JP5580702B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine having a so-called credit function for storing game media granted according to a winning combination of a small role as credits.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a slot machine having a so-called credit function for storing game media that can be used in a game has become common (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In slot machines equipped with a credit function, the number of credits corresponding to the number of game media that have not been bet on the game among the game media granted in response to winning a small role and the game media that has been put into the game by the player However, the upper limit number such as 50 sheets is stored as a limit. The game media stored as the number of credits can be bet on the game by operating the bet button.

  In a bonus state where the number of game media granted is much higher than the number of bets, the possibility that the number of credits will reach the upper limit is extremely high, and there is a high possibility that the winning of a small role will continue after reaching the upper limit. As long as the credit is not settled (refunded), the excess game media exceeding the upper limit is paid out to the tray, and each time a game media payout sound of “Jarajara” reverberates. On the other hand, in recent years, in order to set the grant ratio (number of grants / number of bets) in the so-called RT state where the winning probability of the replay role is high, the expected value of the number of game media granted in the bonus state is relatively The number of slot machines that are kept low is increasing.

  However, the conventional slot machine in which the expected value of the number of game media provided in the bonus state is kept low has the following problems. In other words, there is a problem that even if a bonus state occurs, the game medium ends without being paid out to the saucer, and there is a case where the player cannot realize the joy of generating the bonus state.

JP 2006-263210 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and a player can enjoy the joy of generating a bonus state even in a bonus state in which the expected value of the number of game media to be given is kept low. It is intended to provide a slot machine that will make you feel like it is.

The present invention includes a symbol variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols according to a predetermined arrangement in a plurality of symbol display areas,
Game start permission means for permitting the start of a game when a prescribed number of game media according to the gaming state are bet;
A game start operation means operated by a player to start a game in a state where the start of the game is permitted by the game start permission means;
An internal lottery is executed to determine an internal winning combination from a plurality of types including a small role and a bonus role with a probability determined according to the gaming state and the number of game media betted. Internal lottery means for establishing the flag of
A stop operation means operated by a player to stop the display of the variation of the symbol by the symbol variation display means;
When the stop operation means is operated, a display control means for drawing a symbol corresponding to an internal winning combination within a predetermined pull-in range and displaying the stop in the symbol display area;
Winning determination means for determining whether or not a winning has occurred based on a combination of symbols stopped and displayed in each symbol display area of the symbol variation display means;
When it is determined by the winning determination means that a prize for a small role has occurred, a game medium giving means for giving a player a quantity of game media corresponding to the small role;
When it is determined by the winning determination means that a bonus combination has been won, a bonus state is generated in which the probability of being determined as an internal winning combination is increased for one or more types of small combinations, and a predetermined termination condition is established A bonus state generating means for ending the bonus state when
The number of credits, which is the number of game media that have not been bet on the game, among the game media inserted from the game media slot and the game media awarded in accordance with the winning of the small role, is set to a predetermined first upper limit number. Credit number storage means for storing as a limit;
Betting operation means operated by a player to bet a game medium within a range of credit numbers stored in the credit number storage means;
Credit number subtracting means for betting the specified number of game media and subtracting the specified number from the credit number when the betting operation means is operated;
Among the game media granted by the game media grant means, game media payout means for paying out the game media not stored by the credit number storage means to a tray;
Credit determining means for determining whether the game medium given by the game medium giving means is stored by the credit number storage means or paid out to the tray by the game medium paying means;
The credit determining means determines that the game medium provided by the game medium providing means is paid out to the tray so that the credit number does not exceed the first upper limit number,
During the occurrence of a specific bonus state in which the expected value of the number of game media given to the player is smaller than the first upper limit number, the value of the credit amount at the time of transition to the specific bonus state is a predetermined value. If it is less than that, it is determined that the game medium provided by the game medium providing means is to be paid out to the tray, while if the value of the number of credits is not less than a predetermined value, the game provided by the game medium providing means In the slot machine, it is determined that the medium is stored by the credit number storage means up to the first upper limit number (Claim 1).

  In the slot machine of the present invention, the credit determining means for determining whether the game medium provided by the game medium providing means is stored by the credit number storage means or whether the game medium payout means is paid out to the tray. I have. The credit determination means does not only determine that the game medium is paid out to the tray so that the credit number does not exceed the first upper limit number. During the occurrence of the specific bonus state, it may be determined that the game medium is paid out to the tray regardless of the number of credits.

  When it is determined by the credit determination means that the game medium is to be paid out to the tray, the given game medium is paid out to the tray even if the credit number is less than the upper limit number. When the game medium is paid out to the tray, a payout sound such as “jagged” is generated, so that the player can feel the occurrence of the specific bonus state.

  As described above, according to the slot machine of the present invention, it is possible to increase the possibility that the game medium is paid out to the tray during the occurrence of the specific bonus state. It can be directed to realize the occurrence of

The slot machine of the present invention may be a slot machine in a narrow sense using medals and coins as game media, or a parrot (R) using pachinko balls as game media.
The bonus state generated by the slot machine may be only the specific bonus state, but the bonus state in which the expected value of the number of game media given to the player is larger than the first upper limit number. May be added.

In addition, the credit determination means, while the specific bonus state is occurring, the game medium provided by the game medium provision means according to the value of the number of credits at the time of transition to the specific bonus state. whether to store the number storage means, whether to paid out by said game medium payout means, that determine the.

  The smaller the number of credits at the time of transition to the specific bonus state, the lower the possibility that the number of credits will reach the first upper limit number during the occurrence of the specific bonus state. Therefore, for example, when the number of credits at the time of transition is smaller than a predetermined number, it may be determined that the game medium is paid out to the tray.

A notification means for notifying a player of information for assisting a winning of at least one of the plurality of types of combinations;
Notification determining means for determining whether to activate the notification means according to an internal winning of a bonus combination that is an opportunity for the specific bonus state;
Notification control means for operating the notification means in accordance with the determination by the notification determination means,
The credit determining means, said During occurrence of a particular bonus conditions, the game media which has been granted by the game medium providing means when the decision to the effect that actuating the by Ri said notifying means to said notification determination means is While the credit amount storage means stores the game medium, the game medium giving means pays out the game medium given by the game medium giving means when the notification determining means decides not to operate the notification means. and Turkey preferably (claim 2).

  In general, when the notification means is activated, the winning frequency increases and the number of credits is likely to increase. Therefore, when the operation of the notification means is determined, there is a high possibility that the number of credits will exceed the first upper limit number during the occurrence of the specific bonus state. On the other hand, when it is determined that the notification means is not activated, the possibility that the credit number will reach the first upper limit number is not so high even if the specific bonus state occurs thereafter. In such a case, if it is determined that the game medium is to be paid out to the tray, the game medium can be paid out during the occurrence of the specific bonus state.

In addition, the game medium granting unit grants the credit determining unit so that the credit number does not exceed a second upper limit number that is less than the first upper limit number during the occurrence of the specific bonus state. It is also possible to determine that the played game medium is to be paid out to the tray .
In this case, the upper limit of the number of credits can be lowered during the occurrence of the specific bonus state, and the payout of game media to the tray is likely to occur.

FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating an appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing explaining the winning line in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the role of a slot machine, a winning symbol, and profit in Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a development view showing a developed arrangement of symbols arranged on the outer periphery of the reel in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine in the first embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the internal winning combination lottery table in Example 1. FIG. The state transition diagram which shows the transition of the game state in Example 1. FIG. Explanatory drawing explaining the winning distribution for every 1st stop reel in Example 1 when a replay combination is elected simultaneously. The flowchart which shows the flow of the game media provision process in Example 1. FIG.

The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the following examples.
Example 1
This example is an example related to the slot machine 1 having a credit function for storing medals as game media. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the external configuration of the slot machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. The front portion of the slot machine 1 is formed by a front frame 10 having a substantially rectangular symbol display window 11 provided at a substantially center. The front frame 10 is configured by arranging a liquid crystal display unit 53, a pair of left and right speakers 520, and a decorative lamp unit 56 on the upper side of the symbol display window 11. A base 100 that forms the base of the slot machine 1 is formed below the symbol display window 11. On the right side of the symbol display window 11, there are arranged a grant number display unit 551 for displaying the number of medals (game media) given according to winning and a credit display unit 552 for displaying the credit amount.

  The base portion 100 is formed so as to protrude relative to the symbol display window 11 located behind the player. The base unit 100 has a shelf-like operation surface 14 at the upper end adjacent to the symbol display window 11, a tray 15 at the lower end, and an operation panel 13 adjacent to the lower side of the operation surface 14. doing.

On the operation surface 14, a bet button 64 (betting operation means) for betting a medal on the game, a settlement button 65 for paying out a credited medal to the tray 15, and a medal insertion for directly inserting a medal A mouth (game medium slot) 630 is arranged.
The operation panel 13 is provided with a start lever 62 (game start operation means) for starting the symbol fluctuation of the reel 21 and a stop button 61 (stop operation means) for stopping the symbol fluctuation.

The bet button 64 is a button for betting a specified number of medals on the game from among the credited medals. In a non-bonus state in which a specified number of three betting games is played, three medals are bet according to the betting operation (betting operation) of the bet button 64. In a bonus state where a two-bet game with a prescribed number of two is performed, two medals are bet according to the operation of the bet button 64. However, if the remaining credits are insufficient, all remaining credits (one or two) are bet.
The start lever 62 is an operation lever that is operated by the player to start the game. When the operation of the start lever 62 is detected with a prescribed number of medals bet, the game is started.

  The symbol display window 11 is a display window including symbol display areas 110L, C, and R. Each of the symbol display areas 110L, C, and R is a symbol display area for three symbols. In the entire symbol display window 11, symbol display regions for nine symbols arranged in a two-dimensional matrix composed of three rows and three columns are formed. The symbol display window 11 is formed of a transparent resin plate so that the symbol 20 can be seen from the player side. In the symbol display area in which nine symbols 20 are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, winning lines 211 to 215 that are the arrangement direction of winning symbols to be awarded are set. As shown in FIG. 2, the winning line in this example is composed of five lines including upper, middle, and lower stages, three horizontal winning lines 211 to 213, and diagonal winning lines 214 and 215.

  Reels 21L, C, and R constituting the symbol variation display means 2 are arranged on the back side of the symbol display areas 110L, C, and R, respectively. As will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 4, the reels 21L, C, and R are rotary reels having a cylindrical shape and 21 symbols 20 arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof at substantially constant intervals. . The reel 21 may be an image-type reel that displays the symbols on the liquid crystal display in place of the rotary reel of this example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the stop button 61 is an operation button that generates a fluctuation stop signal that is a control signal for the reel 21 in accordance with the player's operation. The stop button 61 of this example is a combination of a left stop button 61L corresponding to the left reel 21L, a middle stop button 61C corresponding to the middle reel 21C, and a right stop button 61R corresponding to the right reel 21R.

The speaker 520 and the decorative lamp unit 56 are rendering means for rendering a game with sound or light.
The liquid crystal display unit 53 includes a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display unit 53 can display various effect screens for effecting a game, a display screen for displaying game data, and the like.

Next, the role of the slot machine 1 of this example and the symbol arrangement on each reel 21 will be described.
In the slot machine 1 of this example, as shown in FIG. 3, in addition to a plurality of kinds of small roles consisting of a 15-sheet combination A to C, a 10-sheet combination A / B, and a 1-sheet combination A / B, a bonus combination (RB1 combination, RB2 role) and replay roles A to E are set. In FIG. 3, the name of each combination is shown in the left column, a winning symbol that is a combination of symbols 20 corresponding to each combination is shown in the middle column, and the profit given to the player according to the winning is shown in the right column. As the profit, the profit under the non-bonus state shown on the left side of the “profit” column in the figure and the profit under the bonus state shown on the right side are shown.

  In this example, the winning symbol of the replay combination A is a low probability RT symbol that triggers the transition to the low-probability RT state, which will be described later, and the winning symbol of the replay combination C is a trigger for transitioning to the high-probability RT state, which will be described later. It is a highly accurate RT design. In addition, a 10-piece winning symbol that is stopped and displayed with a probability of 100% when a 10-piece winning combination is missed is a high-definition RT end symbol that triggers the end of the high-precision RT state. In this example, the replay combination under the normal state and the ten-piece combination under the high-definition RT state are AT notification target combinations.

Here, the winning combination of the replay combination and the 10-sheet combination that are AT notification targets will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the winning symbol of the replay role A is a doublet of the symbol “RP”. If the right reel 21R is replaced with the symbol “black orange” based on the winning symbol of the replay role A, the winning symbol of the replay role B is obtained.

  The winning symbol for the 10-piece role A is a “black orange” doublet. The combination of the left reel 21L replaced with “white orange” based on the winning symbol of 10-piece combination A is the winning symbol of 10-piece combination B. Further, the combination of the symbols of the left reel 21L replaced with “RP” is a spilled symbol.

In each reel 21L, C, R, symbols are arranged as shown in FIG.
In the left reel 21L and the middle reel 21C, the maximum interval of the symbol “RP” common to the replay roles A to C is 4 symbols. Here, in the slot machine 1 of this example, as described later, a range corresponding to four symbols is set as a pull-in range when the reel 21 stops. Further, as described above, in the symbol display areas 110L and 110C, a winning line is set over three symbols in the upper middle stage and the lower stage. Therefore, “RP” in the left reel 21L and the middle reel 21C is always in the drawing range regardless of the timing of the stop operation, and is a symbol that is stopped and displayed on the winning line.

  In the right reel 21R, the maximum intervals of the symbols “RP”, “black orange”, and “watermelon” respectively corresponding to the replay roles A to C are 4 symbols. As with the pattern “RP” on the other reels 21L and 21C, “RP”, “black orange” and “watermelon” on the right reel 21R are always present within the pull-in range regardless of the timing of the stop operation. It is a symbol that is stopped and displayed.

  The replay roles A to C in the slot machine 1 of the present example in which the symbols of the replay roles are arranged as described above always win if they are selected alone, and the stop button 61L even if they are simultaneously selected with other replay roles. If C, R are stopped in a predetermined order, it is a replay role that always wins a prize. In the slot machine 1, there is a first stop reel that is an operation mode of a stop button for winning the replay role C by avoiding the replay role A when the simultaneous winning including the replay role A and C occurs. Yes. The relationship between the first stop reel and the type of winning replay combination will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, the symbols corresponding to the 10-piece combination are as follows. In the middle reel 21C and the right reel 21R, the maximum interval of the symbols “black orange” common to the 10-sheet combination A / B is 4 symbols. Therefore, “black orange” in the middle reel 21C and the right reel 21R is always present within the drawing range regardless of the timing of the stop operation, and is a symbol that is stopped and displayed on the winning line.

  In the left reel 21L, the maximum interval of a particular type of symbol “orange” corresponding to one of the 10-sheet combinations A and B is 15 or more symbols, and any type of symbol “ The maximum interval of “Orange” is 6 symbols. Therefore, one of the two types of “orange” in the left reel 21L is always within the pull-in range regardless of the timing of the stop operation. On the other hand, a specific type of “orange” cannot be stopped unless the timing of the stop operation matches.

  As for the 10-piece combination A / B in which the symbols are arranged in this way, one of the 10-piece combinations can always be won when winning simultaneously, while the winning probability when the type is unknown when winning alone is 1/2. When a winning combination of 10 sheets is missed, the 10 winning combination symbol (see FIG. 3) is always stopped and displayed.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. For the control unit 3 that controls the overall operation of the slot machine 1, in addition to the configuration described above, together with the inserted medal detection unit 63 that detects a medal inserted through the medal insertion slot 630 (FIG. 1) and the reel 21. A reel driving unit 22 constituting the symbol variation display means 2, a reference position detecting unit 66 for detecting the rotational position of the reel 21, a medal paying unit 54 for paying out medals to the tray 15, a grant number display unit 551 and a credit display unit 552 are provided. Various display units 55, a set value operation unit 68 for setting a set value representing the player's advantage, an audio output unit 52 for controlling the speaker 520, and the like are electrically connected.

The medal payout unit 54 is a so-called hopper and constitutes a game medium payout means for paying out medals to the tray 15. There are three cases where the medal payout unit 54 pays out medals to the tray 15 as follows.
(1) A case where medals awarded in accordance with winnings are not stored as the number of credits.
(2) When the settlement button 65 is operated in a state where the number of credits is one or more.
(3) A case where a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 630 in a state where the number of credits has reached 50 and a state where the game has already started (the reel 21 is rotating).

The reel driving unit 22 includes a stepping motor (not shown) that can be controlled in units of steps, and is means for rotating the reel 21 by the rotational driving force of the stepping motor.
The reference position detection unit 66 is a detection unit that detects the passage of the reference position piece for each of the reels 21L, 21C, and R and outputs a detection signal.
The set value operation unit 68 is an operation unit for changing set values of 6 stages having different internal winning probabilities such as bonus combinations using the setting key 680.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 33 / RAM 34 as memory means, an I / O unit 32 as an input / output interface, and a random number extraction unit 35 for extracting random numbers for internal winning combination lottery. And a random number generator 350 for generating random numbers. The CPU 31 executes a software program read from the ROM 33 to thereby execute a game start permission unit 40 for permitting the start of the game, an internal lottery unit 41 for lottering an internal winning combination, and a flag control unit for controlling a flag corresponding to the internal winning combination. 410, a display control means 42 for controlling the reel 21, a winning determination means 43 for determining a winning symbol, a game medium giving means 44 for giving a medal in accordance with the winning, a bonus state generating means 451 for generating a bonus state, a high probability RT High-accuracy RT state generation means 452 for generating a state, low-accuracy RT state generation means 453 for generating a low-probability RT state, credit number subtraction means 461 for subtracting the number of credits according to a bet operation, and the awarded medal as a credit number Credit determining means 462 for determining whether to add, AT activation lottery, etc. Realizing the functions as the informing means 473 for informing the notification control unit 472, AT information to trigger the notification determining unit 471, AT to run.

In the storage area of the RAM 34, a storage area for the credit number storage means 341 is provided.
The credit number storage means 341 is a means for storing the number of medals that have not been bet on the game among the medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 630 and medals awarded in accordance with the winning as a credit number. When storing medals awarded according to the winning of a small role as the number of credits, the number of credits stored in the credit number storage unit 341 is added for each awarded medal. Further, when a predetermined number of medals are bet on the game and the start of the game is permitted, when a further medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot 630, the number of credits is one by one for each medal inserted. Is added.

  The ROM 33 is applied to the internal winning combination lottery table (FIG. 6) used by the internal lottery means 41 for the internal winning combination lottery, the reel control table (not shown) used for the stop control of the reel 21 by the display control means 42, and applied to the AT activation lottery. The AT activation lottery table (not shown) and the AT continuous lottery table (not shown) applied to the AT continuous lottery are stored.

The reel control table is a data table in which stop positions that can be stopped on the winning line are defined.
As shown in FIG. 6, the internal winning combination lottery table is a data table in which a range of winning random numbers for each combination is defined among the random numbers for internal winning combination lottery of 0 to 65535. As the internal winning combination lottery table, there are a table applied to a normal state, a table applied to a low probability RT state, a table applied to a high probability RT state, and a table applied to a bonus state (not shown). An internal winning combination lottery table for each gaming state excluding the bonus state is prepared for each set value. In the figure, among the columns corresponding to each gaming state, the left column in the vertical direction indicates the number of winning random numbers, and the right column indicates the internal winning probability by the denominator (x of 1 / x).

  In the table for the normal state, the low probability RT state, and the high probability RT state, the winning random numbers of each combination other than the replay combination are common, but the setting of the winning random number of the replay combination is different. In the table for the normal state, only random numbers that are simultaneously won by two or more types of replay combinations including the replay combination A are set. In the normal state table, the internal winning probability of any of the replay roles is 1 / 1.5, and the internal winning probability of the replay role C that triggers the high-accuracy RT state is about 1/22.

  In each table for the low probability RT state and the high probability RT state, only the random number that the replay combination A alone wins internally is set, and the difference is the internal winning probability of the replay combination A. While the internal winning probability of the replay combination A in the table for the low probability RT state is 1 / 7.3, the same probability in the table for the high probability RT state is 1 / 1.5.

  The AT activation lottery table is a lottery table in which winning random numbers for the AT activation lottery are defined. In the AT activation lottery table of this example, a part of the 600 winning random numbers of the RB1 role and the RB2 role is the winning random number (AT winning random number) of the AT activated lottery. Note that the AT activation lottery table is prepared for each set value, and the number of AT winning random numbers out of 600 is different for each set value.

  The AT continuation lottery table is a lottery table in which an AT end random number that is a lost random number of the AT continuation lottery is defined. In this example, 1000 of the 14,000 single winning random numbers of the 10-piece combination A or B are AT end random numbers. In a game in which a 10-player A or B wins alone, the probability that the AT will be terminated by losing the AT continuous lottery is 1/14.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the random number extraction unit 35 extracts a random number for internal winning combination lottery from random numbers (0 to 65535) generated by the random number generation unit 350. In this example, the AT activation lottery and the AT continuous lottery are executed using a random number for internal winning combination lottery. Instead of this example, a dedicated lottery random number may be applied to the AT activation lottery.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the internal lottery means 41 is a means for determining an internal winning combination by internal lottery and establishing an internal winning flag (flag) corresponding to the internal winning combination. The internal lottery means 41 collates the random numbers for the internal winning combination lottery against the winning random numbers of each combination specified in the internal winning combination lottery table (FIG. 6), and determines the internal winning combination. The internal lottery means 41 selectively uses any of the internal winning combination lottery tables according to the gaming state.

  The flag control means 410 is a means for controlling an internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination. The flag control means 410 is in an off state (zero) until the next game is started, regardless of whether or not the internal winning flag of a combination other than the bonus winning combination is won in the game in which the internal winning flag is established for the first time. Reset to). Therefore, if each combination other than the bonus combination is not won in the internal winning game, all will be missed. On the other hand, regarding the bonus combination flag which is an internal winning flag of the bonus combination, the established state of the internal winning flag is sequentially carried over to the next game until winning, and is reset to the off state according to the winning.

  The notification determination unit 471 is a unit that executes AT activation lottery and AT continuous lottery. When the RB1 combination or the RB2 combination is won internally, the notification determination unit 471 executes the AT activation lottery by comparing the winning random number at that time with the AT activation lottery table. In addition, when the 10 winning combination A or B is independently internal winning under the highly accurate RT state during AT activation, the winning random number at that time is checked against the AT ending random number specified in the AT continuing lottery table and the AT continues Decide whether or not to win the lottery. If it is compared with the AT end random number, the AT continuous lottery is lost, and the AT ends accordingly.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the game start permission means 40 is a means for permitting the start of the game when a prescribed number of medals are bet on the game. The game start permission means 40 permits the start of the game when a predetermined number of medals are bet by direct insertion of medals or betting operation of the bet button 64. When the start of the game is permitted, the start lever 62 can be operated effectively and the game can be started. When a replay winning combination is won, a prescribed number of medals are automatically bet on the next game without direct insertion of medals or betting operations.

  The credit number subtracting means 461 is a means for betting a prescribed number of medals on the game in accordance with an effective bet operation of the bet button 64 and subtracting that amount from the credit number. When the bet button 64 is operated in a state where the credit number stored in the credit number storage unit 341 is equal to or greater than the specified number, the credit number subtracting unit 461 determines that the bet operation is valid and adds a specified number of medals. Bet on the game. Then, the data stored in the credit number storage unit 341 is updated with the new credit number obtained by subtracting the prescribed number of medals.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the display control means 42 starts the symbol variation of the reel 21 in response to the operation of the start lever 62 in the state where the start of the game is permitted, and the symbol variation of the reel 21 in response to the variation stop signal. Is a means for stopping. The display control means 42 inputs a control pulse to the stepping motor that constitutes the reel driving unit 22 and rotates the stepping motor by one step for each pulse. The display control means 42 counts the number of control pulses input to the reel driving unit 22, that is, the number of steps rotated by the stepping motor. In particular, the display control means 42 of this example counts the number of steps generated after the most recent detection signal by resetting the number of steps to zero each time the detection signal of the reference position piece of each reel 21 is fetched.

  The display control means 42 performs so-called pull-in control in which symbols within a predetermined pull-in range determined by rules (rules for game machine authorization, type verification, etc.) are stopped on the winning line. In this example, as described above, a range corresponding to four symbols is set as the pull-in range. The display control means 42 determines the stop position by collating the number of steps when the variable stop signal is taken into the reel control table in which the stop position that can be stopped on the winning line is defined. The display control means 42 pulls the symbol corresponding to the internal winning flag to the determined stop position and stops the reel 21.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the winning determination means 43 is a means for determining whether or not the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the three reels 21L, C, R is a predetermined winning symbol. Specifically, the winning determination means 43 determines the winning combination according to the combination of symbols stopped on the winning lines 211 to 215 set so as to cross the three reels 21L, 21C, 21R. The winning determination means 43 takes in the number of steps of each corresponding stepping motor (reel drive unit 22) after each reel 21L, C, R stops. The winning determination means 43 obtains the type of the symbol 20 stopped on the winning lines 211 to 215 based on the number of steps, and determines whether or not a winning combination is established for the combination of the symbols 20.

  The game medium giving means 44 is means for giving a medal amount (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the winning combination. For example, when 15 winning combinations are winning combinations, 15 medals are awarded. However, in the bonus state, 15 medals are set for all the small combinations except the replay combination. The game medium giving means 44 executes a process for giving medals one by one when giving a plurality of medals.

  The credit determination means 462 is a means for determining whether the medal awarded by the game medium granting means 44 is stored in the credit number storage means 341 (added to the credit number) or paid out to the tray 15. The credit determination means 462 determines that in a gaming state other than the bonus state, medals awarded with a credit number less than 50 (first upper limit number) are stored and added as the credit number. On the other hand, it is determined by the medal payout unit 54 that the excess medals granted in a state where the number of credits has reached 50 are paid out to the tray 15.

  In the RB state which is a specific bonus state, the credit determination means 462 switches the handling of the given medal according to the number of credits at the time of transition to the RB state and the lottery result of the AT activation lottery. When the AT activation lottery is lost, if the number of credits at the time of transition to the RB state is less than 30, it is determined that all medals awarded under the bonus state are paid out to the tray 15. On the other hand, if the number of credits at the time of transfer is 30 or more, it is determined that medals awarded up to 50 are added to the number of credits. On the other hand, when the AT activation lottery is won, it is determined that medals awarded up to 50 are added to the number of credits.

  The bonus state generating means 451 is a means for generating a bonus state according to the winning of a bonus combination and ending the bonus state when a predetermined end condition is satisfied. In this example, an RB state (specific bonus state) with the bonus combination RB1 combination and RB2 combination as an opportunity combination is set as the bonus state. The termination condition for the RB state is that more than 30 medals have been granted. In this example, the total number of medals awarded in accordance with the winning of each combination in the RB state is 15. When two games are won in the RB state, the cumulative number of grants is 30, and the third game is 45. In this example, the expected value of the number of medals awarded from the occurrence of the RB state to the end is 45. Further, in the RB state, there are most cases where a winning is continuously generated and ended for three games. The net increase in medals in the most frequent RB state is (45-2-3 games), 39.

  The low probability RT state generation means 453 is a means for generating a low probability RT state that has a low probability of winning a replay role and is disadvantageous for the player. The low probability RT state generation means 453 generates the low probability RT state when the winning symbol of the replay combination A that is the low probability RT symbol is stopped and displayed under the normal state. The low probability RT state ends when the number of digested games reaches 128 games, or when either of the RB1 combination and RB2 combination is won internally, and returns to the normal state.

  The high probability RT state generation means 452 is a means for generating a high probability RT state that has a high probability of winning a replay role and is advantageous to the player. The highly accurate RT state generating means 452 generates the highly accurate RT state when the winning symbol of the replay combination C, which is a highly accurate RT symbol, is stopped and displayed under the normal state. The high-accuracy RT state generating means 452 terminates the high-accuracy RT state when the high-definition RT end symbol 10-spilling symbol is stopped or displayed, or one of the RB1 combination and the RB2 combination is won internally. .

The notification control unit 472 is a unit that activates the AT when the AT activation lottery is won, and then activates the AT until the AT continuous lottery under the high probability RT state is lost.
The notifying means 473 is means for notifying AT information for assisting winning of any combination when the AT is activated. When the replay combination is won simultaneously under normal conditions, AT information for winning a replay combination other than the replay combination A is notified. Specifically, the first stop reel for avoiding the winning of the replay combination A whose winning symbol is the low probability RT symbol is notified as AT information. In a game in which a replay combination is won simultaneously, the replay combination A can be avoided and other replay combinations can be awarded in accordance with the notification of the AT information. In addition, when the 10-piece combination A / B is independently won in the highly probable RT state, the type of the 10-piece combination is notified as AT information. If you can win the 10 winning combination alone, you can avoid the 10 winning combination symbol that is the high-definition RT finish symbol.

Next, the transition of the gaming state of the slot machine 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the state transition diagram of FIG.
(Normal state)
The normal state is an initial state that occurs in response to the end of other game states including the RB state. The normal state is terminated in response to the stop display of the high-accuracy RT symbol (replay role C winning symbol) or the low-accuracy RT symbol (replay role A winning symbol), and transition to the high-accuracy RT state and low-accuracy RT state. Will occur. Moreover, it ends also by winning of the RB1 role or the RB2 role, and shifts to the RB state.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 8, the distribution of the winning replay combination according to the first stop reel when the simultaneous winning pattern of the replay combination occurs in the normal state will be described. For example, when the first stop reel is the left reel 21L or the middle reel 21C in the replay combination A / B / C simultaneous winning pattern, the replay combination A wins. On the other hand, when the first stop reel is the right reel 21R, the replay combination C wins. At this time, the fact that the right reel 21R should be the first stop reel is auxiliary information for stopping and displaying the winning symbol of the replay combination C, which is a highly reliable RT symbol, and the replay combination A, which is a low probability RT symbol. This is the avoidance information for avoiding the winning symbol.

  In a normal state with an AT, notification of AT information for winning a replay role other than the replay role A is executed in accordance with simultaneous winning of the replay role. If the winning of the replay combination A whose winning symbol is the low probability RT symbol can be avoided, the transition to the high probability RT state can be waited while avoiding the transition to the low probability RT state.

  In addition, when returning to the normal state according to the internal winning of the RB1 role or RB2 role in the ART state, first, it becomes a normal state without AT, and the RB state generated by winning the RB1 role or RB2 role is ended. After that, it will always be in the normal state with AT. Therefore, when the RB1 combination or the RB2 combination is won internally in the ART state, after the corresponding RB state ends, the state is again transferred to the ART state via the normal state with AT.

(Low accuracy RT state)
The low probability RT state ends when the number of digested games reaches 128 games, or when the RB1 combination or RB2 combination is won internally, and returns to the normal state. When the RB1 combination or the RB2 combination is won internally, an AT activation lottery is executed. If the AT activation lottery is won, the AT is activated in response to the return to the normal state.

(High accuracy RT state)
The high-accuracy RT state is terminated in response to the stop display of the high-accuracy RT end symbol (10-piece spilling symbol) or the internal winning of either the RB1 combination or the RB2 combination, and returns to the normal state. When the normal state without AT shifts to the high-accuracy RT state, the self-powered RT state, which is the high-accuracy RT state without AT, is entered. On the other hand, when the normal state with AT shifts to the high-accuracy RT state, the AT is continuously activated as it is to enter the ART state (high-accuracy RT state with AT).

  In this ART state, AT information for avoiding a 10-piece winning combination symbol is notified when the 10-piece winning combination A and B is independently won internally. More specifically, when a 10-sheet combination is won internally, the type of the 10-sheet combination is notified as AT information. If 10 winning combinations can be won, it is possible to avoid the stop display of the 10 winning combination symbols, which are the high probability RT end symbols, and the high accuracy RT state can be continued.

(Bonus state)
When the number of credits at the time of transition to the RB state is less than 30 and the AT trigger lottery executed at the time of the internal winning of the bonus combination that has been triggered is a loss, 15 is paid out. On the other hand, in other cases, medals awarded in a state where the number of credits is less than 50 (first upper limit number) are added to the number of credits, while those awarded in a state where the number of credits has reached 50. The medal is paid out to the tray 15.

  A flow of the game medium giving process executed in the slot machine 1 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. In this game medium giving process, it is first determined whether or not a winning has occurred (S101). If a winning has occurred (S101: YES), the type of winning combination is determined (S102), and the number of winning combinations awarded is set (S103). Then, the following procedure is repeatedly executed until the number of winning combinations awarded becomes zero (S107: YES).

  In this procedure, first, it is determined whether or not it is determined to add the medals to be added to the number of credits (S104). If credit addition is determined (S104: YES), one credit is added (S105). On the other hand, when it is determined in step S104 that the payout is made without adding the credit (S104: NO), the hopper is driven and one medal is paid out to the tray 15 (S114). Thereafter, regardless of whether credits are added or paid out, the number of winning combinations awarded is decremented by 1 (S106).

  In the game of the slot machine 1 of this example configured as described above, when an RB state occurs in which the expected value of the number of medals given to the player is less than 50, the number of credits is less than 50. In some cases, medals are paid out to the tray 15. When medals are paid out to the tray 15, the player can realize the occurrence even in the RB state where the expected value of the number of given medals is small.

In this example, when the AT lottery is lost and the number of credits at the time of transition to the RB state is less than 30, the medals awarded under the RB state are set to be paid out without being added to the credit amount. ing. The threshold value of the number of credits for determining whether to add or pay out medals awarded in the bonus state can be changed as appropriate. Further, it is also possible to pay out without adding credits whenever a bonus state occurs regardless of the number of credits.
In this example, only the RB state in which the expected value of the number of medals to be awarded is less than 50 is set as the bonus state. Instead of this, a bonus state in which the expected value of the number of medals to be awarded exceeds 50 may be added.

In this example, the AT activation lottery is executed using the winning random numbers of the RB1 combination and the RB2 combination. Alternatively, AT lottery can be executed using winning random numbers of other roles.
The credit determination means 462 can be configured to determine by lottery whether or not to add a credit during the occurrence of the RB state. At this time, it may be set such that the lottery result by the credit determining means 462 depends on the lottery result of the AT activation lottery. For example, it is preferable that the credit addition is determined with high probability when the AT activation lottery is won, and the credit addition is determined with low probability when the AT activation lottery is not won. If comprised in this way, it will become possible to guess the lottery result of AT starting lottery to some extent based on whether credit is added in the RB state, and the interest in the RB state can be enhanced.

  Furthermore, the credit determination means 462 may be configured to switch whether or not to add a credit in the middle of the RB state. For example, it is possible to set a state without credit addition at the time of transition to the RB state, and switch to a state with credit addition after paying out medals to the tray 15 in accordance with at least the first winning. At this time, it is also possible to determine whether to switch from the state without credit addition to the state with credit addition according to the result of the AT activation lottery. In this case, the lottery result of the AT activation lottery can be estimated according to whether or not the above switching is executed, and the interest is improved.

  Instead of this example, during the occurrence of the RB state, a second upper limit number smaller than 50 (first upper limit number) may be set as the upper limit number of credits. If, for example, 30 sheets are set as the second upper limit number, there is a high possibility that medals will be paid out to the tray 15 even in the RB state where the net increase in medals is small.

  As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as in the first embodiment, but these specific examples merely disclose an example of the technology included in the scope of claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be construed as limited by the configuration, numerical values, or the like of the specific examples. The scope of the claims includes techniques obtained by variously modifying or changing the specific examples using known techniques, knowledge of those skilled in the art, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 15 Saucer 2 Symbol variation display means 341 Credit number storage means 35 Random number extraction part 40 Game start permission means 41 Internal lottery means 410 Flag control means 42 Display control means 43 Winning determination means 44 Game medium provision means 451 Bonus state generation means 452 High probability RT state generation means 453 Low probability RT state generation means 461 Credit number subtraction means 462 Credit determination means 471 Notification determination means 472 Notification control means 473 Notification means 53 Liquid crystal display portion 54 Medal payout portion (game medium payout means)
61 Stop button (stop operation means)
62 Start lever (game starting operation means)
630 Medal slot (game media slot)
64 Bet button (betting operation means)

Claims (2)

A symbol variation display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols according to a predetermined arrangement in a plurality of symbol display areas;
Game start permission means for permitting the start of a game when a prescribed number of game media according to the gaming state are bet;
A game start operation means operated by a player to start a game in a state where the start of the game is permitted by the game start permission means;
An internal lottery is executed to determine an internal winning combination from a plurality of types including a small role and a bonus role with a probability determined according to the gaming state and the number of game media betted. Internal lottery means for establishing the flag of
A stop operation means operated by a player to stop the display of the variation of the symbol by the symbol variation display means;
When the stop operation means is operated, a display control means for drawing a symbol corresponding to an internal winning combination within a predetermined pull-in range and displaying the stop in the symbol display area;
Winning determination means for determining whether or not a winning has occurred based on a combination of symbols stopped and displayed in each symbol display area of the symbol variation display means;
When it is determined by the winning determination means that a prize for a small role has occurred, a game medium giving means for giving a player a quantity of game media corresponding to the small role;
When it is determined by the winning determination means that a bonus combination has been won, a bonus state is generated in which the probability of being determined as an internal winning combination is increased for one or more types of small combinations, and a predetermined termination condition is established A bonus state generating means for ending the bonus state when
The number of credits, which is the number of game media that have not been bet on the game, among the game media inserted from the game media slot and the game media awarded in accordance with the winning of the small role, is set to a predetermined first upper limit number. Credit number storage means for storing as a limit;
Betting operation means operated by a player to bet a game medium within a range of credit numbers stored in the credit number storage means;
Credit number subtracting means for betting the specified number of game media and subtracting the specified number from the credit number when the betting operation means is operated;
Among the game media granted by the game media grant means, game media payout means for paying out the game media not stored by the credit number storage means to a tray;
Credit determining means for determining whether the game medium given by the game medium giving means is stored by the credit number storage means or paid out to the tray by the game medium paying means;
The credit determining means determines that the game medium provided by the game medium providing means is paid out to the tray so that the credit number does not exceed the first upper limit number,
During the occurrence of a specific bonus state in which the expected value of the number of game media given to the player is smaller than the first upper limit number, the value of the credit amount at the time of transition to the specific bonus state is a predetermined value. If it is less than that, it is determined that the game medium provided by the game medium providing means is to be paid out to the tray, while if the value of the number of credits is not less than a predetermined value, the game provided by the game medium providing means A slot machine for determining that the medium is to be stored by the credit number storage means up to the first upper limit number . Informing means for informing a player of information for assisting winning of at least one of the plurality of types of combinations;
Notification determining means for determining whether to activate the notification means according to an internal winning of a bonus combination that is an opportunity for the specific bonus state;
Notification control means for operating the notification means in accordance with the determination by the notification determination means,
The credit determining means, said During occurrence of a particular bonus conditions, the game media which has been granted by the game medium providing means when the decision to the effect that actuating the by Ri said notifying means to said notification determination means is While the credit amount storage means stores the game medium, the game medium giving means pays out the game medium given by the game medium giving means when the notification determining means decides not to operate the notification means. the slot machine of claim 1, wherein the Turkey.

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