is provided inside the slot machine 11, and the operation of the slot machine 11 is controlled by the control board 31. The control board 31 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 33. The CPU 32 includes a control unit 34, and the operation is controlled by the control unit 34.

  The memory 33 is provided with a ROM area and a RAM area. The ROM area of the memory 33 stores various setting information such as an initial value, a reference value, and a subtraction value, which will be described later, in addition to a game execution program and game execution data used in the game execution process. On the other hand, the RAM area of the memory 33 is used as a working memory, and temporarily stores information necessary for controlling the slot machine 11 such as a flag indicating the winning combination lottery result and an RT permission flag described later. The control unit 34 performs drive control of each unit of the slot machine 11 based on the information stored in the memory 33.

  The medal sensor 35 detects a medal inserted from the medal slot 19 and inputs a medal detection signal to the control unit 34. The start signal sensor 36 detects that the start lever 20 has been pressed, and inputs a game start signal to the control unit 34. When the game start signal is input after the medal is inserted, the control unit 34 accepts the game start signal. Then, the control unit 34 operates the winning combination determining unit (winning combination determining means) 37 in response to the game start signal.

  The winning combination determination unit 37 performs a winning combination lottery using random numbers, and determines any of a plurality of types of winning combinations or a loss. When one of the winning combinations is won in the winning combination lottery, a winning flag indicating the type is written in the RAM area of the memory 33, and when lost, a lost flag is written.

  When the winning combination lottery is completed, the first to third reels 15a to 15c start to rotate. When the stop buttons 21a to 21c are pressed after the rotation of the first to third reels 15a to 15c, a stop signal is input from the stop signal sensor 38 to the control unit 34. In response to this, the control unit 34 operates the reel drive controller 39 to perform reel stop control corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 21a to 21c. As stop control, well-known pull-in control is performed, and the first to third reels 15a to 15c are stopped so that the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery wins.

  When the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery when all the reels stop, processing corresponding to the winning combination won is performed. The slot machine 11 is provided with replay, BB, and small role as winning combinations. When the replay wins, the control unit 34 validates the winning effective line 16. As a result, the next game can be performed without inserting medals. When the BB wins, the control unit 34 shifts to the BB mode, and when the small combination wins, the control unit 34 drives the hopper device 40 and pays out the number of medals according to the type of the small combination won.

  Also, in the slot machine 11, as the winning combination, the first winning combination (hereinafter described in an example where the first winning combination is a watermelon) and the second winning combination (hereinafter, the second winning combination is a bell). A third winning combination (which will be described in the example where the third winning combination is cherry) is provided. Further, when these watermelons, bells, and cherries win the slot machine 11, a counter 41, an end condition setting unit (end condition setting means) 42, an end condition changing unit ( An end condition changing unit) 43, a state control unit (state control unit) 44, and a mode control unit (mode control unit) 45 are provided.

  The counter 41 is provided to store the number of games executed in the RT mode (RT mode end condition), and stores a predetermined initial value (for example, “0”) until the watermelon wins. When the watermelon wins, the end condition setting unit 42 sets the value of the counter 41 to a predetermined reference value (for example, “100”). The end condition changing unit 43 subtracts a predetermined subtraction value (for example, “1”) from the value of the counter 41 for each game. The counter 41 stores a positive number and is configured so that its value does not become “0” or less.

  When the bell wins, the state control unit 44 shifts to an allowable state in which the transition to the RT mode is permitted, and writes an RT permission flag indicating this in the RAM area of the memory 33. Further, the state control unit 44 refers to the RAM area of the memory 33 when the cherry wins, when the mode is changed to the RT mode, and when the RT mode is ended. Then, if the RT permission flag is written, the permissible state is canceled by deleting it.

  The mode control unit 45 monitors the value of the counter 41 and the presence / absence of the RT permission flag. Then, the mode control unit 45 switches to the RT mode when the value of the counter 41 is “1” or more and the RT permission flag is written in the RAM area of the memory 33 (when it is in an allowable state). Transition. Further, when the value of the counter 41 reaches “0”, the mode control unit 45 ends the RT mode and shifts to the normal mode.

  The operation of the present invention having the above configuration will be described below. In the slot machine 11, when a start lever is operated after inserting a medal into the medal slot, a game is started. When the game is started, the winning combination lottery is performed and all the reels start to rotate at the same time. The first to third reels 15a to 15c are individually stopped by operating the corresponding stop buttons 21a to 21c.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 11, when all the reels are stopped, the value of the counter 41 is larger than the subtraction value (the value of the counter 41 is correct even if the subtraction value is subtracted from the value of the counter 41). When a predetermined subtraction value is subtracted from the value of the counter 41 and the value of the counter 41 is equal to or smaller than the subtraction value (the subtraction value is subtracted from the value of the counter 41, the value of the counter 41 becomes “0”). Or the counter 41 is set to “0”. After that, it is determined whether or not the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is won, and when the winning combination selected in the winning combination lottery wins, processing corresponding to the winning combination won is performed.

  In other words, when BB wins, the game shifts to the BB mode, when replay wins, the next game can be performed without inserting a medal, and when a small role wins, the number according to the type of the small role won Medals will be paid out. Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the watermelon wins, the value of the counter 41 is set to the reference value. Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the bell wins, the state shifts to an allowable state in which the transition to the RT mode is permitted. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the cherry wins, the allowable state is released.

  Returning to FIG. 3, after the process according to the winning combination won, the slot machine 11 determines whether it is in an allowable state and the value of the counter 41 is “1” or more. If it is in the allowable state and the value of the counter 41 is “1” or more, the mode is shifted to the RT mode. In the RT mode, the game in the RT mode can be performed by the value stored in the counter 41 when the mode is shifted to the RT mode. When a game corresponding to the value of the counter 41 is performed, the RT mode ends, and after the permissible state is released (after the RT permission flag is cleared), the mode is shifted to the normal mode.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be described with more specific examples. In the following description, an example in which the initial value of the counter 41 is “0”, the reference value is “100”, and the subtraction value is “1” will be described.

[Example 1] After the watermelon wins, the bell wins in 50 games (games) In this case, in the game where the watermelon wins, the value of the counter 41 is set to the reference value, that is, "100", and the watermelon wins The value of the counter 41 is subtracted by “1” for each game from the next game. For this reason, the value of the counter 41 at the end of the game in which the bell wins is 50. Since the value of the counter 41 is equal to or greater than “1” due to the winning of the bell, and the permissible state is reached, the game in the RT mode is performed from the next game in which the bell wins. As described above, since the value of the counter 41 at the end of the game in which Bell has won is “50”, 50 games can be played in this RT mode.

[Example 2] When the watermelon wins after the bell wins. In this case, the game in which the bell wins is allowed, but the value of the counter 41 at this time is the initial value, that is, “0”. It does not shift to RT mode at the time. Then, when the watermelon wins and the value of the counter 41 is set to “100”, the value of the counter 41 is “1” or more and the permissible state, so the watermelon wins in the RT mode from the next game. The game is played. In this RT mode, 100 games can be played.

[Example 3] When the bell wins, the cherry wins, and then the watermelon wins. In this case, the game in which the bell wins is allowed, but the value of the counter 41 at this time is the initial value, That is, since it is “0”, the mode does not shift to the RT mode at this point. When the cherry wins, the permissible state is canceled. Therefore, even if the watermelon wins and the value of the counter 41 is set to “100”, the mode does not shift to the RT mode. In this case, the value of the counter 41 is decremented by “1” for each game from the next game won by the watermelon, but if the bell wins again before the value of the counter 41 becomes “0”. Transition to the RT mode, the game in the RT mode can be performed by the value of the counter 41 from the next game where the bell wins.

  As described above, according to the slot machine 11, the end condition of the RT mode (the number of games executed in the RT mode) and whether or not the transition to the RT mode is allowed are changed before the transition to the RT mode. Therefore, a new game can be provided to the game until the transition to the RT mode, such as aiming to win the winning combination or removing it so as not to win.

  The detailed configuration is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the types of the first, second, and third winning combinations can be freely set. Furthermore, the initial value, reference value, and subtraction value can be set freely. Alternatively, a plurality of types of initial values, reference values, and subtraction values may be prepared, and these values may be switched according to an operator's setting change operation. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the first, second, and third winning combination “wins”, the counter is set to the reference value, shifted to the permitted state, or the permitted state is released. However, when each of these winning combinations “wins”, the same processing may be performed. In addition, when a winning combination such as the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd winning combination is elected in the winning combination lottery, an operation of a stop button for notifying the type of the selected winning combination or winning the selected winning combination The order may be notified.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the example of providing the first, second, and third winning combinations has been described. However, the second winning combination or the third winning combination may be abolished. When the second winning combination is abolished, for example, after the BB mode, the mode is automatically shifted to the RT mode. Even in such a configuration, the counter is subtracted for each game from the time the first winning combination wins (wins) until the transition to the RT mode (after the reference value is set in the counter), It is possible to provide a new gameability such that it is advantageous to shift to the BB mode at an early timing after winning the first winning combination.

  On the other hand, when the third winning combination is abolished, the allowable state is not canceled by winning or winning the third winning combination. Therefore, once the allowable state is reached, this allowable state is maintained until the RT mode is entered. For this reason, a sense of security can be given to the player. In the above embodiment, an example in which the allowable state is maintained even when the counter value becomes “0” without shifting to the RT mode has been described. However, when the counter value becomes “0”. The allowable state may be released.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the predetermined subtraction value is subtracted from the counter value for each game has been described. However, a predetermined addition value may be added to the counter value for each game. Furthermore, instead of adding or subtracting the counter value for each game, the counter value may be changed when a predetermined fourth winning combination wins or wins. In this case, when the fourth winning combination wins, a predetermined value (for example, “10”) is added to or subtracted from the counter value, or when the fourth winning combination wins, the counter value is set to “0”. It can be thought of. Of course, in addition to changing the counter value for each game, the value of the counter may be changed when the fourth winning combination wins or wins. Also, for example, in the normal mode, the value of the counter is changed for each game or when the fourth winning combination wins (wins), and in the BB mode, a game is performed or the fourth winning combination wins (wins). Alternatively, whether or not to change the counter value may be switched depending on the mode, such as not changing the counter value.

  Moreover, you may combine the function which the 1st-4th winning combination mentioned above has. In this case, for example, when the counter is “0”, “watermelon” functions as the first winning combination, and when the “watermelon” is won, the counter is set to “100” and the counter value is “0” or more. In some cases, “watermelon” functions as the fourth winning combination, and “100” is added to or subtracted from the counter when winning “watermelon”. Further, for example, in a mode other than the RT mode, “BELL” functions as the second winning combination, and when “BELL” is won, the state is shifted to the permitted state, and in the RT mode, “BELL” functions as the fourth winning combination, It is conceivable that the counter is set to “0” when “BELL” is won (that is, the RT mode is ended by winning the “BELL”). Of course, the winning combination to be combined can be arbitrarily set. Three or more winning combinations may be combined.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the counter value is increased or decreased every time the game is executed after the reference value is set in the counter until the transition to the RT mode has been described. The value of the counter may be increased or decreased according to the number of medals paid out each time a payout is made after the set until the transition to the RT mode.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the counter is stored in the counter so that the number of games executed in the RT mode is stored, and the RT mode ends when the number of games stored in the counter is executed. Is not limited to this. The total payout number of medals to be paid out in the RT mode game (RT mode end condition) may be stored in the counter, and the RT mode may be ended when the number of medals stored in the counter is paid out.

  In this case, for example, when the first winning combination (for example, “watermelon”) wins, the reference value (for example, “300”) is set in the counter, and after the reference value is set, until the RT mode is entered. During the game, a predetermined value (for example, “5”) is subtracted (or added) from the counter for each game, and in the RT mode, each time a payout is made, a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out is counted from the counter. Subtract. Then, the RT mode is ended when the value of the counter becomes “0”. Of course, when the first winning combination wins, the counter value is set in the counter, and the number of medals paid out each time the payout is performed after the reference value is set until the transition to the RT mode. A value corresponding to may be subtracted from the counter.

  In the above embodiment, the advantageous mode is the RT mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The advantageous mode may be a mode other than the RT mode, such as a BB mode, an RB mode, an AT mode, or an ART mode.

  In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a slot machine that drives a reel. However, for example, a slot machine that rotates a reel displayed on a liquid crystal display (displays a variable display of symbols on the liquid crystal display), a game ball The present invention may be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine that uses as a gaming medium.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which a program stored in a recording medium (CD, flexible disk, IC memory, MO, etc.) 100 is installed in the slot machine 11, and the recording medium 100 is shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. A program for realizing such means by the computer 101 including the CPU 32 and the memory 33 is stored.

  In this case, for example, a reel having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, and a winning combination determination means for determining one of the multiple types of winning combinations or losing by performing a winning combination lottery, The winning prize that is won when the winning prize is won when the winning prize is won and the symbol corresponding to the winning prize determined in the winning winning lottery is displayed when the reel is stopped. In a program for functioning the computer 101 of a gaming machine that pays out an amount of game media corresponding to a combination, when the predetermined first winning combination wins or wins, the advantage more advantageous to the player than the normal mode As an end condition for ending the mode, an end condition for setting the number of games executed in the advantageous mode or the total payout amount of game media to be paid out in the advantageous mode to a preset reference value. The number of games executed in the advantageous mode or the game paid out in the advantageous mode every time a predetermined condition is satisfied between the setting means and the first winning combination winning or winning and transitioning to the advantageous mode By increasing or decreasing the total payout amount of the medium, a program for causing the computer 101 to function as an end condition changing means for changing the end condition of the advantageous mode is recorded on the recording medium 100. Then, the recording medium 100 is loaded into the reading device 102 and the program is installed in the slot machine 11.

  The program can be distributed to the slot machine 11 using the Internet instead of being installed via the recording medium 100. It is also possible to install the distributed program of the present invention or the program of the present invention read from the recording medium 100 in a personal computer and play a slot machine game on a monitor.

11 Slot machine 15a, 15b, 15c Reel 31 Control board 33 Memory 34 Control part 37 Winning part determining part (Winning part determining means)
40 hopper device 41 counter 42 end condition setting section (end condition setting means)
43 End condition change unit (end condition change means)
44 State control unit (state control means)
45 Mode controller (mode control means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Storage medium 101 Computer 102 Reading apparatus

Claims (3)

A reel having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, and a winning combination determination means for determining one of the multiple types of winning combinations or losing by performing a winning combination lottery, and a predetermined winning combination in the winning combination lottery When a symbol corresponding to a predetermined winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed when the winning combination is stopped and the reel is stopped, and when this winning combination is won, it is associated with the winning combination. In a gaming machine that pays out a certain amount of gaming media,
Control of game execution in at least two game modes, a normal mode and an advantageous mode that is more advantageous to the player than the normal mode, and the number of games to be executed in the advantageous mode is set as an end condition of the advantageous mode. A game control means for terminating the advantageous mode based on satisfying the termination condition;
During the advantageous mode, the number of games executed in the advantageous mode is decreased for each game, and when the predetermined condition is satisfied during the advantageous mode, the number of games executed in the advantageous mode is not decreased, thereby reducing the advantageous mode. A game machine comprising: an end condition changing means for changing the end condition of the game.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the end condition changing unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied based on winning of a predetermined fourth winning combination. The game control means includes
Based on the fact that the predetermined second winning combination has been won, a transition is made to an allowable state that allows the transition to the advantageous mode,
Based on the fact that a predetermined first winning combination is won during the permissible state, the advantageous mode is set by setting the number of games to be executed in the advantageous mode to a preset reference value as an end condition of the advantageous mode. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is shifted to the above.

Images