JP4796746B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of generating a prize to which a predetermined game value is given according to a display result of a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can each be identified.

  In a conventional slot machine, generally, whether or not to win a prize or the type of prize or the like is determined by winning by random number lottery. The player generated a winning when the combination of winning symbols corresponding to the permitted winnings could be aligned with the active line, and the player did not perform any winnings by random lottery. Sometimes no combination of winning symbols is available.

  As an example of a slot machine that determines whether or not a prize is won by such a random number lottery, for example, a special prize (big bonus) that is given a special gaming state (big bonus etc.) that is advantageous to a player who has an opportunity to win a large number of medals. (For example, Patent Document 1) has been proposed in which a period in which the occurrence ratio of an advantageous state advantageous to a player such as (winning) is high can be set.

JP 2003-144621 A (pages 6, 11 and 6, 20)

  In the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, a period in which the degree of the game with the big bonus as a winning combination is increased from a plurality of periods such as opening, morning, noon, afternoon, closing, etc. in advance. By making it possible to set, it is possible to generate a highly interesting situation at a specific time, such as continuously winning a big bonus according to the business form of the game hall.

  However, as described above, the period during which the occurrence ratio of the big bonus is high is determined at a specific time during the business hours of the day, and the player's expectation for the big bonus during a period other than the specific time is expected. Since it attenuates remarkably, it has a problem that it becomes difficult to maintain the player's expectation for the acquisition of medals (game value) over a long period of time.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine capable of sustaining a player's sense of expectation for acquisition of gaming value.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the slot machine according to claim 1 of the present invention enables a game to be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and a plurality of each of which can be identified. The display result of the variable display device capable of variably displaying the type of identification information is derived and displayed, so that one game is completed, and a prize is awarded that gives a predetermined game value according to the display result of the variable display device. A slot machine made possible,
Control to any one of a plurality of game modes including a first game mode and a second game mode in which an expected acquisition value that can be expected to acquire the gaming value is higher than that of the first game mode. Game mode control means for
A first game control pattern that defines a timing for controlling the plurality of types of game modes including the second game mode, and at least a part of the timing for controlling to the second game mode is the first game mode. A game control pattern storage means for storing at least three types of game control patterns including a second game control pattern determined differently from the game control pattern;
Game control pattern selection means for selecting any one of the game control patterns from the game control patterns at a predetermined opportunity;
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game based on the game mode control means, the game control pattern storage means, and the game control pattern selection means;
With
Each of the game control patterns has the same expected acquisition value that can be expected to acquire the gaming value,
Each game control pattern has a common time to be controlled in the second game mode regardless of the type of the game control pattern, and at least one of the other times other than the common time. In the game control pattern, the time to be controlled to the second game mode is determined,
The second game mode is not definitely notified .
According to this feature, when the selected game control pattern is controlled to the first game mode and the second game mode having a higher expected value of acquisition that can be expected to acquire a value for gaming than the first game mode. Change, and the player is no longer controlled to the second game mode at a fixed time, so that the player's expectation for the acquisition of game value can be maintained. In addition, since at least three types of game control patterns are selected, the game value acquisition expected value is the same. Therefore, a player for acquiring a game value regardless of which game control pattern is selected. Can maintain a sense of expectation. Furthermore, at least three or more common time there for any game control pattern is controlled always second game mode, even when it is selected is, at least any one of game control in timing other than the common timing timing is controlled to the second game mode has been defined in pattern, the second game mode is for the deterministic not notified, it becomes difficult to determine whether each game control patterns have shifted is selected, the game It is possible to effectively increase the player's expectation for gaining utility value.
Note that the predetermined opportunity is, for example, when a specific prize is generated, at the start of business, when a predetermined number of games have elapsed, or when the value of a game value given to a player reaches a predetermined value. Various triggers such as time of day are included.
The game value is a valuable value that can be used for setting the number of bets such as medals.
Further, the predetermined number of bets is at least one bet number, and a game can be started by setting a bet number of two or more or setting a maximum bet number. good.
It should be noted that the plurality of types of game control patterns may be any game control pattern in a predetermined long-term game, for example, even if the acquisition expected value that can be expected to acquire the gaming value does not completely match. Even if is selected, those where the gaming acquisition value is in the range from the predetermined upper limit value to the predetermined lower limit value are included in the same range.
In this case, for example, regardless of which game control pattern is selected in 17,500 games, it is preferable that the acquired value for games is in the range of 120% to 55%. In other words, when such a long-term game is digested, it is only necessary that the expected value of gaming value converges within the range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value.

A slot machine according to claim 2 of the present invention is the slot machine according to claim 1 , wherein a privilege grant for determining whether or not a privilege having a higher expected value for gaming value than usual is granted is determined. A determination means,
The privilege grant determination means determines grant of the privilege at a higher rate when controlled to the second game mode than when controlled to the first game mode. .
According to this feature, by controlling to the second game mode, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation that a privilege will be given compared to when being controlled to the first game mode.

The slot machine according to claim 3 of the present invention is the slot machine according to claim 2 , wherein whether or not to perform a notice effect indicating the possibility that the privilege grant determining means determines the grant of the privilege is determined. A notice effect determining means to determine;
Notice effect executing means for performing the notice effect when the effect determining means decides to perform the notice effect;
With
The notice effect determining means determines that the notice effect is performed at a higher rate when controlled in the first game mode than when controlled in the second game mode. And
According to this feature, since the notice effect is executed at a higher rate when controlled in the first game mode than when controlled in the second game mode, the game in the first game mode The expectation with respect to the grant of the person's privilege can be effectively enhanced by the notice effect.

A slot machine according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the slot machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein a special prize having a higher expected value of gaming value than usual is generated. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player,
The game control pattern selection means selects the game control pattern at a predetermined opportunity related to the occurrence of the special game state.
According to this feature, it becomes easier for the player to recognize the opportunity for selecting the game control pattern.
Note that the special gaming state advantageous to the player includes, for example, a gaming state in which a winning probability is higher than usual and a gaming state in which a higher gaming value is given by the occurrence of a winning. .

Further, the slot machine of the present invention is the slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , comprising grant number calculating means for calculating the number of grants of the gaming value from a predetermined time point,
The game control pattern selection unit selects the game control pattern based on a calculation result by the grant number calculation unit.
According to this feature, it is possible to select a game control pattern according to the number of grants.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below.

  An embodiment of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment includes reels 2L, 2C in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery. 2R (hereinafter also referred to as a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel) are juxtaposed in the horizontal direction, and three consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged on these reels 2L, 2C, 2R are the slots machine 1 It arrange | positions so that it can see from the see-through | perspective window 3 provided in the front.

  The reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated by reel motors 34L, 34C, and 34R (see FIG. 2) provided correspondingly, so that the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are continuous with the see-through window 3. In addition to the display being changed, the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is stopped so that three consecutive symbols are derived and displayed on the fluoroscopic window 3 as display results.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a medal insertion unit 4 into which medals can be inserted, a one-BET switch 5 and a MAXBET switch 6 which are operated when setting a bet number using credits, a game is started. A start switch 7 that is operated at the time, and stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R that are operated when stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are provided.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, first, medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 4 or a bet number is set using credits. To use credits, the MAX BET switch 6 or the single BET switch 5 may be operated. When a predetermined number of bets are set, the winning lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, and L3 ′ (see FIG. 1) are enabled according to the set bets, and the operation of the start switch 7 is enabled That is, the game can be started. In the present embodiment, the game can be started when the maximum bet number 3 is set as the bet number. The predetermined number of bets may be at least one bet number.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R rotate, and the symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R continuously vary. If any one of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in this state, the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped, and the display result is derived and displayed.

  Then, when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped, one game is finished, and is determined in advance on any of the pay lines L1, L2, L2 ′, L3, L3 ′ activated according to the number of bets. When the given symbol combination stops as a display result of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R, a winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are awarded to the player and added to the credit Is done. When the credit reaches the upper limit (50 in this embodiment), medals are paid out directly from the medal payout hole 9 (see FIG. 1).

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 is provided with a game control board 40 and an effect control board 90. The game state is mainly controlled by the game control board 40, and the effect control board 90 responds to the game state. The production is controlled.

  The game control board 40 is connected with the above-described single BET switch 5, MAXBET switch 6, start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion unit 4. A medal sensor 31, a payout sensor 33 for detecting a medal paid out from the medal payout hole 9, and a reel sensor 35 for detecting a reference position of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are connected. Detection signals of these connected switches and sensors Is entered.

  The game control board 40 is connected to the reel motors 34L, 34C, 34R described above, and is connected to a hopper motor 32 for paying out medals from the medal payout hole 9. It is driven based on the control of a main control unit 41 (described later) mounted on the game control board 40.

  The game control board 40 includes a CPU that performs calculations according to a predetermined procedure, a ROM that stores CPU control programs and various data tables, a main control unit 41 that includes a RAM that writes and reads necessary data, and a game control board. 40, a switch circuit 42 to which a detection signal input from the sensor is input, a hopper motor 32, a motor circuit 43 for controlling driving of the reel motors 34L, 34C, 34R, and the like are mounted. The control unit 41 receives detection signals from switches and sensors connected to the game control board 40 and performs various controls according to the progress of the game.

  A liquid crystal display 51 (see FIG. 1), a game effect LED 52, speakers 53 and 54, and a reel lamp 55 arranged on the front surface of the slot machine 1 are connected to the effect control board 90. It is driven on the basis of control by a later-described sub-control unit 91 mounted on the control board 90.

  The effect control board 90 includes a sub-control unit 91 having the same CPU, ROM, and RAM as the main control unit 41, a liquid crystal drive circuit 92 that controls the liquid crystal display 51 connected to the effect control board 90, and a game effect A lamp drive circuit 93 that performs drive control of the LED 52, a sound output circuit 94 that performs sound output control from the speakers 53 and 54, and the like are mounted, and the sub-control unit 91 is a main control mounted on the game control board 40. In response to a command transmitted from the unit 41, various controls are performed to produce an effect.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a symbol arrangement of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R. Each reel 2L, 2C, 2R has “black 7”, “1” to “21” corresponding to each symbol number. 21 symbols of “White 7”, “Watermelon”, “Bell”, “Cherry”, “Replay”, and “Shield” are arranged.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, two medals are paid out when the combination of “cherry-any-any” is aligned on one activated pay line in the normal gaming state. Cherry winning occurs. In addition, when the combination of “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” is aligned on one activated pay line, a watermelon winning in which five medals are paid out occurs. Further, when the combination of “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on one activated pay line, a bell winning in which eight medals are paid out occurs. In this embodiment, the cherry prize, the watermelon prize, and the bell prize are also referred to as small role prizes. In addition, when the combination of “replay-replay-replay” is arranged on one activated pay line, a replay game (re-game) in which the next game can be executed with the same bet number as that game. ) Will be given a replay (replay) win.

  In addition, if any combination of “Black 7-Black 7-White 7” or “White 7-White 7-Black 7” is aligned on any winning line activated in the normal gaming state, an RB winning will occur. In addition, one medal is paid out as a consideration, a regular bonus (RB) advantageous to the player is generated, and a plurality of regular bonus games (RB games) in which the aforementioned Jac winnings are generated with high probability are played. Is granted to those who

  Also, if a combination of “Black 7-Black 7-Black 7” or “White 7-White 7-White 7” is aligned on the winning line activated in the normal gaming state, a BB winning will occur, As a reward, 15 medals are paid out, a big bonus (BB) advantageous to the player is generated, and a plurality of big bonus games (BB games) having a higher probability of occurrence of a small role winning than the normal gaming state, The aforementioned RB is given to the player. For this reason, when BB winning occurs, it can be expected that more medals will be obtained than when RB winning occurs.

  Control that causes the main control unit 41 to generate the above-mentioned RB in response to the occurrence of the RB winning in the normal gaming state, and control that causes the main control unit 41 to generate the above-described BB in response to the occurrence of the BB winning in the normal gaming state I do.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 mounted on the game control board 40 executes an internal lottery process for determining whether or not a prize is allowed to be generated by random lottery, and this internal lottery process. When any one of the winnings is permitted, an internal winning flag indicating that is set (hereinafter also referred to as flag winning).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the internal winning flag is determined corresponding to each winning, and the generation of winning corresponding to the condition that the corresponding internal winning flag is set by the internal lottery process is allowed. It will be. That is, the internal lottery process performed by the main control unit 41 functions as a predetermining unit of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the combination of cherry winning, watermelon winning, bell winning, and replay winning in the normal gaming state is an internal winning flag (cherry flag, watermelon flag, bell flag, replay flag) that allows the corresponding winning by internal lottery processing. ) Is selected, and it is valid if the corresponding symbols are within the pull-in range (up to 4 symbols excluding symbols when stopped) in the case where each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is stopped. Aligned to a winning line.

  Also, in the combination of BB winning and RB winning in the normal gaming state, an internal winning flag (BB flag, RB flag) that allows the corresponding winning is won by the internal lottery process, and the BB winning and RB winning that shift thereafter are not generated. The controllable state (hereinafter referred to as “stock time”) is canceled and a BB winning and RB winning can be generated (hereinafter also referred to as a discharging state), and the reels 2L, 2C and 2R are stopped. If the corresponding symbol is within the pull-in range, it will be aligned with the activated pay line.

  Control of the stock time to be shifted by winning the BB flag and RB flag, that is, control for making it impossible to generate BB winning and RB winning, and cancellation of the state are performed by the main control unit 41.

  Among the internal winning flags for winning in the normal gaming state, the cherry flag, watermelon flag, bell flag, and replay flag are valid only in the game in which the internal winning flag is won. Cleared. On the other hand, the BB flag or the RB flag can be carried over (stocked) after the next game when an allowable winning does not occur.

  Even when the BB flag or RB flag is already carried over, the BB flag or RB flag is drawn by the internal lottery process, and when the BB flag or RB flag is won in this state, the BB already carried over Separately from the flag or RB flag, the winning BB flag or RB flag is carried over after the next game. That is, in this embodiment, it is possible to carry over a plurality of BB flags and RB flags.

  One of these carry-over BB flag and RB flag is released when the above-mentioned stock time is released, and a release state in which BB winning and RB winning can be generated according to the released BB flag and RB flag. And the released BB flag and RB flag are cleared when a BB winning or RB winning is generated in the subsequent games. Control to carry over these BB flag and RB flag is performed by the main control unit 41.

  Next, various control contents executed by the main control unit 41 of the game control board 40 in this embodiment as the game progresses will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, an initial process for preparing for a game start is executed as the power is turned on. Specifically, the connection of various devices, the operation status, and the like are checked, and if it is possible to return to the gaming state before the power is cut off, a recovery process is performed (Sa1).

  Next, a BET process (Sa2), an internal lottery process (Sa3), a reel control distribution process (Sa4), a reel rotation process (Sa5), a reel stop process (Sa6), a winning determination process (Sa7), and a payout process (Sa8) The stock time process (Sa9), the flag update process (Sa10), and the game state update process (Sa11) are repeated in a loop process.

  In the BET process in the step Sa2, the system stands by in a state where medals and credits can be accepted, the bet number is set according to the reception of medals and credits, and the bet number is determined when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected. Execute the process. Further, when a replay winning is generated in the previous game, the same bet number as in the previous game is set.

  In the internal lottery process in the step Sa3, a winning is generated based on a comparison result between a random value acquired at the start of the game by the detection of the start switch 7 in the step Sa2 and an internal winning probability table that determines the winning probability of each winning. Whether or not to allow is determined, and processing for setting an internal winning flag is executed according to the result.

  In the reel control distribution process in step Sa4, a process of confirming the internal winning flag and selecting a reel control table according to the setting status of the internal winning flag is executed.

  In the reel control distribution process, when neither the BB flag nor the RB flag is stocked, the reel control table corresponding to the BB flag or the RB flag when the BB flag or the RB flag is won or during the stock time, In other words, a reel control table that preferentially draws a combination of BB winning or RB winning is not selected, and a reel that does not draw any winning combination except when an internal winning flag that allows other winnings is selected. A control table is selected.

  In the reel rotation process in step Sa5, a process of rotating each reel 2L, 2C, 2R is executed. In this reel rotation process, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is validated when all the reels 2L, 2C, 2R rotate at a constant speed.

  In the reel stop process in step Sa6, the player detects the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, or the player operates the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R from the start of the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. The process of stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, 2R is executed in response to the elapse of the automatic stop time without being detected. In this reel stop process, control is performed to stop the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R based on the reel control table selected in step Sa4.

  In the winning determination process in step Sa7, when it is determined in step Sa6 that the rotation of all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R has been stopped, a winning is determined according to the display result derived for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. A process of determining whether or not it has occurred is executed.

  In the payout process in step Sa8, when it is determined in step Sa7 that a winning has occurred, processing such as adding credits and paying out medals is performed based on the number of payouts corresponding to the winning.

  In the stock time processing in step Sa9, processing for setting and canceling stock time is performed.

  In the flag update process in step Sa10, a process for clearing or carrying over the internal winning flag won in step Sa3 is performed. Specifically, a process of clearing the internal winning flag effective only in the game is performed. Further, the BB flag and the RB flag are not cleared when the BB winning or RB winning permitted by the internal winning flag is not generated, and are carried over to the next game, and the BB corresponding to the case where the BB winning or RB winning occurs. Processing to clear the flag or RB flag is performed.

  In the game state update process in the step of Sa11, when a BB winning or RB winning occurs, the process of shifting the gaming state to BB or RB, setting or updating of the counter of the BB game in BB or the RB game in RB Processing to be performed, processing to shift the gaming state to the normal gaming state based on establishment of the BB or RB termination condition, and the like are performed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the detailed control contents of the stock time process of Sa9.

  In the stock time processing of the present embodiment, whether or not the stock time is in progress is confirmed based on the presence or absence of the ST flag indicating that the stock time is in progress (Sb1). It is confirmed whether it is in the middle or RB (Sb2), and if it is in the BB or RB, it is confirmed whether or not BB or RB ends in the game (Sb3).

  Then, when BB or RB ends in the game and shifts to the normal game state from the next game, it is confirmed whether or not the BB flag or RB flag that can be released next time is stocked (Sb4) and can be released next time If the BB flag or RB flag is stocked, the ST flag is set and the value of the ST game number counter described later is cleared (Sb7). Then, a mode pattern distribution lottery is performed for selecting a mode pattern that defines a combination of lottery modes that determines the release probability of the stock time (Sb8), and the distributed mode pattern is set (Sb9). As described above, if the BB flag or RB flag is stocked after the BB or RB is completed, control is performed to shift to the stock time, and the mode pattern of the stock time is selected.

  If the gaming state is not BB or RB in step Sb2, it is checked whether or not the BB flag or RB flag is released (Sb5), other than the BB flag or RB flag being released, that is, the BB flag and If no RB flag is stocked, it is checked whether the BB flag or the RB flag is won in the game (Sb6).

  When the BB flag or the RB flag is won in the game, the ST flag is set and the value of the ST game number counter described later is cleared (Sb7). Then, the aforementioned mode pattern sorting lottery is performed (Sb8), and the distributed mode pattern is set (Sb9). As described above, when the BB flag or RB flag is won in the state where neither the BB flag nor the RB flag is stocked (at the time of initial hit), control is performed to shift to the stock time thereafter, and the mode of the stock time is also selected. Select a pattern.

  If it is determined that the stock time is in the step of Sb1, 1 is updated to the value of the stock time counter that counts the number of games since the transition to the ST time (hereinafter also referred to as the number of ST games). (Sb10), whether or not the prescribed number of games (900G in this embodiment) has been consumed (whether or not the number of games set as the maximum number of games in stock time has been reached) is confirmed (Sb11), and the prescribed number of games Is digested, the flag that is won at the earliest stage of the stocked BB flag or RB flag is released by clearing the ST flag (Sb15). That is, after shifting to the stock time, the stock time is canceled by digesting the prescribed number of games, and control is performed to shift to the release state of the BB flag or the RB flag. In the present embodiment, the winning flag is released at the earliest stage of the stocked BB flag or RB flag with the cancellation of the stock time. It is also possible to determine the type of the release flag at the opportunity and release the determined type of flag when the stock time is released.

  Further, if the prescribed number of games has not been digested in step Sb11, the lottery mode corresponding to the ST game number of the game, that is, the value of the ST game number counter is referred to with reference to the currently set mode pattern. The lottery is set (Sb12), and a release lottery is performed to determine whether or not to cancel the stock time in accordance with the lottery mode (Sb13). Then, it is confirmed whether or not the release lottery has been won (Sb14). If the release lottery has been won, the ST flag is cleared and the flag won at the earliest stage of the stocked BB flag or RB flag. Is released (Sb15). That is, the control is performed to cancel the stock time by winning the cancellation lottery and shift to the release state of the BB flag or the RB flag.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the mode pattern described above. The mode pattern is controlled to a high probability mode in which the winning probability of the release lottery is set to 1/150 (see FIG. 8) and a low probability mode in which the winning probability of the release lottery is set to 1/450 (see FIG. 8). The combination of the time to be determined is determined. In the high probability mode, since the probability of occurrence of BB or RB having a higher expected medal acquisition value is higher than that in the low probability mode, the period controlled in the high probability mode is controlled in the low probability mode. The expected value of medal acquisition is higher than that of the period. That is, the mode pattern defines a combination of a period when the expected medal acquisition value is high and a period when the medal acquisition expected value is low.

  In this embodiment, four types of mode patterns (a) to (d) are defined, and these mode patterns are distributed at an equal ratio by the above-described mode pattern distribution lottery, and are selected at this time. The mode pattern is read and set from the mode pattern table stored in the ROM of the main control unit 41.

  Among these mode patterns, in the mode pattern (a), among 900G controlled by the stock time, the period of 0 to 300G is controlled to the high probability mode, and the period of 301 to 900G is controlled to the low probability mode. A pattern is defined. The mode pattern (b) includes a pattern that is controlled to the high probability mode during the period of 0 to 100G and 301 to 500G out of 900G controlled by the stock time, and is controlled to the low probability mode otherwise. It has been. The mode pattern (c) includes a pattern that is controlled to the high probability mode during the period from 0 to 100G and 501 to 700G among 900G controlled by the stock time, and the pattern that is controlled to the low probability mode otherwise. It has been. The mode pattern (d) includes a pattern that is controlled in the high probability mode during the period from 0 to 100G and 701 to 900G among 900G controlled by the stock time, and is controlled in the low probability mode in other cases. It has been.

  As described above, in this embodiment, different combinations are determined as combinations of timings in which the high probability mode with a high probability of release lottery and the low probability mode with a low win probability of release lottery are controlled by mode pattern distribution processing. The mode pattern is selected, and the winning probability of the cancellation lottery, that is, the stock time is canceled and the time when the probability that the BB winning or the RB winning can be generated is changed according to the selected mode pattern is changed. Yes.

  The mode patterns (a) to (d) are determined so that the period of 0 to 100G is controlled to the high probability mode. That is, since a common time for controlling to the high probability mode is determined regardless of the type of the mode pattern, no matter which mode is selected in the mode pattern distribution processing, at least 100G after the mode pattern is changed. In the meantime, the mode is always controlled to the high probability mode, and it becomes difficult for the player to determine which mode pattern is selected, so that the player's expectation for the occurrence of BB or RB can be effectively increased. it can.

  In this embodiment, the mode pattern distribution process is performed after BB or RB ends. That is, a mode pattern of stock time to be subsequently shifted in relation to the occurrence of BB or RB is selected, and the player can easily grasp the time when these mode patterns change. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the BB flag or RB flag is released (when the stock time flag is cleared and the BB winning or RB winning is allowed to be released). Alternatively, when the BB winning or RB winning allowed by the flag occurs, the stock time mode pattern to be transferred next time may be selected. Even in this case, the subsequent transition is made in relation to the occurrence of BB or RB. Since the mode pattern of the stock time to be selected is selected, the player can easily grasp when the mode pattern changes.

  In this embodiment, the mode patterns (a) to (d) are selected at an equal ratio in the mode pattern distribution process, and which mode pattern is selected in the short term. Although the generation ratio of BB or RB is biased depending on the above, it converges to a constant generation ratio in the long term.

  In addition, the mode patterns (a) to (d) applied in the present embodiment are determined so that the timing to be controlled in the high probability mode is different, but the number of games controlled in the high probability mode is Regardless of the pattern, the number of games is the same, and no matter which mode pattern is selected, the expectation of BB and RB and the average release probability of BB flag or RB flag are the same, so which mode pattern Even when selected, the player's expectation for the occurrence of BB and RB can be maintained.

  Note that each mode pattern is selected, for example, in a predetermined long-term game, even if the expected medal acquisition values in the 900 game, which is a predetermined period, do not completely match. In addition, the expected medal acquisition value may be in a range from a predetermined upper limit value to a predetermined lower limit value. In this case, for example, regardless of which game control pattern is selected in 17,500 games, it is preferable that the acquired value for games is in the range of 120% to 55%. That is, when such a long-term game is digested, it is only necessary that the expected value of gaming value converges within the range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value. For example, one game in 900 games The average expected medal acquisition value per game and the average expected medal acquisition value per game between 17,500 games are the same.

  The present invention is not limited to the same number of games controlled in the high probability mode in each mode pattern as described above. For example, in addition to the above-described mode patterns (a) to (d) As shown in FIG. 9, the mode patterns (e) to (h) determined so that the ratio of the number of games controlled to the high probability mode is smaller than the mode patterns (a) to (d) are applied. In this case, the expectation of BB and RB varies depending on whether mode patterns (a) to (d) are selected or mode patterns (e) to (h) are selected. Therefore, it is possible to change the game characteristics.

  In addition, when a predetermined initialization condition (for example, when the power is turned on or when the setting of the payout rate is changed, when a set time (for example, opening time) is reached, or when the game is not executed for a predetermined time, the difference number of medals is The number of medals to be paid out (the number of medals awarded due to the occurrence of a prize) is counted and the time point in the mode pattern distribution process as shown in FIG. If the number of payouts is less than the specified number (9000 in the figure), the mode patterns (a) to (d) having higher expectations of BB and RB are higher than the mode patterns (e) to (h). If the distribution rate is applied and the number of payouts at that time is equal to or greater than the specified number (9000 in the figure), a mode pattern (e) with a lower expectation of BB and RB than mode patterns (a) to (d) ) ~ (H) A high distribution ratio may be applied, and in this way, a mode pattern with a low expectation of BB and RB is easily selected in a state where the number is more than the specified number, and an extremely large number of medals are obtained. Since it can suppress that it can do, it can suppress that euphoria increases excessively. Furthermore, as a mode pattern that can be easily selected in a state where the number is greater than the specified number, it is preferable to apply a mode pattern in which the time when the high probability mode is controlled is set to a late time during the stock time, as shown in FIG. If it does in this way, it can suppress effectively that euphoria will increase too much.

  In addition, the difference number of medals from when the predetermined initialization condition is satisfied (the number of payouts (the number of medals awarded when the winning is generated) −the number of inserted medals (the number of medals used for setting the bet number)) is counted. Any mode pattern may be selected based on the counted difference number.

  In the slot machine of this embodiment, a plurality of types of commands including an internal winning command are transmitted from the main control unit 41 to the sub-control unit 91.

  The internal winning command is a command indicating whether the internal winning flag is in the winning status and stock time, and whether the lottery mode in the game is the high probability mode or the low probability mode, and the start switch 7 is operated. Sent to. In this embodiment, the internal winning flag won by the internal lottery process and whether or not the stock time is running, that is, the BB flag and the RB flag are stocked, but the BB winning or the RB winning cannot be generated in this embodiment. The sub-control unit 91 can specify whether or not the lottery mode is controlled in the game and whether the lottery mode in the game is the high probability mode or the low probability mode.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, various effects are performed in the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the effect control board 90 based on the above-described command transmitted from the main control unit 41.

  In particular, in this embodiment, it is possible to execute a notice effect indicating the possibility that the BB flag or the RB flag is released, and whether or not to perform this notice effect is determined by an effect pattern determination process described later. Determined by. Further, in the effect pattern determination process, the main control unit 41 controls whether or not the BB flag or the RB flag is released based on the mode-specific notice effect determination probability table shown in FIG. Whether or not to perform the notice effect is determined according to whether the lottery mode is the high probability mode or the low probability mode.

  Here, based on FIG. 12, the determination probability of the notice effect in this embodiment will be specifically described. In this embodiment, the release probability of the BB flag or the RB flag in the high probability mode (winning probability of ST release lottery) ) Is 1/150, and the release probability of the BB flag or the RB flag in the low probability mode (winning probability of ST release lottery) is 1/450, the determination probability of the notice effect is the BB flag in the high probability mode or 1/80 when the RB flag is released, 1/40 when the BB flag or RB flag is not released (during ST), and 1/2 when the BB flag or RB flag is released in the low probability mode. When the BB flag or the RB flag is not released (during ST), 1/20.

  The appearance rate of the notice effect when the sub-control unit 91 determines the notice effect based on the mode-specific notice effect determination probability table is about 1/40 in the high probability mode, and in the low probability mode. About 1/20.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the medal acquisition expected value, that is, when the BB flag or the RB release probability is controlled to the low probability mode lower than the high probability mode, the high probability mode is controlled. Since the notice effect is executed at a higher rate than the time, the player's sense of expectation for the provision of the privilege in the low probability mode can be effectively enhanced by the notice effect.

  Next, the control contents executed by the sub-control unit 91 mounted on the sub-control board 90 in this embodiment will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when power is turned on, initialization is performed (Sc1). Specifically, the connection check of each part, the setting of each register, etc. are performed, and if it is possible to return to the effect state before the power is cut off, the process of returning is performed.

  After the initial setting, the system waits in a state of waiting to receive a command transmitted from the main control board 40 (Sc2).

  When a command is received in this state, it is confirmed whether the received command is an internal winning command (Sc3).

  When the command received in the step of Sc3 is an internal winning command, an effect pattern determination process for selecting an effect pattern to be applied in the game from a plurality of predetermined effect patterns based on the content of the received internal winning command Is executed (Sc4). Note that these effect patterns include effect patterns for executing the above-described notice effect.

  Subsequently, the control pattern table corresponding to the effect pattern determined in the step of Sc4 and the command received from the main control board 40, that is, the internal winning command is selected (Sc5), and various effects are selected according to the selected control pattern table. After the parts are controlled (Sc6), the process waits again in the state of waiting for receiving the command in the step Sc2.

  If the command received in the step of Sc2 is other than the internal winning command, the process proceeds to the steps of Sc5 and Sc6, and the control pattern table corresponding to the effect pattern of the game and the command received from the main control board 40 is displayed. After selecting and controlling various production parts in accordance with the selected control pattern table, the apparatus again stands by in a command reception waiting state in the step Sc2.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game is sharpened by controlling either the low probability mode or the high probability mode in which the expected medal acquisition value is higher than that. As a matter of course, mode pattern distribution processing performed after the end of BB or RB selects mode patterns that are determined so that at least a part of the time to be controlled to the high probability mode is different. Accordingly, the time when the high probability mode is controlled changes, and the high probability mode is not always controlled at a fixed time, so that the player's expectation for medal acquisition can be maintained.

  In the present embodiment, the winning probability of the cancellation lottery for determining whether or not to cancel the stock time according to the lottery mode, that is, the cancellation probability of the stock time varies, so that the high probability mode is controlled. By this, it is possible to increase the player's expectation for the occurrence of a BB prize that triggers the occurrence of BB or an RB prize that triggers the occurrence of RB.

  The present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R is performed in an operation procedure that satisfies the derivation conditions such as the stop order and stop timing of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. When the internal winning flag allowing the notification target winning that is generated is won, the probability of occurrence of the notification gaming state (so-called AT) that notifies the operation procedure that satisfies the above-mentioned derivation condition is determined according to the lottery mode described above. It may be made to fluctuate, and by doing so, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation for the occurrence of the notification gaming state by being controlled to the high probability mode.

  Further, in this embodiment, it is possible to generate a BB winning or RB winning once by winning the cancellation lottery, but for example, a plurality of BB winnings, RB winnings, notification game status, etc. in one lottery. It is also possible to determine the number of occurrences of a gaming state that is advantageous for the player, and generate a plurality of BB winnings, RB winnings, and notification gaming states by one lottery for the number determined here. The number of occurrences of the BB winning, the RB winning, and the notification gaming state is determined so that the average value of the number of occurrences determined in the high probability mode is higher than the average value of the number of occurrences determined in the low probability mode. Preferably, the player's expectation for being controlled to the high probability mode can be effectively increased.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the lottery mode having a different probability of occurrence of stock time, that is, the occurrence probability of BB or RB is applied as the game mode, but for example, the game mode having a different probability of occurrence of the notification game state described above is applied. In addition, it is possible to enter a gaming state (so-called concentrated state) in which a single bonus winning in which a single bonus game in which a replay winning, a small bonus winning, and a Jac winning are generated with a high probability is allowed is allowed with a high probability. You may apply the game mode from which a transfer rate differs.

  In the above embodiment, the occurrence probability of BB and RB as a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state, that is, the release probability of the stock time is higher than that in the first gaming mode (low probability mode). The game mode (high probability mode) to be increased is applied as the second game mode. For example, the notification game state (AT) for notifying the operation procedure that satisfies the derivation condition for the notification target winning mentioned above, and the replay winning Replay time (RT) where the probability of occurrence is high compared to the normal gaming state, ART combining RT and the AT, even if the internal winning flag is not winning, the combination of winning symbols is aligned Challenge time that makes it possible to generate a prize by not performing control (so-called kick control) that avoids the game, that is, by pushing The probability of occurrence of such CT) may be applied to a game mode is higher than normal as a second game mode.

  Further, in the above embodiment, stock time cancellation, that is, BB and RB are applied as a privilege with a higher expected value of gaming value (medal) than usual, but for example, AT, RT, ART, You may make it apply CT etc. as a privilege advantageous for a player.

  In the above-described embodiment, the mode pattern is selected at the end of BB or RB. For example, when the mode pattern is turned on, the set time (for example, opening time, etc.), a predetermined number of games, etc. When the number of medals inserted in a certain period, the number of medals paid out, or the difference in the number of medals obtained by subtracting the number of medals inserted from the number of medals paid out in a certain period reaches a predetermined value, Triggered when a certain period of time has passed since the mode pattern was selected, when the cumulative number of occurrences of a predetermined prize has reached a predetermined number, when the number of consecutive occurrences of a predetermined prize within a predetermined period has reached a predetermined number, etc. A mode pattern may be selected.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the stock time in which the BB winning and the RB winning cannot be generated is applied as the disabled state. However, the disabled state is a state in which a special winning is impossible or difficult. For example, BB winning and RB winning are controlled every game or every predetermined game, but each reel stop operation such as stop timing and stop order of each reel is an operation method that satisfies the winning conditions. BB winning and RB winning are controlled so that no BB winning and RB winning can be generated because it is not performed, and the probability of being controlled to be able to generate BB winning and RB winning (reel to which BB winning and RB winning are aligned) A state in which the control probability is selected to be extremely low as compared with a normal case may be applied as a disabled state.

  In the above embodiment, since the upper limit number of games of stock time is set to 900 games in advance, the period of each mode pattern a to d is always a constant number of games (900 games). You may make it select the mode pattern (for example, mode pattern between 1800 games) from which a period differs when selecting each mode pattern.

  In the above embodiment, a normal slot machine capable of playing a game using medals and credits is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a slot for playing a game using a pachinko ball. The present invention can be applied to a machine, a complete credit type slot machine that can be played using credits without discharging medals, and an image type slot machine in which a variable display device is displayed as an image. Needless to say, the types of these slot machines are not limited.

  Each element in the embodiment corresponds to the present invention as follows.

Claim 1 of the present invention allows a game to be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and is capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information (designs) that can be individually identified. A display result of the display devices (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) is derived and displayed, so that one game is completed, and a prize (medal) is awarded according to the display result of the variable display device ( BB winning, RB winning, cherry winning, watermelon winning, bell winning, replay winning) slot machine (1), which can be expected to acquire the first game mode and the gaming value A game mode control hand for controlling to any one of a plurality of game modes including a second game mode (high probability mode) having a value higher than that of the first game mode (low probability mode) (Main control unit 41 (stock time processing)), a first game control pattern (mode pattern (a)) that determines when to be controlled by the plurality of types of game modes including the second game mode, A second game control pattern (mode patterns (b) to (d)) that is determined so that at least a part of the time when the second game mode is controlled is different from the first game control pattern; A game control pattern storage means (ROM) for storing at least three or more types of game control patterns (mode patterns (a) to (d)), and any one of the game control patterns at a predetermined opportunity Game control pattern selection means (main control unit 41 (mode pattern distribution lottery)) for selecting a pattern, the game mode control means and the game control pattern storage means Game control means (main control unit 41) for controlling the progress of the game based on the game control pattern selection means, and each of the game control patterns (mode patterns (a) to (d)) is the game The expected value that can be expected to acquire the utility value (medal) is the same, and each of the game control patterns (mode patterns (a) to (d)) includes the first value regardless of the type of the game control pattern. A common time (a period of 0 to 100G) to be controlled in the two game modes (high probability mode) is defined, and at the time other than the common time, at least one of the game control patterns The time when the game mode is controlled to the second game mode is determined, and the second game mode is not notified in a definite manner .

Claim 2 of the present invention is a privilege grant determining means (main control unit 41 () for determining whether or not to grant a privilege (cancellation of stock time) with a higher expected value of game value (medal) than usual. Stock time processing)), and the privilege grant determining means is controlled to the first game mode (low probability mode) when being controlled to the second game mode (high probability mode). The provision of the privilege is determined at a higher rate than the time.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, whether or not to perform a notice effect indicating the possibility that the privilege grant determining means (main control unit 41 (stock time processing)) has decided to grant the privilege (release of stock time) is determined. A notice effect determining means (sub control unit 91 (effect pattern determining process)) to be determined, and a notice effect executing means (sub control part) performing the notice effect when the effect determining means decides to perform the notice effect. 91), and the notice effect determining means is controlled to the second game mode (high probability mode) when being controlled to the first game mode (low probability mode). It is determined that the notice effect is performed at a higher rate.

According to claim 4 of the present invention, a special gaming state (BB, RB) advantageous to the player when a special winning (BB winning, RB winning) with a higher expected value of gaming value (medal) than usual occurs. ) For generating a special gaming state (main control unit 41 (game state update process)), and the game control pattern selection unit (main control unit 41 (mode pattern distribution lottery)) The game control pattern (mode patterns (a) to (d)) is selected at a predetermined trigger (set of a stock time flag) related to occurrence.

The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 of the present invention is set at a predetermined time (predetermined initialization condition (predetermined initialization condition (e.g. When the time (for example, opening time) is reached, when the game is not executed for a predetermined time, when the difference number of medals turns to positive, etc.), the number of game value given is calculated. Grant number calculation means (main control unit 41) is provided, and the game control pattern selection means (main control unit 41 (mode pattern distribution lottery)) determines the game control pattern based on the calculation result by the grant number calculation means. select.

It is a front view of the slot machine of the Example to which this invention was applied. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a main reel. It is a figure which shows the combination etc. of the symbol used as the object of a prize. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of a main control part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the stock time process shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the mode pattern which defined the combination of lottery mode. It is a figure which shows the winning probability of the cancellation | release lottery classified by lottery mode. It is a figure which shows the modification of a mode pattern. It is a figure which shows the distribution rate of the mode pattern distribution process of the mode pattern shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of a sub control part. It is a figure which shows the decision probability of the notification effect according to mode.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 2L, 2C, 2R Main reels 8L, 8C, 8R Stop switch 41 Main control unit 91 Sub control unit

Claims (4)

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 can be derived and displayed. 1 is a slot machine in which one game is completed, and a prize that is given a predetermined game value according to the display result of the variable display device can be generated,
Control to any one of a plurality of game modes including a first game mode and a second game mode in which an expected acquisition value that can be expected to acquire the gaming value is higher than that of the first game mode. Game mode control means for
A first game control pattern that defines a timing for controlling the plurality of types of game modes including the second game mode, and at least a part of the timing for controlling to the second game mode is the first game mode. A game control pattern storage means for storing at least three types of game control patterns including a second game control pattern determined differently from the game control pattern;
Game control pattern selection means for selecting any one of the game control patterns from the game control patterns at a predetermined opportunity;
Game control means for controlling the progress of the game based on the game mode control means, the game control pattern storage means, and the game control pattern selection means;
With
Each of the game control patterns has the same expected acquisition value that can be expected to acquire the gaming value,
Each game control pattern has a common time to be controlled in the second game mode regardless of the type of the game control pattern, and at least one of the other times other than the common time. In the game control pattern, the time to be controlled to the second game mode is determined,
The slot machine characterized in that the second game mode is not notified definitely . A privilege grant determining means for determining whether or not to grant a privilege having a higher expected value for gaming value than usual,
The said privilege grant determination means determines the grant of the privilege at a higher rate when being controlled to the first game mode when being controlled to the second game mode. Slot machine. Notice effect determining means for determining whether or not to perform a notice effect indicating the possibility that the privilege grant determining means has determined the grant of the privilege;
Notice effect executing means for performing the notice effect when the effect determining means decides to perform the notice effect;
With
3. The notice effect determination means determines that the notice effect is performed at a higher rate when being controlled in the first game mode than when being controlled in the second game mode. The slot machine described in. A special gaming state generating means for generating a special gaming state advantageous to the player when a special prize having a higher expected value for gaming value than usual is generated;
The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game control pattern selection unit selects the game control pattern at a predetermined opportunity related to the occurrence of the special game state.

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