JP7436806B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that has a normal gaming state and an advantageous gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state.

Patent No. 6470777

By the way, in the field of gaming machines, there is a demand for gaming machines that have a wide variety of gaming features in order to meet the needs of players.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with new gaming properties.

A gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention includes:
Multiple rotating reels each with multiple symbols placed on them,
A start switch and multiple stop switches each operable by a player;
an internal lottery unit that performs an internal lottery in response to an operation of the start switch performed while all of the rotating reels are stopped;
If the start switch is operated while all of the rotating reels are stopped, the rotating reels are rotated, and if the stop switch is operated while the rotating reels are rotating, the internal a rotating reel control unit that stops the rotating reel corresponding to the operated stop switch according to a winning combination in a lottery and a timing at which the stop switch is operated;
an advantageous state lottery unit that performs an advantageous state lottery to determine whether or not to shift the gaming state to an advantageous state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state when preset lottery conditions are met;
When the advantageous state lottery is performed and the player wins the advantageous state lottery while a preset postponement operation has been performed by the player, the transition of the gaming state from the normal state to the advantageous state is postponed. and a transition postponement section.

According to the gaming machine of the above aspect, when the advantageous state lottery is performed and the player wins the advantageous state lottery while the preset postponement operation is performed by the player, the gaming state changes from the normal state to the advantageous state. postpone the transition. For example, if a gaming machine is configured so that the advantageous state to which the machine shifts after winning the advantageous state lottery changes depending on the gaming results until the state shifts to the advantageous state, the player may decide to draw the advantageous state based on his or her will. After winning, you can extend the period until you are in an advantageous state. With such a configuration, it is possible to realize a gaming machine with new gaming properties.

1 is a front view of a slot machine that is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of rotating reels of the slot machine in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing effective lines of the slot machine in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the RT state of the slot machine in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the gaming state of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a game section of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a first diagram for explaining the contents of an internal lottery table of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining the contents of the internal lottery table of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1; 2 is a flowchart for explaining a process of postponing transition to an advantageous state performed in the slot machine of FIG. 1;

A slot machine 1 (an example of a gaming machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing 10, as shown in FIG. This housing 10 has an opening (not shown) on the front surface (that is, the surface on the near side in the penetrating direction of the paper in FIG. 1), and a plate-shaped front door 20 that can open and close this opening.

The front door 20 has a translucent display window 21 provided approximately in the center thereof, and is lockably attached to the housing 10. The display window 21 is arranged so that a plurality of symbols arranged on the surface of each rotating reel 41, 42, 43, which will be described later, can be visually recognized when the opening of the housing 10 is closed by the front door 20.

Further, the housing 10 includes a liquid crystal display device 22, which is an example of a display device, an illumination device 23, and a speaker 24. The liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24 are each arranged above the display window 21 of the front door 20. Various effects during the game are performed using a liquid crystal display device 22, an illumination device 23, and a speaker 24. For example, the liquid crystal display device 22 displays various performance images (performance videos), predetermined information, etc. during a game. Further, the illumination device 23 turns on or off in a predetermined pattern when a predetermined condition is met, and the speaker 24 outputs a predetermined sound when a predetermined condition is met.

Further, the housing 10 includes a payout port 25 through which medals are paid out, a lower tray 26 that stores the medals paid out from the payout port 25, and an operation section 30. The outlet 25, the lower tray 26, and the operation section 30 are each arranged below the display window 21 of the front door 20.

The operation unit 30 includes a medal slot 31 for inserting medals as an example of game media, a bet switch 32 for betting medals, and a bet switch 32 for placing bets on the front door 20. It has a start switch 33 that rotates the reels 42 and 43, and stop switches 34, 35, and 36 that are operable on the front door 20 and that stop the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 when operated. Each switch of the operation unit 30 outputs an operation signal based on the player's operation. Further, the medal slot 31 is provided with a medal sensor (not shown), which detects the player's insertion of medals into the medal slot 31 and outputs a detection signal.

The operation unit 30 is also provided with a payment switch (not shown), a stored medal display unit (not shown), which is an example of a display unit, and the like. This stored medal display section is configured to be able to display, in addition to the number of stored medals, that the game section described below is an advantageous section.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 includes a control device 100 that controls the entire slot machine 1, a rotating reel unit 40, a rotating reel position detection sensor 44, and a hopper unit 50 that dispenses medals. . The control device 100, the rotating reel unit 40, the rotating reel position detection sensor 44, and the hopper unit 50 are a power source device (not shown) that turns on/off the main power of the slot machine 1, and a power source that changes the setting values of the slot machine 1. It is disposed inside the housing 10 along with an operating section 45 and the like that are operated by the administrator when doing so.

The rotating reel unit 40 is arranged approximately at the center inside the housing 10, and drives a plurality of rotating reels (in this embodiment, three rotating reels 41, 42, 43) and the rotating reels 41, 42, 43. It is composed of stepping motors 61, 62, and 63. Each rotating reel 41, 42, 43 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and as shown in FIG. A pattern and a reference point (not shown) are provided. The reference point is placed, for example, at the center of the zero number symbol (bell A) on the rotating reels 41, 42, 43.

Here, an overview of the game played on the slot machine 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9.

As shown in FIG. 1, when playing a game on the slot machine 1, first, medals are inserted into the medal slot 31 or the accumulated medals (i.e., credits) are used by operating the bet switch 32. and bet the medal. When a predetermined number of medals (for example, 1 to 3 medals) is bet, the active line is activated and the start switch 33 can be operated, that is, the game can be started. Become. At this time, medals inserted in excess of a prescribed number set according to the gaming state etc. are stored as credits.

As shown in FIG. 4, the active line is a virtual line for determining the winning of a winning combination, and this active line allows the symbols of each rotating reel 41, 42, 43 displayed on the display window 21 to be are connected one by one. In this slot machine 1, the activation line is, for example, a line 70 downward to the right, and is activated when a predetermined number (for example, three) of medals are bet. As an example, the number of symbols displayed on the display window 21 of this slot machine 1 is three symbols for each rotating reel.

When the start switch 33 is operated in a state where the game can be started, a lottery (hereinafter referred to as "internal lottery") is performed by an electronic computer within the slot machine 1, and the rotation of each rotating reel 41, 42, 43 is started. will be started. In this state, when any of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 is operated, the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 corresponding to the operated stop switch 34, 35, 36 stop, and the display window 21 is hit. Results will be displayed depending on the role you played. When all the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 stop, a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the winning combination, and one game ends. In this embodiment, when all the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 are stopped and a combination of symbols set for each winning combination is placed on the active line 70, the active line 70 It is determined that the winning combination corresponds to the combination of symbols placed above. Note that even if the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination does not stop on the active line 70 (so-called loss), it is also included in the winning.

A series of operations in which the bet switch 32, start switch 33, and stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated in this way to obtain a game result is called a game. The unit of play is a game, and one game is called a unit game.

Furthermore, during the game, one game section is set from among a plurality of game sections, and one game state is set from among a plurality of game states. Then, an internal lottery is performed based on the set game section and game state. The gaming states include a first gaming state, a second gaming state, and a third gaming state, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7.

The first gaming state is a gaming state for determining the type of replay winning combination (see FIG. 9) and its winning probability among the winning combinations (hereinafter simply referred to as winning winning combination) by internal lottery, and as an example, As shown in FIG. 5, it is composed of RT0 and RT1.

RT0 is set when the second gaming state shifts from the special winnings implementation state to the special winnings non-carryover state, or when the gaming state is initialized (for example, when clearing RAM) (that is, when the first gaming state is transition from RT1 to RT0). Further, the first gaming state immediately after the slot machine 1 is installed in a store or the like is also set to RT0. In other words, the first gaming state is all set to RT0 except when type BB or type 2 BB is being executed.

RT1 is set when the second gaming state shifts from the special winning combination non-carrying state to the special winning winning state (that is, the first gaming state shifts from RT0 to RT1). In RT1, as shown in FIG. 9, there is no possibility of winning all the replay winning combinations and special winning combinations (in this embodiment, multiple types of special winning combinations, ie, type BB and type 2 BB). Furthermore, in RT1, the section transition lottery described later and the AT lottery described later are not performed. In addition, if you hit the second type BB and win and move to RT1, all the winning hands will be a winning combination with a payout of two cards (that is, a two-card winning combination) regardless of the established combination.

The second gaming state is a special win non-carry-over state in which the winnings of the special winnings from the internal lottery (i.e. Type BB and Type 2 BB) are not carried over, and a special winnings non-carryover state where the winnings of the special winnings from the internal lottery are carried over. This includes a special role carryover state where the special role is carried over, and a special role execution state where the winning special role is executed.

The special prize non-carryover state occurs when the number of medals paid out from the time of transition to the special prize implementation state exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 180 or 2 coins), or when the gaming state is initialized (for example, RAM is cleared). It is set when a predetermined condition such as (time) is met.

The special winning combination carryover state is set when a special winning combination is won by the internal lottery and a predetermined condition described later is satisfied.

Type BB is a special bonus continuous activation device (so-called big bonus) related to a special bonus, and as shown in FIG. This is a special combination in which there is a possibility of winning only when 3 cards are played. The 2nd type BB is an accessory continuous operation device related to the 2nd type special accessory, and as shown in Fig. 9, when 2 medals, which are fewer than the maximum number of medals, are bet (so-called 2 medals). This is a special winning combination in which there is a possibility of winning only when the bet is placed.

In both type BB and type 2 BB, when the stop switches 34, 35, 36 are operated to stop all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43, the corresponding combination of symbols is always placed on the active line and a prize is won. In other words, even if you change the order or timing of operating the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in the first-class BB and second-class BB, winning in the winning game cannot be avoided unless the predetermined conditions described below are met. Can not. If one special prize is carried over, the other special prize will not be drawn. That is, for example, in a state where the second type BB is carried over, the lottery for the first type BB is not performed. Further, each flag of type BB and type 2 BB is configured so that it does not disappear even if the setting value is changed, but it may be configured so that it disappears.

Note that the first type BB and second type BB are examples of special winnings (so-called penalty bonuses) that are disadvantageous to the player if they win. ``Winning a prize puts the player at a disadvantage'' means ``Winning a prize makes the player's expectation of winning medals relatively negative, and the number of medals continues to decrease''; ``The expected value of winnings will decrease'', ``If you win, the AT lottery etc. will not take place and you will waste time'', ``The lottery related to the instruction function will not take place or you will not win a role where an instruction could occur''. This means that ``you will be at a disadvantage compared to winning a prize compared to not winning'', such as ``the number of games required to reach the so-called ceiling does not decrease''. On the other hand, "it will be advantageous for the player to win" means "it will be advantageous when the player wins compared to the case where he does not win."

For example, in the slot machine 1, when a first-class BB prize is won, the section transition lottery and the AT lottery are not performed until the number of medals acquired after the first-class BB prize exceeds 180 pieces. Further, in the RB execution state, in most games, a single winning combination is won and the ball payout rate is less than 100%. This is disadvantageous for the player. In addition, if you win a 2nd type BB, the 2-by-2-payout game will continue with the section transfer lottery and AT lottery until the number of medals acquired after winning the 2nd type BB exceeds 2 (i.e., between 2 games). do not have.

The special winning combination execution state is set when a special winning combination is won and a prize is won through an internal lottery. If you win the first type BB and move to the special role execution state, you will move to the first type BB execution state, and if you win the second type BB, you will move to the second type BB execution state. When the second gaming state is a type of BB implementation state, if the player wins by winning an RB (that is, JAC1 to JAC4 in FIG. 9) through the internal lottery, the state shifts to the RB implementation state. The RB implementation state shifts to a type of BB implementation state by playing 12 games or winning eight times. In the type BB implementation state, the game is played with 3 cards or 2 cards, in the RB implementation state, which transitions from the type BB implementation state, the game is played with 3 cards, and in the type 2 BB implementation state, the game is played with 2 cards. It will be done.

The third gaming state is a state for determining the performance to be performed during the game, and as an example, as shown in FIG. 6, it is composed of a general gaming state and AT.

The general gaming state is a state in which no instruction function occurs, and is set, for example, after changing the set value, after clearing the RAM, after the end of AT, and until the AT lottery is won. The slot machine 1 has, as general gaming states, a normal state and a high probability state (so-called chance zone) in which the probability of winning the AT lottery is higher than the normal state. For example, the AT lottery is performed according to the winning combination in the internal lottery when the first gaming state is RT0 and the game section is an advantageous section. The transition from the normal state to the high probability state is performed, for example, when an internal lottery is performed when the first gaming state is RT0 and the gaming section is an advantageous section, and as a result, the player does not win the AT lottery. This is done by winning a high probability state transition lottery.

AT is an example of a special game state in which an instruction function occurs, and the number of games that have elapsed since the third game state transitioned to AT reaches the number of games that can be played in AT (i.e., the number of AT games). is set up to. In AT, the push order of the push order combinations in which medals are paid out is notified, and the expected value of medal acquisition is configured to be higher than in the normal gaming state (for example, the normal state).

Note that the AT and high probability states are examples of advantageous states that are more advantageous to the player than the normal state, and the AT lottery and the high probability state transition lottery are examples of advantageous state draws.

The gaming section is a state for determining whether or not the processing related to the instruction function is to be performed, and as an example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is composed of an advantageous section and a normal section.

The advantageous section is a section in which processing related to the instruction function and lottery can be executed, and the advantageous section ends after the game section wins the section transfer lottery that is performed based on the result of the internal lottery conducted in the normal section. It will be set until the condition is met. The advantageous sections include an advantageous section in which the third gaming state progresses in the normal gaming state and an advantageous section in which the third gaming state progresses in the special gaming state (that is, AT).

The normal section is a section in which processing related to the instruction function and lottery cannot be performed, and is set when an advantageous section is not set as a game section. In the normal section, the third game state progresses in the normal game state.

The instruction function is a function that instructs the player in some way about the operation procedure (for example, the order of pressing the combinations to press) or the operation method that affects the payout of the balls. A function that instructs the push order of the push order combinations that can be won by operating according to the operating procedure, or the positions of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 when the stop switches 34, 35, 36 are operated are set in advance. This is a function that indicates the operating position of a winning combination if the operating position is set. That is, AT is set as the third gaming state only when the gaming section is an advantageous section.

Next, the control device 100 will be explained. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 100 includes a main control section 110 and a sub-control section 120.

Each of the main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 includes a CPU that performs calculations and the like, and a storage device (for example, ROM and RAM) that stores programs or data necessary for playing the game. The main control section 110 includes an internal lottery section 111, a rotating reel control section 112, a game result determination section 113, a section control section 114, a game state control section 115, a measurement section 116, and a set value control section 117. , and a privilege granting section 118, and performs control for advancing the game. The sub-control unit 120 includes a performance control unit 121, and performs control for performing various performances and the like.

Note that each part of the main control unit 110 and sub-control unit 120 described below is a function realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

The internal lottery unit 111 has a plurality of internal lottery tables, and performs an internal lottery upon receiving the operation of the start switch 33. Specifically, the internal lottery unit 111 determines the RT state when the operation of the start switch 33 is accepted, and selects an internal lottery table based on the determined RT state. Then, the internal lottery unit 111 performs an internal lottery based on the selected internal lottery table and the random number obtained when the operation of the start switch 33 is accepted.

For example, the winning combination is determined based on the internal lottery table shown in FIG. This internal lottery table is provided for each of the first game state (in other words, RT state) and the second game state, and has information regarding winning areas where there is a possibility of winning through the internal lottery. At least one combination of symbols is set in this winning area.

In FIG. 9, for each of the RT state and the second game state, winning areas where there is a possibility of winning are indicated by "○", and winning areas where there is no possibility of winning are indicated by "x". That is, each internal lottery table is provided with a plurality of areas (number areas) in which the combinations corresponding to the random numbers obtained when the start switch 33 is operated are stored. are respectively associated with the winning areas indicated by "○" in FIG.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, all the winning combinations set in the winning areas are set to be won at the same time. For example, as a winning role, push order roles that pay out medals (i.e., "Left correct bell", "Middle/Left/Right bell", "Middle/Right/Left bell", "Right/Left/Middle bell", and If you hit the “right, middle, left bell”), you hit each bell and the 1-card combination at the same time. As a result, if the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated in the order in which the push order combination is pressed, each bell that is paid out of eight medals will be won, and the stop switches will be stopped in an order different from the push order of the push order combination. When the switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated, a loss or a one-card winning combination occurs. In addition, when the second game state is the 2nd type BB implementation state, the winning push order combination is such that the symbol corresponding to the bell of the correct push order stops on the active line 70 and 2 medals are awarded. is paid out.

The rotating reel control unit 112 controls the stepping motors 61, 62, 63 of the rotating reel unit 40 in response to the operation of the start switch 33 or each stop switch 34, 35, 36, and controls each rotating reel 41, 42, 43 (that is, control the rotation of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43).

For example, if the start switch 33 is operated while all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 are stopped, the rotating reel control unit 112 rotates all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43. If the stop switch 34, 35, 36 corresponding to the rotating reel 41, 42, 43 is operated while any of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 is rotating, the rotating reel control unit 112 , the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 corresponding to the operated stop switches 34, 35, 36 are stopped.

When stopping each of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43, the rotating reel control unit 112 selects the combination won by the internal lottery and the timing at which each of the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 was operated (i.e., each stop switch 34, 35 , 36 is accepted, the pull-in control or the kick-off control is performed depending on the position of the corresponding rotating reel 41, 42, 43). The pull-in control is a control that stops the rotation of each rotary reel 41, 42, 43 so that the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is drawn onto the active line 70. The kick-off control is a control for stopping the rotation of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 so that symbols corresponding to winning combinations do not line up on the active line 70.

The game result determination unit 113 determines the result of the game based on the result of the internal lottery and the result of the stop control of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43. The result of the game includes, for example, a determination as to whether or not the winning combination has been won based on the symbols aligned on the active line.

Further, the game result determination unit 113 controls the hopper unit 50 and pays out medals based on the determined game result or the reception of the operation of the settlement switch. Medals paid out based on game results (that is, medals obtained by winning or winning roles) are first stored as credits. If the accumulated medals exceed the upper limit of credits (for example, 50 credits), the medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out from the hopper unit 50. Further, when the payment switch is operated when there is one or more stored medals (that is, when the credit is one or more), the stored medals are paid out from the hopper unit 50.

Further, for example, when the third gaming state shifts to AT, the game result determination unit 113 outputs a signal indicating that the third gaming state has shifted to AT to the hall computer and notifies the manager.

The section control unit 114 sets a game section from among a plurality of game sections (in this embodiment, a normal section and an advantageous section).

Specifically, when the game area is a normal area, the area control unit 114 performs an area transition lottery, which is a lottery of whether to keep the game area as the normal area or set it as an advantageous area. The game section is set as an advantageous section when winning the section transfer lottery. The validity of the section transition lottery is determined, for example, by whether or not the winning combination has been won when the internal lottery has won the winning combination (i.e., the winning combination) in which the section transition lottery is performed.

Note that the section transition lottery may or may not provide a difference in winning probability depending on the setting value of the slot machine 1. In the case of setting a difference in the winning probability of the interval transition lottery, for example, it may be realized by setting a difference in the winning probability in the internal lottery of the target winning combination, or it may be done when the winning probability of the winning combination in the internal lottery is won. This may be realized by setting a difference in the probability of winning the lottery.

In addition, when the gaming section is an advantageous section, the section control unit 114 determines whether to keep the gaming section as the advantageous section or to set it as a normal section. In this embodiment, the section control unit 114 determines whether the general gaming state is set when the gaming state is AT (in other words, when the gaming section is an advantageous section), and determines whether the general gaming state is set. If it is determined, the game section is set from an advantageous section to a normal section.

Furthermore, the section control section 114 controls the number of games that have passed since the game section measured by the measurement section 116 was set as the advantageous section (i.e., the number of games played during the advantageous section) to reach a predetermined value (for example, 1500 games). or when the difference in the number of medals after the game section is set to the advantageous section reaches a predetermined value (for example, 2400), the game section is forcibly set from the advantageous section to the normal section.

In addition, when the game section shifts to an advantageous section, the section control unit 114 operates the instruction function during the advantageous section, and the accessory (i.e., RB or CT) and the accessory continuous operation device (i.e., type BB or 2nd type BB), only if the average of the ball payout rate exceeds 100% when the game is played so that the maximum number of small winnings is paid out and the winning number is won, , indicates that it is an advantageous section.

The gaming state control unit 115 sets one gaming state from among a plurality of gaming states. This gaming state control section 115 includes an RT state control section 1151, an advantageous state lottery section 1152, and a transition postponement section 1153.

The RT state control unit 1151 sets one RT state in which the internal lottery is performed from among a plurality of RT states (in this embodiment, R0 and RT1). Specifically, as described above, when the second gaming state shifts to the special prize non-carryover state, the RT state control unit 1151 sets the first gaming state to RT0, and changes the second gaming state to the special prize execution state. , the first gaming state is set to RT1.

The advantageous state lottery unit 1152 determines whether to shift the gaming state to an advantageous state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state when preset lottery conditions (hereinafter simply referred to as lottery conditions) are met. An advantageous state lottery is performed.

As mentioned above, the advantageous state lottery includes the AT lottery and the high probability state transition lottery. The lottery conditions are set in advance according to the transitional advantageous state. For example, the AT lottery is performed when a predetermined winning combination (for example, cherry or watermelon) is won by an internal lottery. Also, for example, in the high probability state transition lottery, when the first gaming state is RT0 and the game period is an advantageous period, the player does not win a predetermined combination (for example, cherry or watermelon) in the internal lottery, but does not win in the AT lottery. will be carried out if you do not.

The transition postponement unit 1153 controls the transition of the gaming state from the normal state to the advantageous state ( (hereinafter simply referred to as the transition to an advantageous state) is postponed. For example, suppose that when the first game state is RT0 and the game section is an advantageous section, you win a cherry in the internal lottery and also win in the AT lottery. In this case, if the preset postponement operation is performed by the player, the transition postponement unit 1153 postpones the transition to the advantageous state until a predetermined postponement release condition is met.

The postponement release conditions are arbitrarily set depending on the design of the slot machine 1 and the like. An example of the conditions for canceling the postponement is shown below.
- When the specified number of games have been played since the transition to an advantageous state was postponed. The predetermined number of games is, for example, determined by lottery in the range from zero games to 50 games.
- When the lottery conditions for the advantageous state lottery are met a predetermined number of times (for example, once) from the time when the transition of the gaming state is postponed.
・If the winning combination in which the advantageous state lottery is performed and the pushing order winning combination are won at the same time, and the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated in the order in which the pushing winning combination is pressed, the pushing winning combination wins and the pushing winning combination is won. It is assumed that the configuration is such that when the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are not operated in the order in which they are pressed, the combination in which the advantageous state lottery is performed is won. In this case, when the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are not operated in the pressing order of the pressing order, and a winning combination is won in which an advantageous state lottery is performed.

Note that the transition to an advantageous state may be postponed by the transition postponement unit 1153 only once or multiple times. Further, the number of transitions to an advantageous state that can be postponed is not limited to one, but may be multiple. If a plurality of transitions to advantageous states are postponed, the transition postponement unit 1153 executes the postponed transitions to the plurality of advantageous states simultaneously or individually. The timing of shifting to the postponed advantageous state may be set randomly by drawing a lottery, or may be set by the player.

The postponement operation and the execution operation for the player to set the timing of transition to the postponed advantageous state can be arbitrarily set according to the design of the slot machine 1 and the like. Each of the postponement operation and execution operation includes, for example, operating one or more of the bet switch 32, start switch 33, and one or more stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in a predetermined order and/or timing ( For example, the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 may be operated in a predetermined pressing order and/or timing, or a dedicated switch may be provided and this switch may be operated.

The measurement unit 116 calculates, for example, the number of games that have passed since the game period was set to the advantageous period (i.e., the number of games played in the advantageous period) based on the game result determined by the game result determination unit 113, and The difference in the number of medals after the game section is set to the advantageous section is measured. Further, for example, the measuring unit 116 measures the time that has passed from the starting point set after all the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 became steady rotations.

The setting value control unit 117 selects one setting value from among a plurality of setting values (six in this embodiment) having different degrees of advantage to the game (for example, machine discount) by the administrator operating the operation unit 45. Set. The difference in the degree of advantage is realized, for example, by providing a difference in the probability of winning an internal lottery for a predetermined combination. Further, the set value control unit 117 sets the advantageous degree related to the ball output, such as the transition rate to the advantageous section, the AT lottery, the AT additional lottery, etc.

An example of how to set the setting value is shown below. This method is performed in the order of (1) to (7).
(1) Open the front door 20.
(2) Turn off the main power of the slot machine 1. By turning off the main power of the slot machine 1b, all of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 that are rotating are stopped, but winning determination is not performed due to the stopping of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43.
(3) Insert a setting change key into a predetermined location of the operation unit 45 and change the setting change mode from OFF to ON.
(4) Turn on the main power of the slot machine 1.
(5) The current set value is displayed on the accumulated medal display section of the operation section 30, for example. Adjust the setting value displayed on the accumulated medal display section to the desired setting value by operating a predetermined button.
(6) Operate the start switch 33. By operating the start switch 33, the set value of the slot machine 1 is changed to the set value displayed on the accumulated medal display section.
(7) Change the setting change mode from on to off and remove the setting change key.

The benefit granting unit 118 grants a benefit when the transition to the postponed advantageous state is made. The benefits provided can be arbitrarily set depending on the design of the slot machine 1, etc. For example, it may be a benefit that affects the expected value of medal acquisition (for example, AT or extension of high probability state), or a benefit that does not affect the expected value of medal acquisition (for example, suggestion of a set value). There may be. In addition, the system is configured so that the benefit is granted when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when a predetermined lottery is performed when the postponed transition to an advantageous state is performed, and the player wins the lottery). Good too.

In addition, the privilege giving unit 118 operates the stop switches 34, 35, 36 in a state where at least one of the plurality of rotating reels 41, 42, 43 is rotating, so that the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 The privilege is changed according to the operation timing of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 when stopping any one of the symbols at a preset position. For example, if a player wins a winning combination (for example, watermelon) in which an advantageous state lottery is performed while a preset postponement operation is performed by the player, the upper row of the left rotating reel 41 in the game in which the player wins the watermelon. The number of AT or high probability extension games as a bonus is increased depending on the accuracy of the number 18 watermelon. For example, if the number 18 watermelon is tapped on the upper row of the left rotating reel 41, the AT or high probability state will be extended by 10 games as a bonus, and the range is plus or minus 1 frame relative to the upper row of the left rotating reel 41. If the number 18 watermelon is targeted, the AT or high probability state will be extended by 5 games as a bonus, and the number 18 watermelon will be targeted within the range of plus or minus 2 frames on the upper row of the left rotating reel 41. In this case, AT or high probability status will be extended for 3 games as a bonus.

As shown in FIG. 2, the performance control unit 121 includes a performance display unit 1211, and determines a performance for each game based on, for example, the gaming state in which the internal lottery was performed and the result of the internal lottery. , the determined effect is outputted via the liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24.

When the transition to the advantageous state is postponed, the effect display section 1211 causes the liquid crystal display device 22 to display a special effect indicating that the transition to the advantageous condition has been postponed. The following performances can be included in the special performance. For example, if the player can set the timing for transitioning to the postponed advantageous state, the special performance can include a performance related to the timing for transitioning to the advantageous state. Further, for example, the slot machine 1 has a plurality of high probability states with different expectations of winning in the AT lottery, and the slot machine 1 has a plurality of high probability states with different expected winnings in the AT lottery, and the slot machine 1 has a plurality of high probability states with different winning expectations, and depending on the game results from the high probability state or the transition to the end of AT, to the first transition to the high probability state. , it is assumed that the configuration is such that it is easier to shift to a high probability state where the expectation of winning the AT lottery is higher. In this case, the special performance can include a performance that represents the expectation of winning the AT lottery in a high probability state that has been postponed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a process for postponing transition of the slot machine 1 to an advantageous state will be described. Note that the processing described below is implemented by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

As shown in FIG. 10, the transition postponement unit 1153 determines whether the player has executed a postponement operation (step S1). If it is determined that the player has not executed the postponement operation, the transition to advantageous state postponement processing is ended.

If it is determined that the player has executed the postponement operation, the advantageous state lottery unit 1152 determines whether or not the player has won the advantageous state lottery (step S2). If it is determined that the advantageous state lottery has not been won, step S2 is repeated until the advantageous state lottery has been won.

If it is determined that the player has won the advantageous state lottery, the transition postponement unit 1153 postpones the transition to the advantageous state corresponding to the won advantageous state lottery (step S3), and checks whether the postponement release conditions are met. Determination is made (step S4).

If it is determined that the postponement release condition is not satisfied, the advantageous state lottery unit 1152 determines whether the advantageous state lottery has been won (step S5). If it is determined that the advantageous state lottery has been won, the transition postponement unit 1153 postpones the transition to the advantageous state corresponding to the won advantageous state (step S6), and again checks whether the postponement cancellation conditions are satisfied. is determined (step S4). On the other hand, if it is determined that the advantageous state lottery has not been won, the process returns to step S4, and it is determined again whether the postponement release condition is satisfied.

If it is determined that the postponement cancellation condition is satisfied, the transition postponement unit 1153 executes the postponed transition to the advantageous state (step S7), and ends the transition to advantageous state postponement process.

According to the slot machine 1, the following effects can be achieved.

To postpone the transition of a game state from a normal state to an advantageous state when the advantageous state lottery is performed and the player wins the advantageous state lottery while a preset postponement operation is performed by a player. For example, if a gaming machine is configured so that the performance of the AT to be transferred changes depending on the gaming results after winning the AT lottery, the performance of the AT to be transferred may vary depending on the player's intention to win the AT lottery. After that, the period until the transition to AT can be extended. With such a configuration, it is possible to realize a slot machine 1 with new gaming characteristics.

A benefit will be granted if the postponed transition to an advantageous state is made. With such a configuration, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game.

A stop switch 34 for stopping a symbol of one of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 at a preset position while at least one of the plurality of rotating reels 41, 42, 43 is rotating; The benefits change depending on the timing of operations 35 and 36. With such a configuration, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game.

When the advantageous state lottery is postponed, a special effect representing that the advantageous state lottery has been postponed is displayed on a liquid crystal display device 22. With such a configuration, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game.

The slot machine 1 can also be configured as follows.

The slot machine 1 postpones the transition of the gaming state from the normal state to the advantageous state when an advantageous state lottery is performed and the player has performed a preset postponement operation and the player wins the advantageous state lottery. Any configuration that can be used can be adopted. For example, the benefit providing section 118 and the effect display section 1211 can be omitted.

The advantageous state lottery is not limited to the AT lottery and the high probability state transition lottery. For example, if the slot machine 1 has an ART or pseudo-bonus, the advantageous state lottery includes the ART lottery and the pseudo-bonus lottery.

Type 2 BB is configured so that there is a possibility of winning only when an internal lottery is drawn with 2 tickets, but it is not limited to this, and there is a possibility of winning when an internal lottery is conducted with 3 tickets. It may be configured so that there is a possibility. Similar to the second type BB, the first type BB can also be configured so that there is a possibility of winning when an internal lottery is performed with two tickets.

The slot machine 1 only needs to include at least one special winning combination that is disadvantageous to the player if won by the internal lottery.

If there is a possibility of winning multiple types of special winnings through the internal lottery, if at least one special winning player operates the stop switches 34, 35, 36 to stop all rotating reels 41, 42, 43, then It suffices if the configuration is such that a combination of symbols corresponding to each other is arranged on the active line to win a prize.

In the special role carryover state, it is controlled so that the carried over special role does not win due to winning or winning of a role other than the special role (for example, type BB and type 2 BB), but the carryover is not limited to this. You can use any control that prevents the special winning combination from winning.

For example, the special prize may be announced using at least one of the liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24, or a special prize may be provided separately and announced via this prize. good.

The slot machine 1 has a type BB and a type 2 BB as special prizes that are disadvantageous to the player if they win, but they are not limited to these. For example, it may be a special winning combination (that is, a second special winning combination) that is advantageous to the player if either one of the first type BB and second type BB is won. When a special winning combination that is disadvantageous to the player is won, the game result determination unit 113 outputs a signal indicating that the second gaming state has shifted to the special winning winning state.

The special prizes that are disadvantageous to the player if they win are not limited to the consecutive prize operating devices for type 1 special prizes and the consecutive prize operating devices for class 2 special prizes, but also the type 2 special prizes (RB), type 2 special prizes, etc. It may be a special accessory or an ordinary accessory.

The conditions for forcibly setting the advantageous section to the normal section by the section control unit 114 are not limited to the number of games played in the advantageous section reaching 1500 games and the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous section reaching 2400. The advantageous section may be forcibly set to the normal section under conditions different from these conditions, or the condition for forcibly set the advantageous section to the normal section may not be provided. For example, when the number of games played in an advantageous section reaches 1500 games, the advantageous section is forcibly set to the normal section, but when the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous section reaches 2400, the advantageous section is forced to the normal section. It may be configured so that it is not set. Also, for example, unless the advantageous section is forcibly set to the normal section, once the gaming section is set to the advantageous section, a so-called bonus (for example, type BB) will be won once, or It may be configured such that the advantageous section cannot be set as the normal section until the push order of the push order combination (for example, push order bell) that yields the maximum payout of medals is notified once.

When the setting values of the slot machine 1 are changed, the gaming section may be set to inherit the state immediately before the setting values of the slot machine 1 were changed, or may be set to a preset initial state. (ie, initialized).

In the embodiment described above, the average ball payout rate is calculated when the instruction function is activated during the advantageous period and the game is played so that the maximum number of small prizes is paid out and won, excluding the accessory and the accessory continuous activation device. Although the configuration is such that the display section displays that the area is advantageous only when the value exceeds 100%, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the game period shifts to an advantageous period, it may be configured such that the display section always displays that the game is in the advantageous period.

In the embodiment, when the gaming section shifts to an advantageous section, the section control section 114 is configured to display, via the display section provided on the operation section 30, that the gaming section is an advantageous section. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the liquid crystal display device 22 may be configured to also serve as a display section, or the display section may be omitted so that it does not display that the gaming section is an advantageous section. After the display section displays that the vehicle is in an advantageous section, it may continue to display that the vehicle is in an advantageous zone until the end of the advantageous zone, or it may not continue to display that it is an advantageous zone.

The control device 100 is an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) that is specially designed to realize a predetermined function using only hardware instead of a CPU that executes a predetermined function in cooperation with software, or , an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

The main control section 110 and the sub-control section 120 may be provided on different substrates, or may be provided on the same substrate. That is, the main control section 110 and the sub-control section 120 may each include a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., or may share the CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

The pressing order combination is not limited to the case where a prize is won by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36 in a predetermined pressing order. For example, the winning combination may be such that a prize is won by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36 at a predetermined position, or by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36 at a predetermined position and in a predetermined order. It is also possible to win a prize by operating the .

The internal lottery table is not limited to the information shown in FIG. 9, but can include any other information depending on the design of the slot machine.

It is sufficient that at least one effective line is set, and there may be two or more effective lines.

If possible, the configuration of the main control unit 110 may be provided in the sub-control unit 120, or the configuration of the sub-control unit 120 may be provided in the main control unit 110.

Note that by appropriately combining any of the various embodiments or modifications described above, the effects of each can be achieved. In addition, combinations of embodiments, combinations of examples, or combinations of embodiments and examples are possible, and combinations of features in different embodiments or examples are also possible.

1 Slot machine 10 Housing 20 Front door 22 Liquid crystal display device 33 Start switch 34, 35, 36 Stop switch 41, 42, 43 Rotating reel 45 Operation switch 100 Control device 115 Game state control section 1151 RT state control section 1152 Advantageous state lottery section 1153 Transition postponement section 118 Benefit granting section 121 Production control section 1211 Production display section

Claims (2)

Multiple rotating reels each with multiple symbols placed on them,
A start switch and multiple stop switches each operable by a player;
an internal lottery unit that performs an internal lottery in response to an operation of the start switch performed while all of the rotating reels are stopped;
If the start switch is operated while all of the rotating reels are stopped, the rotating reels are rotated, and if the stop switch is operated while the rotating reels are rotating, the internal a rotating reel control unit that stops the rotating reel corresponding to the operated stop switch according to a winning combination in a lottery and a timing at which the stop switch is operated;
an advantageous state lottery unit that performs an advantageous state lottery to determine whether or not to shift the gaming state to an advantageous state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state when preset lottery conditions are met;
When the advantageous state lottery is performed and the player wins the advantageous state lottery while a preset postponement operation has been performed by the player, the transition of the gaming state from the normal state to the advantageous state is postponed. and a transition postponement section,
A gaming machine, wherein the postponement operation includes operating the stop switch in a preset order or timing. Multiple rotating reels each with multiple symbols placed on them,
an operation section including a start switch and a plurality of stop switches, each of which can be operated by a player;
an internal lottery unit that performs an internal lottery in response to an operation of the start switch performed while all of the rotating reels are stopped;
If the start switch is operated while all of the rotating reels are stopped, the rotating reels are rotated, and if the stop switch is operated while the rotating reels are rotating, the internal a rotating reel control unit that stops the rotating reel corresponding to the operated stop switch according to a winning combination in a lottery and a timing at which the stop switch is operated;
an advantageous state lottery unit that performs an advantageous state lottery to determine whether or not to shift the gaming state to an advantageous state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state when preset lottery conditions are met;
When the advantageous state lottery is performed and the player wins the advantageous state lottery while a preset postponement operation is performed by the player via the operation unit, the gaming state changes from the normal state to the advantageous state. a transition postponement unit that postpones the transition to;
A gaming machine equipped with.

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