JP2016189992A - Gaming machine in which relocated symbol is rewritten - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine which adjusts, when a symbol crossing over a plurality of reel bands appears, symbols appeared in the other reel bands to easily meet the winning pattern, and can make a player recognize a condition that the winning pattern is easy to establish.SOLUTION: Symbols to establish for a first kind line replaced by a replacing process are continuously rearranged along a first kind scroll line while a position separated from a display area by a prescribed number of symbols is a reference point, and a scroll display of the first kind scroll line and a scroll display of the second kind scroll line are started.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that rewrites symbols to be rearranged.

  In the gaming machine, after the symbols are scrolled, the winning pattern is determined based on the type and arrangement of the rearranged symbols. When the winning pattern is established, a payout is awarded to the player. For this reason, the player proceeds with the game in the hope that more winning patterns will be established.

  Some conventional gaming machines arrange symbols of the same type continuously on a reel band and rearrange the consecutive symbols (for example, see Patent Document 1). By rearranging consecutive symbols, there is a possibility that a winning pattern is simultaneously established on a plurality of paylines. Since winning patterns are established on multiple paylines, the possibility of obtaining a large amount of dividends is increased, and the player's expectation can be increased.

  Furthermore, a gaming machine having a reel band designed so that symbols are continuous along the longitudinal direction of the reel band has appeared in order to enhance the effect (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The reel band of this gaming machine was designed so that a plurality of adjacent symbols were continuous, and it was visually interesting whether the reel band was scrolling or stopped.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/094250 US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/094251

  As described above, the reel band designed so that a plurality of adjacent symbols are continuous is visually interesting. For this reason, as an extension, an approach in which a long symbol is displayed so as to straddle a plurality of reel bands can be assumed.

  By the way, the payline for determining the establishment of the winning pattern is formed across a plurality of reel bands. Further, a plurality of paylines are formed across a plurality of reel bands so that a large amount of payout can be awarded. For this reason, symbols straddling a plurality of reel bands easily overlap with a plurality of paylines. The appearance of symbols straddling a plurality of reel bands is the same as arranging the same symbols in the horizontal direction, and the appearance of symbols straddling a plurality of reel bands makes it easy to simultaneously establish a winning pattern on a plurality of paylines.

  However, whether or not a winning pattern is finally established is not determined only by the appearance of symbols straddling a plurality of reel bands. That is, it is determined by the arrangement with symbols appearing on other reel bands. Therefore, even when symbols straddling a plurality of reel bands appear, a winning pattern may not be established depending on the symbols displayed on other reel bands. When the winning pattern is not established, the symbols straddling the plurality of reel bands are symbols that only attract attention and do not contribute to the player's profit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points. The object of the present invention is to adjust a symbol appearing in the remaining reel bands when a symbol straddling a plurality of reel bands appears, and win An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that makes it easy to establish a pattern and allows a player to recognize that a winning pattern is easily established.

The first embodiment of the present invention comprises:
A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A symbol display device having a display area for rearranging a plurality of types of symbols and displaying a game result;
A controller that executes a game by scrolling a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols along a scroll line of the symbol display device;
A memory for storing data of symbols constituting the symbol sequence,
The plurality of types of symbols include a symbol for establishment that can establish a winning pattern, and a replacement symbol that is replaced with the symbol for establishment,
The scroll line is
The first type of scroll line;
A plurality of second type scroll lines different from the first type scroll lines,
The symbol sequence is
A symbol row for the first type line that is scroll-displayed on the first type scroll line;
A symbol row for a second type line scroll-displayed on the second type scroll line,
The symbols constituting the symbol row for the first type line are displayed in a first display form displayed for each scroll line,
The symbols constituting the symbol line for the second type line are displayed in a second display form that is displayed across the plurality of second type scroll lines,
The controller is programmed to perform the following processing.
(1-1) Symbol lottery processing for determining symbols to be stopped;
(1-2) An established symbol lottery process for selecting any establishment symbol from the plurality of establishment symbols;
(1-3) Replacement for replacing the replacement symbols constituting the first-type line symbol sequence and the second-type line symbol sequence with the establishment symbols selected in the establishment symbol lottery process. processing,
(1-4) The first type scroll line is changed to the first type scroll line based on a position separated from the display region by a predetermined number of symbols for establishing the symbol row for the first type line replaced by the replacement process. Array processing, which rearranges continuously along
(1-5) A process of starting scroll display of the first type scroll line and scroll display of the second type scroll line after executing the arrangement process.

  The replaced symbols for establishing the first-type line symbol string are continuously arranged and scroll-displayed at positions separated from the display area of the symbol display device by a predetermined number. This allows the player to recognize that the establishment symbols are displayed in succession immediately after the scrolling is started, and that the establishment symbols are likely to be arranged and that the winning pattern is likely to be established.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, in the first embodiment of the present invention,
The array processing (1-4) is as follows.
(2-1) Symbol placement determination lottery processing for determining, with a predetermined winning probability, whether or not to rearrange the symbols for establishing the symbol row for the first type line;
(2-2) An arrangement lottery process for determining the position of the base point and the number of consecutive symbols for establishment.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, in the first embodiment of the present invention,
The plurality of symbols further includes a blank symbol that is irrelevant to both the establishment of the winning pattern and the replacement of the symbol,
The symbol row for the first type line and the symbol row for the second type line are:
A normal symbol string composed of the establishment symbols;
A replacement symbol string constituted by the blank symbol and the replacement symbol, and
In the replacement symbol string, a plurality of the replacement symbols are continuously arranged,
The replacement process of (1-3) is a process of replacing all of the plurality of replacement symbols in the replacement symbol string with the establishment symbols selected in the establishment symbol lottery process of (1-2). ,
In the scroll display of (1-5), the symbols of the normal symbol column and the symbols of the replacement symbol column after the replacement process are displayed on the first type scroll line and the second type scroll line. This is a process of scrolling and superimposing them.

  Since all the consecutive replacement symbols are replaced with the establishment symbols, a plurality of establishment symbols can be rearranged on the symbol display device, and a plurality of winning patterns can be easily established simultaneously.

According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the second embodiment of the present invention,
The controller is
(4-1) The predetermined establishment symbol is provided on the condition that all of the predetermined establishment symbols of the symbol row for the second type line are rearranged in the display area in the second display form. Executing the symbol placement determination lottery process for selecting a symbol with a lottery probability higher than the predetermined winning probability;
(4-2) When the symbol placement determination lottery process is won, the array processing for continuously arranging the predetermined establishment symbols from the base point along the first type scroll line is executed,
(4-3) The first type line is maintained in a state where the predetermined symbols for establishment of the second type line are stopped and displayed in the display area in the second display form. Processing to scroll the symbol column for
(4-4) After a predetermined time has elapsed after the processing of (4-3), based on the result of the symbol lottery processing, the predetermined establishment symbol of the symbol row for the first type line is Processing to stop display in the first display form;
Execute.

When the entire predetermined symbol for the second type line symbol row is rearranged in the display area in the second display form, the entire display of the predetermined symbol is maintained. The symbol row for the second type line is scrolled, and the predetermined establishment symbol of the symbol row for the first type line is stopped and displayed. In this way, when the scrolling of the symbol row for the first type line and the symbol row for the second type line is stopped, there is a high possibility that the winning pattern of the predetermined establishment symbol is established.
Prior to stopping the scrolling of the symbol rows for the first type line and the second type line, symbols for establishing the symbol row for the first type line are continuously arranged and scroll-displayed. For this reason, consecutive symbols for establishment are immediately displayed from the start of scrolling, and the player can recognize that the winning pattern is easily established.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention is the fourth embodiment of the present invention,
The process (4-4)
(5-1) The symbol lottery process is performed by replacing the symbol for the predetermined establishment that has been entirely stopped and displayed in the display area in the second display mode by the process of (4-3). This is a process of stopping and displaying in the first display form with the symbol row for the first type line based on the result of the above.

  Since it is replaced with the same symbol as the predetermined establishment symbol that is stopped and displayed entirely in the display area in the second display form, the winning pattern can be easily established.

  Even when symbols straddling a plurality of reel bands are displayed, the payment rate to the player can be made uniform regardless of the number of paylines to be activated.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an outline of a configuration of a gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an outline of a configuration of a gaming machine. It is a front view of a slot machine. It is a perspective view of a slot machine. It is a perspective view of a control panel. It is a block diagram of a circuit configuration of the slot machine. It is a block diagram of a circuit configuration of the slot machine. It is a block diagram of a circuit configuration of the slot machine. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram of a game system. It is a block diagram of a PTS system. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating state transitions in the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of a payline definition table. It is a figure which shows the example of a payout table. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a figure which shows the structure of a reel strip | belt. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of symbol replacement and appeal rewriting. 10 is a flowchart illustrating main control processing of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows a coin insertion and start check process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows the lottery process of a replacement symbol. It is a flowchart which shows an appeal rewriting process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol display control process. It is a flowchart which shows payout number determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows free game mode processing. It is a flowchart which shows a respin feature game mode process. It is a table which shows the pattern of the magnification to a dividend. It is a table which shows the number of paylines validated according to an operation button. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a table which shows the replacement symbol determination table. It is a figure which shows the stop position of a symbol. It is a figure which shows the example in which a mighty symbol is displayed. It is a figure which shows the example in which WILD is displayed. It is a figure which shows the example in which a mighty symbol is displayed. It is a figure which shows the state with which the normal reel band 3n and the reel band 3x for replacement | exchange were piled up. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the process of a replacement symbol. It is a figure which shows the concept of appeal rewriting in the respin feature game mode. It is a figure which shows the process of appeal rewriting. It is a replacement symbol determination table referred to in the free game mode. This is a table that is referred to when random is selected. It is a replacement symbol determination table referred to in the free game mode.

  Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<< Embodiments 1-1 to 1-4 of the Present Invention >>
FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an outline of first to first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

According to the 1-1 embodiment of the present invention,
A gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 10 described later) having the following configuration,
A first display mode for displaying symbols for each scroll line (for example, a normal size for one frame) and a second display mode for displaying symbols over a plurality of scroll lines (for example, 3 × 3) A symbol display device (for example, a lower display device 141 to be described later) that rearranges a plurality of types of symbols and displays the result of the game,
A controller (for example, a controller 100 and a processor AM10 described later) that executes a game by scrolling a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols on the symbol display device;
An input device (for example, five operation buttons CP2 to CP6 described later) capable of inputting an instruction to select a payline to be activated among a plurality of paylines associated with the symbol display device;
A plurality of establishment symbols (for example, WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, TEN, which will be described later) that can establish a winning pattern (for example, the pattern of FIG. 13 described later). , FEATURE, etc.) and a memory (eg, a main RAM 210, etc., described later) for storing symbols constituting a symbol string including a replacement symbol (for example, CHANGE, M_CHANGE, etc., described later) replaced with the establishment symbol. With
The controller is programmed to perform the following processing.
(1-1) Symbol lottery processing (for example, symbol lottery processing of FIG.
(1-2) A formation symbol lottery process (for example, FIG. 24 to be described later) for selecting one of the establishment symbols from the plurality of establishment symbols based on the number of paylines activated by the input device. Steps S2211 and S2213)
(1-3) Symbol string configuration that configures a symbol string for display by replacing the replacement symbols that configure the symbol string with symbols for establishment selected by the established symbol lottery process of (1-2) Processing (for example, processing in step S2215 in FIG. 24 described later),
(1-4) A process of starting scroll display of the display symbol string and displaying the establishment symbol selected by the establishment symbol lottery process of (1-2) in the second display form (for example, Symbol display control processing in FIG.
(1-5) A process of giving a payout based on a payline in which a winning pattern is established (for example, a process in step S1925 described later).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine includes a symbol display device, a controller, an input device, and a memory.

  On the symbol display device, a game result is displayed by rearranging a plurality of types of symbols. A plurality of types of symbols are displayed in the first display form and the second display form.

  In the first display form, symbols are displayed for each scroll line. In the first display form, the symbols are displayed so as to fit inside the scroll line. The second display form displays symbols across a plurality of scroll lines. In the second display mode, symbols are displayed so as to swell from the scroll line and straddle the adjacent scroll line. The number of scroll lines that the symbol spans may be plural. The second display form is displayed in a shape spreading in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction).

  The controller executes a game by scrolling a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols on a symbol display device.

  The input device is a device that can input an instruction to select a payline to be activated from among a plurality of paylines. For example, a device that can input an instruction by a player's operation is preferable. The plurality of paylines are associated with the symbol display device. The payline is a line for determining the arrangement of symbols rearranged on the symbol display device. The establishment of the winning pattern is determined by the symbols arranged along the payline.

  The memory stores symbols. For example, symbol design data and data for identifying symbols are stored in the memory. The symbol includes a symbol for establishment and a symbol for replacement. The establishment symbol is a symbol that can establish a winning pattern. The symbol for replacement is a symbol for replacing with a symbol for establishment. The symbol column is composed of a plurality of symbols arranged in a predetermined order. For example, a symbol string is formed by arranging a symbol for establishment and a symbol for replacement.

  The symbols can be scrolled and displayed by moving the symbol row along the scroll line. The scroll line corresponds to a reel such as a so-called video reel or mechanical reel. The symbol column corresponds to a plurality of symbols arranged on the reel.

  The controller executes symbol lottery processing for determining a symbol to be stopped (1-1). The symbols to be stopped are symbols included in the symbols to be rearranged. By stopping the symbols to be stopped at predetermined positions, all the symbols to be rearranged can be displayed in a stopped state on the symbol display device.

  The controller selects one of the establishment symbols from among a plurality of establishment symbols by lottery processing (1-2). The symbol for establishment is determined based on the number of activated paylines. The establishment symbol selected when the number of activated paylines is small may be different from the establishment symbol selected when the number of activated paylines is covered.

  The controller replaces the symbol for replacement with the symbol for establishment selected by the establishment symbol lottery process of (1-2), and configures a symbol string for display (1-3). The symbol for replacement is not a symbol for visual recognition by the player but a symbol for replacement by a symbol for establishment. For the purpose of visual recognition by the player, the symbol for replacement is replaced with a symbol for establishment. Construct a symbol string.

  The controller starts scrolling the display symbol string, displays the establishment symbol in the second display form (1-4), and gives a dividend based on the payline on which the winning pattern is established (1- 5).

  According to the configuration described above, any establishment symbol is selected from a plurality of establishment symbols based on the number of activated paylines (1-2) and displayed in the second display form ( 1-4). Since the establishment symbol is displayed in the second display form, it is displayed across a plurality of scroll lines. Since the establishment symbol is displayed across a plurality of scroll lines, the number of paylines passing through the establishment symbol displayed in the second display form can be increased. Increasing the number of paylines makes it easier to establish a winning pattern.

  Further, a symbol for establishment is selected based on the number of paylines (1-2). With this establishment symbol, a winning pattern can be established on a plurality of paylines. By properly determining the payout of the winning pattern related to the symbol for establishment, even if the payline where the winning pattern is likely to be established and the payline where it is difficult to be established are mixed, the payline difference can be reduced. Can be absorbed and the payment rate to the player can be made uniform.

  Furthermore, the establishment symbol is displayed in a second display form that is displayed across a plurality of scroll lines, and can be displayed visually attractive.

The 1-2 embodiment of the present invention is the 1-1 embodiment of the present invention,
The scroll lines include a first type of scroll line (for example, video reels 3a and 3e described later) that displays a symbol row in the first display form, and a second that displays a symbol row in the second display form. A scroll line of seeds (for example, video reels 3b to 3d described later),
The memory determines the winning probability that the combination of the establishment symbol in the symbol row of the first type scroll line and the establishment symbol in the symbol row of the second type scroll line is selected as the number of paylines. A symbol selection probability table (for example, a replacement symbol determination table (FIG. 32A to FIG. 33I) described later) defined in correspondence with is further stored.

  The scroll line includes a first type scroll line and a second type scroll line. The first type of scroll line is a scroll line for displaying a symbol string in the first display form. The second type of scroll line is a scroll line for displaying a symbol string in the second display form.

  The memory stores a probability table for symbol selection. The symbol selection probability table is defined such that a winning symbol combination can select a winning probability according to the number of paylines. The symbol combination for establishment is a combination of a symbol for establishment of the symbol row of the first type scroll line and a symbol for establishment of the symbol row of the second type scroll line.

  The combination of the symbol for establishing the symbol row of the first type of scroll line and the symbol for establishing the symbol row of the second type of scroll line is simultaneously selected in one formation symbol lottery process, thus simplifying the lottery process. Can be. In the second display mode, the payout of the winning pattern related to the combination of the symbol for establishing the first type of scroll line and the symbol for establishing the second type of scroll line is appropriately defined. Even when the number of paylines on which a winning pattern is established increases depending on the displayed symbols, the payline difference can be absorbed and the payment rate to the player can be made uniform.

The 1-3 embodiment of the present invention is the 1-2 embodiment of the present invention,
The replacement symbol is:
A first type of replacement symbol (for example, CHANGE described later) arranged in the first type scroll line, and the first display form;
A second type of replacement symbol (for example, M_CHANGE described later) arranged in the second type of scroll line, and
The symbol sequence configuration process (1-3)
Replacing the first-type replacement symbol of the first-type scroll line with the establishment symbol of the first display form;
A process of replacing the second type of replacement symbol of the second type of scroll line with the establishment symbol of the second display form is included.

  The replacement symbols correspond to both the first display form and the second display form, and the number of paylines on which the winning pattern is established can be increased by replacing with the establishment symbols.

In the 1-4th embodiment of the present invention, in the 1-1 embodiment of the present invention,
The plurality of symbols further includes a blank symbol (for example, BLANK described later) that is unrelated to both the establishment of the winning pattern and the replacement of the symbol,
The symbol column is a first type of symbol column composed of the establishment symbols (for example, normal reel bands 3n-a, 3n-b, 3n-c, 3n-d, 3n-e, etc. described later). And a second type symbol string (for example, replacement reel bands 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x-c, 3x-d, 3x- described later) constituted by the blank symbols and the replacement symbols. e)
In the symbol sequence configuration process (1-3), the replacement symbol (for example, M_CHANGE described later) of the second type symbol sequence is selected in the established symbol lottery process (1-2). A second type symbol string for display (for example, replacement reel bands 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x-c, 3x-d, 3x-e, etc., which will be described later) is formed by replacing the established symbols. Process to
The scroll display of the symbol sequence (1-4) is a process of displaying the symbols of the first type symbol sequence and the symbols of the second type symbol sequence for display in an overlapping manner,
When symbols for establishing the second type of symbol string for display overlap, the symbols for establishing the second type of symbol string for display are displayed with priority.
When blank symbols in the second type symbol row for display overlap, the symbols for establishing the first type symbol row are preferentially displayed.

  Since the symbol for establishment is selected by the establishment symbol lottery process and the first type symbol row and the second type symbol row for display are superimposed and displayed, the symbol row displayed for each unit game is changed. The winning pattern that is established can be prevented from becoming monotonous. Further, since the symbols for establishment are given priority for the symbols for establishment, replacement of the symbols can absorb the payline difference and make the payment rate to the player uniform.

<< Embodiments 2-1 to 2-4 of the present invention >>
FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an outline of the 2-1 to 2-4 embodiments of the present invention.

According to the 2-1 embodiment of the present invention,
A gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 10 described later) having the following configuration,
A symbol display device (for example, a lower display device 141 described later) having a display area for rearranging a plurality of types of symbols and displaying a game result;
A controller (for example, a controller 100 or a processor AM10 described later) that executes a game by scrolling a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols along a scroll line of the symbol display device;
A memory (for example, a main RAM 210 to be described later) that stores data of symbols constituting the symbol string,
The plurality of types of symbols are symbols for establishment (for example, WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, which will be described later) that can establish a winning pattern (for example, the pattern of FIG. 13 described later). QUEEN, JACK, TEN, FEATURE, etc.) and replacement symbols (for example, CHANGE, M_CHANGE, etc., which will be described later) replaced with the establishment symbols,
The scroll line is
A first type of scroll line (for example, video reels 3a and 3e described later);
A plurality of second-type scroll lines (for example, video reels 3b to 3d described later) different from the first-type scroll lines,
The symbol sequence is
A symbol row for the first type line that is scroll-displayed on the first type scroll line;
A symbol row for a second type line scroll-displayed on the second type scroll line,
The symbols constituting the symbol row for the first type line are displayed in a first display form (for example, a normal size for one frame) displayed for each scroll line,
The symbols constituting the symbol row for the second type line are displayed in a second display form (for example, a size of 9 frames of 3 × 3) displayed across the plurality of second type scroll lines. And
The controller is programmed to perform the following processing.
(1-1) Symbol lottery processing (for example, symbol lottery processing of FIG.
(1-2) A formation symbol lottery process for selecting any establishment symbol from the plurality of establishment symbols (for example, the processes in steps S2211 and S2213 in FIG. 24 described later),
(1-3) The replacement symbols (for example, CHANGE and M_CHANGE to be described later) that constitute the symbol row for the first type line and the symbol row for the second type line are converted into the established symbol lottery process. Replacement processing (for example, processing in step S2215 in FIG. 24 described later) to replace with the selected establishment symbol,
(1-4) The first type scroll line is changed to the first type scroll line based on a position separated from the display region by a predetermined number of symbols for establishing the symbol row for the first type line replaced by the replacement process. Array processing (such as appeal rewriting processing in FIG. 25),
(1-5) A process of starting scroll display of the first type scroll line and scroll display of the second type scroll line after executing the arrangement process.

  The controller executes symbol lottery processing for determining a symbol to be stopped (1-1). The symbols to be stopped are symbols included in the symbols to be rearranged. By stopping the symbols to be stopped at predetermined positions, all the symbols to be rearranged can be displayed in a stopped state on the symbol display device.

  The controller selects one of the establishment symbols from among a plurality of establishment symbols by lottery processing (1-2). The symbol for establishment is determined based on the number of activated paylines. The establishment symbol selected when the number of activated paylines is small may be different from the establishment symbol selected when the number of activated paylines is covered.

  The controller replaces the symbols for replacement constituting the symbol row for the first type line and the symbol row for the second type line with the symbols for establishment selected in the establishment symbol lottery process (1-3).

  The controller continuously rearranges the symbols for establishing the replaced symbol row for the first type line along the first type scroll line based on a position separated by a predetermined number from the display area ( 1-4).

  The controller starts scroll display of the first type scroll line and scroll display of the second type scroll line (1-5).

  The replaced symbols for establishing the first-type line symbol string are continuously arranged and scroll-displayed at positions separated from the display area of the symbol display device by a predetermined number. This allows the player to recognize that the establishment symbols are displayed in succession immediately after the scrolling is started, and that the establishment symbols are likely to be arranged and that the winning pattern is likely to be established.

The 2-2 embodiment of the present invention is the 2-1 embodiment of the present invention,
The array processing (1-4) is as follows.
(2-1) Symbol placement determination lottery processing (for example, processing in step S2313 described later) for determining, with a predetermined winning probability, whether or not to re-arrange symbols for establishing the symbol row for the first type line When,
(2-2) Arrangement lottery processing (for example, processing in steps S2315 and S2317 described later) for determining the position of the base point and the number of consecutive symbols for establishment;
It is comprised so that it may contain.

  Since the rearrangement, the position of the base point, and the number of consecutive symbols for establishment are determined by lottery processing, the progress of the game can be prevented from becoming monotonous, and the progress of the game can be developed in various ways.

The 2-3 embodiment of the present invention is the 2-1 embodiment of the present invention,
The plurality of symbols further includes a blank symbol that is irrelevant to both the establishment of the winning pattern and the replacement of the symbol,
The symbol row for the first type line and the symbol row for the second type line are:
A normal symbol string composed of the establishment symbols;
A replacement symbol string constituted by the blank symbol and the replacement symbol, and
In the replacement symbol string, a plurality of the replacement symbols are continuously arranged,
The replacement process of (1-3) is a process of replacing all of the plurality of replacement symbols in the replacement symbol string with the establishment symbols selected in the establishment symbol lottery process of (1-2). ,
In the scroll display of (1-5), the symbols of the normal symbol column and the symbols of the replacement symbol column after the replacement process are displayed on the first type scroll line and the second type scroll line. This is a process of scrolling and superimposing them.

  Since all the consecutive replacement symbols are replaced with the establishment symbols, a plurality of establishment symbols can be rearranged on the symbol display device, and a plurality of winning patterns can be easily established simultaneously.

The 2-4th embodiment of the present invention is the 2nd-2 embodiment of the present invention,
The controller is
(4-1) The predetermined establishment symbol is provided on the condition that all of the predetermined establishment symbols of the symbol row for the second type line are rearranged in the display area in the second display form. Executing the symbol placement determination lottery process for selecting a symbol with a lottery probability higher than the predetermined winning probability;
(4-2) When the symbol placement determination lottery process is won, the array processing for continuously arranging the predetermined establishment symbols from the base point along the first type scroll line is executed,
(4-3) The first type line is maintained in a state where the predetermined symbols for establishment of the second type line are stopped and displayed in the display area in the second display form. Processing to scroll the symbol column for
(4-4) After a predetermined time has elapsed after the processing of (4-3), based on the result of the symbol lottery processing, the predetermined establishment symbol of the symbol row for the first type line is Processing to stop display in the first display form;
Is configured to run.

When the entire predetermined symbol for the second type line symbol row is rearranged in the display area in the second display form, the entire display of the predetermined symbol is maintained. The symbol row for the second type line is scrolled, and the predetermined establishment symbol of the symbol row for the first type line is stopped and displayed. In this way, when the scrolling of the symbol row for the first type line and the symbol row for the second type line is stopped, there is a high possibility that the winning pattern of the predetermined establishment symbol is established.
Prior to stopping the scrolling of the symbol rows for the first type line and the second type line, symbols for establishing the symbol row for the first type line are continuously arranged and scroll-displayed. For this reason, consecutive symbols for establishment are immediately displayed from the start of scrolling, and the player can recognize that the winning pattern is easily established.

  In the second display mode, a symbol that extends over the plurality of second type scroll lines and displays symbols longer in the direction along the second type scroll line than in the first display mode. preferable. Since it is also long in the direction along the second type scroll line, the winning pattern can be more easily established.

According to a 2-5th embodiment of the present invention, in a 2-4th embodiment of the present invention,
The process (4-4)
(5-1) The symbol lottery process is performed by replacing the symbol for the predetermined establishment that has been entirely stopped and displayed in the display area in the second display mode by the process of (4-3). This is a process of stopping and displaying in the first display form with the symbol row for the first type line based on the result of the above.

  Since it is replaced with the same symbol as the predetermined establishment symbol that is stopped and displayed entirely in the display area in the second display form, the winning pattern can be easily established.

<<<<< Specific Outline of Slot Machine of this Embodiment >>>>
The outline of the slot machine of the present embodiment is as follows. Details will be described later.

<Video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e>
The slot machine 10 has five video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e.

<Normal reel band and replacement reel band>
In the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment, each of the five video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e is constituted by two types of reel bands. The first type of reel band is five of normal reel bands 3n-a, 3n-b, 3n-c, 3n-d, and 3n-e (see FIGS. 14A to 15). Hereinafter, when the five reel bands are not particularly distinguished, they are simply referred to as normal reel bands 3n. The second type of reel band is five reel bands 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x-c, 3x-d, and 3x-e for replacement (see FIGS. 17A to 18C). When the five reel bands are not particularly distinguished, they are simply referred to as a replacement reel band 3x.

  The number of symbols arranged in normal reel bands 3n-a, 3n-b, 3n-c, 3n-d, 3n-e, and replacement reel bands 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x-c, This is different from the number of symbols arranged in 3x-d and 3x-e. The size of the symbol formation area where the symbols are formed on the normal reel band 3n is the same as the size of the symbol formation area where the symbols are formed on the replacement reel band 3x. That is, the size of one symbol (one cell) is the same for both the normal reel band 3n and the replacement reel band 3x.

  The game mode includes a base game mode, a free game mode, and a respin feature game mode. The normal reel band 3n includes a reel band used in the base game mode and a reel band used in the free game mode. The replacement reel band 3x includes a reel band used in the base game mode and a reel band used in the free game mode.

  In the base game mode, the normal reel band 3n for the base game mode and the replacement reel band 3x are overlapped and displayed as video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e (see FIG. 38). In the free game mode, the normal reel band 3n for the free game mode and the replacement reel band 3x are overlapped and displayed as video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e (see FIG. 38).

  FIG. 38 is a diagram conceptually showing a part of the symbol display area 141d. The normal reel band 3n shown in FIG. 38 representatively shows one reel band among the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e. Similarly, the replacement reel band 3x typically represents one reel band among the replacement reel bands 3x-a to 3x-e. As shown in FIG. 38, in the symbol display area 141d, the normal reel band 3n and the replacement reel band 3x are displayed so as to overlap each other.

  As will be described later, the respin feature game mode can be shifted from both the base game mode and the free game mode. When the base game mode is changed to the respin feature game mode, the normal reel band 3n for the base game mode and the replacement reel band 3x are used. When shifting from the free game mode to the re-spinning feature game mode, the normal reel band 3n for the free game mode and the reel band 3x for replacement are used.

  The five video reels 3a to 3e are displayed as images on the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b of the lower display device 141. A plurality of symbols are arranged along the longitudinal direction of each of the five video reels 3a to 3e. A plurality of symbols arranged on each of the five video reels 3a to 3e are displayed as images.

<Symbol stop position>
As shown in FIG. 34, the symbol display area 141d is defined along the video reel 3 as three symbol stop positions: an upper stage (first stage), a middle stage (second stage), and a lower stage (third stage). Has been. Therefore, when 5 video reels 3a to 3e (5 reel bands) are stopped and displayed, a total of 15 symbols are reproduced in the symbol display area 141d by 5 × 3 rows (5 columns 3 rows). Be placed.

  In this way, 15 stop positions of 5 × 3 stages are defined in the symbol display area 141d. Fifteen cells for displaying symbols are formed by the fifteen stop positions (see FIG. 34). By stopping and displaying symbols at each of the 15 stop positions (cells), 15 symbols can be rearranged. A symbol matrix can be formed by rearranging 15 symbols.

<Type of symbol>
In this embodiment, WILD (wild symbol), PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, TEN, FEATURE (trigger symbol, retrigger symbol), CHANGE (symbol for replacement) ), M_CHANGE (mighty symbol for replacement), and BLANK (blank).

  WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, TEN, and FEATURE are arranged in the normal reel bands 3n-a, 3n-b, 3n-c, 3n-d, and 3n-e. (See FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 15). These symbols are symbols that establish a winning pattern and are symbols for establishment (see FIG. 13).

  CHANGE is arranged on two replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e. M_CHANGE is arranged on three replacement reel bands 3x-b, 3x-c, and 3x-d. BLANK is disposed on the replacement reel bands 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x-c, 3x-d, and 3x-e (see FIGS. 17A to 17C and FIGS. 18A to 18C). CHANGE and M_CHANGE are symbols for replacement with symbols for establishment, and are symbols for replacement.

  WILD, FEATURE, CHANGE, M_CHANGE, and BLANK function as specific symbols. Symbols other than the specific symbol are normal symbols. The normal symbols are PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, and TEN, and a symbol obtained by adding WILD and FEATURE to a normal symbol.

  The WILD (wild symbol) is a symbol that can be substituted as another type of symbol. The WILD is replaced with another symbol so that an advantageous winning pattern is established. Note that WILD is replaced with a symbol other than FEATURE.

  FEATURE is a symbol serving as a trigger for shifting from the base game mode to the free game mode. FEATURE is a retrigger symbol for maintaining the free game mode.

  In the free game mode, specific symbols such as FEATURE and WILD may be increased. FEATURE may increase the number of games in the free game mode.

  FEATURE is a scatter symbol. Even if the scatter symbols are not lined up in a left-to-right manner in the symbol display area 141d, a winning pattern is established when a predetermined number, for example, one FEATURE is determined by symbol lottery processing. To do.

  BLANK is disposed only on the reel bands 3x-a to 3x-e for replacement. BLANK is not displayed in the symbol display area 141d. When BLANK of the replacement reel band 3x overlaps with the normal reel band 3n, WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, TEN arranged on the normal reel band 3n , FEATURE is preferentially displayed.

  CHANGE (replacement symbol) is arranged on two replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e. CHANGE is a virtual symbol for replacement with one of the symbols WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, and TEN. In the symbol display area 141d, CHANGE is not displayed, and any of the replaced symbols of WILD to TEN is displayed. CHANGE has a size of one symbol (one cell).

  M_CHANGE is arranged on three replacement reel bands 3x-b, 3x-c, and 3x-d. M_CHANGE is a virtual symbol for replacement with any of the symbols WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, TEN, and FEATURE. Unlike CHANGE, it is also replaced by FEATURE. Similar to CHANGE, M_CHANGE is not displayed in the symbol display area 141d, and any of the replaced WILD to FEATURE symbols is displayed.

  M_CHANGE is a symbol for displaying a mighty symbol. The mighty symbol spans the three video reels 3b to 3d and has a size spanning three symbols arranged along the scroll direction (longitudinal direction) of the video reels 3b to 3d. In other words, the mighty symbol is a symbol that spans 3 lines × 3 stages (3 columns, 3 rows), and has a size of 9 symbols (9 cells) (see FIGS. 35 to 37). M_CHANGE is replaced with one of the symbols WILD to FEATURE, and nine symbols of mighty symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 141d.

  The mighty symbol is displayed across the three video reels 3b, 3c, 3d. FIG. 35A shows an example in which the mighty symbols appear in the upper, middle, and lower stages of the video reels 3b to 3d, and the entire mighty symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 141d. FIG. 35B shows an example in which the mighty symbol appears in the upper and middle stages of the video reels 3b to 3d, and a part of the mighty symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 141d. FIG. 35C shows an example in which the mighty symbols appear in the middle and lower stages of the video reels 3b to 3d, and a part of the mighty symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 141d.

  Depending on the result of the symbol lottery process, the mighty symbol may be displayed not only as a whole but also as a part in the symbol display area 141d. In FIGS. 35A to 35C, symbols other than the mighty symbol are omitted, and are simply indicated by “−”.

  As described above, the normal reel band 3n and the replacement reel band 3x are superimposed and displayed in any of the base game mode, the free game mode, and the re-spinning feature game mode. BLANK, CHANGE, and M_CHANGE are arranged in the replacement reel band 3x.

  CHANGE and M_CHANGE are replaced with normal symbols in addition to WILD and FEATURE. When the normal reel band 3n and the replacement reel band 3x are overlapped, a symbol in which CHANGE or M_CHANGE is replaced is preferentially displayed in the symbol display area 141d.

  When the normal reel band 3n and the replacement reel band 3x are overlapped, the BLANK of the replacement reel band 3x is not displayed in the symbol display area 141d, but is a normal reel arranged at a position corresponding to BLANK. The symbol of band 3n is displayed preferentially.

  In this way, the normal reel band 3n and the replacement reel band 3x are displayed so as to overlap each other, but CHANGE, M_CHANGE, and BLANK are not displayed in the symbol display area 141d.

<Payline>
The slot machine 10 has 100 paylines in the symbol display area 141d (see FIG. 12). The winning pattern is determined by the type and number of symbols arranged along the payline. In the slot machine 10, a payline to be activated is selected according to a payout rate.

  In FIG. 12, 0 indicates the upper stage (first stage), 1 indicates the middle stage (second stage), and 2 indicates the lower stage (third stage). For example, no. Reference numeral 5 denotes the paylines of the lower stage-middle stage-upper stage-middle stage-lower stage in the order of the video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e.

<BET magnification>
FIG. 30 is a table showing a pattern of a magnification for a payout. FIG. 30 shows the magnification defined for each of config1 to config4. In the following, config1 is referred to as the first setting pattern, config2 is referred to as the second setting pattern, config3 is referred to as the third setting pattern, and config4 is referred to as the fourth setting pattern.

  The pattern of the magnification for the payout of the slot machine 10 is (1) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (first setting pattern) and (2) 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 (second setting pattern). ), (3) 1, 2, 5, 10, 15 (third setting pattern) and (4) 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 (fourth setting pattern). is there.

  These figures are the magnification per payline. Any one of these four setting patterns is set. The setting pattern can be set by a clerk of a gaming facility such as a casino.

  The magnification for the payout is determined by operating the five operation buttons CP6, operation buttons CP5, operation buttons CP4, operation buttons CP3, and operation buttons CP2 (see FIG. 4) before the player starts the unit game.

  In the first setting pattern, when the operation button CP6 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 1. When the operation button CP5 is operated, the magnification is determined to be twice. When the operation button CP4 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 3 times. When the operation button CP3 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 4 times. When the operation button CP2 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 5 times.

  In the second setting pattern, when the operation button CP6 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 1. When the operation button CP5 is operated, the magnification is determined to be twice. When the operation button CP4 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 3 times. When the operation button CP3 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 5 times. When the operation button CP2 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 10 times.

  In the third setting pattern, when the operation button CP6 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 1. When the operation button CP5 is operated, the magnification is determined to be twice. When the operation button CP4 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 5 times. When the operation button CP3 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 10 times. When the operation button CP2 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 15 times.

  In the fourth setting pattern, when the operation button CP6 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 1. When the operation button CP5 is operated, the magnification is determined to be twice. When the operation button CP4 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 5 times. When the operation button CP3 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 10 times. When the operation button CP2 is operated, the magnification is determined to be 20 times.

<Activation of payline>
FIG. 31 is a table showing a pattern of the number of paylines activated according to the operated operation buttons CP6 to CP2 out of 100 paylines. FIG. 31 shows the number of paylines defined for each of the five types of LINE setting 10, LINE setting 30, LINE setting 40, LINE setting 50, and LINE setting 100.

  Any one of the five types of LINE settings is set. The LINE setting can be set by a store clerk of a gaming facility such as a casino.

  In the LINE setting 10, when the operation button CP6 is operated, one payline is activated. When the operation button CP5 is operated, three paylines are activated. When the operation button CP4 is operated, five paylines are activated. When the operation button CP3 is operated, seven paylines are activated. When the operation button CP2 is operated, 10 paylines are activated.

  In the LINE setting 30, one payline is activated when the operation button CP6 is operated. When the operation button CP5 is operated, five paylines are activated. When the operation button CP4 is operated, 10 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP3 is operated, 20 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP2 is operated, 30 paylines are activated.

  In the LINE setting 40, when the operation button CP6 is operated, one payline is activated. When the operation button CP5 is operated, 10 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP4 is operated, 20 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP3 is operated, 30 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP2 is operated, 40 paylines are activated.

  In the LINE setting 50, when the operation button CP6 is operated, one payline is activated. When the operation button CP5 is operated, 10 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP4 is operated, 20 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP3 is operated, 30 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP2 is operated, 50 paylines are activated.

  In the LINE setting 100, when the operation button CP6 is operated, one payline is activated. When the operation button CP5 is operated, 20 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP4 is operated, 50 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP3 is operated, 80 paylines are activated. When the operation button CP2 is operated, 100 paylines are activated.

  With LINE setting 10, 10 paylines have a MAX LINE number, with LINE setting 30, 30 paylines have a MAX LINE number, with LINE setting 40, 40 paylines have a MAX LINE number, and with LINE setting 50, 50 paylines. Becomes the MAX LINE number, and in the LINE setting 100, 100 paylines become the MAX LINE number. These setting patterns can be set by a clerk of a gaming facility such as a casino.

  Further, denomination (amount of the minimum unit of BET) can be set by a store clerk at a gaming facility in the range of 0.01 to 10 dollars.

  In this way, for each slot machine 10, the gaming facility can set the MAX LINE number and denomination according to the circumstances and preferences of the gaming facility. That is, even for the same model, it has a function that allows the number of MAX LINEs and denomination to be changed on the game facility side (administrator side), and for each slot machine 10 is set according to the type of player such as a high roller. Can do.

  For this reason, the need for high-roller machines and other players to install machines according to the type in advance in the amusement facility is reduced, and the player's preference changes in accordance with the time zone by marketing in advance. By reflecting the number of MAX LINEs and denomination so as to reflect in real time, it is possible to reduce the burden on the gaming facility and contribute to casino management.

<Establishment of winning pattern>
Symbols related to the winning pattern are WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, TEN, and FEATURE. These symbols are symbols for establishment.

  For WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, and TEN excluding FEATURE, the winning pattern is determined by LEFT TO RIGHT. The winning pattern is determined based on the number of predetermined symbols continuously arranged from the left side to the right side along the payline.

  That is, the payout is determined by the type and number of symbols that are continuously arranged along the payline from the leftmost video reel 3a to the rightmost video reel 3e. Therefore, when symbols are continuously arranged along the payline from the video reel 3b, the video reel 3c, and the video reel 3d, the winning pattern is not established and the payout is not made.

  As shown in FIG. 13 to be described later, 12 types of winning patterns are defined. Details of the winning pattern will be described later.

  FEATURE is a scatter symbol. Therefore, even when the lines are not lined up with Left to Right, a winning pattern is established if a predetermined number of FEATUREs appear in the symbol display area 141d.

<Free game mode>
In the base game mode, the entire FEATURE appears as a mighty symbol across the video reels 3b to 3d, thereby triggering the free game mode (see FIG. 11). The mighty symbol is a symbol that is formed over 3 lines × 3 stages (3 columns, 3 rows), and has a size of 9 symbols (9 cells). When only a part of the FEATURE appears instead of the whole, the free game mode is not triggered.

  In the free game mode, a predetermined number of unit games (free games) can be played (see FIG. 11). In the free game mode, a reel band different from that in the base game mode is used. Even in the free game mode, the entire FEATURE appears as a mighty symbol across the video reels 3b to 3d, thereby retriggering the free game mode (see FIG. 11). By re-triggering, a predetermined number of unit games are added. There is no upper limit on the number of retriggers.

  In the present embodiment, there are three types of free game modes, and any one of them can be executed. The three types of free game modes differ in the number of reel belts used and the number of unit games. It should be noted that all the programs of the three types of free game modes may be stored in the main RAM 210 so that a store clerk or the like of the game facility selects any one type.

  In the first type of free game mode, eight unit games (free games) are played by triggering the free game mode, and eight unit games (free games) are added by retriggering the free game mode.

  In the first type free game mode, the normal reel band 3n for the free game mode shown in FIG. 15 and the replacement reel band 3x for the free game mode shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C are used.

  As shown in FIG. 15, only the PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, and PICT_E are arranged in the normal reel band 3n for the first type free game mode. As shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C, the replacement reel band 3x for the first type free game mode includes only CHANGE, M_CHANGE, and BLANK, as with the replacement reel band 3x for the base game mode. Be placed.

  In the second type free game mode, when a free game trigger or a free game retrigger is established, a selected game is played, and the number of games corresponding to the option selected by the player and a replacement symbol determination table are determined. The selected game will be described in detail later.

  In the second type free game mode, a normal reel band 3n for the free game mode shown in FIG. 16 and a replacement reel band 3x for the free game mode shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C are used.

  As shown in FIG. 16, only the ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, and TEN are arranged in the normal reel band 3n for the second type free game mode. As shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C, only CHANGE, M_CHANGE, and BLANK are arranged in the replacement reel band 3x for the second type free game mode, as shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C.

  In the third type free game mode, seven unit games (free games) are played by triggering the free game mode, and seven unit games (free games) are added by retriggering the free game mode.

  In the third type free game mode, the normal reel band 3n for the free game mode shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C and the replacement reel band 3x for the free game mode shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C are used. The

  As the normal reel band 3n for the third type free game mode, the same reel band as the normal reel band 3n for the base game mode shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C is used. As shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, only CHANGE and BLANK are arranged on the reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e for replacement for the third type free game mode. M_CHANGE is not arranged in the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for the third type free game mode. In addition to WILD and FEATURE, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, and TEN are arranged on the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d. In the third free game mode, a WILD winning pattern is also established. In addition, all the symbols of the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-3d are defined to have a size of 9 frames of 3 × 3, and are configured to be displayed as mighty symbols.

<Respin feature game mode>
In the base game mode, when one whole PICT_A appears as a mighty symbol over the video reels 3b to 3d, the re-spinning feature game mode is triggered (see FIG. 11). When only a part of PICT_A appears as a mighty symbol, the respin feature game mode is not triggered.

  In the free game mode, the rest of one symbol other than FEATURE appears as a mighty symbol across the video reels 3b to 3d, thereby triggering the re-spinning feature game mode (see FIG. 11). When only a part of the symbol appears, the re-spinning feature game mode is not triggered.

  The re-spinning feature game is a free game in which a unit game is performed once while maintaining (holding) the state where the mighty symbol appears when the re-spinning feature game mode is triggered. There is no retrigger in the re-spinning feature game mode, and when one unit game ends, the original game mode is restored.

  In the re-spinning feature game, since the mighty symbol when the re-spinning feature game mode is triggered is held, the three video reels 3b to 3d remain stopped without being scrolled. Only the two video reels 3a and 3e scroll.

  The replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e of the two video reels 3a and 3e are replaced with symbols held by the three video reels 3b to 3d.

<< Overview of symbol replacement and reel scrolling >>
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an outline of symbol replacement and reel band scrolling.

  First, five stop scheduled symbols of the normal reel band 3n are determined by lottery processing (step S1811). That is, the scheduled stop symbols of the normal reel bands 3n-a, 3n-b, 3n-c, 3n-d, and 3n-e are determined.

  Next, five symbols to be stopped on the replacement reel band 3x are determined by lottery processing (step S1813). That is, the symbols to be stopped are determined for the replacement reel bands 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x-c, 3x-d, and 3x-e.

  Next, a combination of symbols for establishment is determined by lottery processing (step S1815). The combination of symbols for establishment is a combination of symbols for replacing the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e CHANGE and replacing the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d M_CHANGE. The symbols for establishment are normal symbols, WILD, and FEATURE. Normal symbols are PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, and TEN. By replacing M_CHANGE in the reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for replacement with symbols for establishment, the replaced establishment symbols are displayed as mighty symbols.

  Next, symbol replacement is executed (step S1817). As a result, CHANGE and M_CHANGE in the replacement reel band 3x are replaced with the establishment symbols determined by the lottery process in step S1815. Specifically, CHANGE of the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e is replaced with a symbol for establishment. M_CHANGE in the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d is replaced with a symbol for establishment.

  By executing the symbol replacement in step S1817, all CHANGE and M_CHANGE in the replacement reel band 3x are replaced with the establishment symbols, and the replacement reel band 3x is configured with the establishment symbols and BLANK. .

  Next, it is determined by lottery processing whether or not appeal rewriting is performed (step S1819). The appeal rewriting is a process for rewriting the symbols constituting the replacement reel band 3x with a predetermined establishment symbol so that the predetermined establishment symbol is displayed immediately after the start of scrolling. It is preferable to rewrite so that a plurality of predetermined establishment symbols are continuous. The predetermined establishment symbol is displayed immediately after the start of scrolling, and the predetermined establishment symbol is continuously displayed, so that the player can easily recognize the predetermined establishment symbol. Can increase the expectation that the winning pattern will be established.

  Next, when appeal rewriting is performed, the position and number of appeal rewriting are determined by lottery processing (step S1821).

  Next, appeal rewriting is executed (step S1823). The symbol constituting the replacement reel band 3x is rewritten with a predetermined establishment symbol. The appeal rewriting can be performed by rewriting the symbol data developed in the video RAM.

  The normal reel band 3n and the replacement reel band 3x are overlapped to start scroll display (step S1825). As described above, at this point, the replacement reel band 3x is configured by the establishment symbol and BLANK.

  The superimposition of the normal reel band 3n and the replacement reel band 3x is performed as follows. When the symbol of the replacement reel band 3x is a symbol for establishment other than BLANK, the symbol of the replacement reel band 3x is scroll-displayed with priority. The establishment symbol in which M_CHANGE of the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d is replaced is scroll-displayed as a mighty symbol. On the other hand, when the symbol of the replacement reel band 3x is BLANK, the symbols of the normal reel band 3n are displayed with priority.

  The scrolling of the normal reel band 3n and the replacement reel band 3x is stopped (step S1827). Thereby, the symbols are rearranged in the symbol display area 141d, and the game result is displayed.

  Specific processing of symbol replacement and reel band scroll display will be described with reference to FIGS.

<<< Overall Configuration of Slot Machine 10 >>>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the slot machine 10 as a gaming machine includes a topper device 17 and a gaming machine body 18 in which the topper device 17 is provided on the upper surface wall. The gaming machine main body 18 includes a top device 12 and a device main body 11. The top device 12 includes an upper display device 131. The top device 12 is provided on the upper wall of the device main body 11. The apparatus main body 11 includes a lower display device 141.

  The topper device 17 has a function of making the slot machine 10 stand out from a remote location, and a function of making the game contents of the slot machine 10 visible from a remote location. The top device 12 has a function of displaying game-related information such as specific contents of the game, a payout table, and rules. The device main body 11 has a function of executing a game.

  In the present embodiment, the side (direction) from the slot machine 10 toward the player is referred to as the front side (front direction) of the slot machine 10, and the opposite side to the front side is referred to as the rear side (rear direction, depth direction). The right side and the left side as viewed from the player are referred to as the right side (right direction) and the left side (left direction) of the slot machine 10, respectively. A direction including the front side and the rear side is referred to as a front-rear direction, a thickness direction, or a depth direction, and a direction including the right side and the left side is referred to as a left-right direction or a width direction. A direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction (thickness direction or depth direction) and the left-right direction (width direction) is referred to as the up-down direction or the height direction.

<Outline of Topper Device 17>
The topper device 17 is provided on the upper surface wall of the top device 12 so as to be disposed at the highest position of the slot machine 10. The topper device 17 has a rotation axis that coincides with the vertical direction of the slot machine 10, and can rotate in the forward direction (clockwise) and the reverse direction (counterclockwise) within a predetermined angle range around the rotation axis. Has been. As a result, the topper device 17 can switch between a front posture (FIG. 2) in which the display surface 17a for displaying the game content faces the front side and an inclined posture (FIG. 3) in which the display surface 17a faces the front side. .

  The front posture is a posture that is adopted in a normal state such as when a game is executed or during standby, and the content of the game is visually recognized by those who are far away from the slot machine 10 (players, players related to the playground, etc.). It is supposed to let you. On the other hand, the inclined posture is a special posture adopted when changing the display of the topper device 17. As shown in FIG. 3, the inclined posture is an operation of changing the display of the topper device 17 from the front side of the slot machine 10 by rotating the topper device 17 so that the right end portion of the topper device 17 is positioned on the front side. to enable.

<Specific Configuration of Topper Device 17>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the topper device 17 includes a topper body 17b having a display surface 17a and a tower member 17c provided on the top wall of the topper body 17b. The tower member 17c has a cylindrical transparent resin cover, and has a light emitting device such as an LED inside. The tower member 17c emits light of one color or a plurality of colors at the top of the slot machine 10, thereby improving the visibility of the position and state of the slot machine 10 from a distance.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the topper device 17 includes a topper support mechanism 17d. The topper main body 17b is supported by the topper support mechanism 17d so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction within a predetermined angle range with respect to the top device 12.

<Top device 12>
The topper device 17 configured as described above is provided on the upper surface of the top device 12 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The top device 12 includes an upper display device 131 provided on the front surface of the top device 12. Further, on the upper side wall of the top device 12, the topper body 17b is supported by the topper support mechanism 17d so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction within a predetermined angle range with respect to the top device 12.

<Upper display device 131>
The upper display device 131 includes an upper touch panel 131a disposed on the forefront, an upper liquid crystal display panel 131b disposed on the rear side of the upper touch panel 131a, and an upper control board base 131c.

  The upper liquid crystal display panel 131b displays image data including moving images such as videos and still images such as characters and figures. The upper touch panel 131a transmits an image displayed on the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b so that the player can see the image, and allows the player to perform screen operations with the fingertips of the player. The upper control board base 131c includes a control board (not shown) that controls the display of the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b.

<Device main body 11>
The top device 12 configured as described above is provided on the upper surface of the device body 11. The apparatus main body 11 includes a lower display device 141, an upper door device 42, and a lower door device 43 disposed at the lower front of the lower display device 141. The upper door device 42 and the lower door device 43 can be opened and closed with respect to the game mechanism device 41. The upper door device 42 can be opened and closed on condition that the lower door device 43 is opened.

<Lower display device 141>
2 and 3, the lower display device 141 includes a lower touch panel 141a disposed on the forefront, a lower liquid crystal display panel 141b disposed on the rear side of the lower touch panel 141a, and a lower control. And a substrate base 141c.

  On the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b, five video reels 3a to 3e are mainly displayed as images. The lower liquid crystal display panel 141b also displays image data including moving images such as videos and still images such as characters and figures. The lower touch panel 141a transmits an image displayed on the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b so that the player can see the image, and allows the player to operate the screen with the fingertip of the player. The lower control board base 141c includes a control board (not shown) that controls the display of the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b.

  The lower display device 141 has a symbol display area 141d. Five video reels 3a to 3e are displayed as images in the symbol display area 141d. The five video reels 3a to 3e are variably displayed or stopped in the symbol display area 141d. Each of the five video reels 3a to 3e constitutes five reel bands (five symbol rows). That is, in the symbol display area 141d, the five reel bands are variably displayed or stopped. The reel band is configured by arranging a plurality of symbols in a line. Images of symbols constituting the reel band can be displayed on the symbol display area 141d as video reels 3a to 3e.

  In the present embodiment, the upper stage, the middle stage, and the lower stage are defined as the stop positions of the symbols on the video reels 3a to 3e in the symbol display area 141d. Therefore, when 5 video reels 3a to 3e (5 reel bands) are stopped and displayed, a total of 15 symbols appear in the symbol display area 141d in 5 × 3 rows (5 columns 3 rows). (Stop display). The five video reels 3a to 3e start to change when the unit game is started. Thereafter, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the five video reels 3a to 3e are stopped and displayed. As a result, 15 symbols appear (stop display) in the symbol display area 141d, and the symbols are rearranged. That is, each time a unit game is played, the symbols are rearranged in the symbol display area 141d, and the result of the unit game is displayed.

  The speed of the variable display and the direction of the variable display of each of the five video reels 3a to 3e can be determined according to the game mode and the unit game.

  The payline generation columns are arranged symmetrically at the left end and right end of the symbol display area 141d. The leftmost payline generation row arranged on the left side when viewed from the player side has 30 payline generation units. Further, the rightmost payline generation row arranged on the right side has 30 payline generation units.

  The payline generator at the left end forms a pair with any payline generator at the right end. A payline is defined in advance as a line from each payline generating unit at the left end to the payline generating unit at the right end that is paired with the payline generating unit. In this embodiment, 30 paylines are defined.

  In the present embodiment, 30 paylines are always activated. The valid number of paylines may be determined based on the BET amount. In the case of MAXBET which is the maximum BET amount, the maximum number of 30 paylines is activated. The activated payline establishes various winning patterns for each symbol. Details of the winning pattern will be described later.

  In this embodiment, the case where the slot machine 10 displays the video reels 3a to 3e is described. However, the slot machine 10 may be a mixture of a video reel method and a mechanical method. .

  In the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b, a game situation display area 141e is formed below the symbol display area 141d. In the game situation display area 141e, various kinds of information relating to the game such as a credit situation and betting contents are displayed.

<Control panel CP>
The slot machine 10 has a control panel CP. As shown in FIG. 4, the control panel CP has a flat base plate CP9 and a plurality of operation buttons CP1 to CP8 provided on the base plate CP9. The operation button CP1 is formed in a circular shape having a larger size than the other buttons CP2 to CP8 so that the player can easily press and identify the operation button CP1. The operation button CP1 is disposed at the right end of the base plate CP9 and has a function as a start button or a spin button for starting a game by a pressing operation.

  The operation buttons CP2, CP3, CP4, CP5, and CP6 are arranged in a line at equal intervals on the left side of the operation button CP2. These operation buttons CP2 to CP6 are formed in a square shape. The operation button CP2 arranged at the right end has a function as a Max BET button for playing a game with a maximum bet number such as 10 times by a pressing operation. The operation button CP3 has a function as a 5BET button that allows a game to be played with a five-fold bet by a pressing operation. The operation button CP4 has a function as a 3BET button that causes a game to be played with a triple of the number of bets by pressing. The operation button CP5 has a function as a 2BET button that allows a game to be performed with a double bet by a pressing operation. The operation button CP6 has a function as a 1BET button that allows a player to play a game with a single bet by pressing.

  The operation buttons CP7 and CP8 are arranged in the front-rear direction at the left end portion of the base plate CP9. The operation button CP7 has a function as a help button for displaying help information indicating a game method or the like in the game situation display area 141e by a pressing operation. The operation button CP8 has a function as a cashout button for returning credits or the like in a coin form or a print form by a pressing operation.

<Overall configuration of game system>
A game system 600 including the slot machine 10 having the above functions will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the game system 600 includes a plurality of slot machines 10 and an external control device 620 connected to each slot machine 10 via a communication line 610.

  The external control device 620 controls a plurality of slot machines 10. In the present embodiment, the external control device 620 is a so-called hall server installed in a gaming facility having a plurality of slot machines 10. Each slot machine 10 is given a unique identification number, and the external control device 620 determines the origin of data sent from each slot machine 10 based on the identification number. Also, when data is transmitted from the external control device 620 to the slot machine 10, the transmission destination is designated using the identification number.

  Note that the game system 600 may be constructed in one gaming facility capable of performing various games such as a casino, or may be constructed among a plurality of gaming facilities. Further, when the game system 600 is constructed in one game facility, the game system 600 may be constructed for each floor or section of the game facility. The communication line 610 may be wired or wireless, and a dedicated line or an exchange line can be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the game system is roughly divided into a management server block, a customer terminal block, and a staff terminal block. The management server block includes a casino hall server 850, a currency exchange server 860, a casino / hotel staff management server 870, and a download server 880.

  The casino hall server 850 is a server that manages the entire casino hall in which the slot machine 10 is installed. The exchange server 860 is a server that creates exchange rate data based on exchange information and the like. The casino / hotel staff management server 870 is a server that manages a casino hall or a hotel staff related to the casino hall. The download server 880 is, for example, a server that downloads the latest information such as information about games and news, and notifies the player through the PTS terminal 700 of the various slot machines 10.

  The management server block includes a member management server 810, an IC card & money management server 820, a megabucks server 830, and an image server 840.

  The member management server 810 is a server that manages member information of players who play the slot machine 10. The IC card & money management server 820 is a server that manages the IC card 500 used in the slot machine 10. Specifically, the IC card & money management server 820 is a server that stores fractional cash data in association with an identification code, or outputs fractional cash data to the PTS terminal 700. The IC card & money management server 820 also creates and manages denomination data and the like. The megabucks server 830 is a server that manages megabucks, for example, a game in which the total sum of the premiums of a plurality of slot machines 10 installed in a plurality of casino halls is a dividend. The image server 840 is, for example, a server that downloads the latest image such as an image related to a game or news and notifies the player through the PTS terminal 700 of the various slot machines 10.

  The customer terminal block includes a slot machine 10, a PTS terminal 700, and a payment machine 750. The PTS terminal 700 can be attached to the slot machine 10 and can communicate with the management server 800. The settlement machine 750 is a machine that cashes the cash data stored in the IC card 500 owned by the player and settles it, or stores coins, bills, etc. in the IC card 500 as cash data.

  The staff terminal block includes a staff management terminal 900 and a member card ticketing terminal 950. The staff management terminal 900 is a terminal where the staff of the casino hall manages various slot machines 10. In particular, in the case of this embodiment, the staff of the casino hall manages whether the number of IC cards 500 stocked in the PTS terminal 700 is accumulated or insufficient. The membership card issuing terminal 950 is a terminal used when a player playing a game in the casino hall issues a membership card.

<PTS terminal 700>
As shown in FIG. 10, the PTS terminal 700 is incorporated in a PTS system. A PTS terminal 700 attached to the slot machine 10 is communicably connected to the game controller 100 and the bill validator controller 890 of the slot machine 10.

  In communication with the game controller 100, the PTS terminal 700 performs a game effect or updates credit data using sounds or images. In addition, the PTS terminal 700 transmits credit data necessary for payment during communication with the bill validator controller 890.

  The PTS terminal 700 is connected to the management server 800 so as to be communicable. The PTS terminal 700 communicates with the management server 800 between two lines, a general communication line and an additional function communication line.

  The PTS terminal 700 communicates data such as cash data, identification code data, player member information, and the like on a general communication line. On the other hand, the PTS terminal 700 performs communication related to a newly added function in the additional function communication line. In the case of the present embodiment, the PTS terminal 700 includes an exchange function, an IC card function, a biometric authentication function, a camera function, and an RFID (Radio Frequency) function that performs individual identification using radio waves in an additional function communication line. IDentification) function.

<< Electric Configuration of Slot Machine 10 >>
Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the slot machine 10 uses a CPU with a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) function and eliminates the need for a graphic board, thereby preventing unauthorized operation via PCI EXPRESS. Low power consumption and low heat generation are realized. That is, the slot machine 10 is a gaming machine that uses a CPU with a built-in GPU, and a PCI to which a CPU with a built-in GPU (in a single die) and a GAL board G4 storing an authentication program are connected. An EXPRESS expansion slot AM1 and a display port connector SK85 connected to the GPU are provided.

  As a result, the slot machine 10 does not need to connect a graphic board to the expansion slot AM1 of the PCI EXPRESS, so that the expansion slot AM1 is used as a terminal dedicated for authentication, thereby facilitating illegal monitoring with a clear appearance. It is possible to do. Further, the slot machine 10 may not be able to smoothly output a video signal or an audio signal due to a problem that may occur when a graphic board is connected to the expansion slot AM1 of PCI EXPRESS, for example, an interrupt that occurs between other boards. It is possible to avoid the problem that there is a problem that there is a conflict and interrupts may collide with other boards. Further, by making the display port connector SK85 a dedicated terminal for video (audio), the slot machine 10 can smoothly output video (audio) signals by preventing interference with other boards. It can be accurately synchronized with the progress of the game.

  The slot machine 10 can reduce a possibility that an image is interrupted during a game by mounting a motherboard on which a CPU incorporating a graphic engine that realizes a GPU function is mounted. That is, the slot machine 10 has a configuration in which a graphics engine controlled by the CPU outputs video data of the effect image to the sub-board and a CPU outputs an audio signal to the sub-board in the motherboard on which the CPU having the graphic engine is mounted. Have According to this configuration, since the video data and audio data output from the motherboard are output under the control of a CPU with a single graphic engine, only one of video and audio is output to the sub-board unless the CPU breaks down. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the notification by the production becomes unclear.

  The slot machine 10 includes an authentication board (GAL board G4) including a flash RAM storing various types of boot-related data having different data amounts such as a boot bios and a public key used when the slot machine 10 is booted. Connect to the motherboard via PCI Express, detect the amount of startup related data, transfer each startup related data to the motherboard DRAM at a transfer rate according to the data volume, and start processing based on startup related data in the DRAM You may have the structure which performs. According to this configuration, the PCI EXPRESS can dynamically change the transfer rate from software, so that it is possible to save power consumption when the maximum rate is not required. Thus, by updating the data such as the boot bios of the authentication board, the startup time and the power consumption can be automatically set to the optimum state when the amount of data changes greatly.

  In addition, the slot machine 10 is configured to install an authentication board including a flash RAM storing various types of activation related data such as a boot bios and a public key used when the slot machine 10 is activated, via PCI EXPRESS. When connected to the motherboard, transferred to the DRAM of the motherboard, and the startup processing based on the startup related data is executed in the DRAM, the rising temperature of the authentication board accompanying the transfer is detected, and the startup related data is transferred based on the rising temperature You may have the structure which controls speed. According to this configuration, since the temperature rise of the authentication board and the power consumption are estimated to be in a proportional relationship, for example, if the transfer speed is controlled so as to keep the temperature rise constant, stable power consumption transfer is possible. The startup process can be executed at a speed.

  The slot machine 10 is a gaming machine that uses an SSD (SSD board SD2) that stores an OS (Operating System), an APX motherboard AM having a CPU and a SATA terminal (SATA board connector AM2), and a SATA terminal. And an SSD connected to the. As a result, the slot machine 10 has a problem in booting the OS from the flash memory such as an SD card by connecting the SSD via the SATA terminal and booting the OS from the SSD, that is, a conversion adapter is required. Therefore, it is possible to solve the problem that the operation tends to become unstable and is expensive. Note that when booting an OS from a flash memory such as an SD card, it is necessary to make the OS recognize at the BIOS level, and there are some motherboards that cannot boot the OS. The OS can be booted at high speed to improve versatility, and a program for a gaming machine can be started immediately.

  In addition, the slot machine 10 is equipped with two display port terminals on the motherboard, enabling three-screen output including DVI output, thereby eliminating the need for a high-speed, large-screen and license cost than HDMI (registered trademark). ing. Further, the slot machine 10 has a DDPAMP board DD (display port voice amplifier board) that extracts and amplifies and outputs an audio signal from the display port.

  In this way, the slot machine 10 has a configuration in which video data and audio data during game execution are output from the display port in units of packets, and effects by video and audio are performed in each effect device. According to this configuration, since the video data and the audio data are output from the signal line drawn from the display port, one of the video and audio data is not lost. Thereby, when outputting the video and audio of the lottery result, it can be avoided that only one of them is output and the lottery result cannot be sufficiently notified. Furthermore, since a plurality of displays can be connected in a daisy chain, the number of displays can be easily increased, so that a design change based on the existing slot machine 10 can be easily performed. For example, in the case where a display device is provided in the top device 12 in addition to the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b and the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b, only the work of connecting signal lines from the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b or the like to the display device of the top device 12 is performed. Thus, the connection work of the mechanical signal lines can be completed and the maintenance can be easily performed. Furthermore, since data transmission is performed in units of packets, it is not necessary to transmit data to a plurality of display devices in order, so that the program can be easily changed.

  The electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be specifically described. The slot machine 10 has an APX motherboard AM housed in a security cage SK. The APX motherboard AM is equipped with an Intel 4th generation Core (registered trademark) processor (not shown), and the power management function (C state) during idling is enhanced. Further, by integrating the VR (voltage regulator) into the processor package / die, the power supply design of the entire platform is simplified, and the power consumption including the motherboard is reduced. Note that the Intel 4th generation Core processor is set to 20 EU (Execution Units) which are image processing execution units in the GPU core. Thereby, a significant performance improvement is realized as compared with the third generation Core processor. In addition, the chipset for the 4th generation Core i series has a plurality of ports of SATA 6 Gb / s (SATA 3.0) which is a high-speed interface, and PCI Express 3.0 that smoothly transfers data to and from a high-performance video card. This corresponds to the DDR3-1600 standard, which is a high-speed memory standard.

  The APX motherboard AM includes Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Express expansion slot AM1, SATA board connector AM2, first and second display port connectors SK85a and SK85b, and first and second LAN jacks SK87. SK91, first and second D-sub connectors SK86 and SK84, and first to sixth USB connectors SK82a, SK82b, SK88a, SK88b, SK90a, and SK90b.

  Here, “PCI Express” is a personal computer serial transfer interface that replaces the PCI bus. PCI Express is not compatible with the parallel transfer PCI bus at the physical level, but a common communication protocol is used. The minimum configuration transmission line (called "lane") used in PCI Express is capable of full duplex communication of 2.5 Gbps in one direction and 5.0 Gbps in both directions, and a clock signal for sending 8-bit data. Since 10 bits including 2 bits are consumed, the effective data transfer rate is 2.0 Gbps (250 MB / s) in one direction and 4.0 Gbps (500 MB / s) in both directions. The expansion slot AM1 of the APX motherboard AM is configured by bundling a plurality of PCI Express port lanes.

  “SATA (Serial AT Attachment)” is one of the extended specifications of the IDE (ATA) standard for connecting a computer and a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical drive. SATA is a parallel transfer method adopted in the ATA specification, which is changed to a serial transfer method, and realizes a high transfer speed with a simple cable.

  “Display Port” is a full digital video interface and adopts a micro-packet method using a built-in clock. The micro-packet method is capable of transferring secondary digital audio data in addition to main video data, and employs a mechanism for transmitting pixels and audio signals together in packets called micro-packets. That is, in the micropacket method, all of video and audio are divided into micropackets called “Transfer Unit” and serially transferred to the destination device.

  Since the “display port” generates a clock from data without using an external clock signal, it is easy to increase the data transfer speed and expand the function. Furthermore, “Display Port” is a video output interface designed for digital display devices, so it is possible to reduce the number of parts by using a liquid crystal display for display devices, and about 15 meters. Transmission distance of

  “Display port” defines the output side as “source device” and the input side as “sink device”. The source device and the sink device communicate with each other, and the optimum resolution / color depth / refresh rate can be automatically adjusted. The transmission rate of video and audio data can be changed by combining 1/2/4 channels called “lanes” and two data rates (1.62 Gbps / 2.7 Gbps). For example, the minimum configuration is 1.62 Gbps for one lane, and the maximum configuration is 10.8 Gbps for 4 lanes × 2.7 Gbps. The main data channel of “Display Port” can be composed of 1 lane, 2 lanes, and 4 lanes of high-speed SerDes lanes, and the bandwidth of each lane is 2.7 Gbps or 1.62 Gbps.

  The “display port” includes a hot plug detect (HPD) signal. Hot plug detection is used not only to confirm that the display device is connected, but also to establish a link. Hot-plug detection has a process that informs the sender to establish a link through a process called link training, during which all four lanes are required on both the sender and receiver sides. Check. The “display port” has an AUX (auxiliary) channel. The AUX channel is a low-speed “side channel”, and is a communication channel for link management, status, and configuration control based on information on the transmission side. The AUX channel allows two-way video and audio communication.

  “Display Port” allows unlimited use of a multi-display display device from a single digital output port, and there is no display application limitation, allowing maximum utilization of display performance with zero delay. The “display port” is plug and play, and there is no need for the user to change the setting manually. For this reason, for example, when adding a display device without using “Display Port”, it is necessary to add a graphics card or a multi-head graphics card with multiple output ports. Although this causes an increase in power consumption and causes difficulty in expansion work, such a problem does not occur when the “display port” is used. As a result, the “display port” makes it possible to add a display or the like without opening the security cage SK of the highly confidential slot machine 10.

  DisplayPort uses a micro-packet method to transfer multiple audio and video streams and other data types simultaneously, so multiple video and audio packets can be transferred over the same cable. can do. Thus, the “display port” can operate a picture-in-picture or a plurality of daisy chain connected display devices through a single connection at the same link speed as when the hub is connected.

  For daisy chain connection, the display port input port and output port are mounted on the display device, the output port from the source side is connected to the input port of the display device on the subsequent stage (sink side) of the single link, In this configuration, the output port of the display device is connected to the input port of the subsequent display device (sink side) with the output port as the source side. On the other hand, the hub connection is configured to have a plurality of output ports for one input port and connect these output ports to the input ports of a plurality of display devices.

  The expansion slot AM1 is connected to the AXGMEM board GB so that data can be transmitted in one direction. The AXGMEM board GB is connected to the GAL board G4 so as to be able to transmit data in both directions, and performs Boot BIOS self-authentication processing with the GAL board G4. Details of the Boot BIOS self-authentication process will be described later. Further, the AXGMEM board GB is connected to the first detection sensor SK103 and the second detection sensor SK104 that function as a security door switch, and the security cage door SK3 is opened and closed based on detection signals from these detection sensors SK103 and SK104. Is monitoring.

  The SATA board connector AM2 is connected to the SSD board SD2 so that data can be transmitted in both directions. The first display port connector SK85a is connected to the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b so as to transmit data in one direction. The second display port connector SK85b is connected to the DDPAMP board DD so that data can be transmitted in one direction. The DPDAMP substrate DD is a display port audio amplifier substrate, and is connected to the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b and a speaker (not shown) so as to transmit data in one direction.

  The first LAN jack SK87 is a SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) interface in which the SCSI standard is serially transmitted, and is used for data communication with the PTS device GG1 having the SAS interface. The second LAN jack SK91 is used for data communication with a check information processing device GG2 called "GAT3". The first D-sub connector SK86 is connected to the bill stocker BI so that data can be transmitted in one direction. The second D sub-connector SK84 is connected to the printer PR so that data can be transmitted in one direction.

  The first USB connector SK82a is connected so that the sub I / O board SI3 can receive data in one direction. The sub I / O board SI3 is connected to the button LEDCP1b as well as a maximum of 16 button switches CP1a of the control panel CP. The sub I / O substrate SI3 is connected to a light emitting substrate (not shown) and a counter mechanism CT.

  The first GM board GM1 is connected to the second USB connector SK82b so that data can be received in one direction. The first GM substrate GM1 is connected to an upper light source substrate (not shown) and a lower light source substrate (not shown).

  The third USB connector SK88a is connected so that the second GM board GM2 can receive data in one direction. The second GM board GM2 is connected to a housing fan sensor FNS2 (not shown) and a power box fan sensor FNS1 (not shown). The fan sensor FNS outputs a fan temperature signal indicating the temperature of each fan. The second GM substrate GM2 is connected to the main body substrate case switch SE6, the upper door switch SE3, the optical sensors SE4 and SE4, and a line light source member (not shown), and a line light source member (not shown). It is connected to an LED substrate LDP that drives an illumination mechanism (not shown) and the like.

  The fourth USB connector SK88b is used as a spare. The fifth USB connector SK90a is connected to the upper touch panel 131a so that data can be transmitted in both directions. The sixth USB connector SK90b is connected to the lower touch panel 141a so that data can be transmitted in both directions.

  The APX motherboard AM is mounted with a memory board MM6 on which a DDR3 memory is mounted. The memory board MM6 performs OS authentication processing with the SSD board SD2 and performs other processing. Details of the OS authentication process will be described later.

  As a result, the slot machine 10 can extend its life by mounting an SSD. That is, the slot machine 10 records various programs for starting and operating the slot machine 10 and is configured by a flash memory. In this configuration, the gaming machine is activated and operated by transferring a program read from the SSD to the DRAM of the motherboard and executing various programs in the DRAM.

  According to the above configuration, in the SSD, there is no drive mechanism such as a bearing or a motor that rotates the disk of the HDD, so that mechanical failure such as wear of the drive mechanism can be largely eliminated. In general, in SSD, an oxide film serving as an insulator of a storage element in a flash memory is deteriorated by electrons as the number of times of rewriting / erasing increases, but according to the above configuration, reading of a program is the main access to SSD. Become. For this reason, the deterioration of the storage element can be reduced as compared with the case where the flash memory is accessed with rewriting / erasing. As a result, it is possible to continue to use the SSD without incurring exhaustion of the storage element as in the case of accessing the HDD. As a result, it is possible to reduce the probability of occurrence of a problem that the production screen and sound are cut off during the game, compared to the configuration in which the HDD is installed. That is, the life of the gaming machine can be extended by installing the SSD.

  Furthermore, the slot machine 10 can prevent a failure in the middle of a game by installing an SSD. That is, the slot machine 10 records various programs for starting and operating the slot machine 10 and is equipped with an SSD constituted by a flash memory, and grasps the number of times of writing / erasing with respect to the SSD at a predetermined timing such as at the time of starting, When the number of times of writing / erasing exceeds a certain threshold value at which the storage element fails, a configuration is provided in which notification such as SSD replacement is made.

  According to the above configuration, in the SSD, some data such as activation information and data reading status is always written without intentionally storing data. As a result, even when the SSD is used only for read access, the storage element deteriorates due to use. When the gaming machine is used for a long period of time, the progress of the deterioration of the storage element reaches a level at which failure is likely to occur. Therefore, according to the above configuration, the occurrence of a failure in the middle of the game can be prevented in advance by notifying the replacement of the SSD or the like when the number of times of writing / erasing exceeds a certain threshold at which the storage element fails. be able to.

  In the first embodiment, the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b is connected to one display port connector SK85a, and the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b is connected to the other display port connector SK85b via the DDPAMP substrate DD. The plurality of displays are controlled by a plurality of display port terminals. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the plurality of displays may be controlled by a single display port terminal.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a display port having an input / output port is provided in the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b, and the output port of the display port in the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b is connected to the DDPAMP substrate DD, thereby The liquid crystal display panel 131b and the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b may be daisy chain connected. Alternatively, a display port output port may be provided on the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b, and the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b may be connected to the output port. In addition, when adding a display, the display to be added may be connected to the output port of the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b or the lower liquid crystal display panel 141b.

<APX motherboard AM>
Next, the electrical configuration of the APX motherboard AM will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the APX motherboard AM is equipped with an Intel 4th generation Core (registered trademark) processor (Haswell) AM10, and 20 EUs as image processing execution units in the GPU core are set. . The processor AM10 is mounted on an Intel LGA1150 CPU socket. The processor AM10 is connected to an expansion slot AM1 (see FIG. 5) of the PCI-EX16 slot (Gen3) standard so that data can be transmitted in both directions via the PCIE bus (100 MHz). Further, power is supplied to the APX motherboard AM through an 8 + 24 pin connector AM6.

  The processor AM10 is connected to a total of four memory slots of 128-bit dual channels of the Channel A slots AM11a and AM12a and the Channel B slots AM11b and 12b so that data can be transmitted in both directions. In each memory slot, DDR3-1 SRAM of DDR3-1333 or DDR3-1600 standard is mounted. Further, the processor AM10 is connected to DP (display port) connectors SK85a and SK85b via the digital ports C and D, respectively, so that data can be transmitted in one direction. Furthermore, the processor is connected to the DVI-I connector AM13 capable of transmitting both analog and digital video signals via the digital port B so that data can be transmitted in one direction.

  The APX motherboard AM is equipped with a PCH (LinxPoint B85) circuit AM20 which is an Intel chip set. The PCH chipset AM20 is a Platform Controller Hub that integrates the functions of a North Bridge (MCH) connected to a memory and a graphics chip and a South Bridge (ICH) that provides interface functions such as a PCIE slot and SATA. The PCH chipset AM20 and the processor AM10 can transmit data bidirectionally by both the bus AM15 using the DMI (direct media interface) connection method and the bus AM16 using the FDI (flexible display interface) connection method. It is connected.

  The PCH chip set AM20 is connected to a plurality of high-speed USB ports AM21 so as to be able to transmit data in both directions according to the USB 2.0 standard with a transfer speed of 480 Mb / s. Among the high-speed USB ports, there are 6 ports (USB connectors SK82a, SK82b, SK88a, SK88b, SK90a, and SK90b shown in FIG. 5).

  The PCH chip set AM20 is connected to an audio codec chip (ALLC892 manufactured by Realtek) AM22 so that data can be transmitted in both directions at 24 MHz. The audio codec chip AM22 is connected to two SPDIFs of channels ChA and ChB. SPDIF is a standard for digitally transferring audio signals in video / audio equipment. The PCH chipset AM20 is connected to two network controller chips (Realtek RTL8111E10 / 100/1000) AM23a and AM23b via a PCIEx1 bus so that data can be transmitted in both directions at 100 MHz. Further, the PCH chip set AM20 is connected to the DVII connector AM13 via the analog port AM13a so that data can be transmitted in one direction.

  The PCH chipset AM20 is connected to four SATA3 ports (SATA board connector shown in FIG. 107A) AM2 via a SATA3 standard bus so that data can be transmitted in both directions. The PCH chip set AM20 is connected to the SPI FLASH port AM24 via an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) bus so that data can be transmitted bidirectionally at 64 Mb. The PCH chip set AM20 is connected to the plurality of PCIEX1 slots AM25a to 25c via a plurality of PCIEX1 buses so as to be able to transmit data in both directions.

  The APX motherboard AM is equipped with a SIO (Super I / O: NCT6627UD manufactured by Nuvoton) chip AM30. The SIO chip AM30 is an input / output integrated circuit for a mother board, and is a combination of various low-band device interfaces. The PCH chip set AM20 and the SIO chip AM30 transmit data bidirectionally at 33 MHz by a low pin count (LPS) bus AM25, which is a bus connecting a low bandwidth device (legacy device connected by an SIO chip) to a processor. Connected as possible. The LPS bus AM25 is connected to a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) header AM26 so that data can be transmitted in one direction. The TPM is a security chip having hardware tamper resistance for realizing security.

  The SIO chip AM30 is connected to the COM ports SK87 and SK91 (see FIG. 5) of the RS232C via ports A and B so that data can be transmitted in both directions. The SIO chip AM30 is connected to the PS2 KB / MS combo conAM 31 via the KB / MS bus so that data can be transmitted in both directions. The SIO chip AM30 is connected to the DGIO header AM32 via the GPIOx8 bus so that data can be transmitted in both directions. In addition, the SIO chip AM30 can bidirectionally transmit data to any of the COM ports AM33a to 33d of RS232C, RXD, TXD, and GND via the ports C, D, E, and F disposed therein. Connected. Further, the SIO chip AM30 is connected to the CPU or the fan AM34 disposed in the housing via the FAN bus so as to be able to transmit data in both directions. Fan AM34 is normally connected to a 3-pin connector.

  In the present embodiment, the APX motherboard AM is referred to as a controller 100 or a game controller 100. The processor AM10 is referred to as a main CPU 200. The DDR3 SRAM mounted in the memory slot is referred to as main RAM 210. Further, the SSD device SD1 is referred to as an auxiliary storage device 220.

<<< Game state transition >>>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing state transition in the slot machine 10. Specifically, it is a diagram showing a transition between a base game mode, a free game mode, and a re-spinning feature game mode.

  In the slot machine 10, the unit game is executed mainly in the base game mode, and when the trigger (event) of the free game mode occurs in the base game mode, the slot machine 10 shifts to the free game mode. When a trigger (event) of the re-spinning feature game mode occurs in the base game mode and the free game mode, the mode is changed to the re-spinning feature game mode.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the base game mode, the unit game is repeated until the trigger of the free game mode or the re-spinning feature game mode is established. In the base game mode, a unit game can be played by consuming (BET) a game medium such as a medal. In this base game mode, when any of the winning patterns shown in FIG. 13 is established, a payout is made according to a payout corresponding to the winning pattern.

<Free game mode>
There are three types of free game modes, and any one type can be executed. The three types of free game modes differ from each other in the number of reel bands used and the number of unit games.

  In the base game mode, the free game mode is triggered by the establishment of the FEATURE winning pattern. Specifically, the FEATURE Mighty symbol appears on the upper, middle, and lower stages of the video reels 3b to 3d, and the whole FEATURE Mighty symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 141d. A pattern is established.

  By triggering the free game mode, the game mode shifts to the free game mode. A free game is executed and paid out in accordance with a predetermined payout by the processing of FIG. 28 described later.

  In the free game mode, a unit game can be started without consuming game media. In the free game mode, the player can play a unit game of a predetermined number of games.

  By retriggering the free game mode in the free game mode, the game mode is maintained in the free game mode. In the free game mode, when the FEATURE winning pattern is established, the free mode is retriggered. The retrigger establishment condition is the same as the trigger establishment condition, and the FEATURE mighty symbols appear in the upper, middle, and lower stages of the video reels 3b to 3d, and the entire FEATURE mighty symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 141d. Thus, the FEATURE winning pattern is established. By retriggering the free game mode, a predetermined number of unit games are added.

  When all the unit games are finished, the free game mode returns to the base game mode.

<Respin feature game mode>
When the winning pattern of PICT_A is established in the base game mode, the respin feature game mode is triggered. Specifically, the winning of PICT_A is determined by determining that the mighty symbol of PICT_A appears in the upper, middle and lower stages of video reels 3b to 3d and that the entire mighty symbol of PICT_A is displayed in symbol display area 141d. A pattern is established.

  In the free game mode, the re-spinning feature game mode is triggered when a winning pattern is established by a symbol other than FEATURE. Specifically, the mighty symbols of symbols other than FEATURE appear in the upper, middle, and lower stages of the video reels 3b to 3d, and the entire mighty symbols of symbols other than FEATURE are displayed in the symbol display area 141d. Thus, a winning pattern of symbols other than FEATURE is established.

  By triggering the re-spinning feature game mode, the game mode shifts to the re-spinning feature game mode. A re-spinning feature game is executed by the processing of FIG. 29 described later.

  The re-spinning feature game is a free game in which a unit game is performed once while maintaining (holding) the state where the mighty symbol appears when the re-spinning feature game mode is triggered. When transitioning from the base game mode, one unit game is performed while maintaining the state where the MICT symbol of PICT_A has appeared. When the game mode is shifted from the free game mode, the unit game is performed once while maintaining the state where the mighty symbols other than FEATURE have appeared.

  In the re-spinning feature game, the mighty symbol is held. That is, since the mighty symbol appearing over the video reels 3b to 3d is held, the three video reels 3b to 3d are maintained in a stopped state without being scrolled, and only the two video reels 3a and 3e are scrolled. Is done. Thereafter, the winning pattern is determined based on the symbols that appear when the two video reels 3a and 3e are stopped and the held mighty symbols. Therefore, in the re-spinning feature game, the symbols that appear when the two video reels 3a and 3e are stopped and the held mighty symbols are rearranged.

  In the re-spinning feature game, when the mighty symbol appearing across the video reels 3b to 3d is held, the CHANGE of the two video reels 3a and 3e is replaced with the same symbol as the symbol held on the video reels 3b to 3d. Thereafter, when only the two video reels 3a and 3e are scrolled and stopped, the same symbols as the mighty symbols held on the three video reels 3b to 3d are likely to appear on the video reels 3a and 3e.

  The symbols that actually appear on the video reels 3a and 3e are determined by the symbol lottery process (step S2715 in FIG. 29). As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C and FIGS. 18A to 18C, the video reels 3a and 3e are displayed. Are continuously arranged. Therefore, consecutive CHANGEs are replaced with the same symbols as the symbols held on the video reels 3b to 3d, and when the scrolling of the video reels 3a and 3e is stopped, the replaced symbols are likely to appear.

  Specifically, when transitioning from the base game mode, the MIGHT symbol of PICT_A is held by the video reels 3b to 3d. The MIGHT symbol of PICT_A is held on the video reels 3b to 3d, and all the CHANGE of the two video reels 3a and 3e are replaced with PICT_A and scrolled. Thereafter, when the two video reels 3a and 3e are stopped, PICT_A is likely to appear at the stop position of either of the two video reels 3a and 3e.

  As described above, the symbols that actually appear on the video reels 3a and 3e are determined by the symbol lottery process (step S2715 in FIG. 29). As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C and FIGS. 18A to 18C, CHANGE is continuously arranged on the video reels 3a and 3e. For this reason, consecutive CHANGEs are replaced with PICT_A, and when the scrolling of the video reels 3a and 3e is stopped, PICT_A is likely to appear.

  Further, when the game mode is shifted from the free game mode, a mighty symbol other than FEATURE is held. Next, the Mighty symbols of symbols other than FEATURE are held on the video reels 3b to 3d, and all the CHANGE of the two video reels 3a and 3e are replaced with the same symbols as the held symbols and scrolled. Thereafter, when the two video reels 3a and 3e are stopped, the same symbol as the held symbol is likely to appear at the stop position of either of the two video reels 3a and 3e.

  As described above, the symbols that actually appear on the video reels 3a and 3e are determined by the symbol lottery process (step S2715 in FIG. 29). As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C and FIGS. 18A to 18C, CHANGE is continuously arranged on the video reels 3a and 3e. Therefore, consecutive CHANGEs are replaced with the same symbols as the symbols held on the video reels 3b to 3d, and when the scrolling of the video reels 3a and 3e is stopped, the replaced symbols are likely to appear.

  In this way, in the re-spinning feature game, all of the CHANGE of the two video reels 3a and 3e are replaced with the same symbols as the mighty symbols held by the video reels 3b to 3d, and then the two video reels 3a and 3e Since 3e is scrolled and stopped, the same symbol as the mighty symbol held on the video reels 3b to 3d is likely to appear on the two video reels 3a and 3e, and a winning pattern is easily formed on a plurality of paylines. Become.

  There is no retrigger in the re-spinning feature game mode, and when one unit game ends, the original game mode is restored.

<< Payline >>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a payline definition table that defines paylines adopted in the slot machine 10. The slot machine 10 has 100 paylines. 100 paylines are defined according to 15 stop positions of the symbol display area 141d. The winning pattern is determined by the type and number of symbols arranged along the payline.

  The payline definition table of FIG. 12 defines paylines formed by connecting the upper, middle or lower stages of each of the five video reels 3a to 3e in the lower display device 141. In FIG. 12, “0” indicates the upper stage (first stage) of the symbol stop position, “1” indicates the middle stage (second stage) of the symbol stop position, and “2” indicates the symbol stop position. The lower stage (third stage) is shown.

  For example, in FIG. Reference numeral 1 denotes 1-1-1-1-1, and shows the middle-middle-middle-middle-middle paylines in the order of the video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e. In addition, in FIG. Reference numeral 5 denotes 2-1-0-1-2, which indicates lower-middle-upper-middle-lower paylines in the order of video reels 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e.

  As shown in FIG. 31, among 100 paylines, the number of paylines to be activated is determined according to operation buttons CP6 to CP2 operated by the player. As shown in FIG. 31, the number of paylines defined corresponding to the operation buttons CP6 to CP2 for each of the five types of LINE setting 10, LINE setting 30, LINE setting 40, LINE setting 50, and LINE setting 100 is shown. The LINE setting can be set by a store clerk of a gaming facility such as a casino.

<When LINE setting 10 is set>
One payline is activated by operating the operation button CP6. Three paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP5. By operating the operation button CP4, five paylines are activated. By operating the operation button CP3, seven pay lines are activated. Ten paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP2.

<When LINE setting 30 is set>
One payline is activated by operating the operation button CP6. By operating the operation button CP5, five pay lines are activated. Ten paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP4. 20 paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP3. 30 paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP2.

<When LINE setting 40 is set>
One payline is activated by operating the operation button CP6. 10 paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP5. 20 paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP4. By operating the operation button CP3, 30 paylines are activated. 40 paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP2.

<When LINE setting 50 is set>
One payline is activated by operating the operation button CP6. 10 paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP5. 20 paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP4. By operating the operation button CP3, 30 paylines are activated. 50 paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP2.

<When LINE setting 100 is set>
One payline is activated by operating the operation button CP6. 20 paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP5. By operating the operation button CP4, 50 paylines are activated. By operating the operation button CP3, 80 paylines are activated. 100 paylines are activated by operating the operation button CP2.

<Setting of MAX LINE number>
With LINE setting 10, 10 paylines have a MAX LINE number, with LINE setting 30, 30 paylines have a MAX LINE number, with LINE setting 40, 40 paylines have a MAX LINE number, and with LINE setting 50, 50 paylines. Becomes the MAX LINE number, and in the LINE setting 100, 100 paylines become the MAX LINE number. These LINE settings can be set by a clerk at a gaming facility such as a casino on the setting panel of the slot machine 10.

<Denomination settings>
Further, in the slot machine 10, denomination (the minimum unit amount of BET) can also be set in the range of $ 0.01 to $ 10 by a game facility clerk or the like on the slot machine 10 setting panel.

<Settings for each amusement facility>
In this way, for each slot machine 10, the gaming facility can set the MAX LINE number and denomination according to the circumstances and preferences of the gaming facility. That is, even for the same model, it has a function that allows the number of MAX LINEs and denomination to be changed on the game facility side (administrator side), and for each slot machine 10 is set according to the type of player such as a high roller. Can do.

  For this reason, it is possible to reduce the necessity of previously installing a machine for the high roller and other machines according to the type in the gaming facility, and to reduce the investment burden of the gaming facility. The amusement facility conducts marketing in advance to investigate player preferences that change according to the time zone, reflects the survey results in real time, and changes the MAX LINE number and denomination to reduce the burden on the amusement facility. Can reduce and contribute to casino management.

<<<< Payout Table >>>>
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a payout table. The payout table shown in FIG. 13 defines 12 types of winning patterns and payouts corresponding to the winning patterns.

  The payout table shows the relationship between the winning pattern, the number of Kinds of symbols, and the payout. The Kind number is the number of symbols constituting the winning pattern, and means the number of symbols arranged continuously from the left side to the right side.

  As described above, it is determined that the winning pattern is established by LEFT TO RIGHT except for FEATURE. Accordingly, the payout is determined by the type and number of symbols arranged continuously in LEFT TO RIGHT.

  The first winning pattern is a pattern when 2 to 5 WILDs are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when five WILDs are continuously arranged is defined as 250.

  WILD is a symbol for replacing with another symbol so that an advantageous winning pattern is established. When WILD is replaced with another symbol and a final winning pattern is established, a payout corresponding to the winning pattern is determined. In the present embodiment, WILD is not replaced with FEATURE.

  The second winning pattern is a pattern when 2 to 5 PICT_A are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when 5 PICT_A's are continuously arranged is defined as 50.

  As described above, the re-spinning feature game mode is triggered on the condition that it is determined by the symbol lottery process so that the PICT_A mighty symbol appears in the base game mode. Therefore, when it is determined by the symbol lottery processing so that the MICT symbol of PICT_A appears, the player is given both the benefits of payout and the re-spinning feature game mode.

  The third winning pattern is a pattern when 3 to 5 PICT_Bs are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when the five PICT_Bs are continuously arranged is defined as 40.

  The fourth winning pattern is a pattern when 3 to 5 PICT_Cs are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when 5 PICT_Cs are continuously arranged is defined as 30.

  The fifth winning pattern is a pattern when 3 to 5 PICT_Ds are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when 5 PICT_Ds are arranged in series is defined as 25.

  The sixth winning pattern is a pattern when 3 to 5 PICT_Es are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when 5 PICT_Es are continuously arranged is defined as 20.

  The seventh winning pattern is a pattern when 3 to 5 ACEs are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when 5 ACEs are continuously arranged is defined as 14.

  The eighth winning pattern is a pattern when 3 to 5 KINGs are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when 5 KINGs are arranged in series is defined as 13.

  The ninth winning pattern is a pattern when 3 to 5 QUEENs are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when 5 QUEENs are continuously arranged is defined as 12.

  The tenth winning pattern is a pattern when 3 to 5 JACKs are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when 5 JACKs are continuously arranged is defined as 11.

  The eleventh winning pattern is a pattern when three to five TENs are continuously arranged. For example, the payout when 5 TENs are continuously arranged is defined as 10.

  The twelfth winning pattern is a pattern when one FEATURE appears. As described above, FEATURE is a scatter symbol. Therefore, the succession of FEATUREs is not a condition for the success or failure of the winning pattern, but the success or failure of the thirteenth winning pattern is determined based on the number of occurrences of FEATURE. The payout when three FEATUREs appear is defined as 2.

  As described above, the free game mode is triggered on the condition that it is determined by the symbol lottery processing so that the FEATURE mighty symbol appears in the base game mode. Therefore, when it is determined by the symbol lottery processing so that the FEATURE mighty symbol appears, the player is given both the award of the payout and the shift to the free game mode.

  As described above, the free game mode is triggered on the condition that it is determined by the symbol lottery processing so that a mighty symbol other than FEATURE appears in the free game mode. Therefore, when it is determined by the symbol lottery process so that a mighty symbol other than FEATURE appears, the player is given both the award of payout and the shift to the free game mode.

<<< Reel band configuration >>>
14A to 19C are diagrams showing a reel band group (symbol column) constituting five video reels 3a to 3e. The code numbers indicating the symbols shown in FIGS. 14A to 19C are converted into data and stored in the RAM 210.

  14A to 19C show the reel bands of each of the five video reels 3a to 3e. The tables shown in FIGS. 14A to 19C define code numbers and symbols, and function as a symbol determination table for determining five symbols to be stopped in the symbol lottery process of FIG. That is, by extracting random values, five code numbers are determined, and symbols corresponding to the code numbers are determined as five symbols to be stopped.

  The symbols shown in FIGS. 14A to 19C are selected with equal probability by lottery processing, and the scheduled stop symbols are determined.

<Normal reel band 3n and replacement reel band 3x in base game mode>
FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are diagrams showing symbol sequences constituting normal reel bands 3n-a, 3n-b, 3n-c, 3n-d, and 3n-e used in the base game mode. WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, and TEN are arranged in advance on the normal reel band 3n (FIGS. 14A and 14B) used in the base game mode. In the base reel mode 3n-a, 39 symbols are arranged, in the normal reel band 3n-b, 69 symbols are arranged, and in the normal reel band 3n-c, 65 symbols are arranged, 63 symbols are arranged on the normal reel band 3n-d, and 39 symbols are arranged on the normal reel band 3n-e.

  FIG. 17A to FIG. 17C are diagrams showing symbol strings constituting replacement reel bands 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x-c, 3x-d, and 3x-e used in the base game mode. As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C, BLANK and CHANGE are arranged on the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e used in the base game mode, and the replacement reel bands 3x-b, 3x- BLANK and M_CHANGE are arranged in c and 3x-d.

  99 symbols are arranged on the reel band 3x-a for replacement in the base game mode, and 13 symbols are arranged on the reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for replacement. In the band 3x-e, 163 symbols are arranged.

  No. of reel band 3x-a for replacement 0-No. 63, BLANK is continuously arranged. No. of reel band 3x-a for replacement 64-No. In 99, CHANGE is continuously arranged.

  No. of reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for replacement 0-No. 3, BLANK is continuously arranged. No. of reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for replacement 4-No. 6, M_CHANGE is continuously arranged. No. of reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for replacement 7-No. 10, BLANK is continuously arranged. No. of reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for replacement 11-No. 13, M_CHANGE is continuously arranged.

  No. of reel band 3x-e for replacement 0-No. In 127, BLANK is continuously arranged. No. of reel band 3x-e for replacement 128-No. In 163, CHANGE is continuously arranged.

  In this manner, BLANK, CHANGE, and M_CHANGE are continuously arranged on the replacement reel band 3x. As will be described later, CHANGE and M_CHANGE are replaced with the same establishment symbol. Therefore, the establishment symbols are continuously arranged, the establishment symbols are likely to appear continuously in the symbol display area 141d, and the winning pattern is easily established.

  CHANGE is arranged on the reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e for replacement. CHANGE is a virtual symbol to be replaced with one of symbols for establishment, WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, and TEN. CHANGE is replaced by these establishment symbols by internal processing, and is not displayed in the symbol display area 141d so as to be visible.

  M_CHANGE is arranged in the replacement reel bands 3x-b, 3x-c, and 3x-d. M_CHANGE is a virtual symbol to be replaced with any of the symbols for establishment, WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, TEN, and FEATURE. M_CHANGE is replaced by these establishment symbols by internal processing, and is not displayed in the symbol display area 141d so as to be visible.

  M_CHANGE is a symbol for displaying a mighty symbol. The mighty symbol has a size that becomes one symbol for 9 symbols (3 cells × 3 cells). M_CHANGE is replaced with a symbol for establishment, and these replaced symbols are displayed as mighty symbols having a size of nine frames (9 cells) (see FIGS. 35 to 37).

  As shown in FIG. 17A, M_CHANGE is the No. of the reel band 3x-b, 3x-c, 3x-d for replacement. 4-6 (9 frames) and no. 11 to 13 (9 frames). The 9-frame M_CHANGE is a single unit. One mighty symbol is displayed in each of 4 to 6 (9 frames) and 11 to 13 (9 frames). For example, when M_CHANGE is replaced with PICT_A, no. 4-6 (9 frames) and no. All of 11 to 13 (9 frames) are replaced with PICT_A. When replaced with PICT_A, one PICT_A across nine frames is displayed as a mighty symbol. Depending on the progress of the game, the mighty symbol may be divided and a plurality of symbols having a normal size may be displayed (see FIG. 36).

<Normal reel band 3n and replacement reel band 3x in the first type free game mode>
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing symbol arrays constituting normal reel bands 3n-a, 3n-b, 3n-c, 3n-d, and 3n-e used in the first type free game mode. WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, and PICT_E are arranged in advance on normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e used in the first type free game mode. 29 symbols are arranged in the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e in the first type free game mode.

  FIG. 18A to FIG. 18C are diagrams showing symbol strings constituting replacement reel bands 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x-c, 3x-d, and 3x-e used in the first type free game mode. It is. As in FIGS. 17A to 17C, the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e used in the first type free game mode are provided with BLANK and CHANGE and the replacement reel bands 3x-b BLANK and M_CHANGE are arranged in 3x-c and 3x-d.

  99 symbols are arranged on the reel band 3x-a for replacement in the first type free game mode, and 13 symbols are arranged on the reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for replacement, 163 symbols are arranged on the reel band 3x-e for replacement.

  BLANK, CHANGE, and M_CHANGE are continuously arranged on the reel band 3x for replacement in the first type free game mode. CHANGE and M_CHANGE have the same functions as CHANGE and M_CHANGE of the reel band 3x for replacement of the base game mode.

<Normal reel band 3n and replacement reel band 3x in the second type free game mode>
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing symbol strings constituting normal reel bands 3n-a, 3n-b, 3n-c, 3n-d, and 3n-e used in the second type free game mode. ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, and TEN are arranged in advance in normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e used in the second type free game mode. Nine symbols are arranged in the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e in the first type free game mode.

  FIG. 18A to FIG. 18C are diagrams showing symbol sequences constituting replacement reel bands 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x-c, 3x-d, and 3x-e used in the second type free game mode. It is. The replacement reel band 3x used in the first type free game mode has the same configuration.

<Normal reel band 3n and replacement reel band 3x in the third type free game mode>
FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C are diagrams showing symbol strings constituting normal reel bands 3n-a, 3n-b, 3n-c, 3n-d, and 3n-e used in the third type free game mode. is there. It has the same configuration as a normal reel band 3n used in the base game mode.

  FIG. 19A to FIG. 19C are diagrams showing symbol sequences constituting replacement reel bands 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x-c, 3x-d, and 3x-e used in the third type free game mode. It is. 99 symbols are arranged on the reel band 3x-a for replacement in the third type free game mode, 104 symbols are arranged on the reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for replacement, 163 symbols are arranged on the reel band 3x-e for replacement.

  No. of reel band 3x-a for replacement 0-No. 63, BLANK is continuously arranged. No. of reel band 3x-a for replacement 64-No. In 99, CHANGE is continuously arranged.

  No. of reel band 3x-e for replacement 0-No. In 127, BLANK is continuously arranged. No. of reel band 3x-a for replacement 128-No. In 163, CHANGE is continuously arranged.

  All the symbols of the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d are defined to have a size of 9 frames of 3 × 3, and all symbols are displayed as mighty symbols. Further, unlike the first type free game mode and the second type free game mode, M_CHANGE is not arranged in the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d.

  In the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d, WILD, PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, ACE, KING, QUEEN, JACK, TEN, and FEATURE are continuously provided in 9 × 3 frames. Has been placed.

<<< Program contents >>>
Next, a program executed in the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Main control processing>
FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the main control process of the slot machine 10. The game mode in the main control process of FIG. 21 is the base game mode.

  First, when power is turned on to the slot machine 10, the main CPU 200 reads the authenticated game program and game system program from the auxiliary storage device 220 (SSD device SD 1) via the AXGMEM board GB and writes it to the main RAM 210. (Step S1911).

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs an initialization process at the end of one game (step S1913). For example, unnecessary data for each game is cleared in the work area of the main RAM 210, such as the number of BETs and symbols determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs a coin insertion / start check process shown in FIG. 22 (step S1915). In this process, the input of the BET button (operation buttons CP2 to CP6) and the spin button (operation button CP1) is checked.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs symbol lottery processing shown in FIG. 23 (step S1917). In this process, the symbol to be stopped is determined based on the random number for symbol determination.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs a replacement symbol lottery process shown in FIG. 24 (step S1919).

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs effect lottery processing (step S1921). The main CPU 200 extracts a random number for production, determines any one of a plurality of predetermined production contents by lottery, and executes the production content at the timing of the decided production content. For example, an effect video is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b, sound is output from a speaker (not shown), a lamp (not shown) is turned on, and effect processing is performed on these. In addition, when the free game trigger is established, and when the player selects a free game after that, an image is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs a symbol display control process shown in FIG. 26 (step S1923). In this process, scrolling of the five video reels 3a to 3e (five reel bands) is started, and the scheduled stop symbol determined in the symbol lottery process in step S1917 is stopped at a predetermined position.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs a payout amount determination process shown in FIG. 27 (step S1925). In this process, in the base game, the number of payouts is determined based on the payout table (see FIG. 13) according to the winning pattern corresponding to the symbols arranged on the payline, and the payout number storage area provided in the main RAM 210 (Paidout counter).

  Next, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not a free game trigger has been established (step S1927).

  When determining that the free game trigger has been established, the main CPU 200 performs a free game mode process shown in FIG. 28 (step S1929).

  Next, when determining in step S1927 that the free game trigger has not been established, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not a re-spinning feature game trigger has been established (step S1931). When determining that the re-spinning feature game trigger has been established, the main CPU 200 performs a re-spinning feature game mode process shown in FIG. 29 (step S1933).

  After executing the processes of steps S1929 and S1933, or when determining that the re-spinning feature game trigger is not established in the determination process of step S1931, the main CPU 200 performs a payout process (step S1935), and the process proceeds to step S1913. return.

  The main CPU 200 adds the value (payout number counter) stored in the payout number storage area to the value (credit number counter) stored in the credit number storage area provided in the main RAM 210. Note that the driving of a hopper (not shown) may be controlled so that coins corresponding to the payout number counter are discharged from the coin payout exit. Alternatively, the ticket printer (not shown) may be controlled to issue a barcoded ticket in which a payout counter is recorded.

<Coin insertion / start check processing>
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the coin insertion / start check process of the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not coin insertion has been detected by a coin counter (step S2011).

  When determining that coin insertion has been detected, the main CPU 200 adds the value of the inserted coin to the value (credit number counter) stored in the credit number storage area (step S2013). In addition to coin insertion, it is determined whether or not bill insertion has been detected by bill validator data (for example, PTS terminal 700), and when it is determined that bill insertion has been detected, a value corresponding to the bill May be added to the credit number counter.

  The main CPU 200 determines whether or not the credit number counter is 0 after step S2013 or when it is determined in step S2011 that coin insertion has not been detected (step S2015).

  When the main CPU 200 determines that the credit number counter is not 0, the main CPU 200 permits operation acceptance of the BET buttons (operation buttons CP2 to CP6) (step S2017).

  Next, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not the operation of the BET button (operation buttons CP2 to CP6) has been detected (step S2019).

  When the main CPU 200 detects that the BET button (operation buttons CP2 to CP6) has been pressed by the player using the BET switch, the main CPU 200 stores the type of the BET button (operation buttons CP2 to CP6) in the main RAM 210 (step S2021). ).

  The main CPU 200 permits the spin button operation reception (step S2023).

  The main CPU 200 determines whether or not the operation of the spin button has been detected (step S2025). When determining that the operation of the spin button has not been detected, the main CPU 200 returns the process to step S2011.

  When the main CPU 200 determines that the operation of the spin button has been detected, the main CPU 200 ends the present subroutine.

<Symbol lottery processing>
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of symbol lottery processing.

  First, the main CPU 200 extracts a random number value for symbol determination of each of the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e (step S2111).

  Next, the main CPU 200 determines symbols to be stopped for the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e with reference to the symbol determination table for the normal reel band 3n (FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B or FIG. 15) ( Step S2113).

  The symbol determination table for the normal reel band 3n includes a symbol determination table for the normal reel band 3n for the base game mode (FIGS. 14A and 14B) and a symbol determination table for the normal reel band 3n for the free game mode (FIG. 14). 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B).

  When the game mode is the base game mode, symbols to be stopped in the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e are referred to by referring to the symbol determination tables (FIGS. 14A and 14B) for the normal reel band 3n for the base game mode. Is determined. When the game mode is the first type free game mode, the normal reel band 3n-a to 3n-e are scheduled to be stopped by referring to the symbol determination table (FIG. 15) of the normal reel band 3n for the free game mode. A symbol is determined. When the game mode is the second type free game mode, the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e are scheduled to be stopped by referring to the symbol determination table (FIG. 16) of the normal reel band 3n for the free game mode. A symbol is determined. When the game mode is the third type free game mode, the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e are referred to by referring to the symbol determination tables (FIGS. 14A and 14B) of the normal reel band 3n for the free game mode. The scheduled stop symbol is determined.

  The main CPU 200 stores each scheduled stop symbol of each of the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e determined in the process of step S2113 in a symbol storage area provided in the RAM 210 (step S2115).

  Next, the main CPU 200 extracts a random number value for symbol determination of each of the replacement reel bands 3x-a to 3x-e (step S2117).

  Next, the main CPU 200 refers to the symbol determination table (FIG. 17A to FIG. 17C or FIG. 18A to FIG. 18C) for the replacement reel band 3x and intends to stop the symbols on the replacement reel bands 3x-a to 3x-e. Is determined (step S2119).

  The symbol determination table for the replacement reel band 3x includes the symbol determination table (FIGS. 17A to 17C) for the replacement reel band 3x for the base game mode and the symbol determination table for the replacement reel band 3x for the free game mode. Table (FIGS. 18A to 18C, 19A to 19C).

  When the game mode is the base game mode, the replacement reel bands 3x-a to 3x-e are stopped with reference to the symbol determination tables (FIGS. 17A to 17C) of the replacement reel band 3x for the base game mode. A scheduled symbol is determined. When the game mode is the first type or the second type free game mode, the symbol determination table (FIGS. 18A to 18C) of the replacement reel band 3x for the free game mode is referred to and the replacement reel band 3x -A to 3x-e stop scheduled symbols are determined. When the game mode is the third type free game mode, the replacement reel bands 3x-a to 3x are referred to by referring to the symbol determination tables (FIGS. 19A to 19C) of the replacement reel band 3x for the free game mode. The stop scheduled symbol of -e is determined.

  The main CPU 200 stores each scheduled stop symbol of each of the replacement reel bands 3x-a to 3x-e determined in step S2119 in the symbol storage area provided in the RAM 210 (step S2121).

  Next, the main CPU 200 refers to the payout table shown in FIG. 13 and determines a winning pattern based on the scheduled stop symbols stored in the symbol storage area by the processes of steps S2115 and S2121 (step S2123). The main CPU 200 determines a payout according to the number of Kinds when the winning pattern is established.

<Replacement symbol lottery processing>
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of replacement symbol lottery processing. The replacement symbol lottery process is a process of determining a symbol for establishment for replacing all replacement symbols (CHANGE and M_CHANGE) arranged on the replacement reel band 3x.

  First, the main CPU 200 extracts random values for symbol determination (step S2211).

  Next, the main CPU 200 refers to the replacement symbol determination tables (FIGS. 32A to 32P and FIGS. 33A to 33I) to determine a combination of symbols for establishment (step S2213).

  Specifically, step S2213 replaces the establishment symbol for replacing CHANGE in the replacement reel band 3x-a with the establishment symbol for replacing M_CHANGE in the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d. The combination with the symbol for establishment that replaces the CHANGE of the reel band 3x-e for use is determined.

  The replacement symbol determination table includes a replacement symbol determination table for the base game mode (FIGS. 32A to 32P), a replacement symbol determination table for the free game mode (FIGS. 33A to 33I, FIGS. 42 and 44), and Consists of.

  In the process of step S2213, when the game mode is the base game mode, the replacement symbol determination table for the base game mode (FIGS. 32A to 32P) is referred to and the combination of symbols for establishment is determined. When the game mode is the first type free game mode, a replacement symbol determination table for free game mode (FIGS. 33A to 33I) is referred to, and a combination of symbols for establishment is determined. When the game mode is the second type free game mode, the replacement symbol determination table for the free game mode (FIG. 42) is referred to and the combination of symbols for establishment is determined. When the game mode is the third type free game mode, the replacement symbol determination table for the free game mode (FIG. 44) is referred to, and the combination of symbols for establishment is determined.

  Therefore, in the process of step S2211, when the game mode is the base game mode, a random number for referring to the replacement symbol determination table for the base game mode is extracted. When the game mode is the free game mode, a random number for referring to the replacement symbol determination table for the free game mode is extracted.

  Specifically, when the game mode is the base game mode, random numbers in the range shown below are extracted in step S2211.

  When there is one activated payline, an integer from 1 to 23952 is extracted as a random number. When there are three activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 23952 is extracted as a random number. If there are five activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 14182 is extracted as a random number.

  If there are seven activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 12298 is extracted as a random number. When 10 paylines are activated, an integer of 1 to 10412 is extracted as a random number. If there are 20 activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 9171 is extracted as a random number. If there are 30 activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 8701 is extracted as a random number.

  If there are 40 activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 9171 is extracted as a random number. If there are 50 activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 9171 is extracted as a random number. If there are 80 activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 10115 is extracted as a random number. If there are 100 activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 9643 is extracted as a random number.

  When the game mode is the first type or the third type free game mode, random numbers in the following range are extracted in the process of step S2211.

  When there is one activated payline, an integer from 1 to 3588 is extracted as a random number. If there are three activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 3588 is extracted as a random number. If there are five activated paylines, an integer of 1 to 3660 is extracted as a random number.

  If there are seven activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 3636 is extracted as a random number. If there are 10 activated paylines, an integer from 1 to 3684 is extracted as a random number. When there are 20 activated paylines, an integer of 1 to 3660 is extracted as a random number. If there are 30 activated paylines, an integer of 1 to 3660 is extracted as a random number.

  When 40 paylines are activated, an integer of 1 to 3660 is extracted as a random number. When 50 paylines are activated, an integer from 1 to 3708 is extracted as a random number. When 80 paylines are activated, an integer of 1 to 3684 is extracted as a random number. When 100 paylines are activated, an integer of 1 to 3660 is extracted as a random number.

  Furthermore, when the game mode is the second type free game mode, random numbers in the range indicated by TOTAL in FIG. 42 are similarly extracted in the process of step S2211. When the game mode is the third type free game mode, 1 is extracted as a random number in the process of step S2211 (see Weight in FIG. 44).

  The replacement symbol determination tables for the base game mode (FIGS. 32A to 32P) and the replacement symbol determination tables for the free game mode (FIGS. 33A to 33I and FIG. 42) are CHANGE in the reel band 3x-a for replacement. And a combination of M_CHANGE of the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d and CHANGE of the replacement reel band 3x-e, and a weight corresponding to the combination. The replacement symbol determination table for the free game mode shown in FIG. 44 is a table that defines combinations of replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e CHANGE and weights corresponding to the combinations. As shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, M_CHANGE is not arranged in the reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for replacement in the third type free game mode. It is sufficient to replace only the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e.

  In the replacement symbol determination tables of FIGS. 32A to 32P, FIGS. 33A to 33I and FIG. 42, weight 0 means that the combination is not selected, and weight 1 indicates that the winning probability of the combination is extremely small. means. In the replacement symbol determination table of FIG. 44, only WILD is weight 1 and the others are weight 0. That is, in the replacement symbol determination table of FIG. 44, only WILD is always won, and the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e are always replaced with WILD.

  For example, since the weight of the combination of “JACK”-“PICT_A”-“PICT_C” of ID 223 in the replacement symbol determination table for the base game mode (FIGS. 32A to 32P) is 0, it is selected by lottery processing. There is no.

  Further, the weights of the combinations of “WILD”-“WILD”-“WILD” of ID0 in the replacement symbol determination tables for the base game mode (FIGS. 32A to 32P) are all 1. Therefore, the combination of “WILD”-“WILD”-“WILD” of 0 is determined as follows.

  If there is one activated payline, it is determined with a winning probability of 1/23952. If there are three activated paylines, the winning probability is 1/23952. If there are five activated paylines, the winning probability is determined as 1/14142.

  When seven paylines are activated, the winning probability is determined to be 1/1298. If there are 10 activated paylines, the winning probability is 1/10412. If there are 20 activated paylines, the winning probability is 1/1711. If there are 30 activated paylines, the winning probability is 1/8701.

  If there are 40 activated paylines, the winning probability is determined at 1/1711. When 50 paylines are activated, the winning probability is determined to be 1/1711. When 80 paylines are activated, the winning probability is determined to be 1/10115. When 100 paylines are activated, the winning probability is 1/9643.

  The weights of combinations of “PICT_B”-“PICT_D”-“PICT_D” of ID 510 in the replacement symbol determination table for the base game mode (FIGS. 32A to 32P) are 244, 244, 179, 143, 168, 143, 130. 142, 139, 133, and 153. Therefore, the combination of “PICT_B” − “PICT_D” − “PICT_D” of ID 510 is determined as follows.

  If there is one activated payline, the winning probability is 244/23952. If there are three activated paylines, the winning probability is determined to be 244/23952. If there are 5 activated paylines, the winning probability is 179/14182.

  If there are seven activated paylines, the winning probability is 143/12298. If there are 10 activated paylines, the winning probability is 168/10412. If there are 20 activated paylines, the winning probability is 143/1711. If there are 30 activated paylines, the winning probability is 130/8701.

  If there are 40 activated paylines, the winning probability is 142/9171. When 50 paylines are activated, the winning probability is determined to be 139/1711. If there are 80 activated paylines, the winning probability is 133/10115. When 100 paylines are activated, the winning probability is 153/9643.

  Similarly, in the case of the replacement symbol determination table for the free game mode (FIGS. 33A to 33I and FIG. 42), the combination of symbols for establishment is determined. In the replacement symbol determination table used in the third type free game mode (FIG. 44), only WILD always wins regardless of the number of activated paylines, and the replacement reel band 3x-a And 3x-e CHANGE are always replaced with WILD.

  Next, the main CPU 200 replaces all the replacement symbols CHANGE and M_CHANGE arranged in the replacement reel band 3x with the establishment symbols by the combination of establishment symbols determined in the process of step S2213. Are stored in the symbol storage area (step S2215), and this subroutine is terminated.

  By this replacement symbol lottery process, the establishment symbol for replacing CHANGE in the replacement reel band 3x-a, the establishment symbol for replacing M_CHANGE in the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d, and the replacement symbol A combination with a symbol for establishment that replaces CHANGE in the reel band 3x-e is determined by one lottery process.

<Specific examples of replacement>
FIG. 39 is a conceptual diagram showing the process of replacement symbols. 39 (a-1) and (a-2) show replacement reel bands 3x-a to 3x-e, and FIG. 39 (b) shows normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e. .

  In order to clearly show the replacement process, the symbols in the symbol display area 141d are shown in FIG. 39, but the replacement process is executed internally before the start of the symbol scroll display, and the replacement symbols CHANGE and M_CHANGE Is not displayed so as to be visible.

  As shown in FIG. 39 (a-1), the replacement symbol X1 of the replacement reel band 3x-a is CHANGE. The replacement symbol X1 is replaced with a 3x-a establishment symbol in the replacement symbol determination table (FIGS. 32A to 32P and FIGS. 33A to 33I).

  As shown in FIG. 39 (a-1), the replacement symbol X3 of the replacement reel band 3x-e is CHANGE. The replacement symbol X3 is replaced by a symbol for establishing 3x-e in the replacement symbol determination table (FIGS. 32A to 32P and FIGS. 33A to 33I).

  As shown in FIG. 39 (a-1), the replacement symbol X2 of the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d is M_CHANGE. The replacement symbol X2 is replaced with symbols for establishing 3x-b to 3x-d in the replacement symbol determination tables (FIGS. 32A to 32P and FIGS. 33A to 33I).

  As a result of the replacement processing, the symbol is replaced with a symbol for establishment as shown in FIG. The replacement symbol X1 is replaced by an establishment symbol indicated by a triangle, the replacement symbol X2 is replaced by an establishment symbol indicated by a circle, and the replacement symbol X3 is an establishment symbol indicated by a rhombus. Replaced by a symbol.

  In this way, the replacement symbols CHANGE (X1, X3) and M_CHANGE (X2) of the replacement reel bands 3x-a to 3x-e are replaced with the symbols for establishment.

  As shown in FIG. 39B, it is determined that various symbols for establishment are rearranged in the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e. As shown in FIG. 39 (c), when the symbol for establishment after replacement of the replacement reel band 3x overlaps the symbol of the normal reel band 3n, the establishment symbol after replacement of the replacement reel band 3x. The symbol is displayed with priority.

<Appeal rewriting process>
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of appeal rewriting processing. The appeal rewriting process is executed in all game modes of the base game mode, the free game mode, and the respin feature game mode. The appeal rewriting is a process for rewriting the symbols constituting the symbol row so that a predetermined symbol is displayed immediately after the start of scrolling. It is preferable to rewrite so that a plurality of predetermined symbols are continuous. Predetermined symbols are displayed immediately after the start of scrolling, and the predetermined symbols are continuously displayed, so that it is easy for the player to recognize the predetermined symbols, and the expectation that a winning pattern relating to the predetermined symbols is established is increased. it can.

  In the free game mode, a predetermined symbol can be determined by lottery processing. In the re-spinning feature game mode, appeal rewriting is performed with the same symbol as the mighty symbol held on the video reels 3b to 3d.

  In the slot machine 10, the appeal rewriting is performed only with the two replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e. Appeal rewriting is not performed on the remaining reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d for replacement or normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e.

  First, the main CPU 200 executes a lottery process for determining whether or not to execute appeal rewriting (step S2311). The winning probability of the lottery process is defined to be higher in the respin feature game mode than in the free game mode.

  Next, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not to execute appeal rewriting (step S2313).

  Next, when the main CPU 200 determines to execute appeal rewriting, the main CPU 200 determines the position of the rewriting base point by lottery processing (step S2315). As shown in FIG. 41, a base point is a position separated from the end of the symbol display area 141d along the reel band 3x by a predetermined number of symbols toward the upstream in the scroll direction.

  In the example shown in FIG. 41, the base point of the replacement reel band 3x-a is the third from the end of the symbol display area 141d, and the base point of the replacement reel band 3x-e is the symbol display area 141d. Second from the end.

  The base point is preferably determined based on the number of symbols arranged along the scroll direction in the symbol display area 141d. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 12, symbols are displayed in the upper, middle, and lower three positions along the scroll direction in the symbol display area 141d. In the case of this example, it is preferable that any one of the positions less than three upstream from the end of the symbol display area 141d is used as a base point. It is preferable that any position in the range A shown in FIG. The symbols are displayed in the symbol display area 141d immediately after the scrolling is started by setting the position upstream of the number of symbols arranged along the reel band 3x in the symbol display area 141d.

  Since the position of the base point is determined by the lottery process in step S2313, the timing at which symbols are displayed after the start of scrolling can be made different, and the game can be felt to develop differently.

  Next, the main CPU 200 determines the number of appeal rewriting symbols by lottery processing (step S2317). The number of symbols arranged continuously by appeal rewriting can be determined. The number of consecutive symbols can be made different each time it is displayed, and the game can be felt to develop differently.

  Next, the main CPU 200 executes appeal rewriting (step S2319). In the free game mode, the symbols are rewritten with the symbols determined in the lottery process. In the respin feature game mode, rewrite with the same symbol as the held mighty symbol.

  Next, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not both of the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e have been rewritten (step S2321). By executing the processing of steps S2311 to S2319 for each of the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e, appeal rewriting can be performed separately.

  Next, when the main CPU 200 determines that both the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e have not been rewritten, the main CPU 200 returns the process to step S2311, and both the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e. When it is determined that has been rewritten, this subroutine is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the case where the appeal rewriting is performed only with the two replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e is shown. However, the appeal rewriting is performed with the other replacement reel bands 3x. You may go. Further, appeal rewriting may be performed on the normal reel band 3n.

<Symbol display control processing>
FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the symbol display control process of the slot machine 10.

  The main CPU 200 starts scroll display by superimposing the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e and the replacement reel bands 3x-a to 3x-e in the symbol display area 141d of the lower display device 141. (Step S2411).

  In the slot machine 10, the normal reel band 3n-a and the replacement reel band 3x-a are overlapped, the normal reel band 3n-b and the replacement reel band 3x-b are overlapped, and the normal reel The band 3n-c and the replacement reel band 3x-c are overlapped, the normal reel band 3n-d and the replacement reel band 3x-d are overlapped, and the normal reel band 3n-e is replaced. The reel band 3x-e is superimposed and displayed. When the normal reel band 3n and the replacement reel band 3x do not need to be displayed and distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as video reels 3a to 3e.

  When the scroll display is performed in the symbol display area 141d, CHANGE and M_CHANGE of the replacement reel band 3x are replaced with the symbols for establishment by the replacement symbol lottery process of FIG.

When the symbols for establishment after replacement of the replacement reel band 3x overlap, the symbols for establishment after replacement of the reel band 3x for replacement are displayed with priority. Also,
When BLANK of the replacement reel band 3x overlaps, the symbol for establishing the normal reel band 3n is displayed with priority.

  The main CPU 200 stops any of the video reels 3a to 3e based on the scheduled stop symbols stored in the symbol storage area of the RAM 210 in the processes of steps S2115 and S2121 (step S2413).

  The main CPU 200 determines whether or not all the video reels 3a to 3e have been stopped (step S2415).

  When determining that all the video reels 3a to 3e are not stopped, the main CPU 200 returns the process to step S2413.

  When the main CPU 200 determines that all the video reels 3a to 3e are stopped, the main CPU 200 stores all the rearranged symbols in the RAM 210 (step S2417).

  Next, the main CPU 200 refers to the payout table shown in FIG. 13, determines a winning pattern based on the symbols stored in the symbol storage area (step S2419), and ends the present subroutine. When the winning pattern is established, the main CPU 200 determines a payout according to the number of Kinds.

<Payout number determination process>
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of payout amount determination processing.

  First, the main CPU 200 determines the number of payouts based on the payout satisfying the winning pattern, based on the symbol storage area and the payout table (FIG. 13) (step S2511).

  The determined payout number is stored in the payout number counter in the payout number storage area (step S2513), and this subroutine is finished.

<Free game mode processing>
FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the free game mode process. The free game mode process is called and executed in the process of step S1929 in FIG.

  As described above, the free game mode includes the first type to the third type free game mode. Depending on these, the reel belts used and the number of games differ, and various game characteristics can be provided.

  In the case of the first type free game mode, the normal reel band 3n shown in FIG. 15 and the replacement reel band 3x shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C are used. In the case of the second type free game mode, the normal reel band 3n shown in FIG. 16 and the replacement reel band 3x shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C are used. In the case of the third type free game mode, the normal reel band 3n shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C and the replacement reel band 3x shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C are used.

  In the case of the second type free game mode, the selected game is executed when a free game trigger or a free game retrigger is established.

  As described above, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment has the first to third types of free game modes, but the combination of the type of reel belt to be used, the number of games, the selected game, and the like is changed to other combinations. Also good.

  The free game is a slot game (unit game) similar to the game in the base game mode. In the free game mode, the slot game can be started without betting.

  First, the main CPU 200 sets the number of games according to the type of free game mode (step S2611). In the first type free game mode, the number of games is set to eight. In the third type free game mode, the number of games is set to seven. In the second type free game mode, the number of games is set according to the result of the selected game.

  Next, the main CPU 200 executes an effect at the start of the free game (step S2613). This allows the player to visually recognize that the free game mode has started.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs an initialization process at the end of one game (step S2615). For example, unnecessary data for each game is cleared in the work area of the main RAM 210, such as the number of BETs and symbols determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs symbol lottery processing (step S2617). In this process, the to-be-stopped symbol is determined based on the symbol determination random value.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs a replacement symbol lottery process shown in FIG. 24 (step S2619). By executing the replacement symbol lottery process, all the replacement symbols CHANGE and M_CHANGE in the replacement reel bands 3x-a to 3x-e can be replaced with symbols for establishment.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs an appeal replacement process shown in FIG. 25 (step S2621). By executing the appeal replacement process, the symbols of the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e are rewritten, and after the scroll of the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e is started, the desired symbol is The video reels 3a and 3e in the symbol display area 141d can be displayed immediately.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs an effect lottery process (step S2623). The main CPU 200 extracts a random number for production, determines any one of a plurality of predetermined production contents by lottery, and executes the production content at the timing of the decided production content. For example, an effect video is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b, sound is output from a speaker (not shown), a lamp (not shown) is turned on, and effect processing is performed on these. In addition, when the free game trigger is established, and when the player selects a free game after that, an image is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs a symbol display control process shown in FIG. 26 (step S2625). In this process, scrolling of the five video reels 3a to 3e (five reel bands) is started, and the scheduled stop symbol determined in the symbol lottery process in step S1917 is stopped at a predetermined position.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs a payout amount determination process shown in FIG. 27 (step S2627). In this process, in the base game, the number of payouts is determined based on the payout table (see FIG. 13) according to the winning pattern corresponding to the symbols arranged on the payline, and the payout number storage area provided in the main RAM 210 (Paidout counter).

  The main CPU 200 performs a payout process (step S2629).

  Next, the main CPU 200 subtracts 1 from the number of games (step S2631).

  Next, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not a free game retrigger is established (step S2633).

  When determining that the free game retrigger has been established, the main CPU 200 adds the number of games according to the type of the free game mode (step S2635). In the first type free game mode, 8 is added to the number of games. In the third free game mode, 7 is added to the number of games. In the second type free game mode, the number of games is added according to the result of the selected game.

  When determining that the free game retrigger has not been established, the main CPU 200 determines whether or not the number of games is greater than zero (step S2637).

  When the main CPU 200 determines that the number of games is greater than zero in the determination process of step S2537, when the process of step S2635 is executed, the main CPU 200 returns the process to step S2615.

  When the main CPU 200 determines that the number of games is less than or equal to zero in the determination process of step S2537, the main CPU 200 ends the present subroutine.

<Second free game mode>
In the case of the second type free game mode, when a free game trigger or a free game retrigger is established, the selected game is played, and the number of games corresponding to the option selected by the player and the replacement symbol determination table are determined. .

  For example, choices for selecting PICT_A, PICT_B, PICT_C, PICT_D, PICT_E, and random as the selected game are displayed.

  When PICT_A is selected, the number of games is 4, and the replacement symbol determination table A (FIG. 42 (a)) is determined. When PICT_B is selected, the number of games is 7, and the replacement symbol determination table B (FIG. 42B) is determined. When PICT_C is selected, the number of games is 8, and the replacement symbol determination table C (FIG. 42 (c)) is determined. When PICT_D is selected, the number of games is 9, and the replacement symbol determination table D (FIG. 42 (d)) is determined. When PICT_E is selected, the number of games is 10, and the replacement symbol determination table E (FIG. 42 (e)) is determined. When random is selected, the number of games is randomly determined from 4, 7, 8, 9, and 10, and is randomly determined from replacement symbol determination tables A to E (see FIG. 43).

  FIG. 43 is a table that is referred to when random is selected. The ID is determined by the winning probability according to the weight, and the replacement symbol determination tables A to E and the number of games are determined.

  The replacement symbol determination tables A to E shown in FIG. 42 are used to replace CHANGE in the replacement reel band 3x-a in the same manner as the replacement symbol determination tables (FIGS. 32A to 32P and 33A to 33I). To determine a combination of a symbol for establishment, a symbol for establishment that replaces M_CHANGE in the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d, and a symbol for establishment that replaces CHANGE in the replacement reel band 3x-e It is a table.

  In this way, in the free game mode, the number of games increases and the payout due to symbol replacement increases, so that the game can be developed and strained in various ways.

<Respinning feature game mode processing>
FIG. 29 is a flowchart of the respin feature game mode process. The respin feature game mode process is called and executed in the process of step S1933 of FIG.

  The re-spinning feature game is a slot game (unit game) similar to the game in the base game mode. The re-spinning feature game mode is a type of free game that can start a slot game without betting.

  In the re-spinning feature game mode, one unit game is performed while maintaining (holding) the state where the mighty symbol appears when the re-spinning feature game mode is triggered. Specifically, with the mighty symbols displayed on the video reels 3b to 3d being stopped and displayed, the two video reels 3a and 3e are scrolled to execute one unit game.

  First, the main CPU 200 executes an effect at the start of the respin feature game (step S2711). This allows the player to visually recognize that the re-spinning feature game mode has started.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs an initialization process at the end of one game (step S2713). For example, unnecessary data for each game is cleared in the work area of the main RAM 210, such as the number of BETs and symbols determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs a symbol lottery process (step S2715). In this process, the symbol to be stopped is determined based on the random number for symbol determination.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs symbol replacement processing (step S2717). All the replacement symbols CHANGE of the two replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e are replaced with symbols held on the video reels 3b to 3d.

  When the base game mode is changed to the re-spinning feature game mode, the MIGHT symbol of PICT_A is held by the video reels 3b to 3d. In the processing of step S2717, all the replacement symbols CHANGE for the two replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e are replaced with PICT_A.

  When the game mode is changed from the free game mode to the re-spinning feature game mode, the mighty symbols of symbols other than FEATURE are held. In the processing of step S2717, all of the replacement symbols CHANGE for the two replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e are replaced with the same symbols as other symbols other than the held FEATURE.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs an appeal replacement process shown in FIG. 25 (step S2719). By executing the appeal replacement process, the symbols of the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e are rewritten. By the appeal replacement process, the symbols replaced in the process of step S2717 are immediately displayed on the video reels 3a and 3e in the symbol display area 141d after scrolling of the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs an effect lottery process (step S2721). The main CPU 200 extracts a random number for production, determines any one of a plurality of predetermined production contents by lottery, and executes the production content at the timing of the decided production content. For example, an effect video is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b, sound is output from a speaker (not shown), a lamp (not shown) is turned on, and effect processing is performed on these. In addition, when the free game trigger is established, and when the player selects a free game after that, an image is displayed on the upper liquid crystal display panel 131b.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs a symbol display control process (step S2723). In this process, scrolling of only the two video reels 3a and 3e is started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the two video reels 3a and 3e are stopped. In the process of step S2723, the two video reels 3a and 3e are controlled to stop so that the scheduled stop symbol determined in the symbol lottery process of step S2715 stops at a predetermined position.

  As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C and FIGS. 18A to 18C, CHANGE is continuously arranged on the video reels 3a and 3e. By the processing in step S2717, all the consecutive CHANGEs are replaced with the same symbols as those held on the video reels 3b to 3d, and when the scrolling of the video reels 3a and 3e is stopped, the replaced symbols appear. Easy to do.

  Next, the main CPU 200 performs a payout amount determination process shown in FIG. 27 (step S2725). In this process, in the base game, the number of payouts is determined based on the payout table (see FIG. 13) according to the winning pattern corresponding to the symbols arranged on the payline, and the payout number storage area provided in the main RAM 210 (Paidout counter).

  The main CPU 200 performs payout processing (step S2727).

<Specific example of appeal rewriting in respin feature game mode>
FIG. 40 is a diagram showing the concept of appeal rewriting in the respin feature game mode.

  In the base game mode, the entire one PICT_A appears as a mighty symbol over the video reels 3b to 3d, thereby triggering the re-spinning feature game mode. In the free game mode, the entire re-spinning feature game mode is triggered when one other symbol different from FEATURE appears as a mighty symbol over the video reels 3b to 3d.

  When the re-spinning feature game mode is entered, the unit game is played while maintaining (holding) the state in which the mighty symbol (symbol for establishment) when the re-spinning feature game mode is triggered appears (FIG. 40 (a-1)). reference). In the example shown in FIG. 40 (a-1), a round symbol is held as a mighty symbol.

  The same as the symbol in which the symbols of the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e are held based on a predetermined position separated from the end of the symbol display area 141d toward the upstream side before starting the scroll. Rewrite with the establishment symbol (round symbol) (see FIG. 40A-2). The position of the base point is determined by the process of step S2315 of the appeal rewriting process of FIG. 25, and the number of consecutive symbols is determined by the process of step S2317.

  When scrolling is started, the symbol (round symbol) rewritten by the appeal rewriting process is immediately displayed in the symbol display area 141d (see FIG. 40 (a-3)).

  When the scrolling is stopped, a plurality of establishment symbols (round symbols) are stopped and displayed on the replacement reel bands 3x-a and 3x-e, and the replacement reel bands 3x-b to 3x-d are displayed. The symbol for establishment (round symbol) is stopped and displayed as the mighty symbol, and the symbols are rearranged (see FIG. 40A-4).

  As shown in FIG. 40 (b), various symbols for establishment are determined to be rearranged in the symbol display area 141d in the normal reel bands 3n-a to 3n-e. As shown in FIG. 40 (a-4), when the symbol for establishment after replacement of the reel band 3x for replacement overlaps the symbol of the normal reel band 3n, the symbol after replacement of the reel band 3x for replacement is replaced. The establishment symbol is preferentially displayed in the symbol display area 141d.

<<<< Example of Symbol Display >>>>
As shown in FIG. 34, 15 stop positions of 5 lines × 3 stages are defined in the symbol display area 141d. By stopping and displaying symbols at each of the 15 stop positions, 15 symbols can be rearranged. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing only cells at the stop position, with symbols omitted.

<Example of display of mighty symbol 1>
The slot machine 10 may display a mighty symbol. The mighty symbol has a size of 9 symbols of 3 symbols × 3 levels. FIG. 35A is an example in which five video reels 3a to 3e are stopped, all symbols are rearranged, and the entire mighty symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 141d. FIG. 35B and FIG. 35C are examples in which part of the mighty symbol is displayed in the symbol display area 141d. In FIGS. 35A to 35C, the mighty symbol is indicated by a large circle, and the other symbols are omitted.

  In the base game mode, a free game mode is triggered by the appearance of one FEATURE as a mighty symbol. In the base game mode, when one whole PICT_A appears as a mighty symbol, the re-spinning feature game mode is triggered. In the free game mode, the respin feature game mode is triggered when one symbol other than FEATURE appears as a mighty symbol.

  The trigger of the free game mode or the trigger of the re-spinning feature game mode needs to display the entire mighty symbol as shown in FIG. 35A. Therefore, when a part of the mighty symbol is displayed as shown in FIG.

  FEATURE is a scatter symbol. As shown in FIG. 35A, when the entire FEATURE is displayed, a winning pattern is established and a payout is determined (see FIG. 13).

<Specific example 2 of display of mighty symbol>
WILD may be displayed as a mighty symbol. FIG. 36A is an example in which five video reels 3a to 3e are stopped, all symbols are rearranged, and a part of WILD is displayed as a mighty symbol in the symbol display area 141d. When WILD is displayed as a mighty symbol, as shown in FIG. 36B, the WILD is divided into a plurality of normal-sized WILDs, and it is determined that a winning pattern is established along the activated payline. The

  As shown in FIG. 36A, when WILD is displayed as a mighty symbol, it is not necessary to display the entire mighty symbol, and even when only a part is displayed, it is determined that a winning pattern is established.

  In FIG. 36A to FIG. 36B, WILD is indicated by characters, and other symbols are omitted.

<Example 3 of displaying mighty symbols>
In the base game mode, as shown in FIG. 37A, when one whole PICT_A appears as a mighty symbol, the re-spinning feature game mode is triggered. When the re-spinning feature game mode is entered, as shown in FIG. 37B, only the two video reels 3a and 3e start to scroll again. Mighty symbol PICT_A maintains the appearance state.

  When the two video reels 3a and 3e are stopped, as shown in FIG. 37C, a normal size PICT_A is displayed on the two video reels 3a and 3e, and a winning pattern is formed along the activated payline. Is determined. In this case, PICT_A that is a mighty symbol is not divided into symbols of a normal size, and the size of the mighty symbol is maintained.

  In the free game mode, the respin feature game mode is triggered when one symbol other than FEATURE appears as a mighty symbol. In this case as well, scrolling is performed as shown in FIGS. 37A to 37C.

  37A to 37C, symbols other than PICT_A and FEATURE are indicated by triangles, and the other symbols are omitted.

10 Slot machine 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e Video reel 3n-a, 3n-b, 3n-c, 3n-d, 3n-e (3n) Normal reel band 3x-a, 3x-b, 3x- c, 3x-d, 3x-e (3x) Replacement reel band 100 controller, game controller 200 main CPU
210 Main RAM
131 Upper display device 131b Upper liquid crystal display panel 141 Lower display device 141b Lower liquid crystal display panel 141d Lower symbol display area

Claims (5)

A gaming machine having the following configuration,
A symbol display device having a display area for rearranging a plurality of types of symbols and displaying a game result;
A controller that executes a game by scrolling a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols along a scroll line of the symbol display device;
A memory for storing data of symbols constituting the symbol sequence,
The plurality of types of symbols include a symbol for establishment that can establish a winning pattern, and a replacement symbol that is replaced with the symbol for establishment,
The scroll line is
The first type of scroll line;
A plurality of second type scroll lines different from the first type scroll lines,
The symbol sequence is
A symbol row for the first type line that is scroll-displayed on the first type scroll line;
A symbol row for a second type line scroll-displayed on the second type scroll line,
The symbols constituting the symbol row for the first type line are displayed in a first display form displayed for each scroll line,
The symbols constituting the symbol line for the second type line are displayed in a second display form that is displayed across the plurality of second type scroll lines,
The controller is programmed to perform the following processing.
(1-1) Symbol lottery processing for determining symbols to be stopped;
(1-2) An established symbol lottery process for selecting any establishment symbol from the plurality of establishment symbols;
(1-3) Replacement for replacing the replacement symbols constituting the first-type line symbol sequence and the second-type line symbol sequence with the establishment symbols selected in the establishment symbol lottery process. processing,
(1-4) The first type scroll line is changed to the first type scroll line based on a position separated from the display region by a predetermined number of symbols for establishing the symbol row for the first type line replaced by the replacement process. Array processing, which rearranges continuously along
(1-5) A process of starting scroll display of the first type scroll line and scroll display of the second type scroll line after executing the arrangement process. The array processing (1-4) is as follows.
(2-1) Symbol placement determination lottery processing for determining, with a predetermined winning probability, whether or not to rearrange the symbols for establishing the symbol row for the first type line;
(2-2) an arrangement lottery process for determining the position of the base point and the number of consecutive symbols for establishment;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, comprising: The plurality of symbols further includes a blank symbol that is irrelevant to both the establishment of the winning pattern and the replacement of the symbol,
The symbol row for the first type line and the symbol row for the second type line are:
A normal symbol string composed of the establishment symbols;
A replacement symbol string constituted by the blank symbol and the replacement symbol, and
In the replacement symbol string, a plurality of the replacement symbols are continuously arranged,
The replacement process of (1-3) is a process of replacing all of the plurality of replacement symbols in the replacement symbol string with the establishment symbols selected in the establishment symbol lottery process of (1-2). ,
In the scroll display of (1-5), the symbols of the normal symbol column and the symbols of the replacement symbol column after the replacement process are displayed on the first type scroll line and the second type scroll line. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a process of scrolling and displaying the images. The controller is
(4-1) The predetermined establishment symbol is provided on the condition that all of the predetermined establishment symbols of the symbol row for the second type line are rearranged in the display area in the second display form. Executing the symbol placement determination lottery process for selecting a symbol with a lottery probability higher than the predetermined winning probability;
(4-2) When the symbol placement determination lottery process is won, the array processing for continuously arranging the predetermined establishment symbols from the base point along the first type scroll line is executed,
(4-3) The first type line is maintained in a state where the predetermined symbols for establishment of the second type line are stopped and displayed in the display area in the second display form. Processing to scroll the symbol column for
(4-4) After a predetermined time has elapsed after the processing of (4-3), based on the result of the symbol lottery processing, the predetermined establishment symbol of the symbol row for the first type line is Processing to stop display in the first display form;
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein: The process (4-4)
(5-1) The symbol lottery process is performed by replacing the symbol for the predetermined establishment that has been entirely stopped and displayed in the display area in the second display mode by the process of (4-3). 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, which is a process of stopping and displaying in the first display form with the symbol row for the first type line based on the result of the above.

Images