JP2017056047A - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine high in game amusement.SOLUTION: A gaming machine comprises: a display device comprising a display region for arranging again symbols, on plural reels in which the plural symbols are arranged; and a controller. The controller executes processing for executing a normal game in which symbols to be arranged again on the display region are determined by a lottery and the symbols are arranged again on the display region, processing for shifting the game state to a free game when a prescribed condition is established in the normal game, processing for executing a game in which symbols to be arranged again on the display region are determined by the lottery and the symbols are arranged again on the display region in the free game, processing for determining, by the lottery, the number of specific symbols to be arranged again on the display region when a prescribed condition is established in the free game, and processing for applying allotment according to the number of the specific symbols arranged again on the display region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  In general, as a gaming machine, there is a slot machine that rearranges a plurality of symbols on a display device each time a player operates a button arranged on a control panel.

  As this type of slot machine, Patent Document 1 discloses that a normal game in which a plurality of symbols are rearranged on a display device is executed, and a free game execution right is given as a privilege when a predetermined condition is satisfied in this normal game. A gaming machine to be given to a player is disclosed.

JP 2011-30896 A

  By the way, even during the free game, the predetermined condition may be satisfied as in the normal game. At this time, if no privilege is given to the player, the player's interest in satisfying the predetermined condition during the free game will be lost, and as a result, the gaming machine may have a low gaming interest. There is.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that has a high level of entertainment.

In order to solve the above problem, the gaming machine according to the present invention provides:
A display device having a display area for displaying a game result by rearranging the symbols on a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols including a specific symbol are arranged;
A first table that defines lottery probabilities for each of a plurality of types of the specific symbols that can be rearranged in the display area; and a plurality of types of the specific symbols that can be rearranged in the display area. A storage device for storing a second table defining a dividend;
And a controller programmed to execute the following processing.
(A) A process of executing a base game in which the symbols to be rearranged in the display area are determined by lottery and the determined symbols are rearranged in the display area;
(B) a process of shifting to a free game when a predetermined condition is established in the normal game;
(C) In the free game, a process of determining the symbols to be rearranged in the display area by lottery, and rearranging the determined symbols in the display area, and executing the game a predetermined number of times;
(D) When the predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game, the number of the specific symbols to be rearranged in the display area is determined by lottery from a plurality of types with reference to the first table. processing,
(E) a process of rearranging the number of the specific symbols determined in the process of (D) in the display area;
(F) A process of giving a payout according to the number of the specific symbols rearranged in the display area in the process of (E) with reference to the second table.

  According to the above configuration, when the predetermined condition that triggers the transition to the free game in the base game is established during the free game, the number of specific symbols is determined by lottery, and the determined number of specific symbols are displayed. Rearranged in the display area of the device. Then, a payout according to the number of specific symbols rearranged in the display area is awarded. Therefore, even during the free game, it is possible to prevent the interest in satisfying the predetermined condition from being lost, and as a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that has a high gaming interest.

In the gaming machine of the present invention,
The storage device
A third table defining a lottery probability for each of the plurality of symbols arranged on the plurality of reels;
The controller is
In the base game of (A) and the free game of (C), the rearrangement in the display area is performed based on the lottery probability for each of the plurality of symbols defined in the third table. The symbol may be determined by lottery.

  According to the above configuration, in the base game and the free game, the symbols to be rearranged in the display area are determined with reference to the third table. On the other hand, the number of specific symbols to be rearranged in the display area when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game is determined by referring to the first table. As described above, the number of specific symbols to be rearranged in the display area when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game can be determined without depending on the lottery process when determining the symbols in the normal game or the free game. .

In the gaming machine of the present invention,
The controller is
In the base game of (A) and the free game of (C), when the specific symbol is rearranged in the display area, it is rearranged in the display area with reference to the second table. Further, a payout according to the number of the specific symbols may be awarded.

  According to the above configuration, when a specific symbol is rearranged in the base game and the free game, the rearranged specific symbol is referred to by referring to the second table that is referred to when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game. A payout according to the number of items will be awarded. Therefore, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game, the player is conscious as if the process of rearranging the specific symbols in the display area and giving a payout is a game similar to the normal game and the free game. It becomes possible to make it. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a higher gaming interest.

In the gaming machine of the present invention,
The controller is
In the free game of (C), when a predetermined number or more of the specific symbols are rearranged in the display area according to the lottery result based on the third table, or
When the predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game, the number of the specific symbols determined by lottery with reference to the first table in the process of (D) is equal to or more than the predetermined number, In the process of E), when the predetermined number or more of the specific symbols are rearranged in the display area,
The free game may be terminated even when the predetermined number of games have not been digested in the free game.

  According to the above configuration, in the free game, when a predetermined number or more of specific symbols are rearranged in the display area based on the lottery result based on the third table, or when the predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game, When the number of specific symbols determined by lottery with reference to one table is a predetermined number or more and a predetermined number or more of the specific symbols are rearranged in the display area, the free game is ended. Therefore, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game, the player is more conscious as if the process of rearranging the specific symbols in the display area and giving a payout is a game similar to the normal game and the free game. It is possible to make it. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a higher gaming interest.

In the gaming machine of the present invention,
The plurality of symbols includes a trigger symbol;
The controller may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the trigger symbol is rearranged on the display device.

  According to the above configuration, special control is added using the result of symbol lottery, which is one of the processes executed in each unit game, regardless of whether the game state is a normal game or a free game. By making the predetermined conditions common without doing so, it becomes possible to prevent complication of control in each unit game.

  The present invention can provide a gaming machine with a high gaming interest.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of the gaming machine. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a functional flow of the gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an overall configuration of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of a symbol row | line | column. It is explanatory drawing of a payline. It is a figure explaining the relationship between a BET button and the number of bets. FIG. 10 is an electrical block diagram of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol lottery table for normal games. It is a figure which shows a payout table. It is a figure which shows a progressive payout setting table. It is a figure which shows the symbol lottery table for free games. It is a figure which shows the symbol lottery table for free games. It is a figure which shows the symbol lottery table for free games. It is a figure which shows the symbol lottery table for free games. It is a figure which shows the symbol lottery table for free games. It is a figure which shows the symbol lottery table for free games. It is a figure which shows the symbol lottery table for free games. It is a figure which shows the symbol lottery table for free games. It is a figure which shows the specific symbol number lottery table. It is a figure which shows a stop position determination table. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of main control processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of a betting / start check process of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of processing related to progressive jackpots of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of free game processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of specific symbol rearrangement processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 20 is a view illustrating an example of a display on a liquid crystal display device in the gaming machine. FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of display on the upper image display panel and the display window in the gaming machine. FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of display on the upper image display panel and the display window in the gaming machine. FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of display on the upper image display panel and the display window in the gaming machine. FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of display on the upper image display panel and the display window in the gaming machine. FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of display on the upper image display panel and the display window in the gaming machine. FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of display on the upper image display panel and the display window in the gaming machine. FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of display on the upper image display panel and the display window in the gaming machine. FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of display on the upper image display panel and the display window in the gaming machine. FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of display on the upper image display panel and the display window in the gaming machine. FIG. 28 is a view illustrating an example of display on the upper image display panel and the display window in the gaming machine.

(Outline of gaming machine)
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view illustrating the outline of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a reel device M1 (an example of a display device). The reel device M1 has five reels 101 to 105 in which a plurality of symbols 501 including a specific symbol 501a are continuously arranged on the outer peripheral surface. A part of the plurality of symbols arranged on each of the reels 101 to 105 is made visible to the outside through the display window 150. Specifically, the display window 150 makes three symbols 501 visible to the outside for each of the reels 101 to 105, so that a total of 15 symbols 501 are visible to the outside. In the present embodiment, the trigger symbols 501 b are arranged only on the reel 103 among the five reels 101 to 105.

  The reel device M1 rearranges the symbols 501 in the display window 150 by individually rotating and driving the five reels 101 to 105 and then stopping the rotation.

  The gaming machine 1 is also provided with a payline for determining winning of the symbol 501 rearranged in the display window 150. In the present embodiment, a total of five paylines are set, but only one payline L1 is shown in FIG.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 includes a storage device (such as a RAM 73) that stores various tables such as a payout table (corresponding to the second table: see FIG. 9) and a specific symbol number lottery table (corresponding to the first table: see FIG. 12). It has. Although the details will be described later, the specific symbol number lottery table is a table that defines lottery probabilities for each of the plural types of specific symbols 501a that can be rearranged on the payline L1 (corresponding to the display area) of the display window 150. is there. The payout table is a table that prescribes payouts for each of a plurality of types of specific symbols 501a that can be rearranged on the payline of the display window 150. The outline of processing contents of the gaming machine 1 is as follows.

  The gaming machine 1 determines a symbol to be rearranged on the display window 150 by lottery, and executes a base game in which the determined symbol is rearranged on the display window 150 (S1). Then, the gaming machine 1 shifts to the free game when the predetermined condition is satisfied by rearranging the trigger symbol 501b in the display window 150 (S2) in the normal game (S3). In this free game, a game in which symbols to be rearranged in the display window 150 are determined by lottery and the determined symbols are rearranged in the display window 150 is executed a predetermined number of times.

  Then, when the predetermined condition is satisfied by rearranging the trigger symbol 501b in the display window 150 in the free game (S4), the gaming machine 1 displays the specific symbol number lottery table (see FIG. 12) with reference to The number of specific symbols 501a to be rearranged on the payline L1 of the window 150 is determined by lottery (S5). After that, the gaming machine 1 rearranges the number of the specific symbols 501a determined in S5 on the payline L1 of the display window 150 (S6), and refers to the payout table (see FIG. 9) and re-positions on the payline L1. A payout according to the number of specific symbols 501a arranged is awarded (S7).

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 1, when the predetermined condition that triggers the transition to the free game in the base game is established during the free game, the number of the specific symbols 501a is determined by lottery. The specific symbol 501a is rearranged on the payline L1 of the display window 150. Then, a payout according to the number of specific symbols rearranged on the payline L1 of the display window 150 is awarded. Therefore, even during the free game, the player's interest in satisfying the predetermined condition can be suppressed, and as a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that has a high gaming interest.

(Definitions, etc.)
The normal game and the free game in this embodiment are executed by the gaming machine 1. The normal game and the free game are slot games in which a plurality of symbols 501 are rearranged. Note that the rearrangement of the symbols 501 in the slot game is performed by the reel device M1. The base game is a game in which a symbol 501 is rearranged on the display window 150 by the reel device M1 on the condition that a bet of game value is given, and a payout according to the rearranged symbol 501 is awarded. In other words, the normal game is a game that is started on the premise that the game value is consumed. On the other hand, a free game is a game that can be executed with fewer game value bets than a normal game. “A game can be executed with fewer bets of game value” includes the case where the bet is “0”. In the present embodiment, the “free game” is a game that is executed without a game value bet as a condition. In other words, a “free game” is a game that is started without presuming the consumption of game value.

  A free game is synonymous with a bonus game. In the present embodiment, a free game is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied in a normal game. In addition, the free game is a game in a game state that is more advantageous than the normal game, and other bonus games may be adopted as long as the game state is advantageous to the player, that is, a game state that is more advantageous than the normal game. . For example, a free game has various states such as a state in which more game values can be acquired than a normal game, a state in which game values can be acquired with a higher probability than a normal game, and a state in which the number of game values consumed is lower than in a normal game May be realized alone or in combination.

  The game value is electronic valuable information such as electronic money. Note that the game value in the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be a game medium such as a coin, a medal, a token, or a ticket. The ticket is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a ticket with a barcode attached with a barcode in which data such as the number of credits is encoded. Further, the game value may be a game point that does not include valuable information.

  The rearrangement means a state in which the symbols 501 are arranged again after the arrangement of the symbols 501 is cancelled. Arrangement means that the symbol 501 can be visually confirmed by an external player. Specifically, in the rearrangement, after the symbols 501 on the reels 101 to 105 are scroll-displayed (variably displayed) as the reels 101 to 105 rotate, the rotation of the reels 101 to 105 stops and the symbols 501 are displayed. The symbol is stopped in the display window 150 when the scroll display is stopped.

(Explanation of functional flow diagram)
With reference to FIG. 2, a basic function of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a function flow of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

<Bet start check>
First, the gaming machine checks whether or not the BET button has been pressed by the player, and subsequently checks whether or not the spin button has been pressed by the player.

<Symbol decision>
Next, when the spin button is pressed by the player, the gaming machine extracts a random number for symbol determination, and displays (rearranges) the reel when rotation of the reel is stopped according to each of the plurality of reels. Determine the symbol to be used.

(Reel control)
Next, the gaming machine performs a control to start the rotation of each reel and stop the rotation of each reel so that the determined symbol is displayed to the player.

<Winning determination>
Next, when the rotation of each reel is stopped, the gaming machine determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed on the player is related to winning.

<Bonus grant>
Next, when the combination of symbols displayed on the player is related to winning, the gaming machine gives a privilege according to the type of combination of symbols to the player. For example, when a combination of symbols related to the granting of credits is displayed, the gaming machine gives the player a number of credits corresponding to the combination of symbols.

  Further, the gaming machine cumulatively adds a part of the bet number (bet amount) bet to the progressive payout amount stored in the storage device for each normal game. When the symbol combination related to the progressive payout is displayed, the gaming machine gives the player a credit amount corresponding to the payout amount of the progressive payout stored in the storage device.

<Free game>
The gaming machine shifts to the free game, assuming that a predetermined condition is satisfied when a trigger symbol that triggers the free game is rearranged in the display window. Then, the gaming machine determines the number of specific symbols by lottery, assuming that a predetermined condition is satisfied when the trigger symbol is rearranged in the display window in the free game. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, determining the number of specific symbols is synonymous with determining one payout from a plurality of types of payouts. Next, the gaming machine performs a control to start the rotation of each reel and stop the rotation of each reel so that the determined number of specific symbols are displayed on the payline of the display window. Next, the gaming machine gives a player a payout according to the number of specific symbols rearranged on the payline.

  In addition to the above-described benefits, the gaming machine may be provided with benefits such as a mystery bonus and insurance. In the mystery bonus, a predetermined amount of credit is given by winning a special lottery. In this case, when the spin button is pressed, the gaming machine extracts a random value for the mystery bonus and determines by lottery whether or not to establish the mystery bonus trigger.

  Insurance is a function provided for the purpose of relieving the player from a situation where a free game has not been played for a long period of time. When insurance is activated, it is exchanged for a predetermined amount of insurance. When insurance is validated, the gaming machine starts counting the number of games. Then, the gaming machine gives a credit of an amount set for insurance when the counted number of games reaches a predetermined number without giving a large amount of credit due to a free game or the like.

<Determination of production>
The gaming machine produces effects by displaying an image on a display, outputting light from a lamp, and outputting sound from a speaker. The gaming machine extracts a random number for production, and decides the content of the production based on the symbol determined by lottery.

(Overall structure of gaming machine 1)
Next, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the overall configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the gaming machine 1, electronic valuable information such as electronic money is used as the game value. Note that the game value is not limited to these, and for example, coins, medals, tokens, barcoded tickets, and the like may be employed.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided on the front surface of the cabinet 11. The main door 13 is provided with a speaker 112.

  The main door 13 is provided with a reel device M1 including five reels 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105. A reel cover 135 is provided on the front surface of the reel device M1. A liquid crystal display device 134 and a transparent panel are provided on the front surface of the reel cover 135. The liquid crystal display device 134 has a built-in touch panel 114 (see FIG. 7). The player can input various instructions by touching the liquid crystal display device 134.

  The reel cover 135 has a display window 150 at the center. The display window 150 makes 15 symbols 501 in 5 columns and 3 rows visible from the outside. In the present embodiment, the number of the symbols 501 that can be visually recognized from the outside by the display window 150 is three per reel 101 to 105, but is not particularly limited thereto, and may be one or more. That's fine. Further, the number of reels is not particularly limited to five, and may be three, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 4, 22 symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 101 to 105. These 22 symbols are continuously arranged along the rotation direction of the reels 101 to 105 to form a symbol row.

  In the gaming machine 1, a total of five paylines L1 to L5 are set for determining the winning of the symbol 501 rearranged in the display window 150. In the present embodiment, when the game is executed, all five paylines L1 to L5 are uniformly activated regardless of the number of bets placed. On the activated paylines L1 to L5, various prizes can be established by combinations of the symbols 501. As a modified example, each payline may be configured to be activated according to the player's selection. Also. The number of paylines is not limited to five, and may be one, for example.

  In the following description, winning in the payline format is also referred to as line winning, and winning in the scatter format is also referred to as scatter winning. Also, winning a prize is simply referred to as win.

  The reel device M1 repositions the symbols 501 in the display window 150 by rotating and driving the reels 101 to 105 having the symbols 501 arranged on the outer peripheral surface as shown in FIG. To do. In the following description, the first reel 101, the second reel 102, the third reel 103, the fourth reel 104, and the fifth reel 105 are also referred to in order from the left end as viewed from the front.

  A backlight device (not shown) is provided on each of the inner peripheral sides of the reels 101 to 105 configured as described above. The backlight device is arranged so that illumination light is emitted from the inner peripheral side of the reels 101 to 105 toward the outer peripheral surface of the reel, and the irradiation light transmitted through the outer peripheral surface of the reel is visible from the outside of the display window 150. ing. The backlight device has a specification in which the amount of light when the illumination light is emitted can be changed in a plurality of stages, and it is possible to increase the degree of freedom of effects using the illumination light. Each backlight device is capable of emitting multicolor light, and illuminates illumination light for each symbol.

  In this embodiment, the case where the gaming machine 1 includes the mechanical reel type reel device M1 is described. However, the gaming machine 1 of the present invention may be a video reel type that displays a pseudo reel. In addition, a video reel and a mechanical system may be mixed.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the liquid crystal display device 134 is a device that displays various types of information to the player. In the upper area 410 of the liquid crystal display device 134, various displays are made according to the state of the game. For example, a line winning signboard shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. In the lower area 420 of the liquid crystal display device 134, a denomination button 421, a menu button 422, a volume switching button 423, a bet meter 424, a credit meter 425, and a win meter 426 are arranged in this order from the left side. In the lower area 420, a game state display unit 427 is arranged above the denomination button 421, the menu button 422, and the volume switching button 423.

  The denomination button 421 displays the current denomination set by the audit. When the menu button 422 is touched, a menu screen is displayed. The volume switching button 423 switches the game volume in, for example, three stages, and switches the game volume from small to medium to large to small to medium and so on each time it is touched.

  The bet meter 424 displays the number of bets placed. This number of bets is recalculated for each game play. The credit meter 425 displays the current total number of credits. The initial value of the total number of credits is 0, and is increased or decreased depending on game value input, betting, and game results. The win meter 426 displays the total credit of the winning prize.

  The game state display unit 427 displays the current state of the game. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the current value of BET MULTIPLIER (described later) and the like are displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 3, an upper image display panel 131 is provided on the front surface of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 131 is a liquid crystal panel and constitutes a display. The upper image display panel 131 displays the current progressive payout amount and the like as shown in FIG. The screen displayed on the upper image display panel 131 will be described in detail later.

  A lamp 111 is provided on the front surface of the top box 12 or the like.

  Below the reel device M1, a control panel 30 provided with various buttons, a PTS device 700, and a bill entry 60 are provided.

  The bill entry 60 is for identifying whether or not a bill is appropriate and accepting a regular bill into the cabinet 11. The bill entry 60 is electrically connected to the PTS device 700, and transmits an input signal based on the amount of the bill to the PTS device 700 when a regular bill is received. This input signal includes information such as credit data related to the accepted bill.

  The PTS device 700 is a unit in which an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a human body detection camera, a microphone, and the like are integrated. The human body detection camera can detect the presence or absence of a player by a camera function. The microphone is used for the player to participate in the game by voice or to authenticate the player by voice recognition. Further, the PTS device 700 is provided with a card insertion slot so that an IC card can be inserted. Thereby, the player can use the credit stored in the IC card in the gaming machine 1 by inserting the IC card into the card insertion slot.

(Control panel 30)
The control panel 30 arranges the HELP button 31 and the CASHOUT button 32 in the left region, and arranges the first BET button 34, the second BET button 35, the third BET button 36, the fourth BET button 37, and the fifth BET button 38 in the central region. The spin button 46 is arranged in the right region toward the right side.

  The HELP button 31 is a button that is pressed when the game operation method or the like is unknown. When the HELP button 31 is pressed, various types of help information are displayed on the upper image display panel 131 or the like. The CASHOUT button 32 is an operation button used when clearing credits deposited in the gaming machine 1.

  The first BET button 34 to the fifth BET button 38 are associated with different bet numbers, respectively. In the present embodiment, the first BET button 34 is a button for starting a base game with 30 bets. The second BET button 35 is a button for starting a normal game with 60 bets. The third BET button 36 is a button for starting a base game with 90 bets. The fourth BET button 37 is a button for starting a normal game with 150 bets. The fifth BET button 38 is a button for starting a base game with 300 bets. Accordingly, when the first BET button 34, the second BET button 35, the third BET button 36, the fourth BET button 37, and the fifth BET button 38 are pressed, the number of bets to bet in the base game is determined. In this embodiment, the number of bets that can be bet per normal game is 30, 60, 90, 150, and 300 bets.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, there are four types of combinations of bet numbers (hereinafter also referred to as “Bet Config”) associated with each of the first BET button 34 to the fifth BET button 38, and software setting ( According to the audit setting), one combination is selected from these four types.

  This auditing setting can be performed, for example, via an audit menu displayed on the liquid crystal display device 134 or the like when the administrator inserts a key (AUDIT key) into a key hole (not shown) of the gaming machine 1 and turns it. . The administrator can select one Bet Config from the four types of Bet Config by performing an input operation on the gaming machine 1 via the touch panel 114 or the like in accordance with the audit menu displayed. Is possible. It should be noted that various settings such as a setting change for each country where the gaming machine 1 is installed can be made by the audit setting.

  The spin button 46 is a button used when starting to scroll the reels 101 to 105.

(Symbol column)
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the arrangement of the symbols 501 included in each of the first reel 101, the second reel 102, the third reel 103, the fourth reel 104, and the fifth reel 105 of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows an arrangement of symbols 501 displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. The first reel 101, the second reel 102, the third reel 103, the fourth reel 104, and the fifth reel 105 are symbols composed of 22 symbols 501 corresponding to code numbers “00” to “21”, respectively. A column is assigned.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the types of symbols include “SEVEN”, “3BAR”, “2BAR”, “1BAR”, “CHERRY”, “F_CHERRY”, and “BLANK”. Note that only one “F_CHERRY” is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the third reel 103. “BLANK” is a symbol having no pattern unlike other symbols. Since this “BLANK” symbol is arranged every other symbol row, the symbols 501 having one or two patterns for each symbol row can be viewed from the outside in the display window 150. In the present embodiment, the “SEVEN” symbol 501 corresponds to the specific symbol 501a.

(Circuit configuration of the gaming machine)
Next, a configuration of a circuit included in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming board 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, and a boot ROM 53 connected to each other via an internal bus, and an IC socket 57 corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 56. In addition, the gaming board 50 can be connected to an SSD (solid state drive) device 55.

  The SSD device 55 is a storage device having a flash memory 54 and is detachably connected to the gaming board 50. The flash memory 54 stores a game program. The game program includes a program related to game progression and an effect program for executing effects by images and sounds.

  The content of the game played in the gaming machine 1 can also be changed by rewriting the program stored in the flash memory 54 with another one or by replacing the SSD device 55 with another program stored in the flash memory 54. can do.

  The GAL 56 is a kind of PLD (Programmable Logic Device) having an OR fixed type array structure. The GAL 56 includes a plurality of input ports and output ports. When a predetermined input is input to the input port, the corresponding data is output from the output port.

  The IC socket 57 is configured so that the GAL 56 can be attached and detached, and is connected to the mother board 70 by a PCI bus.

  The CPU 51, ROM 52, and boot ROM 53 connected to each other via an internal bus are connected to the motherboard 70 via a PCI bus. The PCI bus transmits signals between the motherboard 70 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power from the motherboard 70 to the gaming board 50.

  The ROM 52 stores an authentication program. The boot ROM 53 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) for the CPU 51 to start the preliminary authentication program. The authentication program is a program (tamper check program) for authenticating the game program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The authentication program and the preliminary authentication program are described in accordance with a procedure (authentication procedure) for authenticating that the target program has not been tampered with.

  The motherboard 70 includes a main CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, and a communication interface 82. The ROM 72 and RAM 73 correspond to the storage device of the present invention.

  The ROM 72 includes a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS executed by the main CPU 71 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 71, initialization processing of predetermined peripheral devices is performed. At this time, the main CPU 71 starts to take in the game program stored in the SSD device 55 via the gaming board 50.

  The controller according to the present invention includes the main CPU 71, the ROM 72, the RAM 73, and the SSD device 55 that stores the game program, and is configured to control the gaming machine by executing the game program on the main CPU 71. . It goes without saying that the controller is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which the game program is stored in the ROM 72 instead of the SSD device 55 can be adopted.

  The RAM 73 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 71 operates. For example, when the above-described game program or authentication program is loaded, these can be stored. The RAM 73 is provided with a work area for executing the program. For example, an area for storing the number of games, the number of bets in the base game, the number of credits awarded, an area for storing a symbol (code number) determined by lottery, and the like are provided.

  The RAM 73 also has a base game symbol lottery table (see FIG. 8), a payout table (see FIG. 9), a progressive payout setting table (see FIG. 10), and a free game symbol lottery table (see FIGS. 11A to 11H). Various tables such as a specific symbol number lottery table (see FIG. 12) and a stop position determination table (see FIG. 13) are stored.

  The communication interface 82 is for communicating with the PTS device 700 and the external control device 200. When the PTS device 700 receives an input signal from the bill entry 60, the PTS device 700 transmits credit data included in the input signal to the main CPU 71 via the communication interface 82. Further, when an IC card is inserted into the card insertion slot, the PTS device 700 transmits credit data stored in the IC card to the main CPU 71 via the communication interface 82. Further, the PTS device 700 writes credit data to the IC card inserted into the card insertion slot based on the control signal received from the main CPU 71 via the communication interface 82.

  Also, a door PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 90 and a main body PCB 110, which will be described later, are connected to the motherboard 70 by USB. Further, a power supply unit 81 is connected to the motherboard 70. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 81 to the motherboard 70, the main CPU 71 of the motherboard 70 is activated, and power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus to activate the CPU 51.

  Input devices such as switches and sensors and peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by the main CPU 71 are connected to the door PCB 90 and the main body PCB 110. A control panel 30 and a cold cathode tube 93 are connected to the door PCB 90.

  The control panel 30 includes a HELP switch 31S, a CASHOUT switch 32S, a first BET switch 34S, a second BET switch 35S, a third BET switch 36S, a fourth BET switch 37S, a fifth BET switch 38S, and a spin switch corresponding to the above-described buttons. 46S is provided. Each switch detects that the corresponding button has been pressed by the player, and outputs a signal to the main CPU 71.

  The cold cathode tube 93 functions as a backlight installed on the back side of the upper image display panel 131 and lights up based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71.

  A lamp 111, a speaker 112, a graphic board 130, a liquid crystal display device 134, a touch panel 114, an index detection circuit 151, a position change detection circuit 152, a backlight control circuit 153, and a motor drive circuit 154 are connected to the main body PCB 110. Further, the index detection circuit 151, the position change detection circuit 152, the backlight control circuit 153, and the motor drive circuit 154 are connected to the reel device M1.

  The lamp 111 is lit based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71. The speaker 112 outputs a sound such as BGM based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71.

  The graphic board 130 controls display of images performed by the upper image display panel 131 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71. The graphic board 130 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data, a video RAM that stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. Note that the image data used when generating image data by VDP is included in the game program read from the SSD device 55 and stored in the RAM 73.

  The liquid crystal display device 134 displays an image based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71. The touch panel 114 detects a position touched by the player's finger or the like on the upper image display panel 131 and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected position to the main CPU 71.

  A stepping motor that rotates the reels 101 to 105 is connected to the motor drive circuit 154. In addition, the motor drive circuit 154 includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and a driver. The FPGA is an electronic circuit such as a programmable LSI and functions as a control circuit for the stepping motor. The driver functions as an amplifier circuit for pulses input to the stepping motor.

  The index detection circuit 151 detects the positions of the rotating reels 101 to 105, and can detect the step-out of the reels 101 to 105.

  The position change detection circuit 152 detects a change in the stop position of the reels 101 to 105 after the rotation of the reels 101 to 105 is stopped. For example, the position change detection circuit 152 changes the stop position so that it becomes a combination of symbols 501 related to winning by an external action such as fraud even though it is not actually a combination of symbols 501 related to winning. When it is done, a change in the stop position of the reels 101 to 105 is detected. The position change detection circuit 152 is configured to detect changes in the stop positions of the reels 101 to 105 by detecting fins (not shown) attached to the inner portions of the reels 101 to 105 at predetermined intervals, for example. ing.

  The excitation method of the stepping motor is not particularly limited, and a 1-2 phase excitation method or a two phase excitation method can be adopted. Further, a DC motor may be employed instead of the stepping motor. When a DC motor is employed, a deviation counter, a D / A converter, and a servo amplifier are sequentially connected to the main body PCB 110, and the DC motor is connected to the servo amplifier. The rotational position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder, and the current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied as data from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.

  The backlight control circuit 153 is connected to supply driving power to the backlight device individually. The backlight control circuit 153 can change and control the amount of light when the illumination light is emitted in response to a command from the main CPU 71. Further, the five backlight devices provided on the inner peripheral surfaces of the reels 101 to 105 individually emit illumination light to the 15 symbols 501 stopped on the display window 150 via the backlight control circuit 153. It is possible.

(Normal game)
Next, a normal game executed on the gaming machine 1 will be described. In the base game, the symbols 501 are scroll-displayed by rotating the reels 101 to 105 as shown in FIG. 20, and then the symbols 501 are displayed by stopping the rotation of the reels 101 to 105 as shown in FIG. It is a slot game to be rearranged to 150. In the present embodiment, the rotationally driven reels 101 to 105 are stopped in order from the left reel. That is, the rotation of the first reel 101 is stopped first, thereafter, the rotation is stopped in the order of the second reel 102, the third reel 103, and the fourth reel 104, and finally the rotation of the fifth reel 105 at the right end is stopped. The The symbols 501 to be rearranged in the display window 150 are determined by lottery based on the base game symbol lottery table (corresponding to the third table) shown in FIG.

(Normal game symbol lottery table)
As shown in FIG. 8, the base game symbol lottery table defines lottery probabilities (appearance probabilities) for the symbols 501 of the five reels 101 to 105 in the base game. Specifically, a weight (WEIGHT) is set for each of the reels 101 to 105 with respect to 22 symbols 501. This weight indicates the magnitude of the probability that the corresponding symbol 501 is rearranged in the middle stage of the display window 150. That is, the probability that the corresponding symbol 501 is rearranged in the middle stage of the display window 150 is a value obtained by dividing the code number weight of the symbol by the sum of the code number weights of all symbols. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, “CHERRY” corresponding to the code number “06” of the first reel 101 is rearranged in the middle of the display window 150 with a probability of 1/275.

(Dividend table)
In the base game, a payout according to the symbols rearranged in the display window 150 is awarded to the player with reference to the payout table shown in FIG. This payout table defines the symbol combination (number of symbols) related to the line winning (WIN) and the number of credits given.

  As for the line winning, the winning is determined based on “LEFT TO RIGHT”. That is, line winning is determined by the type and number of symbols 501 continuously arranged along the payline from the first reel 101 at the left end toward the fifth reel 105 at the right end.

  In the present embodiment, basically, for each type of symbols “SEVEN”, “3BAR”, “2BAR”, and “1BAR”, one type of symbol is consecutive from the first reel 101 on one payline. Then, when three, four, or five are rearranged, a line winning is established. Therefore, for example, even if these symbols 501 are continuously arranged along the payline only on the second reel 101, the third reel 103, and the fourth reel 104, they are not line-winned and are not subject to dividends.

  In addition, two or more of the three types of symbols “3BAR”, “2BAR”, and “1BAR” are rearranged on one payline, and the symbols are continuously arranged from the first reel 101. When three, four, or five are rearranged, the “ANY BAR” line winning is established.

  Further, winning of “CHERRY” and “F_CHERRY” symbols is determined in a scatter format. That is, if one or more symbols of “CHERRY” and “F_CHERRY” are rearranged on the display window 150 regardless of the payline, a scatter prize is awarded. Regarding the scatter winning, the symbols “CHERRY” and “F_CHERRY” are regarded as the same type of symbols.

  The payout table shown in FIG. 9 is a table that defines the number of credits to be awarded when a base game is executed with 30 bets. When a normal game is executed with a bet number other than 30 bets, a value obtained by dividing the bet number bet in the normal game by 30 is set as a multiplier (BET MULTIPLIER), and this credit is multiplied by the multiplier shown in FIG. The obtained value is determined as the number of credits granted.

  Therefore, for example, when the base game is executed with 150 bets, the multiplier is 5 (= 150/30). At this time, the symbol “SEVEN” is continuously 3 from the first reel 101 on one payline. If one of them is rearranged, it is determined that the line is won and 5000 (= 1000 × 5) credits are determined as the number of credits granted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is configured to be able to set by auditing whether to use a progressive payout as a privilege to be given to the player. When a progressive payout is used as a privilege, when a base game is executed with 300 bets (MAX-BET), which is the maximum bet that can be bet in one base game, the symbol “SEVEN” is displayed on one payline. When 5 are rearranged, a credit based on the payout table is not given, but a progressive payout is exceptionally given as a privilege.

  The progressive payout amount is a value obtained by cumulatively adding a value corresponding to the number of bets for each base game to the initial value. The value to be cumulatively added for each normal game is a value obtained by multiplying the number of bets made in the normal game by a predetermined ratio (increment rate). The initial value and the increment rate are defined in the progressive payout setting table shown in FIG.

(Progressive dividend setting value table)
As shown in FIG. 10, the progressive payout setting value table defines an initial value and an increment rate for each of the four types of Bet Config. Note that this initial value is a credit converted value, and the actual payout amount varies depending on the denomination. The increment rate is set to “0.50%” by default, but can be changed within the range of “0.01%” to “99.99%” by the audit setting. .

(Production contents during normal games)
Next, the contents of the effect during the normal game will be described. First, an example of a screen displayed on the upper image display panel 131 during the normal game will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 20, a progressive amount meter 601 is displayed at the top of the upper image display panel 131. The progressive amount meter 601 is displayed only when the progressive payout is set as a privilege to be given to the player by the audit setting, and is not displayed when the progressive payout is not set as the privilege.

  Two payout display areas 602 and 603 are arranged below the progressive amount meter 601. In the payout display area 602, when five “SEVEN” symbols 501 are rearranged continuously from the first reel 101 on the payline, when four are rearranged continuously, three are continuously displayed. When rearranged, the payout relating to each line winning is displayed.

  In the payout display area 603, when five symbols “3BAR”, “2BAR”, and “1BAR” 501 are continuously rearranged from the first reel 101 on the payline, four symbols are continuously displayed. When rearranged, when three are rearranged in succession, the payout relating to each line winning is displayed. The payout display area 603 also displays payouts related to the scatter winnings for the symbols 501 of “CHERRY” and “F_CHERRY”.

  A BET state display area 604 and a free game information display area 605 are arranged in order from the left side at the lower part of the screen of the upper image display panel 131. In the BET state display area 604, the number of bets currently bet in the normal game is displayed. In the free game information display area 605, an image for notifying the player that the game is to be shifted to the free game when the trigger symbols 501b arranged on the third reel 103 are rearranged on the display window 150 is displayed.

  In this normal game, when a prize such as a line prize or a scatter prize is won as a result of rearranging the symbols 501 in the display window 150, the prize won and the number of credits to be awarded are displayed on the upper image display panel 131. A screen is displayed. Specifically, when the line winning is established in the base game, the upper image display panel 131 displays a screen showing the number of credits acquired, the payline winning the line, etc., as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when five “SEVEN” symbols 501 are rearranged on the payline when the normal game is executed with the MAX-BET, the upper image display panel 131 has, as shown in FIG. A screen indicating that the progressive payout has been won and the amount of the progressive payout to be awarded is displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the “F_CHERRY” symbol 501 is a trigger symbol 501b serving as a trigger for shifting from the base game to the free game. In the normal game, when the trigger symbol 501b of “F_CHERRY” is rearranged in the display window 150, the game shifts to a free game.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when the trigger symbol 501b is rearranged in the display window 150, the upper image display panel 131 displays a screen indicating the transition to the free game, and then, as shown in FIG. A screen with an explanatory note explaining the content of the free game is displayed.

(Free game)
Next, a free game executed on the gaming machine 1 will be described. A free game is a game in which a slot game is executed a plurality of times (in this embodiment, eight times). Each slot game in the free game is driven by rotating reels 101 to 105 having symbols 501 arranged on the outer peripheral surface as shown in FIG. 25 and then stopping as shown in FIG. In this game, the symbols 501 are rearranged on the display window 150.

  In each slot game in the free game, a payout according to the rearranged symbols is awarded to the player with reference to the payout table (see FIG. 9), as in the normal game. Note that in each slot game of the free game, the bet number betted in the base game that triggered the transition to the free game is inherited. That is, when the base game that triggered the transition to the free game was played with “60 bets”, a value obtained by multiplying the number of credits given in the payout table of FIG. 9 by 2 (= 60/30) is credited. It is determined as the number of grants.

  In each free slot game, the symbols 501 to be rearranged in the display window 150 are determined by lottery based on the free game symbol lottery table (corresponding to the third table) shown in FIGS. 11A to 11H.

(Free game symbol lottery table)
The free game symbol lottery tables shown in FIGS. 11A to 11H define lottery probabilities (appearance probabilities) for the symbols 501 of the five reels 101 to 105 in the free game. In the free game symbol lottery table, as in the normal game symbol lottery table, the weights (WEIGHT) are set for the 22 symbols 501 in each of the reels 101 to 105. This weight indicates the probability of the corresponding symbol 501 being rearranged in the middle stage of the display window 150.

  In the free game, the free game symbol lottery tables used in each of the eight slot games are different from each other. That is, in this embodiment, eight types of free game symbol lottery tables are stored in a storage device such as the RAM 73.

  For example, in the first free game, the free game symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 11A is used. In the second free game, the free game symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 11B is used. In the third free game, the free game symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 11C is used. In the fourth free game, the free game symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 11D is used. In the fifth free game, the free game symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 11E is used. In the sixth free game, the free game symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 11F is used. For the seventh game of the free game, the free game symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 11G is used. In the eighth free game, the free game symbol lottery table shown in FIG. 11H is used.

  In this embodiment, each free game symbol lottery table is set so that the probability that a line winning for the “SEVEN” symbol 501 is established in each slot game of the free game is higher than that in the normal game. It is prescribed. In addition, each free game symbol lottery table is defined such that the probability that a line winning related to the “SEVEN” symbol 501 is established increases as the slot game is consumed in the free game. That is, the probability that the line winning relating to the “SEVEN” symbol 501 is established in the eighth game of the free game is higher than the probability that the line winning relating to the “SEVEN” symbol 501 is established in each of the first to seventh games. As described above, in this embodiment, every time a slot game is executed as a free game, the probability that a line winning related to the “SEVEN” symbol 501 is established increases.

(Specific symbol relocation processing)
In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, when the trigger symbol 501b of “F_CHERRY” is rearranged in the display window 150 during the free game, the specific symbol rearrangement process is executed. . In the specific symbol rearrangement process, the reels 101 to 105 are rotated again to re-symbolize the symbol 501 in the display window 150 so that the line winning for the specific symbol 501a that is the “SEVEN” symbol 501 is established. Processing to arrange is performed. That is, in this specific symbol rearrangement process, three or more “SEVEN” specific symbols 501 a are continuously rearranged from the first reel 101 on the payline L 1 of the display window 150.

  At the start of the specific symbol rearrangement process, the upper image display panel 131 displays a screen that emphasizes to the player that the trigger symbol 501b has been rearranged in the display window 150, as shown in FIG. Later, as shown in FIG. 27, when the symbol 501 is rearranged in the display window 150, a screen indicating that a line winning for the specific symbol 501a of “SEVEN” is established is displayed.

  The number of specific symbols 501a to be rearranged on the payline L1 of the display window 150 is determined by lottery by a specific symbol number lottery process based on the specific symbol number lottery table (FIG. 12).

(Specific symbol number lottery table)
The specific symbol number lottery table shown in FIG. 12 will be described. The specific symbol number lottery table is a table used in the specific symbol number lottery process. This specific symbol number lottery table is a table in which weights are set for each type of the number of specific symbols 501a that can be rearranged in the middle stage (payline L1) of the display window 150. That is, the probability that the number of corresponding specific symbols 501a is determined by the specific symbol number lottery process is a value obtained by dividing the number of weights by the sum of the weights of all the numbers. In the present embodiment, there are a total of five types of “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, and “5” as types of the specific symbols 501a that can be rearranged on the payline L1 of the display window 150. In the specific symbol number lottery process, the probability that “3” is determined by lottery as the number of the specific symbols 501a is 818/1000.

  Further, as can be seen from the specific symbol number lottery table shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the weights (lottery probabilities) defined for “1” and “2” as the number of specific symbols 501a are zero. Therefore, in the specific symbol number lottery process, “1” and “2” are not determined by lottery as the number of the specific symbols 501a. “1” and “2” defined with the lottery probability being zero in this specific symbol number lottery table are rearranged on the payline in each slot game of the base game and the free game as shown in the payout table of FIG. The number of specific symbols 501a to which no payout is awarded even if it is made.

  As described above, the stop positions of the reels 101 to 105 are stored in the stop position determination table (see FIG. 13) so that the number of specific symbols 501a determined by the specific symbol number lottery process is rearranged on the payline L1. It is determined by the stop position determination process based on it.

(Stop position determination table)
The stop position determination table shown in FIG. 13 is a table used in a stop position determination process for determining a stop position for stopping each of the five reels (reels 101 to 105). Specifically, the stop position determination table includes symbols 501 to be rearranged in the middle stage of the display window 150 for each of the three types of numbers “3”, “4”, and “5” that can be determined by the specific symbol number lottery process. The corresponding code number is defined. For example, when the number of specific symbols 501a determined by the specific symbol number lottery process is “5”, the first to fifth reels 101 to 105 specify “SEVEN” corresponding to the code number “14”. The symbol 501a is rearranged in the middle stage of the display window 150 (on the payline L1).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 28, after the reels 101 to 105 are driven to rotate, the reels 101 to 105 are stopped at the stop position determined by the stop position determination process as shown in FIG. As a result, three or more “SEVEN” specific symbols 501a are rearranged on the payline L1, and the line winning relating to the “SEVEN” specific symbol 501a is established.

  Similarly to the slot game in the free game, with reference to the payout table shown in FIG. 9, a payout corresponding to the number of “SEVEN” specific symbols 501a rearranged on the payline L1 is given to the player. The As can be seen from the payout table shown in FIG. 9, the payout given to the player differs depending on the number of the specific symbols 501a of “SEVEN” rearranged on the payline. Therefore, determining the number of specific symbols 501a by lottery by the specific symbol number lottery process is synonymous with determining a payout to be given to the player from a plurality of types of payouts.

  When each of the reels 101 to 105 is stopped, as shown in FIG. 28, the upper image display panel 131 displays an effect image that makes it appear that lightning strikes on the reel to be stopped.

  As described above, when the predetermined condition (the trigger symbol 501b of “F_CHERRY” is rearranged in the display window 150) that triggers the transition to the free game in the base game is established during the free game, the specific symbol The number of 501a is determined by lottery, and the determined number of specific symbols 501a are rearranged on the payline L1. Then, a payout according to the number of specific symbols 501a rearranged on the payline L1 is awarded. Therefore, even during a free game, it is possible to prevent the interest in satisfying the predetermined condition from being lost, and as a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that has a high gaming interest.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined condition that triggers the transition to the free game in the base game is that the trigger symbol 501b of “F_CHERRY” is rearranged in the display window 150, but this is particularly limited to this. Instead, other conditions may be used.

  In addition, the trigger condition 501b of “F_CHERRY” is rearranged in the display window 150 for both the trigger to shift to the free game in the base game and the predetermined condition for triggering the specific symbol rearrangement process in the free game. It is. In this way, regardless of whether the game state is a normal game or a free game, there is no need to add special control using the result of symbol lottery, which is one of the processes executed in each unit game. By making the predetermined conditions common, it is possible to prevent control from being complicated in each unit game.

  In addition, in a base game and a free game slot game, a payout table used for determining a payout to be awarded to a player when the specific symbol 501a is rearranged on the payline, and used in the specific symbol rearrangement process. The payout table is the same. For this reason, whether the process of rearranging the specific symbol 501a on the payline L1 of the display window 150 and giving a payout when the predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game is a game similar to the normal game and the free game Thus, it becomes possible to make the player conscious. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a higher gaming interest.

  Note that, in the base game and the slot game in the free game, a payout table used for determining a payout to be given to the player when the specific symbol 501a is rearranged on the payline, and used in the specific symbol rearrangement process. The payout table may be different from each other.

  In the normal game, the symbols 501 to be rearranged on the display window 150 (payline L1) are determined with reference to the normal game symbol lottery table shown in FIG. In each slot game in the free game, the symbols 501 to be rearranged on the display window 150 (payline L1) are determined with reference to the free game symbol lottery tables shown in FIGS. 11A to 11H. On the other hand, in the specific symbol rearrangement process, the specific symbol number lottery process for determining the number of specific symbols to be rearranged on the payline L1 is determined by referring to the specific symbol number lottery table shown in FIG. Thus, the specific symbol number lottery process is a different lottery process that does not depend on the lottery process at the time of symbol determination in the base game or each slot game in the free game. Therefore, by executing the specific symbol number lottery process and the stop position determining process, the number of specific symbols 501a determined by the specific symbol number lottery process can be reliably rearranged on the payline L1.

  In the present embodiment, in the specific symbol rearrangement process, the number specific symbols 501a determined by the specific symbol lottery are rearranged on the payline L1, but are rearranged on any of the other paylines L2 to L5. It may be configured as follows. In the present embodiment, the specific symbol 501 a is the “SEVEN” symbol 501, but may be any other symbol “3BAR”, “2BAR”, and “1BAR” related to the line winning.

  Further, the specific symbol 501a may be a “CHERRY” symbol related to a scatter prize. In this case, in the specific symbol rearrangement process, it is not necessary to rearrange the specific symbols 501a on the same payline, and they may be rearranged on the display window 150. In this case, the display area of the present invention corresponds to a display window. Therefore, in the specific symbol number lottery process, the number of specific symbols 501a to be rearranged on the display window 150 instead of on the payline is a lottery process.

(Free game end conditions)
In the present embodiment, when the “CHERRY” symbol 501 is rearranged in the display window 150 and the “F_CHERRY” trigger symbol 501b is rearranged in the display window 150 in the slot game during the free game (the above-mentioned predetermined game). When the condition is satisfied) and when the line winning related to the specific symbol 501a of “SEVEN” is satisfied, the free game is ended and the game is shifted to the normal game even if the game for 8 times is not completed.

  As described above, in the free game, when three or more specific symbols 501a are rearranged on the payline L1 according to the lottery result based on the free game symbol lottery table, or when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game. When three or more specific symbols 501a are rearranged on the payline L1 by the specific symbol rearrangement process to be executed, the free game is ended. Therefore, the specific symbol rearrangement process in which the specific symbol 501a is rearranged on the payline L1 and a payout is awarded when the predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game is as if the game is the same as the normal game and the free game. It is possible to make the player conscious. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine 1 that has a higher gaming interest.

(Program contents)
Next, a program executed by the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Main control process)
First, the main control process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the main CPU 71 reads the authenticated game program from the SSD device 55 via the gaming board 50 and writes it in the RAM 73 (S11).

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs an initialization process at the end of one game (S12). For example, unnecessary data for each game is cleared in the work area of the RAM 73, such as the number of bets and symbols determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a bet / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15 (S13). In this process, input checks such as the first BET switch 34S, the second BET switch 35S, the third BET switch 36S, the fourth BET switch 37S, the fifth BET switch 38S, and the spin switch 46S are performed.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a symbol lottery process (S14). In this process, the symbol to be stopped is determined based on the random number for symbol determination. In this embodiment, according to the weights for the 22 symbols corresponding to the code numbers “00” to “21” shown in the base game symbol lottery table shown in FIG. Determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs effect content determination processing (S15). The main CPU 71 extracts an effect random number value and determines one of a plurality of predetermined effect contents by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a symbol display control process (S16). In this process, scrolling of the reels 101 to 105 is started as shown in FIG. 20, and the scheduled stop symbol determined in the symbol lottery process of S14 as shown in FIG. 21 is a predetermined position (middle area in the display window 150). ). That is, 15 symbols including the scheduled stop symbol are displayed in the display window 150. In addition, during the symbol display control process, the effect determined by the effect content determination process in S15 is executed.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a credit grant number determination process (S17). In this process, referring to a payout table (see FIG. 9) stored in the RAM 73 and a value stored in a BET number storage area to be described later, the number of credits awarded based on a line winning or a scatter winning is determined. It is stored in a credit grant number storage area provided in the RAM 73.

  Next, the main CPU 71 executes a credit granting process for adding the value stored in the credit grant count storage area to the value of the credit count counter stored in the credit count storage area provided in the RAM 73 ( S18). Note that the main CPU 71 controls the PTS device 700 based on the input of the CASHOUT switch 32S, and writes the value stored in the credit grant number storage area to the IC card inserted into the card insertion slot as credit data. But you can.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the trigger symbol 501b of “F_CHERRY” has been rearranged in the display window 150 (S19). When determining that the “F_CHERRY” trigger symbol 501b is not rearranged in the display window 150 (S19: NO), the main CPU 71 returns to S12. On the other hand, when it is determined that the trigger symbol 501b of “F_CHERRY” is rearranged in the display window 150 (S19: YES), it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied, and the process proceeds to a free game described later with reference to FIG. (S20). Note that the main CPU 71, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, before the transition to the free game, displays a screen indicating the transition to the free game on the upper image display panel 131 and the explanation of the game content of the free game. Display a screen marked with. When this free game process ends, the process returns to S12.

(Bet / start check process)
Next, the bet / start check process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not credit data has been received from the PTS device 700 (S41). The transmission of credit data from the PTS device 700 to the main CPU 71 is performed when an IC card is inserted into the card insertion slot and when the bill entry 60 accepts a regular bill.

  When determining that the credit data has been received (S41: YES), the main CPU 71 adds the amount indicated by the received credit data to the value of the credit number counter stored in the credit number storage area (S42).

  When determining that the credit data is not received after S42 or in S41 (S41: NO), the main CPU 71 determines whether the value of the credit number counter stored in the credit number storage area is 0 or not. It discriminate | determines (S43). When determining that the value of the credit number counter stored in the credit number storage area is 0 (S43: YES), the main CPU 71 proceeds to S41.

  On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the value of the credit number counter stored in the credit number storage area is not 0 (S43: NO), the BET button (first BET button 34, second BET button 35, third BET button 36, the operation acceptance of the fourth BET button 37 and the fifth BET button 38) is permitted (S44).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not an operation of the BET button is detected (S45). When the main CPU 71 detects that the BET button has been pressed by the player by the BET switch (first BET switch 34S, second BET switch 35S, third BET switch 36S, fourth BET switch 37S, fifth BET switch 38S) (S45: YES) ) Adds (updates) the value stored in the BET number storage area provided in the RAM 73 based on the type of the BET button, and subtracts the value of the credit number counter stored in the credit number storage area (S46).

  Next, after determining that the operation of the BET button is not detected in S45 after S46 (S45: NO), the main CPU 71 permits the operation of the spin button 46 (S47).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not an operation of the spin button 46 is detected (S48). When determining that the operation of the spin button 46 is not detected (S48: NO), the main CPU 71 proceeds to S44.

  On the other hand, when determining that the operation of the spin button 46 has been detected (S48: YES), the main CPU 71 performs a progressive jackpot-related process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16 (S49). In this processing, a part of the bet number betted in the base game is incremented to the progressive payout amount and accumulated. In this embodiment, a value to be incremented to the progressive payout amount is calculated, and the progressive payout amount stored in the progressive payout storage area provided in the RAM 73 is updated based on the calculated value. Then, the bet / start check process ends.

(Progressive jackpot-related processing)
Next, progressive jackpot-related processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 calculates a value to be incremented to the progressive payout amount (S71). Specifically, the main CPU 71 calculates a value to be incremented to the progressive payout amount by obtaining the product of the value in the BET number storage area and the increment rate shown in the progressive payout setting table of FIG. For example, when the value of the BET number storage area is “30”, since the increment rate is 0.50%, the value incremented to the progressive payout amount is 30 × 0.0050 (0.50%). = 0.15.

  Next, the main CPU 71 updates the increment value calculated in the process of S71 by cumulatively adding it to the progressive payout amount stored in the progressive payout storage area provided in the RAM 73 (S72). At this time, the main CPU 71 updates the payout amount of the progressive payout displayed on the progressive amount meter 601 as shown in FIG. When this process is performed, the progressive jackpot-related process is terminated.

(Free game processing)
Next, free game processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 adds the number of free games of 8 times to the free game number counter of the RAM 73 and stores it (S121). At this time, as shown in FIG. 25, when the trigger symbol 501b of “F_CHERRY” is rearranged in the display window 150 in the free game information display area 605 of the upper image display panel 131, “SEVEN” A message to the effect that the line winning for the symbol 501 is established is displayed.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs an initialization process at the end of one game, similarly to the process of S12 (S122). For example, in each slot game of the free game, unnecessary data for each slot game is cleared in the work area of the RAM 73, such as symbols determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts symbol lottery processing similar to S14 (S123). Specifically, the main CPU 71 extracts a random number value for symbol determination. Next, the main CPU 71 determines to-be stopped symbols for the reels 101 to 105 by lottery. Specifically, the main CPU 71 performs a lottery according to each of the reels 101 to 105, and determines any of the 22 symbols as a scheduled stop symbol. At this time, the symbols to be stopped are determined with a probability according to the weight shown in the free game symbol lottery table (see FIGS. 11A to 11H) corresponding to the corresponding number of games.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs an effect content determination process, similarly to the process of S15 (S124). Next, the main CPU 71 conducts symbol display control processing in the same manner as in S16 (S125).

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a credit grant number determination process similarly to the process of S17 (S126). In this process, referring to the payout table (see FIG. 9) stored in the RAM 73 and the value stored in the BET number storage area, the number of credits awarded based on the line winning or the scatter winning is determined and provided in the RAM 73. Stored in the given credit storage area.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts credit grant processing in the same manner as in S18 (S127). In this process, the value stored in the credit amount storage area is added to the value of the credit number counter stored in the credit number storage area provided in the RAM 73.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbol “F_CHERRY” that is the trigger symbol 501b has been rearranged in the display window 150 (S128). When it is determined that the trigger symbol 501b of “F_CHERRY” has been rearranged on the display window 150 (S128: YES), the main CPU 71 determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the specific symbol described later with reference to FIG. The rearrangement process is executed (S129), and thereafter, the value stored in the free game number counter of the RAM 73 is initialized to zero (S130), and the free game process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S128 that the trigger symbol 501b of “F_CHERRY” is not rearranged in the display window 150 (S128: NO), the main CPU 71 satisfies the free game end condition. It is determined whether or not there is (S131). Specifically, the “CHERRY” symbol 501 is rearranged in the display window 150 and the line winning related to the “SEVEN” symbol 501 is satisfied. Sometimes, the main CPU 71 determines that the free game end condition is satisfied.

  If it is determined that the free game end condition is satisfied (S131: YES), the value stored in the free game number counter of the RAM 73 is initialized to zero (S130), and the free game process is ended. .

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S131 that the free game end condition is not satisfied (S131: NO), the main CPU 71 subtracts 1 from the value stored in the free game number counter (S132). ). Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value stored in the free game number counter is 0 (S133). When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the free game number counter is not 0 (S133: NO), the main CPU 71 proceeds to the process of S122.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the value stored in the free game number counter is 0 (S133: YES), the free game process is terminated. When the free game process ends, the process proceeds to S12 of the main control process described with reference to FIG.

(Specific symbol relocation processing)
Next, the specific symbol rearrangement process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the main CPU 71 executes a specific symbol number lottery process (S181). Specifically, in this process, the main CPU 71 first extracts one random number. Then, referring to the specific symbol number lottery table shown in FIG. 12, the number of specific symbols 501a to be rearranged on the payline L1 of the display window 150 is determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 executes a stop position determination process (S182). Specifically, in this process, the main CPU 71 determines the number of the specific symbols 501a determined in the specific symbol number lottery process in S181 and the stop position determination table shown in FIG. Determine the stop position. In other words, the symbol to be stopped to be stopped in the middle area of the display window 150 is determined.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts symbol display control processing (S183). In this processing, scrolling of the reels 101 to 105 is started, and the scheduled stop symbol determined in the stop position determination processing in step S182 is stopped in the middle region of the display window 150. That is, the number of specific symbols 501a determined by the specific symbol number lottery process in S181 is rearranged on the payline L1.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a credit grant number determination process (S184). In this process, with reference to the payout table (see FIG. 9) stored in the RAM 73, the number of credits awarded based on the line winning of the “SEVEN” symbol 501 is determined and stored in the credit amount storage area provided in the RAM 73. Stored.

  Next, the main CPU 71 executes a credit granting process for adding the value stored in the credit grant count storage area to the value of the credit count counter stored in the credit count storage area provided in the RAM 73 ( S185). When this process ends, the process proceeds to S130 of the free game process described with reference to FIG.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit and the like can be appropriately changed. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

  Further, in the above detailed description, the characteristic portions have been mainly described so that the present invention can be easily understood. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description above, but can be applied to other embodiments, and the scope of application is various. The terms and terminology used in the present specification are used to accurately describe the present invention, and are not used to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Moreover, it would be easy for those skilled in the art to infer other configurations, systems, methods, and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in this specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims should be regarded as including an equivalent configuration without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. The purpose of the abstract is to simplify the technical contents and essence of this application by patent offices and general public institutions, and engineers belonging to this technical field who are not familiar with patents, legal terms or technical terms. It is intended to be able to make a quick judgment through a simple survey. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the claims. Moreover, in order to fully understand the object of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention, it is desirable that the interpretation should be made with sufficient consideration of the literatures already disclosed.

  The above detailed description includes processing executed by a computer. The above explanations and expressions are given for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the most efficiently. In this specification, each step used to derive one result should be understood as a self-consistent process. In each step, transmission / reception, recording, and the like of electrical or magnetic signals are performed. In the processing in each step, such a signal is expressed by bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., but these are used only for convenience of explanation. There is a need. In addition, the processing in each step may be described in an expression common to human behavior, but the processing described in this specification is executed by various devices in principle. Further, other configurations required for performing each step will be apparent from the above description.

1 Gaming Machine 101-105 Reel 150 Display Window 501 Symbol 501a Specific Symbol 73 RAM
M1 reel device

Claims (5)

A display device having a display area for displaying a game result by rearranging the symbols on a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols including a specific symbol are arranged;
A first table that defines lottery probabilities for each of a plurality of types of the specific symbols that can be rearranged in the display area; and a plurality of types of the specific symbols that can be rearranged in the display area. A storage device for storing a second table defining a dividend;
A gaming machine comprising a controller programmed to perform the following processing.
(A) A process of executing a base game in which the symbols to be rearranged in the display area are determined by lottery and the determined symbols are rearranged in the display area;
(B) a process of shifting to a free game when a predetermined condition is established in the normal game;
(C) In the free game, a process of determining the symbols to be rearranged in the display area by lottery, and rearranging the determined symbols in the display area, and executing the game a predetermined number of times;
(D) When the predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game, the number of the specific symbols to be rearranged in the display area is determined by lottery from a plurality of types with reference to the first table. processing,
(E) a process of rearranging the number of the specific symbols determined in the process of (D) in the display area;
(F) A process of giving a payout according to the number of the specific symbols rearranged in the display area in the process of (E) with reference to the second table. The storage device
A third table defining a lottery probability for each of the plurality of symbols arranged on the plurality of reels;
The controller is
In the base game of (A) and the free game of (C), the rearrangement in the display area is performed based on the lottery probability for each of the plurality of symbols defined in the third table. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the symbol is determined by lottery. The controller is
In the base game of (A) and the free game of (C), when the specific symbol is rearranged in the display area, it is rearranged in the display area with reference to the second table. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a payout according to the number of the specific symbols is awarded. The controller is
In the free game of (C), when a predetermined number or more of the specific symbols are rearranged in the display area according to the lottery result based on the third table, or
When the predetermined condition is satisfied in the free game, the number of the specific symbols determined by lottery with reference to the first table in the process of (D) is equal to or more than the predetermined number, In the process of E), when the predetermined number or more of the specific symbols are rearranged in the display area,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the free game is terminated even when the predetermined number of games have not been digested in the free game. The plurality of symbols includes a trigger symbol;
The controller is
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined condition is determined to be satisfied when the trigger symbol is rearranged on the display device.