JP5204970B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that can change a setting value that defines a winning probability of an internal winning combination.

  Conventionally, for example, there is a slot machine that gives a prize according to an internal winning combination determined by internal lottery. Furthermore, as such a slot machine, there is one provided with setting value changing means for individually changing the winning probability of the internal winning combination for each machine. In the slot machine provided with the setting value changing means, for example, by selectively setting any one of the setting value 1 to the setting value 6, it is possible to provide a difference in the winning probability of the internal winning combination. For example, a slot machine in which the setting value 5 or 6 is set is a so-called high setting table that is advantageous to the player. On the other hand, a slot machine in which the setting value 1 or 2 is set may be disadvantageous for the player.

  For example, the game hall side in which the slot machine is installed includes a high setting stand in a part of the installed slot machine for the purpose of encouraging the player's expectation and happiness. Furthermore, it is difficult to identify the high setting stand from the player side by appropriately changing the setting value of each slot machine after the game hall is closed, etc. It is devised so that a sense of expectation can occur. In this way, the game hall side is trying to increase the operating rate of the entire game hall by encouraging the player's sense of expectation and excitement due to the presence of the high setting stand.

  On the other hand, many players guess a high setting base, select a slot machine, and play a game while expecting their guess. One of the methods for the player to guess the high setting base is a method based on the determination as to whether or not the setting value has been changed between the closing of the previous day and the opening of the store. For the slot machine whose setting value has been changed, the setting value may have been changed from the low setting to the high setting. Therefore, there is also a slot machine configured to perform a special game effect according to the winning of a specific winning combination when the setting value is changed so that the player can be notified of whether or not the setting value has been changed. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, the conventional slot machine has the following problems. That is, in the configuration in which the special game effect is performed after the set value is changed, there is a problem that the operation rate may not be sufficiently improved.

JP 2004-24557 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an attempt is made to provide a slot machine configured to improve the operation rate by using a player's psychology that wants to know whether or not a setting value has been changed. To do.

The first invention comprises a symbol variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols on the winning line in accordance with the start of the game,
A symbol stop operation means for the player to operate in order to stop the variation of the symbol in the symbol variation display means;
Internal lottery means for determining the internal winning combination by lottery according to the start of the game,
If there is a symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination within a predetermined pull-in range based on the operation time point of the symbol stop operation means, the display control means for drawing the symbol onto the winning line and stopping it,
A setting value changing means for changing a setting value for defining the winning probability by the internal lottery means;
Special state transition means for transitioning to a special state in which the winning probability of at least one of the roles is higher than the normal state when a predetermined symbol is displayed on the winning line;
Game production means for implementing any one of the plurality of game productions in response to the occurrence of the special state,
The above set value defines at least the bonus winning lottery probability, the bonus game is set as the special state,
If the set value has not been changed after the game effect has been performed in the previous bonus game and before the transition to the bonus game again, the game effect means in the previous bonus game While carrying out the above game production of the content forewarned by the above game production,
Said game effects means, after performing the above game effects in the preceding the bonus game, again, if there is a change of the set value until the transition to the bonus game, in the previous bonus game The slot machine is configured to execute any one of the plurality of game effects regardless of the content notified by the game effect (claim 1).

  The game effect means of the slot machine according to the first aspect of the present invention provides the game in the previous special state when the set value has not been changed when the game effect is performed in response to the occurrence of the special state. The above game effects are implemented in relation to the effects. On the other hand, when the set value is changed, the game effect means performs the game effect without relating to the game effect in the previous special state.

  According to the slot machine, it is possible to notify the player whether or not the set value has been changed, depending on whether or not there is a relationship between the two consecutive game effects. Here, in general, the setting value of the slot machine is changed after the game hall is closed. Therefore, according to the slot machine, whether or not there is a relationship between the game effect performed just before the closing of the previous day (previous business day) and the game effect performed immediately after the opening of the next day (next business day) Accordingly, it is possible to notify the player whether or not the set value has been changed.

  For a player, if the game effect is performed by the game before the closing of the previous day (the previous business day) and the game effect can be performed again after the opening of the next day (the next business day), the set value The presence or absence of the change can be determined with high certainty. Therefore, according to the slot machine, using the player's feeling that the user wants to know whether or not the setting value has been changed, the slot machine continues for two business days, the previous day (previous business day) and the next day (next business day). The player can be motivated to play a specific slot machine. Therefore, according to the slot machine, a player who wants to know whether or not the set value has been changed can effectively improve the operation rate in the time zone near the closing time and the time zone immediately after the opening, where the operation tends to drop. .

  As described above, the slot machine according to the first aspect of the present invention has an excellent characteristic that the utilization rate can be effectively improved by utilizing the player's psychology that he / she wants to know whether or not the set value has been changed as described above. It is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a symbol variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols on a winning line according to the start of the game
A symbol stop operation means for the player to operate in order to stop the variation of the symbol in the symbol variation display means;
Internal lottery means for determining the internal winning combination by lottery according to the start of the game,
If there is a symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination within a predetermined pull-in range based on the operation time point of the symbol stop operation means, the display control means for drawing the symbol onto the winning line and stopping it,
A setting value changing means for changing a setting value for defining the winning probability by the internal lottery means;
Special state transition means for transitioning to a special state in which the winning probability of at least one of the roles is higher than the normal state when a predetermined symbol is displayed on the winning line;
A game production means for carrying out a game production in response to the occurrence of the special state,
If the set value has not been changed before the transition to the special state after the game effect is performed in the previous special state, While the difference in the number of game media exceeds the difference in the number of game media in the previous special state, a specific game effect is performed ,
If the set value changes after the game effect is performed in the previous special state and before the transition to the special state again, the game effect means is in the previous special state. in the slot machine, characterized in that is arranged to implement the game effects without associated with a said game information (claim 2).

  The game effect means of the slot machine of the second invention, when the game effect is performed in response to the occurrence of the special state, if there is no change in the set value, the game in the previous special state The above game effects are implemented in relation to information. On the other hand, when the set value is changed, the game effect means performs the game effect without relating to the game information in the previous special state.

  According to the slot machine, it is possible to notify the player whether or not the set value has been changed depending on whether or not a game effect related to the game information in the previous special state has been implemented. . Here, in general, the setting value of the slot machine is changed after the game hall is closed. Therefore, according to the slot machine, depending on whether or not the game effect related to the game information in the special state performed just before the closing of the previous day (the previous business day) was performed immediately after the opening of the day. The player can be notified with high certainty whether or not the set value has been changed.

  For a player, the above-mentioned special state is implemented by the game before closing the previous day (previous business day), and the above-mentioned special state is generated after the opening of the next day (the next business day) to execute the above-mentioned game effect. If possible, it is possible to determine with high certainty whether or not the set value has been changed. Therefore, according to the slot machine, using the player's feeling that the user wants to know whether or not the setting value has been changed, the slot machine continues for two business days, the previous day (previous business day) and the next day (next business day). The player can be motivated to play a specific slot machine. Therefore, in the slot machine, the operation rate in the time zone near the closing time and the time zone immediately after the opening time can be effectively improved by the player who wants to know whether or not the setting value has changed.

  As described above, the slot machine according to the second aspect of the present invention has an excellent characteristic that it can effectively improve the operation rate by utilizing the player's psychology of knowing whether or not the setting value has been changed as described above. It is provided.

As the game effect in the first or second invention, for example, an effect using screen display by a liquid crystal screen or the like, an effect using sound, light or the like can be adopted.
The slot machine may be a slot machine in a narrow sense using medals or coins as game media, or a parrot (R) using pachinko balls as game media.

  Further, the meaning that the game effect means performs the game effect in response to the occurrence of the special state is that the game effect is performed in response to the occurrence of the special state. Therefore, the start point of the game effect includes the time when the special state occurs, the time when a predetermined number of games have elapsed since the occurrence of the special state, and the number of game media paid out in the special state. Various points in time can be set, such as when the number reaches a predetermined number. Furthermore, the end point of the game effect may be an intermediate point in the implementation period of the special state, the end point of the special state, or a point after the end of the special state. Also good.

  Further, as the special state, for example, a BIG bonus (BB) that ends when the number of payouts of game media reaches a predetermined number, or a REG bonus (RB) that sets the winning probability of a winning combination high during a predetermined game period. ), A single bonus (SB) with a high winning probability for only one game, or a challenge time that restricts so-called pull-in control so that it can be stopped aiming for a role symbol excluding the bonus role regardless of the internal winning role ( CT) and replay time (RT) in which the internal winning probability of the replay role is changed and set with respect to the normal state.

  Further, when the special state transition means performs the transition to the special state, in addition to the case where the predetermined symbols are arranged on the winning line, the predetermined state is displayed at any display position on the winning line. There is a case where the design of is stopped.

  In the first aspect, the relationship between the two game effects that are continuous in time when the set value is not changed includes the story-like continuity of the game effect and the type of the game effect. Various relationships such as commonality of games and commonality of game production methods can be applied. For example, as a combination of game effects that exhibit story-like continuity, one game is completed by combining two game effects, or the contents suggested in the previous game effects are implemented in the later game effects. There are various combinations. There are various combinations of game effects that exhibit the commonality of types, such as combinations of game effects that display the same character, and combinations of game effects that display the same type of scene, such as a seascape. Furthermore, there are various combinations of game effects that exhibit commonality of methods, such as combinations of game effects by sound and combinations by game effects by light.

In addition, the set value defines at least the probability of drawing a bonus combination, and a bonus game is set as the special state.
The game effect means performs the game effect in relation to the game effect in the previous bonus game when the setting value is not changed, and when the setting value is changed, The game effect is implemented without being related to the game effect in the previous bonus game .

  In this case, whether or not the set value is changed can be notified based on the game effect according to the occurrence of the bonus game. If you use the above game effects corresponding to the above bonus game, which is less frequent than other winnings such as small roles, you will draw out the stickiness of the player who wants to know whether the set value has changed or not, and increase the operation rate This can be further improved.

In addition, the game effect means is configured to execute the game effect having the content notified by the game effect in the previous bonus game when the set value is not changed .
In this case, a story-like connection can be provided between the game effect in the previous bonus game and the current game effect, and the enjoyment of the effect can be enhanced. Furthermore, it is possible to stimulate the player's desire to see the next game effect that was announced in advance in the game effect, and to draw out the tenacity of the game by the player.

  In the second invention, the game information related to the game effect is obtained in relation to the special state such as the number of game media acquired in the special state and the number of games executed in the special state. There is a variety of information. As a method of associating the number of game media as the game information with the game effect, for example, when the number of acquired game media in the special state that is the target of the game effect reaches the previous acquisition number, the effect is performed. There are methods for switching. Further, for example, as a method of associating the number of games, which is the game information, with the game effect, the effect is switched when the number of games digested in the special state as the target of the game effect reaches the game number. There are various methods.

In addition, the set value defines at least the bonus winning lottery probability, the bonus game is set as the special state,
The game effect means performs the game effect by relating the game information in the previous bonus game when the set value is not changed, and when the set value is changed, It is also possible to carry out the game effect without relating to the game information in the bonus game .

  In this case, whether or not the set value is changed can be determined based on whether or not the game effect is related to the game information in the previous bonus game. Therefore, a player who knows the game information in the previous bonus game can determine with high certainty whether or not the set value has been changed based on the game effect.

Example 1
This example is an example related to the slot machine 1 that can change the setting value that defines the winning probability of the internal winning combination. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.
The slot machine 1 of this example has a symbol variation display means 2 (in this example, a reel, hereinafter referred to as a reel 2) that displays various types of symbols 20 on a winning line in accordance with the start of the game. The symbol stop operating means 61 (in this example, the stop button, hereinafter referred to as the stop button 61) for the player to operate to stop the fluctuation of the symbol 20 in the game, and the internal winning combination according to the start of the game If there is an internal lottery means 42 determined by lottery and the symbol 20 corresponding to the internal winning combination is within a predetermined drawing range based on the operation point of the stop button 61, the symbol 20 is drawn onto the winning line and stopped. Display control means 45 to be set, setting value changing means 46 for changing the setting value for defining the winning probability by the internal lottery means 42, and a bonus symbol on the winning line. In such a case, a special state transition means 43 for shifting to a bonus game (special state) in which the winning probability of 10 winning combinations is higher than the normal state, and a game effect means 44 for performing a game effect in response to the occurrence of the bonus game And.
The game effect means 44 relates to the game effect in the previous bonus game if there is no change in the set value after the game effect is performed in the previous bonus game and before the transition to the bonus game again. To play games. On the other hand, if there is a change in the set value after the game effect is performed in the previous bonus game and before the transition to the bonus game again, the game effect means 44 determines the game effect in the previous bonus game as It is configured to perform a game effect without being related.
This content will be described in detail below.

  First, the combination, internal winning combination, and winning combination of the slot machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIGS. The slot machine 1 of this example has five types of roles including a bonus combination, a small combination such as a 10-piece combination, and the like. In FIG. 3, the name of each combination is shown in the left column, the combination of the symbols in the middle column, and the number of medals to be paid out as a prize in the right column. In the slot machine 1, an internal winning combination by the internal lottery means 42 becomes an internal winning combination. And the symbol 20 which comprises this internal winning combination is a symbol. Furthermore, when a role symbol is arranged on the winning line, that role becomes a winning combination.

  In the slot machine 1 of this example, an internal winning flag of 1 bit (0 or 1) is set corresponding to each combination. In the slot machine 1, by setting 1 to the internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination, a state in which the internal winning combination can be won is set. In this example, a bonus finalized state in which a bonus combination can be won is managed by a bonus flag which is one of the internal winning flags. A state where the bonus flag is set to 1 (on state) is a bonus finalized state, and a state where the bonus flag is set to 0 (off state) is an unconfirmed state of bonus combination.

  The slot machine 1 has an external configuration as shown in FIG. In the slot machine 1, the front portion facing the player is formed by a front frame body 10 having a substantially rectangular symbol display window 11 provided substantially at the center. The front frame 10 includes a liquid crystal display unit 53 and a pair of left and right speakers 520 on the upper side in the vertical direction of the symbol display window 11. And it has the base part 100 which makes the base of the slot machine 1 in the perpendicular direction lower side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 100 is formed so as to protrude relatively toward the player with respect to the symbol display window 11 located behind the player. The base portion 100 has a table-like operation surface 14 at the upper end adjacent to the symbol display window 11, a medal tray 15 for paying out medals at the lower end, and a space between the operation surface 14 and the medal tray 15. An operation panel 13 is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation surface 14 has a bet button 64 for betting a medal credited (stored) by a credit function, a settlement button 65 for paying out the credited medal, and a game A medal insertion slot 630 for inserting medals to bet on is arranged. The operation panel 13 is provided with a start lever 62 for starting the symbol variation of the reel 2 and a stop button 61 for stopping the symbol variation.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bet button 64 is a button for designating 3 bets, which is the maximum bet number, as the number of game bets. The bet button 64 is configured to generate a 3-bet signal representing the number 3 of game bets. However, when the remaining credit is 2 or 1, a 2-bet signal or 1-bet signal is generated, and when the credit is zero, a bet signal is not generated.

  In the slot machine 1 which is a 3-bet dedicated machine, the start lever 62 is set to the valid state when a medal is directly inserted or when three medals are bet by operating the bet button 64. Instead of the slot machine 1 of this example, which is a so-called 3-bet dedicated machine for betting 3 medals for each game (game), a slot of a type in which the number of game bets can be selectively set according to the player's preference It may be a machine. In this case, as the bet button 64, a single bet button for generating a single bet signal may be provided in addition to a max bet button for generating a 3-bet signal.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the start lever 62 is configured to generate a variation start signal, which is a control signal for the reel 2, at the timing when the player operates.
The stop button 61 is configured to generate a variable stop signal that is a control signal for the reel 2 at the timing when the player operates. The stop button 61 of this example is a combination of a left stop button 61L corresponding to the left reel 2L, a middle stop button 61C corresponding to the middle reel 2C, and a right stop button 61R corresponding to the right reel 2R.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the symbol display window 11 is configured to display nine symbols 20 arranged in a two-dimensional matrix of three rows and three columns. The portion corresponding to the symbol display window 11 in the front frame 10 is formed of a transparent resin plate so that the symbol 20 can be seen from the player side. For the nine symbols 20 in the above two-dimensional matrix, winning lines 211 to 215 that are the arrangement direction of symbols to be awarded are set. As the winning lines, there are horizontal winning lines 211 to 213 and diagonal winning lines 214 and 215.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the reel 2 includes a left reel 2L, a middle reel 2C, and a right reel 2R. Each of the reels 2L, C, and R is a rotary reel that has a substantially cylindrical shape and has seven types and twenty-one symbols 20 arranged at substantially constant intervals on the outer peripheral surface thereof. Each of the reels 2L, C, and R has a reference position piece (not shown) at one reference position in the rotation direction. The reference position piece is a member as a detected piece detected by a reference position detection unit 66 described later.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the left reel 2L forms one column at the left end in a three-row × three-column two-dimensional matrix displayed in the symbol display window 11. The right reel 2R forms one row at the right end in the two-dimensional matrix. The middle reel 2C forms a central row in the two-dimensional matrix. In this example, as shown in FIG. 4, the arrangement order of the seven types of symbols 20 is changed for each of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. The reel 2 may be an image-type reel that displays the symbols on the liquid crystal display in place of the rotary reel of this example.

  The liquid crystal display unit 53 includes a liquid crystal display as shown in FIGS. The liquid crystal display unit 53 of this example displays a moving image including the first effect screens 710 and 720 shown in FIG. 7 and a moving image including the second effect screen 730 shown in FIG. 8 during the bonus game corresponding to the winning of the bonus combination. Various presentations are implemented by displaying. The detailed configuration of the first effect screens 710 and 720 and the second effect screen 730 will be described later.

Next, the slot machine 1 of this example has a mechanical configuration as shown in FIG.
A control board 3 that controls the overall operation of the slot machine 1 and each part that is electrically connected to the control board 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. For the control board 3, in addition to the above-described configuration, a inserted medal detection unit 63 that detects a medal inserted as a game medium, a reel drive unit 51 that rotates the reel 2, and a rotation position of the reel 2 are detected. A reference position detecting unit 66 for performing the game, a medal paying unit 54 for paying out medals, various display units 55 for producing a game, a set value operating unit 68 for setting a set value representing the player's advantage, and a speaker. An audio output unit 52 that controls 520 is electrically connected.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inserted medal detection unit 63 is configured to output an insert signal each time a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 630. Three insert signals correspond to the 3-bet signal. In the slot machine 1 of this example, which is a 3-bet dedicated machine, the start lever 62 is set to an effective state when three medals are inserted or the bet button 64 is pressed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reel drive unit 51 includes a stepping motor (not shown) that can be controlled in units of steps, and is configured to rotationally drive the reel 2 by the rotational driving force of the stepping motor. The stepping motor rotates by one step for each control pulse fetched from the control board 3. The reel drive unit 51 is configured to capture the variation start signal and start the rotation of the reel 2, and to capture the variation stop signal and stop the reel 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reference position detection unit 66 includes a sensor that detects the passage of the reference position pieces of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R and outputs a detection signal. As will be described in detail later, the reference position detection unit 66 of this example sets the number of control pulses generated by the control board 3 after the detection signal is generated, that is, the number of steps the stepping motor rotates after passing the reference position piece. Based on this, the symbols (the symbols located on the winning line) currently displayed on the reels 2L, C, R are calculated.

The medal payout unit 54 is configured to pay out a predetermined number of medals to the medal tray 15 under the control of the control board 3.
The set value operation unit 68 is an operation interface for changing a set value that defines the winning probability of the bonus combination in six stages by using the setting key 680.
The audio output unit 52 is configured to generate various sound effects for producing a game via the speaker 520.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the control board 3 has a CPU 31, a ROM 33 and a RAM 34 as memory means, and an I / O unit 32 as an input / output interface. The CPU 31 executes a software program read from the ROM 33 to extract a random number extracting means 48 for extracting random numbers, a winning combination determining means 49 for determining a winning combination, a display control means 45 for controlling the reel 2, and an internal winning combination. The internal lottery means 42 determined by the above, the flag control means 41 for controlling the internal winning flag indicating the winning status of each combination, the special state transition means 43 for shifting to the bonus game in accordance with the bonus winning combination, and the generation of the bonus game Accordingly, each function of a game effect means 44 for executing a game effect, a setting value changing means 46 for changing a set value, and an effect lottery means 47 for determining a game effect pattern by lottery is realized. .

As shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the ROM 33 as the memory means includes a winning random number table used by the internal lottery means 42 for the lottery of the internal winning combination, and an effect winning used by the effect lottery means 47 for drawing the game effect pattern. A random number table is stored.
As shown in FIG. 5, the winning random number table includes a normal winning random number table that defines a winning random number in a normal state and a bonus winning random number table that defines a winning random number in a bonus game. Each winning random number table defines a random number value for each winning combination, that is, a winning random number. In FIG. 5, each winning random number table is shown by taking the case of setting value 1 and setting value 2 as an example. In FIG. 5, the winning probability of each combination is also displayed.

  As is known from the normal-time winning random number table shown in FIG. 5, the winning random number for the bonus combination in the case of the setting value 1 is 16111 to 16343, and the winning probability is 1/280. In addition, the winning random number for the bonus combination in the case of the setting value 2 is 16111 to 16372, and the winning probability is 1/250. In the normal winning random number table, the bonus winning probability increases as the set value increases. On the other hand, as is known from the bonus winning random number table shown in FIG. 5, the winning probability of each internal winning combination is fixed regardless of the set value during the bonus game.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the effect winning random number table is a No. to be executed during the bonus game. 1-No. The first to fifth random number ranges for winning the five game effect patterns are defined. Each game effect pattern consists of a combination of a first effect and a second effect. In each game effect pattern, the content of the first effect is a notice of the content of the second effect. For example, game effect pattern No. In 1, the first effect representing arrival in Japan is combined with the second effect that introduces Japan. The detailed contents of the game effect pattern will be described later. In addition, the specific numerical value range of each random number range is omitted in the description of this example.

  The RAM 34, which is a memory means, includes effect pattern data representing each game effect pattern, a start counter for accumulating the number of games digested during the bonus game, and a set value change flag indicating that the set value has been changed. A storage area is provided.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the random number extraction means 48 is a means for extracting a random number by an internal calculation of the CPU 31. The random number extraction means 48 of this example is configured to extract a random number using a change start signal of the start lever 62 as a trigger signal and input it to the internal lottery means 42 or the effect lottery means 47. Note that the random number extraction means 48 of this example extracts an integer belonging to the range of 0 to 65535 as the internal winning random number for the winning random number table. Further, the random number extraction means 48 extracts an integer in a predetermined numerical range as an effect random number for the effect winning random number table.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the internal lottery means 42 determines an internal winning combination with reference to the winning random number tables (FIGS. 5 and 6) based on the random numbers extracted by the random number extracting means 48, and the internal winning combination. The internal winning flag corresponding to is set to ON. As shown in FIG. 3, the internal winning combination that the internal lottery means 42 of this example draws is a bonus combination of the role symbol “7”, 10 role combinations of the role symbol “Ringo”, 5 role combinations of the role symbol “star”, There are five types of roles, a two-character role of the role symbol “sun” and a replay role.

  In the internal lottery means 42 of this example, the internal winning flag of the small role is extinguished at the end of one game regardless of whether or not a prize is won. On the other hand, the bonus combination flag that is an internal winning flag of the bonus combination is carried over to the next game until winning. Therefore, if the small role is not won in the internal winning game, it is a so-called missed game. On the other hand, the bonus confirmed state can be held effectively until the bonus combination is won.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display control means 45 is a means for starting the symbol fluctuation of the reel 2 in response to the fluctuation start signal and stopping the symbol fluctuation of the reel 2 in response to the fluctuation stop signal. . The display control means 45 inputs a control pulse to the stepping motor that forms the reel driving unit 51, and rotates the stepping motor by one step for each pulse. The display control unit 45 counts the number of control pulses input to the reel driving unit 51, that is, the number of steps rotated by the stepping motor. In particular, in this example, the number of steps generated after the most recent detection signal is counted by resetting the number of steps to zero each time the detection signal of the reference position piece of each reel 2 is captured.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display control means 45 performs so-called pull-in control in which symbols within a predetermined pull-in range determined by rules (rules for game machine certification, type verification, etc.) are stopped on the winning line. It is constituted as follows. Specifically, the display control unit 45 takes in the number of control pulses input to the reel driving unit 51 using the above-described variation stop signal as a trigger signal, that is, the number of steps of the stepping motor. Then, based on the number of steps, the Vita symbol which is the symbol 20 instantaneously positioned on the winning lines 211 to 215 is calculated, and the four symbols 20 following the Vita symbol at the head are within the predetermined pull-in range. Set as the symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the display control unit 45 performs so-called pull-in control in which, if there is a winning symbol in the predetermined pull-in range, the winning symbol is stopped on the winning line. On the other hand, when there is no winning symbol within the predetermined pull-in range, the display control means 45 pulls the lost symbol onto the winning line and stops it so as to avoid winning a winning combination other than the internal winning. As the pull-in control by the display control means 45, in addition to the control method as described above, another control method using a stop pattern table can be adopted.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the winning combination determining unit 49 takes in the number of steps of the corresponding stepping motor (reel driving unit 51) from the display control unit 45 after the reels 2 </ b> L, C, and R are stopped. The winning combination determining means 49 is configured to obtain the type of the symbol 20 stopped on the winning lines 211 to 215 based on the number of steps and determine whether or not a winning combination is established for the combination of the symbols 20. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the special state shifting means 43 is a means for shifting to a bonus game in response to a bonus winning combination. The special state transition means 43 of this example generates a bonus game of 50 games when the winning combination determination means 49 fetches that the bonus combination has been won.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the setting value changing means 46 is a means for changing the setting values 1 to 6 set in the slot machine 1. When the setting value is changed, the setting value changing means 46 in this example resets the effect pattern data representing the effect pattern and sets the setting value change flag to ON. In addition, although this example is an example regarding the slot machine 1 that defines six types of setting values 1 to 6, the types of setting values may be two to five types, and seven or more types. Also good.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the effect lottery means 47 is a means for performing a lottery of game effect patterns in accordance with a change start signal corresponding to the operation of the start lever 62. The effect lottery means 47 determines one of the game effect patterns using the effect random numbers extracted by the random number extraction means 48. For example, when a random number belonging to the first random number range is extracted as the effect random number, the game effect pattern No. 1 is determined.

  The effect lottery means 47 basically performs an effect lottery at the start of the 43rd game in the bonus game. Furthermore, the effect lottery means 47 of this example is configured to perform the effect lottery even at the start of the bonus game in the first bonus game after the setting value is changed. Specifically, in this example, when the set value change flag is on, the effect lottery means 47 is configured to perform the effect lottery even at the start of the bonus game.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the effect lottery means 47 records the effect pattern data representing the determined game effect pattern in the RAM 34 every time the effect lottery is performed. Furthermore, the effect lottery means 47 records the effect pattern data and resets the set value change flag to OFF when the effect lottery is performed at the start of the bonus game in accordance with the set value change flag in the on state. It is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the game effect means 44 is a means for displaying a moving image on the liquid crystal display unit 53 and performing a game effect during a bonus game corresponding to a bonus winning combination. The game effect means 44 refers to the effect pattern data recorded in the RAM 34 and implements the corresponding game effect pattern. More specifically, the game effect means 44 of the present example performs the second effect in the game effect pattern from the first game to the end of the 42nd game in the bonus game. Further, the game effect means 44 performs the first effect in the game effect pattern from the 43rd game to the end of the 50th game in the bonus game.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. In the case where 1 is recorded, the game effect means 44 is a video introducing Japan including the second effect screen 730 (see FIG. 8) as the second effect from the first game to the end of the 42nd game in the bonus game. As a first effect from the 43rd game to the end of the bonus game, an effect is displayed using a moving image representing arrival in Japan including the first effect screens 710 and 720 (see FIG. 7).

  Therefore, according to the game effect means 44 of the present example, the game effect pattern No. When the effect pattern data representing 1 is maintained without being changed, a game effect (see FIG. 7) indicating arrival at Japan is performed at the end of the previous bonus game, and in response to the start of the subsequent bonus game. A game production introducing Japan (see FIG. 8) will be performed.

  Here, the 1st effect screens 710 and 720 and the 2nd effect screen 730 are demonstrated using FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. In FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, and FIG. A typical scene is shown by taking the case of 1 as an example. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first effect screen 710 is one scene of a moving image showing a plane flying from the American continent toward Japan on the world map. As shown in FIG. 7B, the first effect screen 720 displays a notice of the game effect of the next bonus game in the center of the screen displaying a map of Japan indicating that the country where the plane arrived is Japan. This is a combination of characters 721 of “next notice”. As shown in FIG. 8, the second effect screen 730 is one scene of a video introducing Japanese sights such as a five-storied pagoda and Mt. Fuji.

Next, the operation of the slot machine 1 of the present example configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 9 shows an outline of the flow of processing related to the game effect. FIG. 10 shows the flow of the setting value changing process P1. FIG. 11 shows the flow of a specific bonus game effect process P2.
First, as shown in FIG. 9, in the slot machine 1, the setting value changing process P1 and the bonus game effect process P2 are performed in this order.

  The flow of the set value changing process P1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, first, as in step S101, it is determined whether or not a setting value change has been accepted. When the setting value change is accepted, the setting value is changed as shown in step S102. Then, the effect pattern data recorded in the RAM 34 is reset as in step S103, and 1 (ON) is set in the setting value change flag as in step S104.

  The flow of the bonus game effect process P2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, as in step S201, the operation of the start lever 62 is determined. When the start lever 62 is operated, an effect random number is extracted as in step S202, and 1 is added to the start counter as in step S203.

  In step S204, it is determined whether or not the start counter is 1. If the start counter is 1, that is, the first game of the bonus game, it is determined whether or not 1 (ON) is set in the set value change flag as in step S205. When 1 (ON) is set in the set value change flag, the game effect pattern is determined by comparing the effect random numbers with the effect winning random number table (see FIG. 6) as in step S206.

  Then, effect pattern data representing the determined game effect pattern is recorded in the RAM 34 as in step S207, and the setting value change flag is reset to zero (off) as in step S208. Subsequently, as in step S209, the second effect is started along the game effect pattern represented by the effect pattern data recorded in the RAM 34.

  On the other hand, if the set value change flag is not 1 (ON) (step S204), the process proceeds to step S209, bypassing steps S206 to S208. In step S209, as described above, the effect pattern data in the RAM 34 is referred to, and the second effect is performed along the game effect pattern represented by the effect pattern data.

  That is, when the set value change flag is zero, that is, when the set value is not changed, steps S206 to S208 are canceled as described above, and the lottery of the game effect pattern is not performed. Therefore, when the bonus game is started, the effect pattern data representing the game effect pattern determined in the previous bonus game is not rewritten. Therefore, when the set value is not changed, the same game effect pattern as the game effect of the previous bonus game is executed as the game effect of the bonus game.

  If the start counter is not 1 in step S204, it is determined whether the start counter is 43, that is, the 43rd game in the bonus game, as in step S225. When the start counter is 43, the second effect that has been continuously performed after step S209 is ended (step S226), and a game effect pattern is determined (step S227). Then, as in step S228, the determined effect pattern data is recorded in the RAM 34. Then, the first effect is started along the game effect pattern represented by the effect pattern data recorded in the RAM 34 as in step S229.

  After that, as shown in step S210, the first effect is continued until the start counter reaches 50, that is, until the last game of the bonus game is reached. Then, after finishing the first effect as in step S211, the start counter is reset to zero (step S212), and the bonus flag is reset to zero (step S213).

Next, based on the flowcharts shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 11, the flow of the game effect that the slot machine 1 of this example performs during the bonus game will be described using the time chart diagram of FIG.
The horizontal axis of the figure defines time. The figure corresponds to time intervals over a plurality of business days including initial setting and changing of setting values.

  In the first bonus game A after the setting values are initially set, a game effect lottery is first performed when starting the bonus game. In FIG. 2 shows an example of winning. In this case, from the first game to the start of the 43rd game in the bonus game A, the game effect pattern No. The second production, which is an animation introducing the United States, is implemented.

  Thereafter, at the start of the 43rd game, the game effect lottery is performed again. In FIG. The case where 5 is elected is illustrated. In this case, from the 43rd game to the end (50th game) in the bonus game A, the game effect pattern No. The first production of No. 5 is produced by a moving image representing arrival in Korea.

  In the case illustrated in the figure, the set value is not changed after the bonus game A is executed and before the bonus game B is generated. Therefore, in the bonus game B, the game effect lottery is not performed when starting the bonus game. Therefore, the effect pattern data includes the game effect pattern No. determined at the start of the 43rd game of the previous bonus game A. 5 is stored as it is. Therefore, during the production period from the first game to the 43rd game of the bonus game B, the game production pattern No. No. 5 production will be implemented with a video introducing Korea.

  Here, if the player who has generated the bonus game B knows the contents of the bonus game A's game effects, an effect by a video representing the arrival in Korea at the end of the previous bonus game A; It can be recognized that the performance by the video introducing Korea in the early stage of this bonus game B matches. Then, this player can determine with high certainty that the set value has not been changed between the bonus game A and the bonus game B based on the matching relationship.

  Thereafter, at the start of the 43rd game, the game effect lottery is performed again. In FIG. 3 shows an example of winning. In this case, in the effect period from the 43rd game to the end (50th game) in the bonus game B, the game effect pattern No. 3 is the first effect, which is an effect that represents the arrival at the United Kingdom. In the figure, after the bonus game B is executed, the set value is changed until the next bonus game C is executed.

  In the next bonus game C in which the setting value has been changed, a game effect lottery is first performed when starting the bonus game. In FIG. The case where 1 is elected is illustrated. In this case, the game effect pattern No. stored as effect pattern data at the start of the 43rd game of the previous bonus game B is displayed. 3 is a game production pattern No. 3. Rewritten to 1. In the effect period from the first game to the start of the 43rd game in the bonus game C, the game effect pattern No. The production of a movie that introduces Japan, which is the second production of No. 1, is carried out.

  Here, if the player who has generated the bonus game C knows the contents of the bonus game B game production, the video production representing the arrival in the UK at the end of the previous bonus game B, It is possible to recognize the discrepancy with the production by the video introducing Japan implemented in the early stage of this bonus game C. Then, the player can determine with high certainty that the change of the set value was performed during the period from the bonus game B to the bonus game C, based on the mismatch relationship.

  Thereafter, the game effect lottery is performed again at the start of the 43rd game of the bonus game C. In FIG. 3 shows an example of winning. In this case, in the effect period from the 43rd game to the end (50th game) in the bonus game C, the game effect pattern No. 3 is the first effect, which is an effect that represents the arrival at the United Kingdom. Thereafter, in the bonus game D generated without changing the setting value, first, the game effect pattern No. determined in the 43rd game of the bonus game C is set. The third production, which is an animation introducing the United Kingdom, is implemented.

  As described above, according to the slot machine 1 of the present example, it is determined with certainty whether or not the set value has been changed based on whether there is a relationship between the game effects of the two consecutive bonus games. can do. Therefore, the player grasps the game production of the bonus game just before the closing of the previous day (the previous business day), and also visits the store from the morning on the next day (the next business day) and generates the first bonus game after opening I will start playing games. Therefore, according to the slot machine 1 of this example, it is possible to increase the effect of attracting customers to the game hall and improve the operation rate.

  In this example, a moving image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 53 as a game effect, but instead of this, a game effect of a bonus game may be implemented by a sound effect and a light effect. In this case, it may be configured to change the type of sound or BGM, the color of illumination light, or the illumination method only when the set value is changed.

  Further, in this example, a predetermined number of games is set as the timing for shifting from the second effect to the first effect, or the timing for ending the bonus game. Instead of this, it is also possible to set the transition timing of the production or the end timing of the bonus game according to the number of game media acquired, the number of payouts, the number of differences, or the elapsed time.

Furthermore, in this example, the first effect and the second effect were performed during the bonus game, but instead of this, only one type of effect may be performed. In this case, whether or not the set value has been changed can be notified depending on whether or not the current bonus game effect has a relationship with the previous bonus game effect.
Furthermore, it is also possible to perform three or more types of effects during the bonus game. In this case, for example, an effect such as a shiritori is performed between the last effect in the bonus game and the first effect in the next bonus game. It becomes possible to attach.

  In this example, the lottery timing of the first game effect pattern after changing the set value is set at the time of operating the start lever 62 of the first bonus game, that is, the start time of the bonus game. Instead of this, as the lottery timing of the game effect pattern, the next bonus combination winning, the power-on time after changing the set value, or the like may be set.

  Further, in the slot machine 1 of this example, there is a possibility that the game effect of the bonus game after the setting value change is accidentally related to the game effect of the previous bonus game. In the slot machine 1, such a configuration avoids the possibility that all setting value changes can be determined by the player. On the other hand, it is possible to configure the effect lottery means 47 so that the game effect of the bonus game after changing the set value is not accidentally related to the game effect of the previous bonus game.

  Furthermore, as a relationship between the game effects of two bonus games that are continuous in time, a relationship using game information in the bonus game can be set. For example, the acquired number of games in the previous bonus game can be stored in the RAM 34, and when the number of acquired games in the current bonus game exceeds the previous acquired number of games, the effect can be changed or a specific effect can be generated. . Further, as the game information, it is possible to set the number of payouts, the number of games in the bonus game, and the like.

  In this example, as a special state, a bonus game is set in which the internal winning probability of 10 winning combinations, which is one of the small roles, is set high. Bonus games can be played in a variety of ways, including those with high internal winning probabilities for small roles other than 10 and other high roles with internal winning probabilities for other small roles. There may be. Furthermore, the special state may be a gaming state in which the internal winning probability of at least one of the roles is set higher than the normal state. In addition to the bonus game of this example, various modes such as a challenge time and a replay time are included. Can be set.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a mechanical configuration of the slot machine in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating an appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a slot machine role, a role symbol, and a payout medal number in the first embodiment. The expanded view which expands and shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the winning random number table of the internal winning combination in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the production | presentation winning random number table in Example 1. FIG. The front view which shows the 1st effect screen in Example 1. FIG. The front view which shows the 2nd production screen in Example 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process regarding the game effect in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of setting value change processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of bonus game effect processing in the first embodiment. The time chart figure which shows the procedure of the game production effect of the bonus game in execution example 1.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 2 Design variation display means (reel)
20 design 3 control board 41 flag control means 42 internal lottery means 43 special state shifting means 44 game effect means 45 display control means 46 setting value change means 47 effect lottery means 48 random number extraction means 49 winning combination determination means 53 liquid crystal display section 61 design Stop operation means (stop button)
62 Start lever 68 Setting value operation section

Claims (2)

Symbol variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols on the winning line according to the start of the game,
A symbol stop operation means for the player to operate in order to stop the variation of the symbol in the symbol variation display means;
Internal lottery means for determining the internal winning combination by lottery according to the start of the game,
If there is a symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination within a predetermined pull-in range based on the operation time point of the symbol stop operation means, the display control means for drawing the symbol onto the winning line and stopping it,
A setting value changing means for changing a setting value for defining the winning probability by the internal lottery means;
Special state transition means for transitioning to a special state in which the winning probability of at least one of the roles is higher than the normal state when a predetermined symbol is displayed on the winning line;
Game production means for implementing any one of the plurality of game productions in response to the occurrence of the special state,
The above set value defines at least the bonus winning lottery probability, the bonus game is set as the special state,
If the set value has not been changed after the game effect has been performed in the previous bonus game and before the transition to the bonus game again, the game effect means in the previous bonus game While carrying out the above game production of the content forewarned by the above game production,
Said game effects means, after performing the above game effects in the preceding the bonus game, again, if there is a change of the set value until the transition to the bonus game, in the previous bonus game A slot machine configured to execute any one of the plurality of game effects, regardless of the contents for which the game effect has been announced .
Symbol variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols on the winning line according to the start of the game,
A symbol stop operation means for the player to operate in order to stop the variation of the symbol in the symbol variation display means;
Internal lottery means for determining the internal winning combination by lottery according to the start of the game,
If there is a symbol corresponding to the internal winning combination within a predetermined pull-in range based on the operation time point of the symbol stop operation means, the display control means for drawing the symbol onto the winning line and stopping it,
A setting value changing means for changing a setting value for defining the winning probability by the internal lottery means;
Special state transition means for transitioning to a special state in which the winning probability of at least one of the roles is higher than the normal state when a predetermined symbol is displayed on the winning line;
A game production means for carrying out a game production in response to the occurrence of the special state,
If the set value has not been changed before the transition to the special state after the game effect is performed in the previous special state, While the difference in the number of game media exceeds the difference in the number of game media in the previous special state, a specific game effect is performed ,
If the set value changes after the game effect is performed in the previous special state and before the transition to the special state again, the game effect means is in the previous special state. A slot machine configured to execute the game effect without being associated with the game information.

Images