JP4476560B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to a slot machine having a specific gaming state for notifying a player of an operation procedure of a stop operation means for stopping variable display of identification information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on the outer periphery, and a winning is generated according to a display mode when rotation of each reel is stopped. Depending on the type of winning, the medal is paid out as a valuable value, and the game shifts to a special gaming state called a big bonus or regular bonus (hereinafter simply referred to as a bonus). The game progresses in a state advantageous to the player.
[0003]
In order for a winning combination including a bonus to occur, it is necessary to win the winning combination in an internal lottery performed in advance (usually when the start lever is operated) and to set a corresponding winning flag. However, just because a bonus is won in the internal lottery does not necessarily result in a bonus winning being generated as a result of the game, the stop button must be operated in a procedure (timing) that allows a bonus winning. The fact that the bonus is won is notified to the player in a predetermined case using a bonus notification lamp, derivation of reach eyes, and production using a production means such as a liquid crystal display.
[0004]
If it is announced that the bonus is won, the player operates the stop button so as to make a bonus winning, but the skill varies depending on the player. In other words, the number of games required from winning the bonus to the actual bonus winning will depend on the skill of the player, so there is an unfairness between highly skilled and less skilled players. It will occur. Therefore, the number of games required from winning a bonus to winning a bonus is counted, and a predetermined privilege is given to the player according to the number to eliminate the unfairness caused by the skill of the player. A slot machine is also considered (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-325891 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
On the other hand, some slot machines have a special game state that is advantageous to the player in addition to a special game state such as a big bonus or a regular bonus. As such a specific gaming state, by notifying the type of a small role that has been won internally, it is possible to notify a substantial stop button operation procedure (operation timing) or to operate each of the plurality of stop buttons. There is known an AT that performs notification (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 to 6).
[0007]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-325891 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2002-291977 A
[Patent Document 4]
JP 2001-161895 A
[Patent Document 5]
Japanese Patent No. 3302975
[Patent Document 6]
Japanese Patent No. 3302976
[0008]
In the AT as described above, especially in the type of AT that announces the type of a small role that is elected internally, even though it is said that a substantial stop button operation procedure is reported, depending on the skill of the player However, it was not always possible to win the small role, and unfairness occurred. Further, even in the case of an AT that notifies the operation order of the stop button, unfairness may occur depending on whether or not the player has made an operation error.
[0009]
It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that can eliminate unfairness caused by a player's skill difference or an operation error in a slot machine having a specific game state for notifying an operation procedure of a stop operation means. Objective.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention includes:
  By setting the number of bets for one game, it is possible to start the game, and when the display result of the variable display device (variable display device 2) is derived and displayed, one game ends, and the variable display device In a slot machine that can generate a predetermined prize according to the display result of
  Pre-determining means (steps S101 to S103) for pre-determining whether or not to allow the occurrence of the predetermined winning;
  Stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) for instructing to stop the identification information variably displayed on the variable display device by the player's operation;
  A gaming state transition means (step S405) for transitioning the gaming state to the specific gaming state after the predetermined starting condition is satisfied until the predetermined ending condition is satisfied;
  Occurs when the stop operation means is operated according to an operation procedure that conforms to a predetermined condition, and is allowed to generate a notification target prize for the operation procedure that conforms to the predetermined condition. And an operation procedure notifying means (liquid crystal display 4, steps S410, S411) for notifying an operation procedure adapted to the predetermined condition when the game state is shifted to the specific gaming state,
  Stop control means (steps S203, S206, S209) for stopping the variable display of the identification information in accordance with the determination result of the prior determination means and the operation procedure of the stop operation means;
  Operation procedure determination means (steps S417 and S418) for determining whether or not the operation procedure of the stop operation means by the player is different from the operation procedure of the stop operation means notified by the operation procedure notification means;
A determination result storage unit (RAM 122, step S421) for storing a determination result indicating that the operation procedure by the operation procedure determination unit is different;
Here, storage determination means (steps S419 and S420) for determining whether or not to store the determination result by the operation procedure determination means in the determination result storage means;
Based on the determination result stored in the determination result storage means, the number determination means for determining whether or not the number of times that the operation procedure of the stop operation means is determined to be different by the operation procedure determination means is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. Step S406)
When the privilege granting unit determines that the number determination unit has a predetermined number of times or more,A privilege granting means (steps S406 to S408) for granting a privilege to the player is provided.,
The expected value of the profit that the player can obtain from the privilege granted by the privilege granting unit is different from the operation procedure of the stop operation unit notified by the operation procedure notifying unit of the operation procedure of the stop operation unit by the player. Smaller than the loss caused by
It is characterized by that.
[0011]
In the slot machine, even if the stop operation means cannot be operated in accordance with the informed operation procedure and a winning cannot be generated, a privilege is given by the privilege giving means. For this reason, when a winning that could possibly occur cannot be generated, the loss caused by this can be compensated. For this reason, the unfairness between the players which arises by the difference of skill or whether the operation mistake was performed can be eliminated.
[0014]
  Also,Benefits can be given collectively from the results of multiple games, and losses caused by multiple games can be compensated collectively. In particular, it was further provided with memory determination meansWith thatThe fact that the stop operation means has not been operated according to the notified operation procedure does not necessarily lead to the provision of a privilege, so the gameability in the specific gaming state that notifies the operation procedure of the stop operation means is not impaired.When the number of times that the stop operation means cannot be operated in accordance with the notified operation procedure stored in the determination result storage means is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times, the loss caused by the number of times can be compensated collectively. Can be improved.
[0015]
In the above slot machine,
The privilege granting means has a value equivalent to the value given by the winning that is generated when the stop operation means is operated in accordance with the informed operation procedure (15 winning combinations subject to AT notification) It is possible to give 15 bonus combinations to be notified) as the privilege.
[0016]
In this case, it is possible to compensate for the loss caused by the failure to operate the stop operation means in accordance with the notified operation procedure by granting a privilege.
[0019]
In the above slot machine,
The privilege granting means can grant the privilege by shifting to a privilege gaming state advantageous for the player (steps S413 to S415).
Here, the privilege gaming state may be transferred immediately before or immediately after the next specific gaming state.
By shifting to the privilege gaming state as a privilege in this way, the opportunity to play a game in a gaming state advantageous to the player increases, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0020]
The privilege gaming state may be a gaming state in which the operation procedure notifying unit is notified of an operation procedure suitable for the predetermined condition when the notification target winning is allowed by the prior determination unit. it can.
In this case, since the privilege game state can be controlled by the same control as the privilege game state, the control becomes simple.
[0021]
In this case, the slot machine is
A privilege game state game number determining means for determining the number of games in the privilege game state to any one of a plurality of types of games can be further provided (FIG. 7, step S407).
[0022]
In this way, by determining the number of games in the privilege gaming state from the number of types of games, the number of times that the stop operation means could not be operated according to the operation procedure informed of the number of games in the privilege gaming state given as a privilege. Accordingly, the game is not fixed and the gameability can be improved.
[0023]
In these cases,
The operation procedure notifying means can notify the operation procedure of the stop operation means for generating a winning that is allowed to be generated by the predetermining means even when the privilege gaming state has been entered. (Steps S410 and S411).
[0024]
In this case, the provision of a privilege for the loss caused by the failure to operate the stop operation means according to the notified operation procedure is performed to the privilege gaming state in which substantially the same control as the specific gaming state is performed. Since it is performed by transition, it can be performed with simple control.
[0025]
In the above slot machine,
The variable display device may be composed of a plurality of variable display units that variably display identification information,
The predetermined condition may be an order in which variable display in the plurality of variable display units is stopped. In this case,
The operation procedure determination unit is configured such that each time the variable display in each of the plurality of variable display units is stopped, the operation procedure of the stop operation unit by the player according to the stop order of the variable display is the operation procedure notification unit. It is possible to determine whether or not the operation procedure of the stop operation means notified by is different.
[0026]
In this case, it is possible to determine whether or not the stop operation means has been operated according to the notified operation procedure even before all the variable displays in the plurality of variable display units are stopped, so that a determination result can be obtained early. .
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal structure visually recognized with the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 opened. FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of the rear side of the front door of the slot machine of FIG. The front door of the slot machine 1 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 (FIG. 1) and turning it clockwise.
[0029]
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a variable display device 2 is provided on the upper front side of the slot machine 1. Inside the variable display device 2, a reel unit 3 including three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR, respectively.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 4, “no color 7”, “color 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “bell” "Is drawn in a predetermined order. The arrangement of symbols will be further described later. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in the upper, middle, and lower three stages. The reel unit 3 is provided with reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR for detecting the reference position of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and a reel lamp 3LP for irradiating light from the back. Yes.
[0031]
Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 is composed of a game number display 51 by a 7-segment display, and displays the value of a counter that counts the number of games and the number of winnings at the time of a big bonus or a regular bonus described later.
[0032]
The credit display unit 22 is constituted by a credit display 52 by a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out coins as will be described later. The payout display unit 23 is composed of a 7-segment display payout display 53, and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is achieved.
[0033]
On the left side of the variable display device 2, a one-bet display unit 24, two-bet display units 25 and 26, and three-bet display units 27 and 28 are provided. The 1, 2, and 3 bet display sections 24 to 28 correspond to the activated lines according to the number of bets (hereinafter referred to as “active lines”), respectively. When 58 is turned on, an effective line in each game is shown to the player. The 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting display sections 24 to 28 are also configured so that the 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting lamps 54-58 are in a blinking state when a winning combination to be described later is made, The active line that won the combination to be described later is shown to the player.
[0034]
On the right side of the variable display device 2, an insertion instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, a weight display unit 31, a replay display unit 32, and a game over display unit 33 are provided. The insertion instruction display unit 29 indicates that a medal can be inserted when the insertion instruction lamp 59 is turned on. The start display unit 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 is turned on, so that the start can be started, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted. The weight display unit 31 indicates that a weight to be described later is applied when the weight lamp 61 is turned on. The replay display unit 32 indicates that a replay winning to be described later has been made when the replay lamp 62 is turned on. The game over display unit 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped when the game over lamp 63 is turned on.
[0035]
On the upper side of the variable display device 2, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as a production means. The liquid crystal display 4 displays various effect images according to the gaming state. The effect image is composed of, for example, a series of moving images, and it is announced that there is a possibility of winning an internal lottery, which will be described later, or that there is a possibility depending on the process and final screen of the effect (internal lottery Notifying that the winning probability is 100%) or notice (notifying that there is a possibility of winning the internal lottery). The small role notification in the AT or privilege AT described later is also performed in the liquid crystal display 4. Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game.
[0036]
A medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a checkout button 16 are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2. The BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 5), which are turned on when the number of bets can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data, are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15. Has been.
[0037]
The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when the insertion medal sensor 44 detects the insertion of a medal when the insertion instruction unit 29 is lit, the number of bets is set. Alternatively, credits are accumulated as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When it is detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 5) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 5), the bet number from the credit is set. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing to pay out credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 5), medals corresponding to credits accumulated as data are paid out.
[0038]
A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. Further, a panel that covers the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is applied as the bonus notification section 36.
[0039]
The start lever 11 is operated by the player when the game is started. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 5), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are started to be driven. 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate. The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at a desired timing, respectively, and the operations are stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 5). Is detected, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.
[0040]
The fact that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is possible is indicated to the player by turning on the operation effective lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R (see FIG. 5) provided therein. When the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 5) is turned on, the bonus notification unit 36 sets a big bonus winning flag or a regular bonus winning flag, which will be described later, with a probability of 100% (however, control to RT) To the player (except when it is). Further, on the right side of the stop button 12R, there is provided a medal clogging elimination button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.
[0041]
On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 to the outside. The hopper 80 includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation, and a payout sensor 81 that detects the medal payout. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 5) installed therein. A full tank sensor 90 is provided inside the overflow tank 95 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper 80 to detect that the stored medals are full.
[0042]
Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R are provided as rendering means on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of winning, big bonus and regular bonus entry, and output of alarm sound at the time of abnormality, and also output sound for various effects according to the gaming state Do.
[0043]
Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, a game effect display unit 5 </ b> A that produces an effect by light by light emission of the game effect lamps 75 </ b> A to 75 </ b> M as an effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. ~ 5M are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5M perform effects by light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. Note that the light emission colors of the game effect display units 5A to 5M may be either single colors or multiple colors.
[0044]
Further, inside the slot machine 1, there are a setting switch 91 for setting a winning probability for an internal lottery to be described later, a setting key switch 92 for enabling the setting switch 91 to be operated by an unlocking operation, and an internal state (RAM 112 (see FIG. 6). )) Is reset, and a power supply unit 9 is provided that includes a main switch 94 for switching the power ON / OFF. Since the operation of the setting switch 91 requires the unlocking operation of the setting key switch 92, it can be performed only by a person having specific authority such as a store clerk of a game shop. A first reset switch 48 having the same function as the second reset switch 93 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking device 19 on the rear side of the front door.
[0045]
As a control board for controlling each of the above parts, a power supply board 100 arranged on the lower side inside the game, a game control board 101 arranged on the upper side inside, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, an external output board 105, and An effect control board 102 arranged on the back side of the front door is provided. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine 1 including the control boards 100 to 105. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wirings mounted on the game control board 101 and the effect control board 102.
[0046]
The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 5, only the game control board 101 and the hopper 80 are connected, but power is supplied to other parts. In addition, a setting switch 91, a setting key switch 92, a second reset switch 93, and a main switch 94 are connected to the power supply board 100, and detection signals from these switches are sent to the game control board 101.
[0047]
The game control board 101 is a control board on the main side that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1, and includes a control unit 110 including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. It is installed. Further, a random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, a buffer circuit 117, a switch circuit 118, a motor circuit 119 and other circuits are mounted.
[0048]
The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1. To control. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.
[0049]
The random number generation circuit 115 is constituted by a counter that counts up and updates the value every time the system clock generates a predetermined number of pulses, for example, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 115. . The random number generation circuit 115 is provided for each type of random number used for the progress of the game, and a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number is determined.
[0050]
The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 according to the processing to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function). The CPU 111 also has a function of updating the numerical value of the specific address in the RAM 112 by timer interrupt processing and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function).
[0051]
The CPU 111 transmits various commands including a winning status notification command described later to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114 and the buffer circuit 117. Note that information is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 in only one direction, and no information is sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101.
[0052]
Connected to the game control board 101 are a single BET switch 45, a MAXBET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a throw-in medal sensor 44. Detection signals from the switches / sensors are input. In addition, detection signals of the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR are input via the reel relay substrate 103. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.
[0053]
The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a game number display 51, a credit display 52, a payout display 53, a loading instruction lamp 59, a single betting lamp 54, two betting lamps 55, 56, Three betting lamps 57 and 58, a game over lamp 63, a start lamp 60, a replay lamp 62, BET button lamps 70a and 70b, and operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R are connected, and the CPU 111 follows the progress of the game. These operations are controlled.
[0054]
The game control board 101 is connected to reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR via a reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 refers to the reel control table corresponding to the gaming state in the ROM 113, controls the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3ML via the motor circuit 119 and the reel relay board 103, and stops the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Let When stopping the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, pull-in control for a maximum of 4 frames is performed according to the setting status of a winning flag described later.
[0055]
The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of effects in the slot machine 1, and is equipped with a control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124. Yes. In addition, the random number generation circuit 125 and the sampling circuit 126 are mounted, and the CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126, so that the hardware random number function similar to that of the game control board 101 is obtained. Is forming. It also has a software random number function by interrupt processing.
[0056]
The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform processing related to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The performance is executed based on a command (particularly a winning status notification command) received from the game control board 101 via the buffer circuit 127 and the I / O port 124. The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.
[0057]
The effect control board 102 is connected with game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L, 7R, and 7U, a fluorescent lamp 6, a weight lamp 61, and a bonus notification lamp 66. In order to drive these, A speaker driving circuit 131, a display driving circuit 132, a lamp driving circuit 133, and the like are provided. A reel lamp 3LP is connected via a reel lamp relay substrate 104. The control unit of the effect control board 102 performs these effects by controlling these parts.
[0058]
The reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105 and the reel unit 3. The reel relay substrate 103 is also connected with a full sensor 90, and its detection signal is input. The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer and receives a big bonus medium signal, regular bonus medium signal, reel control signal, stop signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. The switch signal, medal IN signal, and medal OUT signal are output to the external device.
[0059]
In the slot machine 1, a winning is awarded when the symbols are arranged on the active line set according to the betting number of the variable display device 2. In order for a winning to occur, the internal winning flag of the combination needs to be set, and details thereof will be described later. At the time of winning a prize, medals are paid out, and the gaming state is changed along with the winning (however, control to AT and privilege AT is not performed with the occurrence of winning). Hereinafter, the “combination” determined as the winning will be described.
[0060]
In a normal gaming state, when, for example, three “BARs” are arranged on an active line corresponding to the number of bets, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. The regular bonus is a game called a regular bonus game (JAC game) that is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) or a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) ("JAC" is displayed on the active line). To finish). The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings thereof. It should be noted that the state that has shifted to the regular bonus, that is, the gaming state in which the regular bonus game is provided is called a first special gaming state, and a regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the gaming control board 101.
[0061]
For example, when three “colored 7” or three “colorless 7” are arranged on the active line corresponding to the bet number, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus. In the big bonus, up to 30 games called small role games can be played. In this small role game, “JAC” is arranged on the active line with a relatively high probability (JACIN), and when the JACIN is performed, the regular bonus described above is provided (up to 3 times).
[0062]
The big bonus ends when 30 small-games end or when a regular bonus based on the third JACIN ends. When this end condition is satisfied, a big bonus end command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of small role games, the number of JACIN, the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings thereof, and the number of medals acquired in the big bonus. Note that the state shifted to the big bonus is referred to as a second special game state, and a big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101.
[0063]
Also, in games other than regular bonus games (including those offered during the big bonus), when “watermelon” or “bell” is aligned on the active line, or “cherry” appears on the left reel 3L In this case, it becomes a small role prize. When a combination of “colored 7-JAC-JAC”, “colorless 7-JAC-JAC” or “BAR-JAC-JAC” appears on the active line, a small role winning is also awarded. In the AT or privilege AT, which will be described later, the type of the selected small role is symmetric with “colored 7-JAC-JAC”, “colorless 7-JAC-JAC” or “BAR-JAC-JAC”. A small role by combination.
[0064]
When “JAC” is arranged on the active line, except for the small role game and the regular bonus game (including the big bonus) provided during the big bonus period, a replay win is awarded. In the following description, the term “bonus” simply includes both a big bonus and a regular bonus.
[0065]
Next, the internal lottery will be described. In the internal lottery, it is determined in advance whether or not winnings to each of the above-mentioned roles is permitted. The random number for internal lottery acquired using the hardware random number function, the setting by the setting switch 91, and the player setting Based on the number of bets placed and the current gaming state, the winning determination table prepared in the ROM 113 is referred to, and the CPU 111 performs such a determination means. When the internal lottery is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the RAM 112 of the game control board 101.
[0066]
Depending on the result of the above internal lottery, a big bonus winning flag, a regular bonus winning flag, a small role winning flag (multiple depending on the type of small role), a replay winning flag, and a JACIN winning flag (replay winning flag in the big bonus) In the regular bonus, the JAC winning flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101. Only one winning flag is newly set in one game, but only the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag are carried over from the next game until the actual winning.
[0067]
Based on the information related to various winning flags set in the RAM 112 based on the result of the internal lottery described above, a winning status notification command is generated by the CPU 111 and sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 for each game. It is done. The small role announcement during the AT or the bonus AT is executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 based on the winning status notification command. In order to prevent the results of the internal lottery from being completely output to the outside, the contents of the winning status notification command are converted with a very low probability within a range that does not affect the small role notification or bonus notification during the AT or bonus AT. Then, it may be transmitted to the effect control board 102.
[0068]
Next, the arrangement of symbols drawn on the outer periphery of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and the pull-in control that is performed when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped will be described. Here, the winning flag of the small role is set by the combination of the pull-in control related to the present invention, that is, “colored 7-JAC-JAC”, “colorless 7-JAC-JAC” or “BAR-JAC-JAC”. A description will now be given of the pull-in control that is performed in the case where there is a problem. In particular, a representative example is a case where a winning combination flag for a combination of “BAR-JAC-JAC” is set.
[0069]
Regardless of the order in which the three stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated, “JAC” in the retractable range is pulled into the middle stage and stopped for the inner reel 3L.
[0070]
If the left stop button 12L is operated before the right stop button 12C among the three stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R, from the sixth “BAR” to the second “cherry” If it is located in the middle stage of the variable display device 2, the sixth “BAR” is pulled in and stopped in the middle stage. If No. 7 “Bell” is located in the middle stage (No. 6 “BAR” is the lower stage), it is stopped in the lower stage. If the 1st “watermelon” is located in the middle stage (the 0th “watermelon” is the lower stage), the 6th “BAR” is pulled in and stopped in the upper stage. In other cases, the sixth “BAR” is not stopped at any of the upper, middle and lower stages of the variable display device 2.
[0071]
The same is true for No. 13 “No Color 7” or No. 20 “Color 7” when the “7-JAC-JAC with Color” or “No Color 7-JAC-JAC” small role winning flag is set. Perform stop control. For the right reel 3C on which the corresponding stop button 12R is operated thereafter, the number 6 “BAR”, the number 13 “no color 7” or the number 20 “colored 7” is variably displayed for the left reel 3L. When the apparatus 2 is stopped at each of the upper, middle, and lower stages, “JAC” in the pullable range is pulled into the lower, middle, and upper stages and stopped.
[0072]
On the other hand, when the right stop button 12R among the three stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is operated before the left stop button 12L, “JAC” in the pullable range is always controlled by the pull-in control. Stop in the middle. When the left stop button 12L is operated in a state where “JAC” is stopped in the middle of the right reel 3R, the variable display device from “BAR” No. 6 to “Cherry” No. 6 at that time If it is located in the middle stage of 2, the “BAR” of No. 6 is pulled in and stopped in the middle stage. In other cases, the sixth “BAR” is not stopped at any of the upper, middle and lower stages of the variable display device 2. The same is true for No. 13 “No Color 7” or No. 20 “Color 7” when the “7-JAC-JAC with Color” or “No Color 7-JAC-JAC” small role winning flag is set. Perform stop control.
[0073]
When the rotation of the left, middle or right reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped by the stop control as described above, a stop symbol command indicating the type and number of the symbol stopped at the middle stage of the variable display device 2 is game control. The signal is transmitted from the substrate 101 to the effect control substrate 102. In particular, the left stop symbol command for the left reel 3L is used to determine whether or not the stop button 12L has been operated in accordance with the small role notification in the AT described below.
[0074]
The slot machine 1 according to this embodiment has a gaming state of AT as a specific gaming state in addition to a special gaming state such as a normal gaming state, a big bonus, and a regular bonus. This AT is a gaming state controlled by the effect control board 102, unlike other gaming states.
[0075]
When the big bonus ends, a big bonus end command is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102, and an AT lottery is performed on the effect control board 102 based on this command. When the AT lottery is won, a predetermined value of the number of AT games is set in an AT counter provided in the RAM 122. If the value of the AT counter is not 0, it indicates that the gaming state is AT, and the value of the AT counter is decremented by 1 each time one game is played in the AT state. When the value of the AT counter becomes 0, the AT is finished.
[0076]
When the gaming state is AT, the winning status notification command sent from the gaming control board 101 is “colored 7-JAC-JAC”, “colorless 7-JAC-JAC” or “BAR-JAC-JAC”. If it indicates that one of the combinations of small roles has been won, the type of the selected small role is notified on the liquid crystal display 4.
[0077]
When the game state is AT, and the small role announcement is made, the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are set to win the notified small role based on the stop symbol command sent from the game control board 101. It is determined whether or not an actual winning has been made. When the notified small role cannot be won and is missed, the number of withdrawals is counted by a missing counter provided in the RAM 122 (however, it may not be counted by lottery).
[0078]
When the gaming state shifts to the AT, the gaming state may be further shifted to the privilege AT after the AT ends. The privilege AT is also a specific game state controlled by the effect control board 102, and the winning status notification command sent from the game control board 101 is “colored 7-JAC-JAC”, “color” as in the case of the AT. If it indicates that one of the small roles based on the combination of “None 7-JAC-JAC” or “BAR-JAC-JAC” is won, the type of the selected small role is notified on the liquid crystal display 4 Is done.
[0079]
Whether or not to shift to the privilege AT after the end of the AT, and further, the number of games executed in the privilege AT (hereinafter, the number of privilege AT games) is the number of times the small role missed announced in the previous AT is counted (that is, the miss counter) Value). That is, if the value of the missed counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined to shift to the privilege AT after the AT is finished.
[0080]
The number of privilege AT games is determined according to the value of the missed counter, a random number for determining the number of privilege AT games (range of 0 to 99), and the privilege AT game number determination table. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a privilege AT game number determination table. The number of privileged AT games registered in this table is the number of privileged AT games per missed registration, and the expected value of the number of privileged AT games actually determined for each missed game is (70 / 100) × 0 + (10/100) × 1 + (10/100) × 2 + (9/100) × 3 + (1/100) × 5 = 0.62.
[0081]
When the gaming state is to be further shifted to the privilege AT after the AT ends, the CPU 121 acquires a random number value for determining the number of privilege AT games by the software random number function. The number of games registered in the privilege AT game number determination table of FIG. 7 is obtained from this random number value, and a value obtained by multiplying the number of games by the value of the missed counter is determined as the number of privilege AT games, and the privilege provided in the RAM 122 Set to AT counter. When the value is set in the privilege AT counter and the value of the AT counter is 0, this indicates that the gaming state is the privilege AT, and one game is played in the state of AT in the state of the privilege AT. Each time, the value of the privilege AT counter is decremented by one. When the value of the privilege AT counter becomes 0, the privilege AT is also ended.
[0082]
Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, “game” includes a series of processes from setting the bet amount to rotating / stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Furthermore, if any processing (for example, payout of medals or transition of gaming state) is performed after the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, this is also included as processing within one game. To do.
[0083]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing for one game executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. This process is also executed after the power is turned on and a predetermined boot process is performed, or immediately after the setting is changed by operating the setting switch 91. When the process of one game is started, first, an initial process including a process of clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 112 is performed (step S1).
[0084]
Next, the number of bets is set by operating one BET button 14 or MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and operating the start lever 11 to substantially change the game. A BET process for instructing the start is performed (step S2). However, if the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same number of bets as in the previous game are automatically set by the replay flag (the replay flag is erased at this stage), so the start lever 11 is operated as it is. You can tell the start of the game.
[0085]
When the number of bets is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, a lottery process is performed to determine whether or not winning as described above is permitted (step S3). In this lottery process, a winning flag for each combination is set based on the lottery result, and a winning status notification command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Details of the lottery process will be described later.
[0086]
When the lottery process ends, a reel fluctuation start process is performed (step S4). In the reel fluctuation start process, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the previous game are processed on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to start rotation of all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Thereby, the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display device 2. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of rotation in the previous game, the rotation display waits and the weight display unit 31 is notified by lighting the weight lamp 61. Note that the order of starting the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R may be changed according to the state of various flags set in the RAM 112. At the start of rotation, the reel stop timer and the timing of one game timer for the next game are started.
[0087]
Thereafter, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S5). In the reel fluctuation stop process, after a predetermined condition is established from the start of reel rotation (the reference position is detected by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed), the stop buttons 12L, 12C , 12R is made effective, and the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are stopped by being operated by the player, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped. Further, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses for the time measured by the reel stop timer, the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is forcibly stopped. At this time, the drive stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is controlled in accordance with the setting status of the winning flags of each combination. Details of the reel fluctuation stop process will be described later.
[0088]
When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, whether or not any of the above-mentioned roles has been arranged on the active line corresponding to the number of bets set in the BET process in step S2 in the display mode at the time of stopping. A winning determination process is performed (step S6). If it is determined in this winning determination process that any of the winning combinations has been won, various processes (including setting of the number of payouts) corresponding to the winning generated on the game control board 101 are performed.
[0089]
When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step S7). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of payout scheduled medals set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the hopper motor 82 is driven to pay out an excess number of medals from the medal payout slot 71. Also, processing such as counting the number of games at the time of bonus and ending the bonus is performed. Details of the winning determination process will be described later.
[0090]
Next, the lottery process in step S3 will be described in detail. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the lottery process executed by the CPU 111 in step S3. In the lottery process, first, a random number for internal lottery is acquired using the hardware random number function, and the value of the acquired random number is temporarily stored in the RAM 112 (step S101). Next, the random number value temporarily stored in the RAM 112 is used to set the probability by the setting switch 91, the bet number set by the BET process in step S2, and the current gaming state (normal, during RT, during big bonus and during regular bonus) ) Is compared with the winning determination table according to (step S102).
[0091]
Next, as a result of comparing the value of the random number with the winning determination table, if any kind of winning combination is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the RAM 112 (step S103). Further, a winning status notification command indicating the setting status of each winning combination flag is generated (step S104), and the generated winning status notification command is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S105). Then, the lottery process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0092]
Next, the reel fluctuation stop process in step S5 will be described in detail. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the reel fluctuation stop process executed by the CPU 111 in step S5. First, after the rotations of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R reach a constant speed, the reels 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR all detect the reference position, and the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can be stopped. It is determined whether the condition is satisfied (step S201). If this predetermined condition is not satisfied, the process of step S201 is repeated, and the process waits for the predetermined condition to be satisfied.
[0093]
If this predetermined condition is established (or has been), it is determined whether or not the left stop button 12L is operated based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42L (step S202). If it is determined that the left stop button 12L has not been operated, the process directly proceeds to step S205. When it is determined that the left stop button 12L is operated, the above-described pull-in control is performed using the left reel 3L as a target reel for stop control, and the rotation is stopped (step S203). When the rotation of the left reel 3L is stopped, a left stop symbol command indicating the type of symbol stopped on the variable display device 2 for the left reel 3L is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S204). Then, the process proceeds to step S205.
[0094]
In step S205, based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42C, it is determined whether or not the middle stop button 12C is being operated. If it is determined that the middle stop button 12C has not been operated, the process directly proceeds to step S208. If it is determined that the middle stop button 12C has been operated, the above-described pull-in control is performed using the middle reel 3C as the target reel for stop control, and the rotation is stopped (step S206). When the rotation of the middle reel 3C is stopped, a middle stop symbol command indicating the type of symbol stopped on the variable display device 2 for the middle reel 3C is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S207). Then, the process proceeds to step S208.
[0095]
In step S208, it is determined whether the right stop button 12R is operated based on the detection signal of the stop switch 42R. If it is determined that the right stop button 12R has not been operated, the process directly proceeds to step S211. When it is determined that the right stop button 12R is operated, the above-described pull-in control is performed using the right reel 3R as a target reel for stop control, and the rotation is stopped (step S209). When the rotation of the right reel 3R is stopped, a right stop symbol command indicating the type of symbol stopped on the variable display device 2 for the right reel 3R is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S210). Then, the process proceeds to step S211.
[0096]
In step S211, it is determined whether all the left, middle, and right main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped. When all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the reel fluctuation stop processing is ended and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, if there is any one of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R that has not stopped, whether or not the reel stop timer that started timing in the reel variation start process has counted a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) Is determined (step S212). If the reel stop timer has not timed the predetermined time, the process returns to step S202, and the processes of steps S202 to S212 are repeated.
[0097]
When the reel stop timer counts a predetermined time, the same signal as the signal from the stop switch 42L, 42C, 42R corresponding to the main reel 3L, 3C, 3R that has not stopped rotating is input to the CPU 111. It is assumed that all the remaining stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated (step S213). Then, the processing returns to step S202, and the rotation of the remaining main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.
[0098]
Next, the payout process in step S7 will be described in detail. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout process executed by the CPU 111 in step S7. First, until the planned number of payouts becomes 0, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is discharged by controlling the hopper 80 and discharging medals one by one while subtracting the planned number of payouts one by one. Pay out. However, if the number of credits has not reached 50, the number of credits is incremented by 1 instead of discharging medals one by one (step S301). The small winning combination flag (including replay) set in the RAM 112 is deleted (step S302).
[0099]
Next, referring to the state of the big bonus medium flag and the regular bonus medium flag in the RAM 112, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the bonus state (step S303). If the current gaming state is not in the bonus state, the payout process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the current gaming state is a bonus, the various counters in the RAM 112 are used, and the number of digested games since the gaming state has been transferred to the bonus (in the case of a big bonus, the number of small role games and the regular bonuses within them) The number of games is counted separately (in the regular bonus, the number of winnings is also counted) (step S304).
[0100]
As a result of the counting, it is determined whether or not a big bonus end condition is met (step S305). If the big bonus end condition is satisfied, the big bonus medium flag set in the RAM 112 is erased (step S306). Also, a big bonus end command is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S307). Then, the payout process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0101]
If it is not the big bonus end condition, it is determined whether the regular bonus end condition is met (step S308). If the regular bonus end condition is satisfied, the regular bonus medium flag set in the RAM 112 is erased (step S309). Then, the payout process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the regular bonus ending condition is not met, the payout process is ended as it is, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0102]
In the repetition of the game as described above, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 performs a transition of the game state between the normal game state, the regular bonus, and the big bonus, and controls the effects according to the progress of the game. It is transmitted to the substrate 102. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an original effect including the AT and the privilege AT based on the command received from the game control board 101. Hereinafter, processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 to perform various effects (particularly AT and privilege AT) will be described.
[0103]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing command reception standby processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. On the side of the effect control board 102, it is determined whether or not a command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S401). Until the command is received, the process of step S401 is repeated and the reception of the command is awaited. When any command is received from the game control board 101, it is determined what kind of the received command is (step S402).
[0104]
If the received command type is the big bonus end command transmitted in step S307, a random number for AT lottery is extracted by the software random number function and AT lottery is performed (step S403). As a result, it is determined whether or not the AT lottery is won (step S404). If the AT lottery is not won, the process returns to step S401. If the AT lottery has been won, a predetermined number of AT games is set in the AT counter of the RAM 122 (step S405). Thereby, a gaming state will transfer to AT.
[0105]
Next, with reference to the value of the missed counter in the RAM 122, it is determined whether or not the small role that has been notified a predetermined number of times or more in the previous AT has been missed (step S406). If the predetermined number of times has not been missed in the previous AT, the process proceeds directly to step S409.
[0106]
If the previous AT has been missed more than a predetermined number of times, a random number for determining the number of bonus AT games is extracted, and the game registered in the bonus AT game count determination table corresponding to the extracted random number value Take out the number. The number of games taken out is dropped and multiplied by the value of the counter to determine the number of bonus AT games (step S407). Then, the determined number of privilege AT games is set in the privilege AT counter of the RAM 122 (step S408). Here, when a value other than 0 is set in the privilege AT counter, the gaming state shifts to the privilege AT after the end of the AT. Then, the process proceeds to step S409. In step S409, the value of the missing counter in the RAM 122 is reset to zero. Then, the process returns to step S401.
[0107]
If the received command type is the winning status notification command transmitted in step S105, the current gaming state is AT or privilege AT depending on whether or not the value of the AT counter or privilege AT counter in RAM 122 is 0. (Step S410). If the current gaming state is not in either the AT or the privilege AT, the process directly returns to step S401.
[0108]
When the current gaming state is either AT or privilege AT, the winning status notification command is “colored 7-JAC-JAC”, “colorless 7-JAC-JAC” or “BAR-JAC-JAC”. If the winning combination of any of the small roles by the combination of is indicated, the type (“7 with color”, “7 without color” or “BAR”) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 and notified (steps). S411). Then, the notified symbol type is temporarily stored in the RAM 122 (step S412).
[0109]
Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the AT counter in the RAM 122 is 0 (step S413). If the value of the AT counter is not 0, it means that the current gaming state is AT, so the value of the AT counter is decremented by 1 (step S414), and the process returns to step S401. If the value of the AT counter is 0, it means that the current gaming state is not the AT but the privilege AT, so the value of the privilege AT counter is decremented by 1 (step S415), and the process of step S401 is performed. Return.
[0110]
If the received symbol type is the left stop symbol command transmitted in step S204, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is AT depending on whether or not the value of the AT counter in the RAM 122 is zero. (Step S416). If the current gaming state is AT, the type of the symbol notified in the small role temporarily stored in the RAM 122 in step S412 is compared with the type of stop symbol indicated by the left stop symbol command (step S417).
[0111]
As a result, it is determined whether or not the type of symbol notified of the small role matches the type of stop symbol (step S418). However, for example, if “BAR-JAC-JAC” is internally won, and if the left stop symbol command indicates “Watermelon” No. 5 or “Bell” No. 7, “BAR” No. 6 Since it stops at the upper stage or the lower stage, it is determined that the type of the symbol notified of the small role matches the type of the stopped symbol. This determination indirectly determines whether or not the player has operated the left stop button 12L as notified of the small role.
[0112]
If the type of the symbol notified by the small role does not match the type of the stop symbol, a predetermined random number is extracted by the software random number function, and a random count lottery is performed based on the random number value (step S419). It is determined whether or not the count lottery is won (step S420). If the winning count lottery is won, the value of the missing counter in the RAM 122 is incremented by 1 (step S421). Then, the process returns to step S401.
[0113]
If it is determined in step S416 that the current gaming state is not AT, and if it is determined in step S418 that the type of the small role announcement matches the type of the stop symbol, in step S420, the missed count lottery is selected. If it is determined that the game has been lost, the process directly returns to step S401.
[0114]
If the received command type is another command, processing corresponding to the type of each command (the details are omitted because it is not related to the present invention) is executed (step S422). Thereafter, the process returns to step S401.
[0115]
As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, when the gaming state is AT, if a predetermined type of small role is won internally, the type is notified, and in particular, a stop button The 12L operation procedure (timing to operate) is notified. When the left reel 3L is actually stopped by the operation of the stop button 12L, the notified type of symbol is compared with the actually stopped symbol to determine whether or not the player has operated the stop button 12L as informed. Judgment.
[0116]
If the stop button 12L has not been operated as informed, and a miss-out that does not result in a win occurs, the miss-out counter is counted, and the number of games corresponding to this count value is given after the next AT. The gaming state will be transferred to the AT. The privilege AT is the same as the AT and notifies the type of the small role won internally and has the same value as the AT. Therefore, the player cannot operate the stop button 12L according to the small role notification, Even if no winnings occur, the loss can be compensated. For this reason, unfairness due to a difference in the skill level of the player can be eliminated. Since the privilege AT is a notification of the type of a small role that has been internally won in the same manner as the AT, the control can be easily performed.
[0117]
In addition, since the occurrence of an omission in the AT is counted by the omission counter and can be stored until the next AT, it is possible to collectively compensate for the loss caused by the omission. On the other hand, even if a miss occurs at the AT, whether or not the value of the miss counter is added depends on the result of the miss count lottery that wins with a predetermined probability, and is not necessarily definite and does not necessarily lead to the bonus AT Since there is no such thing, the game nature of the AT is not impaired.
[0118]
Further, the transition to the privilege AT after the AT is finished is limited to the case where the number of times of oversight in the previous AT is a predetermined number or more. For this reason, the loss can be compensated collectively only when a predetermined number of times of missing has occurred. On the other hand, since the transfer to the privilege AT is not made unless the number of misses is greater than or equal to the predetermined number, a certain degree of unfairness is allowed, and a highly skilled player can be convinced.
[0119]
When the gaming state is shifted to AT, the number of AT games is set in the AT counter, and when the gaming state is also shifted to the bonus AT, the number of bonus AT games is set in the bonus AT counter. When the number of games is set in both the AT counter and the privilege AT counter, the value of the AT counter is subtracted, and when the value of the AT counter becomes 0, the value of the privilege AT counter is subtracted. . In this way, the privilege AT is transferred immediately after the end of the AT, and the substantial game play is not different from that of the AT. Therefore, for the player, it can be regarded as a substantial addition of the number of AT games. .
[0120]
Furthermore, the number of bonus AT games is not simply determined according to the number of missed misses (the value of the missed counter) in the previous AT, but is registered in the bonus AT game count determination table corresponding to the extracted random number value. Determined according to the number of games played. Since the number of games to be determined can be various from 0 to 5 times the number of missed games, the gameability can be improved. However, since the expected value of the number of games to be determined is only 0.62 times the number of missed games, when the announced small role is missed, the player will not be overly expected.
[0121]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.
[0122]
In the above embodiment, the number of AT games and the number of bonus AT games are set in the AT counter and the bonus AT counter, respectively. The number of games set in these AT counter and privilege AT counter may be notified to the player using the liquid crystal display 4 or the like, for example. Since the AT and the bonus AT have the same gameability in that the type of the small role that is won internally is notified, the total number of games may be notified to the player. This makes it easier for the player to understand the number of AT and privilege AT games.
[0123]
In the above embodiment, when the number of games is set in both the AT counter and the privilege AT counter, the value is subtracted from the value of the AT counter. The counter value was subtracted. In other words, the privilege AT as a gaming state is assumed to shift after the AT ends. On the other hand, the value of the privilege AT counter may be subtracted first, and the privilege AT may be executed before the AT. In addition, since several games have been digested in the normal gaming state after the AT has ended, it is possible to shift to the privilege AT.
[0124]
In the above embodiment, when the gaming state is AT or privilege AT (the value of the corresponding counter is 1 or more), “colored 7-JAC-JAC”, “colorless 7-JAC-JAC” or “ BAR-JAC-JAC ”was won and the value of the AT counter or privilege AT counter was subtracted regardless of whether or not the small role announcement was actually made, but the small role announcement was actually made. The value of the AT counter or privilege AT counter may be subtracted only when
[0125]
Here, when the small role is missed in the game in which a small role announcement is actually made in the AT, information indicating that the small role has been missed can be stored. In this case, for example, as a bonus AT in a game that has subsequently received a winning status notification command indicating winning of “colored 7-JAC-JAC”, “colorless 7-JAC-JAC”, or “BAR-JAC-JAC” When the small role notification is made, the same small number of small role notifications as those that have been missed are issued. As a result, a value equivalent to the value lost by missing the small role announced in the AT is compensated in the privilege AT.
[0126]
In the above-described embodiment, the AT and the privilege AT are distinguished from each other, and the missed small role is counted only in the case of the AT. Of course, there is no change between AT and privilege AT with regard to the gameability that the type of a small role that is won internally is announced. Therefore, without distinguishing between the AT and the privilege AT, the number of games determined according to the number of missed games at the previous AT may be added as the number of AT games and set in the AT counter. In this case, even for the number of games to which AT is added, the number of missed small roles that have been announced is counted. However, there is no change in that the number of games added to the AT has the character as the privilege AT.
[0127]
In the above-described embodiment, in the AT and the privilege AT, the type of the small combination that is won internally is especially notified as the operation procedure of the stop button 12L. On the other hand, the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R for winning a winning combination that is won internally (that is, the order in which the fluctuations of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped) may be notified. . In this case, stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can be performed according to a reel control table that is selected according to the gaming state and the setting status of the winning flag. The selection of the reel control table determines the stop order of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, which is a condition for winning the winning combination internally.
[0128]
Since the reel control table is determined according to the result of the internal lottery, the type is selected at the end of the lottery process. The CPU 111 of the game control board 101 transmits the type of the selected reel control table to the effect control board 102 as a command. At this time, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 stores the type of the reel control table corresponding to the received command as information. Thereafter, every time a left, middle or right stop symbol command is received (that is, every time the fluctuation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R stops), the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are operated in the notified procedure. It can be determined according to the order of the received stop symbol commands.
[0129]
As a result, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 does not stop all the fluctuations of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, but at the time when at least two of them are operated (the third one operated is this It is possible to determine whether or not the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated according to the notified procedure. Further, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated according to the notified procedure. Note that, for example, a means for designating a stop target (one at a time or the entire order) from the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is separately provided, and the same control can be performed in a slot machine provided with only one stop button.
[0130]
In the above embodiment, the variable display device 2 includes the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order on the outer periphery, and the symbols are driven by rotational driving of these reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Was variably displayed. However, a device that virtually displays a symbol on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device may be used instead of the variable display device 2 described above.
[0131]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, even if the stop operation means cannot be operated in accordance with the informed operation procedure and a prize cannot be generated, a privilege is given by the privilege giving means, so that a prize is generated. It is possible to compensate for the loss caused by the failure to make it possible to eliminate unfairness among players.In addition, it is possible to collectively grant results for a plurality of games, to compensate for losses incurred in a plurality of games, and not to operate the stop operation means in accordance with the informed operation procedure. Since it does not necessarily lead to the provision of a privilege, the gameability in a specific gaming state that notifies the operation procedure of the stop operation means is not impaired. Furthermore, when the number of times that the stop operation means cannot be operated in accordance with the notified operation procedure stored in the determination result storage means is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times, the loss caused thereby can be compensated collectively, while to some extent Unfairness up to this point is allowed, so even highly skilled players can be convinced.
[0135]
  Claim2According to this invention, the opportunity to play a game in a gaming state advantageous to the player increases, and the interest of the game can be improved.
[0136]
  Claim3According to this invention, since control of a privilege game state can be performed by control similar to a privilege game state, control becomes easy.
[0137]
  Claim4According to the invention, since the number of games in the privilege gaming state given as a privilege is not fixed according to the number of times the stop operation means cannot be operated according to the notified operation procedure, the gameability can be improved.
[0138]
  Claim5According to this invention, it is possible to determine at an early stage whether or not the stop operation means has been operated in accordance with the notified operation procedure.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an overall structure of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing an internal structure visually recognized in a state in which a front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 is opened.
3 is a view showing the structure of the back side of the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of symbols on each reel constituting the variable display device.
5 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wirings mounted on a game control board and an effect control board.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a privilege AT game number determination table;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the control unit in the game control board for each game.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the lottery process of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the reel fluctuation stop process of FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout process of FIG. 8;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing command reception standby processing executed by the control unit of the effect control board.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 slot machine
2 Variable display device
12L, 12C, 12R Stop button
101 Game control board
102 Production control board

Claims (5)

By setting the number of bets for one game, it is possible to start the game. When the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed, one game is completed, and according to the display result of the variable display device. In a slot machine where a predetermined winning can occur,
A pre-determining means for pre-determining whether to allow the occurrence of the predetermined prize;
Stop operation means for instructing to stop the identification information variably displayed on the variable display device by the player's operation;
A gaming state transition means for transitioning a gaming state to a specific gaming state from when a predetermined start condition is satisfied until a predetermined end condition is satisfied;
Occurs when the stop operation means is operated in accordance with an operation procedure that conforms to a predetermined condition, and the occurrence of a notification target prize that targets the operation procedure that conforms to the predetermined condition is permitted by the predetermination means. And an operation procedure notifying means for notifying an operation procedure adapted to the predetermined condition when being transferred to the specific gaming state,
Stop control means for stopping the variable display of the identification information according to the determination result of the prior determination means and the operation procedure of the stop operation means,
An operation procedure determination means for determining whether or not an operation procedure of the stop operation means by the player is different from an operation procedure of the stop operation means notified by the operation procedure notification means;
Determination result storage means for storing a determination result that the operation procedure by the operation procedure determination means is different;
Storage determination means for determining whether or not to store the determination result by the operation procedure determination means in the determination result storage means;
Based on the determination result stored in the determination result storage means, a number determination means for determining whether or not the number of times that the operation procedure of the stop operation means is determined to be different by the operation procedure determination means is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times. ,
A privilege granting unit for granting a privilege to the player when the number of times determination unit determines that the predetermined number of times or more ,
The expected value of the profit that the player can obtain from the privilege granted by the privilege granting unit is different from the operation procedure of the stop operation unit notified by the operation procedure notifying unit of the operation procedure of the stop operation unit by the player. Smaller than the loss caused by
A slot machine characterized by that. The slot machine according to claim 1 , wherein the privilege granting unit grants the privilege by shifting to a privilege gaming state advantageous to a player. The privilege gaming state is a gaming state in which the operation procedure notifying unit is notified of an operation procedure that conforms to the predetermined condition when the notification target winning is allowed by the prior determination unit. The slot machine according to claim 2 . The slot machine as claimed in claim 2 or 3, further comprising a privilege gaming mode game number determination means for determining the number of any game the number of games in the award gaming state, from among a number of a plurality of types of games . Each of the variable display devices includes a plurality of variable display units that variably display identification information.
The predetermined condition is an order of stopping variable display in the plurality of variable display units,
The operation procedure determination unit is configured such that each time the variable display in each of the plurality of variable display units is stopped, the operation procedure of the stop operation unit by the player is performed according to the stop order of the variable display. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein it is determined whether or not the operation procedure of the stop operation means notified by the step is different.

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