JP7224062B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to a game machine control technique, and more particularly to a control technique for controlling a game 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.

As an example, there has been proposed a gaming machine capable of increasing interest in a game by reducing the probability of an extra lottery for an ART in proportion to the decrease in the number of remaining ART games (Patent Document 1). ).

That is, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of reels having a plurality of patterns arranged on their respective peripheral surfaces,
The start operation is performed by symbol display means for displaying a part of the symbols among the plurality of symbols arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the plurality of reels, start operation detection means for detecting the start operation, and the start operation detection means. Winning combination determination means for determining a winning combination based on the detection of a winning combination; and the plurality of symbols displayed on the symbol display means based on the detection of the start operation by the start operation detection means. stop operation detection means for detecting a stop operation for each of the plurality of reels; a winning combination determined by the winning combination determination means; and a winning combination detected by the stop operation detection means. stop control means for performing stop control of the symbols variably displayed by the symbol variation means based on a stop operation; determining means for determining whether or not a predetermined combination of symbols has been displayed; and game value imparting means for imparting a predetermined game value when the determining means determines that a predetermined combination of symbols has been displayed. a game control means for counting the number of games played; a normal state disadvantageous to the player; and a state having a specific state more advantageous to the player than the normal state. control means, state control means capable of controlling the state to the specific state for a predetermined number of games when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a predetermined winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means in the specific state. a privilege lottery means for performing a lottery as to whether or not to give a privilege advantageous to the player in the specific state when it is determined, wherein the privilege lottery means is capable of controlling the game in the specific state. There is disclosed a gaming machine characterized in that the lottery is performed so that the probability of awarding the privilege by the lottery decreases in proportion to the remaining number of games being played.

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 gist, the normal section has an instruction function (navigation function such as push order navigation)
The advantageous section is positioned as a section in which a game related to the instruction function cannot be played (that is, not permitted), and the advantageous section is positioned as a section in which a game related to the instruction function can be played (that is, permitted).

In the normal section, navigation lottery cannot be performed, but bonus lotteries such as big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) can be performed. A transition lottery to the advantageous section is performed (in this case, differences due to settings that can be set for each individual gaming machine cannot be provided, and a so-called lottery common to all settings is performed. From the normal section to the advantageous section The odds of winning the transfer lottery are set to 1 in 17500 or more, except when they are 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 A continuous operation device for second-class special bonuses positioned as petit bonuses or mini bonuses that end when a certain number of payouts, such as 13 or 14, are paid out (
A lottery for the middle bonus MB and challenge bonus CB) can be implemented (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 (that is, lottery related to ART), so-called lottery common to all settings is performed, as well as lottery with different settings can also be done. Furthermore, in this section, the maximum number of games that can be continued (1500 G as an example) and the difference number MY (240 as an example)
0 cards) is set, and as the conditions for ending this section, any conditions other than the upper limit (limiter) of the number of games and the number of difference MY can be adopted, excluding some restrictions. and,
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 2017-094164 A

However, in such a new type of gaming machine, sufficient ingenuity has not yet been made regarding the lottery probability control during the advantageous section.

Therefore, it is desired to devise a further device regarding the lottery probability control when the gaming machine is in the advantageous section.

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 normally does not permit a game related to an instruction function at least by a lottery performed for each game. A transition between game states including a section game state and an advantageous section game state that permits a game related to the instruction function is controlled, and the game state is the advantageous section game state and the game related to the instruction function is permitted. When it is in the section (designated section), an additional lottery that adds the number of games in the designated section is carried out for each game, and the additional lottery is a first additional lottery table that defines the winning probability for a plurality of additional numbers. When a player wins a predetermined number of games or more among the plurality of additional numbers, a second additional lottery table different from the first additional lottery table is used, wherein The winning probability for the plurality of additional numbers defined in the second additional lottery table is set lower than the winning probability for the plurality of additional numbers defined in the first additional lottery table. .

According to the gaming machine or the like of the present invention, it is possible to control the lottery probability with a specific action during an advantageous interval (or during an indicated interval in an advantageous interval) as a trigger, thereby providing a more interesting gaming machine.

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; It is a flow chart explaining the control flow of the game machine in one embodiment of the present invention. It is a flow chart explaining the control flow of the game 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. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a setting table and game progress of a gaming machine in one embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for exemplifying a setting table and game progress of a gaming machine in a conventional embodiment.

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 and a
A lighting section and a speaker section are arranged. In addition, in the middle of the front door 102, the display window 10
3 is provided. 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 first rotating reels 1 each of which is rotatably provided.
041, a second rotating reel 1042 and a third rotating reel 1043, and a plurality of predetermined patterns are attached to the outer peripheral surface of each reel. 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 and a 1BET button 10 are provided on the front surface of the protruding table.
8, checkout button 109, first spinning reel stop button 110, second spinning reel stop button 1
11, a third reel stop button 112 is arranged. 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.

Note that 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 The number of medals (
The number of bets) is fixed at MAX (for example, 3), and the effective line may be fixedly set for 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, a first rotating reel 1041, a second rotating reel 1042, and a third rotating reel 1043 are operated.
rotates, a game is started, and a lottery is performed.

The 1BET button 108 is for automatically inserting one medal stored inside the gaming machine 100 and betting one medal on one game. 1BET button 10
By pressing 8, it is not necessary to insert one medal from the medal insertion slot 105. - 特許庁Also, when betting two medals, the 1BET button 108 is pressed twice. 3
When betting several 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 MA
With the XBET button 106, you can insert three medals from the medal insertion slot 105,
There is no need to press the ET button 108 three 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. Replay LE
D2015 is an LED indicating replay.

The payout number display 7-segment LED 2016 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 payouts and displayed.

The stored medal number display 7-segment LED 2017 is an LED that displays the number of currently stored medals.
is D.

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.
In addition to the power switch 3011, a setting key 3012 and a select switch 3013 for changing the winning probability are arranged in the power supply box 301 inside the front of the game machine 0.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the setting key 3012 in FIG. 3A. The setting key 3012 is
It 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 game 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, as an example, the setting values that are sequentially changed by the select switch can be configured to be sequentially displayed on the payout number display 7-segment LED 2016 so as to be confirmed.
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 lottery processing, control of rotating reels, game status (
It is designed to perform processing operations based on game machine rules and standards.

The sub-control board 42 is a kind of board computer, and performs arithmetic processing, display section 4
81, a rewritable RAM 422 that temporarily stores data as a program work area, a program that controls the display unit 481, the lighting unit 482, and the speaker unit 483, and various data. a control unit 424 for controlling a data communication bus, etc.; an input/output unit 425 for driving lighting, etc.; a display driving unit 426 for driving a display unit 481; and a sound source IC 427 storing a sound source for generating the sound.

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. A signal output from RO
The content of the presentation is determined from the presentation data stored inside M, and the drive processing of the display section 481, the illumination section 482, and the speaker section 483 is performed based on the presentation content.

The production performed by the display unit 481, the lighting unit 482, and the speaker unit 483 as described above is stored in the ROM 423 or the like as a computer program,
It is realized by being appropriately called to the RAM 422 or the like and executed by the PU 421 .

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

In addition, the main control board 41, via the input/output unit 415, the wait LED 461 of the status display unit 46, the input possible LED 462, the replay LED 463, the start LED 46
4, Inserted number LED 465, payout number 7 segment LED 466, stored medal number 7 segment LED 4
67 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 includes the input/output unit 4
It is possible to manage the setting values set by the setting key 471 via 15. FIG. 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. 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 acquired. Similarly, for the second reel and the third reel, the second reel position sensor 435 and the third reel position sensor 43 are detected.
6, the position information of each rotating reel can be obtained.
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 stored in the ROM 413,
423 or the like, and when the program or software is executed, all or part of it is read as a software module into the RAM 412, 422 or the like as necessary, and the CPUs 411, 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 process]
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 divides the random numbers generated by the random number generator (not shown) into various types of winning and "no winning (loss)"
” is associated with and stored. 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, the normal section 50
Similar to 2, it is possible to play advantageous games for the player such as "BB (big bonus)" and "RB (regular bonus)".
In one embodiment of the present invention, "AT (assist time)" or "ART (assist replay time)" means a game advantageous to the player in the advantageous section 501.
, which is advantageous to the player, can also be regarded 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 the start lever is operated to win a rare role (if necessary, stop at a predetermined pattern) and an advantageous section transition lottery is performed according to the winning combination, the normal section 50
2 to the advantageous section 501 .

(Transition condition (2))
As an example, from the advantageous section 501 to the normal section 502, a predetermined predetermined number of games C
It can be controlled to migrate by digestion of Z_MAX_G (1500 G as an example). 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, an exemplary game flow in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be taken up and explained more specifically with reference to FIG. 6A. FIG. 6A exemplifies the operation flow from activating ART by lottery after the transition from the normal section to the advantageous section until the end of this ART.
Moreover, the characteristic control of the present invention also appears particularly in the flow of FIG. 6B, which will be described later.

In step S601 of FIG. 6A, the gaming machine that is in the middle of a game that has shifted from the normal section to the advantageous section performs lottery (ART lottery) processing in the advantageous section in step S602.

Next, the process proceeds to step S603, the result of the ART lottery in the previous step is referred to, and if it is not won (No), the process proceeds to step S604. Processing is performed.

In step S604, it is determined whether the advantageous section has ended (for example, a constant G
(There are, but not limited to, whether or not the number has been consumed, and whether or not the difference number MY has exceeded a certain number).If No, return to step S602. If Yes, proceed to step S607. Transition to normal section.

In step S606, whether the game in the ART game mode has ended (as an example,
If No, the game count number is incremented (or decremented) and the process returns to step S605. If Yes, step S607 as an example. (The present invention is not limited to the control that always ends the advantageous section when the ART specified number of games is played).

FIG. 6B is a detailed flow during step S605 (ART processing) in FIG. 6A. Although the invention is not so limited, the characteristic control of the invention can be implemented in various advantageous situations other than ART processing.

When the process is started in step S651 of FIG. 6B, the process proceeds to step S652, AR
It is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied (for example, a determination criterion such as an end flag being set or a predetermined number of games being played is used), and if Yes, the process advances to step S659 for processing as the main flow. is terminated, but if No, the process proceeds to step S653.

In step S653, as a result of progressing one game by conducting a lottery (including one or more lotteries such as a navigation lottery and an additional lottery), it is determined whether or not a winning combination or the like has been won. The process proceeds to S654. If No, the process proceeds to step S657.

In step S654, it is determined whether or not the number of games added to the win is a fixed number or more.

If No in step S654, the process proceeds to step S656. If Yes, the process proceeds to step S655.
In step S656, a process is executed in the case of additional win processing or winning (including pushing order navigation, pushing order replay, small winning, etc.) less than a predetermined number of games.
The details of this step are omitted because they are not the essence of the present invention. After this step, the process proceeds to step S658.

In step S655, processing for adding the number of games and processing for changing the lottery table are performed. In addition, an appropriate production process is performed as necessary. After that, the process proceeds to step S658.

In step S657, other processing (effect processing in the case of losing, etc.) is carried out. After that, the process proceeds to step S658.

In step S658, the game is incremented and the process returns to step S652.

上表はあくまでも例示であるが、抽せんテーブルは３つ用意される。抽せんテーブルＡ
は通常の上乗せ抽せん確率テーブルであり、従来の遊技機でも使用されてきたものである
。抽せんテーブルＢは、抽せんテーブルＡが採用されている状態で一定数以上（上表では
＋３００Ｇ）の上乗せ当せんした場合に切り替えられるテーブルである。抽せんテーブル
Ｂの特徴は、第１に、前記一定数以上の上乗せ当せん確率が有意に低く設定されている点
である（但し、確率ゼロではない）。第２に、その他の上乗せ当せん確率（上表では＋１
０Ｇや＋５０Ｇ）も有意に低く設定されるが確率はゼロとしてもよい点である。 [Regarding changing the lottery table for winning more than a certain number]
As described above, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, when more than a certain number of additional wins are won (Yes in step S654), the addition processing is performed and the lottery table (additional lottery table) is changed. More specifically, the lottery table is switched based on the switching table shown in the following table.

Although the above table is merely an example, three lottery tables are prepared. Lottery table A
is a normal extra lottery probability table, which has also been used in conventional gaming machines. The lottery table B is a table that is switched when a predetermined number or more (+300 G in the table above) are won in addition to the lottery table A being used. The lottery table B is characterized, firstly, in that the odds of winning more than the predetermined number are set significantly low (however, the odds are not zero). Secondly, other additional win probabilities (+1 in the table above)
0 G and +50 G) are also set significantly low, but the probability may be zero.

The lottery table C is, in the game state where the lottery table B is adopted,
Furthermore, if you win more than a certain number (+300G in the above table) (second step S
It is a table that is switched to Yes in the determination at 655). A feature of the lottery table C is that each additional winning probability is set higher than each additional winning probability in the initial lottery probability table.
It should be noted that in other embodiments of the present invention, it is not necessary that the additional win probabilities for all the additional numbers in the lottery table C be higher than the corresponding additional win probabilities in the lottery table B, and at least one additional number (more preferably The lottery table C should have a higher winning probability for a predetermined number or more.

By adopting three lottery tables A to C having at least the characteristics as shown in the table above and performing table switching control as shown in FIG. Since it is possible to provide a section in which the probability is kept low or, on the contrary, a section in which the probability of addition increases, the player can enjoy an interesting game.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a specific example of game specifications and an example of game progress suitable for a gaming machine having the above-described 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. 7A shows an example arrangement of rotating reel symbols of a gaming 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 features of the present invention described above.

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. The column of
The names of the symbols placed on the second reel are shown, and the fourth column from the left represents the names of symbols placed on the third reel. In the figure, the names of the patterns ("watermelon", "bell", "BAR")
etc.), but in reality, a designed pattern corresponding to each name is attached.

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. Same figure (
In B), the activated lines are the first reel 701a, the second reel 701b, and the third reel 701b.
They are set in the middle stages of the rotating reels 701c (exactly in a horizontal straight line).

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 and game progress example of game machine in one embodiment of the present invention)
Although the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail and from various aspects,
Here, referring to FIG. 8, while comparing the setting example and the game progress example of the conventional gaming machine shown in FIG. An example of a lottery table) and an example of progress will be explained.

(Comparison with setting example and progress example of conventional gaming machine)
First, in order to better understand the features of the present invention shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, an example of a setting table and an example of game progress in a conventional game machine shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

There is one type of setting table (specifically, an additional lottery table) shown in FIG. , +300G is set so that the probability of winning is 1/1000.
Under such settings, when the game machine enters a game state called a designated section (where ART or AT is in operation) among the advantageous sections, the game machine starts playing a game as shown in FIG. 9(B). progress.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9(B), the same lottery table (lottery value) is referred to within the designated section during ART or AT, and the first game (901
), and the game progresses while performing an extra lottery or the like for each game. When "+300 G", which is an extra winning of a predetermined number or more, is drawn in some game (902 in the figure) after continuing the predetermined number of games (number of games played), the addition processing (+300 G) of the designated section is performed,
The player's interest in the game increases. Then, if a predetermined number of games (number of games played) is continued, and in some game (903 in the figure), if "+300G", which is an extra win equal to or greater than the predetermined amount, is drawn, a further extra process (+300G) is performed in the specified section. It will be.
However, in such a game progress, since the probabilistic bias of using the same lottery table determines whether the game is good or bad, the game tends to be monotonous in terms of interest.

On the other hand, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, first, as shown in FIG. Two tables are prepared, and the game control shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is performed to switch between these tables, so the game progresses as shown in FIG. 8B.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8(B), within the specified section (8
01), the extra lottery table A is used first (the game conditions at this point are the same as those of the conventional gaming machine described with reference to FIG. 9, or It may be a slightly looser condition (each additional winning probability is set slightly higher) than. However, when "+300 G", which is an extra win equal to or greater than the predetermined number of games, is drawn in the game (802) after continuing the predetermined number of games (number of games played), the addition processing of the specified section (+
300G) is performed, and the additional lottery table is switched from A to B. At this time, the probability of winning extra is set extremely low. For example, the additional winning probability for a predetermined number of games or more is not zero but is significantly low, and the additional winning probability for others (less than the predetermined number of games) is also set significantly low (probability may be zero).

When a further win is won in the game state where the lottery table B is used, the game is switched to the lottery table C so that the game can be played under winning conditions more advantageous than the initial lottery table A.例文帳に追加

With the game control described above, the game conditions (
Even if each additional winning probability) is set slightly higher than before, further winning cannot be expected in the game section where the lottery table B is used (however, the probability is not zero),
While it can be adjusted to make it easier to add experience in the beginning of the designated section (game section where lottery table A is used), the use of lottery table B makes it possible to shift to the game section where table B is used. It is possible to temporarily suppress the improvement of the gambling property. However, if a further bonus is drawn in the game section where the lottery table B is used (although the probability is significantly lower), the game conditions in the initial game section (using the lottery table A) are reversed. Since it is advantageous, the interest of the player is different from the progress of the game so far. Specifically, instead of simply setting the goal of entering the section where the lottery table B is used, breaking through this section (entering the section where the lottery table C is used) can be set as a new goal. Since it is possible, the playability is no longer simple, and a better interest can be provided.

[Further application]
A gaming machine according to another embodiment of the present invention can adopt the following variations.
(1) A so-called battle-type presentation is adopted as a variation for further breaking through the game section in which the lottery table B is used and shifting to the game section in which the lottery table C is used. Specifically, a battle effect is performed for each game (one game), the enemy's physical strength is reduced according to the established role, and the enemy's physical strength is zero (or if the enemy is defeated), the game section where the lottery table C is used. and so on.

(2) In step S654 of FIG. 6B, the determination criterion for switching the lottery table is "whether or not you have won more than a certain number". MY may be checked, and control may be performed to switch the lottery table if the difference number MY, which is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, is reached at that time. For example, after the start of a designated section such as ART or AT, if the difference number MY reaches 1000 in the 400th G, the lottery table is switched (if not reached, the game continues without switching the lottery table), and further the difference in the 800th G For example, if the number MY reaches 2000, the lottery table is switched (if not, nothing is done).

(3) In addition, count the number of games (played) in the advantageous section, and control to switch the lottery table when a predetermined number of games is reached, or after the start of a designated section such as ART or AT, the section counts the number of remaining games to be continued (if an addition occurs, the number of remaining games is rewritten and updated), and when the number of remaining games reaches a predetermined number, the lottery table can be switched. .

As described above, the embodiments of the gaming machine and the like according to the present invention have been described based on specific examples. Examples include optical discs, magneto-optical discs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs,
CD-RW, magnetic tape, hard disk, memory card, etc.).

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 (1)

A gaming machine having a main control board,
The main control board transitions between game states including a normal section game state in which a game related to the command function is not permitted and an advantageous section game state in which a game related to the command function is permitted by a drawing performed at least for each game. to control the
When the gaming state is in the advantageous section gaming state and in a section (instruction section) in which a game related to the instruction function is permitted,
An additional lottery that adds the number of games in the indicated section is performed for each game,
The additional lottery is performed based on a first additional lottery table, a second additional lottery table, and a third additional lottery table, each of which defines a winning probability for a plurality of additional numbers,
The winning probabilities for the plurality of additional numbers defined in the second additional lottery table are set lower than the winning probabilities for the plurality of additional numbers defined in the first additional lottery table. The winning probability for the plurality of additional numbers defined in the third additional lottery table is set higher than the winning probability for the plurality of additional numbers defined in the second additional lottery table,
After the start of the designated section, the additional lottery is performed based on the first additional lottery table. A game characterized in that after the end of the game section after switching and switching to the second addition lottery table, the table is switched to the third addition lottery table regardless of the difference number MY at that time. machine.

Images