JP3172478B2 - Gaming equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention has a plurality of display means capable of displaying various display contents, and display fixing means for fixedly displaying the display contents on the display means. The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine and the like, in which display contents fixedly displayed meet predetermined conditions and winning.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A slot machine as an example of a conventional gaming machine is generally as follows.

That is, three reels each having a plurality of symbols on the outer periphery are provided, and after the medal is inserted, the reel is rotated at a speed at which the plurality of symbols on the outer periphery can be identified to some extent by operating a start lever or the like. A stop button corresponding to each reel is operated in a timely manner to stop all of the reels, and it is determined whether or not a winning has occurred and the type thereof based on a combination of the symbols displayed in the symbol display window. A medal corresponding to is paid out. Further, depending on the type of winning, a special game (for example, a so-called big bonus) advantageous to the player may be started. The winning rate at which a special game is started may be set to a high winning rate by a lottery in the slot machine until the winning is generated. In such a high winning rate state, a winning rate at which a special game is started is much higher than in the normal state, but it is not always 100%. In a game in a high winning rate state, a deviation from a point at which a stop signal is received by a stop button operated by a player to a point at which a symbol corresponding to a winning at the start of a special game is displayed at a specific position is usually within a predetermined range. If it is, the symbol can be stopped at a position necessary for winning, but if any of the shift buttons is out of a predetermined range by operating any of the stop buttons, the winning may not be possible. The winning rate will differ depending on the allowable range of the shift, the number of symbols corresponding to the winning of the special game on the reels, and the skill of the player, etc. Usually, the winning rate of the symbol corresponding to the winning of the special game starts. Since the number is small, it is not rare that a game does not win even in a game with a high winning rate.

[0004] A player such as a slot machine may feel somewhat monotonous during the continuation of the game, and may be in a state of mechanically repeating the game. In such a state, the symbols displayed in the symbol display windows of the two reels stopped earlier form part of a winning combination in which a special game is started, and the last reel is stopped. Depending on the type and position of the symbols displayed in the symbol display window, even if an opportunity to win the prize has arrived, it may not be noticed.

When the last reel stops and a prize is won,
A player knows a prize by paying out medals, blinking a hit lamp, a prize sound effect, etc., but when it does not win, it often happens that the player continues playing without knowing that there is such an opportunity. In that case, the player was increasingly feeling the game monotonous.

[0006] In particular, in a high winning rate state where the rate of occurrence of a prize at which a special game is started is significantly higher than in a normal state, no prize is won despite the above-mentioned opportunity. If the player does not recognize, the player may stop playing or move to another slot machine. In such a case, even if the player is in the high winning ratio state, it is not utilized, and the player who has started the next game may have a result that the winning of the start of the special game may be preempted.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to allow a player to display one or more display means in a previous game. In the state where the display contents are displayed in a fixed manner, it is learned that there is a possibility that another display means may match a predetermined winning depending on the display contents fixedly displayed, and the next game will greatly increase It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming device having a sense of expectation that makes interest.

[0008]

(1) A gaming machine according to the present invention comprises a plurality of display means capable of displaying various display contents, and a display for causing the display means to display the display contents in a fixed manner. A game machine for executing a game in which the display content fixedly displayed by the display means meets a predetermined condition and a prize, wherein at least one of the display means With respect to the display contents to be displayed fixedly, it is determined whether or not it is an opportunity to meet a condition corresponding to a predetermined prize by a combination of another display means after the display and the display contents to be fixedly displayed. Opportunity judging means for judging, winning judging means for judging a prize, and a chance when the opportunity judging means judges that it is an opportunity of a predetermined winning and the winning judging means does not judge the predetermined winning. and missing a chance informing means for informing the , The rate of occurrence of predetermined winnings is high
High winning rate state setting that sets the high winning rate state under specific conditions
Means, and the high winning rate state setting means comprises a high winning rate
In the state game, there is no chance
When possible, one or more display means will be shown fixedly first
Display contents to be displayed, another display means is fixed after the display
Predetermined alternatives in combination with the display contents to be displayed
Alternative opportunities that will meet the conditions corresponding to the winning,
It is set to occur at a high rate, and
Alternative opportunity determination means for determining whether or not
Means is an alternative opportunity and the winning determination means
If the player does not determine the predetermined alternative prize, give it to the player.
It is characterized in that it is provided with an alternative opportunity notification means for notifying.
A plurality of display means capable of displaying various display contents, and display fixing means for causing the display means to display the display contents in a fixed manner, wherein the display means fixedly displays the display contents. A gaming machine that executes a game in which the display content meets a predetermined condition and a winning corresponds to, for example, a plurality of display means for sequentially displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and the continuous display means. A display fixing means for stopping the display and fixedly displaying the symbol, wherein the type of the symbol fixedly displayed by the display means and the stop position thereof match predetermined conditions and a game corresponding to a prize Can be performed as a gaming device.

As a preferred example of such a gaming machine, a plurality of symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface, and one or more of the symbols are rotatably supported so that a player can visually recognize one or more of the symbols when the rotation is stopped. Rotator, a rotation driving unit for driving the rotator to rotate, and a display fixing unit for stopping the rotator being driven to fix and display a symbol, the display fixing unit Ru can be given slot machine type and the stop position of the symbol corresponding and the winning and that satisfies a predetermined condition in a rotating body has stopped by.

The symbol means a figure, a picture, a character, a sign, and the like. Examples of the symbol include a picture such as a plum, a watermelon, a cherry, and a bell;
R "and the like.

The display means for displaying the plurality of types of symbols sequentially and continuously uses a rotating body as in the preferred example, and a video display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal. You may. The gaming machine has a plurality of such display means, and each display means is one.
The set of symbol groups may be displayed independently of each other. In the case of the rotating body, two or more (for example, three)
By rotating the rotating bodies independently of each other, the symbol groups displayed on the respective rotating bodies can be displayed independently of each other. In the case of using a video display device, for example, a plurality of symbol groups may be displayed independently on one video display device to provide a plurality of display units.

A general example of the rotating body is a reel on which various kinds of symbols are displayed one by one in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface.

The display fixing means stops the rotation driving means such as a stepping motor for driving the rotating body at an appropriate timing, for example, in response to a stop signal from a stop button operated by the player. Thing, or
The display of the symbol by the video display device can be fixedly displayed at an appropriate timing.
Alternatively, for example, a controller inside the gaming device stops the above-mentioned rotating body so that a specific symbol is located at a specific position under a specific condition, or a symbol by a video display device is specified under a specific condition. The display may be fixed so as to be located at the position.

[0014] The display of the display content by the display means can be said to be a fixed display as long as the display content is displayed in a fixed state for at least a time that can be visually recognized by the player.

When the type of the symbol fixedly displayed by the display means such as the rotating body or the video display device and the stop position thereof match predetermined conditions, this corresponds to a game winning. The above-mentioned opportunity determination means determines that it is an opportunity, for example, in the following case.

A slot machine (preferable example of a game machine) has three rotating bodies (display means), and whether or not a condition corresponding to a predetermined prize is met is fixed in each of the three rotating bodies. When it is determined by the combination of the displayed symbols, the symbols fixedly displayed on the two rotating bodies in a state where they have stopped first constitute a part of a combination that meets a condition corresponding to a predetermined winning. When the condition corresponding to the predetermined prize is met depending on the type and position of the symbol that is fixedly displayed when the third rotator that is the last rotator is stopped, the above-mentioned opportunity is obtained. The determining means determines that it is an opportunity.

In the same slot machine, when it is determined whether or not a condition corresponding to a predetermined winning is met by a combination of symbols fixedly displayed on any two rotating bodies, one rotating body is The symbols that are fixedly displayed in the state where they are stopped earlier form part of a combination that matches a predetermined winning, and when the next of the remaining two rotating bodies stops, or when 3
When the condition corresponding to the predetermined prize is met depending on the type and position of the symbol that is fixedly displayed in any of the cases where the second rotating body stops, the opportunity determination means is an opportunity. It is determined that there is.

The determination by the opportunity determination means may be performed at any possible time before the above-mentioned opportunity notification means notifies the player. It is also possible to make a determination after the game from data on the game. The prize determining means determines the presence or absence of a prize and the type of the prize based on whether or not a prize condition is achieved. Achieving the winning condition means, for example, (1) attaining the stop position and the type of the fixedly displayed symbol at an appropriate timing in response to a stop signal from a stop button operated by the player. be able to. The condition in that case may be, for example, a condition to be satisfied in one set of symbol groups (for example, a condition that a specific symbol stops at a specific position in a specific symbol group), and two or more sets of symbol groups may be satisfied. Any of the conditions may be satisfied (for example, a condition that a specific symbol stops at a specific position in any one of the symbol groups), and may be satisfied as a combination of two or more symbol groups. (For example, a condition that a specific symbol in each of two or more groups of symbols stops at a specific position). Alternatively, the achievement of the winning condition can be determined, for example, by (2) random number sampling at an appropriate timing and judging from the obtained sampling value, or judging by other lottery means. Alternatively, the achievement of the winning conditions, for example,
(3) After satisfying the condition (so-called internal hit) as described in the above (2), a symbol specified by the condition is displayed at a specific position from the time when a stop signal is received from a stop button operated by the player. May be within a predetermined range. It should be noted that the winning condition does not always need to be constant. Winning conditions and prize contents can be changed as appropriate.

Regardless of how the prize judging means judges the achievement of the prize condition, the result of the game is indicated to the player by the type of the symbol fixedly displayed by the display fixing means and its stop position.

The prize given to the player by winning is, for example, payout of game media such as medals and coins,
Addition of game medium reservation information (credit), addition of value information such as the number of possible re-games (replays), start of a special game with more favorable conditions for the player, or a combination of two or more of them be able to.
The prize at which the special game is started may be one type or two or more types. The content of the special game may be one type or two or more types. It may be possible to shift from the special game to a special game of the same type or a different type.

The special game is a game under conditions that are advantageous to the player, such as a higher winning probability than a general game. A general game is a game that is normally played without special conditions. As a special game that can be adopted, for example, a single medal (an example of a game medium) can be inserted, and a prize for paying out a predetermined number of medals can be won at a high rate, such as SB (single bonus). In addition to RB (regular bonus) that can repeat SB a predetermined number of times, BB (big bonus) that can repeat RB a predetermined number of times, etc., it is constant to aim and win a prize other than the start of a special game depending on the skill of the player. For example, a CT (challenge time) that can be performed for a certain period, a 10-times bonus item in which the winning probability of an SB becomes about 10 times during a predetermined period, and the like can be given.

The predetermined prize determined by the opportunity determining means can be set in any manner. Only one kind may be used, 2
More than species may be used. The above-mentioned opportunity notification means notifies the player when the opportunity determination means determines that the winning is a predetermined winning, and when the winning determining means does not determine the predetermined winning. There is no particular limitation on the gadget notifying means, an auditory notifying means using a speaker or other sound generating means, a display device using one or more lamps or LEDs (light emitting diodes), a display device using a liquid crystal panel, It can be performed by any one of visual notification means such as one or more reels or a combination thereof. It is desirable that the content of the notification can be distinguished from the notification of other items such as the notification of the winning. In the game executed in the gaming machine of the present invention, the display content fixedly displayed by the display means by the display fixing means corresponds to a predetermined condition, and the winning of the game corresponds. Therefore, the presence or absence of a prize and the type of the prize are indicated to the player by the display contents fixedly displayed by the display means.

When a prize is won in a game, the gaming machine performs a process according to the prize.

On the other hand, if at least one display means first displays some display content in a fixed manner, and if the other display means displays a specific display content in a fixed manner, the first In the case where it is in a state that matches the predetermined prize by the combination with the display content fixedly displayed in
Thereafter, when the display does not match the predetermined prize even if it is combined with the display contents actually fixedly displayed by another display means, the following occurs. In other words, the opportunity determining means determines that the winning is a predetermined prize, and the winning determining means does not determine the predetermined winning, so that the player is notified by the chance notifying means.

Therefore, the player who is playing the game, in the previous game, one or more display means fixedly display the display content first, and then another one display means fixedly displays the display content. Each display means fixedly indicates that there is a possibility that a predetermined prize may be matched depending on the displayed content, that is, it was an opportunity, and that the predetermined prize was not won. Even if the progress of the display content is not always carefully and carefully grasped, it is informed by the notification by the above-mentioned opportunity notification means.

[0026] (1-1) The gaming machine, it is not preferable winning a relatively large benefit for the player is the one set as the predetermined winning.

If a prize (for example, BB) that gives a relatively large profit to the player is set as a predetermined prize, the notification by the above-mentioned opportunity notification means further raises expectations for the next or subsequent games.

(1-2) Further, the gaming machine has two or more predetermined prizes, and the content of the notification by the special event notification means can be different depending on the type of the predetermined prize.
You.

The contents of the notification include, for example, the type, size, and duration of the notification sound in the case of auditory notification, the number of lights, colors, and durations of lamps and LEDs in the case of visual notification, and liquid crystal. Display contents of a panel or the like.

It is also possible to change the content of the notification by the opportunity notification means according to the degree of profit given to the player by the predetermined prize determined by the opportunity determination means. That is, for example, as the profit given by the predetermined prize to the player is larger, the notification sound can be made louder or the light of the lamp for notification can be made more flashy.

By making the content of the notification by the miss notification device different according to the type of predetermined prize having two or more types,
Depending on the content of the notification, the player can make various kinds of expectations for the next or subsequent games.

[0032] (2) above (1) gaming machine according are those having a high winning rate state setting means for setting under specific conditions a high winning rate state high rate of predetermined winning occurs.

This specific condition can be arbitrarily determined. For example, random number sampling is performed in each game, and a specific condition is achieved (a so-called internal hit state) when the obtained sampling value is a value in a specific range. The determination may be made by the lottery means, or the achievement of the specific condition may be determined based on the display content fixedly displayed by the display means during the game. When there are two or more predetermined winnings, specific conditions can be set for each of the winnings.

The high winning rate state may be continued until a predetermined winning is generated, for example, or may be continued only for a predetermined period determined by the number of times, time, and other conditions.

The high winning rate state setting means, taking the above-mentioned slot machine as an example, when the specific condition is achieved,
For example, a condition that a deviation from a time when a stop signal is received by a stop button operated by a player to a time when a symbol corresponding to a predetermined winning specified by the specific condition is displayed at a specific position is within a predetermined range. It is possible to set the symbol to be stopped at a position required for a predetermined prize (so-called pull-in) to realize a high winning ratio state repeatedly in each game until a predetermined prize is generated. .

In the high winning rate state, in the case of the slot machine described above, the player operates the stop button while watching the symbols on the rotating rotating body so that the required symbols are stopped at the required positions. In the case where the rotating body is stopped at a time, it includes a state in which a predetermined prize can be achieved with higher certainty depending on the skill of the player, and does not merely mean that the mathematical probability increases. Absent.

In the high prize rate state, if there is a notification by the opportunity notification means, the player who knows that the high prize rate state is present will have one or more display means fixedly displayed first in the previous game. In a state where the content is displayed, there is a possibility that a predetermined prize may be matched depending on the display content which is fixedly displayed by another display means, that is, it is an opportunity, and the predetermined Even if it is not always necessary to grasp the progress of the display contents fixedly displayed by each display means, it is notified by the notification by the above-mentioned opportunity notification means that the prize has not been won. It will have great expectations for the subsequent games.

[0038] (2-1) The game apparatus, Ru can be made to perform the notification by missing a chance notifying means only in the high winning rate state.

[0039] When there is notification by the opportunity notification means, the player playing the game is in a high winning rate state where the rate of occurrence of a predetermined prize is high, and is an opportunity for a predetermined prize in the previous game. And the fact that the predetermined prize has not been won, even if the progress of the display contents fixedly displayed by the respective display means is not always carefully grasped, it is notified by the notification by the above-mentioned information notification means. Is done.

(2-2) In this gaming machine, the contents of the notification by the high-prize-ratio status notifying device and the contents of the non-high-prize-rack status notification device are different. can Ru.

For example, in the high winning rate state, the notification sound can be made louder or the light emission of the notification lamp can be made more flashy than in the non-high winning rate state.

The player clearly knows that the previous game was an opportunity for a predetermined prize by the notification by the opportunity notification means, and whether the player is in a high prize rate state where the rate of occurrence of the predetermined prize is high. Also know whether or not.

(2-3) This gaming machine is provided with one or more display means when the high winning rate state setting means cannot provide a predetermined winning opportunity in the game in the high winning rate state. , A display opportunity fixedly displayed first matches a condition corresponding to a predetermined alternative prize by a combination of the display content fixedly displayed by another display means after the display. , An alternative opportunity determination means for determining whether or not an alternative opportunity is provided, and the alternative opportunity determination means determining that the opportunity is an alternative opportunity, and the prize determination means determining that the predetermined alternative If it is not determined winning that those with an alternative missing a chance informing means for informing it to the player.

Even in the game in the high winning rate state, for example, in the case of the above-described slot machine, a predetermined prize specified by the above specific condition is corresponded to when a stop signal is received from any of the stop buttons operated by the player. When the deviation of the symbol to be displayed at the specific position is out of the predetermined range, it may be impossible to obtain a predetermined winning opportunity (the smaller the number of the symbols in each rotating body, the more impossible). Easily). In this case, the high winning rate state setting means in the gaming machine includes a display content fixedly displayed by one or more display means first, and a display content fixedly displayed by another display means after the display. An alternative opportunity that matches a condition corresponding to a predetermined alternative prize according to a combination with the content is set to be generated at a high rate. That is, in the case of the slot machine described above, if the shift until the symbol corresponding to the predetermined alternative prize is displayed at the specific position is within a predetermined range, the symbol is stopped at a position required for the predetermined alternative prize ( By so-called pull-in, alternative opportunities can be realized at a high rate. In order to generate a substitute opportunity at a higher rate, it is effective to arrange a large number of symbols corresponding to a predetermined substitute prize in each rotating body in the circumferential direction.

The determination of the alternative opportunity by the alternative opportunity determination means can be performed in accordance with the determination of the opportunity by the above-described opportunity determination means.

In a game with a high winning rate, if it is impossible to obtain a predetermined winning opportunity (and thus naturally falls outside the predetermined winning), a high rate of alternative opportunities for the predetermined alternative winning occurs. If the predetermined alternative prize has not been achieved (that is, if the prize determining means has not determined the predetermined alternative prize), the alternative opportunity notification means notifies the player of this.

There may be a plurality of types of predetermined substitute prizes for one predetermined prize. The contents of the predetermined substitute winning prize are those having less profit or less continuity than the predetermined winning prize, for example, paying out a predetermined number of medals (game media), adding credits, or replaying a game ( Replay)
It is possible to add value information such as a possible number of times.

As the alternative event notification means, the same one as the above event notification means can be employed. It is also possible to use both the above-mentioned gadget notifying means and hardware. The content of the notification by the alternative opportunity notifying unit may be the same as the content of the alerting unit by a predetermined prize opportunity when no prize has been awarded, but a different content is more preferable because there is a change. In this case, the fact that the predetermined alternative prize was not obtained despite the occurrence of the alternative opportunity indicates that the player is in the high prize winning rate state, and is rather large for the player in the next and subsequent games. Since this is expected, the notification sound may be made loud or the light of the lamp for the notification may be made strongly flashy.

(2-3-1) In the gaming machine of the above (2-3), when the alternative opportunity determining means determines that there is an alternative opportunity, the high winning rate state setting means generates the predetermined alternative winning. Ru can be assumed to be set so as not.

In order to prevent a predetermined alternative prize from being generated when the above-mentioned alternative opportunity occurs, for example, in the case of the above-mentioned slot machine, the corresponding symbol on the unstopped rotating body is stopped even if it is slightly shifted from the winning position. Just do
Even if the shift from the time when the stop signal is received by the stop button to the time when the rotating body stops is limited to a certain range, it is easy to prevent the winning from occurring.

In this case, when it is not possible to achieve a predetermined winning in the game in the high winning rate state (naturally, a predetermined winning is not achieved), an alternative opportunity for a predetermined alternative winning occurs and The prescribed alternative prize will not be
It will occur at a high rate that the alternative event notification means will notify the player. Therefore, even when neither a predetermined prize nor the notification by the special event notification means can be generated when the number of symbols corresponding to the predetermined prize is small or the like, the game can be performed by performing the notification by the alternative special event notification means at a high rate. The player can be informed of the high winning rate state at a high rate, and can have high expectation for a predetermined winning in the next and subsequent games.

(2-3-1-1) The gaming machine of the above (2-3-1)
In a non-high winning rate state (that is, a state in which a predetermined winning rate is not high and a high winning rate state is not high), a state in which the predetermined alternative winning rate is high is set under a specific condition (for example, slot In the case of a lottery in the machine, when a winning is achieved in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out with a symbol of a watermelon picture or a picture of a bell and a winning rate that is a re-game is high in the game, the substitute opportunity is selected. In the same state as above, the alternative prize is necessarily generated (for example, if three watermelon picture symbols are arranged, and if two alternative prizes are obtained, the state will be the same as the third symbol) A) control means may be provided. This is because, in the case of the slot machine, for example, a relatively large number of the symbols are provided on each rotating body in the circumferential direction, and the shift from the time when the stop signal is received by the stop button to the time when the rotating body stops is within a certain range. This can be realized by ensuring that the symbol can be stopped at a required position even if the symbol is limited to the following.

In the case where the control means is provided in this way, if the predetermined alternative prize does not become the predetermined alternative prize even though the alternative opportunity of the predetermined prize has occurred, the high prize rate at which the predetermined prize is generated is high. This indicates that the game is in the state, and it is possible to have a great expectation for a predetermined winning in the next and subsequent games.

[0054]

[0055]

[0056]

[0057]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 4 show a slot machine as an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the outline of the configuration of the slot machine, FIG. 2 is a front view of the external appearance of the slot machine, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the outline of the main part of the game execution processing operation, and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the outline | summary of a process operation | movement about the notification of missed opportunity (missed information notification).

The front of the slot machine which the player faces will be described with reference to FIG.

Hit lamps 10 are provided at three locations (left, right, and center) at the upper end.

At a slightly upper portion in the vertical center, three symbol display windows 12 arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction are provided.
At each corresponding position inside the slot machine, three reels 14 are rotatably supported independently of each other about a horizontal rotation axis. On the outer peripheral surface of each reel 14, various symbols (pictures of plums, watermelons, cherries, bells, etc., letters of "7", letters of "BAR", etc., not shown) are provided at regular intervals in the circumferential direction. Arbitrary three symbols which are displayed in order and which are continuous in the circumferential direction are displayed for each reel 14 at the upper, middle, and lower positions in the symbol display window 12 when each reel 14 is stopped. The player can visually recognize these symbols. Each reel 14
Are rotationally driven and stopped and held by separate stepping motors (an example of a rotary drive unit, not shown).

The symbol display window 12 has three reels 1
4 regarding the three symbols displayed in a stopped state, the number of medals bet in the winning determination (1 to 3).
Line 16 indicating the alignment position that is valid according to the
Five (lines) are drawn. At the left end of each line 16, an effective line lamp 18 indicating which line 16 is effective according to the number of medals bet is provided. In this example, when the medal bet is one, the lighting of the effective line lamp 18 of "1MEDAL" indicates that the central horizontal line 16 is effective, and when the medal is two, "1MEDAL" Also, the lighting of the two "2MEDALS" effective line lamps 18 indicates that all three horizontal lines 16 are valid. If there are three medals, all the effective lines including the "3MEDALS" effective line lamps 18 are displayed. The lighting of the line lamp 18 causes all lines 16 including the diagonal line 16 to be turned on.
Is shown to be valid. The player sees what symbol is located on each reel 14 on the activated line 16 indicated by the activated line lamp 18 and determines the result of the game (whether or not a winning has occurred, and the type of winning award). You can know. The result of the game is also notified by lighting or blinking of the hit lamp 10, sound output from the speaker 20, and the like.

In order to bet medals, it is necessary to insert medals from the medal insertion slot 22 provided in the right part of the upper and lower central portions, or to press the BET button 24 when there is a medal reserved in the slot machine. Bet the number. BE
The T button 24 is provided on the left of the medal slot 22.

The reel 1 is located below the effective line lamp 18.
A start lamp 26 (START) that is turned on to indicate that rotation of the four reels 4 is possible is provided, and a start lever 28 for simultaneously starting rotation of the three reels 14 is provided below the BET button 24. Have been.

Below each reel 14, each reel 14 is rotating, and the rotation is stopped by the stop button 30.
There are provided three stop lamps 32 (STOP) that are turned on to indicate that the stop can be performed by pressing. The three stop buttons 30 are provided below the stop lamps 32 so as to correspond to the respective reels 14.

On the upper side of the medal insertion slot 22, there is provided a medal insertion lamp 34 (INSERT MEDALS) which blinks to indicate that there is no medal insertion or holding. Above that, a reserved number display 3
8 (CREDIT) and payout number display 40 (PAYO)
UT).

A medal receiving portion 42 is provided at the lower end.
A medal payout opening 44 is provided above the central portion, and the speaker 20 is provided on the right side thereof.

Next, an outline of the configuration of the slot machine will be described mainly with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

The control unit 50 controls the execution of the game, the peripheral devices and the like, and the processing for reading and writing various data.
U (central processing unit), RAM, ROM in which programs and various data for executing a game, controlling peripheral devices, and the like are written, and input / output interfaces for connection with peripheral devices (not shown). ), And realizes the functions of the above-described opportunity determination means, winning determination means, opportunity notification means, high winning rate state setting means, alternative opportunity determination means, alternative opportunity notification means, etc. in cooperation with peripheral devices and the like.

The medal insertion lamp section 34a blinks the medal insertion lamp 34 in response to a blink instruction signal given from the control section 50 when a medal can be inserted.

The medal detection unit 51 detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 22 and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 50.

The BET button 24 is pressed once for each medal when betting a medal held in the slot machine, and outputs a signal to the control unit 50 each time the bet is pressed.

The start lamp section 26a turns on the start lamp 26 in response to a turn-on instruction signal given from the control section 50 when the rotation of the reel 14 can be started.

When the start lever 28 is pressed to output a rotation start signal to the control unit 50 when the rotation of the three reels 14 is started simultaneously in a state where the rotation of the reel 14 is possible.

The stop lamp section 32a is provided by a lighting instruction signal given from the control section 50 for each reel 14 when the reel 14 is rotating and its rotation can be stopped by pressing the stop button 30. Then, each stop lamp 32 is turned on.

The stop button 30 (stop button) is pressed for each reel 14 when stopping the rotating reels 14. Pressing each stop button 30 causes the corresponding reel 14 to stop. The signal is output to the control unit 50.

The effective line lamp section 18a turns on the corresponding effective line lamp 18 in response to a lighting instruction signal given from the control section 50 in accordance with the number of medals bet.

The reel section 14a includes three reels 14,
Three stepping motors for rotatingly driving or stopping and holding each reel 14, a driving circuit for driving those stepping motors in response to a stepping motor drive signal from the control unit 50, and a control unit 50 A reset signal output unit for outputting a reset signal to the device (not shown). The control unit 50
By counting, for example, the number of pulses of the stepping motor drive signal from the time when the reset signal is received for each rotation of the reel 14, the rotation angle of the reel 14, that is, the position of each symbol can be grasped.

The hit lamp unit 10a turns on or off the hit lamp 10 according to a lighting instruction signal or a blink instruction signal given from the control unit 50.

The audio output unit 52 outputs audio from the speaker 20 according to the audio output signal output from the control unit 50.

The reserved number display section 38a displays a number corresponding to the number according to the display signal output from the control section 50 in accordance with the number stored in the control section 50 as the number of medals retained in the slot machine. Hold number display 3
8 is displayed.

The medal payout unit 44a outputs medals corresponding to the number of medals from the medal payout exit 44 according to a payout signal output from the control unit 50 according to the medal payout number calculated by the control unit 50 according to the result of the game. Pay out.

The payout number display section 40a displays a number corresponding to the payout number according to a display signal output from the control section 50 in accordance with the medal payout number calculated by the control section 50 in accordance with the result of the game. Display at 40.

Further, the outline of the game execution processing operation will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, including the outline of the processing operation for notification of missed opportunity (miss notification).

In a normal game played in a normal state, in step S1, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a medal has been inserted. When a medal can be inserted and the medal insertion lamp 34 is blinking, one
When three or more medals are inserted, or when one or more medals are on hold and the number of held medals display 38 indicates one or more, one or more medals are bet by pressing the BET button 24, and the step is performed. The determination of S1 is Y (YE
S). Accordingly, the start lamp 26 is turned on, and the activated line lamp 18 is turned on in accordance with the number of inserted medals, and the process proceeds to step S2.

When the start lever 28 is depressed, step S2 becomes Y and the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the control unit 50
For BB (Big Bonus), RB (Regular Bonus), SB (Single Bonus), Replay (Re-Game), and other prizes (small items) that have relatively small profits for the player, the winning rate is 1 or 2 respectively.
A lottery is performed to determine whether or not to increase the value during the game or more times or until a prize is won, and the result is set. The winning rate can be changed for each award, or two or more winning rates can be provided for each award. In the lottery, random number sampling is executed, and the obtained sampling value is compared with the data written in the ROM to determine whether or not a win has occurred and the type of the prize (in some cases, a prize rate or a period of a high prize rate is included. )). Further, a lottery by another method is also possible.

In this example, winning a BB (Big Bonus) which has the largest profit for the player is defined as a predetermined winning. However, only when a player wins a BB (Big Bonus) by lottery and misses an opportunity to win a prize in a state where the BB (Big Bonus) winning rate is high, the player is notified of a chance to be notified. In order to win a BB (Big Bonus), the symbols on each reel 14 must be aligned with “7-7-7” on the activated line 16.

When a BB (Big Bonus) is won,
That is, in the case of a so-called BB internal hit (S4), the control unit 50 sets the BB flag (S5). If not won, the BB flag is not set. Thereafter, the control unit 50 rotates the three reels 14 at once,
All stop lamps 32 are turned on.

In the case where the BB is not won, any one of RB (regular bonus), SB (single bonus), replay (re-game), and other prizes (small items) having a relatively small profit for the player. , The flag corresponding to the prize is set in the control unit 50, and is not set if no prize is won. Thereafter, the control unit 50 rotates the three reels 14 at the same time, and turns on all the stop lamps 32.

After all the stop lamps 32 are turned on, the control unit 50 stops the stepping motor of the corresponding reel 14 when the player presses each stop button 30 at an appropriate timing. At that time, BB, RB,
If none of the flags indicating that the winning has occurred in SB, replay, etc., is set, the control unit 50 stops the reel 14 at a certain timing after receiving a stop signal by pressing the stop button 30. If a flag indicating that a winning has been set to any one of BB and RB is set, it is necessary to win the winning prize from the time when the stop signal is received by pressing the stop button 30. If the deviation until the symbol reaches the position required for winning is within a predetermined range, the reel 14 is stopped so that the symbol is displayed at the required position. That is, the symbol is drawn into a required position of the symbol display window 12. If not, the reel 14 is stopped at a predetermined timing after receiving the stop signal.

When all the stop buttons 30 are pressed and all the reels 14 are stopped, the control unit 50 grasps the types and arrangement of the symbols on the activated line 16 indicated by the activated line lamp 18 and determines whether or not a winning is achieved. , And the type of the winning prize. At that time, the player also knows whether or not a prize has been won and the type of the prize that has been won.

If it is determined that there is no winning, step S1
Return to

When it is determined that a winning is achieved, the control unit 50 instructs the medal paying unit 44a to pay out a predetermined number of medals, for example, according to the contents of the prize, and displays a number corresponding to the number of payouts on the payout number display unit 40a. Is displayed on the payout number display section 40a. Next, if the prize does not start the special game, the process returns to step S1, and the prize is changed to B
When starting a special game such as B or RB,
The process shifts to the special game, and after the special game ends, the process returns to step S1.

In particular, when the BB flag is set (T1), that is, in the high winning rate state, the processing is performed as shown in FIG. The BB flag is cleared when a BB (Big Bonus) is won. Other,
A condition for clearing the BB flag may be provided.

When a stop signal is output by pressing the first stop button 30 which is pressed first among the three stop buttons 30 (T2), the control unit 50 pulls in the symbol "7" on the corresponding reel 14. Perform control (T
3). That is, if the shift from the time when the stop signal is received until the symbol "7" on the corresponding reel 14 reaches an appropriate position in the symbol display window 12 is within a predetermined range, the symbol "7" is displayed in a symbol. The reel 14 is stopped by being pulled into an appropriate position of the window 12. If not, the reel 14 is stopped at a predetermined timing after receiving the stop signal.

Next pressed second stop button 30
When the stop signal is output by pressing (T4), the control unit 50 performs control to pull in the symbol "7" on the corresponding reel 14 (T5). That is, if the shift from the time when the stop signal is received to the time when the symbol "7" on the corresponding reel 14 reaches the position required for winning in the symbol display window 12 is within a predetermined range, the symbol "7" is displayed. The reel 14 is stopped by being drawn into the symbol display window 12 at that position. If it is not within the predetermined range, the reel 14 is controlled at a predetermined timing after receiving the stop signal.
To stop.

Next, in step T6, it is determined whether or not two symbols "7" are aligned on the active line 16. If it is determined that two symbols “7” are aligned and it is an opportunity, the control unit 50 sets an opportunity flag (T7). If two symbols “7” are not aligned, the opportunity flag is not set.

Third stop button 3 pressed last
When a stop signal is output by pressing 0 (T8), the control unit 50 controls the pull-in of the symbol "7" of the corresponding reel 14 in the same manner as the pull-in control in step T5 to stop the reel 14 (T9). ).

Thereafter, in step T10, it is determined whether or not the symbols are aligned on the effective line 16 with "7-7-7". If it is determined that “7-7-7” is complete, the game shifts to a BB (big bonus) game (B
B process), and after the BB (big bonus) game, the process returns to step S1.

If it is determined in step T10 that "7-7-7" is not aligned with the activated line 16, it is determined in the next step T11 whether or not the opportunity flag is set, and the opportunity flag is set. If it is set, the opportunity flag is cleared and the control unit 50 outputs an opportunity notification sound output signal to the sound output unit 52, and accordingly, a sound (effect notification sound effect) notifying that the opportunity has been missed is output. Output from the speaker 20 (T12). Thereby, the player knows that the winning rate at the start of the BB (Big Bonus) game is high and the player is in a high winning rate state.
Of course, since it is clearly known that the previous game was a predetermined prize-winning opportunity, the expectations for the next or subsequent games are greatly held, and the interest in the game is further increased. In this case, as described above, not only audio but also visual notification means such as the hit lamp 10 may be appropriately used in combination.

When two “7” s are aligned on the activated line 16 and the opportunity is not aligned with “7-7-7”, the output of the spontaneous alarm sound effect is output when the BB flag is not set. As described above, when performing even in the high winning rate state, the type of the sound effect can be changed outside the period from the high winning rate state.

If the opportunity flag has not been set, the opportunity sound effect sound is not output.

Further, the control unit 50 determines whether or not another prize has been won. If a prize has been won, necessary processing is performed. If no prize has been won, the process returns to step S1.

Since the BB flag is valid until it becomes "7-7-7", steps S3, S4, and S5 after step S2 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step T1 through the above-described procedure. In the meantime, it is also possible to perform only the lottery of the above-mentioned so-called small items, and to increase the winning rate of the small items when the winning is not achieved with “7-7-7”.

If the symbol "7" cannot be drawn into the symbol display window 12 at an appropriate position in step T3, or the symbol "7" can be drawn into the symbol display window 12 at an appropriate position in step T3. However, if the symbol “7” cannot be drawn into an appropriate position of the symbol display window 12 in step T5, two symbols “7” are not aligned on the active line 16 when the two reels 14 stop. So BB
(Big Bonus) Not a chance to win.

At that time, another symbol corresponding to the alternative winning such as a watermelon picture or a symbol to be replayed is controlled in step T3 and step T5 so as to be drawn in the same way as the symbol “7”. If
In step T5, control can be performed such that the same symbol is drawn to a position where it can be combined with the symbol corresponding to the substitute winning displayed on the symbol display window 12 by the reel 14 stopped first. As a result, alternative opportunities are generated at a high rate.

In this case, in step T6, it is determined whether or not the symbol is an alternative opportunity in which two symbols are arranged on the activated line 16.

If it is determined that the two are completed, step T
At 7 an alternative opportunity flag is set. Step T
In 9, the symbol can be drawn into a position required for the substitute winning, the reel can be controlled so as to deviate from the substitute winning, or nothing can be controlled.

When three of the symbols are arranged on the activated line 16, it is processed as a normal winning, and the alternative opportunity flag is cleared. If the alternative opportunity flag is set and three symbols are not aligned, step T1
In step 2, the alternative opportunity flag is cleared and an alternative opportunity notification effect sound is output from the speaker 20. This alternative gem sound effect sound is “7-7-7” while two “7” s are aligned.
It can also be changed to the case when it is not aligned.

Further, a predetermined prize is won by BB (Big Bonus)
When providing other than the start winning prize, similar processing may be performed for each of them.

Further, in step T7, the control unit 50 outputs an opportunity notification sound output signal to the sound output unit 52, and in response thereto, sounds a sound for notifying that a BB (Big Bonus) start winning opportunity has arrived. The information may be output from the speaker 20 to notify the player.

[0114]

According to the present invention, a player who plays a game using the gaming apparatus of the present invention may be configured to display one or more display means in the previous game in a fixed manner first and then display another display means. Depending on the contents of the display to be fixedly displayed, there is a possibility that the predetermined prize may be matched, that is, it was an opportunity, and that the predetermined prize was not won at the opportunity is displayed on each display. Even if the progress of the display content that is fixedly displayed by the means is not always grasped with care, it is informed by the notification by the opportunity notification means. Therefore, for a player who often feels monotonous during the game continuation and misses the above-mentioned opportunity and continues playing without knowing that there was such an opportunity, the notification by the above-mentioned opportunity notification means is provided. Will generate expectations for the next or subsequent games, and will strongly attract interest in games. And a predetermined prize occurs
In the high winning rate state where the rate is high, there is notification by the opportunity notification means
And a player who knows that he has a high winning rate,
High expectations for games at or after the first
Becomes In a game with a high winning rate,
High opportunities for alternative opportunities, even when opportunities are not possible
Occurs and substitute wins occur, or alternate wins are missed
High prize rate status due to notification by alternative missile notification means
Is displayed, and the predetermined prize in the next and subsequent games will be
Have great expectations for

According to the gaming machine of the fourth aspect, the notification of the opportunity notification means further raises expectations for the next or subsequent game, and the interest in the game is more strongly attracted.

According to the gaming machine of the fifth aspect , since the content of the notification by the miss notification unit differs depending on the type of the predetermined prize having two or more types, various types of games can be provided to the player for the next or subsequent games. It can raise expectations and change the game to enhance interest.

[0117]

In the gaming machine according to the sixth aspect, when there is a notification by the event notification means, the player knows that a high winning rate state in which a predetermined winning rate is generated is high, and the previous game is played in a predetermined manner. Since the player clearly knows that this is an opportunity for winning, the player has great expectations for the next or subsequent game, and the interest in the game further increases.

In the gaming machine according to the seventh aspect, the player can clearly know that the previous game was a predetermined prize opportunity by the notification by the chance notifying means, and the rate of occurrence of the predetermined prize is still higher. Since it is also known whether or not the player is in a high winning rate state, he or she has a high expectation for the next or subsequent game at a degree corresponding to the content of the notification, and the game becomes more sharp.

[0120]

In the gaming machine according to the eighth aspect, in a game with a high winning rate, even when it is impossible to obtain a predetermined winning opportunity, the information is provided to the player at a high rate by the alternative informing means. The fact that the player is in the high winning rate state can be notified at a high rate, and a high expectation can be given to a predetermined winning in the next and subsequent games.

[0122]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a slot machine.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the appearance of the slot machine.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of a main part of a game execution processing operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a processing operation for notification of a missed opportunity (missed information notification).

[Explanation of symbols]

 14a Reel part 50 Control part 52 Audio output part

Continuation of front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A63F 5/04

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A display device comprising: a plurality of display means capable of displaying various display contents; and display fixing means for causing the display means to display the display contents in a fixed manner, wherein the display means is fixed. A game machine for executing a game in which the displayed content meets a predetermined condition and a prize, wherein at least one display means displays a fixed content first, and then displays another content. Opportunity judging means for judging whether it is an opportunity to meet a condition corresponding to a predetermined prize according to a combination of display contents fixedly displayed by one display means, and prize judging means for judging a prize If the opportunity determining means determines that the winning is a predetermined winning chance, and if the winning determining means does not determine the predetermined winning, a chance notifying means for notifying the player of the predetermined winning , and a predetermined winning occurs. High winning prize Specific conditions of the state
High prize rate state setting means set below, wherein the high prize rate state setting means performs a game in a high prize rate state.
If it is not possible to win a predetermined prize,
Display content that is fixedly displayed first by one or more display means
However, after the display, another display means fixedly displays the display.
Depending on the combination with the displayed content,
High rates of alternative opportunities that meet
An alternative opportunity determination means for determining whether or not an alternative opportunity is provided, and an alternative opportunity determination means for determining that an alternative opportunity is provided and
If the decision means does not judge that the
To have an alternative opportunity notification means to inform the technician of it.
A gaming device characterized by: 2. The game machine according to claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of symbols for sequentially displaying a plurality of types of symbols.
Display means, and a symbol for stopping the continuous display on the display means.
Display fixing means for fixedly displaying the symbol, the type of the symbol fixedly displayed by the display means and the
The winning position corresponds to the stop position meeting a predetermined condition.
The gaming device according to claim 1, wherein the gaming device executes a game. 3. A game machine comprising: a plurality of rotatably supported rotatable members having a plurality of symbols displayed on an outer peripheral surface thereof and allowing a player to visually recognize one or more of the symbols in a rotation stopped state; A rotation driving means for driving the rotating body to rotate, and a display fixing means for stopping the rotating body being rotated to display the symbols in a fixed manner, and the rotation stopped by the display fixing means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine in which a prize corresponds to a condition that the type of the symbol in the body and its stop position meet predetermined conditions. 4. A game relatively large claim 1 benefit prize is one that was set as the predetermined winning, 2 or 3 game apparatus according to person. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein two or more types of predetermined prizes are provided, and the content of the notification by the miss notification unit is different depending on the type of the predetermined prize. 6. The gaming device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 perform the notification by missing a chance notifying means only in the high winning rate state. 7. A gaming device according to any one of the high and notification content by missing a chance notifying means winning rate state, non-high notification content by missing a chance notifying means winning rate state different claims 1 to 5. If 8. Alternatively opportunity determination means determines that an alternative opportunity, claims 1 to 7 high winning rate state setting means is for setting to the predetermined alternative prize does not occur
A gaming device according to any one of the preceding claims.