JP4727911B2 - 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 related to the occurrence of a special prize such as a big bonus or a regular bonus and the end of a special gaming state.
[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. Depending on the type of winning, the medal as a valuable value is not paid out, but the game shifts to a special gaming state called a big bonus or a regular bonus (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as a bonus). The game progresses in a state advantageous to the player.
[0003]
In order for a winning combination including a bonus to occur, it is necessary to win the winning combination in an internal lottery performed in advance (usually when the start lever is operated) and to set a corresponding winning flag. Some recent slot machines have a function to carry over a plurality of bonus winnings in internal lottery performed in each game (hereinafter, a stock function). In order to realize this stock function, control is performed to a state where a bonus winning is impossible even if a bonus is won (for example, RT (Replay Time)).
[0004]
When the bonus game is won and the game state is shifted to the special game state, the player can obtain much more medals than in the normal game state. Accordingly, the player expects that a bonus winning flag is set and a bonus winning can be made based on the bonus winning flag. In particular, in a slot machine having a stock function, even if the state where the bonus winning is impossible is not released, the player's expectation will naturally increase if the time for releasing is approaching. Therefore, it is common practice to improve the interest of the game by informing the player of such a situation through production and enhancing the player's sense of expectation.
[0005]
Although it can be said that the bonus winning in the slot machine is a big hit as a game, there is another pachinko machine as a game machine including the big win in the game. In pachinko gaming machines, it is common to indicate whether or not a symbol that has been variably displayed on a variable display device is a big win in the display mode that is finally derived and displayed. Reach production is made to expect big hits. That is, when a reach is generated in the process of variable display, the player can expect a big hit. Here, a pachinko gaming machine is also known in which the appearance rate of reach is changed after the jackpot is finished or according to the game history, thereby increasing the player's expectation and improving the interest of the game (for example, patents) References 1 and 2).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-2014457
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-8-131622
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the reach production in the pachinko machine described above was only a single production. Even if a reach occurs in the process of one-time fluctuation display, if the player eventually loses, the player's sense of expectation will be interrupted. The player's sense of expectation is raised again when a reach occurs in the process of displaying the change from the next time. Even if reach continues to occur, it does not mean that the high expectations of the player have been maintained during that time.
[0008]
An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that can improve the interest of the game by maintaining the player's expectation for the occurrence of the special prize after the special game state ends.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention includes:
  By setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, it is possible to start the game, and a variable display device (variable display device 2) display capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be individually identified. In a slot machine in which one game is completed by derivation and display of a result and a predetermined winning can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
  Pre-determining means (steps S107 to S114) for pre-determining whether or not to allow the occurrence of the predetermined winning;
  A gaming state control means for shifting the gaming state to a special gaming state (big bonus, regular bonus) advantageous to the player until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied when a special winning of the predetermined winnings occurs. Steps S6 and S206)
  Production control means (production control board 102, FIG. 10) that causes the production means (liquid crystal display 4) to produce a game-related production in at least one of the normal execution mode (single production) and the special execution mode (continuous production). )
  The production control means includes
  Before the special prize occursAccording to the determination result of the prior determination meansAs an internal state of the slot machineOccurrence of the special prizeThePossibleToThe first set based on the timingPrecursorPeriod (RT (2): Step S304)In the first execution effect control means (step S305) for executing the effect in the special execution mode,
  Occurrence of the special prizeThePossibleToBased on the establishment of a predetermined condition different from the timingAs a period different from the first sign production periodSet secondPrecursorPeriod (during production: steps S310 to S313)InThen, the production is executed in the special execution mode.SecondSign production control means (stepS314)When,
  SaidFirstPredictive periodBoth the second sign production periodA special post-game-state effect control means (step S308) for executing an effect in the special execution mode in the post-special game state end period (5 games after the bonus end: step S307) set after the special game state ends. With
  It is characterized by that.
[0010]
  In the above slot machine,Except after the special gaming state is over, the first and secondDuring the sign production periodTheWhen the effect is executed in the special execution mode, the player can be expected to generate a special prize. Also, after the special gaming state is overFirstPredictive periodBoth the second sign production periodThe period after the end of the special gaming state indicates that a special prize is generated again after the special gaming state is ended by performing the effect in the special execution mode even in the period after the special gaming state is set separately. Can be continuously given to the player. Thereby, the interest of a game can be improved.
[0011]
In the special game state, the expected value of the number of valuables acquired by subtracting the number of bets set by the player from the number of valuables paid out to the player due to winning in the period becomes positive. On the other hand, in the normal gaming state, the expected value of the number of valuable values acquired is negative.
[0012]
  The slot machine is
  When the special determination information indicating that the occurrence of the special winning is permitted is set by the pre-determining means, and the special winning permitted by the special determination information does not occur, the special determination information is set for the next game or later. Decision information carry-over means (steps S112 and S114) capable of carrying over a plurality of special decision information indicating that the occurrence of the special prize is permitted,
  When determination information indicating that the occurrence of the special prize is permitted is set, a first disabling state in which the occurrence of the special prize is impossible or difficult and the first condition can be satisfied ( RT (1)) and a second unusable state (RT (2)) that is transitioned to when the first condition is satisfied and a second condition having a higher expected value than the first condition can be satisfied. ) Including a disabled state control means (steps S116 to S119, S209 to S212) for controlling the disabled state (RT).
  When the second condition is satisfied in the second disabled state, the disabled state controlled by the disabled state control unit is canceled, and the special winning can be generated or disabled easily. Release means (steps S101 to S106) may be further provided. In this case,
  The firstPrecursorThe period may be set in a period controlled to the second disabled state.
[0013]
  Here, after the special gaming state is ended by executing the effect in the special execution modePeriod after special game stateIn this case, it is possible to continue to give the player a sense of expectation that the disabled state is immediately released and the special winning can be generated or easily enabled. Thereby, the interest of a game can be improved.
[0014]
Note that the impossible state in which a special prize cannot be generated is a state in which the special prize cannot be generated, and a state in which the special prize is canceled is a state in which a special prize can be generated. On the other hand, an impossible state where it is difficult to generate a special prize is a situation where a special prize cannot be generated completely, but it can only occur with a very low probability. This means that it is easy to occur.
[0015]
  In the above slot machine,
  The length of the period after the end of the special gaming state (5 games)PrecursorIt is preferably set to the same length as the average length (5 games) of the period (RT (2) period: 0 to 10 games).
[0016]
  Here is the occurrence of a special prizeThePossibleToSince the game is executed in the special execution mode after the special game state is ended only for a period equivalent to the period in which the production is performed in the special execution mode based on the timing, after the special game state is ended.The period after the end of the special gaming state that is set separately from both the first and second indication performance periodsTherefore, it is possible to continue to give the player a sense of expectation to win a special prize again. Thereby, the interest of a game can be improved.
[0017]
  The slot machine is
  The firstPrecursorPeriod and said secondPrecursorperiodofLength,RespectivelyYou may further provide the warning effect period determination means (step S118, S211, S313) which determines any one of several types of length. In this case,
  The precursor effect determination means has a period of a predetermined length or less among a plurality of types at a rate higher than a period longer than the predetermined length.PrecursorThe length of the period can be determined.
[0018]
  In this case, when the period during which the effect is executed in the special execution mode is longer than the predetermined length, it is less than the predetermined length or less.AlsoFirstPrecursorSince there is a high possibility that it is a period, it is possible to increase the player's expectation for the occurrence of a special prize. Thereby, the interest of a game can be improved.
[0019]
  In the above slot machine,
  The precursor effect control means is the first indicationPrecursorWhen the production is being executed in the special execution mode other than the period, the firstPrecursorWhen the period is set, the performance in the special execution mode can be continued.
[0020]
Even in this case, the longer the period during which the effect is executed in the special execution mode, the higher the player's expectation for the occurrence of the special prize. Thereby, the interest of a game can be improved.
[0021]
In the above slot machine,
The special execution mode may be, for example, a mode in which the effect means performs a continuous effect during a period in which the effect is executed in the aspect.
[0022]
Further, the special execution mode may be a mode in which a probability that an effect is performed in the effect means is higher than that in the normal execution mode.
[0023]
Thus, the player's sense of expectation for the occurrence of the special prize can be increased by performing the continuous effects or increasing the frequency of the effects. Thereby, the interest of a game can be improved.
[0024]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0025]
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.
[0026]
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.
[0027]
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 symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in 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.
[0028]
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.
[0029]
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.
[0030]
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.
[0031]
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.
[0032]
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. The effect image includes a continuous effect image that constitutes a bonus sign effect and a post-bonus effect, which will be described later, or a single effect image that is performed in addition to the bonus predictor effect and the post-bonus effect. Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game.
[0033]
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.
[0034]
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.
[0035]
A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. 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, 3MR are started to be driven. 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate. .
[0036]
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. 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.
[0037]
Further, a panel that covers the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is applied as the bonus notification section 36. The bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that the big bonus winning flag or the regular bonus winning flag, which will be described later, is set with a probability of 100% by turning on the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 4). 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.
[0038]
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.
[0039]
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.
[0040]
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.
[0041]
In addition, a setting switch for changing a setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) of a medal payout rate calculated based on the winning probability for an internal lottery to be described later is set inside the slot machine 1 91, a setting key switch 92 for enabling the setting switch 91 to operate, a second reset switch 93 for resetting the internal state (RAM 112 (see FIG. 5)), and a main unit 94 for switching the power ON / OFF. 9 is provided.
[0042]
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.
[0043]
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.
[0044]
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.
[0045]
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.
[0046]
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.
[0047]
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).
[0048]
The CPU 111 transmits various commands including a winning status notification command to be 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.
[0049]
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.
[0050]
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.
[0051]
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 Note that, depending on the reel control table that is referred to when the gaming state is at RT (Replay Time), which will be described later, a bonus winning is not made.
[0052]
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.
[0053]
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 (particularly a winning status notification command) received from the game control board 101 via the buffer circuit 127 and the I / O port 124. The effects also include a continuous effect and a single effect that constitute a bonus sign effect and a post-bonus effect which will be described later.
[0054]
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.
[0055]
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.
[0056]
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.
[0057]
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 (however, the control to RT is not performed with the occurrence of winning). Hereinafter, the “combination” determined as the winning will be described.
[0058]
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). Complete: JAC prize). When the regular bonus ends, a regular bonus end command is transmitted to the effect control board 102.
[0059]
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.
[0060]
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). The big bonus ends when 30 small-games end or when a regular bonus based on the third JACIN ends.
[0061]
When the big bonus ends, 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. 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.
[0062]
Also, in games other than the regular bonus game or JAC game, if “watermelon” or “bell” is aligned on the active line, or if “cherry” appears on the left reel 3L, a small role prize is awarded. . If “JAC” is available on the active line, except for the small role game, JAC game, and regular bonus game provided during the big bonus period, a replay win is awarded. When other display modes are derived and displayed on the variable display device 2, no winning combination has been won, that is, the game is lost.
[0063]
Note that the replay winning is not a small role winning in a strict sense, but is not different from other small winnings in that it does not involve the transition of the gaming state, so in this embodiment unless otherwise noted, In the case of “small role”, replay is included. Further, JACIN at the time of a big bonus, and a combination during a JAC game and a regular bonus game are also included in the “small combination”. In addition, a simple “bonus” includes both a big bonus and a regular bonus.
[0064]
Expected value of the number of medals that can be earned by a player during that period (subtracting the set number of bets) when the game state is shifted to the big bonus or regular bonus due to winning a big bonus or regular bonus Is a plus. On the other hand, the expected value of the number of medals that can be obtained by the player when the game state is not in the bonus or when the game state is RT is negative.
[0065]
When there is a winning combination as described above, the number of medals corresponding to each winning combination is paid out (except for the case where the winning combination is 50 until the number of credits reaches 50). A corresponding number of credits are accumulated as data, and in this case as well, medals are paid out as valuable value). In addition, the number of medals to be paid out is 15 in all cases, except that there are 8 bell small roles and 2 cherry small roles. Note that a winning information command indicating the presence / absence of winning and the type of winning combination is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 at the end of each game.
[0066]
Next, the internal lottery and bonus winning stock and their release will be described in more detail. The internal lottery determines in advance whether or not winnings to each role described later is permitted. The random number for internal lottery obtained by using the hardware random number function for each game, the setting by the setting switch 91, the game Based on the number of bets set by the player and the current gaming state, the winning determination table prepared in the ROM 113 is referred to, and the CPU 111 performs such a means for predetermination. Winning in the internal lottery is exclusive, and a plurality of winnings are not won simultaneously in one game.
[0067]
When winning a small combination (including replay and the like), a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination in the game is set in the RAM 112. If the small combination winning flag is set in the RAM 112, the corresponding small combination can be won. The small role winning flag is deleted at the end of each game and is not carried over to the next game transition. When the big bonus or the regular bonus is won, the winning is once stored in the stock number storage unit of the RAM 112. Here, if no bonus winning flag of any kind is set, the bonus winning stock is shifted, the corresponding bonus winning flag is set, and the stock number of the bonus winning is set. It is decremented by 1.
[0068]
Even if the bonus winning flag is erased due to the bonus winning, the bonus winnings stocked at that time are not shifted as the bonus winning flag, but if the bonus winning is stocked at the end of the bonus based on the bonus winning The bonus winnings stocked at that time are shifted as bonus winning flags. When shifting from the bonus winning stock to the winning flag, if only one of the big bonus and regular bonus is stocked, the type of stock that is stocked will inevitably be selected and shifted. If both are stocked, one of them is selected by lottery and shifted.
[0069]
However, just because the bonus winning flag is set does not mean that a bonus winning is possible. When the bonus winning flag is set, the gaming state is controlled to RT. When the gaming state is controlled to RT, a reel control table that cannot make a bonus winning is selected and stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is performed. The state where the bonus winning flag is set by the control to RT and the bonus winning is impossible is treated as the state where the bonus winning is stocked even if there is no further bonus winning stock. .
[0070]
Here, RT has two states, RT (1) and RT (2). When the bonus winning flag is set, first, an RT (1) flag is set in the RAM 112 and controlled to RT (1) of RT. In the game at RT (1), when the RT transfer lottery performed before the internal lottery is won, the game shifts from RT (1) to RT (2). RT (2) is released when the predetermined number of games (which may be 0) is digested and the remaining number of games reaches zero. The release of RT (2) is the release of RT.
[0071]
There are two types of RT transfer lottery win probability: high probability (about 1/120) and low probability (about 1/1720). Whether the probability is high or low is determined when the bonus winning flag is set, but the percentage that the high probability is selected when the bonus winning flag is set at the so-called first win is the bonus end The probability that the high probability is selected later when the bonus winning flag is set based on further stock can be made higher. This is to prevent an excessive number of games from the end of the previous bonus to the bonus winning in the first win.
[0072]
In addition, the number of games of RT (2) is determined from 0 games to 10 games when the bonus winning flag is set. Here, the ratio of the number of games to be determined is the same (each 1/11), and the average number of games determined as the number of games of RT (2) is 5 games. When 0 game is determined as the number of games of RT (2), if the RT (1) flag is deleted by RT transition lottery, RT is released at that time.
[0073]
When the RT (1) flag is erased and the RT (2) counter value becomes 0 and the normal gaming state is restored, a reel control table capable of winning a bonus will be selected. It is possible to win a bonus based on the set bonus winning flag. Here, it is convenient for the RT not to increase the probability of replay winning but to use a reel control table that is different from the normal gaming state so as not to win a bonus, thereby allowing bonus winning stock. It is only a gaming state that is used for the purpose.
[0074]
Various winning flags set based on the results of the above-described internal lottery and the like, and information regarding the control status (normal or RT) of the game state are sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 as a win status notification command for each game. Sent to. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a format of a winning status notification command transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 for each game. The winning status notification command includes a winning status notification command 301 shown in FIG. 6A and a winning status notification command 302 shown in FIG. 6B.
[0075]
The winning status notification command 301 includes, as information, a setting status of a winning flag corresponding to each combination of big bonus, regular bonus, watermelon, bell, cherry, and replay (or JACIN, JAC winning). On the other hand, the winning status notification command 302 includes the setting status of the big bonus medium flag, the regular bonus medium flag, and the RT (1) medium flag, and the number of remaining games of RT (2) (same as the value of the RT (2) counter). Is included as information.
[0076]
If 1 is set as the setting status of the big bonus medium flag, the current gaming state is the big bonus. If 1 is set as the setting status of the regular bonus flag, the current gaming state is in the regular bonus. If both of these are set to 1, the current gaming state is in the regular bonus during the big bonus (during the JAC game).
[0077]
If 1 is set as the setting state of the flag in RT (1), the current gaming state is in RT (1) of RT regardless of the remaining number of games in RT (2). . When the setting status of the flag in RT (1) is set to 0, if the remaining number of games in RT (2) is 1 or more, the current gaming state is in RT (2) of RT. Become. If 0 is set as the setting status of the RT (1) flag, and the remaining number of games in RT (2) is also 0, it means that the game state is normal or the bonus is in progress.
[0078]
When receiving the winning status notification command 302, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 executes a continuous effect or a single effect that constitutes a bonus sign effect or a post-bonus effect. In order to prevent the result of the internal lottery from being completely output to the outside, the contents of the winning status notification command may be converted with a predetermined probability and transmitted to the effect control board 102.
[0079]
Next, the bonus sign effect, the post-bonus effect, and the single effect will be described in detail. The bonus sign effect and the post-bonus effect are configured as a series of continuous effects over a plurality of games (however, there may be only one game). That is, the effects executed in each game are performed continuously in terms of content. Which one of the effects corresponding to each game constituting the continuous effect is performed depends on the number of remaining games of RT (2), the number of executed games of the gasse effect (described later), the number of games after the bonus ends, etc. It is determined according to a table registered in the ROM 123 of the control board 102.
[0080]
The bonus sign effect is performed when the gaming state is at RT, but is always performed when RT (2), and when RT (1) is won when the Gasse effect lottery is won. . The number of games of RT (2) is determined uniformly among any of 0 to 10 games, and the number of games of bonus warning effect performed based on RT (2) is the same. On the other hand, when the Gase effect lottery is won, the number of games in the continuous game is determined to decrease as the number of games increases from 1 game to 10 games. There is a higher probability of losing in the Gase production lottery than when one game is determined. In other words, the greater the number of games that are continuously produced as a bonus sign production, the higher the reliability that has actually been transferred to RT (2).
[0081]
The post-bonus presentation is performed during five games after the bonus ends. The number of bonus sign effects based on RT (2) is determined uniformly from 0 to 10, and the average number of games is the number of games for the effect after the bonus ends. In order to count the number of games after the bonus ends, a counter which is initialized by a bonus end command from the game control board 101 and is counted up by a winning status notification command 302 is provided in the RAM 122 of the effect control board 102. .
[0082]
In addition, a game when the game state is not in RT, a post-bonus effect within 5 games from the end of the bonus when it is in RT (1), and a Gase bonus sign effect when winning the Gase effect lottery In a game in which neither is performed, a single effect is performed according to the setting status of the winning flag at that time and the gaming state (whether or not a bonus is being played). The setting status and game state of the winning flag are notified from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 by the winning status notification commands 301 and 302. The single effect is an effect that the content is completed only in the game.
[0083]
Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the term “game” means, in a narrow sense, from the operation of the start lever 11 until the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. However, when a game is played, the number of bets before the operation of the start lever 11 is set, and medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. Is also included in the “game” in a broad sense.
[0084]
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).
[0085]
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. BET processing for instructing start is performed (step S2). However, if the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same number of bets as 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.
[0086]
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 small winning combination flag is set based on each lottery result, and a bonus winning is stocked. If a bonus winning flag is stocked without setting a bonus winning flag before the previous game, the bonus winning flag is set and the gaming state is controlled to RT. Also, the winning status notification commands 301 and 302 shown in FIG. 6 are transmitted to the effect control board 102. Processing related to the release of RT is also performed in this lottery processing. Details of the lottery process will be described later.
[0087]
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, 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.
[0088]
Here, when a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of rotation in the previous game, the rotation is awaited for rotation, 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.
[0089]
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, and 3R is forcibly stopped.
[0090]
At this time, referring to the reel control table corresponding to the gaming state set in the RAM 112, the stop of driving of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled according to the setting status of the winning flags of each combination in the RAM 112. In the reel control table referred to in the RT gaming state, no bonus winning is generated even if the bonus winning flag is set.
[0091]
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 a winning combination has been won, various processes corresponding to the winnings generated on the game control board 101 are performed. Such processing includes setting of a replay flag when winning a replay, setting of a payout amount when winning other than replay, erasing a bonus winning flag when winning a bonus, and setting a flag during bonus.
[0092]
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. Various settings not related to winning are also made, and a bonus end command is transmitted to the effect control board 102 when the bonus ends. Further, when the bonus winning is stocked, the bonus winning flag is set and the RT is controlled. Details of the payout process will be described later. Then, the process for one game ends, and the process for the next one game starts.
[0093]
Next, the lottery process in step S3 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the lottery process executed by the CPU 111 in step S3. First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is RT (1) of RTs based on whether or not the RT (1) flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S101).
[0094]
If the current gaming state is RT (1), a random number for RT transfer lottery is extracted by the hardware random number function, RT transfer lottery is performed based on the extracted random number value (step S102), and as a result, RT It is determined whether or not the transfer lottery has been won (step S103). If the RT transfer lottery is not won, the process directly proceeds to step S107. If the RT transfer lottery is won, the RT (1) flag in the RAM 112 is deleted (step S104). Here, if the value of the RT (2) counter is 1 or more, the process shifts to RT (2) of RT, and if the value of the RT (2) counter is 0, RT is canceled as it is. Then, the process proceeds to step S107.
[0095]
If the current gaming state is not in RT (1), it is determined whether the current gaming state is in RT (2) of the RTs depending on whether the value of the RT (2) counter in the RAM 112 is 1 or more. (Step S105). If the current gaming state is RT (2), the value of the RT (2) counter is decremented by 1 (step S106). Then, the process proceeds to step S107. If the current gaming state is not in RT (2) (that is, if it is in the normal gaming state or a bonus), the process proceeds to step S107 as it is.
[0096]
In step S107, a random number for internal lottery is acquired using the hardware random number function, and the acquired random number value is temporarily stored in the RAM 112. Further, the random number value temporarily stored in the RAM 112 is used to set the probability by the setting switch 91, the bet number set in the BET process in step S2, and the current gaming state (during normal, during RT, during big bonus and during regular bonus) The result is compared with the winning determination table corresponding to (step S108).
[0097]
Next, as a result of comparing the value of the random number with the winning determination table, it is determined whether or not any kind of small role (including replay etc.) has been won (step S109). If any type is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the RAM 112 (step S110). Then, the process proceeds to step S122.
[0098]
If any type of small role is not won, it is determined whether or not the big bonus has been won as a result of comparing the random number value with the winning determination table in step S108 (step S111). If the big bonus is won, the big bonus stock number is incremented by 1 (step S112). Then, the process proceeds to step S115.
[0099]
As a result of comparing the random number value with the winning determination table in step S108, if the big bonus has not been won, it is next determined whether or not the regular bonus has been won (step S113). If the regular bonus is won, the regular bonus stock number is incremented by 1 (step S114). Then, the process proceeds to step S115. If the regular bonus has not been won, the process proceeds to step S122.
[0100]
In step S115, it is determined whether or not the bonus winning flag is already set in the RAM 112 in the previous game. If the bonus winning flag has already been set, the process directly proceeds to step S122. When the bonus winning flag is not set, it is a so-called first win in which a bonus winning is made for the first time in this game from a state where there is no bonus winning stock.
[0101]
In this case, the winning probability (RT transition probability) for transitioning from RT (1) to RT (2) in the RT transition lottery in step S102 is based on the random number value extracted by the software random number function. Or it is determined to be one of low probability. Here, in order to prevent the number of games from the end of the previous bonus until the bonus can be won from becoming too large, it is preferable to increase the ratio determined as a high probability as the RT transition probability (step S116). . Also, the RT (1) flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S117).
[0102]
Further, a random number is extracted by the software random number function, and the number of games of RT (2) after being transferred from RT (1) is determined to be any one of 0 to 10. Here, the number of games determined as the number of games of RT (2) is the same ratio in any of 0 to 10, and the expected value of the determined number of games is 5 (step S118). Then, the determined number of RT (2) games is set in the RT (2) counter of the RAM 112 (step S119).
[0103]
Next, the bonus winning flag won this time among the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S120). Furthermore, the number stocked for the bonus won this time is decremented by 1 (step S121). Then, the process proceeds to step S122.
[0104]
In step S122, a winning status notification command 301 indicating the setting status of the winning flag set in the RAM 112 and a winning status notification command 302 indicating the control status to the RT are respectively generated, and these are sequentially controlled by the effect control board 102. Send to. Here, the winning situation notification commands 301 and 302 may convert the contents with a predetermined probability. Then, the lottery process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0105]
Next, the payout process in step S7 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout process executed by the CPU 111 in step S7. First, until the planned number of payouts becomes 0, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is discharged by controlling the hopper 80 and discharging medals one by one while subtracting the planned number of payouts one by one. Pay out. However, if the number of credits has not reached 50, the number of credits is incremented by 1 instead of discharging medals one by one (step S201).
[0106]
Further, the small winning combination flag (including replay and the like) set in the RAM 112 is deleted (step S202). Next, referring to the state of the big bonus medium flag and the regular bonus medium flag in the RAM 112, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the bonus state (step S203). If the current gaming state is not in the bonus state, the payout process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0107]
If the current gaming state is a bonus, the various counters in the RAM 112 are used, and the number of digested games since the gaming state is transferred to the bonus (in the case of a big bonus, the number of small roles and the number of JAC games are separately set. ) Is counted (step S204). As a result of the counting, it is determined whether or not a bonus end condition is satisfied (step S205). If the bonus termination condition is not satisfied, the payout process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0108]
If the bonus end condition is satisfied, the bonus flag in the RAM 112 is deleted (step S206), and a bonus end command is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S207). Next, it is determined whether or not the number of stocks for winning either the big bonus or the regular bonus is 0, that is, whether the bonus winning is not stocked (step S208). If the bonus winning is not stocked, the payout process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0109]
If the bonus winning is stocked, the RT transition probability in the RT transition lottery in step S102 is determined to be either high probability or low probability based on the random number value extracted by the software random number function. Here, the ratio at which the low probability is determined as the RT transition probability can be set smaller than the ratio at which the low probability is determined in step S116 (step S209). Further, the RT (1) flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S210).
[0110]
Further, a random number is extracted by the software random number function, and the number of games of RT (2) after being transferred from RT (1) is determined to be any one of 0 to 10. Here, the number of games determined as the number of games of RT (2) is the same ratio in any of 0 to 10, and the expected value of the determined number of games is 5 (step S211). Then, the determined number of RT (2) games is set in the RT (2) counter of the RAM 112 (step S212).
[0111]
Next, the type of bonus to be released after the end of RT among the bonuses stocked is selected from either a big bonus or a regular bonus. Here, if only one of the big bonus and the regular bonus is stocked, the stocked type of bonus is selected as the type to be released. If both are stocked, the type of bonus is selected by lottery based on acquisition of random numbers by the software random number function (step S213).
[0112]
When the type of bonus to be released after the end of RT is determined, a bonus winning flag corresponding to the determined type of the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S214). Further, the stock number of the selected type of bonus is decremented by 1 (step S215). Then, the payout process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0113]
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 based on the 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, a continuous effect and a single effect that constitutes the bonus sign effect and the post-bonus effect) will be described.
[0114]
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).
[0115]
If the received command type is the winning status notification command 301 transmitted in step S122 (FIG. 6A), the corresponding selection status notification command 301 is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 (step S303). ). Then, the process returns to step S301. As long as no error occurs, the winning status notification command 302 is sent after the winning status notification command 301.
[0116]
When the type of the received command is the winning status notification command 302 (FIG. 6B) transmitted in step S122, it depends on whether the RT (2) remaining game number of the command 302 is 1 or more. Then, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is in RT (2) of RT (step S304). If it is in RT (2), a continuous effect as a bonus symptom effect is executed in accordance with the number of RT (2) remaining games indicated by the command 302, and the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (step S305).
Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0117]
If the gaming state is not in RT (2), it is determined by the received winning status notification command 302 whether the gaming state is in RT (1) of RT (step S306). If it is at RT (1), it is determined whether or not it is within 5 games after the end of the bonus depending on whether or not the value of the post-bonus game number counter counted up to the previous game is less than 5. Step S307).
[0118]
If it is within 5 games after the bonus ends, a continuous effect as an effect after the bonus ends is executed according to the number of games after the bonus indicated by the value of the game counter after the bonus ends, and the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (Step S308). Also, after the bonus is over, the value of the game number counter is incremented by 1 (step S309). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0119]
If it is not within 5 games after the end of the bonus, it is determined whether or not it is already in the middle of the continuous production of the gasse as a bonus sign effect (step S310). If the continuous production of gasses is performed, the process proceeds to step S314. If the continuous production of the gaze is not performed, a random number is extracted by the software random number function, and it is determined whether to perform the gender continuous production by lottery (step S311), and as a result, it is decided to perform the continuous production of the gaze. It is determined whether or not (step S312).
[0120]
If it is decided to perform a continuous effect of the gaze, a random number is extracted by the software random number function, the number of games in which the effect is continued is determined to any one from 1 to 10, and set in the gasse effect game number counter of the RAM 122 To do. (Step S313). Here, the probability of determining the number of games is set so as to increase as the number of games decreases. In addition, the probability that it is determined in step S312 that the continuous production of the gaze will not be performed is higher than the probability that the least one game is determined. Then, the process proceeds to step S314.
[0121]
In step S314, according to the number of remaining games of the gasse continuous effect indicated by the value of the gasse effect game number counter, a gase continuous effect as a bonus sign effect is executed and the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. Further, the value of the Gase effect game number counter is decremented by 1 (step S315). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0122]
If the gaming state is not in RT (1) in step S306, the continuous production is not performed. In addition, when it is determined in step S312 that the gaze effect is not performed, the continuous effect is not performed. In these cases, the process proceeds to step S316, the random number is extracted by the software random number function, the extracted random number value, the winning flag setting status indicated by the winning status notification command 301 temporarily stored in the RAM 122 in step S303, and the current time According to the current gaming state indicated by the received winning situation notification command 302, a single effect is executed, or further, the mode of the single effect is determined.
[0123]
Next, it is determined whether or not it has been decided to execute a single production by this lottery (step S317). If it is decided not to execute the single effect, the process directly returns to step S301. If it is decided to execute the single effect, the single effect is executed according to the mode determined in step S316, and the image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (step S318). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0124]
If the received command type is the bonus end command transmitted in step S207, the value of the after-bonus game counter in the RAM 122 is initialized to 0 (step S319). Then, the process returns to step S301.
[0125]
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 returns to step S301.
[0126]
As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, even when the bonus winning flag is set, the time when the RT where the bonus winning is impossible cannot be released is approaching, that is, RT (2). At some point, a bonus warning effect is always performed. Even when the player is at RT (1), the bonus warning effect is performed. However, if the bonus warning effect is performed, the current gaming state is at RT (2), and it is approaching that RT is released and a bonus winning is possible. You can expect that.
[0127]
Also, after the bonus ends, during the 5 games, the post-bonus effects are performed. The post-bonus production is composed of the same continuous production as the bonus sign production. For this reason, the post-bonus effect can make the player expect that the bonus can be won again immediately after the bonus ends. In addition, during the period in which the post-bonus presentation is performed, the expectation can be continuously given from the end of the bonus.
[0128]
Here, the five games in which the bonus end effect is performed are the same as the average number of games of the bonus warning effect when the RT release is actually approaching (that is, the average number of games of RT (2)). . In other words, the bonus end effect period is equivalent to the bonus sign effect period before the RT is released, so that the player is expected to continue to be able to win bonuses during that period. Can do.
[0129]
In addition, the period of bonus warning effect is determined to be any one of 0 to 10 games, whereas the period of RT (2) is uniformly determined from 0 to 10 games, while As the number of games is small, the probability of being determined is high. Thereby, the longer the continuous production period, the higher the reliability as the bonus sign production, and the higher the player's expectation. And while a continuous production is continuing, it can be made to expect a player to be able to continue to win a bonus.
[0130]
Furthermore, if the bonus sign effect is being executed, or if the effect after the bonus ends is being executed, if the RT transition lottery is won and the game moves to RT (2), the bonus sign effect is It will be continuously executed until the continuous production until. As a result, the longer the duration of the continuous performance, the higher the probability that it was a bonus warning effect based on RT (2). As a result, the player's expectation can be increased. And while a continuous production is continuing, it can be made to expect a player to be able to continue to win a bonus.
[0131]
In this way, the player can have a continuous expectation that the bonus winning is possible while the continuous production is continued by the bonus sign production or the post-bonus production. By providing such a continuous expectation and gradually increasing the expectation, the interest of the game can be greatly improved.
[0132]
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.
[0133]
In the above embodiment, the post-bonus effect is assumed to have been performed over 5 games, but this is the same as the average number of games in which the bonus warning effect is performed in RT (2). It was. On the other hand, the post-bonus effect may be performed over the maximum number of games for which a bonus warning effect is performed, that is, for a period of 10 games. Also, the period of the post-bonus effect may be determined by lottery between 0 to 10 games in the same manner as the bonus sign effect.
[0134]
In the above embodiment, the bonus warning effect and the post-bonus effect are executed as a series of continuous effects in a plurality of games (however, in the case of a bonus warning effect, the game may end in one game). In contrast, during the period of the bonus warning effect and the post-bonus effect, the probability that the effect is executed in each game may be higher than in the normal case. By setting the high-probability effect state as the bonus sign effect and the post-bonus effect, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation while the effect is being executed at a high frequency.
[0135]
In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied has been described by way of an example of a slot machine having a function of stocking bonus winnings. On the other hand, when the bonus is won in the internal lottery, the bonus winning flag is set, and the present invention can also be applied to a slot machine in which a bonus winning is possible from that point. In this type of slot machine, when the bonus winning flag is set, it is carried over from the next game until the bonus is won.
[0136]
In such a slot machine, when the bonus winning flag is set and the bonus winning is possible, it is only necessary to perform a continuous effect such as the bonus warning effect at RT (2) described above. . However, if a bonus is won, the continuous production will be stopped there. Further, when the bonus winning flag is not set, a continuous effect such as the bonus warning effect at RT (1) described above may be performed.
[0137]
In the above embodiment, the RT gaming state is finally released through RT (1) released by lottery and RT (2) of 5 games in order, but RT The release method is not limited to this. For example, after RT (1) similar to that described above is released, the gaming state of the RT may be finally released via RT (2) 'which is released with a probability of 1/5. Alternatively, RT may be canceled by digesting a predetermined number of games. In this case, as the number of games until RT is released, either the small number of games (about 120 games) or the large number of games (about 720 games) corresponding to the high probability and low probability of the above-mentioned RT cancellation lottery respectively. Can be selected. When the number of remaining games until the RT is released reaches a predetermined number (for example, one determined from 0 to 10 games), a bonus warning effect similar to the above can be performed.
[0138]
In the above embodiment, even if the bonus winning flag is set, if the gaming state is RT, it is completely impossible to win a bonus by the reel control table selected at this time. . However, for example, if the reel control table to be selected at RT is considered to be a bonus winning with a probability of 1/10 in the case of a completely correct procedure, there are six patterns for pressing the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. If there are 12 combinations, the bonus winning may be difficult (1/10) × (1/6) × (1/12) = 1/720. In this way, even if it is not impossible to make a bonus winning at RT, the bonus winning stock function is realized by making the bonus winning so difficult that it occurs only at a lower probability than the bonus winning probability at RT. You can also
[0139]
In the above embodiment, the setting of the bonus winning flag and the bonus winning stock are separated in the RAM 112, but a multi-bit bonus winning flag indicating the total number of stocks may be provided. The stock of the big bonus and the regular bonus may be stored in the winning order, and either the big bonus or the regular bonus may be released in the winning order. In addition, when the bonus winning flag is set, other methods can be used as long as a bonus winning is not possible until a predetermined condition is satisfied, in addition to not allowing a bonus winning with the gaming state as RT. You can also achieve bonus winning stock. You may stock winnings of either big bonus or regular bonus.
[0140]
In the above embodiment, the bonus warning effect and the bonus end effect are performed by displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. Other effect devices other than the liquid crystal display 4, such as lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP and game effect LED 75, output of sound from the speaker 7, or rotation control of the fourth reel in a slot machine having a fourth reel for performance. It is good also as what performs the sign effect of a bonus and the effect after the end of a bonus using.
[0141]
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 peripheral portion, 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.
[0142]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the invention of claim 1,Except after the special gaming state is over, the first and secondBy causing the presentation to be executed in a special execution manner during the sign presentation period, the player can be expected to generate a special prize. After the special game state is overFirstPredictive periodBoth the second sign production periodSince the performance is executed in the special execution mode even in the period after the special game state is set separately, the player is continuously given the expectation that a special prize will occur again after the special game state ends. Can improve the interest of the game.
[0143]
  According to the invention of claim 2, after the special gaming state is ended by executing the effect in the special execution mode.Period after special game stateIn this case, it is possible to continue to give the player a sense of expectation that the disabled state is immediately released and the special winning can be generated or can be easily enabled, so that the interest of the game can be improved.
[0144]
  According to the invention of claim 3, the occurrence of a special prizeThePossibleToAfter the special gaming state has ended, the effect is executed in the special execution mode even after the special gaming state has ended for a period equivalent to the period in which the presentation is performed in the special execution mode based on the timing.FirstPredictive periodBoth the second sign production periodIn the period after the end of the special game state that is set separately, the player can continue to be given a sense of expectation to win a special prize again, and the fun of the game can be improved.
[0145]
  According to the invention of claim 4, when the period during which the effect is executed in the special execution mode is longer than the predetermined length, it is less than the predetermined length or less.AlsoFirstPrecursorSince there is a high possibility that it is a period, the player's expectation for the occurrence of a special prize can be increased, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0146]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the longer the period during which the performance is executed in the special execution mode, the higher the player's expectation for the occurrence of the special prize, and the fun of the game can be improved. .
[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 format of a winning status notification command.
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 details of the lottery process of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout process of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a control unit in 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)

A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and a display result of a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable is derived and displayed. In a slot machine in which one game is completed and a predetermined prize can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
A pre-determining means for pre-determining whether to allow the occurrence of the predetermined prize;
A gaming state control means for shifting the gaming state to a special gaming state advantageous to the player until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied when a special winning of the predetermined winnings occurs;
In at least one of the normal execution mode and the special execution mode, an effect control unit that causes the effect unit to perform an effect related to the game is provided.
The production control means includes
In the first precursor effect period set based on the timing at which the special winning can be generated as the internal state of the slot machine according to the determination result of the prior determination means prior to the occurrence of the special winning , First warning effect control means for executing the effect in the special execution mode;
Oite a second aura effect period set as a different time period and the first precursory effect period based on establishment of a predetermined condition different from the timing of enabling the generation of said special pay, the special execution mode Second sign production control means for executing the production at
A special game in which an effect is executed in the special execution mode in a period after the end of the special game state that is set after the special game state is ended as a period different from the first precursor effect period and the second precursor effect period. A slot machine comprising post-state effect control means. When the special determination information indicating that the occurrence of the special winning is permitted is set by the pre-determining means, and the special winning permitted by the special determination information does not occur, the special determination information is set for the next game or later. A decision information carry-over means capable of carrying over a plurality of special decision information indicating that the occurrence of the special prize is permitted,
When determination information indicating that the occurrence of the special prize is permitted is set, the first impossible state in which the occurrence of the special prize is impossible or difficult and the first condition can be satisfied. When the first condition is satisfied, the control is shifted to a disabled state including a second disabled state in which a second condition having a higher expected value than the first condition can be satisfied. Means,
When the second condition is satisfied in the second disabled state, the disabled state controlled by the disabled state control unit is canceled, and the special winning can be generated or disabled easily. Release means,
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the first precursor effect period is set in a period in which the second impermissible period is controlled to be in the second disabled state. 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the period after the end of the special gaming state is set to the same length as an average length of the first precursor effect period. The length of the first precursory effect period and the second aura effect period, further comprising one of aura effect period determining means for determining the length of a respective plurality of types of length,
The precursor effect determining means determines the length of the second precursor effect period at a rate higher than a period longer than the predetermined length in a period of a predetermined length or less among a plurality of types. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The sign production control means produces an effect in the special execution mode when the first sign production period is set when the production is being executed in the special execution mode outside the first sign production period. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the execution of is continued.

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