JP5008255B2 - Game equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine that can increase a winning rate of a specific prize under a certain condition as compared with other cases.

  A slot machine as an example of a conventional gaming device is generally as follows.

  That is, for example, there are three reels having a plurality of symbols on the outer periphery, and the reels are rotated at a speed at which the plurality of symbols on the outer periphery can be generally identified by operating a start lever or the like after inserting a medal. The lottery for each award is performed above. If the player wins an award with relatively little profit for the player (a prize based on a combination of symbols displayed almost equally on the reels) and wins the inside, the winning is almost certainly achieved by controlling the reel stop position. If the player wins a prize (a prize based on a combination of symbols displayed on a relatively small number of reels) that gives a large profit to the player and wins the inside, the prize is won at a relatively high rate by controlling the reel stop position. In the reel stop position control, the corresponding symbols are drawn to the positions necessary for winning and stopped within a possible range within a predetermined number of symbols after the player operates the stop button corresponding to each reel.

  Prizes with relatively small profits include, for example, re-game (the next time, you can re-game on the same conditions without inserting medals), paid out medals of a predetermined number (for example, dozens or less), or SB (single bonus) And a prize for executing. As a prize for obtaining a large profit, for example, a prize for executing a special game such as a so-called big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), CT (challenge time), 10-time bonus, or the like can be given. In any case, when winning, processing according to the contents of each prize is performed.

Examples of the contents of the special game as described above are as follows.
[1] SB [Single Bonus] (Composition): Performed only in the next game by winning a specific prize in the general game. Special prizes (award where only a combination of symbols that are not awarded in a general game is a prize, or a prize that is a combination of such a combination and a symbol that is awarded in a general game) A game where you can win at a high rate and win a predetermined number of medals if you win.
[2] RB [Regular Bonus] (Consecutive Action Device): By winning a specific prize in a general game, SB of [1] is continuously performed from the next game up to a predetermined number of games. When a predetermined number of prizes are received for a special prize (award for a role), the process ends.
[3] BB [Big Bonus] (a device that continuously increases an action): A prize for starting an RB in [2] with a predetermined number of games as an upper limit from the next game by winning a specific prize in a general game ( In a general game, the player may win a prize with a combination of symbols different from the prize for starting RB). When the award for starting RB is won a predetermined number of times, the process ends.
[4] CT [Challenge Time]: It becomes possible for a certain number of games to target a prize other than the start of the special game execution gaming state depending on the skill of the player.
[5] 10-fold title: During a certain number of games or until canceled by lottery, the probability of winning an SB for [1] is high and the rate of winning the SB execution prize is normal It becomes high in the range up to 10 times.

  The slot machine that has been the mainstream in the past is a so-called type A type in which a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB) are provided. The BB in this A-type slot machine ends when the RB is won three times in 30 games and the RB is executed.

  In addition to the A type, there is a type called B type and a type called C type. In the case of the B type, if the award for executing the RB in the BB is won twice and the RB is executed, the process ends.

  The B type is rarely combined with the “CT game” since there are few medals earned in the BB. According to the current rules in Japan, a slot machine combining the A type and the B type cannot be provided as a gaming machine. Also, it is impossible to provide a gaming machine in which a “CT game” is combined with an A-type slot machine.

  Next, the C type is a slot machine provided with a 10-fold accessory, and can be combined with A type or B type BB and RB. However, if you increase the winning percentage of the SB execution award by increasing the probability of winning the SB execution award, and if you try to win in the SB game without fail, a single bonus (SB) will be executed in the “normal game” The number of symbols corresponding to the prize to be won is increased so that the SB execution prize is frequently won, and one medal is inserted in the SB (community game) almost certainly (about 13 to 14). ) Medals (game media) can be obtained, so the so-called “base” in the base game (the standard of profits that the player can get in the base game) becomes high, and so-called “big hits” such as BB, RB, 10-time bonus "The lottery probability of"

  As a result, it is less likely that special games such as BB, RB, and 10-fold items will be executed, and it will be easy to continue a game with small sharpness. On the other hand, if the winning rate of the SB award is lowered in the “normal game”, the base is also lowered, but the winning rate of the award for executing the SB is reduced even in the “big hit” 10-fold role. The number of medals that can be earned is also reduced.

  For this reason, the 10-fold role can provide various variations of slot machines such as A-C type, B-C type, and C type (type without BB). Currently little developed.

  In order to make use of “10 times the role” that is not used because the base of “normal game” is high despite the availability of various variations of slot machines, It is necessary to keep the number of medals that can be obtained by increasing the winning rate in the SB in the ten-time bonus of “big hit” while keeping the winning rate low.

  Thus, in order to satisfy the restrictions by various rules, etc., or to maintain the overall balance of the winning rate of various prizes and the profits obtained by winning, etc., the winning rate of a specific prize as a whole is a certain level. The rate of winning a specific award under certain conditions is higher than the rate of winning a certain award under certain conditions (in other words, when compared to certain conditions under other than certain conditions) It may be necessary to lower the winning rate of

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems in the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to determine the winning rate of a specific award under a certain condition and a specific award in a case other than the certain condition. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine such as a slot machine that can be increased as compared to the winning rate of a prize.

(1) The gaming device of the present invention,
In response to a predetermined display fixing instruction that can be output by a player's operation, one or two or more display means that can display various display contents while continuously changing the display contents. A game machine that executes a game in which the display content fixedly displayed by the display means achieves a predetermined winning condition and the winning corresponds,
A specific state setting means for setting a specific state capable of winning a specific prize having a plurality of specific display contents capable of achieving a winning condition by displaying the display means in a fixed manner by achieving the specific condition;
In each game in the specific state, there is a prize content setting means for setting a part of the plurality of types of specific display contents to achieve a prize condition for a specific prize,
In the specific state, under predetermined conditions, information about which specific display content set by the winning content setting means for each game is one of the plurality of types of specific display content is determined by the player's operation. It is characterized by having an informing means for informing the player before the time when the display fixing instruction can be outputted.

  When the specific state is set by the specific state setting means by achievement of the specific condition, the winning content setting means achieves a specific winning condition for a part of the plural types of specific display contents in each game. Set.

  In this case, under a predetermined condition, information regarding which of the plurality of types of specific display contents is set by the player's operation is fixed to the display by the player's operation. Before the time when the instruction can be output, the notification means notifies the player. Therefore, based on the information, the player can perform an operation of outputting a display fixing instruction with the aim of displaying the setting specific display contents on the display means in a fixed manner while viewing the display contents on the display means. On the other hand, outside of the predetermined condition, such notification by the notification means is not performed, so the player, for example, does not aim so, or instructs to fix the display appropriately targeting any specific display content. It is normal to perform an operation to output.

  Therefore, it is possible to increase the winning rate of a specific prize under a predetermined condition in which notification by the notifying unit is performed as compared with the winning rate of a specific prize in a case other than the predetermined condition in which notification by the notifying unit is not performed.

  In this case, the control related to the winning display for the display means, the display content of the display means such as the reel displaying the symbol, the change speed of the display content such as the rotation speed of the reel, etc. It is not necessary to change the probability or the like.

[1] In response to one or more (for example, three) display means that can display various display contents while continuously changing them, and a predetermined display fixing instruction that can be output by the player's operation Display means for fixedly displaying the display content on each display means, and the display content fixedly displayed by the display means achieves a predetermined winning condition and the winning corresponds A gaming machine that executes a game is, for example,
1, 2, or 3 or more display means for sequentially displaying a plurality of types of symbols,
Display fixing means for stopping the continuous display on each of the display means in response to a predetermined display fixing instruction that can be output by the player's operation and fixing the symbols.
A gaming machine that executes a game in which the type of the symbol fixedly displayed by the display means and the stop position thereof achieves a predetermined winning condition and the winning corresponds.

As a suitable example of such a gaming machine,
A plurality of symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface, and one or more of the symbols can be visually recognized by the player when the rotation is stopped, and a rotationally supported rotational body, and a rotational drive for rotationally driving the rotational body 1, 2 or 3 or more display devices (display means) comprising devices,
A display fixing device (display fixing means) for stopping and rotating the rotary members that are rotationally driven in response to a predetermined display fixing instruction that can be output by a player's operation,
A gaming machine such as a slot machine in which the type of the symbol in the rotating body stopped by the display fixing device and the stop position thereof achieve a predetermined winning condition and the winning can be cited.

  The symbol means a figure, a picture, a character, a symbol, and the like. Examples thereof include a picture of plum, watermelon, cherry, bell, etc., a character “7”, a character “BAR”, “RP” And the like.

  The display means for sequentially displaying the plurality of types of symbols in addition to a rotating body rotated by a rotation driving device such as a stepping motor as in the preferred example, for example, a CRT or a liquid crystal panel A video display device such as the above may be used. The gaming machine may have one, two, or three or more such display means, and each display means displays a set of symbol groups independently of each other. In the case of the rotating body, one or two or more (for example, three) rotating bodies rotate independently of each other, so that symbol groups displayed on the respective rotating bodies are displayed independently of each other. it can. In the case of using a video display device, for example, one, two, three or more sets of symbols can be displayed on one video display device independently of each other, thereby providing one, two, or three or more display means. .

  As a general example of the rotating body, a reel on which various symbols are displayed one by one in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface can be cited.

  The display fixing means is, for example, in response to a display fixing instruction such as a stop signal generated by a stop button operated by the player or a stop signal generated when a predetermined time elapses when the player is not operated. A rotation driving device such as a stepping motor that rotationally drives the rotating body can be stopped at an appropriate timing, or a symbol display by the video display device can be fixedly displayed at an appropriate timing. Or, for example, a control device inside a gaming machine that stops the rotating body as described above so that a specific symbol is located at a specific position under a specific condition, or a symbol by a video display device specified under a specific condition It may be fixedly displayed so as to be positioned. When the number of display means is two or three or more, for example, fixed display of display contents by the display means is performed in the order of stop signals by stop buttons provided for each display means, or simultaneous stop signals are canceled. The display contents can be fixedly displayed by the display means by selecting all the display means sequentially in a predetermined order by one stop button. It can be performed sequentially for each means.

  Display of the display content by the display means can be said to be a fixed display as long as the display content is displayed in a fixed state for a time that is at least visible to the player.

  When the kind of symbols fixedly displayed by the display means such as the rotating body or the video display device as described above and the stop position thereof achieve a predetermined winning condition, it corresponds to winning a game.

  [2] The specific state setting means sets a specific state in which a specific award can be won (preferably only a specific award can be won) by achieving a specific condition.

  As such a specific state, for example, an execution state of a so-called SB (single bonus) game or the like that can be awarded at a high rate only for a specific prize for paying out a predetermined number of medals, or an internal hit state for a specific prize is set. And a state where the winning rate for the specific prize is increased and the winning of other prizes is blocked.

  As specific conditions, for example, winning a predetermined prize, winning a predetermined lottery (for example, lottery by random number sampling) in which an internal winning state or the like is set can be cited.

  The specific state setting means sets the specific state by achieving the specific condition. The specific state is set, for example, in a game at a predetermined time immediately after or after winning a predetermined prize, or in a game won in a predetermined lottery or any game within a predetermined period thereafter. be able to.

  The specific prize includes a plurality of types (two types, three types, or four types or more) of specific display contents that can achieve the winning conditions when the display unit displays them in a fixed manner. The plurality of types of display contents may be different from each other, for example, or may be different from each other.

For example, it has two or more display means,
The specific display means which is one of the display means can display a plurality of types of individual display contents having different contents respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of specific display contents,
The other display means can display common display contents common to all specific display contents,
Each specific display content may be a combination of any individual display content displayed by the specific display unit and common display content displayed by another display unit.

  [3] The winning content setting means sets a part of the plural types of specific display contents (one or more of the plural types of specific display contents) in each game in the specific state to achieve the winning conditions for the specific prize. To do. Such setting can be performed by determining which specific display content is to be set by lottery by random number sampling or the like, and setting a corresponding flag according to the result. The lottery can be performed only for selection of specific display contents, for example, and in the lottery for setting the internal hit state (for example, a plurality of random value ranges that can be used for the internal hit state of a specific prize are provided for each of them. It can also be done simultaneously (by associating one or more specific display contents).

  [4] The informing means is one of the plurality of types of specific display contents set by the winning content setting means for each game under a predetermined condition in the specific state set by the specific state setting means. Information about this is notified to the player before the time when the display fixing instruction can be output by the player's operation.

  As the predetermined condition, for example, in a special special state or a special game (for example, SB in a 10-time combination that can win the SB award for executing the SB game in the next game by winning at a rate 10 times normal) In all or some RBs that can be repeated a certain number of times, or in all BBs or some BBs that can be repeated a certain number of times [in some RBs, some BBs, etc. For example, a lottery performed only for this or other lotteries such as an internal winning lottery]), a lottery based on random sampling in a normal game or other games (for example, an internal winning lottery and A certain state is set by a lottery performed separately or simultaneously with a lottery of specific display contents capable of achieving a winning condition, or Can be mentioned that a certain state is set according to a predetermined pattern such as once every several times, and such a predetermined condition may be confirmed by the presence or absence of setting of the corresponding flag, etc. it can. If the notification means does not notify the information about the specific display content set by the winning content setting means in the SB game in BB or RB, the winning rate of the specific prize in the SB game in BB or RB is low. Even if the winning rate of the BB game or the RB game is increased by increasing the internal winning rate of the BB award or the RB award and the like, the rate of the profit obtained by the player can be suppressed. In the case where the notification means notifies part or all of the information about the specific display content set by the winning content setting means in the SB game in BB or RB, the player in the SB game in BB or RB depends on the notification ratio. As a result, the winning rate of a specific prize increases. In this case as well, by increasing the internal hit rate of the BB prize or RB prize according to the degree to which the winning rate of the specific prize when the player aims at the SB game in BB or RB as described above is low, The winning rate can be increased.

  As a time when the display fixing instruction can be output by the player's operation, for example, all or a part of one or two or more display means can continue to change the display contents continuously and display in response to the display fixing instruction. The time when the fixing means can display the display contents on each display means can be given.

  The device constituting the notification means is not particularly limited, and a display device using one or two or more lamps or LEDs (light emitting diodes), a display device using a liquid crystal panel, 7-segment digital display using LEDs, etc. A device for notifying visual contents such as two or more reels (may be reels provided independently of winning in the game), a speaker or other sound generating device It is possible to use any one of the devices (one type or a combination of two or more types thereof) for notifying the auditory content by a combination thereof.

  As the contents to be notified, for example, visual contents such as characters and figures corresponding to the specific display contents set by the winning content setting means, auditory contents such as words and melodies, and the like can be adopted. Also, the notification time according to the specific display content set by the winning content setting means can be set.

  It should be noted that in all cases or a part of the specific conditions in the specific state, the specific display contents set by the winning content setting means for each game are the plural types of specific display contents (for example, A and B). , C, and D)), and information other than the specific display content set by the winning content setting means among the plurality of types of specific display content. Information (false false information, for example, one or two of B, C, and D) about a part (plurality) of the thing is notified before the time when the display fixing instruction can be output by the player's operation. It is also possible to notify the player.

  In some cases under a predetermined condition, it may be selected by a lottery performed together with other lotteries such as a lottery performed only for this or an internal winning lottery.

  [5] The display fixing means corresponds to the display contents corresponding to the specific display contents set by the winning contents setting means from the predetermined display fixing instruction by one or more display means for displaying the display contents while continuously changing them. The display contents corresponding to the specific display contents set by the winning content setting means are fixedly displayed on each display means on the condition that the time until it can be fixedly displayed is within a predetermined allowable range. It is possible to perform specific display content pull-in control.

  Under a predetermined condition in a specific state, the player displays the setting specific display content on the display means based on information by the notification means as to which of the plurality of types of specific display content is set. It is possible to perform an operation of outputting a display fixing instruction with the aim of causing it to occur. However, in this case, the display fixing means is on condition that the period from the display fixing instruction of the player until the display content corresponding to the setting specific display content can be fixedly displayed is within a predetermined allowable range. Then, specific display content pull-in control is performed for causing the display means to display the display content corresponding to the set specific display content in a fixed manner. Accordingly, the rate at which the setting specific display content can be fixedly displayed on the display means is increased, and the winning rate of a specific prize is further increased.

  Taking the slot machine as an example, for example, from when a stop signal is received by a stop button operated by a player until a symbol corresponding to the specific display content set by the winning content setting means is displayed at a specific position. Specific display content pull-in control for stopping the symbol at a position necessary for winning a prize on the condition that the deviation (for example, the deviation of the display content change amount such as the number of symbols, the time deviation, etc.) is within a predetermined range. Can do. If the appearance rate of the corresponding symbol in the rotating body is high, it becomes possible to win at a higher rate, and if the corresponding symbol is uniformly distributed within a tolerance range of so-called pull-in, it is surely or almost sure. You can win a prize.

  With respect to a part or all of the awards other than the specific award (target prize for internal hit), an internal hit setting means for setting the internal hit state by achieving a predetermined internal hit condition in the specific state or other states can be provided. .

  The internal hit condition can be arbitrarily determined. For example, random number sampling is executed in each game, and the internal hit condition is achieved by the obtained sampling value within a specific range (that is, by lottery), or internal hit condition achievement is achieved by other lotteries. It is also possible to determine the achievement of the internal hit condition by means of the means, or by the display contents fixedly displayed by the display means during the game. Except for the case where there is only one internal winning target prize, it is possible to set the internal winning condition for each of a plurality of types of internal winning target prizes.

  The internal hit setting means determines whether or not the internal hit condition is achieved. If the internal hit condition is achieved, for example, the internal hit state can be set by setting a corresponding flag. When there are multiple types of internal winning target prizes and internal winning conditions are set for each, a flag provided for each of them can be set.

  When the internal winning state is set, for example, the rate of winning the prize in one game shall be increased or the winning will be almost certain, that is, the winning rate will be increased. be able to. The internal hit state can be canceled when one game is over, for example, and can be continued until winning the internal hit, depending on the number of times, time and other conditions. It can also be continued for a predetermined period.

  In the present specification, “substantially certain” means, for example, a certainty of 70% or more, preferably 80% or more, more preferably 90% or more, and includes a certainty.

  To increase the winning rate, the display fixing means is a prize in which one or two or more display means that display while continuously changing the display contents are set to the internal hit state by the internal hit setting means from a predetermined display fixing instruction. The display content pull-in is made to cause each display means to display the display content in a fixed manner on the condition that the display content that achieves the winning condition is fixed within a predetermined allowable range. Control can be performed.

  Taking the slot machine as an example, when the internal hit condition is achieved, for example, a symbol corresponding to a prize specified by the internal hit condition from the time when a stop signal is received by a stop button operated by the player It is possible to achieve a high winning rate by stopping the symbol at a position necessary for winning a prize (so-called pull-in) on the condition that the deviation until it is displayed at a specific position is within a predetermined range. . If the appearance rate of the corresponding symbol in the rotating body is high, it becomes possible to win at a higher rate, and if the corresponding symbol is uniformly distributed within a tolerance range of so-called pull-in, it is surely or almost sure. You can win a prize.

  [6] In the case of [5] above, the latest time among the time when one or more display means can display the display content corresponding to any specific display content by the display fixing instruction. The display content of the same type as the display content corresponding to the specific display content can be displayed in a fixed manner within the allowable range from the point of time after passing.

  Taking the slot machine as an example, for example, from when a symbol corresponding to the specific display content is displayed until the same type of symbol (that is, the same symbol or another symbol corresponding to the specific display content) is displayed. It may be within the above allowable range.

  In this case, after the display content corresponding to a specific display content is displayed, the display content of the same type as the display content can be fixedly displayed within a predetermined allowable range in the specific display content pull-in control. The rate at which the display content can be fixedly displayed on the display means is further increased, and the winning rate of a specific prize is further increased. If all the display means correspond to this, the rate is further increased.

[7] In the case of [5] above, the display means has two or more,
The specific display means which is one of the display means can display a plurality of types of individual display contents having different contents respectively corresponding to a plurality of types of specific display contents,
The other display means can display common display contents common to all specific display contents,
Each specific display content may be a combination of any individual display content displayed by the specific display means and common display content displayed by other display means.

  When the specific state is set and it is outside the predetermined condition, that is, when the notification means does not notify the information about the setting specific display content, when the operation for outputting the display fixing instruction is performed for the display means other than the individual display means Since the display content that is so-called pull-in by the specific display content pull-in control is common display content common to all the specific display content, which individual display content is a winning display in the specific display means that is one of the display means The player cannot know what the content is. Even if the player knows which individual display content is the winning display content by first performing an operation to output the display fixing instruction for the specific display means, the display corresponding to the set specific display content on the other display means Since the contents are common display contents common to all the specific display contents, there is no meaning for the player.

  In addition, the player performs an operation of outputting a display fixing instruction so that the display contents other than the specific display means are always displayed in a fixed manner, and the specific display means is set based on the information provided by the notification means. By performing an operation of outputting a display fixing instruction so as to display the contents in a fixed manner, it is possible to aim for winning a prize for the specific prize. Therefore, since the control of the display means according to the type of the setting specific display content when the specific state is set is only required for the specific display means, the cost for the control can be suppressed. In addition, when the specific state is set, the player's operation according to the type of the set specific display content is only required for the specific display means, so that it is easy to perform an appropriate operation, and the winning rate of a specific prize Can be more reliably increased.

  For example, when three rotating bodies such as reels having a plurality of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surface are provided in parallel as a display means in parallel in the horizontal direction, the last stop in the order of stopping the rotating bodies advantageous to the player It is preferable to use the rotating body at the position that is the order (for example, the right end position when the order of left, center, and right is advantageous) as the specific display means. However, it is also possible to set the specific display means at another position.

  [8] In the case of [7] above, the specific display means may not be able to fixedly display two or more types of individual display contents within the allowable range from the display fixing instruction at an arbitrary time. .

  In the specific state, the display fixing means performs specific display content pull-in control, but the specific display means cannot display two or more types of individual display contents within the allowable range from the display fixing instruction at an arbitrary time. Therefore, only one type of individual display content can be fixedly displayed by the specific display means with respect to the timing of the display fixing instruction that can be output by the player's operation. When two or more types of individual display contents can be fixedly displayed within the allowable range, when the display fixing instruction is output by the player's operation regardless of the information by the notification means, the individual display within the allowable range If any of the contents is the setting specific display contents, the setting specific display contents are fixedly displayed.

  Accordingly, the rate at which the individual display contents can be displayed in a fixed manner can be greatly changed between a predetermined condition in which the notification means notifies information about the setting specific display contents and a condition other than the predetermined condition in which such notification is not performed. As a result, the winning rate of a specific prize can be greatly changed.

  Further, the specific display means is the same type as the individual display content within the allowable range from the time when the latest time among the time during which any individual display content can be fixedly displayed by the display fixing instruction. The individual display contents can be fixedly displayed.

  In this case, after the display of a certain individual display content, the same type of individual display content can be fixedly displayed within a predetermined allowable range in the specific display content pull-in control. The rate at which the individual display contents can be fixedly displayed on the display means under a predetermined condition for notifying information is further increased, and the winning rate of a specific prize is further increased.

  [9] In the case of [7] or [8] above, the display means other than the specific display means can fixedly display one or more common display contents within the allowable range from the display fixing instruction at an arbitrary time. Can be.

  In this case, the specific display means is capable of fixedly displaying one or more common display contents within the allowable range from the display fixing instruction at an arbitrary time. Can be displayed with high performance.

  In the game executed in the gaming device of the present invention described above, the display content fixedly displayed by the display means by the display fixing means corresponds to the achievement of a predetermined winning condition and the winning of the game, and whether or not there is a winning The award type is indicated to the player by the display contents fixedly displayed by the display means.

  The presence / absence of a prize and the type of the prize can be determined by providing a prize determination means for determining whether or not a prize condition is achieved.

  Achievement of the winning conditions is, for example, (1) in response to a predetermined display fixing instruction such as a stop signal by a stop button operated by the player or a stop signal generated by leaving the player in a non-operating state for a predetermined time. The stop position and type of the symbol fixedly displayed at the timing can achieve the winning condition.

  Alternatively, achievement of the winning conditions can be determined by, for example, (2) executing random number sampling at an appropriate timing and executing a lottery means that determines the obtained sampling value or other lottery means.

  Alternatively, the achievement of the winning condition is determined by, for example, (3) a predetermined internal hit condition (for example, a condition in which random number sampling is performed at an appropriate timing and determined by the obtained sampling value, or execution of other lottery means The internal hit state for the award corresponding to the internal hit condition is set by the internal hit setting means, and the stop signal by the stop button operated by the player or the player sets the display means. There is a predetermined deviation from the time when a predetermined display fixing instruction such as a stop signal generated by leaving it in a non-operation state for a predetermined time without being fixedly displayed until the symbol specified by the above condition is displayed at a specific position. If the symbol is within the range, the symbol is fixedly displayed at the specific position, and the stop position and type of the symbol that is fixedly displayed reaches the winning conditions. It can be to. It is not always necessary that the winning conditions are constant. The conditions for winning and the contents of the award can be changed as appropriate.

  Prizes given to players by winning a prize include, for example, payout of game media such as medals and coins, addition of game media hold information (credit), addition of value information such as the number of possible replays (replay), The start of a special game with more advantageous conditions, etc., or a combination of two or more of them can be mentioned. The prize for starting the special game may be one type or two or more types. Further, the content of the special game may be one type or two or more types. It is also possible to shift from a special game to a special game of the same kind or different kind.

  The special game is a game that is generally advantageous for the player, such that the winning probability is higher than that of the general game. A general game is a game that is normally played without any special conditions. As a special game, for example, SB (single bonus) that can win a prize at a high rate for paying out a predetermined number of medals, RB (regular bonus) that can repeat SB a predetermined number of times, and RB can be repeated a predetermined number of times. In addition to BB (Big Bonus) etc., CT (Challenge Time) and SB winning probabilities can be canceled for a certain period or by lottery, which allows a prize other than the start of a special game to be targeted for a certain period depending on the skill of the player For example, it is possible to list a 10-fold combination that is about 10-fold until it is done.

  In the gaming apparatus of the present invention, when the specific state is set by the specific state setting means by achievement of the specific condition, a part of a plurality of types of specific display contents in each game is given a specific prize by the winning content setting means. In this case, the notification means informs the player of information about the setting specific display content before the time when the display fixing instruction can be output by the player's operation under a predetermined condition. Since the notification is made, the player can perform an operation of outputting a display fixing instruction aiming at the setting specific display content, but such notification is not performed outside a predetermined condition. Therefore, it is possible to increase the winning rate of a specific prize under a predetermined condition in which notification by the notifying unit is performed as compared with the winning rate of a specific prize in a case other than the predetermined condition in which notification by the notifying unit is not performed.

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

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the slot machine, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the appearance of the slot machine.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing operations from the start of the game to the internal hit flag setting.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of a processing operation for displaying the specific symbol set by the winning content setting means in the 10-times winning combination state on the set specific symbol display digital display.

  (1) The front of the slot machine facing the player will be described with reference to FIG.

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

  Three symbol display windows 12 arranged at equal intervals in the horizontal direction are provided slightly above the central portion in the vertical direction, and three reels 14 are independent from each other around the horizontal rotation axis at each corresponding position in the slot machine. It is supported rotatably. Various symbols (a picture such as orange, plum, bell, ☆, cherry, “7” character, “BAR” character, “RP” character, etc., not shown) on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 14. Are displayed in order for each fixed distance in the circumferential direction, and any three consecutive symbols in the circumferential direction are displayed for each reel 14 at each of the upper, middle, and lower positions in the symbol display window 12 when each reel 14 is stopped. The The player can visually recognize these symbols. Each reel 14 is rotationally driven and held by a separate stepping motor (an example of a rotational drive device, not shown).

  The symbol display window 12 shows the alignment positions that are valid according to the number of medals paid (1 to 3) in the winning determination for the three symbols displayed on the three reels 14 in a stopped state. Five lines 16 (lines) are drawn. At the left end portion of each line 16, an effective line lamp 18 indicating which line 16 is effective according to the number of medals paid in is disposed. In this example, when the paid-in medal is one, the lighting of the “1MEDAL” effective line lamp 18 indicates that the central horizontal line 16 is valid, and when there are two medals, “1MEDAL” And two “2 MEDALS” active line lamps 18 indicate that all three horizontal lines 16 are valid, and if there are three medals, all valid lines including “3 MEDALS” effective line lamps 18 are displayed. Illumination of the line lamp 18 indicates that all lines 16 including the diagonal line 16 are valid. The player sees what symbols are located on each reel 14 on the active line 16 indicated by the active line lamp 18, and the result of the game (whether or not a prize is won and the type of prize that has been won). Can know. The result of the game is also notified by lighting or blinking of the hit lamp 10 or sound output from the speaker 20.

  To pay medals, insert medals from the medal slot 22 provided in the right side of the upper and lower central part, or if there are medals held in the slot machine, press the BET button 24 to pay the required number. . The BET button 24 is provided on the left side of the medal slot 22.

  A start lamp 26 (START) that is lit to indicate that the rotation of the reel 14 can be started is provided below the effective line lamp 18, and the rotation of the three reels 14 is simultaneously performed below the BET button 24. A start lever 28 for starting is provided.

  Below each reel 14 are three stop lamps 32 (STOP) that are lit to indicate that each reel 14 is rotating and that rotation can be stopped by pressing the stop button 30. Is provided. Three stop buttons 30 are provided below the stop lamp 32 corresponding to each reel 14.

  On the upper side of the medal insertion slot 22, a medal insertion lamp 34 (INSERT MEDALS) that blinks to indicate that a medal can be inserted is provided. Above this, a setting specific symbol display digital display 36 (LUCKY), a reserved number display 38 (CREDIT), and a payout number display 40 (PAYOUT) are provided in this order from the top.

  A medal tray portion 42 is provided at the lower end portion, a medal payout port 44 is provided above the center portion, and the speaker 20 is provided on the right side thereof.

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

  The control unit 50 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that performs processing such as game execution and control of peripheral devices, and reading and writing of various data, RAM, programs for executing game and control of peripheral devices, and various data. ROM, and an input / output interface (not shown) for connection with peripheral devices, etc. (not shown), and in cooperation with peripheral devices as necessary, the display means, display fixing means, Functions such as a setting unit, a notification unit, a specific state setting unit, a winning content setting unit, and a winning determination unit are realized.

  The medal insertion lamp unit 34a blinks the medal insertion lamp 34 by a blinking instruction signal given from the control unit 50 when the medal can be inserted.

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

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

  The start lamp unit 26 a lights the start lamp 26 by a lighting instruction signal given from the control unit 50 when the rotation of the reel 14 can be started.

  The start lever 28 outputs a rotation start signal to the control unit 50 when pressed when the rotation of the three reels 14 is started all at once in a state where the rotation of the reels 14 can be started.

  When the reel 14 is rotating and can be stopped by pressing the stop button 30, the stop lamp unit 32 a stops each stop by a lighting instruction signal given from the control unit 50 for each reel 14. The lamp 32 is turned on.

  The stop button 30 (stop button) is pressed for each reel 14 when stopping the rotating reel 14, and a stop signal for stopping the corresponding reel 14 by pressing each stop button 30 is provided. Output to the controller 50.

  The effective line lamp unit 18a lights the corresponding effective line lamp 18 by a lighting instruction signal given from the control unit 50 according to the number of medals bet (paid).

  The reel unit 14a includes three reels 14, three stepping motors for rotationally driving or stopping and holding the reels 14, and driving the stepping motors according to a stepping motor drive signal from the control unit 50. It has a drive circuit and a reset signal output unit for outputting a reset signal to the control unit 50 at a fixed rotational position (not shown). The controller 50 grasps the rotation angle of the reel 14, that is, the position of each symbol by counting, for example, the number of pulses of the stepping motor drive signal from the time when the reset signal is received for each rotation of the reel 14. That is, it is possible to detect the display content by the display means).

  The hit lamp unit 10 a lights or blinks the hit lamp 10 according to a lighting instruction signal or a blinking instruction signal given from the control unit 50.

  The sound output unit 52 outputs sound from the speaker 20 in accordance with the sound output signal output from the control unit 50.

  The set specific symbol display digital display unit 36 a fixes one set character among the four characters “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” according to the display signal output from the control unit 50. indicate.

  The reserved number display unit 38a displays a number corresponding to the number according to the display signal output from the control unit 50 according to the number stored in the control unit 50 as the number of medals held in the slot machine. Displayed on the instrument 38.

  The medal payout unit 44a pays out medals according to the number of coins from the medal payout port 44 according to the payout signal output from the control unit 50 according to the medal payout number calculated by the control unit 50 according to the game result.

  The payout number display unit 40a displays a number corresponding to the number on the payout number display unit 40 in accordance with a display signal output from the control unit 50 according to the medal payout number calculated by the control unit 50 according to the game result. To do.

  (3) Next, an outline of the game execution processing operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In step S1, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a medal has been paid. When a medal can be inserted and the medal insertion lamp 34 is in a blinking state, one to three medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 22, or there is a held medal and one or more is displayed on the hold number display 38. If one or more medals are paid by pressing the BET button 24 when displayed, the determination in step S1 is Y (YES). Thereby, the start lamp 26 is turned on (S2), and the effective line lamp 18 is turned on according to the number of inserted medals, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  When the start lever 28 is pressed, step S3 becomes Y, and the control unit 50 turns off the start lamp 26 in the next step S4, and rotates the three reels 14 at the same time in step S5. In step S6, a BB prize (a prize for executing a big bonus) [red 7-red 7-red 7, or blue 7-blue 7-blue 7] is selected together with a lottery to determine whether or not to enter the 10-fold role state. Orange, plum, bell, cherry, etc. that are relatively small profits (small items) for RB prize (prize for executing regular bonus) and SB prize (prize for executing single bonus) and other players The control unit 50 performs a lottery to determine whether or not the replay is internal. In this example, all prizes are target prizes for internal hits, of which SB is a specific prize. In the lottery, random sampling is performed, and the obtained sampling value is checked against the data written in the ROM to determine whether or not it is a win, the type of the prize, and whether or not it is a pseudo internal hit for pseudo notification. To do. A lottery by other methods is also possible.

  If any prize is hit by the lottery, a flag corresponding to the prize is set. When SB (single bonus) is won, that is, in the case of so-called SB internal hit (S7-Y), the control unit 50 sets the SB flag (S8).

  Next, the control unit 50 turns on all the stop lamps 32. Thereafter, the control unit 50 detects a stop signal that is output when the player presses each stop button 30 at an appropriate timing (or when the non-operation state continues without pressing the stop button 30 for a predetermined time). Then, the control part 50 outputs the output signal of the stop sound emitted at the time of a reel stop operation with respect to the audio | voice output part 52, and the audio | voice output part 52 outputs a stop sound from the speaker 20 according to it. Next, the control unit 50 stops the stepping motor of the corresponding reel 14.

  (3-1) When the control unit 50 stops the corresponding stepping motor of the reel 14, the BB prize, RB prize, SB prize, replay, and other small prizes are in the internal hit state. If none of the flags indicating this is set, the control unit 50 stops the reel 14 at a fixed timing after receiving a stop signal when the stop button 30 is pressed (or left for a predetermined time). However, when the winning condition of any prize is achieved when the reel 14 stops at the predetermined timing, the reel 14 is forwarded by one frame (the symbol is rotated by one symbol). If any prize is still won, frame advance of the reel 14 is repeated until no prize is reached.

  In this case, since the combination of symbols related to winning is not displayed on the active line 16 with the three reels 14 stopped, the process returns to step S1.

  (3-2) When the flag indicating that the internal hit state is set in any prize, the control unit 50 starts the internal hit state from the time when the stop signal is received by pressing the stop button 30 or the like. When the difference until the symbol required for winning the prize reaches the position required for winning is within the specified stop time, the reel 14 is stopped so that the symbol is displayed at the required position. That is, the symbol is drawn into the required position of the symbol display window 12. In this way, when the internal winning state is set, the winning rate is increased by increasing the winning rate or making the winning almost certain. When it is not within the specified stop time, the reels 14 are stopped one frame at a time as necessary so as not to win other prizes.

  When the third reel 14 stops, the control unit 50 grasps the type and arrangement of symbols on the active line 16 indicated by the active line lamp 18, and determines whether or not a prize has been won and the type of award that has won. . At this time, the player also knows whether or not a prize has been won and the type of prize that has been won.

  When it is determined that the prize is won, the control unit 50 instructs the medal paying unit 44a to pay out a predetermined number of medals, for example, according to the contents of the award, and displays a number corresponding to the number on the payout number display unit 40. The payout number display section 40a is instructed to clear the flag indicating the internal winning of the prize. Next, if the award is not for starting a special game, the process returns to step S1. If the award is for starting a special game such as BB, the hit lamp 10 flashes and a sound effect is output from the speaker 20. It is notified that a prize for starting each special game has been won, the process proceeds to the special game, and after the special game ends, the process returns to step S1.

  When it is determined that there is no winning when the BB flag or the RB flag is not set, the internal winning flags for all prizes except the BB flag and the RB flag are cleared. Next, returning to step S1, the game is repeated.

  (3-2) When the SB flag is set, the control unit 50 grasps whether or not [SB-SB-SB] and the symbol are arranged on the active line 16 indicated by the effective line lamp 18; It is determined whether or not the SB prize is won. At this time, the player also knows whether or not a prize has been won and the type of prize that has been won.

  When it is determined that the prize is won, the control unit 50 instructs the medal paying unit 44a to pay out five (predetermined number) medals, and the payout number display unit 40 displays a number corresponding to the number. The display unit 40a is instructed, and the flag indicating the internal winning of the prize is cleared. Then, it is notified that a prize for executing the SB game is won by blinking of the hit lamp 10 and a sound effect output from the speaker 20, and the process proceeds to the SB game. Prizes that can be won in the SB game are only specific prizes that receive the payout of 15 medals, but the prizes for the specific prizes are [○-○ -A], [○-○ -B]. ], [○-○ -C], and [○-○ -D], which are four kinds of specific display contents, and any one of these is a specific display that becomes a prize for a specific prize every time an SB game is played. The contents are selected and set in the control unit 50 by lottery. Of the four types of specific display contents, the symbols displayed on the left and center reels 14 are all “O” (not limited to this), and only the symbols displayed on the right reel 14 (specific display means) are displayed. Since there are four types of A, B, C, and D (not limited to these), this lottery is specified when the symbol displayed on the right reel 14 is A, B, C, or D. It can also be said that it is determined each time an SB game is won. ○ is arranged at least one for each retractable range in the left and center reels 14. Any one of A, B, C, and D is arranged for each pullable range, and the number of each symbol is equal.

  The SB game is executed as follows. First, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a medal has been paid. When a medal can be inserted and the medal insertion lamp 34 is in a blinking state, one to three medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 22, or there is a held medal and one or more is displayed on the hold number display 38. When one or more medals are paid by pressing the BET button 24 when displayed, the start lamp 26 is turned on and the valid line lamp 18 is turned on according to the number of inserted medals.

  Next, when the start lever 28 is pressed, the control unit 50 turns off the start lamp 26 and rotates the three reels 14 at the same time. Further, the control unit 50 performs a lottery by selecting whether the symbol displayed on the right reel 14 is A, B, C, or D by random number sampling, etc. A flag for the selected character is set in the control unit 50. If A is won, the A flag is set.

  During the 10-times winning combination that is performed by winning the lottery for the 10-fold winning state, whether or not to cancel the 10-fold winning state instead of the lottery for determining whether or not the 10-fold winning state is set in the lottery in step S6. Steps S1 to S8 are executed in the same manner except that the lottery (so-called punk lottery) is performed and the SB prize lottery probability is ten times normal. In an SB game with a 10-fold winning combination, if any of the flags A to D is set and it is confirmed by a flag or the like that the 10-fold winning combination is in progress (S9-Y), a prize is awarded. The character set as the symbol of the specific prize is displayed by the set specific symbol display digital display 36 in the set specific symbol display digital display 36a when the start lamp 26 is lit, and is notified to the player (S10). ). Such a display is not performed in the normal game. Also in the BB game and the SB game in the RB, when the start lamp 26 is lit, a character set as a symbol of a specific prize to be won is a set specific symbol display digital display in the set specific symbol display digital display 36a. 36 and can be notified to the player, but such notification may not be performed or may be notified only in part.

  Next, in any SB game, the control unit 50 turns on all the stop lamps 32. Thereafter, the control unit 50 detects a stop signal that is output when the player presses each stop button 30 at an appropriate timing (or when the non-operation state continues without pressing the stop button 30 for a predetermined time). Then, the control part 50 outputs the output signal of the stop sound emitted at the time of a reel stop operation with respect to the audio | voice output part 52, and the audio | voice output part 52 outputs a stop sound from the speaker 20 according to it. Next, the control unit 50 stops the stepping motor of the corresponding reel 14.

  Regardless of whether or not the winning symbol is displayed on the setting specific symbol display digital display 36, the left and center reels 14 are almost certainly required for winning by so-called pull-in. Is fixedly displayed. In the right reel 14, any one of A, B, C, and D is arranged for each retractable range, so that the set specific symbol display digital display 36 displays symbols necessary for winning. If not, the probability that a winning symbol (for example, A) is fixedly displayed is about a quarter. In the case where the setting specific symbol display digital display 36 displays a winning symbol, when the player presses the stop button 30 with the aim of fixedly displaying the corresponding symbol, the right reel 14 is controlled by so-called pull-in control. There is a high probability that a winning symbol will be fixedly displayed, and if it is skillful to some extent, 100% is possible. In addition, by placing two identical characters selected from A to D in a range that is more than 1 time and less than or equal to 2 times the drawable range, and making the space between both characters less than the drawable range, a specific prize that will be awarded The character set as the symbol can be fixedly displayed more reliably.

  When the third reel 14 stops, the control unit 50 grasps the type and arrangement of symbols on the effective line 16 indicated by the effective line lamp 18, and the character set as a symbol of a specific prize to be awarded. For example, by checking the corresponding flag to determine whether or not a specific prize is won. For example, when it is determined that a prize is awarded along with [○ − ○ −A], the control unit 50 instructs the medal paying unit 44a to pay out 15 (predetermined number) medals, and uses a number corresponding to the number. The payout number display unit 40 a is instructed to display a certain “15” on the payout number display 40.

  If it is determined that there is no winning, a flag for a specific winning symbol (for example, a flag for A) is cleared and the process returns to step S1 to repeat the game.

  The implementation of the present invention may be performed by an electric circuit or an electronic circuit or mechanical means instead of the means using software, or software instead of means or an electric circuit or electronic circuit. May be performed.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of a structure of a slot machine. It is a front view of the appearance of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the processing operation from a game start to an internal hit flag setting. It is a flowchart which shows the outline of the processing operation | movement which displays the specific symbol set by the winning content setting means in the 10 times prize state on the digital display for setting specific symbol display.

Explanation of symbols

  14 reel

Claims (4)

2 or 3 or more display means that can display various display contents while continuously changing them, and the display contents are fixed to each display means in response to a predetermined display fixing instruction that can be output by a player's operation A game machine that executes a game in which the display content fixedly displayed by the display means achieves a predetermined winning condition and the winning corresponds,
A specific state setting means for setting a specific state in which a specific prize can be won by achieving a specific condition;
Winning content setting means for setting winning conditions for the specific award,
The specific prize has three or more specific display contents that can achieve the winning conditions,
In each game in the specific state set by the specific state setting means, the winning content setting means may select a part of the three or more types of specific display contents that can achieve the winning conditions for the specific prize in the game. The winning condition for the specific prize is set to be achieved,
The specific display means which is one of the display means can display three or more types of individual display contents having different contents corresponding to the three or more kinds of specific display contents,
The other display means can display common display contents common to all specific display contents,
Each specific display content consists of a combination of any individual display content displayed by the specific display means and common display content displayed by each of the other display means,
Further, in the specific state, information on whether the specific display content set by the winning content setting means for each game is one of the three or more types of specific display content under a predetermined condition. Notifying the player before the time when the display fixing instruction can be output by operation,
In all cases or in some cases under the predetermined conditions, together with information on which of the three or more types of specific display contents the specific display contents set by the winning content setting means for each game, Information about a part of the three or more types of specific display contents other than the specific display contents set by the winning content setting means is notified to the player before the time when the display fixing instruction can be output by the player's operation. A gaming device characterized by having an informing means for performing. The above specific awards have four or more specific display contents that can achieve the winning conditions.
In each game in the specific state set by the specific state setting means, the winning content setting means may include a part of the four or more types of specific display contents that can achieve the winning conditions for the specific prize in the game. The gaming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the game apparatus is set to achieve a winning condition for the specific prize.   In each game in the specific state set by the specific state setting means, the winning content setting means displays one kind of specific display contents that can achieve the winning conditions for the specific prize, in the game. The gaming device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game device is set to achieve the winning condition of the following.   In all the cases or a part of the predetermined conditions in the specific state, which of the three or more types of specific display contents is the specific display content set by the winning content setting means for each game Along with the information about the above, information about one of the three or more types of specific display content other than the specific display content set by the winning content setting means before the time when the display fixing instruction can be output by the player's operation 4. The gaming apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the notifying means notifies the player.

Images