JP5544506B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly, to a slot machine having a so-called assist time for notifying an internal hit of a small role.

  In general, a slot machine has a predetermined pattern, number, character, etc. on the outer peripheral surface when a player inserts a game medal (coin) or game ball (pachinko ball) as a game medium and presses a start lever. A plurality of reels (usually three reels) with the symbol of 開始 start rotating, and after rotating at a constant speed, the reels are stopped by pressing the stop button at an arbitrary timing. This is a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming media are paid out according to the combination of symbols.

In such a slot machine, internal lottery is performed based on a predetermined lottery probability at the timing of operating the start lever for each game. As a result of internal lottery, the winning content of this game is determined from multiple lottery objects, and each reel is controlled to stop so that it is stopped and displayed with the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning content based on the timing of pressing the stop button. It has become so.
The lottery objects in the internal lottery include a lottery object to which a game value is given to a player by a combination of symbols on reels that are stopped and displayed, and a lottery that is a lottery object to which no game value is given. .

A lottery object to which a game value is given to a player is called a role, a so-called “winning” to which a game medium is given, and a “small role” in which several medals are obtained, No medium will be given, but in the next game, a `` re-gamer '' that can be played without inserting medals, and a condition for shifting to a bonus game that is a special game state in which a predetermined small role is consecutively won There is a “bonus role”.
The lottery probability that these lottery objects are drawn is usually set such that a lottery occurs frequently, a small combination, a re-playing combination, etc. occur occasionally, and a bonus combination occurs rarely. Therefore, the majority of the gaming state is occupied by normal games in which losers, small roles, and re-playing roles are generated. In such normal games, the player expects to win a bonus role, The machine game is progressing.

In recent slot machines, in addition to the above-described normal game, bonus game, and the like, there are also slot machines in which specific game states that are advantageous to the player are set.
As a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, a gaming state called “replay time (RT)” in which the above-mentioned re-playing role is generated with a high probability and the state in which re-playing occurs frequently is known. ing.
In this replay time, re-games are generated with a high probability over a game section such as the predetermined number of games, the next big hit, or the stop display of a specific symbol combination. Each time you win the game, you can play the next time without putting in medals, and the amount of medals you put in will be reduced, and the burden on the player will be reduced compared to the normal game. .

As another specific gaming state of such a replay time, when a game part is overlaid on this replay time or as a game period different from the replay time (hereinafter referred to as the inside of the small part) In other words, a gaming state called assist time (AT) that informs the inside hit of this small role and guides the player to win the small role is known. In this case, the winning combination of the small role is different depending on the specification of the slot machine, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the small role is notified, and the player is "pressed" to stop and display the combination of symbols. Notify the operation order of the stop button corresponding to the specification or the preset small combination, let the player operate the stop button in this order, and stop the combination of symbols corresponding to this small combination There are specifications.
And in this assist time, by following these notifications, it becomes a small role winning, and several medals can be obtained. In particular, in ART where the replay time and the assist time are overlapped in one game section, It will gradually increase, and the gaming state is advantageous to the player following the bonus game.

The game section in which a specific game state such as the replay time, the assist time, and the assist / replay time (ART) in which these are overlapped, and the conditions for generating this game state have various specifications for each slot machine. Exists.
For example, in Patent Document 1, two types of bonus symbol combinations corresponding to bonus combinations are provided, and the probability that an assist time will occur after the end of the bonus game stopped and displayed for each bonus symbol combination, A slot machine having a different game section (average number of games) to be continued is disclosed.
In this slot machine, the probability that the assist time occurs and the expected value that the assist time calculated from the game section (average game number) that continues when the combination occurs will be almost the same for both combinations of bonus symbols. Is set to a value.
In other words, in this slot machine, there are two types of assist time: a high assist time that has a high probability of occurrence and a short game section that lasts if it occurs, and a low assist time that has a low probability of occurrence and a long game section that lasts if it occurs. The game can be selected arbitrarily, and the player can select a game characteristic suitable for his / her taste.

JP 2004-24323 A

However, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, the selection range of the player is as narrow as two types, and it cannot deal with a wide range of player preferences.
There are various preferences of players, for example, a slot machine with high gambling that has a long game section that is set to continue even if the probability of occurrence of a specific gaming state is extremely low In consideration of the player who likes the game and the remaining game time that can be played, it is determined whether the probability of occurrence and the continuing game section are set to a value that can already recover the funds invested in the game. Player preferences, such as a player who selects a slot machine with specifications that match such speculation, or a player who wants to surely generate an advantageous gaming state even if the game period that continues when it occurs is short The reality is that it cannot be limited to several types.
As a result, in order to respond to the various preferences of such players, slot machines having various specifications have to be developed and manufactured, increasing the development and manufacturing costs.

In addition, the replay time and assist time may occur just before the game hall closes. In such a case, it is nice for the player, but the game may be closed in the middle of the game state. We were not able to fully enjoy the profits obtained in the state.
Therefore, by adopting the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, in consideration of the remaining time until the game hall is closed, the probability of occurrence is high, and when it occurs, a specific gaming state is short. The bonus symbol corresponding to this can be stopped and displayed. However, in the end, a specific gaming state does not occur unless it wins, so the probability of occurrence for the remaining gaming time until closing the store has not been set to an optimal value.

In addition, since the replay time and the assist time are in a gaming state that is advantageous to the player after the bonus game, the player expects a probability that the game result will be returned and a continuing game section. ing.
For example, the longer the section that is not a big hit, the longer the game section that will be continued when an advantageous gaming state is achieved in return for the investment.
In addition, the greater the number of hits than other players, the higher the probability that the bonus will be generated, and it is expected that the continued game section will be longer.
However, in the current slot machine, the probability of occurrence and the continued game section are fixed values set in advance, and cannot be changed according to the game result.

Further, the notification of the inside of the small role at the assist time is controlled by a control board for effect called a sub board, which is different from the main board that controls the entire gaming machine.
The sub board is a computer on which a central processing unit (CPU) is mounted. The sub board performs unidirectional communication with the main board and controls speakers, LEDs, and liquid crystal displays according to commands from the main board, and generates sound, light, It is configured to produce an image.
Such sub-boards are relatively loosely regulated and restricted in the rules relating to gaming machines, and inputs related to player operations are allowed, so that settings relating to performance can be selected by the player. However, this advantage has not been fully utilized in setting the probability of occurrence of the assist time and the continued game section.

  In order to solve the problems of the current slot machine as described above, the inventors of the present application have determined that the player has changed the probability that the assist time will occur and the continued game section to arbitrary values as a result of earnest research. The present invention has been conceived to realize an attractive slot machine that does not exist in the past.

  In other words, the present invention has been proposed to solve the problems of the current technology as described above, and the setting of the probability of occurrence of assist time and the continuing game section according to the player's preference is changed. The purpose is to provide a possible slot machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, the slot machine of the present invention performs lottery based on a predetermined winning probability at a specific game timing, and when winning, a predetermined number of games or jackpots indicated. In a slot machine provided with a small role per-notification means for notifying an internal hit of a small role over a game section, a configuration provided with a setting change means capable of changing the setting of the winning probability and the game section by a player's operation is there.

  According to the slot machine of the present invention, it is possible to change the setting of the probability of occurrence of assist time and the continuing game section according to the player's preference.

It is a schematic front view showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the internal structure of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the effective line in the display window of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a view showing a relationship between a symbol arrangement of each reel and a symbol number in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control unit and its peripheral configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of control processing in a control unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38 shows a relationship between gaming states corresponding to each bit in the game mode area of the slot machine related to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the combination of the stop symbol corresponding to each combination of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and the game value provided. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the lottery object of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and the random number table according to gaming state. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the lottery object corresponding to each bit in the winning flag area | region of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the symbol number area | region corresponding to each reel of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 20 is a view showing an operation screen regarding setting change displayed on the display unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention; The example which changes the numerical range which can change the setting of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is shown, (a) is a figure which shows the example which changes based on a game result, (b) is business hours It is a figure which shows the example which changes with progress of this. In the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, an example in which a numerical value that can be changed is changed based on a constraint condition, and (a) shows an example in which each numerical value is restricted with a certain number of games as an expected value. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an example in which each numerical value is restricted with a certain number of acquired game media as an expected value. It is a flowchart which shows generation | occurrence | production and completion | finish of the assist time which the presentation control part of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention controls.

[Slot machine body]
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a slot machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Slot machine body]
First, the configuration of a slot machine main body according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the effective line in the display window of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment.
As shown in these drawings, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment acquires gaming media by rotating a plurality of reels 21a, 21b, and 21c provided in the slot machine 1, as in the conventional slot machine. It constitutes a swing type game machine that can be used.

The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment shifts to the replay time when the bonus combination is hit internally in the internal lottery, and at the same time, draws whether or not to generate an assist time. When this is done, the game shifts to assist / replay time (hereinafter referred to as ART), which is a gaming state in which the assist time overlaps with the replay time.
In addition, the assist time continues for a predetermined number of games, and at the timing when the game for the number of games has been completed, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to continue the assist time. The assist time continues.

Then, the slot machine 1 determines whether or not to win the assist time (hereinafter referred to as occurrence probability), the number of games for which the assist time continues, and whether or not to continue the assist time. There is provided a setting changing means capable of changing the setting of the winning probability (hereinafter referred to as continuation probability) for performing the lottery operation by the player.
The occurrence probability and the continuation probability are both probabilities for drawing whether or not the assist time is generated, and are the winning probabilities of the present invention. The number of games in which the assist time continues is the game of the present invention. It is a section.
Furthermore, the setting changing means can change the setting of the notification probability indicating the frequency of notification of the inside of the small role at the assist time.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the slot machine main body according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 10 that is internally configured by a microcomputer and the like, a housing 1b that can accommodate necessary machines, devices, and the like, and a front side that can be opened and closed. It is comprised by the housing | casing shape which consists of the door 1a.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front door 1a is a door body that can be freely opened and closed to the casing 1b of the slot machine 1 via a hinge or the like. The front door 1a includes a front panel 2 and other parts. Thus, the front portion of the slot machine 1 is configured.

A setting change unit 44 is provided at the uppermost portion of the front door 1 a, and speakers 9 are provided on the left and right sides of the setting change unit 44.
The setting change unit 44 includes a display unit 44a such as a liquid crystal display, and a touch panel 44b capable of touch-operating a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display unit 44a by outputting a coordinate signal corresponding to the touched position. And is a notifying means for notifying information including the winning content won by the internal lottery as a moving image and a still image, and is configured as a setting changing means of the present invention.

As a notification means, for example, when a predetermined small role is hit at the assist time, that is, when the inside of the small role is hit, a picture constituting a combination of symbols corresponding to this small role is displayed, or in advance In the case of a specification for winning a small role according to the set operation order of the stop button 5, the operation order of the stop button 5 is displayed.
The display unit 44 a is transmitted from the control unit 10 and driven and controlled by a display drive circuit 42 provided in the effect control unit 40 based on a control command received by the effect control unit 40 provided in the housing 1 b. (See FIG. 5).

Further, as the setting change means, by touching the touch panel 44b on the operation screen related to the predetermined setting change, the occurrence probability of generating the assist time, the number of games for which the assist time is continued, and the assist time are continued. The continuation probability can be changed.
The finger touch position on the touch panel 44b is detected by a position detection circuit 43 provided in the effect control unit 40. Thereby, the production control unit 40 can recognize the operation content based on the screen displayed on the display unit 44a and the touch position detected by the position detection circuit 43, and the recognized operation content. The setting can be changed by identifying and storing the occurrence probability, the continuation probability, and the number of games that have been changed.

The speaker 9 is an informing means for informing the player of various sounds such as a melody sound and a message sound, thereby notifying information including the winning content, and the display unit 44a described above is provided via the speaker 9. In addition, or separately from the display unit 44a, a predetermined effect by sound is performed. For example, when the assist time hits the inside of a small role, the names of symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the small role may be output by voice, or the operation order of the stop button may be output by voice. it can.
The sound generated from the speaker 9 is transmitted from the control unit 10 and is generated and output by the sound circuit 41 provided in the effect control unit 40 based on a control command received by the effect control unit 40. (See FIG. 5).

The front panel 2 is provided with a display window 3 at a substantially central portion so that the reels 21a to 21c in the housing can be visually recognized from the outside.
The display window 3 is a window for visual recognition of three reels (left) 21a, reel (middle) 21b, and reel (right) 21c (see FIG. 2) disposed in the slot machine 1, and is usually colorless and transparent. Or it consists of a colored transparent resin panel, etc., and among the plurality of symbols represented around each of the three reels 21, it is possible to visually recognize and identify three symbols that are adjacent in the vertical direction. .
And the effective line is set to the combination of the stop symbol of the reel 21 visually recognized through this display window 3.
As shown in FIG. 3, there are three active lines arranged in parallel in the middle, upper, and lower effective lines 1, effective lines 2, and effective lines 3, and two effective lines 4 and effective lines that cross diagonally. A total of 5 lines are provided, and a predetermined game value is given by a combination of symbols shown on the reels 21a to 21c stopped and displayed along the active lines 1 to 5 (FIG. 8). reference).

On the lower side of the display window 3 of the front panel 2, a stored number display portion 2a, a status display portion 2b, and an acquired number display portion 2c are provided.
The stored number display unit 2a, the state display unit 2b, and the acquired number display unit 2c are each composed of a 7-segment LED or the like, and a predetermined numerical value is displayed.
The stored number display unit 2a displays the number of stored medals, the state display unit 2b displays the total number of paid-out medals and the number of digested games in the bonus game, and the acquired number display unit 2c displays the number of paid-outs at the time of winning. The
Each display unit is driven and controlled by a display unit driving circuit 15 provided in the control unit 10 (see FIG. 5).

On the left side of the display window 3 of the front panel 2, a bonus winning notification section 2d is provided.
The bonus winning notification unit 2d includes an LED light-emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as an LED) that lights or blinks based on a predetermined condition when a bonus combination is won as a result of the internal drawing in the control unit 10 of the slot machine 1, And a translucent display portion that translucently displays a pattern or the like with the light.
The bonus winning notification unit 2d is transmitted from the control unit 10 and driven and controlled by the display driver circuit 42 provided in the effect control unit 40 based on the control command received by the effect control unit 40 (FIG. 5). reference).

Buttons for the player to operate, such as a start lever 4, a stop button 5, a medal slot 6, a checkout button 6b, and a BET button 7, are provided in the substantially central portion of the front door 1a on the lower side of the front panel 2. It has been.
The start lever 4 is a game start means for starting the rotation of the three reels 21. When the start lever 4 is pressed by a player's operation, a start signal is output to the control unit 10 described later (FIG. 5), the reels 21a to 21c inside the main body are rotated simultaneously or sequentially.
Further, when a start signal is input by depressing the start lever 4, an internal lottery is performed in the control unit 10, and the winning content is determined.

The stop button 5 is a stop means for stopping the rotating reel 21 and includes three stop buttons (left) provided corresponding to the three reels (left) 21a, the reel (middle) 21b, and the reel (right) 21c. 5a, a stop button (middle) 5b, and a stop button (right) 5c. When the stop buttons 5a, 5b, 5c are pressed at any timing of the player, a stop signal is output to the control unit 10 (see FIG. 5), and the corresponding reels 21a, 21b, 21c are rotated. It is supposed to be stopped.
Therefore, when the player operates the start lever 4 and the stop button 5, the three reels 21a to 21c are rotated and stopped, and the symbols displayed on the reels 21a to 21c are displayed as a stop display of a predetermined combination. A slot machine game can be performed.

The medal slot 6 is a slot for receiving medals as game media used in the game, and a game can be played according to the number of medals inserted from the medal slot 6.
As shown in FIG. 2, a medal selector 6a is provided on the inside of the main body of the medal insertion slot 6. The number of inserted medals is counted, and a medal signal indicating the number of medals is output to the control unit 10 inside the main body. It has come to be. As a result, if one medal is inserted from the medal slot 6, a one-bet game can be played, a two-bet game can be played if two can be inserted, and a three-bet (MAXBET) game can be performed if three can be inserted. It becomes like this.

Further, the number of medals inserted from the medal slot 6 is stored in the RAM 11b in the control unit 10 as the number of stored medals (see FIG. 5). A medal can be inserted and stored and stored as a stored medal.
Specifically, when three medals are inserted and further medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 6, the fourth and subsequent medals are stored medals and a predetermined number (for example, a maximum of 50) is obtained. Stored and memorized. When there is a payout at the time of winning a prize, the winning medals are stored as stored medals up to the maximum number of stored medals. The number of stored medals is displayed as a numerical value on the stored number display portion 2a of the front panel 2.

The adjustment button 6b is a switch for adjusting the stored medal at the end of the game.
When the settlement button 6b is pressed, medals for the stored medals are discharged from the medal payout device 30 to the game medal payout port 8, and the stored medal count data stored in the RAM 11b is also deleted.
In addition, as the stored medal is settled, the numerical value of the stored number display portion 2a is also displayed as zero.

The medal BET button (insertion button) 7 is a medal input that inserts (BETs) a medal to be used (bet) in the game from among the stored medals when the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 has a stored medal. It is a switch for.
Specifically, a MAXBET button 7a for betting three pieces that inserts the maximum number of medals (usually three pieces) that can be inserted into a game by one press from a stored medal, and one medal by one press. 1 BET button 7b for betting one piece from the stored medal.
Each time the 1BET button 7b is pressed, one bet, two bets, three bets, and the number of BETs increase.
When the BET button 7 is pressed, a medal signal is output to the control unit 10 (see FIG. 5), and the same number of medals are inserted into the game from the stored medals stored in the RAM 11b. Become.
When a stored medal is inserted, the number of stored medals stored in the RAM 11b is subtracted by the inserted number, and the display numerical value of the stored number display unit 2a is also decreased by the inserted number.

A gaming medal payout port 8 is provided at the bottom of the slot machine 1.
When each reel 21 stopped by pressing the stop button 5 has a predetermined symbol combination, a number of medals corresponding to the symbol combination from the medal payout device 30 in the housing are obtained from the game medal payout exit 8. It is to be paid out. The number of medals paid out is displayed on the acquired number display part 2c constituting the state display part below the display window 3 of the reel.

Inside the casing of the slot machine 1, as shown in FIG. 2, there are a drum unit 20 that rotates and stops the three reels 21a to 21c, a medal payout device 30 that pays out medals, and other machines and devices. Is provided.
The drum unit 20 rotatably holds the three reels 21a, 21b, and 21c and the three reels 21a to 21c, and rotates the stepping motors 23a to 23c corresponding to the reels 21a to 21c. The motor drive circuit 22 that controls the start of rotation of 21c, the constant speed rotation and the stop, and the control unit 10 detects the reference position of each of the reels 21a to 21c and makes it a marker signal each time the reels 21a to 21c rotate once. Is provided (see FIG. 5).

As in the existing slot machine, the reel 21 is composed of a cylindrical portion having a plurality of (usually 21) patterns and symbols such as characters on the outer periphery, and rotates in the vertical direction (downward from the top of the drawing). Three reels (left) 21a, reel (middle) 21b, and reel (right) 21c are arranged in a line in the horizontal direction (left and right in the drawing) (see FIG. 2).
As shown in FIG. 4, the symbols shown on the reels 21 a to 21 c are arranged at equal intervals for each reel. For example, “7”, “BAR”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Cherry” ”And“ REPLAY ”are displayed in a predetermined order, and 21 symbols are displayed on each reel.

The three reels 21 a to 21 c are driven and stopped by the controller 10, the motor drive circuit 22 of the drum unit 20, and the rotation position detector 24. The control unit 10 constantly monitors the current rotational positions of the reels 21a to 21c based on the marker signal indicating the reference position input from the above-described drum position detection unit 24.
In the drum unit 20, the three reels 21a to 21c are rotatably held by the corresponding three stepping motors 23a to 23c, respectively, and the start lever 4 and the stop buttons 5a to 5c are pressed to operate the motor drive circuit. 22, a pulse (drive) signal is input from the control unit 10 to drive the stepping motors 23a to 23c (see FIG. 5), and control of rotation start, constant speed rotation and stop of the corresponding reels 21a to 21c is performed. Is called.

Based on the timing when the player presses the stop button 5, the stop position of the reel 21 is controlled according to the winning content in the internal lottery performed by the control unit 10, and the current stop of each reel 21 a to 21 c can be stopped. The reel 21 is controlled to stop so that the symbol corresponding to the winning content stops at the effective lines 1 to 5 within the range of the predetermined symbol feed frame number from the rotation position (within the range of 0 to 4 frames). Become.
As a result, the control unit 10 performs an internal lottery triggered by the start signal from the start lever 4, and the drum unit 20 is controlled by the pulse signal from the control unit 10, so that the stop button 5 is pressed. Each reel 21a, 21b, 21c is controlled to stop so that a combination of symbols corresponding to the contents of the winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the effective line within a predetermined number of symbol feeding frames.

The medal payout device 30 is a medal payout device disposed below the drum unit 20 in the housing, and drives and controls a hopper 31 that stores payout medals and a medal payout motor provided in the hopper 31. A hopper drive circuit 32 that discharges a predetermined number of medals, and a medal detection unit 33 that detects the number of discharged medals by a predetermined sensor and outputs it to the control unit 10 as a payout signal (see FIG. 5).
Then, medals discharged from the medal payout device 30 are paid out from the game medal payout opening 8 of the front door 1a to the front surface of the slot machine and provided to the player.

[Control unit]
Next, the control unit 10 that controls the entire slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a control unit and its peripheral configuration according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control flow executed in the control unit according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 10 of the present embodiment is configured as a control board having a microcomputer including an IC, a memory, various circuit boards, and the like that controls each part of the slot machine 1 described above. 1b is disposed at the rear.
Specifically, the control unit 10 is generally called a main board, and includes a CPU 11, a ROM 11a and a RAM 11b that are built in the CPU 11, and a storage unit, a main body clock generation circuit 12 that generates a reference clock, and a random number generator. A random number clock generating circuit 14 for generating the reference clock, a random number counter 13 for generating a random number for internal lottery, a display unit driving circuit 15 for driving the display units 2a to 2c, and the like.
The control unit 10 is configured to execute processing for controlling the entire slot machine 1 based on programs and data stored in the ROM 11a.

Specifically, the control unit 10 monitors the insertion of medals, makes a game possible according to the number of inserted medals, controls the rotation of each reel at the timing of operation of the start lever 4, and An internal lottery is performed based on the lottery probability, the winning content is determined, and each reel 21 is stopped based on the timing of the stop operation of the stop button 5 by the player so that the reel 21 is stopped and displayed with a combination of stop symbols corresponding to the winning content. Control.
Furthermore, a combination of stop symbols displayed in a stopped state is determined, and a re-game player who can play the next game without paying out a predetermined number of medals or inserting a normal game, bonus game, or medal according to the combination of symbols. The game management is performed such that the game state is shifted to a plurality of game states including a replay time drawn with a high probability.
Hereinafter, the flow of processing executed by the control unit 10 will be described in detail based on the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the slot machine 1 is powered on, an initialization process is performed (S1). In the initialization process, the work area of the RAM 11b is initialized and various initial settings are performed. In the initial setting, processing for setting a game mode flag for managing the gaming state is also performed.
In the present embodiment, as a gaming state, a replay time is provided in which a re-game player who can play the next game without inserting a normal game, a bonus game, or a medal is drawn with a high probability.

FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the game mode flag and the gaming state in the present embodiment.
The game mode flag is a flag for managing the gaming state of the slot machine 1, and is set in bit units in the game mode area provided in the RAM 11b as shown in FIG.
Specifically, “1” is set to “bit 0” for normal game, “1” is set to “1” for replay time, “bit 2” is set to “1” for bonus game (BB), A bonus game (RB) is set when “1” is set to “bit 3”, and the slot machine 1 is controlled to be in each game state by referring to the set game mode flag for each bit. The
In the initial setting, “1” is set to “bit 0” in the figure so as to be a normal game, and other bits are cleared by “0”.

In this embodiment, the replay time is shifted by winning the bonus combination (BB, RB), and the combination of the corresponding bonus symbols (“7, 7, 7”, “BAR, BAR, BAR”) is stopped and displayed. It will continue until it is done. In this replay time, the game state is set with a higher probability that a re-game player will be drawn than a normal game.
In addition, the assist time for notifying the inside winning of the small role is a gaming state in which generation / termination is controlled by the effect control unit 40, and in the present embodiment, the assist time overlaps with the replay time.

Next, the control unit 10 performs medal insertion processing for monitoring medal insertion (S2).
In the medal insertion process, specifically, the medal signal from the medal selector 6a and the medal signal input from the BET button 7 (MAX BET button 7a, 1BET button 7b) are monitored, and the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 is monitored. The number of medals bet by pressing the BET button 7 or the number of medals inserted is confirmed, and the number of stored medals stored in the RAM 11b is decreased based on the medal signal from the BET button 7. As a result, the number of bets 1 to 3 bet on each game is determined.
As a result, one game can be started.

Further, the control unit 10 monitors the start lever 4 operation by the player (S3). When a start signal generated in response to the start lever 4 operation is input, the control unit 10 performs an internal lottery process (S4) and the reel 21. A pulse (drive) signal serving as a control signal is output to the drum unit 20 to perform reel rotation control processing for rotating the reels 21a to 21c (S5).
Hereinafter, the internal lottery according to the present embodiment will be described.

The internal lottery is a lottery process performed at the timing of the player's operation of the start lever 4 for each game. A random number acquired from a random number counter 13 such as a counter IC and a random number table preset and stored in the ROM 11a. This is executed by comparing and determining the value of.
The random number output from the random number counter 13 generated in the update range (0 to 16383) is acquired (latched) at the timing of operation of the start lever 4, and the acquired random number is assigned to each lottery in the random number table for each gaming state. By comparing with the corresponding winning range, it is judged which lottery target corresponds to the winning range, and the lottery target indicated by that winning range is determined and won as the winning content of the game this time Yes.

The lottery to be drawn in the internal lottery is a game that is not given game value, a game medium is given, so-called “winning”, a “small role” in which several medals are obtained, and a game medium Will not be granted, but in the next game, a “re-game player” that can be played without inserting medals, and a bonus that is a special game state in which a game medium is not given, but a predetermined small role is successively won There is a “bonus combination (BB, RB)” which is a condition for shifting to a game (BB, RB).
FIG. 8 shows a relationship between each combination that is a lottery object of the present embodiment, a combination of symbols shown on each corresponding reel 21 that is stopped and displayed, and a game value to be given.

  As shown in the figure, the “bonus combination” includes the BB that shifts to the big bonus game by the stop display of the corresponding symbol combination “7, 7, 7”, and the corresponding stop symbol combination “BAR, BAR, BAR”. There are two types of RBs that shift to the regular bonus game by the stop display. In the present embodiment, the shift to the replay time is made after any bonus combination is hit.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the “re-gamer”, the combination of the corresponding symbols is “replay / replay / replay”, and the stop display of the symbol combination causes no medal payout, but in the next game, The game can be played without inserting medals.

There are five types of “small roles”: small role A to small role E depending on the combination of corresponding stop symbols.
For the small role A, the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is “cherry / ANY / ANY”, and two medals are paid out by the stop display of the stop symbol combination. Since “ANY” means that all symbols (see FIG. 4) represented on the middle reel 21b and the right reel 21c are targeted, the small role A has “Cherry” stopped and displayed on the left reel 21a. As a result, the winning prize is virtually confirmed.

For the small role B, the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is “Bell / Bell / Bell”, and eight medals are paid out by the stop display of the combination of the symbols.
For the small combination C, the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is “7, bell, bell”, and eight medals are paid out by the stop display of the combination of the symbols.
For the small role D, the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is “BAR / Bell / Bell”, and eight medals are paid out by the stop display of the combination of the symbols.
For the small role E, the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is “watermelon / watermelon / watermelon”, and 15 medals are paid out by the stop display of the symbol combination.

  Of the above small roles A to E, the symbols “Bell” and “Watermelon” that constitute the combination of the stop symbols corresponding to the small roles B and E can be stopped and displayed on each reel 21. Since it is arranged with an interval that does not exceed the maximum value of the number of symbols to be sent (4 frames) (see FIG. 4), the effective line 1 does not matter regardless of the operation timing of the stop button 5 by the player. The combination of “Bell / Bell / Bell” or “Watermelon / Watermelon / Watermelon” can be stopped and displayed along any one of .about.5.

On the other hand, among the symbols constituting the combination of the stop symbols corresponding to the small role A, the small role C, and the small role D, the symbols “cherry”, “7”, and “BAR” that are the symbols of the left reel 21a are stopped and displayed. Since the symbols are arranged at intervals exceeding the maximum number of symbols that can be sent (4 frames), the player stops these symbols at any one of upper a, middle a, and lower a in the display window 3. Unless the so-called “eye press” is operated to operate the stop button 5a, it is difficult to stop display the corresponding combination of stop symbols.
In other words, in the internal lottery, when the small combination A, small combination C, and small combination D are won, the internal hits are notified by the notification means such as the display unit 44a and the speaker 9, respectively. However, it is possible to easily establish these winnings by performing “aim” for “cherry”, “7” or “BAR” on the reel 21a.

FIG. 9 shows the lottery objects for each gaming state in the internal lottery of the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, nine types of lottery targets are provided, and different random numbers tables are referenced for each gaming state to perform internal lottery.
Specifically, in the normal game, the internal lottery is performed with reference to the random number table for the normal game and the replay time with reference to the random number table for the replay time.
Each random number table that is referenced is set to a value with a wide range of winnings for re-games to be won so that the re-play time is more likely to be drawn than for normal games at the replay time. Yes.

The value shown in each random number table in the figure indicates the winning width of each lottery object calculated from the random number winning range in which each lottery object is drawn in the random number update range (0 to 16383). Yes. Each lottery target is won when the random number output from the random number counter 13 falls within a win range predetermined for each lottery target. The winning range for each lottery is calculated by subtracting the lower limit from the upper limit of this winning range, and the winning probability for each lottery is calculated from the proportion of the winning range for each lottery in the random number update range. It is like that.
Note that “...” In the figure indicates a predetermined numerical value of the winning width set for each lottery object.

The winning width of the lottery object 8 to be replayed is set to “2340” in the random number table for normal gaming, and “13650” in the random number table for replay time. The winning probability of (“Replay”) is “1 / 7.0” (≈2340 / 16384) in the normal game, and “1 / 1.2” (≈13650 / 16384) in the replay time.
As a result, when the winning probability of replay in each gaming state is compared, there is a relationship of winning probability of replay time (high probability)> winning probability of normal game (low probability).
The lottery number 1 (BB) and the lottery number 2 (RB) are not drawn at the replay time.

The random number table for each gaming state is determined by referring to the value of the game mode flag described above.
Random numbers are judged in order from the lottery number with the largest lottery number, and the upper limit of the lottery range for each lottery is compared with the random number obtained from the random number counter 13 to determine the winning content in the game. The
The determined winning content is managed by a winning flag.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a winning flag area for setting a winning flag corresponding to each winning combination in the RAM 11b.
As shown in the figure, the winning flag area is provided with a winning flag area 1 and a winning flag area 2 corresponding to the winning combination. The winning flag area 1 is an area for setting a bonus winning combination, and the winning flag area 2 is It is an area for setting a re-playing role (replay) and various small roles.
In the internal lottery, a winning flag corresponding to the winning content won is set.

For example, when “BB” which is a lottery object of lottery number 1 in FIG. 9 is won, “1” is set to “bit 0” in the winning flag area 1.
In addition, when “Replay” which is a lottery object of lottery number 8 is won, “1” is set in “bit 0” of the winning flag area 2.
Then, referring to the flag set in the winning flag area, the subsequent reel stop control process and stop symbol determination process are performed, and all are cleared to “0” in the stop symbol determination process. .
Of these winning flags, the winning flags related to the bonus combination BB and RB will not be displayed in a stop combination with the corresponding combination of stop symbols (“7, 7, 7”, “BAR, BAR, BAR”). The winning flag is not cleared, and the winning flag is carried over to the next game.

Next, the control unit 10 performs a reel rotation control process for controlling the rotation of each reel 21. In the reel rotation process, a pulse (drive) signal is output to the motor drive circuit 22, the stepping motors 23a to 23c are driven (see FIG. 5), and the rotation of the corresponding reels 21a to 21c is started and the constant speed rotation is controlled. Is done.
During the rotation of each reel 21, a process for monitoring the symbol positions of the reels 21 a to 21 c is performed based on the marker signal input from the drum unit 20.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, in the predetermined area of the RAM 11b, the symbol numbers of the reels 21a to 21c located on the effective line 1 (see FIG. 3) of the middle stage (medium a, middle b, and middle c). Is provided for each reel.
In the symbol number area, the pulse (drive) signal output from the control unit 10 to the motor drive circuit 22 is updated by +1 every predetermined number of pulses (corresponding to the rotation angle between symbols), and each reel makes a round. Initialization (symbol number 0) is performed by the marker signal output from the rotating drum position detection unit 24.
That is, the value of each symbol number area is also updated in synchronization with the rotation of each reel 21, and as a result, the value of each symbol number area is positioned on the active line 1 in the middle stage (medium a, middle b, middle c). It always matches the symbol number symbol of each reel 21a to 21c (see FIG. 4).
Thereby, in the reel stop control process and the stop symbol determination process described later, by referring to the value of each symbol number area, each reel 21a to 21a positioned on the effective line 1 in the middle stage (medium a, middle b, middle c). The symbol of 21c can be discriminated.

  For example, in the reel stop control process, by referring to the value of each symbol number area when the stop button 5 corresponding to each reel is operated to stop, within the range of the number of symbols that can be stopped (0 to 4 frames) Then, by rotating and stopping each reel 21, stop control is performed so that a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning content is obtained, or in the stop symbol determination process, the value of each symbol number area when each reel stops. The combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the effective lines 1 to 5 can be determined.

Next, a reel stop control process for controlling each reel 21 to stop by the player's stop operation of the stop button 5 will be described.
In the reel stop control process, each symbol combination corresponding to the winning content (winning flag) in the internal lottery is stopped and displayed based on a stop signal generated when the player presses each stop button 5. The reel 21 is controlled to stop (S6).
Specifically, the stop control of each reel 21 is performed by referring to the symbol number value of the symbol number area of each reel at the timing of the detected stop signal for each reel 21 and the range of the number of symbol frames that can be stopped and displayed. By determining for each reel a symbol that constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to the winning flag within (0 to 4 frames), and outputting a pulse signal corresponding to the number of symbol frames to the motor drive circuit 22, After each reel 21 is rotated to the target stop symbol, the reel 21 is excited and stopped.
If the stop symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning flag is not within the range of the number of symbols that can be stopped (0 to 4 frames), none of the stop symbol combinations in FIG. Each reel is controlled so as to have a combination of “losing”.

Next, in the control unit 10, following the reel stop control process as described above, as shown in FIG. 6, a stop symbol determination process (S 7) for determining a combination of stop symbols displayed to be stopped is performed. It has become.
In the stop symbol determination process, the combination of stop symbols is determined by referring to the symbol number in the symbol number area of each reel at the time of stop.
As described above, the symbol number in the symbol number area of each reel matches the symbol number of each reel 21a to 21c located in the effective line 1 of the middle row (middle a, middle b, middle c). FIG. 4 shows combinations of symbols stopped and displayed on all the effective lines 1 to 5 by discriminating the symbols of the reels 21a to 21c located on the effective line 1 (middle a, middle b, middle c). The determination can be made based on the arrangement of the symbols shown.
Then, it is determined whether or not the determined combination of stop symbols is a combination of stop symbols corresponding to the winning flag won in the internal lottery (see FIG. 8). Subsequent processing is performed.
Hereinafter, the case where the winning flag is a re-playing combination, each small combination, or a bonus combination will be described.

In the case where the winning flag in the stop symbol determination process is a re-game player, it is as follows.
When it is determined that “1” is set in “bit 0” of the winning flag area 2 shown in FIG. 10 corresponding to the re-gamer and the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is stopped by “Replay / Replay / Replay” As shown in FIG. 6, the game state after the completion of the above-described medal insertion process is entered so that the game can be performed without inserting a medal in the next game at the same time that the area is cleared with “0”. (S8).

When the winning flag is a small combination, the following processing is performed.
If it is determined that the combination has been stopped with the combination of stop symbols corresponding to each small role, as shown in FIG. 6, it is determined as a “winning” in which a medal is won (S9), and the winning in FIG. 10 set at the time of winning is determined. The “bit” corresponding to each small combination in the flag area 2 is cleared to “0”, and then the process proceeds to the medal payout process (S10).
On the other hand, if the combination of the stop symbols corresponding to each small combination is not stopped and it is determined to be so-called “missing”, the small combination in the winning flag area 2 in FIG. The corresponding “bit” is cleared with “0”, and the game state before the medal insertion process (S2) is shifted to as in the case of “losing” which does not correspond to any of the bonus combination, re-playing combination, or small combination in the internal drawing. It is like that.

On the other hand, when the winning flag is “bonus combination (BB or RB)”, first, “1” is set to “bit” corresponding to each bonus combination in the winning flag area 1, and “bit 1” in the game mode area is set. "1" is set to "", and a transition is made to the replay time.
And, in the replay time, when it is determined that the stop symbol combination “7/7/7” or “BAR / BAR / BAR” corresponding to the “bonus combination” is stopped, the corresponding in the winning flag area 1 By clearing the area with “0”, setting “1” to “bit” corresponding to each bonus combination in the game mode area in FIG. 7, and clearing other bits with “0”, the bonus game ( BB or RB).
In the bonus game, a predetermined small role is won and won with a very high probability, and when the number of medals obtained in the bonus game exceeds a prescribed number, the bonus game ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning flag that has been won is a bonus combination but has not stopped at the corresponding stop symbol combination “7, 7, 7” or “BAR, BAR, BAR” In the winning game, the corresponding area of the winning flag area 1 in FIG. 10 is left as it is, and the winning combination winning flag is carried over to the next game, and the replay time is continued.

When moving to the replay time, as described above, the random table for the replay time is referred to in the internal lottery, and “Replay” is hit with a high probability of “1 / 1.2”, and “Replay / Replay / Replay” is selected. It is set to be in a gaming state that is advantageous to the player who can play next time without inserting medals by frequently stopping and displaying.
The probability of winning a “replay” at this replay time is set so that the number of medals to be thrown in can be reduced because the re-playing role is generated with a higher probability than normal games, but the number of medals gradually decreases. Yes.

Furthermore, in this replay time, when an assist time for notifying the inside winning of the small role is generated based on the occurrence probability preset in the setting changing unit 44, the gaming state of ART is set.
In this ART, when the small combination A, C, D is hit internally, among the symbols constituting the combination of symbols corresponding to these small combinations, the symbol ("cherry" or "7""BAR") is notified by the display unit 44a or the speaker.
As a result, the player, according to the notification, aims to win the symbol and “wins”, so that the small roles A, C, and D can be won, and the medals increase accordingly.

That is, in ART, the medal increase effect by the assist time is added to the effect of suppressing the medal decrease by the replay time, and the medal is increased as a whole (for example, one medal is increased per game) Ratio).
Therefore, in this ART, the player deliberately uses the symbol combination “7, 7, 7” or “BAR,” corresponding to the “bonus combination”, even though the flag corresponding to the “bonus combination” is established. In order not to stop and display “BAR / BAR”, a so-called “Hazashi” is performed to increase the number of medals while continuing to shift to the bonus game, and continue the gaming state of ART.
In the replay time when the assist time does not occur, the medals are set to gradually decrease. Therefore, the player can select the symbol combination “7/7/7” or “BAR • "BAR / BAR" is stopped and displayed.

Next, in the medal payout process (S10) when it is determined as “winning”, as shown in FIG. 8, control for paying out medals of the number of payouts according to the type of small role is performed.
Specifically, in the medal payout process, the medal payout motor provided in the hopper 31 is driven and controlled by controlling the hopper drive circuit 32 as shown in FIG.
By paying out medals, a payout signal of one pulse is output every time one medal is paid out from a predetermined sensor of the medal detection unit 33.
The control unit 10 monitors the payout signal and controls the hopper drive circuit 32 until the number of pulses reaches the number of medals for each small combination.
As a result, a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the types of small roles.
As described above, the game from the medal insertion process to the medal payout process performed in the control unit 10 based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 makes one game in the slot machine game, and the game is repeated by repeating this one game. It is going to progress.

[Direction control unit]
Next, the production control unit 40 will be described.
The effect control unit 40 is generally called a sub-board (sub-board), and is a microcomputer on which storage means such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM are mounted, similar to the control unit 10, and is transmitted from the control unit 10. By controlling the sound circuit 41 and the display driver circuit 42 in accordance with the control command, the bonus winning notification unit 2d, the display unit 44a, and the speaker 9 are driven to perform a predetermined effect.
In addition, the production control unit 40 detects the touch position on the touch panel 44b by the position detection circuit 43, so that the operation content is displayed based on the screen displayed on the display unit 44a and the detected touch position. In addition to recognizing, the recognized operation content is stored in the storage means (RAM) as the occurrence probability and continuation probability of the assist time and the number of games to be continued, so that the setting content related to the assist time can be changed.
In addition, the effect control unit 40 receives a control command including the winning content in the internal lottery performed by the control unit 10 and the content of the game mode flag, which the control unit 10 transmits for each game. The effect control unit 40 can decode the received control command to correspond to the gaming state managed by the control unit 10 and perform an effect in accordance with the winning content in the internal lottery. .

Specifically, when the effect control unit 40 receives a control command (for example, a command indicating an internal winning of a bonus combination) indicating that the control unit 10 has shifted to the replay time, the effect control unit 40 has shifted from the normal game to the replay time. Recognize that. At this time, based on a pre-set winning probability (occurrence probability), a determination is made as to whether or not to generate an assist time. When a win is made, the assist time is continued for a preset number of games. , It is designed to produce in line with the assist time.
Further, when the assist time for the number of times of the game is over, a determination is made as to whether or not to continue the assist time based on a preset winning probability (continuation probability). The assist time is continued for the number of games.

In addition, when the production control unit 40 receives a control command (a command indicating a winning flag) indicating the internal winning of the small combination A, the small combination C, or the small combination D from the control unit 10 during the assist time, “Cherry” or “7” or “BAR”, which is a symbol that constitutes a combination of symbols (“Cherry / ANY / ANY” or “7 / Bell / Bell” or “BAR / Bell / Bell”) While displaying on the display part 44a, the speaker 9 is driven and these symbol names are output with a sound (per-small role notification means).
Thus, the player operates the stop button 5a so that “cherry” or “7” or “BAR” is stopped on the left reel 21a, thereby “cherry, ANY, ANY” or “7, bell, “Bell” or “BAR Bell Bell” can be stopped and displayed, and medals can be obtained for winning small roles.
In this case, when a notification probability indicating the frequency of performing notification per inside of a small role is set in advance, each time a control command related to the internal hit of a small role A, C, D is received, based on this notification probability, It is also possible to make a lottery of whether or not to make a notification, and to notify only when winning.
The occurrence probability and the continuation probability of such assist time and the number of games to continue the assist time are determined by the touch operation while the player visually recognizes the operation screen related to the setting change displayed on the display unit 44a of the setting changing unit 44. This makes it easy to change settings.

An operation screen relating to a specific setting change is shown in FIG. The figure shows a display example of the operation screen displayed on the display unit 44 a of the setting change unit 44.
On the operation screen, an occurrence probability setting unit 441 capable of setting and changing the winning probability for performing the determination as to whether or not to generate the assist time, an occurrence probability setting range unit 444 indicating a changeable range of the occurrence probability, A game number setting unit 442 capable of setting and changing the number of games for which the assist time continues, a game number setting range unit 445 indicating a range in which the setting of the game number can be changed, and whether or not the assist time is continued after the number of games. A continuation probability setting unit 443 capable of setting and changing the winning probability for performing a lottery, a continuation probability setting range unit 446 indicating a range in which the setting of the continuation probability can be changed, and display units provided in the setting units 441 to 443 A determination unit 447 is provided that sets the numerical values displayed in 441a to 443a as predetermined values in predetermined storage means (RAM).

Further, the setting range units 444 to 446 display lower limit values 444a to 446a and upper limit values 444b to 446b that indicate numerical ranges that can be changed, and the player can set the setting units 441 to 443. By touching the arrow keys (up / down) of the operation units 441b to 443b provided in the above, the occurrence probability, the continuation probability, and the number of games to be continued can be set and changed to arbitrary numerical values within this numerical range.
In addition, it is possible to add a notification probability indicating the frequency of notification of the inside of a small role to a target whose setting can be changed. In this case, a notification probability setting unit and a setting change of the notification probability are displayed on the operation screen. It is sufficient to add a notification probability setting range portion indicating a possible range.
Similarly, the number of games to be continued can be set as one set, and the number of sets can be set and changed with this set as a unit.
Furthermore, the number of medals earned per game (net increase number) can be set as a changeable target. In this case, the notification probability is changed in conjunction with the change in the number of medals acquired per game (net increase).

The operation screen related to the setting change is configured as described above. For example, when changing the occurrence probability and the continuation probability, the arrow keys (up / down) of the operation units 441b and 443b are touch-operated. Thus, the probabilities displayed on the display units 441a and 443a are set to numerical value ranges (lower limit values 444a and 446a to upper limit values 444b and 446b that are displayed on the probability setting range units 444 and 446, for example, 1 % To 100%) can be changed in units of 1%.
Further, when the number of games to be continued is changed, the number of games displayed on the display unit 442a is displayed on the game number setting range unit 445 by touching the arrow keys (up / down) of the operation unit 442b. In the numerical value range that can be changed (lower limit value 445a to upper limit value 445b, for example, 1 to 200 times), it can be changed in units of one game.
Finally, by touching the determination unit 447, the occurrence probability, the continuation probability, and the number of games displayed on each of the display units 441a to 443a can be set.
Thereby, it can change to the assist time which has the specification according to the player's taste.
Further, the numerical ranges shown in the respective setting range portions 444 to 446 can be changed with the result of the game and the lapse of the business hours of the game hall as shown in FIG.

FIG. 13A shows a case where the numerical range in which the setting can be changed changes with the game result.
As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the number of big hits in which the game result is generated and the number of games until the big hit is reached, and the upper limit values 444b to 446b are changed on the basis of the predetermined number of times.
Specifically, while the number of jackpots is less than 10 and the number of games between jackpots is less than 1000, the number of jackpots is 10 times or more and the number of games between jackpots is 1000 or more, the occurrence probability, the continuation probability and the upper limit of the number of games Each of 444b to 446b can be set to a high value.
This is based on the game psychology of the player as follows.
Players tend to stop playing games when the number of jackpots or the number of games between jackpots increases. Therefore, if the occurrence probability, continuation probability, and the number of games can be set to a high value as the number of jackpots and the number of games between jackpots increases, the player will be able to generate assist time with a high probability when moving to the replay time. At the same time, it is expected that the number of games in which the assist time continues will also increase. As a result, the player loses the time to stop the game, continues the game, and can increase the interest of the game.

FIG. 13B shows a case where the numerical range in which the setting can be changed changes with the passage of business hours.
As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the upper limit values 444b to 446b are changed with the passage of time from the opening of the game hall to the closing thereof.
Specifically, from the opening of the store to 1 hour after the opening, the assist time is continued longer than in other time zones, so that a numerical value with a large number of games can be set. As a result, when the assist time occurs, the assist time becomes long, but there is enough time until the store closes, and the assist time can be consumed without fail, so that the player can enjoy the benefit of the assist time. it can. In addition, it is a privilege for players who come to the store from early in the morning, and the ability to attract customers can be increased. In this case, not only the number of games but also the occurrence probability and the continuation probability may be set to high numerical values.

In addition, from the time before the closing of the store to the closing of the store, it is possible to set the probability of occurrence of the assist time to a higher numerical value than in other time zones.
This is based on the game psychology of the player as follows.
Players tend to refrain from playing slot machines with specifications that gradually increase the number of medals, such as assist time, before closing the store. Therefore, if the assist time is generated with a high probability, even if the game time until the closing of the store is small, the player can enjoy the benefit of the assist time, and it becomes a deterrent to the separation of customers before the closing.

Furthermore, a numerical value that can be changed can be determined based on a certain constraint condition so that all players can enjoy the same profit at the assist time.
In this case, the constraint condition is, for example, an expected value of the number of games for which the assist time continues and the total number of medals to be acquired at the assist time, calculated based on the occurrence probability and the continuation probability of the assist time and the number of games to be continued. These expected values are set in advance in the slot machine design / development stage, and based on these expected values, among the occurrence probability and continuation probability of the assist time and the number of games to be continued, If the numerical value of any one of the objects is changed by operating the operation units 441b to 443b, the numerical values of the remaining objects are uniquely determined.
At this time, when the numerical value of the target to be changed is changed by touching the operation units 441b to 443b, the numerical values of the remaining other objects are linked to the corresponding display units 441a to 443a. To be displayed.

To give a simple example, for example, the number of games to be continued is set as a fixed value, the target whose setting can be changed is set as the assist time occurrence probability and the continuation rate, and these are constrained to a constant expected value. Then, when the arrow key (up) of the operation unit 441b is touch-operated so as to increase the occurrence probability, the continuation probability displayed on the display unit 443a of the continuation probability setting unit 443 is lowered in conjunction with this, When the arrow key (up) of the operation unit 443b is touched so as to increase the continuation probability, the occurrence probability displayed on the display unit 441a of the occurrence probability setting unit 441 is lowered in conjunction with this.
Here, as a specific example, FIG. 14 shows a case in which the occurrence probability and the continuation probability of the assist time, the number of games to be continued and the notification probability are constrained by the above expected values.

FIG. 14A shows an example in the case where the predetermined expected value set in advance is the number of games (100 times) in which the assist time continues.
In the example shown in the figure, the targets whose settings can be changed are the assist time occurrence probability and the continuation probability.
Then, the setting changeable target and the expected value of the number of games for which the assist time continues satisfy the following relational expression.
Expected value = probability of occurrence × number of games / (1-continuation probability) (Relational Expression 1)

For example, in the pattern 1 of the setting change content, the number of games to be continued is fixed to “100 times”, and is displayed on the display unit 441a by touching the arrow key of the operation unit 441b of the occurrence probability setting unit 441. If the occurrence probability of the assist time is set to “50% (1/2)”, the continuation probability is determined to be “50% (1/2)” from the relational expression 1, and this determined “50%” Is displayed in conjunction with the display unit 443a of the continuation probability setting unit 443.
Similarly, in the pattern 2 of the setting change content, the number of games to be continued is fixed to “100”, and the arrow key of the operation unit 441b of the occurrence probability setting unit 441 is touch-operated to display on the display unit 441a. When the occurrence probability of the displayed assist time is set to “100% (1)”, the continuation probability is determined to be “0% (zero)” from the relational expression 1, and this determined “0%” is continued. It is displayed in conjunction with the display unit 443a of the probability setting unit 443.
Similarly, in the pattern 3 of the setting change content, the number of games to be continued is fixed to “100”, and in contrast to the pattern 3, the arrow key of the operation unit 443b of the continuation probability setting unit 443 is touch-operated. When the continuation probability of the assist time displayed on the display unit 443a is set to “75% (3/4)”, the occurrence probability is determined to be “25% (1/4)” from the relational expression 1. The determined “25%” is displayed in conjunction with the display unit 441a of the occurrence probability setting unit 441.

FIG. 14B shows an example in which a predetermined expected value set in advance is set as the total number of medals (100) to be acquired at the assist time.
In the example shown in the figure, the winning probability of the replay and the small roles A to E is set so that an average of one medal can be obtained per game at the assist time. When the probability of notifying at the preset frequency (ratio) whether to notify those internal hits when winning a small role D and the number of games to be continued are added to the target whose settings can be changed Is shown.
The occurrence probability and the continuation probability of the assist time, the number of games to be continued and the notification probability, and the expected value of the total number of medals acquired at the assist time satisfy the following relational expression.
Expected value = notification probability × occurrence probability × number of games / (1-continuation probability) (Relational Expression 2)

  For example, in the pattern 4 of the setting change content, the number of games displayed on the display unit 442a is set to “100” by touching the arrow key of the operation unit 442b of the game number setting unit 442, and the occurrence probability setting unit 441 Touching the arrow key of the operation unit 441b to set the probability of occurrence of the assist time displayed on the display unit 441a to “100% (1)” and touching the arrow key of the operation unit 443b of the continuation probability setting unit 443 By operating and setting the continuation probability of the assist time displayed on the display unit 443a to “0% (zero)”, from the relational expression 2, the notification probability is determined to be “100% (1)”. “100%” is displayed in conjunction with the display unit of the notification probability setting unit.

  Also, in the setting change content pattern 5, the number of games displayed on the display unit 442 a is set to “200” by touching the arrow key of the operation unit 442 b of the game number setting unit 442, and the occurrence probability setting unit 441 Touching the arrow key of the operation unit 441b to set the probability of occurrence of the assist time displayed on the display unit 441a to “100% (1)” and touching the arrow key of the operation unit 443b of the continuation probability setting unit 443 By operating and setting the continuation probability of the assist time displayed on the display unit 443a to “0% (zero)”, from the relational expression 2, the notification probability is determined to be “50% (1/2)”. The determined “50%” is displayed in conjunction with the display unit of the notification probability setting unit.

In this way, by setting a constant expected value in advance, and by restricting the numerical value that can be changed by a relational expression indicating the relationship between the expected value and the object that can be changed, the numerical value that can be changed is It is easily calculated from this relational expression. When the numerical values displayed on the corresponding display units 441a to 443a are changed in units of “1 (%, times)” by touching the operation units 441b to 443b to be changed, the “1” is displayed. In association with the change in the unit (%, times), the numerical values of the remaining objects calculated from the relational expression are variably displayed on the corresponding display units 441a to 443a.
As a result, all players can enjoy the same benefits, and the setting can be freely changed to assist times having specifications that match the player's preferences while maintaining fairness.

The numerical values thus changed are stored in the storage means (RAM) of the effect control unit 40, and the generation / termination of the assist time is controlled based on the stored setting values. It has become so.
Hereinafter, the generation / termination of the assist time controlled by the effect control unit 40 based on the changed values will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 corresponding to the transition of the gaming state.

After the power is turned on, the production control unit 40 produces a normal game based on a control command (game mode flag indicating a normal game) transmitted from the control unit 10 (S11). In this normal game, the touch panel 44b is used. By performing the touch operation, the probability of occurrence of the assist time, the continuation probability, and the number of games to be continued can be set and changed (S12).
In this normal game, the control command regarding the internal winning of the bonus combination (BB, RB) transmitted from the control unit 10 is monitored (S13), and the setting can be changed unless this control command is received (S13-NO). When the control command related to the internal winning of the bonus combination is received (S13-YES), the setting cannot be changed (S14), and the replay time is rendered (S15).
It should be noted that the setting can be changed only when a specific combination of symbols is stopped or displayed, or when a specific condition is satisfied, such as when the number of games in a normal game exceeds a predetermined number. You can also.

  The effect control unit 40 draws whether or not to generate the assist time based on the occurrence probability preset in the setting changing unit 44 at the timing when the control command related to the internal winning of the bonus combination is received (S16). ) When the assist time is hit (S17-YES), an ART effect in which the replay time and the assist time overlap is performed (S18).

During the production of ART, the control commands relating to the internal hits of the small roles A, C, D transmitted from the control unit 10 are monitored (S19), and when these control commands are received (S19-YES), the corresponding small The symbol corresponding to the combination is notified (S20), otherwise (S19-NO), the ART effect is continued as it is.
In this case, when a notification probability indicating the frequency of performing the notification is set in advance, whether notification is performed based on the notification probability every time a control command related to the internal hit of the small roles A, C, D is received. It is also possible to make a lottery decision and notify only when the winner is won.
Thus, by adding the notification probability to the target whose setting can be changed, the increase in medals in ART can be adjusted.

  Then, the number of games in the ART is monitored (S21), and the ART effect and the notification of the inside of the small role are continued until the number of games set in advance in the setting changing unit 44 (S21-NO). When the set number of games has been reached (S21-YES), whether or not to continue the assist time is determined based on the continuation probability preset in the setting change unit 44 (S22). When the assist time is reached (S17-YES), the ART effect is performed again (S18).

  On the other hand, when the assist time is not reached (S17-NO), the replay time is produced as it is, and the control command related to the stop display of the bonus symbol ("7, 7, 7" or "BAR, BAR, BAR") is received. (S23), a bonus game effect is performed (S24), and then the normal game effect is resumed (S11).

  As described above, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes the setting change unit 44 that can change the setting of the occurrence probability of the assist time and the number of games (game section) in which the assist time continues by the operation of the player. Thus, the probability that the assist time will occur and the continuing game section can be changed according to the player's preference.

The preferred embodiment of the slot machine of the present invention has been described above. However, the slot machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.
For example, in the slot machine of the above-described embodiment, the continuation probability of continuing the assist time is introduced. However, the continuation of the assist time can be replaced by changing the number of games to be continued, so that the setting can be changed continuously. Probability can be removed.
In the present embodiment, the assist time is generated so as to overlap the replay time. However, the assist time can be generated independently.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the game section in which the assist time occurs is from the inside of the bonus combination to the stop display of the bonus symbol, but the bonus game is terminated or the stop combination of the predetermined symbol combination is displayed as a trigger. And assist time can be generated.
In the present embodiment, the number of games per slot machine game can be set and changed. However, the number of times that the inside winning of the small role is notified is set as the number of games, and this number is set as a setting change target. You can also.
Further, in the present embodiment, the game section whose settings can be changed is shown by the number of games, but it can also be a big hit number. In this case, for example, it is possible to apply to a slot machine having a specification that allows the assist time to be generated until the next bonus game when the bonus game is ended and the assist time is generated. The number of big hits that assist time can be set and changed.

Further, in the present embodiment, as a case where the numerical range that can be set and changed based on the game result is changed, the number of generated big hits and the number of games until the big hit is set, but not limited thereto, for example, during the big hit In addition, it is possible to play a mini game (such as a quiz for selecting an answer by operating a stop button or an amida lottery) in the effect control unit 40, and change a numerical range in which settings can be changed based on the game result.
In addition, the numerical value range in which the setting can be changed may be changed according to the total number of acquired game media as well as the number of big hits.
In the present embodiment, the touch panel is used as the operation unit related to the setting change of each numerical value. However, a start lever or a stop button can also be used as the operation unit.
Further, in the present embodiment, the inside hit of the small role is notified by displaying or outputting one symbol constituting the corresponding symbol combination, but depending on the operation sequence of the stop button set in advance, In the case of a slot machine having a specification for winning a small role, the operation order of the stop buttons can be displayed or output by voice to be notified.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a slot machine (rotational game machine) in which a game is played using mainly medals (coins) and game balls (pachinko balls) as game media. The present invention can be suitably used for a slot machine having an assist time for notifying the winning in the specification.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Front panel 3 Display window 4 Start lever 5 (5a, 5b, 5c) Stop button 6 Medal insertion slot 7 BET button 8 Game medal payout exit 9 Speaker 10 Control part 20 Drum unit 21 (21a, 21b, 21c) Reel 30 medal payout device 40 effect control unit 44 setting change unit

Claims (1)

In a slot machine equipped with a small role per-notification means for notifying the internal hit of a small role over a predetermined game section when a lottery is performed based on a predetermined winning probability at a predetermined lottery timing ,
The winning probability includes a probability of generating a gaming state for notifying an internal hit of a small role over the predetermined gaming section, and a continuation probability of continuing the generated gaming state,
The operation of the player, and configurable setting changing means continuity probability and the probability,
With said probability and probability of continuity and the game section, these probabilities, the set value determining means for determining the configurable number by the relational expression showing the relation between the expected value determined from continuing probability and the gaming section ,
The setting changing means includes an operation unit for inputting a numerical value for changing the setting, and a display unit for displaying the numerical value for each object whose setting can be changed.
In the case where the set value determining means determines the remaining target values based on the expected value and the target value to be changed,
When the game section is set to a fixed value , among the occurrence probability and continuation probability that can be changed, the other numerical value is variably displayed on the display unit corresponding to the numerical value input to one operation unit. Slot machine characterized by being made.

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