JP4421212B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to execution of effects in a slot machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on the outer periphery, and a winning is generated according to a display mode when rotation of each reel is stopped. Then, when a predetermined prize is generated in each game, a medal is paid out as a valuable value. Further, depending on the type of the prize that has occurred, a big bonus or a regular bonus (hereinafter collectively referred to as a bonus). ), The game progresses in a state advantageous to the player.
[0003]
If a win occurs, the number of medals held by the player will increase, but in order to win a prize in each game, it is necessary to win a prior internal lottery. Considering the winning probability of this internal lottery, the number of medals held by the player will gradually decrease unless a big bonus or regular bonus is won. On the other hand, if the gaming state shifts to a big bonus or a regular bonus, the number of medals held by the player usually increases.
[0004]
Also, even if the number of medals on hand has increased after shifting to the big bonus or regular bonus, the number of medals on hand of the player will decrease again once these are finished and return to the normal gaming state . When the normal gaming state continues and the number of medals on hand decreases, many players come to think of stopping the game. If the number of medals on hand is completely lost or the number of medals held at the end of the bonus is reduced to some extent (for example, about the number at the start of the bonus), the game is often stopped at that time.
[0005]
However, if you can expect to win a big bonus or a regular bonus, the number of medals you have will increase if you win, so there are not many players who want to stop the game at that time. When the bonus notice effect is performed, the player can expect to win a big bonus or a regular bonus, although it is not certain. The more often the bonus notice effect is performed, the greater the expectation. Thus, slot machines and pachinko gaming machines that change the frequency of the notice effect have been proposed in order to maintain the player's expectation (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-129190 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-120707 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP2002-177451
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if the frequency of the notice effect is changed as in the slot machines and pachinko machines of Patent Documents 1 to 3, the change in the frequency is irrelevant to the change in the number of medals held by the player. It was. In other words, the frequency of performance did not change at the timing when the number of medals held by the player decreased and the game was to be stopped. In other words, the player who wants to stop the game due to the decrease in the number of medals on hand cannot be stopped. In other words, since the number of medals on hand decreases to a certain extent (or disappears completely), there are many cases where the game is not continued, so the operating rate of the slot machine cannot be increased.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that improves the operating rate by stopping a player who wants to stop a game by reducing the number of valuable values possessed by the player.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention includes:
By setting the number of bets for one game, it is possible to start the game. When the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed, one game ends, and the variable display device (variable display device 2). In a slot machine that can generate a predetermined prize according to the display result of
A betting number counting means (step S305) for counting the number of bets set by the player, and a valuable value counting means (step S308) for counting the number of valuable values paid out to the player due to the occurrence of the predetermined winning. ), And a difference number calculating means (difference counter (RAM 112)) for calculating a difference number obtained by subtracting the set bet number from the number of the valuable value paid out,
A time-keeping means (game stop timer) for counting the time during which a game is not being performed,
Initial setting means (steps S322 and S323) for setting a difference number calculated by the difference number calculating means to an initial number when the time counting means measures a predetermined time while a situation in which no game is being played continues. ,
Bonus notice production Production control means (production control board 101) for causing the production means (liquid crystal display 4 or the like) to perform
The production control means includes
A means for determining whether or not the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means is within a predetermined range, wherein the calculated difference number first exceeds a predetermined value equal to or greater than a maximum value of the predetermined range. Including determination means capable of determining
Even if the determining means determines that the difference number is within the predetermined range until the determining means determines that the difference number calculated by the difference calculating means exceeds the predetermined value, Means (liquid crystal display 4) Bonus notice effect Without changing the frequency of
When the determination means determines that the difference number has decreased and is within the predetermined range after the determination means determines that the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means exceeds the predetermined value. , In the production means Bonus notice effect Change the frequency to perform (Figure 6)
It is characterized by that.
[0010]
In the above slot machine,
The effect control means further causes the effect means to perform when it is determined that the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means is within the predetermined range. Bonus notice effect Can be changed (FIG. 6).
[0011]
In the slot machine, the difference number calculating means calculates a difference number obtained by subtracting the bet number set by the player from the bet number paid out to the player. Often shows a value close to the number of values. When the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means is within a predetermined range Bonus notice production By changing the frequency of the game, the number of players who stop stopping the game increases. When the difference number calculated by the difference number calculating means is within a predetermined range Bonus notice production Since the contents of the game can be changed, the number of players who stop stopping the game is further increased. In this way, the possibility that the game is continued increases, and as a result, the operating rate of the slot machine increases.
Also, from the start of the game until the predetermined value is exceeded for the first time, Bonus notice production From the beginning without changing the frequency of Bonus notice production Since the frequency of the game has never been changed, there is no risk of misleading the player.
[0012]
It should be noted that the difference number calculated by the difference number calculating means can be made not to show a negative value. Since it is practically impossible for the player to actually have a negative number of valuable values, in this case, the difference calculated by the difference calculating means and the actual value of the player It is possible to prevent a large difference from occurring between numbers.
[0013]
In the above slot machine,
The production control means, after digesting a predetermined number of games, Bonus notice effect It is good also as what changes the frequency which performs.
[0014]
In this case, until the predetermined number of games is consumed, Bonus notice production From the beginning without changing the frequency of Bonus notice production Since the frequency of the game has never been changed, there is no risk of misleading the player.
[0015]
The slot machine is
A range setting unit that sets the predetermined range in accordance with the difference number calculated by the difference number calculating unit may be further provided.
A plurality of types of ranges may be set as the predetermined range.
[0016]
Here, in a predetermined period from when the predetermined start condition is satisfied to when the predetermined end condition is satisfied, the game is shifted to a game state that is advantageous for a player whose expected value of the difference is positive. When further comprising a state transition means,
The range setting means may set the predetermined range when the predetermined end condition is satisfied.
[0017]
In this case, by setting a predetermined range in accordance with the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means, it is possible to obtain an appropriate timing when the difference number further changes. Bonus notice production The frequency of the can be changed. Also, since the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means tends to peak when a predetermined end condition for an advantageous gaming state is satisfied, Bonus notice production The predetermined range for changing the frequency is set at the optimum timing.
[0018]
The slot machine is
Skill determining means for determining the skill of the player may be further provided depending on the progress of the game. In this case,
The effect control means further controls the effect means according to the skill of the player determined by the skill determination means. Bonus notice effect It is possible to change the frequency of performing the operation.
[0019]
Here, the effect control means causes the effect means to further perform according to the skill of the player determined by the skill determination means. Bonus notice production The contents of may be changed.
[0020]
In this way, depending on the skill of the player Bonus notice production Change the frequency of Bonus notice production By changing the content of the game, players with low skills generally tend to play games relying on directing, Bonus notice production The game can be continued by changing the frequency of the game. On the other hand, high-skilled players are unnecessary Bonus notice production The case where it is troubled by can be decreased.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal structure visually recognized with the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 opened. FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of the rear side of the front door of the slot machine of FIG. The front door of the slot machine 1 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 (FIG. 1) and turning it clockwise.
[0023]
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a variable display device 2 is provided on the upper front side of the slot machine 1. Inside the variable display device 2, a reel unit 3 including three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR, respectively.
[0024]
On the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, symbols such as “colorless 7”, “colored 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, and “bell” are in a predetermined order. It is drawn in. The arrangement of symbols will be further described later. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in the upper, middle, and lower three stages. The reel unit 3 is provided with reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR for detecting the reference position of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and a reel lamp 3LP for irradiating light from the back. Yes.
[0025]
Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 is composed of a game number display 51 by a 7-segment display, and displays the value of a counter that counts the number of games and the number of winnings at the time of a big bonus or a regular bonus described later.
[0026]
The credit display unit 22 is constituted by a credit display 52 by a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out coins as will be described later. The payout display unit 23 is composed of a 7-segment display payout display 53, and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is achieved.
[0027]
On the left side of the variable display device 2, a one-bet display unit 24, two-bet display units 25 and 26, and three-bet display units 27 and 28 are provided. The 1, 2, and 3 bet display sections 24 to 28 correspond to the activated lines according to the number of bets (hereinafter referred to as “active lines”), respectively. When 58 is turned on, an effective line in each game is shown to the player. The 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting display sections 24 to 28 are also configured so that the 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting lamps 54-58 are in a blinking state when a winning combination to be described later is made, The active line that won the combination to be described later is shown to the player.
[0028]
On the right side of the variable display device 2, an insertion instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, a weight display unit 31, a replay display unit 32, and a game over display unit 33 are provided. The insertion instruction display unit 29 indicates that a medal can be inserted when the insertion instruction lamp 59 is turned on. The start display unit 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 is turned on, so that the start can be started, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted. The weight display unit 31 indicates that a weight to be described later is applied when the weight lamp 61 is turned on. The replay display unit 32 indicates that a replay winning to be described later has been made when the replay lamp 62 is turned on. The game over display unit 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped when the game over lamp 63 is turned on.
[0029]
On the upper side of the variable display device 2, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as a production means. The liquid crystal display 4 displays various effect images according to the gaming state. An image for production is composed of a series of moving images, for example, and it is announced that there is a possibility of winning an internal lottery, which will be described later, or that there is a possibility depending on the process and final screen of the production (internal lottery Notifying that the winning probability is 100%) or notice (notifying that there is a possibility of winning the internal lottery). Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game.
[0030]
A medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a checkout button 16 are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2. The BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 4), which are turned on when the number of bets can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data, are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15. Has been.
[0031]
The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when the insertion medal sensor 44 detects the insertion of a medal when the insertion instruction unit 29 is lit, the number of bets is set. Alternatively, credits are accumulated as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When it is detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 4) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 4), the bet number from the credit is set. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing the payout of credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 4), medals corresponding to the credits accumulated as data are paid out.
[0032]
A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. Further, a panel covering the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is applied as the bonus notification unit 36.
[0033]
The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 4), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are started to be driven. 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate. The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at a desired timing, respectively, and the operations are stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 4). Is detected, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.
[0034]
It is shown to the player that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is possible by turning on the operation effective lamps 63L, 63C, 63R (see FIG. 4) provided therein. The bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 4) is lit, and that a big bonus winning flag or a regular bonus winning flag described later is set with a probability of 100%. To do. Further, on the right side of the stop button 12R, there is provided a medal clogging elimination button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.
[0035]
On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 to the outside. The hopper 80 includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation, and a payout sensor 81 that detects the medal payout. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 4) installed therein. A full tank sensor 90 is provided inside the overflow tank 95 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper 80 to detect that the stored medals are full.
[0036]
Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R are provided as rendering means on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of winning, big bonus and regular bonus entry, and output of alarm sound at the time of abnormality, and also output sound for various effects according to the gaming state Do.
[0037]
Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, a game effect display unit 5 </ b> A that produces an effect by light by light emission of the game effect lamps 75 </ b> A to 75 </ b> M as an effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. ~ 5M are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5M perform effects by light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. Note that the light emission colors of the game effect display units 5A to 5M may be either single colors or multiple colors.
[0038]
Further, inside the slot machine 1, there are a setting switch 91 for setting a winning probability for an internal lottery described later, a setting key switch 92 for enabling the setting switch 91 to be operated by an unlocking operation, and an internal state (RAM 112 (see FIG. 5). )) Is reset, and a power supply unit 9 is provided that includes a main switch 94 for switching the power ON / OFF. Since the operation of the setting switch 91 requires the unlocking operation of the setting key switch 92, it can be performed only by a person having specific authority such as a store clerk of a game shop. A first reset switch 48 having the same function as the second reset switch 93 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking device 19 on the rear side of the front door.
[0039]
As a control board for controlling each of the above parts, a power supply board 100 arranged on the lower side inside the game, a game control board 101 arranged on the upper side inside, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, an external output board 105, and An effect control board 102 arranged on the back side of the front door is provided. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine 1 including the control boards 100 to 105. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wirings mounted on the game control board 101 and the effect control board 102.
[0040]
The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 4, only the game control board 101 and the hopper 80 are connected, but power is also supplied to other units. In addition, a setting switch 91, a setting key switch 92, a second reset switch 93, and a main switch 94 are connected to the power supply board 100, and detection signals from these switches are sent to the game control board 101.
[0041]
The game control board 101 is a control board on the main side that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1, and includes a control unit 110 including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. It is installed. Further, a random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, a buffer circuit 117, a switch circuit 118, a motor circuit 119 and other circuits are mounted.
[0042]
The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1. To control. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.
[0043]
The random number generation circuit 115 is constituted by a counter that counts up and updates the value every time the system clock generates a predetermined number of pulses, for example, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 115. . The random number generation circuit 115 is provided for each type of random number used for the progress of the game, and a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number is determined.
[0044]
The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 according to the processing to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function). The CPU 111 also has a function of updating the numerical value of the specific address in the RAM 112 by timer interrupt processing and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function).
[0045]
The CPU 111 transmits various commands including a winning status notification command described later to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114 and the buffer circuit 117. Note that information is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 in only one direction, and no information is sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101.
[0046]
Connected to the game control board 101 are a single BET switch 45, a MAXBET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a throw-in medal sensor 44. Detection signals from the switches / sensors are input. In addition, detection signals of the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR are input via the reel relay substrate 103. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.
[0047]
The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a game number display 51, a credit display 52, a payout display 53, a loading instruction lamp 59, a single betting lamp 54, two betting lamps 55, 56, Three betting lamps 57 and 58, a game over lamp 63, a start lamp 60, a replay lamp 62, BET button lamps 70a and 70b, and operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R are connected, and the CPU 111 follows the progress of the game. These operations are controlled.
[0048]
The game control board 101 is connected to reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR via a reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 refers to the reel control table corresponding to the gaming state in the ROM 113, controls the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3ML via the motor circuit 119 and the reel relay board 103, and stops the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Let When stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, pull-in control for a maximum of 4 frames is performed according to the setting status of a winning flag described later.
[0049]
The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of effects in the slot machine 1, and is equipped with a control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124. Yes. In addition, the random number generation circuit 125 and the sampling circuit 126 are mounted, and the CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126, so that the hardware random number function similar to that of the game control board 101 is obtained. Is forming. It also has a software random number function by interrupt processing.
[0050]
The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform processing related to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The performance is executed based on a command received from the game control board 101 via the buffer circuit 127 and the I / O port 124. The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.
[0051]
The effect control board 102 is connected with game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L, 7R, and 7U, a fluorescent lamp 6, a weight lamp 61, and a bonus notification lamp 66. In order to drive these, A speaker driving circuit 131, a display driving circuit 132, a lamp driving circuit 133, and the like are provided. A reel lamp 3LP is connected via a reel lamp relay substrate 104. The control unit of the effect control board 102 performs these effects by controlling these parts.
[0052]
The reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105 and the reel unit 3. The reel relay substrate 103 is also connected with a full sensor 90, and its detection signal is input. The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer and receives a big bonus medium signal, regular bonus medium signal, reel control signal, stop signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. The switch signal, medal IN signal, and medal OUT signal are output to the external device.
[0053]
In the slot machine 1, a winning is awarded when the symbols are arranged on the active line set according to the betting number of the variable display device 2. In order for a winning to occur, the internal winning flag of the combination needs to be set, and details thereof will be described later. At the time of winning a prize, medals are paid out, and the gaming state is changed with the winning. Hereinafter, the “combination” determined as the winning will be described.
[0054]
In a normal gaming state, when, for example, three “BARs” are arranged on an active line corresponding to the number of bets, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. The regular bonus is a game called a regular bonus game (JAC game) that is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) or a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) ("JAC" is displayed on the active line). To finish). The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings thereof. It should be noted that the state that has shifted to the regular bonus, that is, the gaming state in which the regular bonus game is provided is called a first special gaming state, and a regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the gaming control board 101.
[0055]
For example, when three “colored 7” or three “colorless 7” are arranged on the active line corresponding to the bet number, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus. In the big bonus, up to 30 games called small role games can be played. In this small role game, “JAC” is arranged on the active line with a relatively high probability (JACIN), and when the JACIN is performed, the regular bonus described above is provided (up to 3 times).
[0056]
The big bonus ends when 30 small-games end or when a regular bonus based on the third JACIN ends. When this end condition is satisfied, a big bonus end command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of small role games, the number of JACIN, the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings thereof, and the number of medals acquired in the big bonus. Note that the state shifted to the big bonus is referred to as a second special game state, and a big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101.
[0057]
Also, in games other than regular bonus games (including those offered during the big bonus), when “watermelon” or “bell” is aligned on the active line, or “cherry” appears on the left reel 3L In this case, it becomes a small role prize. When “JAC” is arranged on the active line, except for the small role game and the regular bonus game (including the big bonus) provided during the big bonus period, a replay win is awarded. In the following description, the term “bonus” simply includes both a big bonus and a regular bonus.
[0058]
Next, the internal lottery will be described. In the internal lottery, it is determined in advance whether or not winnings to each of the above-mentioned roles is permitted. The random number for internal lottery acquired using the hardware random number function, the setting by the setting switch 91, and the player setting Based on the number of bets placed and the current gaming state, the winning determination table prepared in the ROM 113 is referred to, and the CPU 111 performs such a determination means. When the internal lottery is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the RAM 112 of the game control board 101.
[0059]
Depending on the result of the above internal lottery, a big bonus winning flag, a regular bonus winning flag, a small role winning flag (multiple depending on the type of small role), a replay winning flag, and a JACIN winning flag (replay winning flag in the big bonus) In the regular bonus, the JAC winning flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101. Only one winning flag is newly set in one game, but only the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag are carried over from the next game until the actual winning.
[0060]
Based on the information related to various winning flags set in the RAM 112 based on the result of the internal lottery described above, a winning status notification command is generated by the CPU 111 and sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 for each game. It is done. The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs a bonus notification effect or a bonus notice effect based on the winning status notification command. In order to prevent the results of the internal lottery from being completely output to the outside, the content of the winning status notification command is converted with a very low probability and transmitted to the production control board 102 within a range that does not affect the bonus notification. It is good also as what to do.
[0061]
The frequency and content of bonus notices performed as effects by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 vary depending on whether the bonus is won and the difference counted after winning the bonus. Here, the difference ball means a number obtained by subtracting the bet number set in each game by the player from the number of medals (including a case where the credit is added as a credit) paid out by winning in each game. .
[0062]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a bonus notice determination table for determining the frequency and content of the bonus notice. This bonus notice determination table is stored in advance in the ROM 123 of the effect control board 102 and registers whether or not a bonus notice effect is performed according to whether or not a bonus is won and the value of a difference counter (described later). It is a table. Whether a bonus notice effect is performed or which kind of bonus notice effect is performed depends on the value of a random number for bonus notice determination (0 to 99) extracted when a winning status notification command is received from the game control board 101. It is decided.
[0063]
For example, when the winning status notification command indicates that a bonus has been won, regardless of the value of the difference counter, if the value of the random number for determining the bonus notice is 0 to 49, the bonus notice effect is not performed. If 50 to 79, the notice effect A is performed, if 80 to 91, the notice effect B is performed, and if 92 and 93, the notice effect C is performed. That is, some bonus notice effect is performed with a probability of half.
[0064]
When the winning status notification command indicates that the bonus has not been won and the value of the difference counter is 50 or more, if the value of the random number for determining the bonus notice is 0 to 89, the bonus notice effect is not performed. If it is 90-94, the notice effect A is performed, if 95, the notice effect B is performed, and if 96, the notice effect C is performed. Here, the probability that some kind of bonus notice effect is performed is 1/10.
[0065]
Similarly, even if the winning status notification command indicates that the bonus is not won, if the value of the difference counter is less than 50, the bonus notice effect is performed if the random number for determining the bonus notice is 0 to 79. If it is 80 to 87, the notice effect A is performed, if it is 88 to 91, the notice effect B is performed, and if 92 and 93, the notice effect B is performed. Here, the probability that a certain bonus notice effect is performed is 1/5, which is higher than when the value of the difference counter is 50 or more, and a bonus notice effect having a higher reliability than the notice effect C. The probability of being played is the same as when the bonus is won.
[0066]
The difference counter is added when the medal is paid out (or credits are added) due to a prize generated as a result of the game, and the number of bets to be paid is added by the player, and the player sets the bet number (or credits). This is a counter that is decremented by the bet number when the bet number is set from (1), and is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 122. When the result of subtracting the bet number becomes negative, 0 is set as the initial value in the difference counter.
[0067]
The value of the difference ball counter is considered to indicate a value close to the number of medals held by the player (including credits). The player is likely to give up continuing the game when there are no more medals on hand. When the value of the difference ball counter becomes small, it is considered that the number of medals held by the player is also small, so it is considered that the game is stopped in the remaining number of games. On the other hand, when there is a high possibility that a bonus is won, the player rarely stops the game. Therefore, when the value of the difference ball counter is less than 50, by increasing the frequency of performing the bonus notice effect, the expectation of winning the bonus is increased, and the player is stopped from trying to stop the game. It is.
[0068]
By the way, in the slot machine 1, it may not be considered that the value of the difference counter is necessarily close to the number of medals held by the player. When the player stops playing at the end of the bonus, the value of the difference counter increases, but the next time another player starts the game, there are as many medals on hand as there are. There are few things. When the player changes, it is better to return the difference counter value to the initial value of 0.
[0069]
In the slot machine 1, the game control timer 102 measures the time during which the game is not being played (the game is not transmitted from the game control board 101 to the game control board 102) with the game stop timer. is doing. When the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 receives any command from the game control board 101, it clears the time that the game stop timer has timed, but when it does not receive any command, The counter value is cleared.
[0070]
When the production control board 102 receives the winning status notification command, if the corresponding winning status notification command indicates that the bonus has been won, a bonus notification determining random number is extracted, and depending on the value In some cases, a bonus notification effect is performed. Once the bonus notification effect is performed, the notified flag is set in the RAM 122 until the bonus is won, and thereafter, the bonus notification effect and the bonus notification effect are not repeated.
[0071]
Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, “game” includes a series of processes from setting the bet amount to rotating / stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Furthermore, if any processing (for example, payout of medals or transition of gaming state) is performed after the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, this is also included as processing within one game. To do.
[0072]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing for one game executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. This process is also executed after the power is turned on and a predetermined boot process is performed, or immediately after the setting is changed by operating the setting switch 91. When the process of one game is started, first, an initial process including a process of clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 112 is performed (step S1).
[0073]
Next, the number of bets is set by operating one BET button 14 or MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and operating the start lever 11 to substantially change the game. A BET process for instructing the start is performed (step S2). However, if the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same number of bets as in the previous game are automatically set by the replay flag (the replay flag is erased at this stage), so the start lever 11 is operated as it is. You can tell the start of the game. Details of the BET process will be described later.
[0074]
When the number of bets is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, a lottery process is performed to determine whether or not winning as described above is permitted (step S3). In this lottery process, a winning flag for each combination is set based on the lottery result, and a winning situation notification command indicating the situation is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Details of the lottery process will be described later.
[0075]
When the lottery process ends, a reel fluctuation start process is performed (step S4). In the reel fluctuation start process, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the previous game are processed on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to start rotation of all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Thereby, the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display device 2. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of rotation in the previous game, the rotation display waits and the weight display unit 31 is notified by lighting the weight lamp 61. Note that the order of starting the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R may be changed according to the state of various flags set in the RAM 112. At the start of rotation, the reel stop timer and the timing of one game timer for the next game are started.
[0076]
Thereafter, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S5). In the reel fluctuation stop process, after a predetermined condition is established from the start of reel rotation (the reference position is detected by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed), the stop buttons 12L, 12C , 12R is made effective, and the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are stopped by being operated by the player, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped. Further, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses for the time measured by the reel stop timer, the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is forcibly stopped. At this time, the drive stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled in accordance with the setting status of the winning flags of each combination.
[0077]
When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, whether or not any of the above-mentioned roles has been arranged on the active line corresponding to the number of bets set in the BET process in step S2 in the display mode at the time of stopping. A winning determination process is performed (step S6). If it is determined in this winning determination process that any of the winning combinations has been won, various processes (including setting of the number of payouts) corresponding to the winning generated on the game control board 101 are performed. Details of the winning determination process will be described later.
[0078]
When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step S7). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of payout scheduled medals set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the hopper motor 82 is driven to pay out an excess number of medals from the medal payout slot 71. Also, processing such as counting the number of games at the time of bonus and ending the bonus is performed.
[0079]
Next, the BET process in step S2 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the BET process executed by the CPU 111 in step S2. In the BET process, first, it is determined whether or not a replay winning has occurred as a result of the previous game and the replay flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S101).
[0080]
If no replay prize is generated as a result of the previous game and the replay flag is not set in the RAM 112, 0 is substituted as the initial value of the bet number of the current game (step S102). Next, it is determined whether or not the single BET button 14 is operated by the player depending on whether or not the detection signal of the single BET switch 45 is input (step S103). If the single BET button 14 is operated, the bet number of the current game is incremented by 1 (step S104). Also, a BET command indicating that the bet number is 1 is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S105). Then, the process proceeds to step S109.
[0081]
If the single BET button has not been operated, whether or not the MAXBET button 15 has been operated by the player is determined based on whether or not the detection signal of the MAXBET switch 46 has been input (step S106). When the MAXBET button 15 is operated, the bet number of the current game is added by a value obtained by subtracting the current bet number from 3 (step S107). When the MAXBET button 15 is operated, a BET command indicating the bet number obtained by subtracting the current bet number from 3 is transmitted (step S108). Then, the process proceeds to step S109.
[0082]
In step S109, it is determined whether or not the start lever 11 has been operated by the player depending on whether or not the detection signal of the start switch 41 has been input. However, in the state where no bet number is set, the operation of the start lever 11 is invalid, and even if there is a physical operation, it is considered that the operation is not performed.
[0083]
When the start lever 11 is operated, the current bet number is confirmed, the BET process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the start lever is not operated, it is determined whether or not the current bet number is 3 (step S110). If the current bet number is not 3, the process returns to step S103. If the current bet number is 3, the current bet number is confirmed and the process proceeds to step S113.
[0084]
If the replay flag based on the replay winning of the result of the previous game is set in the RAM 112 in step S101, the bet number in the previous game is set as the bet number in the current game as it is (step S111). Here, the number of bets is fixed. Further, the replay flag set in the RAM 112 is deleted (step S112). Then, the process proceeds to step S113.
[0085]
In step S113, it is determined whether or not the start lever 11 has been operated by the player depending on whether or not the detection signal of the start switch 41 has been input. If the start lever 11 has not been operated, the process of step S113 is repeated to wait for the start lever 11 to be operated. When the start lever 11 is operated, the BET process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0086]
Next, the winning determination process in step S6 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the winning determination process executed by the CPU 111 in step S6. First, it is determined whether or not a symbol that becomes a display mode of any combination is derived and displayed on the active line set according to the number of bets (step S201). If no symbol of any combination is derived and displayed, the winning determination process is terminated and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0087]
If a symbol of any combination is derived and displayed, it is determined whether or not a winning flag for a combination corresponding to the symbol derived and displayed on the active line is set in the RAM 122 (step S202). If the winning flag corresponding to the symbol derived and displayed on the active line is not set, the process ends in error. If the winning flag of the winning combination corresponding to the symbol derived and displayed on the active line is set, it means that the winning combination has been won.
[0088]
Here, processing for setting various flags according to the winning combination in the RAM 112 (deleting depending on the flags) is performed (step S203). This process includes deleting the big bonus winning flag when winning the big bonus and setting the big bonus medium flag, deleting the regular bonus winning flag when winning the regular bonus, setting the regular bonus medium flag, and winning the replay This includes the setting of the replay flag in the case of the failure. Furthermore, a winning information command indicating whether or not a winning has occurred, and if a winning has occurred, is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S204).
[0089]
Next, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is replay (step S205). If it is not a replay, the winning combination is a combination that involves paying out medals, and the number of payouts according to the combination is set in the RAM 112 (step S206). In addition, a payout number command indicating the number of payouts is sent to the effect control board 102 (step S207). Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the winning combination is a replay winning, the winning determination process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0090]
In the repetition of the game as described above, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 performs a transition of the game state between the normal game state, the regular bonus, and the big bonus, and controls the effects according to the progress of the game. It is transmitted to the substrate 102. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an original effect including a bonus notice and a bonus notice based on a command received from the game control board 101. Hereinafter, processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 to perform various effects (particularly bonus notice) will be described.
[0091]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. On the side of the effect control board 102, it is determined whether or not a command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S301). Until the command is received, the processing in step S301 is repeated, and the command is waiting to be received. When any command is received from the game control board 101, the type of the received command is determined (step S302).
[0092]
If the received command type is the winning information command transmitted in step S204, it is determined whether or not the received winning information command indicates a bonus winning (step S303). If the bonus winning is indicated, if the notified flag is set in the RAM 122, it is deleted (step S304). Then, the process proceeds to step S321. If no bonus winning is indicated, the process directly proceeds to step S321.
[0093]
If the received command type is the BET command transmitted in step S105 or S108, the value of the difference counter in the RAM 122 is subtracted by the bet number indicated by the received BET command (step S305). As a result, it is determined whether or not the value of the difference ball counter is negative (step S306). If the value of the difference ball counter is negative, 0 is set as the value of the difference ball counter (step S307), and the process proceeds to step S321. If the value of the difference counter is not negative, the process directly proceeds to step S321.
[0094]
If the received command type is the payout number command transmitted in step S207, the value of the difference counter in the RAM 122 is added by the planned payout number indicated by the received payout number command (step S308). Then, the process proceeds to step S321.
[0095]
If the received command type is the winning status notification command transmitted in the lottery process in step S3, the setting status of the winning flag indicated by the received winning status notification command is temporarily stored in the RAM 122 (step S309). Further, it is determined whether or not a bonus notification has been made in the game before the previous time and the notified flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S310). If the notified flag is set, the process proceeds to step S321 as it is.
[0096]
If the notified flag is not set, it is determined whether or not the bonus is won based on the setting status of the winning flag temporarily stored in the RAM 122 (step S311). If the bonus is not won, the process proceeds to step S316. If a bonus is won, a notification determination random number is extracted by the software random number function (step S312), and it is determined whether or not a bonus notification is performed based on the value (step S313). If no bonus notification is made, the process proceeds to step S316.
[0097]
If a bonus notification is to be performed, first a bonus notification effect is performed using the liquid crystal display 4 or other effect means (step S314). When the bonus notification effect is performed, a notification flag is set in the RAM 122 (step S315). Then, the process proceeds to step S321.
[0098]
In step S316, the random number for notice determination is extracted by the software random number function. Next, the type of bonus notice registered in the bonus notice determination table (in accordance with the setting status of the winning flag temporarily stored in the RAM 122 and the value of the difference counter in the RAM 122 based on the extracted value of the notice determination random number ( (Including no notice) is taken out (step S317).
[0099]
As a result, it is determined whether or not to give a bonus notice (step S318). If no bonus announcement is made, the process proceeds to step S321. If bonus notice is to be performed, the type of bonus notice effect extracted from the bonus notice determination table is performed using the liquid crystal display 4 or other effect means (step S319). Then, the process proceeds to step S321.
[0100]
If the received command type is another command, processing corresponding to the type of each command (the details are omitted because it is not related to the present invention) is executed (step S320). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S321. In step S321, the time counted by the game stop timer for considering that a new player starts the game is cleared to zero. Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0101]
If it is determined in step S301 that a command has not been received, it is determined whether or not the game stop timer has counted a predetermined time (step S322). If the game stop timer has not timed the predetermined time, the process directly returns to step S301. If the game stop timer counts a predetermined time, since no operation is performed on the slot machine 1 during that time, the player who has been playing the game so far leaves the slot machine 1, The next game operation is likely to be another player. Therefore, the difference counter of the RAM 112 is cleared to the initial value 0 (step S323). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0102]
As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the probability that a bonus notice effect is performed in a game in which no bonus is won is greater than when the difference counter value is less than 50 than when the difference counter value is less than 50. Also gets higher. The value of the difference ball counter is considered to indicate a value relatively close to the number of medals held by the player (including credits). In this way, when it is considered that the number of medals held by the player is small, it is possible to increase the expectation for the bonus winning by increasing the frequency of the bonus notice effect. As a result, the number of medals on hand can be reduced and the player trying to stop the game can be stepped on, and thus the game is often continued, resulting in an increase in the operating rate of the slot machine. .
[0103]
The value of the difference counter is increased when a medal is paid out by winning, and is decreased by setting the number of bets. However, when the value becomes negative, 0 is set as an initial value. Is done. Since the number of medals held by the actual player cannot be negative, the value of the difference counter is closer to the number of medals held by the actual player.
[0104]
In the effect control board 102, when the game stop timer measures a predetermined time without receiving a command from the game control board 101, 0 is set as the initial value of the difference counter value. When no command is received for a long time and the slot machine 1 is not operating, there is a high possibility that a game by another player has started. In such a case, by setting the value of the difference ball counter to 0, the player actually has the value of the difference ball counter regardless of how much the previous player has won the medal and finished the game. It can be close to the number of medals.
[0105]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.
[0106]
In the above embodiment, the value of the difference counter is added when a medal is paid out by winning, and is subtracted when the player sets the number of bets. On the other hand, the number of medals paid out by winning and the number of bets set by the player are counted using different counters, and the number of bets is subtracted from the number of paid out medals separately counted. May be calculated.
[0107]
In the above embodiment, the initial value of the value of the difference counter is considered that a new player starts a game when the game stop timer counts a predetermined time because no command is received for a predetermined period of time. Was set to 0. On the other hand, it is considered that when a demo command is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 without operating the slot machine 1 for a predetermined period, a new player starts a game. The initial value may be the value of. It may be assumed that when the first and second reset switches 48 and 93 are operated, a new player starts the game, and the value of the difference counter is set as the initial value.
[0108]
In the above-described embodiment, when the value of the difference counter is less than 50, the frequency of the bonus notice effect is increased. However, since the game stop timer usually has passed a predetermined time before a new player starts playing, the value of the difference counter is 0, and the frequency is high from the beginning. A bonus notice effect will be performed, which may confuse the player.
[0109]
Therefore, the frequency of the bonus notice effect is not changed until the value of the difference counter exceeds 50 (or a predetermined value higher than the upper limit of the range for changing the frequency of the bonus notice effect). When the value once exceeds 50 and then decreases again and becomes less than 50, the frequency of the bonus notice effect may be changed. In addition, the frequency of the bonus announcement effect is not changed until the predetermined number of games are consumed after the game stop timer counts the predetermined time and the initial value of 0 is set in the difference counter. It is also possible to change the frequency of the bonus notice effect when the value of the difference counter becomes less than 50 after the predetermined number of games has been consumed.
[0110]
When a new player starts a game, the player has medals of the minimum unit number (generally 50) for lending. Therefore, when the game stop timer counts the predetermined time, 50 is set as the value of the difference counter, and a value different from the initial value 0 set when the value of the difference counter becomes negative. It may be set. Since there are few players who stop the game just because there is no minimum unit number for medal lending, when the game stop timer times out a predetermined time, the value of the difference counter is larger than the minimum unit number (for example, 100). ) May be set.
[0111]
In the above embodiment, the frequency of the bonus notice effect when the bonus is not won is changed when the value of the difference counter becomes less than 50, so the number of medals held by the player itself is reduced. It was possible to stop the player from stopping the game. However, for example, if the number of handheld medals of a player once becomes very large due to the continuous big bonus (for example, the value of the difference counter is about 1000), even if the number of handheld medals has decreased dramatically from here, There was no way to stop the game until the difference counter value decreased to less than 50.
[0112]
As the transition of the value of the difference counter, a peak is created before and after the end of the big bonus. Therefore, a range for changing the frequency of the bonus notice effect may be set according to the value of the difference counter at the end of the big bonus. For example, assuming that the number of medals held by a player (and the value of the difference counter) increases by 300 with one big bonus, when the value of the difference counter reaches 400 at the end of the big bonus, A range in which the value of the difference counter, which is a period in which the medal for one bonus is about to decrease, may be set as a range in which the frequency of the bonus notice effect is changed.
[0113]
Depending on the value of the difference counter, a plurality of ranges for changing the frequency of the bonus notice effect may be set. For example, when the difference counter value reaches 1000 at the end of the big bonus, the difference counter value may be set in three ranges of 700 to 750, 400 to 450, and 100 to 150. Thus, every time the medal for one big bonus is about to decrease, the frequency of the bonus notice effect is changed, and when the number of medals for one big bonus is about to decrease, the game is stopped. It will be possible to stop.
[0114]
Note that the timing for setting the predetermined range is not limited to the end point of the big bonus, but may be set at the end point of the regular bonus. In addition to bonuses such as AT (Assist Time), CT (Challenge Time), RT (Replay Time), and AR (AT + RT), the expected value of the change in the number of medals held by the player (the value of the difference counter) is positive. In a slot machine including a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, a range in which the frequency of the bonus announcement effect is changed at the end of the advantageous gaming state may be set.
[0115]
In the above embodiment, the presence / absence and type of the bonus notice effect is determined by whether or not the bonus is won and whether or not the difference counter value is 50 or more. I didn't explain what it was. Here, a bonus notice effect that appears only when the bonus is won or when the value of the difference counter is less than 50 may be provided. When such a bonus notice effect appears, the player can expect more bonus winning. By changing the contents of the production in this way, the number of medals on hand can be reduced, and the player who is trying to stop the game can be further stepped down, and in this way the game is often continued, resulting in a result As a result, the operating rate of the slot machine increases.
[0116]
In the above-described embodiment, the probability that the bonus notice effect is provided on the effect control board 102 changes only according to whether or not a bonus is won and the value of the difference counter. The reason for changing according to the value of the difference counter was to prevent the player from stopping the game by the bonus notice effect and to increase the operating rate, but the display mode as the display result of the variable display device 2 etc. Some players can more accurately determine whether or not a bonus has been won based on the bonus notice effect than based on the bonus notice effect. For such a player, it is troublesome that the bonus announcement is frequently made even though the bonus is not won. On the other hand, players with lower skill levels tend to advance their games by relying on the bonus notice effect, so even if the number of medals on hand disappears due to changes in the frequency of the bonus notice effect, additional players will be added. There is a high possibility that the medals will be lent and the game will be continued.
[0117]
As a method for determining the skill of the player, for example, a ratio (missing rate) of the number of games in which a winning combination of a certain combination cannot be won can be applied. In the bonus notice determination table, whether or not a bonus is won, whether or not the difference counter value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (50 in the above example), and whether or not the missed rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In addition, a random number value for performing the bonus notice effect may be registered.
[0118]
Here, when the miss-out rate is less than a predetermined value, even if the value of the difference counter is less than the predetermined value, the probability of performing the bonus notice effect may not be increased. The missed rate is determined by the ratio of the number of games won internally and the number of games that were not won at that time. The game stop timer counts the predetermined time and sets the value of the difference counter to 0. When clearing, the value of the number of winning games that were won internally and the number of games that were not won to be counted to calculate the missed rate can also be cleared to zero.
[0119]
Further, as a method for determining the skill of the player, for example, the operation timing of the start lever 11 and the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, the insertion timing of the medal from the medal insertion slot 13, and the operation of the single BET button 14 and the MAXBET button 15 Timing, the number of sliding frames of a symbol when a winning occurs, etc. can also be applied instead of the missing rate.
[0120]
In the above embodiment, the variable display device 2 includes the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order on the outer periphery, and the symbols are driven by rotational driving of these reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Was variably displayed. However, a device that virtually displays a symbol on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device may be used instead of the variable display device 2 described above.
[0121]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a difference number obtained by subtracting the bet number set by the player from the bet number paid out to the player (often close to the number of valuable values possessed by the player) is within a predetermined range. The number of players who stop stepping down the game is increased by changing the frequency of the performance when the time is reached. In this way, the possibility that the game is continued increases, and as a result, the operating rate of the slot machine increases.
[0122]
According to the invention of claim 2, when the difference number obtained by subtracting the bet number set by the player from the bet number paid out to the player falls within a predetermined range, the content of the effect is also changed. More players will stop stopping the game. In this way, the possibility that the game is continued increases, and as a result, the operating rate of the slot machine increases.
[0123]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, until the predetermined value is exceeded for the first time from the start of the game, the production frequency is not changed, and the player is not likely to be confused.
[0124]
According to the invention of claim 4, by setting the predetermined range according to the difference number calculated by the difference number calculating means, it is possible to change the production frequency at an appropriate timing when the difference number further changes.
[0125]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when a predetermined end condition for an advantageous gaming state is satisfied, the difference number calculated by the difference number calculating means tends to peak, and the setting of a predetermined range for changing the frequency of performance is optimal. Can be done at any time.
[0126]
According to the invention of claim 6, by changing the frequency of the production according to the skill of the player, the player with a low skill who tends to rely on the production is directed to continue the game. On the other hand, it is possible to reduce the case where a player with a high skill is bothered by unnecessary effects.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an overall structure of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing an internal structure visually recognized in a state in which a front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 is opened.
3 is a view showing the structure of the back side of the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wirings mounted on a game control board and an effect control board.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a bonus notice determination table stored in a ROM in the effect control board.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the control unit in the game control board for each game.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the BET process of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the winning determination process of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a control unit of the effect control board.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 slot machine
2 Variable display device
4 Liquid crystal display
101 Game control board
102 Production control board

Claims (5)

By setting the number of bets for one game, it is possible to start the game. When the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed, one game is completed, and according to the display result of the variable display device. In a slot machine where a predetermined winning can occur,
A betting number counting means for counting the number of bets set by the player, and a value counting means for counting the number of valuable values paid out to the player due to the occurrence of the predetermined winning. Difference number calculating means for calculating a difference number obtained by subtracting the set bet number from the number of valued values;
A timing means for timing the time during which no game is being played,
Initial setting means for setting the difference number calculated by the difference number calculating means to an initial number when the time counting means measures a predetermined time while a situation in which a game is not being performed continues,
Production control means for causing the production means to perform a bonus notice effect ,
The production control means includes
A means for determining whether or not the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means is within a predetermined range, wherein the calculated difference number first exceeds a predetermined value equal to or greater than a maximum value of the predetermined range. Including determination means capable of determining
Even if the determining means determines that the difference number is within the predetermined range until the determining means determines that the difference number calculated by the difference calculating means exceeds the predetermined value, Without changing the frequency with which the bonus announcement effect is performed by the means,
When the determination means determines that the difference number has decreased and is within the predetermined range after the determination means determines that the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means exceeds the predetermined value. The slot machine characterized in that the frequency at which the effecting means performs the bonus notice effect is changed. The effect control means, when it is determined that the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means is within the predetermined range, further changes the content of the bonus notice effect to be performed by the effect means. Item 2. The slot machine according to Item 1. The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising range setting means for setting the predetermined range according to the difference number calculated by the difference number calculation means. Game state transition means for transitioning the gaming state to a gaming state advantageous for a player whose expected value of the difference is positive in a predetermined period from when the predetermined start condition is satisfied to when the predetermined end condition is satisfied Further comprising
The slot machine according to claim 3, wherein the range setting means sets the predetermined range when the predetermined end condition is satisfied. It further comprises a skill determination means for determining the skill of the player according to the progress of the game,
The said effect control means changes the frequency which makes the said effect means perform the said bonus notice effect further according to the player's skill which the said skill determination means determined. The Claim 1 thru | or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The slot machine according to item 1.

Images