JP2008259824A - Slot machine and control method of game - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine with a new entertainment property capable of eliminating any possibility that players raise discomfort and distrust or lose interest and concern in the game. <P>SOLUTION: This slot machine is provided with a controller programmed to conduct processing of: executing a game in which game media are put out in a number according to the symbols rearranged on a symbol display device or a combination thereof; counting the number of games played after shifting to an insurance mode; putting out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games reaches a specific number; clearing the number of games and also shifting the mode to a non-insurance mode, when a game ending condition which enables a player to figure out that the game has ended is established; and upon shifting to the non-insurance mode, causing the output device to output a sound or an image for notifying the player that the mode has been shifted to the non-insurance mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a slot machine and a game control method.

Conventionally, as a slot machine, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 44 are disclosed. In a facility where such a slot machine is installed, a game can be played by inserting various game media such as coins and cash into the slot machine. Each slot machine pays out a payout according to a winning state (game result) generated by the progress of the game. Among these conventional gaming machines, for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 45, there is a slot machine in which a return to a player is performed when the loss of the game medium reaches a certain amount.

In a slot machine such as that disclosed in Patent Document 45, there are cases where the game is finished before receiving a return even though a large number of coins have been consumed. In this slot machine, if a small amount of coins is consumed, the coins can be paid out by the return. As a result, other players who were watching in the surrounding area gathered in this slot machine, and players who did not receive a return despite consuming a large number of coins were solicited for discomfort and distrust. Or may lose interest or interest in the game.

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The present invention provides a slot machine and a game control method having a new entertainment function that has a return function and can prevent a player from feeling uncomfortable or distrustful or lose interest in the game. It is intended to provide.

The present invention provides a slot machine having the following configuration.
That is, the slot machine includes a symbol display device that can rearrange a plurality of symbols. The slot machine includes a controller programmed to execute the following processes (A) to (F). (A) After a gaming medium having a predetermined maximum number of BETs or less is betted, the symbols are rearranged by the symbol display device, and the number of games corresponding to the rearranged symbols or combinations thereof A process for executing a game for paying a medium; (B) a process for shifting from a non-insurance mode to an insured mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted; (C) in the insured mode; A process for counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, (D) paying a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the above process (C) reaches a specific number When the process and (E) a game end condition that can determine that the player has finished the game are satisfied, the number of games counted by the process (C) is cleared, When the process for shifting from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode and (F) the process (E) are executed, the number of games counted by the process (C) is cleared, and the insurance mode The process which notifies that it changed to the said non-insurance mode by outputting a sound or an image from the said output device.

According to the slot machine described above, on the condition that a predetermined number (for example, 1) of game media (for example, coins or credits equivalent to coins) has been inserted, the mode shifts from the insurance (insurance) non-insurance mode to the insurance mode. In the presence mode, the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode is counted. When the counted number of games reaches a specific number (for example, 1000), a predetermined number (for example, 360) of game media is paid out (returned). Further, when a game end condition that can determine that the player has finished the game is satisfied, the counted number of games is cleared and the insurance mode is shifted to the non-insurance mode (insurance is reset). Therefore, even if a player finishes the game without receiving a return, the insurance will be reset, so other players who have been watching around will play games with this slot machine, It is possible to prevent the player from receiving a return simply by consuming the game medium. As a result, it is possible to prevent a player who has not been able to receive a return from raising discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.
Further, since the fact that the mode has been shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode is notified by outputting a sound or an image from the output device, it is possible to strongly impress the player that the mode has shifted to the non-insurance mode.

The present invention further provides a slot machine having the following configuration.
That is, the slot machine includes a symbol display device that can rearrange a plurality of symbols. The slot machine includes an output device that can output sound or an image. The slot machine includes a controller programmed to execute the following processes (A) to (G). (A) After a gaming medium having a predetermined maximum number of BETs or less is betted, the symbols are rearranged by the symbol display device, and the number of games corresponding to the rearranged symbols or combinations thereof A process for executing a game for paying a medium; (B) a process for shifting from a non-insurance mode to an insured mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted; (C) in the insured mode; A process for counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, (D) paying a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the above process (C) reaches a specific number Process (E) When a game end condition that can determine that the player has finished the game is satisfied, the number of games counted in the process (C) is cleared, and the game A process for shifting from the presence mode to the non-insurance mode, (F) a process for determining whether or not a game end notice condition that is a precondition for the completion of the game condition is satisfied, and (G) the process of (F) In the processing, when it is determined that the game end notice condition is satisfied, a process of notifying that the game end notice condition is satisfied by outputting a sound or an image from the output device.

According to the slot machine, when a game end condition that can determine that the player has finished the game is satisfied, the counted number of games is cleared and the insurance mode is shifted to the non-insurance mode. Reset). Therefore, even if a player finishes the game without receiving a return, the insurance will be reset, so other players who have been watching around will play games with this slot machine, It is possible to prevent the player from receiving a return simply by consuming the game medium. As a result, it is possible to prevent a player who has not been able to receive a return from raising discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.
In addition, when it is determined that the game end notice condition, which is the premise that the game end condition is satisfied, is notified by outputting sound or an image from the output device that the game end notice condition is satisfied. It is possible to make a strong impression on the player that the condition to be reset is approaching, and it is possible to prevent the insurance from being reset without the player being aware.

The slot machine preferably further has the following configuration.
The controller is further programmed to execute (H) a process of storing game media owned by the player as credits. The process (E) is a process for clearing the number of games counted by the process (C) and shifting from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode when the credit is exhausted. The process (F) is a process for determining that the game end notice condition is satisfied when the credit is equal to or less than a predetermined number greater than zero.

According to the slot machine, the insurance is reset when the credit is exhausted. Players often want to finish the game when they run out of credit. Therefore, by resetting the insurance when the credit is exhausted, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the player who newly started the game from receiving a return immediately.
Further, when the credit becomes a predetermined number greater than zero (for example, 10) or less, it is determined that the game end notice condition is satisfied, and it is notified that the game end condition is satisfied. In the meantime, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the insurance from being reset.

The slot machine preferably further has the following configuration.
The controller is further programmed to execute (I) a process of measuring an elapsed time since the game was last executed. Further, the process (E) clears the number of games counted by the process (C) when the elapsed time measured by the process (I) reaches a certain time, and the insurance mode Is a process of shifting from the above to the non-insurance mode. The process (F) is a process for determining that the game end notice condition is satisfied when the elapsed time reaches a notice time shorter than the predetermined time by a predetermined time.

According to the slot machine, the elapsed time since the game was last executed is measured, and when this elapsed time reaches a certain time (for example, 3 minutes), the insurance is reset. If the next game is not executed even after a certain time has elapsed since the last game was executed, the player who had executed the game before the certain time elapsed often finished the game. Therefore, by resetting the insurance when the elapsed time since the last game was executed reaches a certain time, it is better to prevent the player who newly started the game from receiving a return immediately. can do.
In addition, when the elapsed time reaches a notice time shorter than the fixed time by a predetermined time (for example, 150 seconds when the fixed time is 180 seconds), it is determined that the game end notice condition is satisfied, and the game end condition is satisfied. Since it has been notified, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the insurance from being reset without the player's knowledge.

The slot machine preferably further has the following configuration.
A BET button that allows a player to input a BET is provided. The process (I) is a process for measuring an elapsed time since the last input from the BET button was detected.

According to the slot machine, the insurance is reset when the elapsed time since the last input from the BET button has reached a certain time. If the BET button is not operated even after a certain period of time has elapsed since the last time the BET button was operated, the player who was executing the game before the lapse of the predetermined time often finished the game. Therefore, it is more appropriate that the player who newly started the game receives a return immediately by resetting the insurance when the elapsed time since the last BET button operation has reached a certain time. Can be prevented.
In addition, when the elapsed time reaches a notice time shorter than the fixed time by a predetermined time (for example, 150 seconds when the fixed time is 180 seconds), it is determined that the game end notice condition is satisfied, and the game end condition is satisfied. Since it has been notified, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the insurance from being reset without the player's knowledge.

The present invention further provides a game control method including the following steps.
That is, in the game control method, (A) a plurality of symbols are rearranged by a symbol display device capable of rearranging a plurality of symbols after a gaming medium having a predetermined maximum BET number is bet. And executing a game for paying a number of game media according to the rearranged symbols or a combination thereof. The game control method includes a step (B) of transitioning from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted. Further, the game control method includes a step (C) of counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode in the insurance mode. The game control method includes a step (D) paying a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the step (C) reaches a specific number. Further, the game control method (E) clears the number of games counted in the step (C) when a game end condition that can be determined by the player to finish the game is satisfied, and starts from the insurance mode. Including the step of transitioning to the non-insurance mode. The game control method clears the number of games counted in the step (C) when the step (F) (E) is executed, and shifts from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode. This is notified by outputting a sound or an image from the output device.

According to the above game control method, on the condition that a predetermined number (for example, 1) of game media (for example, coins or credits equivalent to coins) has been inserted, the mode shifts from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode, In the insurance mode, the number of games played after the transition to the insurance mode is counted. When the counted number of games reaches a specific number (for example, 1000), a predetermined number (for example, 360) of game media is paid out (returned). Further, when a game end condition that can determine that the player has finished the game is satisfied, the counted number of games is cleared and the insurance mode is shifted to the non-insurance mode (insurance is reset). Therefore, even if a player finishes the game without receiving a return, the insurance will be reset, so other players who have been watching around will play games with this slot machine, It is possible to prevent the player from receiving a return simply by consuming the game medium. As a result, it is possible to prevent a player who has not been able to receive a return from raising discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.
Further, since the fact that the mode has been shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode is notified by outputting a sound or an image from the output device, it is possible to make a strong impression on the player that the mode has shifted to the non-insurance mode.

According to the present invention, there is provided a slot machine and game control having a new entertainment function that has a return function and can prevent a player from feeling uncomfortable or distrustful or lose interest in the game. A method can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In the slot machine 10, coins, bills, or electronic valuable information corresponding to these are used as game media. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include medals, tokens, electronic money, and tickets. The ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a ticket with a barcode as described later.

The slot machine 10 includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided on the front surface of the cabinet 11. Inside the cabinet 11, three reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) are rotatably provided. On the outer peripheral surface of each reel 14, a symbol row composed of 22 symbols (hereinafter also referred to as symbols) is drawn.
The reel 14 corresponds to the symbol display device of the present invention.

A lower image display panel 16 is provided in front of each reel 14 in the main door 13. The lower image display panel 16 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel, and various information related to the game, effect images, and the like are displayed during the game.

The lower image display panel 16 is formed with three display windows 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) whose rear surface can be visually recognized, and is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 14 through each display window 15. Three symbols are displayed each. The lower image display panel 16 is formed with a single winning line L that horizontally crosses the three display windows 15. The winning line L defines a combination of symbols. When the combination of symbols rearranged on the winning line L is a predetermined combination, the number of coins corresponding to the combination and the number of coins inserted (BET number) is paid out.

In the present invention, for example, a plurality of pay lines L are formed which cross the three display windows 15 horizontally or diagonally, and the number of pay lines L corresponding to the number of coins inserted is activated. When the combination of symbols rearranged on the activated pay line L is a predetermined combination, the number of coins corresponding to the combination may be paid out.
Further, regardless of the combination of symbols, when a specific symbol (a so-called scatter symbol) is rearranged in the display window, coins corresponding to the number of the symbols may be paid out.

Further, although not shown, a touch panel 69 is provided on the front surface of the lower image display panel 16, and the player can input various instructions by operating the touch panel 69.

Below the lower image display panel 16, a control panel 20 including a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 into which instructions relating to game progress are input by a player, a coin receiving slot 21 for receiving coins into the cabinet 11, and banknotes A discriminator 22 is provided.

The control panel 20 is provided with a spin button 23, a change button 24, a cashout button 25, a 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET button 27. The spin button 23 is for inputting an instruction to start the rotation of the reel 14. The change button 24 is used when requesting a change of money from an attendant of the game facility. The cashout button 25 is used to input an instruction to pay out the credited coins to the coin tray 18. The cashout button 25 corresponds to a collect button and an input button of the present invention.

The 1-BET button 26 is used to input an instruction to bet one coin among the credited coins on the game. The maximum BET button 27 is used to input an instruction to bet a coin on a maximum number of BETs (three in this embodiment) that can be bet on one game among credited coins. . The maximum number of BETs may be configured so that a casino operator, a store clerk, or the like can set it. The 1-BET button 26 and the maximum BET button 27 correspond to the BET button in the present invention.

The banknote discriminator 22 recognizes the suitability of banknotes and accepts regular banknotes in the cabinet 11. Note that the bill validator 22 may be configured to be able to read a barcode-added ticket 39 to be described later. On the lower front surface of the main door 13, that is, below the control panel 20, a berry glass 34 on which a character of the slot machine 10 is drawn is provided.

An upper image display panel 33 is provided on the front surface of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 33 includes a liquid crystal panel, and displays, for example, an effect image, an introduction of game contents, and an explanation of game rules.

The top box 12 is provided with a speaker 29. The speaker 29 corresponds to the output device of the present invention. Below the upper image display panel 33, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36 (see FIG. 2), a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are provided. The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and an identification number of the slot machine 10 is encoded, and outputs it as a ticket 39 with bar code. A player reads a ticket 39 with a barcode into another slot machine and plays a game with the slot machine, or exchanges the ticket 39 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in a gaming facility (for example, a cashier in a casino). You can do it.

The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card inserted into the card slot 36a and writes data to the smart card. The smart card is a card possessed by the player, and stores, for example, data for identifying the player (identification data) and data relating to a history of games played by the player. The smart card may store data corresponding to coins, bills, or credits. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted instead of the smart card. The card reader 36 corresponds to the reader of the present invention. The card slot 36a corresponds to the card slot of the present invention. The smart card corresponds to the card of the present invention. The data display 37 is composed of a fluorescent display or the like and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 36 or data input by the player through the keypad 38. The keypad 38 is used for inputting instructions and data related to ticket issuance and the like.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG.
The gaming board 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and an IC socket corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54 connected to each other via an internal bus. 54S.

The memory card 53 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a compact flash (registered trademark), and stores a game program and a game system program. The game program includes a stop symbol determination program. The stop symbol determination program is a program for determining a symbol (code No. corresponding to a symbol) of each reel 14 to be rearranged on the winning line L. The stop symbol determination program includes symbol weighting data corresponding to each of a plurality of types of payout rates (for example, 80%, 84%, and 88%). The symbol weighting data is the code number of each symbol for each of the three reels 14. (See FIG. 29) is data indicating a correspondence relationship between one random number value and one or a plurality of random values belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0 to 256). The payout rate is determined based on the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54, and the symbols to be rearranged are determined based on the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate.

The card slot 53S is configured so that the memory card 53 can be inserted and removed, and is connected to the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, by extracting the memory card 53 from the card slot 53S, writing another game program and game system program in the memory card 53, and inserting the memory card 53 into the card slot 53S, The contents can be changed. Further, by replacing the memory card 53 storing one game program and game system program with a memory card 53 storing another game program and game system program, the types and contents of games played in the slot machine 10 can be changed. It is also possible to change.
The game program includes a program related to game progress. Also, in order to notify the game program that the image data and sound data output during the game, the image data and sound data for notifying that the insurance mode has been shifted, and the fact that the mode has been shifted to the non-insurance mode are notified. Image data, sound data, and the like.

The GAL 54 is a kind of PLD having an OR fixed type array structure. The GAL 54 includes a plurality of input ports and output ports. When predetermined data is input to the input port, the GAL 54 outputs data corresponding to the data from the output port. The data output from this output port is the aforementioned payout rate setting data.
The IC socket 54S is configured so that the GAL 54 can be attached and detached, and is connected to the mother board 40 by a PCI bus. Therefore, the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 can be changed by extracting the GAL 54 from the IC socket 54S, rewriting the program stored in the GAL 54, and attaching the GAL 54 to the IC socket 54S. Also, the payout rate setting data can be changed by replacing the GAL 54 with another GAL 54.

The CPU 51, the ROM 55, and the boot ROM 52 connected to each other by an internal bus are connected to the motherboard 40 by a PCI bus. The PCI bus transmits signals between the motherboard 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power from the motherboard 40 to the gaming board 50. The ROM 55 stores country identification information and an authentication program. The boot ROM 52 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) for the CPU 51 to start the preliminary authentication program.

The authentication program is a program (tamper check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The authentication program is described in accordance with a procedure (authentication procedure) for verifying and verifying that the game program and game system program to be authenticated are not falsified, that is, authenticating the game program and game system program. Has been. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the above-described authentication program. The preliminary authentication program is described in accordance with a proof that the authentication program to be authenticated has not been falsified, that is, a procedure for authenticating the authentication program (authentication procedure).

The motherboard 40 is configured by using a commercially available general-purpose motherboard (printed wiring board on which basic components of a personal computer are mounted), a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication. Interface 44. The main CPU 41, ROM 42 and RAM 43 mounted on the mother board 40 constitute the controller of the present invention.

The ROM 42 includes a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a basic input / output system (BIOS) executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, initialization processing of predetermined peripheral devices is performed, and acquisition processing of the game program and game system program stored in the memory card 53 via the gaming board 50 is started. The In the present invention, the ROM 42 may be rewritable or impossible.

The RAM 43 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 41 operates. Further, the RAM 43 can store an authentication program, a game program, and a game system program that are read out via the gaming board 50.

The RAM 43 is provided with a storage area for insurance mode flags. The insurance mode flag is a flag indicating whether the insurance mode or the non-insurance mode. The storage area for the insurance mode flag is, for example, a storage area having a predetermined number of bits, and the insurance mode flag is “ON” or “OFF” depending on the storage contents in the storage area. The insurance mode flag “ON” indicates the insurance mode, and the insurance mode flag “OFF” indicates the non-insurance mode.
Further, the RAM 43 is provided with a data storage area indicating the number of games C.
Further, the RAM 43 stores data such as the number of credits, the number of insertions and the number of payouts in one game. The communication interface 44 is for communicating with an external device such as a casino server via the communication line 101.

Further, a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80, which will be described later, are connected to the mother board 40 by USB. Further, a power supply unit 45 is connected to the mother board 40. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 45 to the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 of the mother board 40 is activated, and power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus to activate the CPU 51.

The main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected to devices and devices that generate input signals input to the main CPU 41 and devices and devices whose operations are controlled by control signals output from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes a predetermined arithmetic process by executing a game program and a game system program stored in the RAM 43 based on an input signal input to the main CPU 41, and stores the result in the RAM 43. A control signal is transmitted to each device or apparatus as a control process for the device or apparatus.

The main body PCB 60 includes a lamp 30, a sub CPU 61, a hopper 66, a coin detection unit 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 29, a touch panel 69, a bill validator 22, a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a key switch 38S, and a data display 37. Is connected. The lamp 30 is lit in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. Specifically, the lamp 30 blinks, for example, during the countdown display described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 13, and the blinking is accelerated as the countdown approaches zero. The lamp 30 may be a rotating lamp, and the rotation speed may be increased as the countdown approaches zero.

The sub CPU 61 controls the rotation and stop of the reels 14 (14L, 14C, 14R). A motor drive circuit 62 including an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) 63 and a driver 64 is connected to the sub CPU 61. The FPGA 63 is a programmable electronic circuit such as an LSI and functions as a control circuit for the stepping motor 70. The driver 64 functions as a circuit for amplifying pulses input to the stepping motor 70. A stepping motor 70 (70L, 70C, 70R) that rotates each reel 14 is connected to the motor drive circuit 62. The stepping motor 70 is a 1-2 phase excitation type stepping motor.

In the present invention, the excitation method of the stepping motor is not particularly limited, and for example, a two-phase excitation method, a one-phase excitation method, or the like can be adopted. Moreover, it is good also as employ | adopting a DC motor instead of a stepping motor. When a DC motor is employed, a deviation counter, a D / A converter, and a servo amplifier are sequentially connected to the sub CPU 61, and the DC motor is connected to the servo amplifier. The rotational position of the DC motor is detected by a rotary encoder, and the current rotational position of the DC motor is supplied as data from the rotary encoder to the deviation counter.

Further, an index detection circuit 65 and a position detection change circuit 71 are connected to the sub CPU 61. The index detection circuit 65 detects the position of a rotating reel 14 (an index to be described later), and can detect the step-out of the reel 14. The control of the rotation and stop of the reel 14 will be described in detail later with reference to the drawings.

The position change detection circuit 71 detects a change in the stop position of the reel 14 after the rotation of the reel 14 is stopped. For example, the position change detection circuit 71 may detect that the stop position has been changed by a player to be a combination of symbols that forcibly wins a prize, even though it is not actually a combination of symbols that will win a prize. The change of the stop position of the reel 14 related to the above is detected. The position change detection circuit 71 is configured to detect a change in the stop position of the reel 14 by detecting fins (not shown) attached to the inner portion of the reel 14 at a predetermined interval, for example.

The hopper 66 is installed in the cabinet 11 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout opening 19 to the coin tray 18 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The coin detector 67 is provided inside the coin payout exit 19 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when it detects that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout exit 19. .

The graphic board 68 controls image display on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41. The credit amount display unit 31 of the lower image display panel 16 displays the credit amount stored in the RAM 43. In addition, the payout number display section 31 of the lower image display panel 16 displays the number of coins paid out.
The graphic board 68 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, a video RAM that temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. Note that the image data used when generating the image data by VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored in the RAM 43.

The bill validator 22 recognizes whether or not a bill is appropriate and accepts a regular bill into the cabinet 11. When the bill validator 22 accepts a regular bill, it outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on the amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores the number of credits corresponding to the amount of bills transmitted by the input signal in the RAM 43.

Based on the control signal output from the main CPU 41, the ticket printer 35 prints on the ticket a barcode in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and identification number of the slot machine 10 stored in the RAM 43 is encoded. Output as a ticket 39 with code. The ticket printer 35 corresponds to the ticket printer of the present invention. The card reader 36 reads data from the smart card and transmits it to the main CPU 41, or writes data to the smart card based on a control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when the keypad 38 is operated by the player. The data display 37 displays data read by the card reader 36 or data input by the player via the keypad 38 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

A control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81 are connected to the door PCB 80. The control panel 20 includes a spin switch 23S corresponding to the spin button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUT switch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26, A maximum BET switch 27S corresponding to the maximum BET button 27 is provided. Each of the switches 23S to 27S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when the corresponding button 23 to 27 is operated by the player.

The coin counter 21 </ b> C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 21 and identifies whether or not the coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 by the player is appropriate. Items other than regular coins are discharged from the coin payout exit 19. The coin counter 21 </ b> C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when a regular coin is detected.

The reverter 21S operates based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41, and a coin (not shown) installed in the slot machine 10 is a coin recognized as a regular coin by the coin counter 21C. Or, it is distributed to the hopper 66. That is, when the hopper 66 is filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins, regular coins are distributed to the hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a backlight installed on the back side of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33, and lights up based on a control signal output from the main CPU 41.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a payout table in the present embodiment.
“DOUBLE”, “3BAR”, “2BAR”, “1BAR”, and “CHERRY” in the payout table indicate the types of symbols drawn on each reel 14. In addition to the above symbols, a bonus trigger that is a symbol corresponding to “GIF BONUS” and other symbols are also drawn on each reel 14. Note that “ANY BAR” in the payout table indicates “3BAR”, “2BAR” or “1BAR”, and “ANY” indicates an arbitrary symbol.

The combination of symbols shown in the payout table indicates a combination, and each combination is set with the number of coins to be paid out according to the number of BETs.
When the combination of symbols rearranged by each reel 14 is a combination of “GIFT BONUS” bonus triggers, a predetermined number of coins are paid out as a jackpot. A numerical value corresponding to “GIF BONUS” described in the payout table indicates an expected value of the coin payout number, and is constant regardless of the BET number. Accordingly, the probability of “GIF BONUS” is high with 1 BET and the number of coin payouts is small, but the probability of “GIF BONUS” is low with MAXBET, and the coin payout number is increased. This probability is set by symbol weighting data.

The jackpot is provided with four types “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR”, and “MINI” in descending order of the number of coins to be paid out. The occurrence probability of these jackpots is set to be lower as the number of coins to be paid out is larger, and which jackpot is established is randomly determined using a random value. Note that the expected value of the number of coins paid out in each jackpot is constant.

When the 1-BET button 26 or the maximum BET button 27 is pressed and the spin button 23 is pressed to start the game, the symbol row drawn on each reel 14 is displayed along with the rotation of the reel 14. The window 15 is scrolled from the upper side to the lower side, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the reels 14 are rearranged as the rotation of the reel 14 stops. Furthermore, when various combinations are determined based on combinations of symbols, and the combination of symbols corresponding to combinations stops on the winning line L, the number of coins paid out according to the combination is determined by the player. It is added to the credits owned. When the combination of “GIFT BONUS” bonus triggers is established, a predetermined payout amount is added to the credits owned by the player.

In the present embodiment, a case where coins are paid out by jackpot when a combination of bonus triggers is established will be described. However, in the present invention, a gaming state that occurs when a combination of bonus triggers is established is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a free game, a second game, and a mystery bonus. Further, when a bonus trigger is established, a ticket 39 with a barcode on which predetermined information is printed may be issued.

In the payout table, a combination of symbols indicated in italics is a combination in which the number of coins to be paid out is 180 or more when established in a MAXBET game.
In a game played in MAXBET during the insurance mode, if any one of these symbol combinations is established, the insurance mode is shifted to the non-insurance mode.

Here, insurance (insurance) in the slot machine 10 will be described.
The slot machine 10 has two modes for insurance, an insurance mode “RESCUE PAY ON” and a non-insurance mode “RESCUE PAY OFF”.
Immediately after the slot machine 10 is turned on, the non-insurance mode is set, and the mode is shifted to the insurance mode when a predetermined number of game media are inserted.
In the insurance mode, the number of games since the transition to the insurance mode is counted.
When the number of games counted in the insurance mode reaches 1000, 360 coins are paid out (RESCUE PAY).
However, in the game played in MAXBET during the insurance mode, if a combination with a coin payout number of 180 or more is established, the counted number of games is cleared and the insurance mode is started as described above. Transition to non-insurance mode.

Next, game flows [P01] to [P20] performed in the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
4 to 13 are views showing images displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 included in the slot machine 10.
In the figure, reference numeral 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) denotes a display window. Reference numeral 31 denotes a credit number display section. Reference numeral 32 denotes a payout number display section. L indicates a winning line.

[P01]
In the non-insurance mode, as shown in FIG. 4, an image 92 a indicating “RESCUE OFF” is displayed on the upper image display panel 33. The image 92a is an image indicating that the current gaming state is the non-insurance mode.
In addition, a normal effect image 94 a is displayed on the lower image display panel 16.
Further, a button-type image 90 a indicating “BET FOR RESCUE PAY MORE INFO” is displayed in the lower right portion of the lower image display panel 16. The button-type image 90a is an image for requesting input of a command for outputting information on the insurance mode.
The player can input a command to output information related to the insurance mode by touching a predetermined portion of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the button-type image 90a.

[P02]
When the above command is input, the lower image display panel 16 displays an image 91 indicating information on the insurance mode.
The image 91 includes information related to the insurance mode as follows.
(I) The number of times a predetermined number of coins are paid when the number of games reaches, that is, a specific number (1000),
(II) Number of coins paid when the number of games reaches a specific number (360),
(III) When a game that is MAXBET and the number of coins to be paid out is 180 before the number of games reaches a specific number, the number of games is cleared, that is, the game number clear condition,
(IV) When a game with a MAXBET and the number of coins paid out is 180 before the number of games reaches a specific number, the transition from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode, that is, the insurance cancellation condition,
(V) Counting of games played in MAXBET, that is, games to be counted, and
(VI) Number of credits (1) necessary for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode.

In addition, the image 91 includes information requesting selection of whether or not to shift from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode, and a button type image “YES” 91a and a button type image “NO” 91b.
When a predetermined area of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the button type image “NO” 91a is touched by the player, the image shown in [P1] is displayed on the lower image display panel 16.
On the other hand, when a predetermined area of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the button type image “YES” 91b is touched by the player, the mode shifts from the non-insurance mode to the insurance mode.

[P03]
When the mode is shifted to the insurance mode, as shown in FIG. 5, an image 92 b indicating “RESCUE ON” is displayed on the upper image display panel 33. The image 92b is an image indicating that the current gaming state is the insurance mode.
Further, a normal effect image 94b is displayed on the lower image display panel 16. The normal effect image 94b in the insurance mode is different from the normal effect image 94a in the non-insurance mode. However, these images are randomly selected and displayed using random numbers, and is the insurance mode? It is not selected depending on whether or not there is a non-insurance mode.
Further, a button-type image 90 b indicating “RESCUE ON MORE INFO” is displayed in the lower right portion of the lower image display panel 16. The button-type image 90b is an image for indicating that the current gaming state is the insurance mode and inputting a command to output information on the insurance mode.
When a predetermined portion of the touch panel 69 corresponding to the display area of the button-type image 90b is touched by the player, the image shown in [P02] is displayed on the lower image display panel 16.

Also, below the button-type image 90b, when the number of games (a game to be counted) that is performed by MAXBET and the number of coins paid out is 2 or less reaches a specific number, An image 93 indicating that a coin is paid is displayed.

[P04]
When the game is started in the insurance mode, the normal effect image 94c is displayed on the lower image display panel 16 and the button-type image 90b and the image 93 are continued in the first game in the insurance mode. Is displayed. The image 93 shows that 360 coins are paid when the game to be counted is played 1000 more times.

[P05]
In the second game in the insurance mode, the normal effect image 94d is displayed and the image 93 is continuously displayed. The image 93 shows that 360 coins are paid when the game to be counted is played 999 times.
As described above, in the slot machine 10, the image 93 indicating the remaining number of games from the time when the game in the insurance mode is started until the number of games to be counted reaches a specific number is displayed on the lower image. It is displayed on the panel 16. Thereafter, the remaining number of games is counted down in the image 93 unless the above-described game number clearing condition or insurance cancellation condition is satisfied. As described above, in the insurance mode, the normal effect image 94 is displayed until the number of games reaches 990 (notice setting value).

[P06]
When the number of games in the insurance mode reaches 990 (notice setting value), as shown in FIG. 6, the upper image display panel 33 has an image 92b indicating that the current gaming state is the insurance mode. In addition to the display, an image 96 indicating that the remaining number of games until the number of games to be counted reaches a specific number is 10 games is displayed.
The lower image display panel 16 also displays an image 97 indicating that the remaining number of games until the number of games to be counted reaches a specific number is 10 games.
Further, a specific effect image 95a is displayed on the lower image display panel 16. The specific effect image 95 is displayed after the number of games to be counted reaches the notice setting value in the insurance mode.

[P07]
When the number of games in the insurance mode becomes 991, the remaining number of games indicated by the image 96 displayed on the upper image display panel 33 changes from 10 games to 9 games.
The lower image display panel 16 also displays an image 93 indicating that the remaining number of games is nine until the number of games to be counted reaches a specific number.
Further, a specific effect image 95b is displayed on the lower image display panel 16.
The specific effect image 95b is a video having contents continued from the specific effect image 95a in [P06].

[P08] to [P15]
Thereafter, as the number of games in the insurance mode increases, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the remaining number of games indicated by the image 96 displayed on the upper image display panel 33 gradually decreases. In the lower image display panel 16, the remaining number of games indicated by the image 93 is gradually reduced. Furthermore, specific effect images 95c to 95j are sequentially displayed on the lower image display panel 16 according to the number of remaining games.
The specific effect image 95 is a video in which a character (angel) performs a series of actions (appearing and spreading wings), and each of the specific effect images 95a to 95j includes a plurality of specific effect images 95 along the time axis. Divided into two.

[P16]
When the number of games in the insurance mode reaches a specific number, 360 coins (credits) are paid out.
At this time, on the upper image display panel 33, as shown in FIG. 11, an image 97a indicating that coins are paid out based on the number of games in the insurance mode reaching a specific number is displayed. ing. A similar image 97 b is also displayed on the lower left side of the lower image display panel 16.
Further, the lower image display panel 16 displays a specific effect image 95h having contents continued from the specific effect images 95a to 95j. Further, a specific effect image 95h ′ is displayed on the display window 15 (15L, 15C, 15R).

[P17]
In the game where the number of games in the insurance mode has reached a specific number, when a predetermined combination is established, coins are paid out based on the fact that the number of games in the insurance mode has reached a specific number. After that, coins are paid out based on the combination.
At this time, the specific effect image 95h is continuously displayed on the lower image display panel 16, but the specific effect image 95h ′ on the display window 15 disappears and the reel 14 can be visually recognized.
Also, an image 97c indicating that coins are paid out according to the combination is displayed on the lower left side of the lower image display panel 16.

[P18]
When the game in which the number of games in the insurance mode has reached a specific number is completed, the number of games is cleared and the mode is shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode.
At this time, an image 98 indicating “RESCUE OFF” is displayed on the lower image display panel 16. The image 98 is an image showing that the mode has been shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode.

[P19]
When the combination of symbols “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR” with coin payout is established when the number of games has not reached 990 (notice setting value) in the insurance mode, as shown in FIG. The upper image display panel 33 displays an image 97d indicating “45CREDITS”.
The image 97d is an image showing the number of coins paid out by the symbol combination "BAR"-"BAR"-"BAR".
The upper image display panel 33 displays an image 92b indicating “RESCUE ON”. The image 92b is an image indicating that the current gaming state is the insurance mode.
On the lower image display panel 16, an effect image 94e corresponding to the symbol combination "BAR"-"BAR"-"BAR" is displayed. Further, the lower image display panel 16 displays an image 93 indicating the number of remaining games until the number of games to be counted reaches a specific number, and the symbol combination “BAR”-“BAR”- An image 97c indicating the number of coins to be paid out by “BAR” is displayed.

[P20]
In the insurance mode, after the number of games reaches 990 (preliminary setting value), the combination of symbols “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR” with coin payout is established as in [P19]. Is displayed on the lower image display panel 16 as an image 97c indicating the number of coins to be paid out by the symbol combination “BAR”-“BAR”-“BAR”.
However, the effect image 94e corresponding to the symbol combination "BAR"-"BAR"-"BAR" is not displayed, and the specific effect image 95c is displayed as in [P08] (see FIG. 7). Other images are displayed in the same manner as [P08].

[P21]
In the insurance mode, when the symbol combination “DOUBLE”-“DOUBLE”-“DOUBLE” with the payout of 180 coins or more is established, the upper image display panel 33 displays “2400CREDITS” as shown in FIG. Is displayed.
The image 97e is an image showing the number of coins paid out by the symbol combination “DOUBLE” − “DOUBLE” − “DOUBLE”.
The upper image display panel 33 displays an image 92b indicating “RESCUE ON”. The image 92b is an image indicating that the current gaming state is the insurance mode.
On the lower image display panel 16, an effect image 94e corresponding to the symbol combination "DOUBLE"-"DOUBLE"-"DOUBLE" is displayed. Further, the lower image display panel 16 displays an image 93 indicating the number of remaining games until the number of games to be counted reaches a specific number, and the symbol combinations “DOUBLE” − “DOUBLE” − An image 97d indicating the number of coins paid out by “DOUBLE” is displayed.

[P22]
In the insurance mode, when a combination of symbols accompanied by the payout of 180 coins or more is established, the mode shifts from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode.
At this time, an image 92 a indicating “RESCUE OFF” is displayed on the upper image display panel 33. The image 92a is an image indicating that the current gaming state is the non-insurance mode.
The lower image display panel 16 displays an image 98 indicating “RESCUE OFF”. The image 98 is an image showing that the mode has been shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode.

Next, processing performed in the slot machine 10 will be described.
[Main processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing main processing performed in the slot machine 10.
First, in the slot machine 10, a startup process is performed (step S101). The activation process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.
When the main CPU 41 receives a detection signal output from the coin counter 21C when the coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 is detected by the coin counter 21C after the activation process, A process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is performed.

After the process of step S101, the slot machine 10 displays a non-insurance mode image (step S102). In this processing, the main CPU 41 transmits a non-insurance mode image drawing command to the graphic board 68. In the graphic board 68, based on the drawing command, the VDP extracts image data from the RAM 43 and develops it in the video RAM to generate one frame of image data. This image data is used as the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image. The data is output to the display panel 16. As a result, for example, an image as shown in [P01] (see FIG. 4) is displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the current gaming state is the insurance mode, that is, whether or not the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 is “ON” (step S103).

If it is determined in step S103 that the current gaming state is not the insurance mode, the game execution process A (non-insurance mode) is executed (step S200), and then the process returns to step S103. The game execution process A will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the current gaming state is the insurance mode, it is determined whether or not the number of games C stored in the RAM 43 is less than the preset notice value (990 in the present embodiment) ( Step S104).

If it is determined in step S104 that the number of games C is less than the notice set value, a game execution process (insurance mode / before reaching the notice set value) is executed (step S300), and then the process returns to step S104. The game execution process B will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

On the other hand, in step S104, if it is determined that the number of games C is not less than the preset notice value, that is, greater than or equal to the preset notice value, the number of games C stored in the RAM 43 is less than a value (999) smaller than the specific number. Is determined (step S105).

If it is determined in step S105 that the number of games C is less than one value less than the specified number, the game number C does not reach the specified number in the next game, so the game execution process C (insurance mode / notice setting value) (After arrival) is executed (step S400), and then the process returns to step S103. The game execution process C will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

If it is determined in step S105 that the number of games C is one value smaller than the specified number, the game number C may reach the specified number in the next game. (When the specific number of times is reached) is executed (step S500), and then the process returns to step S103. The game execution process D will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

In the slot machine 10, as described above, when the non-insurance mode image is displayed ([P01] see FIG. 4), insurance setting processing is performed at a predetermined cycle.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of insurance setting processing.
First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the button type image “RESCUE PAY” 90a included in the image shown in [P01] displayed on the lower image display panel 16 is touched, that is, in the display area of the button type image 90a. It is determined whether or not a detection signal output from the touch panel 69 when a predetermined portion of the corresponding touch panel 69 is touched (step S110). If it is determined that the button-type image 90a is not touched, this subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the button-type image 90a has been touched, an insurance information image (including a button-type image “YES” 91a and a button-type image “NO” 91b for “RESCUE ON” on the lower image display panel 16 is displayed. [P02] (see FIG. 4) is displayed (step S111).

Next, it is determined whether or not the button type image “YES” 91a is touched (step S112). If it is determined in step S112 that the button type image “YES” 91a has not been touched, it is determined whether or not the button type image “NO” 91b has been touched (step S113). On the other hand, if it is determined that the touch is not performed, the process returns to step S111.

When the button type image “YES” 91a is touched in step S112, the main CPU 41 performs a process of subtracting a predetermined number (1 in the present embodiment) of the number of credits from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 ( Step S114).
Note that instead of the number of credits, a corresponding bill or coin may be inserted.
Next, the main CPU 41 shifts to the insurance mode by setting the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 to “ON” (step S115).
Next, the main CPU 41 sets the number of games C = 0 in the data storage area indicating the number of games C provided in the RAM 43, and starts counting the number of games (step S116).
Next, the insurance mode image shown in [P03] (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S117). The insurance mode image includes an image 93 indicating the number of remaining games until the number of games to be counted reaches a specific number. After the process of step S117, this subroutine is terminated.

[Game execution processing A (non-insurance mode)]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game execution processing A that is called and executed in step S200 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
First, the main CPU 41 performs a process of displaying a non-insurance mode image ([P01] see FIG. 4) on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S201).
Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin has been bet (step S202). In this process, the main CPU 41 outputs an input signal output from the 1-BET switch 26S when the 1-BET button 26 is operated, or is output from the maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is operated. It is determined whether an input signal is received. If it is determined that no coin is bet, the process returns to step S202.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that a coin has been betted, the main CPU 41 performs a process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 in accordance with the number of coins bet (step S203). If the number of coins bet is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the process returns to step S202 without performing the process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. When the number of coins bet exceeds the upper limit (three in this embodiment) that can be bet on one game, a process of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is performed. Instead, the process proceeds to step S204.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the spin button 23 has been turned on (step S204). In this process, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal output from the spin switch 23S when the spin button 23 is pressed is received.
If it is determined that the spin button 23 is not turned on, the process returns to step S202. When the spin button 23 is not turned on (for example, when an instruction to end the game is input without the spin button 23 being turned on), the main CPU 41 cancels the subtraction result in step S203. .

In the present embodiment, after a coin is bet (step S202), before determining whether the spin button 23 is turned on (step S204), a process of subtracting the number of credits (step S203) is performed. explain. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, after a coin is bet (step S202), it is determined whether or not the spin button 23 is turned on (step S204), and if it is determined that the spin button 23 is turned on (step S204: YES), the number of credits It is good also as performing the process (step S203) which subtracts.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 in FIG. 16 that the spin button 23 has been turned ON, the main CPU 41 performs processing for displaying a normal effect image (for example, a normal effect image 94a). In the present embodiment, the normal effect image 94 is displayed before the spin button 23 is turned on, and a different normal effect image 94 is displayed after the spin button 23 is turned on. In the present invention, the normal effect image 94 may be displayed after the spin button 23 is turned on.

Next, the main CPU 41 performs a stop symbol determination process (step S206). In this stop symbol determination process, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) executes the stop symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43 (storage device), thereby the code No. at the stop of each reel 14. To decide. Thereby, a combination of symbols to be rearranged is determined. This processing will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 26 and 29. In the present embodiment, a case is described in which one combination is determined from a plurality of types by determining a combination of symbols to be rearranged. In the present invention, for example, first, a random value is determined. It is good also as determining one combination chosen from a plurality of kinds of combinations at random, and then determining a combination of symbols to be rearranged based on the combination.

Next, the main CPU 41 performs a reel rotation control process (step S207). This process is a process of stopping the rotation of each reel so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination determined in step S206 is rearranged on the winning line L after starting the rotation of all the reels 14. . This process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. Next, the main CPU 41 displays an effect image corresponding to the rearranged symbols or a combination thereof on the lower image display panel 16 (step S208).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a bonus trigger has been established (step S220). If it is determined that the bonus trigger has been established, one of the four types of jackpots “GRAND”, “MAJOR”, “MINOR” and “MINI” is selected using a random value. Then, a predetermined number of coins are paid out in the jackpot (step S223). When storing coins, the main CPU 41 performs a process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, when paying out coins, the main CPU 41 sends a control signal to the hopper 66 to pay out a predetermined number of coins. At that time, the coin detection unit 67 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 66, and transmits a payout completion signal to the main CPU 41 when the counted value reaches a designated number. As a result, the main CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 66 and ends the coin payout process. Thereafter, this subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, when determining in step S220 that the bonus trigger has not been established, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established (step S221). When determining that a winning combination has been established, the main CPU 41 pays out coins according to the number of BETs and the winning combination (step S222). If it is determined in step S221 that no combination is established, or if the process of step S222 or S223 is executed, this subroutine is terminated.

[Game Execution Process B (Insurance Mode / Before Reaching Setpoint)]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process B that is called and executed in step S300 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
First, the main CPU 41 performs a process of displaying an insurance mode image ([P03] see FIG. 5) on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S301).
Thereafter, the processes of steps S302 to S307 are performed. These processes are the same as the processes of steps S202 to S207 shown in FIG.
Next, the main CPU 41 displays an effect image ([P04], [P05] see FIG. 5) corresponding to the rearranged symbols or a combination thereof on the lower image display panel 16 (step S308).

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a bonus trigger has been established (step S320), and if it is determined that a bonus trigger has been established, performs a jackpot payout process (step S323).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S320 that the bonus trigger has not been established, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established (step S321). If the main CPU 41 determines that a winning combination has been established, Then, coins are paid out according to the number of BETs and the combination (step S322). If it is determined in step S321 that a winning combination has not been established, the process proceeds to step S330.

When the process of step S322 or S323 is executed, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the current game is played with a MAXBET and the number of coins paid out in step S322 or S323 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (180 in this embodiment). It is determined whether or not (step S330).

In step S330, when it is determined that the current game is played by MAXBET and the number of coins to be paid out is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the main CPU 41 increments the number of games C stored in the RAM 43 (C = C + 1). (Step S332), this subroutine is terminated.

In step S330, when it is determined that the current game is played with MAXBET and the number of coins to be paid out is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (180), the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 to “OFF”. To set to the non-insurance mode (step S340).
Next, the main CPU 41 clears the number of games by setting the number of games C to C = 0 in the data storage area indicating the number of games C provided in the RAM 43 (step S341).
Next, the main CPU 41 displays on the lower image display panel 16 an image ([P22] see FIG. 13) indicating that the mode has shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode (step S342), and ends this subroutine. .

[Game execution process C (Insurance mode / after reaching the preset value)]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process C that is called and executed in step S400 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
First, the main CPU 41 performs processing for displaying an insurance mode image on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S301).
Thereafter, the processes of steps S402 to S404 are performed. These processes are the same as the processes of steps S202 to S204 shown in FIG.

Next, the main CPU 41 displays the specific effect images 95a to 95i ([P06] to [S14] see FIGS. 6 to 9) on the lower image display panel 16 (step S405).
As described above, the specific effect image 95 is an image in which an angel as a character appears and performs an action of spreading the wings, and each of the specific effect images 95a to 95j includes the specific effect image 95 along the time axis. It is divided into multiple pieces.
Therefore, as the number of games increases, the specific effect image 95 displays that the angel who is the character appears and gradually spreads the wings.

Subsequently, the processes of steps S406 to S407 are performed, and these processes are the same as the processes of steps S206 to S207 shown in FIG.
After the process of step S407, after the rotation of the reel 14 is stopped, the main CPU 41 performs a process of continuously displaying the specific effect image 95 (step S408).
In the processing shown in FIG. 18, when a symbol accompanied by coin payout or a combination thereof is established, the main CPU 41 displays according to the symbol shown in [P19] (see FIG. 12) or a combination thereof. The effect image 94e to be displayed is not displayed. Instead, as shown in [P20] (see FIG. 12), the main CPU 41 displays an image 97c indicating the number of coins paid out by symbols or combinations thereof while displaying the specific effect image 95.

Thereafter, steps S420 to S423, S430 to S432, and S440 to S442 are performed. These processes are the same as steps S320 to S323, S330 to S332, and S340 to S342 shown in FIG.

[Game Execution Processing D (Insurance Mode / When Reaching a Specific Number of Times)]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process D that is called and executed in step S500 of the subroutine shown in FIG.
First, the main CPU 41 performs processing for displaying an insurance mode image on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S501).
Thereafter, the processes in steps S502 to S504 are performed. These processes are the same as the processes in steps S202 to S204 shown in FIG.

Next, the main CPU 41 displays the specific effect image 95j ([P15] see FIG. 10) on the lower image display panel 16 (step S505).
The specific effect image 95j has contents continued from the specific effect images 95a to 95i, and the specific effect image 95j displays a state in which an angel as a character spreads its wings.

Subsequently, the processes in steps S506 to S508 are performed. These processes are the same as the processes in steps S206 to S208 shown in FIG.
After the process of step S507, even after the rotation of the reel 14 is stopped, the main CPU 41 performs a process of continuously displaying the specific effect image 95j (step S508).
In the process shown in FIG. 19, as in FIG. 18, when a symbol with coin payout or a combination thereof is established, the main CPU 41 specifies a specific value as shown in, for example, [P20] (see FIG. 12). While displaying the effect image 95, an image 97c indicating the number of coins paid out by the symbols or combinations thereof is displayed.

Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the current game is a MAXBET and the game has a predetermined number of coins (180 coins) or more (step S530).
If it is determined in step S530 that the current game is a MAXBET and the game is not a coin with a predetermined number or more, the main CPU 41 increments the number of games C = 999 stored in the RAM 43 (step S530). S532). Thereby, the game count C reaches the specific count 1000.
Next, the main CPU 41 displays the image shown in [P16] on the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 (step S533).
That is, the upper image display panel 33 displays an image 97a indicating that coins are being paid out based on the number of games in the insurance mode reaching a specific number, and the lower image display panel. A similar image 97b is also displayed on the lower left side of FIG.
Furthermore, the specific effect image 95h of the content continued from the specific effect images 95a to 95j is displayed on the lower image display panel 16. Further, the specific effect image 95h ′ is displayed on the display window 15 (15L, 15C, 15R).

Subsequently, the main CPU 41 pays out a predetermined number (360 in this embodiment) of coins while displaying the image shown in [P16] (step S534).

After the processing of step S534, the main CPU 41 can visually recognize the reel 14 by stopping the display of the specific effect image 95h ′ on the display window 15 while displaying the specific effect image 95h on the lower image display panel 16. The specific effect image 95 is displayed in such a manner (step S535).

In step S530, when it is determined that the current game is a MAXBET and the game has a payout of a predetermined number or more, or when the process of step S535 is executed, the main CPU 41 executes a bonus trigger. It is determined whether it has been established (step S520), and if it is determined that the bonus trigger has been established, jackpot payout processing is performed (step S523).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S520 that the bonus trigger has not been established, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established (step S521). If the main CPU 41 determines that a winning combination has been established, Then, coins are paid out according to the number of BETs and the combination (step S522).

When it is determined in step S521 that the winning combination has not been established, or when the process of step S522 or S523 is executed, the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 to “OFF”, The mode is shifted to the non-insurance mode (step S540).
Next, the main CPU 41 clears the number of games by setting the number of games C to C = 0 in the data storage area indicating the number of games C provided in the RAM 43 (step S541).
Next, the main CPU 41 displays on the lower image display panel 16 an image ([P18] see FIG. 11) indicating that the mode has shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode (step S542), and sets the insurance cancellation flag to “ “OFF” is set (step S543). Thereafter, this subroutine is terminated.

Note that the payout process in step S534 and step S522 or S523 is not necessarily performed separately, and it is also possible to add up the number of payouts and pay out the game media of the payout number in one payout process. Good.

In the slot machine 10, the remaining credit monitoring process is performed at a predetermined cycle.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the remaining credit monitoring process.
First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin has been inserted (step S601). When determining that a coin has been inserted, the main CPU 41 adds the number of credits according to the number of inserted coins (step S602).

When it is determined in step S601 that no coin has been inserted, or after the process of step S602, the main CPU 41 adds or subtracts the credit amount according to the progress of the game. Specifically, when the symbols rearranged on the reels 14 become a combination that pays out coins, the main CPU 41 adds credits corresponding to the combination and BET is performed. Subtracts credit according to the number of BETs.

Next, in step S604, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the remaining credit number is 10 or less. A remaining credit number of 10 or less corresponds to a game end notice condition.
If the remaining credit number is not less than 10, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when determining that the remaining credit number is 10 or less, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the remaining credit number is 0 (step S605).

If it is determined in step S605 that the number of remaining credits is 0, that is, if it is determined that there are no more credits, the main CPU 41 sets the insurance mode flag stored in the RAM 43 to “OFF”. The mode is shifted to the non-insurance mode (step S606). The absence of the remaining credit number corresponds to a game end condition.
Next, the main CPU 41 clears the number of games by setting the number of games C to C = 0 in the data storage area indicating the number of games C provided in the RAM 43 (step S607).
Next, the main CPU 41 clears the number of games and outputs a sound (eg, “bush”) indicating that the mode has shifted to the non-insurance mode (insurance has been reset) from the speaker 29 (step S608). At this time, the main CPU 41 also displays on the lower image display panel 16 an image indicating that the insurance mode has been switched to the non-insurance mode. After the process of step S608, this subroutine is terminated.

When determining in step S605 that the number of remaining credits is not zero, the main CPU 41 generates a sound (for example, a siren sound) notifying that the insurance reset is approaching, that is, the game end notice condition is satisfied. Output from the speaker 29 (step S609), and this subroutine is terminated.

In the slot machine 10, card insertion / removal monitoring processing is performed at a predetermined cycle.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of card insertion / removal monitoring processing.
First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a smart card has been inserted into the card slot 36a. For example, an optical sensor is provided in the card slot 36a to determine whether or not a smart card has been inserted.

When determining in step S621 that a smart card has been inserted, the main CPU 41 reads identification data from the smart card (step S622), and stores the read identification data in the RAM 43 (step S623).

If it is determined in step S621 that no card is inserted, or after the process of step S623, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the smart card has been removed (step S624). The removal of the smart card corresponds to the game end condition of the present invention. If it is determined that the smart card has not been removed, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the smart card has been removed, the main CPU 41 performs the processes of steps S625 to S627, which are the same processes as steps S606 to S608 shown in FIG. After the process of step S627, this subroutine is terminated.

In the slot machine 10, ticket output monitoring processing is performed at a predetermined cycle.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ticket output monitoring processing.
First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not there is an input requesting the return of coins from the cashout button 25 based on whether or not a signal output from the CASHOUT switch 25S is received (step S640). The input of requesting the return of coins corresponds to the game end condition of the present invention. When determining that there is an input for requesting the return of coins, the main CPU 41 refers to the payout amount determination table stored in the RAM 43 and determines the payout amount according to the current number of games (step S641). .
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a payout amount determination table.
In the payout number determination table, the number of games and the number of payouts are associated with each other. This payout number determination table is a lookup table. For example, if the number of games is 0 to 300, the payout number 0 is selected.

Next, the main CPU 41 drives the ticket printer 35 to print and issue on the ticket the remaining credit number obtained by adding the number of payouts determined in step S641 (step S642).
Thereafter, the processes in steps S643 to S645 are performed. These processes are the same as the processes in steps S606 to S608 shown in FIG. After the process of step S645, this subroutine is terminated.

In the slot machine 10, an elapsed time monitoring process is performed at a predetermined cycle.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of elapsed time monitoring processing.
First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not there is a BET input (step S661). When determining that there is a BET input, the main CPU 41 sets the elapsed time T to 0 seconds (step S662).

When it is determined in step S661 that there is no BET input, or after the processing in step S662, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than the advance notice time (150 seconds in this embodiment) ( Step S663). That the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than the notice time corresponds to a game end notice condition. If it is determined that the elapsed time T is not equal to or longer than the notice time, this subroutine is terminated.

When determining in step S663 that the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than the advance notice time, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than a certain time (180 seconds in the present embodiment). The elapsed time T being equal to or longer than a certain time corresponds to a game end condition. When determining that the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the main CPU 41 performs the processes of steps S665 to S667. These processes are the same as the processes of steps S606 to S608 shown in FIG. After the process of step S667, this subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in step S664 that the elapsed time T is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the main CPU 41 notifies that the insurance reset is approaching, that is, the game end notice condition is satisfied (for example, a siren sound). ) Is output from the speaker 29 (step S668), and this subroutine is terminated.

[Start process]
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the startup process that is called and executed in step S101 of the flowchart shown in FIG. This activation process is a process performed by the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50. It is assumed that the memory card 53 is inserted into the card slot 53S of the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is attached to the IC socket 54S.

First, when the power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit 45, the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated (steps S1-1 and S2-1). When the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 are activated, separate processes are performed in parallel. That is, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52, and the authentication program is falsified in advance before loading into the motherboard 40 according to the read preliminary authentication program. Preliminary authentication is performed to confirm and prove that there is no data (step S2-2). On the other hand, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 42 and expands the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM 43 (step S1-2). Then, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS expanded in the RAM 43, and performs diagnosis and initialization of various peripheral devices (step S1-3).

Then, since the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 is connected to the main CPU 41 via the PCI bus, the main CPU 41 reads the authentication program stored in the ROM 55 and stores the read authentication program in the RAM 43. The process to memorize | store is performed (step S1-4). At this time, the main CPU 41 takes the checksum by the ADDSUM method (standard check function) in accordance with the BIOS standard BIOS function, and stores the authentication program in the RAM 43 while confirming whether or not the storage is definitely performed. Let

Next, after confirming what is connected to the IDE bus, the main CPU 41 accesses the memory card 53 inserted into the card slot 53S via the IDE bus, and from the memory card 53, the game program And reading out the game system program. In this case, the main CPU 41 reads out data constituting the game program and the game system program 4 bytes at a time. Subsequently, the main CPU 41 performs authentication for confirming and proving that the read game program and game system program have not been falsified in accordance with the authentication program stored in the RAM 43 (step S1-5). When this authentication process ends normally, the main CPU 41 writes and stores the game program and game system program to be authenticated (authenticated) in the RAM 43 (step S1-6). Next, the main CPU 41 accesses the GAL 54 attached to the IC socket 54S via the PCI bus, reads the payout rate setting data from the GAL 54, and writes and stores it in the RAM 43 (step S1-7). Next, the main CPU 41 reads out the country identification information stored in the ROM 55 of the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and performs a process of storing the read country identification information in the RAM 43 (step S1-8). ).

After performing the processing described above, the main CPU 41 executes the processing shown in FIG. 15 by sequentially reading and executing the game program and the game system program.

[Stop symbol determination processing]
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of stop symbol determination processing that is called and executed in step S206 of the subroutine shown in FIG. This processing is performed by the main CPU 41 executing the stop symbol determination program stored in the RAM 43.
First, the main CPU 41 executes a random number generation program included in the stop symbol determination program to select a random number value corresponding to each of the three reels 14 from a numerical range of 0 to 255 (step S31). ). In the present embodiment, a case where random numbers are generated on a program (a case where so-called software random numbers are used) will be described. However, in the present invention, a random number generator may be provided and a random number may be extracted from the random number generator (a so-called hardware random number is used).

Next, the main CPU 41 (arithmetic processing unit) refers to the symbol weighting data corresponding to the payout rate setting data output from the GAL 54 and stored in the RAM 43 (storage unit), and based on the selected three random number values. The code No. of each reel 14 (See FIG. 29) is determined (step S32). The code No. of each reel 14 Is the code number of the symbol rearranged on the winning line L. It corresponds to. The reel code No. Based on the above, a reel rotation control process to be described later is performed.

[Reel rotation control processing]
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the reel rotation control process that is called and executed in step S220 of the subroutine shown in FIG. This process is a process performed between the main CPU 41 and the sub CPU 61.

First, the main CPU 41 transmits a start signal for starting reel rotation to the sub CPU 61 (step S40). When the sub CPU 61 receives a start signal from the main CPU 41, the sub CPU 61 performs a reel rotation process (step S51). In this process, the sub CPU 61 supplies a pulse to the motor drive circuit 62. The pulse output from the sub CPU 61 is amplified by the driver 64 and supplied to each stepping motor 70 (70L, 70C, 70R). As a result, each stepping motor 70 rotates, and each reel 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) rotates accordingly. The stepping motor 70 of the 1-2 phase excitation method has a step angle of 0.9 ° and 400 steps per rotation. Therefore, when 400 pulses are supplied to the stepping motor 70, the reel 14 rotates once.

At the start of the rotation of the reel 14, the sub CPU 206 supplies a low-frequency pulse to the motor drive circuit 62, and gradually increases the pulse frequency. Along with this, the rotation speed of the reel 14 increases. When a predetermined time elapses, the pulse frequency is made constant. As a result, the reel 14 rotates at a constant speed.

Here, the rotation operation of the reel 14 will be described with reference to FIG.
28A to 28D are side views for explaining the rotation operation of the reel 14.
As shown in FIG. 28A, a semicircular metal plate 14 a is provided on the side surface of the reel 14. The metal plate 14 a rotates together with the reel 14. In addition, 22 symbols are provided on the peripheral surface of the reel 14. Of the 22 symbols drawn on the peripheral surface of the reel 14, three symbols can be viewed through the display window 15 formed in front of the reel 14. In the figure, a thick arrow indicates the rotation direction of the reel 14. A proximity sensor 65a is provided on the side of the reel 14. The proximity sensor 65a is for detecting the metal plate 14a. The proximity sensor 65a does not move or rotate even when the reel 14 rotates.

FIG. 28A shows the position of the metal plate 14a (hereinafter also referred to as position A) when the proximity sensor 65a starts detecting the metal plate 14a. When the reel 14 rotates while the metal plate 14a is at the position A, the metal plate 14a moves to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 28B shows the position of the metal plate 14a when the proximity sensor 65a detects the metal plate 14a (hereinafter also referred to as position B). When the reel 14 rotates while the metal plate 14a is at the position B, the metal plate 14a moves to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 28 (c) shows the position of the metal plate 14a (hereinafter also referred to as position C) when the metal plate 14a is no longer detected by the proximity sensor 65a.

When the reel 14 rotates while the metal plate 14a is at the position C, the metal plate 14a moves to the position shown in FIG. FIG. 28D shows the position of the metal plate 14a when the metal plate 14a is not detected by the proximity sensor 65a (hereinafter also referred to as position D). When the reel 14 further rotates, the position of the metal plate 14a returns to the position A. As described above, as the reel 14 rotates, the position of the metal plate 14a changes in the order of position A, position B, position C, position D, position A,.

The proximity sensor 65a constitutes an index detection circuit 65 (see FIG. 2). If the state where the proximity sensor 65a detects the metal plate 14a is “High” and the state where the proximity sensor 65a does not detect the metal plate 14a is “Low”, the metal plate 14a is in position A → position B → position C. , The state of the index detection circuit 65 is “High”, and when the metal plate 14a is in the position C → position D → position A, the state of the index detection circuit 65 is “Low”. The sub CPU 61 recognizes the rotational position of the reel 14 with the rise from “Low” to “High” as index (origin) 1 and the fall from “High” to “Low” as index (origin) 2. To do.

After transmitting the start signal to the sub CPU 61 in step S40, the main CPU 40 executes an effect at the time of reel rotation (step S41). This process is performed for a period of time (for example, 3 seconds) determined according to the result of the stop symbol determination process (FIG. 16, step S206) or the like. This is a process for performing output and the like.

Next, the main CPU 40 determines whether or not it is time to instruct the stop of the rotation of the reel 14 (step S42).
Here, the timing for instructing the stop of the rotation of the reel 14 is a timing before the minimum necessary time for stopping the rotation of the reel 14 from the time when the effect at the time of the reel rotation is finished. Note that the minimum time required to stop the rotation of the reel 14 is determined in advance.

If it is determined in step S42 that it is not the timing to instruct to stop the rotation of the reel 14, the process returns to step S42, and the effect at the time of reel rotation is continuously performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S <b> 42 that the timing for instructing the rotation of the reel 14 to stop is reached, the main CPU 41 stores the code number of the reel stored in the RAM 43. Is transmitted to the sub CPU 61 (step S43). The sub CPU 61 receives a reel code number from the main CPU 41. Is received, the number of steps and the code number stored in the ROM (not shown) provided in the sub CPU 61 are received. And the code No. Is converted into the reel stop position (number of steps) from the index (step S52).

29 shows the number of steps and code No. It is the schematic diagram which showed the corresponding | compatible table | surface. Each code No. Is associated with an index and the number of steps.
Each code No. Corresponds to the symbol drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel 14, and the code No. Symbols “00” to “10” correspond to index 1. Code No. Symbols “11” to “21” correspond to index 2. Further, the number of steps in the correspondence table shown in FIG. For example, code No. If “08” is “08”, 145 steps from the index 1 are the stop position of the reel. Code No. If "12", steps 218 from index 1 are the reel stop position.

Next, the sub CPU 61 executes a reel stop process (step S53). In this process, the sub CPU 61 detects the rise (index 1) from “Low” to “High” in the index detection circuit 65 for each reel 14, and at the timing when the index 1 is detected, the sub CPU 61 performs the code in step S52. No. A pulse corresponding to the number of steps converted from is supplied to the motor drive circuit 65, and then the pulse supply is stopped.

For example, if it is determined in step S52 that the stop position of the reel is from index 1 to 145 steps, the sub CPU 61 supplies 145 pulses to the motor drive circuit 65 at the timing when index 1 is detected, Thereafter, the supply of pulses is stopped. If it is determined in step S52 that the reel stop position is 218 steps from index 1, the sub CPU 61 supplies 218 pulses to the motor drive circuit 65 at the timing when index 1 is detected. . As a result, the reel 14 has the code No. determined in step S32 in FIG. The symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination determined in step S32 of FIG. 26 are rearranged on the winning line L. On the other hand, the main CPU 41 ends the effect at the time of reel rotation. After the processes of steps S44 and S53 are finished, this process is finished.

It should be noted that the code number transmitted in step S43. Is different from the index detected by the index detection circuit 65 when the rotation of the reel 14 is stopped, the reel 14 has stepped out, so the main CPU 41 displays an error message in the lower image. Processing such as displaying on the display panel 16 is performed, and the game is interrupted.
For example, the code No. corresponding to the index 2 is displayed. If the index detection circuit 65 detects the index 1 when the reel 14L stops rotating in spite of the process of stopping the reel 14L at 12, the game is interrupted.

As described above, according to the slot machine 10, there are no remaining credits, a smart card is removed, there is an input requesting the return of coins, or the elapsed time T becomes a certain time or more (game) When the (end condition) is satisfied, the counted number of games is cleared and the insurance mode is shifted to the non-insurance mode (insurance is reset). Therefore, even if a player finishes the game without being able to receive a return, the insurance is reset, so that another player who was watching by the surroundings plays the game with this slot machine 10, It is possible to prevent receiving a reduction by simply consuming a small amount of coins. As a result, it is possible to prevent a player who has not been able to receive a return from raising discomfort or distrust in the game or losing interest or interest in the game.
When it is determined that the remaining credit number is 10 or less, or the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than the notice time (150 seconds) (game end notice condition), the remaining credit number is 10 or less. Or the fact that the condition for resetting the insurance is approaching is about to be announced by outputting a sound from the speaker 29 that the elapsed time T is equal to or longer than the notice time (150 seconds). It is possible to make a strong impression on the player and prevent the insurance from being reset without the player's knowledge.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which, when there is an input for requesting the return of coins, the number of remaining credits printed on a ticket is issued and insurance is reset. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the insurance may be reset when it is detected that the ticket has been output from the ticket printer even if there is no input requesting the return of coins. When there is no input for requesting the return of coins, the timing for outputting a ticket from the ticket printer is when a predetermined time is reached when a symbol combination with a predetermined number of payouts is established ( For example, the closing time).

In the present embodiment, the game end condition of the present invention is that there are no remaining credits, a smart card is removed, there is an input requesting the return of coins, or the elapsed time T is a certain time or more. That is, the case where the game end notice condition of the present invention is that the number of remaining credits is 10 or less or the elapsed time T is the notice time (150 seconds) or more has been described. However, the game end condition and the game end notice condition in the present invention are not limited to this example. For example, a human detection sensor (for example, an infrared sensor) is provided, and the game end condition is that the human detection sensor has not detected a person for a predetermined period (for example, 180 seconds). The notice time (for example, 150 seconds) may be that the person detection sensor did not detect a person.
In addition, for the game end condition of the present invention, for example, an authentication device such as a fingerprint authentication device, a vein authentication device, or a retina authentication device is provided, and authentication cannot be performed in authentication performed every predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes) May be. In such a configuration, even if the game end notice condition of the present invention is that authentication is not performed in the authentication performed during a notice time (for example, 4 minutes) shorter than a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes). Good.

Further, the game end condition of the present invention is determined in advance such that, for example, symbol combinations are established in the order of “CHERRY-ANY-ANY”, “CHERRY-CHERRY-ANY”, and “CHERRY-CHERRY-CHERRY”. It may be that a predetermined symbol combination has been established in this order.

In the present embodiment, the case where the insurance is reset when the elapsed time T reaches a certain time has been described. However, in the present invention, for example, a reserve button is provided, and when the reserve button is operated, the insurance is reset. The insurance may not be reset even if the time is reached. With such a configuration, it is possible to restart the game from the number of games before the game is interrupted after interrupting the game and taking a break. In such a configuration, it is desirable to prevent other players from starting the game by inputting a password when the game is interrupted.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the game end condition is established or the game end notice condition is established by outputting a sound from the speaker 29. However, in the present invention, for example, the lower side An image for notifying that the game end condition is satisfied or that the game end notice condition is satisfied may be displayed on an image display device such as the image display panel 16.
In addition, an image for notifying that the game end condition has been established or that the game end notice condition has been established is displayed, and that the game end condition has been established or that the game end notice condition has been established. It is good also as outputting the sound for alerting | reporting.

The present invention may be configured such that a BET can be added separately from the reception period until all reels stop after the end of the BET reception period. If the configuration is such that an additional BET can be made, the insurance may be reset if no additional BET is made in each game. It is preferable that the game media to be paid out for the additional BET is set to be smaller than the BET made during the reception period.
Games that allow additional BETs are not limited to games related to symbol rearrangement, and examples include roulette games and card games. When a game that allows an additional BET is adopted as the roulette game, it is only necessary that an additional BET can be performed after the end of the BET acceptance period and before the winning number is determined. In addition, when a game that allows additional BET is adopted as a card game, after the BET acceptance period ends, until the game ends (for example, in the case of poker, all players have finished making their hands). What is necessary is just to be able to perform an additional BET.

The slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment is a stand-alone device that counts the number of games. However, in the present invention, the slot machine is not necessarily a stand-alone device, and a plurality of slot machines can be connected via a network. The connected server may count the number of games of each slot machine.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
The gaming system 100 includes a plurality of slot machines 10 and a server 200 connected to these slot machines 10 via a predetermined communication line 101. Such a gaming system 100 may be constructed within one gaming facility capable of performing various games such as bars and casinos, or may be constructed among a plurality of gaming facilities. Further, when the game system 100 is constructed within one game facility, the game system 100 may be constructed for each floor or section of the game facility. The communication line 101 is not particularly limited, and may be wired or wireless, and a dedicated line, an exchange line, or the like can be employed.

The server 200 controls a plurality of slot machines 10. In particular, in this embodiment, the server 200 performs a process of counting the number of games in each slot machine 10. The server 200 may have a function as a so-called hall server installed in a gaming facility having a plurality of slot machines 10 or a server that collectively manages a plurality of gaming facilities. Each slot machine 10 is assigned a unique identification number, and the server 200 determines the origin of data sent from each slot machine 10 based on the identification number. Also, when transmitting data from the server 200 to the slot machine 10, the transmission destination is specified using the identification number.

In the above example, the case where the mechanical reel 14 is used has been described. However, in the present invention, symbols may be displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device instead of a mechanical reel.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The slot machine 300 has substantially the same appearance and circuit configuration as the slot machine 10 except that the symbols are displayed on the lower image display panel, and the flowchart is also substantially the same. The description will be omitted. The components corresponding to those of the slot machine 10 will be described with the same reference numerals.
The lower image display panel 16 provided in the slot machine 300 is provided with three columns and three rows of symbol display areas 250, and one symbol is displayed in each symbol display area. In such a configuration, instead of the reel rotation control by the sub CPU 61, a symbol scroll display may be displayed on the lower image display panel 16.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit and the like can be appropriately changed. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

Further, in the above detailed description, the characteristic portions have been mainly described so that the present invention can be easily understood. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the detailed description above, but can be applied to other embodiments, and the scope of application is various. The terms and terminology used in the present specification are used to accurately describe the present invention, and are not used to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Moreover, it would be easy for those skilled in the art to infer other configurations, systems, methods, and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in this specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims should be regarded as including an equivalent configuration without departing from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. The purpose of the abstract is to simplify the technical contents and essence of this application by patent offices and general public institutions, and engineers belonging to this technical field who are not familiar with patents, legal terms or technical terms. It is intended to be able to make a quick judgment through a simple survey. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the claims. Moreover, in order to fully understand the object of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention, it is desirable that the interpretation should be made with sufficient consideration of the literatures already disclosed.

The above detailed description includes processing executed by a computer. The above explanations and expressions are given for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the most efficiently. In this specification, each step used to derive one result should be understood as a self-consistent process. In each step, transmission / reception, recording, and the like of electrical or magnetic signals are performed. In the processing in each step, such a signal is expressed by bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., but these are used only for convenience of explanation. There is a need. In addition, the processing in each step may be described in an expression common to human behavior, but the processing described in this specification is executed by various devices in principle. Further, other configurations required for performing each step will be apparent from the above description.

It is a perspective view which shows typically the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the payout table in this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing a main process executed in the slot machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of an insurance setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the game execution process A (non-insurance mode). It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the game execution process B (insurance mode / before reaching notice setting value). It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the game execution process C (Insurance mode / after a notice setting value is reached). It is a flow chart which shows a subroutine of game execution processing D (insurance mode / at the time of reaching a specific number of times). It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a remaining credit monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a card insertion / extraction monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a ticket output monitoring process. It is a figure which shows the payout number determination table. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of elapsed time monitoring process. FIG. 3 is a chart showing a procedure of activation processing by the mother board and the gaming board shown in FIG. 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a stop symbol determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a reel rotation control process. (A)-(d) is a side view for demonstrating rotation operation | movement of a reel. Step number and code No. It is the schematic diagram which showed the corresponding | compatible table | surface. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Slot machine 16 Lower image display panel 23 Spin button 24 Change button 25 Cash out button 26 1-BET button 27 Maximum BET button 29 Speaker 30 Lamp 33 Upper image display panel 41 Main CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
50 Gaming board 51 CPU
52 Boot ROM
53 Memory Card 60 Body PCB
61 Sub CPU

Claims (6)

It is a slot machine with the following configuration,
A symbol display device capable of rearranging a plurality of symbols;
An output device capable of outputting sound or images;
A slot machine comprising a controller programmed to execute the following processes (A) to (F).
(A) After gaming media having a predetermined maximum number of BETs or less are betted, the symbols are rearranged by the symbol display device, and the number of games corresponding to the rearranged symbols or combinations thereof The process of running a game that pays for the media,
(B) Processing for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
(C) In the insurance mode, a process of counting the number of games that have been performed since the insurance mode was entered;
(D) a process of paying a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the process (C) reaches a specific number;
(E) A process of clearing the number of games counted in the process (C) and shifting from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode when a game end condition that can determine that the player has finished the game is satisfied ,as well as,
(F) When the process of (E) is executed, the number of games counted by the process (C) is cleared, and a sound from the output device indicating that the mode is shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode Processing to notify by outputting an image. It is a slot machine with the following configuration,
A symbol display device capable of rearranging a plurality of symbols;
An output device capable of outputting sound or images;
A slot machine comprising a controller programmed to execute the following processes (A) to (G).
(A) After gaming media having a predetermined maximum number of BETs or less are betted, the symbols are rearranged by the symbol display device, and the number of games corresponding to the rearranged symbols or combinations thereof The process of running a game that pays for the media,
(B) Processing for shifting from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
(C) In the insurance mode, a process of counting the number of games that have been performed since the insurance mode was entered;
(D) a process of paying a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the process (C) reaches a specific number;
(E) A process of clearing the number of games counted in the process (C) and shifting from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode when a game end condition that can determine that the player has finished the game is satisfied ,
(F) a process of determining whether or not a game end notice condition that is a precondition for the game end condition being satisfied; and
(G) In the process of (F), when it is determined that the game end notice condition is satisfied, a process of notifying that the game end notice condition is satisfied by outputting a sound or an image from the output device. The slot machine according to claim 2,
The controller further includes:
(H) programmed to execute a process of storing game media owned by the player as credits;
The process (E)
When the credit is exhausted, the number of games counted by the process (C) is cleared, and the process shifts from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode.
The process (F)
A slot machine which is a process of determining that the game end notice condition is satisfied when the credit is equal to or less than a predetermined number greater than zero. The slot machine according to claim 2,
The controller further includes:
(I) It is programmed to execute a process of measuring the elapsed time since the game was last executed,
The process (E)
A process of clearing the number of games counted by the process of (C) and shifting from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode when the elapsed time measured by the process of (I) reaches a certain time And
The process (F)
A slot machine, which is a process for determining that the game end notice condition is satisfied when the elapsed time reaches a notice time shorter than the predetermined time by a predetermined time. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein
It has a BET button that allows the player to enter a BET,
The process (I)
A slot machine that is a process that measures the elapsed time since the last input from the BET button was detected. A game control method,
(A) After a gaming medium having a predetermined maximum BET number or less is betted, the symbols are rearranged by a symbol display device capable of rearranging the symbols, and the rearranged symbols Or executing a game for paying a number of game media according to a combination thereof;
(B) transitioning from the non-insurance mode to the insured mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media have been inserted;
(C) In the insurance mode, counting the number of games played since transitioning to the insurance mode;
(D) paying a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in step (C) reaches a specific number;
(E) clearing the number of games counted in the step (C) when a game end condition that can determine that the player has finished the game is satisfied, and shifting from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode ,as well as,
(F) When the step (E) is executed, the number of games counted in the step (C) is cleared, and a sound or image is output from the output device that the mode is shifted from the insurance mode to the non-insurance mode. The game control method characterized by including the step which alert | reports by outputting.

Images