JP7188736B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to game machine control technology, and more particularly to game control or game state control technology in a game machine such as a slot machine equipped with a reel device.

Conventionally, in gaming machines such as reel-type gaming machines (slot machines) (hereinafter collectively referred to as "gaming machines"), a high-probability game mode is achieved by drawing a rare role during a game to establish a rare role pattern. , a transition to a bonus game by drawing a jackpot and establishing a jackpot pattern, or a transition to a normal game by completing a bonus game by playing a predetermined game or receiving a predetermined payout, etc. Many original ideas have been made to improve the interest in the game by changing the game state at a predetermined opportunity during the game, and to further improve the interest in the game by navigation control such as push-order navigation, AT, and ART. rice field.
Also, various devices have been devised for control such as changing (or maintaining) the game state according to the setting change of the game machine.

As an example, in a slot machine that shifts to a replay time when a special role is won, the winning of the special role can be invalidated even if the game state before the change is maintained after the setting is changed. A slot machine has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

That is, in Patent Document 1, a game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a game value, and a plurality of types of symbols each identifiable can be variably displayed. A slot machine in which one game is completed by deriving a display result to a variable display device, and a prize can be generated according to the display result derived to the variable display device, wherein the variable display device Includes special prize winning accompanied by a transition to a special game state advantageous to the player before the display result is derived, and replay winning accompanied by granting of a replay that allows the game to be played without using the game value. Predetermining means for determining whether or not to allow the occurrence of a plurality of types of prizes, and the probability that the predetermining means determines to allow the occurrence of a prize based on the operation of a predetermined setting operation means. Advantage setting means for setting an advantage for a player by selecting one of a set value from a plurality of set values; is determined and the special winning does not occur, carryover means for carrying over the decision to allow the special winning to the next game or later; At the time of special decision, the pre-determining means decides to allow the occurrence of the replay winning with a higher probability than before it was decided to allow the occurrence of the special winning. and a replay high probability state transition means for transitioning to a replay high probability state, and when a new set value is set by the advantage setting means in the special determination high replay probability state. , the decision to permit the occurrence of the special winning that was carried over by the carryover means before the new set value was set is deleted, but the high replay probability state at the time of special decision is maintained, Disclosed is a slot machine characterized in that, in a special decision-time replay high probability game state, a decision is made to allow the replay winning with a probability determined according to the new set value. .

In addition, when the setting can be changed even in the bonus game state and the setting is changed during the bonus game state, a predetermined game state different from the bonus game state is set after the setting change, and the setting is changed during the non-bonus game state. A slot machine has been proposed in which the setting can be changed without changing the game state before the setting is changed (Patent Document 2).

That is, in Patent Document 2, a predetermined game operation including a bet operation for betting a prescribed number of game media necessary for a game using a plurality of reels that variably display a plurality of types of symbols and a game using the reels is accepted. A game operation receiving means and a winning combination determination process for selecting a winning combination allowed to be established from among a plurality of gaming combinations defined by a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the plurality of reels. a winning combination determining means; a reel controlling means for controlling driving of the plurality of reels; a setting changing means for changing the setting of the winning combination probability based on a predetermined setting change command operation; A game state, a second game state that is set when a first set condition that a special game combination is selected by the combination determination process and has not yet been established, and the special combination is established. A game state is shifted between a plurality of game states including a third game state set when a second setting condition that a special game that can be executed as a result of the game is not finished is satisfied is satisfied. game state control means for allowing the game to be played; first stored information indicating which game state is set among the plurality of game states; and ON state when the first set condition is satisfied; Second stored information that is turned OFF when the second set condition is not satisfied, and third stored information that is turned ON when the second set condition is satisfied and turned OFF when the second set condition is not satisfied. and game state information storage means for storing stored information, wherein the first stored information is set in the first game state and in the third game state. When the setting is changed, the game state information storage means holds the first and second stored information in the state before the setting change. The third stored information is cleared to be in an OFF state, and when the setting change is performed, the game state control means controls the third stored information stored in the game state information storage means after the setting change. Disclosed is a slot machine characterized by being configured to determine a game state after a setting change based on first to third stored information.

On the other hand, in recent years, a new type of gaming machine that manages and controls two game state sections, which are roughly classified into "normal section" and "advantageous section", is spreading.

To summarize, the normal section is positioned as a section in which it is not possible (that is, not permitted) to play games related to the instruction function (navigation function such as push order navigation), and the advantageous section is a section in which games related to the instruction function can be performed (that is, permitted).

In the normal section, navigation lottery cannot be performed, but bonus lottery such as big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) can be performed, and at the same time, transition lottery to advantageous section is performed. The winning probability of the transition lottery from the normal section to the advantageous section is set to 1/17500 or more except for the case where it is zero.

Also, in the advantageous section, push order navigation is performed, at least part of this section is set as a chan zone (CZ), ART lottery and bonus (BB, RB) lottery are carried out in this section, or It is possible to conduct a lottery, etc. for the continuous operation device (middle bonus MB, challenge bonus CB) of the second type special role that is positioned as a petit bonus or mini bonus that ends when the payout exceeds a certain number such as 13 or 14. (Conversely, there is also the option of not implementing some or all of these).

Here, the ART lottery can be said to be a lottery for generating an advantageous state that assists the winning of a specific role symbol.
In addition, MB (middle bonus) is generated or activated when a specific outcome is won, and the next game (game) always (or with a high probability) wins some kind of small win, compared to a normal bonus game. It is a mini bonus game with a small amount of money. Typically, it ends when a specified number of game media or the like is paid out (or it may end when a bonus is established). Alternatively, it can be said to be an advantageous state in which the game is activated when a special combination is established and ends when a prescribed number of coins is paid out or a bonus combination is established.
CB (challenge bonus) is also a mini bonus of the same kind as MB.

In addition, in the ART lottery during the advantageous section, ART-related mode transition lottery, and additional lottery (for example, lottery related to ART), so-called lottery common to all settings is performed, as well as lottery with different settings can also be done. In addition, the upper limit of the number of games that can be continued in this section (1500 G as an example) and the difference number MY (2400 cards as an example) are set. In addition to the upper limit (limiter) of MY, arbitrary conditions other than some restrictions can be adopted. Then, when the advantageous section ends, all flags and the like related to the indication function are reset.

Such a new type of game machine also requires a great deal of originality and ingenuity so as to further enhance the enjoyment of the game.

JP 2010-022603 A JP 2014-168535 A

However, in conventional gaming machines, sufficient ingenuity has not yet been made regarding game control or game state control for creating various game states using setting changes.

Therefore, further contrivances regarding game control or game state control for creating various game states using setting changes are desired.

Therefore, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is a gaming machine having a main control board, wherein the main control board performs at least a lottery process performed for each game, and a The game state includes a game state managed by a special prize information flag and an RT state, and the game machine is changed in setting. At this time, when the special prize information flag is within the first bonus combination and the RT state is an RT state that shifts when the first bonus combination is established, the special prize information flag is cleared and the A game state transition control is performed so as to maintain the RT state, and after the game state transition control is performed, an advantageous state obtained by a game method different from that before the game state transition control is previously set.

According to the gaming machine or the like of the present invention, it is possible to create various game states by using setting changes. It is possible to provide an interesting game machine that is not available in the market.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the appearance of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the appearance of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is an explanatory view explaining the state of the internal structure and power supply box of the game machine in one embodiment of the present invention. It is an explanatory view explaining a functional block of a game machine in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of control of the gaming state of the gaming machine in one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a game state transition example of the gaming machine in one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an arrangement example of rotating reel symbols of the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a setting or design example of a gaming machine in one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a setting or design example of a game machine in one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram exemplarily explaining the game progress of the gaming machine in one embodiment of the present invention;

A mode for carrying out the gaming machine etc. according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, suppose that "a spinning drum" is also called a "rotating reel."

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(A) is a front view of the gaming machine, and FIG. 1(B) is a right side view of the gaming machine.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the game machine 100 can be broadly divided in terms of its mechanism into a housing 101 having an open front surface and a housing 101 attached to the opening surface of the housing 101 by a hinge or the like so as to be openable and closable. A front door 102 is provided. On the front portion of the front door 102 are arranged buttons, a display section, and the like for the player to play games, as will be described later.

A display unit 1021, a lighting unit, and a speaker unit are arranged above the front door 102 positioned in front of the gaming machine 100. FIG. A display window 103 is provided in the middle of the front door 102 . A player can view the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of rotating reels housed inside the housing 101 through the display window 103 .

More specifically, the rotating reels are composed of a first rotating reel 1041, a second rotating reel 1042, and a third rotating reel 1043, each of which is rotatably provided. pattern is attached. Through the display window 103, the player can see three vertical patterns attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel 1041, the second reel 1042, and the third reel 1043. A total of 9 symbols, 3 symbols vertically up to the 3rd reel, can be visually recognized. It should be noted that the display window 103 can also be configured to display four or more vertical patterns.

A game medium (medal) slot 105, a MAXBET button 106, and a status display (not shown in FIG. 1) are arranged on the top surface of the table that is located in the middle of the front door 102 and protrudes from the front. It is
In addition, a start lever 107, a 1BET button 108, a checkout button 109, a first reel stop button 110, a second reel stop button 111, and a third reel stop button 112 are provided on the front surface of the table protruding. are placed. A game medium (medal) tray 115 having a game medium (medal) payout port is attached to the lower portion of the front door 102 .

A display unit 1021 arranged in the center of the upper part of the front door 102 is typically a liquid crystal display (LCD), and displays effects such as images and presents information to the player.
Also, a speaker unit and a lighting unit can be provided at arbitrary positions on the left and right sides of the display unit 1021 . The display section 1021, the speaker section, and the lighting section can enhance the effect of game presentation.

The rotating reels provided inside the housing 101 are typically composed of three pieces (the first rotating reel 1041, the second rotating reel 1042, and the third rotating reel 1043) as described above, and have a reel-like shape. , and arranged to be rotatable by a rotary reel drive unit comprising a stepping (pulse) motor. The spinning reels can be independently stopped by pressing the first spinning reel stop button 110, the second spinning reel stop button 111, and the third spinning reel stop button 112, respectively. A lamp is built in each reel stop button, and the built-in lamp lights up when the reel stop button becomes operable. Further, when the reel stop button is pressed, the lamp is extinguished (or changed to a different color) so that the operation of the reel stop button is not accepted.

In addition, the number of rotating reels may be configured to exceed three (for example, four).

In the display window where the symbols of the first reel 1041, the second reel 1042, and the third reel 1043 can be checked, the symbols of the reels are effective according to the number of medals (bet number) inserted by the player. A valid line is set as a sequence of It should be noted that the number of medals (the number of bets) may be fixed at MAX (for example, 3), and the effective line may be fixedly set with respect to this MAX value.

The winning combination determined by the lottery process to be described later and the combination of symbols on the rotating reels corresponding thereto are defined in advance. Winning is determined when the balls are aligned on the effective line.

A medal insertion slot 105 is provided on the upper surface of a protruding table located in the middle of the front door 102, and is used to insert a predetermined number of medals before the start of a game. When the start lever 107 is operated after inserting medals or pressing the BET button, the first rotating reel 1041, the second rotating reel 1042, and the third rotating reel 1043 are rotated to start a game and draw a lottery. will be

The 1BET button 108 is for automatically inserting one medal stored inside the gaming machine 100 and betting one medal on one game. By pressing the 1BET button 108, the need to insert one medal from the medal insertion slot 105 is eliminated. Also, when betting two medals, the 1BET button 108 is pressed twice. When betting three medals at once, it is convenient to press the MAXBET button 106 below.

The MAXBET button 106 is for automatically inserting three medals stored inside the gaming machine 100 and betting three medals for one game. This MAXBET button 106 eliminates the need to insert three medals from the medal slot 105 or press the 1BET button 3 times.

The checkout button 109 is used to pay out internally stored (credited) medals to the medal tray 115 from the medal payout port for checkout.

FIG. 2 shows the appearance of the upper surface of the table that is located in the middle of the front door 102 and protrudes to the front. FIG. 2A is a top view of the gaming machine 100 including the top surface of the table, and it can be seen that the medal slot 105, the MAXBET button 106, and the status display section 201 are arranged on the top surface of the table.
FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the status display section 201 arranged on the top surface of the table.

In FIG. 2B, the status display unit 201 is provided with a plurality of 7-segment LEDs that numerically display the number of medals, etc., and various LEDs that inform the player of the usage status of the gaming machine 100, and the like.

The number of inserted medals LED 2011 displays the number of medals betted at the present time. As an example, when one medal is bet, the "1BET" LED is lit, and when the second medal is bet, the "2BET" LED is further lit and the third medal is bet. When the "3BET" LED lights up further.

The insertable LED 2012 is an LED indicating that medals can be inserted at present. A wait LED 2013 is an LED indicating that medals cannot be inserted at present. A start LED 2014 is an LED indicating that a game is currently being started. The replay LED 2015 is an LED indicating replay.

The payout number display 7-segment LED 1016 displays the payout number at the time of winning. As an example, each time medals are actually paid out, the number can be calculated backward from the total number of medals paid out and displayed.

The stored medal number display 7-segment LED 1017 is an LED that displays the number of currently stored medals.

FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the game machine and the state of the power supply box in one embodiment of the present invention. Although the present invention is not limited to this configuration, as shown in FIG. A key 3012 and a select switch 3013 are arranged.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the setting key 3012 in FIG. 3A. The setting key 3012 consists of a cylinder portion 3012a and a keyhole portion 3012b. To change the set value of the winning probability, first, insert the key (operation key) into the keyhole portion 3012b and rotate it from the OFF position to the ON position to change the setting, and press the select switch 3013. Increment the setting value. After the highest setting, it returns to the lowest setting. As an example, in the case of a gaming machine with six levels of set values, the values are "1" → "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "1" → "2". → change like this. It should be noted that the setting values that are sequentially changed by the select switch can be configured so as to be sequentially displayed on the payout number display 7-segment LED 1016 for confirmation, as an example.
The select switch 3013 can also function as an error release switch for releasing an error state occurring in the game machine when the setting cannot be changed (the keyhole is in the "OFF" position).

FIG. 4 illustrates functional blocks of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. A series of characteristic operations of the gaming machine 100, which will be described later, are realized by individual operations of the hardware described below and cooperative operations of these hardware and software.

The gaming machine comprises a main control board 41 and a sub-control board 42 connected via wiring (harness) as a control configuration in one embodiment, and housed inside the housing 101 .
The main control board 41 is a kind of board computer, and includes a CPU 411 that performs arithmetic processing, device control of the game machine 100, etc., a rewritable RAM 412 that temporarily stores data as a program work area, and a game machine. 100 control programs and a lottery table for game lottery processing, etc.; An input/output unit 415 for driving units and the like is provided.

The main functions of the main control board 41 are to perform lottery processing, control of rotating reels, display of game status (game state), etc., and are designed to perform processing operations based on rules and standards regarding gaming machines. ing.

The sub-control board 42 is a kind of board computer, and includes a CPU 421 that performs arithmetic processing, control of the display section 481, etc., a rewritable RAM 422 that temporarily stores data as a program work area, and a display section 481. , a ROM 423 storing programs and various data for controlling the illumination unit 482 and the speaker unit 483, a control unit 424 for controlling the data communication bus, etc., an input/output unit 425 for driving the illumination, etc., and a display unit 481. and a sound source IC 427 storing a sound source for generating sound, effect sound, etc. from the speaker unit 483 .

The main function of the sub-control board 42 is production based on the lottery results determined by the main control board. Specifically, the ROM 423 of the sub-control board 42 also stores effect data including image data and the like for performing various effects by the display 481, the illumination unit 482, and the speaker unit 483. Based on the effect data stored in the ROM, the display unit 481, the illumination unit 482, and the speaker unit 483 are driven based on the effect content.

The effects performed by the display unit 481, the lighting unit 482, and the speaker unit 483 as described above are stored in the ROM 423 or the like as computer programs, and are realized by being called to the RAM 422 or the like and executed by the CPU 421 as appropriate. be done.

Next, the input/output system of the main control board 41 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, first, the main control board 41, via the input/output unit 415, BET button 451 (including 1BET button and MAXBET button), checkout button 452, start lever 453, first spinning reel stop button 454, second reel stop button 455, and third reel stop button 456 can be read out.

In addition, the main control board 41 has, via the input/output unit 415, a wait LED 461 of the status display unit 46, an insertable LED 462, a replay LED 463, a start LED 464, an input number LED 465, a payout number 7 segment LED 466, and a number of accumulated medals 7. A segmented LED 467 is connected, and is configured to perform lighting control of various LEDs and display control of numbers to be output to each indicator.

The selector unit 457 also includes an insertion sensor and a solenoid (not shown), reads a signal from the insertion sensor provided in the medal insertion slot 105 through the input/output unit 415, and determines the authenticity of the inserted medal. check.
Further, the solenoid of the selector portion 457 operates to return the medals even if the medals are inserted when, for example, a specified number of medals are inserted or the start lever 107 is operated. function to prevent

The setting key 471 of the power supply box 47 has a function of setting the winning probability of each combination of the lottery table in the lottery during the game to a stage and changing the payout rate for each setting. As an example, the winning probability can be set in six stages. The main control board 41 can manage setting values set by the setting keys 471 via the input/output unit 415 . More specifically, when the setting key is turned ON, the main control board enters the setting changeable mode, and when the select switch 472 is pressed, a signal indicating that the select switch 472 is pressed is sent to the main control board, and the main control board manages it. set value is incremented (or decremented). The select switch 472 of the power supply box 47 is a switch for changing the set value forward (or backward) when the setting key 471 is in a setting enabled (setting ON) state, and in the setting disabled (OFF) state, The CPU 411 and the like of the main control board 41 can be initialized when an error or the like occurs in the game machine. The power switch 473 is for supplying power to the gaming machine.

The rotating reel unit 43 includes a first rotating reel driving section 431 and a second rotating reel driving section 432 having stepping motors for rotating the first rotating reel 1041, the second rotating reel 1042, and the third rotating reel 1043, respectively. , and a third spinning reel drive 433, each spinning reel being independently controllable to rotate and/or stop. Also, a first reel position sensor 434, a second reel position sensor 435, and a third reel position sensor 436 for detecting the position of each reel during rotation, and an index corresponding to each sensor (Fig. 4) are provided.

For example, a predetermined position of the rotating first reel is detected by the first reel position sensor 434, and stepping is performed from the predetermined position (index position) of the first reel detected by the first reel position sensor 434. By counting the number of pulses that drive the motor, the position information of the first reel can be obtained. Similarly, the second reel position sensor 435 and the third reel position sensor 436 can obtain the positional information of each of the second reel and the third reel.
In this way, it is possible to control the display of symbols based on the result of the lottery process, which will be described later.

The hopper unit 44 is for paying out medals when winning a prize, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out by a hopper drive unit and a payout sensor (not shown).

In addition, an external relay terminal (not shown in FIG. 4) is provided to connect the main control board 41 and a data lamp (not shown in FIG. 4) for displaying game data provided outside to It functions as a terminal for transmitting a signal from the control board 41 to the data lamp.

Programs or software necessary for implementing the present invention are usually installed or stored in memories such as ROMs 413 and 423, and all or part of them are stored in memories such as RAMs 412 and 422 as necessary when the programs or software are executed. It is read out as a software module of the unit, and the CPUs 411 and 421 perform calculations.

It should be noted that it is not always necessary to execute arithmetic operations in a central processing unit such as a CPU, and an auxiliary arithmetic unit such as a digital signal processor (DSP) (not shown) may be employed.

[Lottery processing]
The lottery process in the gaming machine 100 is executed, for example, based on a program and a table stored in the ROM 413 of the main control board 41 when the start lever is operated. In addition to the lottery processing program, the ROM 413 stores a winning probability table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and the like. The winning probability table classifies the random numbers generated by the random number generator (not shown) and stores them in association with various winnings and "no winning (loss)". By referring to the generated random number data, the winning probability table, etc., various wins or losses in the game are determined.

At this time, if the result of the lottery process is a loss, it is controlled so that the predetermined symbols are not aligned, and conversely, if the result of the lottery process is a win, the stop button is pressed at a predetermined timing. In some cases, it is controlled so that predetermined patterns are aligned under the condition. These controls are called "slip control" or "pull-in control". As an example, if there is a rule such as ``Stop the reel within 0.19 seconds after pressing the stop button'', the number of frames (number of symbols) that can be slipped by calculating backward from the rotation speed of the reel is determined. After winning various prizes, if predetermined patterns are arranged, medals corresponding to winning patterns are paid out.

[Basic concept of the present invention (control of game state)]
The gaming machine in one embodiment of the present invention performs the basic operations as described above, and an example of control of the game state as the basic operations of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, the game state (game status) of the gaming machine in one embodiment of the present invention is roughly divided into a normal section 502 and an advantageous section 501, and these game states are controlled according to the progress of the game. is done.
In the following, transition conditions and the like between the normal section 502 and the advantageous section 501 will be described in detail.

The normal section 502 is a section in which a game related to an instruction function (for example, a navigation function such as push order navigation) cannot be performed (that is, not permitted). The game proceeds along the basic operations of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. When a transition condition (1), which will be described later, is satisfied, the game state transitions to an advantageous section.
In the normal section 502, it is possible to win a small winning combination, a rare winning combination, a chance winning combination, or a bonus by playing a game (lottery on the main board by operating the start lever).

Here, the bonus includes a regular bonus (RB), a big bonus (BB), etc., and a winning probability corresponding to a set value that can be set for each gaming machine can be adopted.

The advantageous section 501 is a section in which a game related to the instruction function can be played (that is, permitted). Then, when transition condition (2), which will be described later, is satisfied, the advantageous section 501 returns to the normal section 502 .
In the advantageous section 501, in addition to games related to instruction functions such as "AT (assist time)" and "ART (assist replay time)" that are advantageous for the player, as in the normal section 502, "BB (Big Advantageous games for the player such as "Bonus" and "RB (regular bonus)" can be played.
In one embodiment of the present invention, in the sense of a game that is advantageous to the player in the advantageous section 501, it is a game related to instruction functions such as "AT (assist time)" and "ART (assist replay time)". A game advantageous to the player can also be positioned as a bonus game.
Such a bonus game ends when a predetermined condition such as paying out a predetermined number of game media to be paid out is cleared.

Next, transition conditions between each game section (game state) in FIG. 5 will be described in detail.

(Transition condition (1))
As an example, it is possible to control the transition from the normal section 502 to the advantageous section 501 in such a manner that the transition to the advantageous section 501 is won when a lottery for transition to the advantageous section 501 is won for each game.

Examples of winning a lottery for transition to the advantageous section 501 include winning a specific bonus or winning a rare role. A rare combination is a combination that is established by stopping a "cherry" combination or a "watermelon" combination at a predetermined symbol combination, position, or the like. There are rare roles such as "weak watermelon" and "strong watermelon" depending on the pattern combination. As an example, when a rare combination is won (stopped at a predetermined pattern if necessary) when the start lever is operated, and an advantageous section transition lottery according to the winning combination is won, the normal section 502 to the advantageous section 501 is won. can be moved to

(Transition condition (2))
For example, the transition from the advantageous section 501 to the normal section 502 can be controlled by completing a predetermined number of games CZ_MAX_G (eg, 1500 G). Alternatively, it is also possible to perform control so that when the difference number MY (the difference number from the base point when the difference number is the lowest) exceeds 2400 sheets, for example, the transition to the normal section 502 is performed. In addition, when the game related to the instruction function performed during the advantageous section 501 affects the number of balls released, it is possible to perform control to shift to the normal section 502 under arbitrary conditions other than the above.

[Characteristic control of the present invention]
Next, exemplary game state transitions in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be taken up and explained in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates state transitions of game states (RT0 to RT2) of the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, RT0 to RT2 represent game states of the gaming machine and are also called RT states. In one embodiment, the change trigger to RT1 is called "a trigger", the change trigger to RT2 is called "b trigger", and the change trigger to RT3 is called "c trigger".

ここで、ＭＢはミドルボーナス、ＲＢはレギュラーボーナスを指す。なお、各種ボーナスを第１ボーナス（役）、第２ボーナス（役）、第３ボーナス（役）等として、区別することもできる。
また、本発明の一実施形態においては、ＭＢ成立によってはＲＴ移行をさせないように制御することができる。具体的には、ＭＢを契機とするＲＴ変更（成立、入賞、終了等の全て）を行わせないように制御することができる。 Incidentally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the following table is assigned as a specific gaming opportunity of the above-mentioned variation opportunity.

Here, MB indicates a middle bonus, and RB indicates a regular bonus. It should be noted that various bonuses can be classified as a first bonus (role), a second bonus (role), a third bonus (role), and the like.
Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to perform control so that RT transition is not performed depending on MB formation. Specifically, it is possible to perform control so as not to perform RT changes (all of establishment, winning, termination, etc.) triggered by MB.

In FIG. 6, when the gaming machine is in the RT0 state 601, a game with 3 bets is executed. That is, in the game according to the embodiment of the present invention, a BB (big bonus) that is established and effective only with a 3-coin bet is set, and the game is continued aiming at such BB.
Then, when BB is established in state 601 (a trigger), the gaming machine shifts to RT1 state 602 . In one embodiment, state 602 is inside the BB. The game continues with a 3-coin wager, and when the BB is activated (b trigger), the gaming machine shifts to the RT3 state 603 . In one embodiment, state 603 is in BB.
Then, when BB ends in state 603 (c trigger), the gaming machine shifts to RT0 state 601 again.

In one embodiment of the present invention, based on the above setting, control is performed so that RT fluctuations are not performed at timings a to c of MBs that are established by "double stacking". An example of setting or control for each BB and MB in this case is as shown in FIG. 8(A).

[Assumed actual machine example]
Although the present invention is not limited to this, the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention employs the following game specifications. A gaming machine that satisfies at least these specifications has a predetermined effect in one embodiment of the present invention.

(1) It must be an AT machine that implements a BB that is established and valid with multiple specified numbers. In this case, control can be performed so that BB is neither established nor effective with the number of sheets other than the specified number.
(2) If the specified number is 3 (the present invention is not limited to 3, it is just an example number), if BB is established with this specified number (3), the process moves to RT1, It is controlled to shift to RT2 at BB actuation (BB1 actuation) and to shift to RT0 at BB end (BB1 end) (example of game state transition is as described with reference to FIG. 6).
(3) Here, when the setting of the game machine is changed (in principle, the setting can be changed in any of the above game states), as special prize information at the time of setting change, it is assumed that the specified number of 3 cards will be established. Control is performed so that the set BB information is erased (or reset), and the MB information set so as to be established with the specified number of 2 is maintained.
(4) Further, the RT information at the time of setting change is controlled to be maintained in the case of RT0 and RT1, and to be erased (or reset) in the case of RT2.
(5) Different replay flags (replay probabilities) are set for each of the above RT states, and are indirectly controlled to change the lottery probabilities related to the instruction function. A setting example thereof is as shown in FIG.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, specific game spec examples and game progress examples suitable for the above-described gaming machine having the characteristic functions of the present invention will be described. Of course, the individual specific specifications and the like described later do not limit the present invention, but merely show specific examples for easy understanding of the present invention.

FIG. 7(A) shows an example arrangement of rotating reel symbols of a game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Although the present invention is not limited to this pattern arrangement, at least the pattern arrangement as shown in FIG. 7 enables game state control that fully utilizes the above-described features of the present invention.

In FIG. 7(A), the numbers on the left end (first column) represent the index numbers, the second column from the left represents the name of the symbol attached to the first reel, and the third from the left. column represents the names of the symbols placed on the second reel, and the fourth column from the left represents the names of symbols placed on the third reel. In the drawing, the names of the patterns ("watermelon", "bell", "BAR", etc.) are given, but in reality, designed patterns corresponding to each name are given.

Then, the characteristic stop pattern has a specific meaning such as a role or an indication pattern (for example, in addition to the jackpot role pattern, indication patterns such as a chance eye or a reach eye, which will be described later), to make the progress of the game more interesting. can do.

FIG. 7B shows activated lines in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7B, the effective lines are set in the middle of each of the first reel 701a, the second reel 701b, and the third reel 701c (exactly horizontally aligned).

Also, although not shown in FIG. 7, a so-called "chance number" can be set if necessary. A chance eye is neither a bonus winning pattern nor a rare role pattern, but it is not a complete losing eye, and means a winning eye with a high degree of expectation for winning a bonus or the like, or transitioning from a normal section to an advantageous section.

Furthermore, although not shown in FIG. 7, it is possible to set a so-called "reach number" as required. Reach eyes refer to stop symbols (outs) that appear when a bonus game is won (but the winning symbols are not yet complete) during normal game mode, and are a kind of bonus game notification method. is.

(Setting example of game machine in one embodiment of the present invention)
The gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail and in a multifaceted manner. Here, with reference to FIGS. Alternatively, a setting change table example) will be described.

As already explained, FIG. 8(A) shows the state of RT fluctuations controlled at the timings a to c of BB, which is established and effective in the “three-layered”, and in parallel with this, the RT fluctuations in the “two-layered” It is a setting example or a control example for each BB and MB for explaining how control is performed so that RT fluctuation is not performed at the timings a to c of the established MB.
FIG. 8(B) explains how the replay flag (replay probability) is set differently for each RT state, and controlled to indirectly change the lottery probability related to the instruction function. It is a setting example or a control example.

9(A) to 9(D) show an example of game state (flag information) processing when the setting of the gaming machine is changed, an example of RT state change, and the like.

FIG. 9A shows an example of game status flag processing when the setting of the game machine is changed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the settings of the gaming machine can be changed at any timing between games or during games (may be during bonuses). Then, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the setting is changed, the BB flag is cleared (erased or reset), the MB flag is maintained, and both the RT0 and RT1 states are maintained. and the RT2 state is controlled to be cleared (erased or reset).

Here, the characteristic control is the following two points.
(1) When RT is cleared (reset), it is controlled to be set to RT0.
(2) Control is performed so that the BB flag is cleared and the RT1 state is maintained.
Although the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, it is preferable to set the replay probability to zero in the RT2 state.

9(B) and 9(C) illustrate examples of changes in behavior when settings are changed for each prize information and game state (RT state). FIG. 9B shows an example of the state immediately before changing the setting, and FIG. 9C shows an example of the state immediately after changing the setting.

FIG. 9(B) shows the case where the special prize information flag is "none" and the RT state is "RT0" (top row), and the case where the special prize information flag is "inside BB" and the RT state is "RT1" (second row from the top), when the special prize information flag is "BB" and the RT state is "RT2" (third row from the top), and when the special prize information flag is "in MB" and the RT state is "RT0" (fourth row from the top), and when the special prize information flag is "in MB" and the RT state is "RT0" The case (bottom row) is assumed.

In each case assumed in FIG. 9(B), when the setting of the gaming machine is changed, the prize information and the game state (RT state) change as shown in FIG. 9(C).
That is, in the case of the uppermost stage of FIG. 9B, as shown in the uppermost stage of FIG. 9C, the prize information (none) and the RT state (RT0) are controlled to be maintained. be. In the case of the second row in FIG. 9B, as shown in the second row in FIG. controlled to be maintained. Also, in the case of the third row in FIG. 9B, as shown in the third row in FIG. (transition to RT0). Also, in the case of the 4th row in FIG. 9B, as shown in the 4th row in FIG. controlled as Finally, for the bottom case of FIG. 9(B), as shown at the bottom of FIG. 9(C), the prize information (in MB) is cleared and the RT state (RT0) is maintained. controlled as follows.
These follow the procedure shown in FIG. 9A (particularly note that the BB flag is cleared and the RT1 state is maintained).

Here, more characteristically, as shown in the second row of FIG. It is what the state can do.

FIG. 9(D) exemplifies a game state that can be shifted by continuing a specific game from the special prize information and game state shown in the second row of FIG. 9(C). Although the present invention is not limited to this, the specific game here is a game with a "double bet".
In other words, the game progress of FIG. 9(D) explains a state that can occur when a double bet game is played during RT1 in general.

As shown in the uppermost part of FIG. 9(D), if the game is continued with the "double bet" from the state in which the special prize information is "none" and the RT state is "RT1", the MB will eventually be established. Then, it becomes "inside the MB" (the second row in (D) of the figure). In other words, here, it is inside the MB and the RT1 state is created. When the game is continued further, the MB is activated, and the state becomes "in MB" (bottom row in (D) of the figure). That is, here, it is in the MB and the RT1 state is created.

As a variation of the third stage of the variation control shown in FIGS. 9(B) to 9(C), when the special prize information is "BB in operation" and the setting is changed, the special prize information is cleared. , the RT state may be controlled to be maintained rather than reset. Also in this case, it is possible to provide an interesting game in terms of game behavior according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(Example of game progress of game machine in one embodiment of the present invention)
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, an example of game progress of the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In FIG. 10 showing one embodiment of the present invention, when a game is started (step S1001), the game state of the gaming machine is RT0 (general) (step S1002). Then, as a game method in one embodiment of the present invention, a game of "three bets" is performed, a lottery is performed each time these games are performed, and BB establishment is waited (a loop returning from No in step S1003 to step S1002). ).

If it is determined that BB is established in step S1003 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1004, and the game state of the gaming machine is controlled to shift to RT1 (inside BB) (step S1004).

In this flow, for example, it is assumed that the settings are changed in this gaming state. Then, in step S1005, it is determined whether or not the setting has been changed. If No in this step, the process returns to step S1004, but if Yes, the process proceeds to step S1006.

In step S1006, the game state is controlled to shift to RT1 (in general) according to the control in FIG. 9A or the change processing from FIG. 9B to FIG. 9C.
Here, the game method is changed from "three-play" to "two-play" (this game change is an advantageous game method for the player, but the game machine does not suggest this change to the player). You can do it or not).
Then, the process advances to step S1007, and it is determined whether or not the MB is established this time.

If No in step S1007, the process returns to step S1006, but if Yes, the process proceeds to step S1008.

In step S1008, as illustrated in FIG. 9D, the gaming state of the gaming machine is controlled to shift to RT1 (inside MB). In this flow, the process proceeds to step S1009, but this game state is maintained and the game is continued.

In the above-described embodiment, when the game state is changed to RT1 and normal state by changing the settings, and the game state becomes RT1 and in MB or in MB due to a specific game progress after that, the output is generated. By setting the ball rate to be higher than usual, it is possible to create an interesting game state that cannot be experienced in the normal game, and to provide the player with an interesting game.

[Further modification]
As explained at the beginning, the present invention can be applied not only to conventional gaming machines, but also to new types of gaming machines that manage and control two game state intervals, a "normal interval" and an "advantageous interval", which are becoming mainstream in recent years. However, in such a new type of gaming machine, an example in which a favorable operation state can be obtained by configuring the lottery probability according to the game state during the advantageous interval is shown below.

上表の設定は例示であって制限的なものではないが、上表のようにＭＢ内部中のＡＴ当せん確率をＢＢ内部中の同当せん確率よりも高くなるように設定（非内部中にあっては、例示的に確率がゼロにならない程度に僅かな当せん確率を確保するように設定）すると、ＭＢ内部中のほうがＡＴ抽せんが優先（優遇）されるため、「２枚掛け」から「３枚掛け」への遊技とした場合に最大出玉率となる。 (1) Configured to change the lottery table according to the type of bonus established internally

The settings in the above table are examples and are not restrictive, but as shown in the table above, the AT win probability in the MB is set to be higher than the same win probability in the BB (non-internal). (For example, if the probability is set to secure a small winning probability to the extent that the probability does not become zero), the AT lottery is given priority (preferential treatment) in the MB, so from “2 pieces” to “3 It becomes the maximum ball output rate when it is set as a game to "sheet multiplication".

上表の設定は例示であって制限的なものではないが、上表のようにチャンスリプレイ確率、及び、上乗せ確率を、ＲＴ０状態の場合よりもＲＴ１状態の場合のほうを高く設定あるいは制御することで、ＲＴ１かつ一般中の状態における遊技が、より興趣あるものになる。
なお、ここで「チャンスリプレイ確率」は、ＢＢ成立を契機に移行するＲＴ状態のリプレイ確率の例示である。また、「上乗せ確率」については、本発明はこれに限定されるものではなく、ＡＴ抽せんやＡＲＴ上乗せ抽せん等、何らかの指示機能に関わる抽せん確率の制御に広く適用できる。 (2) Set or control the chance replay probability to be different depending on the RT

Although the settings in the above table are examples and are not restrictive, the chance replay probability and the additional probability are set or controlled to be higher in the RT1 state than in the RT0 state, as shown in the table above. As a result, the game in the state of RT1 and general mode becomes more interesting.
Here, the “chance replay probability” is an example of the replay probability of the RT state that shifts when the BB is established. As for the "additional probability", the present invention is not limited to this, but can be widely applied to the control of lottery probability related to some instruction function, such as AT lottery and ART additional lottery.

In the explanation so far, the game state setting and the By performing control, it becomes possible to provide an interesting game with high game characteristics.

以上述べたとおり、変形例（１）及び（２）においては、二つの状態を駆使して最大出玉率を作り出しているが、遊技状態を直接参照して抽せん確率を変化させることも可能である。例えば、成立している特賞情報とＲＴ情報を参照し、特賞情報とＲＴ情報に応じて抽せんテーブルを切り替えるように制御してもよい。 (Game progress assumed in the above modified example)
In the game according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is played based on the specifications in the modified example, the payout rate for each hitting method as summarized in the table below can be expected.

As described above, in modifications (1) and (2), the maximum ball payout rate is created by making full use of two states, but it is also possible to change the lottery probability by directly referring to the game state. be. For example, by referring to the established special prize information and RT information, control may be performed to switch the lottery table according to the special prize information and RT information.

As described above, the embodiments of the gaming machine and the like according to the present invention have been described based on specific examples. As an example, it is possible to adopt an embodiment as an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a magnetic tape, a hard disk, a memory card, or the like.

Moreover, the implementation form of the program is not limited to an application program such as an object code compiled by a compiler or a program code executed by an interpreter. good.

Furthermore, the program does not necessarily have to be executed entirely by the CPU on the control board. ) can also be configured to implement a part or all of it.

For all elements described in this specification (including the claims, abstract, and drawings) and/or for any method or process step disclosed, these features are mutually exclusive. Any combination can be used except for the combination of

Moreover, each of the features disclosed in this specification (including the claims, abstract, and drawings) may serve the same, equivalent, or similar purpose unless expressly contradicted. Alternate features may be substituted. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of identical or equivalent features.

Furthermore, the invention is not limited to any specific configuration of the embodiments described above. The present invention resides in any novel feature or combination thereof, or any novel method or process step, or method described in this specification (including claims, abstract, and drawings). can be extended to combinations of

100 gaming machine (slot machine)
101 Case 102 Front Door 103 Display Window 105 Medal Slot 107 Start Lever 108 1BET Button 109 Settlement Button 115 Medal Tray (Receiver)
41 Main control board 42 Sub control board 43 Reel unit 431 First reel drive unit 432 Second reel drive unit 433 Third reel drive unit 434 First reel position sensor 435 Second reel position sensor 436 Third Spinning reel position sensor 44 Hopper unit 454 First spinning reel stop button 455 Second spinning reel stop button 456 Third spinning reel stop button 47 Power supply unit

Claims (5)

A gaming machine having a main control board,
The main control board performs at least a lottery process performed for each game, and performs state transition control between at least three game states based on the result of the lottery process,
The game state includes a game state managed by a prize information flag and an RT state,
When the setting of the game machine is changed,
When the special prize information flag is within the first bonus combination and the RT state is the RT state which shifts to the opportunity of the establishment of the first bonus combination, the special prize information flag is cleared and the RT state is set. Game state transition control is performed so as to maintain
A gaming machine characterized in that an advantageous state setting obtained by a game method in which the number of bets is different from that before the game state transition control is set after the game state transition control is performed. When the setting of the game machine is changed,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the special prize information flag is within the second bonus combination, game state transition control is further performed so as to maintain the special prize information flag. The RT state in the game state includes an RT state that shifts when the first bonus combination is established, an RT state that shifts when the first bonus combination is won, and an RT state that shifts when the first bonus combination ends. 3. The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the game machine includes 4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the winning probability in the lottery is controlled to differ according to the type of bonus established internally. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the replay probability of the RT state that shifts to the trigger of establishment of the first bonus combination and the lottery probability related to the instruction function are controlled differently depending on the RT state. game machine.

Images