JP2009095611A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine more interesting to a player by giving the sense of accomplishment of having run a game in a special game state safely to the upper limit acquisition number of game media defined beforehand (or, the upper limit number of times of games defined beforehand) to the player. <P>SOLUTION: The slot machine is configured such that the end condition of the game relating to challenge time (CT) is the acquisition of the upper limit acquisition number of game media defined beforehand in the game and the winning of a single bonus game (SB) in the game. Also, on condition that the player safely performs acquisition (runs) to the upper limit acquisition number of the game media defined beforehand without winning the single bonus game (SB) in the game, a predetermined game state advantageous to the player, a replay time (RT) game for instance, is acquired. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention rotates and displays a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are arranged, and a player's reel stop button operation determines a winning based on a combination of symbols that appears when the reel rotation stops, and accordingly The present invention relates to a slot machine in which a predetermined number of game media (medals, coins, pachinko balls, etc.) are paid out.

Generally, in a slot machine, when a player inserts a game medium and depresses a start lever, a plurality of (usually three) reels that display predetermined patterns, numbers, characters, and other symbols on the outer peripheral surface rotate. The reel is stopped when the stop button is pressed at an arbitrary timing after starting and rotating at a constant speed, and the symbols of the stopped reels become a winning arrangement (combination of winning symbols) set in advance on the winning line. Thus, the gaming machine is such that a predetermined number of gaming media are paid out according to the winning arrangement.
In such a slot machine, in order to increase the fun of the game, a winning control called “retraction control” in which symbols attached to a plurality of reels are stopped in a winning arrangement is called “internal lottery”. Based on.

    In the winning control by the internal lottery, when the start lever is pressed, a lottery is automatically performed inside the slot machine for each game to determine the winning content (winning role), and the reel stop position is determined according to the winning content. When a certain content is won as a result of the lottery, the symbols attached to each reel are within a certain range of timing when the player presses the stop button. The combination is automatically stopped (drawn control), and a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the winning arrangement is paid out.

In the slot machine as described above, a special game advantageous to the player and a normal game which is a game other than the special game are usually performed.
Special games (so-called bonuses) are the results of internal lottery. If you win a predetermined “big win”, a special game that is advantageous to the player starts by aligning the predetermined winning symbols in that game or the next game. The special game continues until a predetermined end condition is satisfied.
In this special game, a game called “bonus game” advantageous to the player is known. Examples of the bonus game include a “single bonus (SB)” game, a “regular bonus (RB)” game, and a “big bonus (BB)” game.

    Each of these special games has a predetermined game configuration. In the single bonus (SB) game, as a result of the internal lottery, the single bonus (SB) is “winned (flag established)” and the single bonus (SB) When the reels stop in the winning arrangement and “win”, only the next game becomes a special game, and when the reels stop at a predetermined winning symbol (for example, “JAC / JAC / JAC”) in this next game, A number, for example, 15 game media are paid out.

  The regular bonus (RB) game ends on the condition that such a game is consumed up to 12 times or a maximum of 8 winnings are achieved. The regular bonus (RB) game is a so-called first type special bonus.

  The big bonus (BB) game is a combination of the BB game general game (also referred to as a small role game) in which a small role is won with a high probability and the above-mentioned RB game. The game ends on condition that the game is digested or the RB game in the BB game is executed three times. In some cases, the BB game is terminated on condition that the number of acquired game media during the BB game has reached a specified upper limit. The big bonus (BB) game is a game corresponding to a so-called first type special accessory continuous operating device.

  Further, as another special game, there is a special game state that is a game state different from the above-mentioned special game and that is won with a predetermined probability when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. As this special game, for example, there is a so-called single challenge time (SCT) in which a game in which at least one of the reels stops within a period of 75 ms after the player operates the stop button is performed once.

In the single challenge time (SCT), the range of the number of symbols for which pull-in control is performed is as small as 1 or 2 frames, and at least one reel stops in a manner that almost follows the timing of pressing the stop button. The gaming state reflects the skill of the player.
The challenge time (CT) is a game in which a plurality of single challenge times (SCT) are played until a preset upper limit payout number is reached or until a predetermined condition (for example, winning of a normal game) is satisfied. There is a game corresponding to a so-called second-type special accessory continuous operating device.

    In addition, as another special game, the game state is different from the above-mentioned special game, and the winning probability of replay (replay) is set higher than the winning probability in the normal game, and there is no betting on the game medium. This is a game state in which a replay game that can start a game occurs more frequently than other game states, and is called a replay time (RT) that continues until a predetermined number of times or other predetermined end conditions (for example, a bonus game win) are established. Some offer specific games. Replay time (RT) is a game state that is advantageous to the player because replay (replay) that can be executed without betting game media is won with a high probability, so that consumption of game media can be suppressed. ing.

Furthermore, a certain number of game media bets per game other than such a replay game (for example, the number of medals inserted into the medal slot) may be required, or the player may arbitrarily set the number. Various game characteristics can be provided by making it selectable.
For example, there is a gaming machine in which the number of bets in a normal game is limited to three, while there is also a gaming machine in which the number of bets in a normal game can be 1, 2, or 3. In gaming machines where the number of bets can be selected by the player, the number of effective pay lines becomes 1, 3, or 5 as the number of inserted game media increases to 1, 2, or 3. It has come to increase. As a result, when a predetermined symbol combination is aligned on the valid winning line, the winning is achieved and the game medium is paid out.

In this way, in the slot machine, special games such as the above-mentioned single bonus (SB) game, regular bonus (RB) game, and big bonus (BB) game, special games such as challenge time (CT), and the like, A variety of combinations of specific games such as replay time (RT) and game conditions such as the number of bets provide the player with fun and expectation of play.
For example, the occurrence of the replay time (RT) is related to a specific winning at the challenge time (CT) (see, for example, Patent Document 1), or the player may arbitrarily set the number of bets in the special game. (See, for example, Patent Document 2), and on the condition that the big bonus (BB) and challenge time (CT) are the same internal winning, depending on the combination of symbols, to shift to either There are some (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

JP 2005-237488 A JP 2005-31676 A JP 2006-95113 A

  However, although it is advantageous for the player, even if the player wins a lottery to shift to a special game where the winning probability is set to be extremely low, the special game end condition (game is set in advance) The game has been completed and the game has been returned to the normal game. It is just a game, and the game is poor.

  In particular, in a game in a special game related to the challenge time (CT), as described above, the challenge time (CT) is so small that the range of the number of symbols for which so-called pull-in control is performed is about 1 or 2 frames. Therefore, the skill of the player is fixed and reflected in the game, but even if the player has successfully acquired (completed) the game in such a special game up to a predetermined upper limit, For players, despite the fact that they have demonstrated their skills in individual games, the special games are completed and only return to normal games, and there is no development, and the game has a sense of completion and feeling of completion. .

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. Among special games, in particular, the end of a game in a special game is determined by a predetermined upper limit number of game media (or a predetermined game medium). The maximum number of games) and the establishment of a predetermined winning combination, and when the special game is completed, the game can be transferred to a different game state (for example, a specific game), thereby accomplishing the successful completion. It is an object to provide a slot machine that gives a feeling to the player and is more attractive to the player.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, among special games advantageous to the player, the special game end condition related to the challenge time (CT), which is a game in which the skill of the player can be reflected constantly, A predetermined upper limit number of game media has been paid out in the special game (or that the game has been played up to the preset upper limit game number in the special game), and a specific winning in the special game It is assumed that a winning combination (single bonus game (SB)) has been won, and the upper limit set in advance in the special game without the player having won the single bonus game (SB) in the special game. Received a payout safely until the number of game media to be paid out (or the upper limit number of games set in advance in the special game) In by that successfully game the game), it was constructed favorable specific game for the player, for example, a slot machine so that it can be migrated to the replay time (RT) game.

  More specifically, in the present invention, a plurality of symbol display means, a bet number setting means that allows a game to be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and the bet number setting A game start command means for commanding the start of a game based on driving of the means and a game start operation; a symbol change means for changing the symbols of the plurality of symbol display means based on the drive of the game start command means; The stop control means for stopping and controlling the variation of the symbols of the plurality of symbol display means based on the stop operation, and the symbols of the plurality of symbol display means stopped by the control of the stop control means are preset winning symbols. When the symbols of the game control means enabling the game according to the combination of the plurality of symbol display means stopped by the control of the stop control means become a combination of a predetermined winning symbol In a slot machine having a game medium payout means for paying out the body, the game control means is configured to play the normal game when a combination of special symbols is selected from the preset winning symbols in the normal game. In a special game different from the above, in the special game, based on the payout of the game medium of the preset upper limit payout number or the end of the game of the upper limit game number, or a combination of specific winning symbols appears And a special game control means for ending the special game, wherein the special game control means is configured to pay out a game medium with a preset upper limit payout number or to end a game with an upper limit game number in the special game. In the case of the combination of the winning symbols set in advance, the special game is shifted to a specific game in which the replay lottery probability is set higher than that of the normal game. If the combination of the particular winning symbol appeared in constituted the slot machine so as to shift to the normal game.

  In this way, the appearance of a specific game state called replay time (RT) means that the completion of a game related to such a special game (that is, payout of a game medium with a preset upper limit payout number or game with an upper limit game number of times). ), The player can concentrate on the game without losing the interest in completing the game related to the special game to the specified number of games without losing the interest to the end. A slot machine with more taste can be provided.

  In the present invention, the appearance of a specific game state called replay time (RT) is associated with the completion of a game related to such a special game, and such a special game is combined with a plurality of predetermined symbols. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a slot machine that is configured so that the game in the special game is more interesting by providing a plurality of types according to the above and by configuring the plurality of types to have different probabilities that the game can be completed.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a slot machine configured to be more interesting by configuring the probability that the game can be completed in the plurality of types of special games according to the number of bets.
In addition, the present invention provides a slot machine configured to be more interesting by further providing a special game that has the same number of bets in a special game but has a different upper limit payout number or upper limit game number. can do.

  According to the present invention, a variety of special games are associated with specific games and normal games, so that transitions between different game states are made depending on which special game is in the game, You can enjoy the game in the gaming state. Furthermore, depending on which special game is a variety of special games with different completion probabilities, bet numbers, etc., the expectation for successfully completing the game and shifting to a specific game that is advantageous to the player Since the feeling increases, it is possible to provide a slot machine that is more attractive to the player.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol shall be described about the same component.
FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure with the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 opened. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a game process control circuit of the slot machine embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the transition of the gaming state in the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a winning combination (combination of winning symbols) according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of the winning probabilities for each winning combination to be drawn in each gaming state and each gaming state of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing in the normal game according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processing in the special game according to the present invention.

1 and 2, a front panel is attached to the front door 2 of the slot machine main body 1, and the front panel 2 is arranged in parallel with the inside of the slot machine main body through three transparent display windows 7, 8, and 9 in the front panel. The three left reels 4, 5, and 6 can be observed. For example, 21 game symbols are arranged at equal intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the middle reel, and the symbols include a bonus symbol (BB), a small role symbol, a replay symbol, and the like.
From the display windows 7, 8 and 9, it is possible to visually recognize a total of nine symbols drawn on the top, middle and bottom of each reel, and these display windows 7, 8, and 9 It constitutes a symbol display area.

  In the display windows 7 to 9, winning lines (L1, L2a, L2b, L3a, L3b) are displayed. Each reel is sequentially stopped, and when a predetermined symbol is arranged on any of the winning lines, a winning is awarded and a gain is given to the player.

  The number of winning lines depends on the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 3 or the number of valid lines according to the number of medals inserted by the bet switch 45 when medals are credited in the credit display unit 19. Different. For example, when one medal is inserted, the number “1” of the winning line display lamp 10 is lit, one winning line L1 is displayed, and when two medals are inserted, the number “2” is displayed. ”Is displayed, and three winning lines L1, L2a, and L2b are displayed. When three medals are inserted, the number “3” is lit and all five winning lines are displayed.

  Side lamps 18 and side speakers 11 are provided on both sides of the front door 2, an upper lamp 16 is provided above, and a liquid crystal display unit 17 is provided above the display windows 7 to 9. LED display sections 20 and 21 for displaying the number of times and the like are provided. These constitute a display means for notifying a player of various internal lottery results, in addition to outputting general winning notifications during a game, sound effects of machine operations, sound effects, and the like. In addition, in addition to the display means described above, a separate dedicated notification display unit may be separately provided for notification of internal winning during the game, and may be performed there.

  In the center of the front surface of the slot machine 1, there is provided a start lever 12 as variable display starting means for rotating the reels 4 to 6, and reel stop buttons 13 to 15 for stopping the rotation of the reels. Three are provided corresponding to each reel.

  In addition, a medal tray 22 is provided at the lower front of the slot machine, and a return port (not shown) for returning inserted medals and a medal payout outlet (not shown) for paying out medals obtained at the time of winning a prize. It is for storing the medals discharged from.

  In FIG. 2, reels 4 to 6 are configured as a reel unit, and a reel stepping motor 23 that is a part of reel driving means is connected to each reel, and each reel is rotated by driving the reel stepping motor 23. The reels 4 to 6 are moved and displayed in the display windows 7 to 9, respectively. Three lamp cases 24 are provided in each of the reels 4 to 6, and a backlight 25 is attached in each lamp case 24. Each backlight 25 is individually controlled to light through a lamp driving circuit (not shown), and three symbols can be illuminated from the back for each reel.

  A medal hopper 26 and a power supply unit 27 are provided below the reel unit. The power supply unit 27 includes a setting stage selection switch 28 for changing a set value (for example, six stages from setting 1 to setting 6) of the internal lottery winning probability, and a setting key switch 29 for enabling the operation of the setting switch. Etc.

  The slot machine is controlled by the main control unit 30 provided above the reel unit and the sub-control unit 31 provided on the back surface of the front door. It comprises various means and arithmetic control means such as a CPU for controlling the various means.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a game process control circuit according to an embodiment of the slot machine of the present invention, and includes a main control unit 30 and a sub control unit 31.
The main control unit 30 includes a CPU 32, a clock generation circuit 33, a ROM 34, a RAM 35, a lottery processing unit 36, a game control unit 37, a game number counting unit 38, a transmission timing control circuit 39 for transmitting data to the sub control unit 31, and It is mainly composed of a data transmission circuit 40 and the like.

The CPU 32 includes an input port 41 and an output port 42, and the medal sensor 43, first, second, and third reel stop buttons 13 to 15, the start lever 12, the first, second, and third reel indexes 44 via the input port 41. , BET switch 45 and the like are connected.
Further, peripheral devices such as a medal block solenoid 46, a start lever LED 47, a BET display lamp 48, LED display units 20 and 21, first, second and third reel stepping motors 23 are electrically connected to the output port 42. Yes.
A reel stepping motor 23 that drives each reel is coaxially connected to the reels 4 to 6 and rotates the reels 4 to 6 at a constant step angle.

  In addition to the game sequence program executed in the slot machine, the ROM 34 stores fixed data such as a symbol table, a winning combination table, a lottery probability table, etc. The RAM 35 is a temporary program executed by the CPU 32. Used as a data storage area.

  On the other hand, the sub-control unit 31 includes a CPU 51, an audio LSI 52, a data input circuit 53, a clock generation circuit 54, a control ROM 55, a RAM 56, an audio ROM 57, an amplifier circuit 58, etc., and includes an upper lamp 16, a liquid crystal display unit 17, and a side The lamp 18, the first to third reel backlights 25, the speaker 11 and the like are connected.

The CPU 32 outputs an output timing information signal to the data transmission circuit 40 according to the game situation, temporarily stores the output timing information signal output to the data transmission circuit 40, and then from the transmission timing control circuit 39. Is output to the data input circuit 53 of the sub-control unit 31.
Further, the CPU 32 calls necessary data from the fixed data stored in the ROM 34 according to the progress of the game, and inputs / outputs signals from peripheral devices connected to the input / output ports 41 and 42. The operation of the slot machine is controlled based on this.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the slot machine of the present invention will be described. The player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 3 of the gaming machine in the normal game state, or operates the BET switch 45 when there is a credited medal on the credit display unit 19, and determines the number of medals to be inserted. By arbitrarily determining the number of bets in the game, the number of bets is set. The winning line is activated according to the set number of bets, and the game is started by operating the start lever 12. When the start lever 12 is operated, the reels 4 to 6 start to rotate sequentially, and the symbols fluctuate. Therefore, the player operates the stop buttons 13 to 15 corresponding to the reels to stop the rotation of the reels.

  Usually, as a result of the internal lottery performed after the operation of the start lever 12, a predetermined winning combination is won (determination of winning contents), and when all reels stop, a symbol corresponding to the predetermined winning combination won A prize will be awarded if they are aligned along any of the five winning lines. The winning combination and the payout corresponding to the type of symbol combination are determined in advance, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the winning combination.

Next, the present embodiment will be described based on the conceptual diagram showing the game transition in the present invention described in FIG.
In the present invention, in the game in the normal game state, when the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line as a result of the internal lottery is the special symbol described in FIG. The first special games CB1 to CB1 to the second special games BB1 to BB1 to 3, which are special games corresponding to the types of combinations of special symbols, are started, and a further increase in the payout of medals can be expected for the player.
Among the special games, the games of the first special games CB1 to CB1-3 differ in the number of bets used in the respective games, and a specific winning combination such as a single bonus (SB) corresponding to each bet number. ) Is set to be different. In addition, by achieving a predetermined termination condition (payment of game media of the maximum number of payouts or completion of games of the maximum number of games), a replay that allows a player to play a game without requiring a bet is highly probable. It is configured to be able to shift to a specific game (RT) to be won. In the games of the first special games CB 1 to 3, when a single bonus (SB) winning symbol appears before the payout of the game medium of the predetermined upper limit payout number or the game of the upper limit game number of times ends. After the winning game is finished, the game is shifted to the normal game.
The second special games BB1 to BB1-3 are set to a very small probability that the specific winning symbol, for example, a single bonus (SB) winning symbol appears during the game. There is almost nothing, and the upper limit payout number or the upper limit game number of medals set in advance for each game is made almost possible.

  Next, the first special game CB and the second special game BB will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first special game CB1 to CB1-3, when the symbol combinations “7”, “7”, and “x1” are aligned on the winning line during the normal game, The CB1 game can be executed. Similarly, when the symbol combinations “7”, “7”, and “x2” are aligned on the winning line, the CB2 game is selected, and when the symbol combinations “7”, “7”, and “x3” are aligned on the winning line. Is configured to be able to execute each CB3 game ((2) in FIG. 4).
These first special games (CB1 to CB3) are configured to win with the probability described in the probability table illustrated in FIG.

  And the game in these CB1-3 is comprised by the said challenge time (CT), what is called a 2nd type special-character continuous action | operation apparatus by which a prize is determined based on the operation timing of a player's stop button. In this embodiment, during the challenge time (CT) game, only the left reel is set to be uncontrolled.

The first special game CB sets an upper limit on the number of medals that can be obtained in the game, and in the game, a specific prize set in advance, for example, a single bonus (SB) game that is a so-called ordinary character. The game is finished at the time of winning, and it is configured to return to the normal game without shifting to the replay time (RT) which is a specific game ((4) in FIG. 4).
In addition, if a single bonus (SB) game is won in the middle of the game of the first special game CB, the game returns to the normal game when the single bonus (SB) game ends, so in the first special game CB You cannot earn medals up to the set maximum number.

In the first special game (CB), a game called a replay time (RT) is provided on the condition that a single bonus (SB) game is won and medals are obtained up to the maximum payout number that can be obtained in the game. It is configured to be able to shift to a specific game advantageous to the player ((3) in FIG. 4).
That is, in the first special game (CB), as shown in (3) of FIG. 4, the first special game (CB) does not win the single bonus (SB) game, and the medal is acquired up to the maximum number that can be obtained in the game. When the game (CB) is completed (completed) and the replay time (RT) is reached, or the single bonus (SB) game is won during the game as shown in (4) of FIG. It is configured to select whether the game (CB) is finished and the game is shifted to the normal game.

In CB1 to CB3 in the first special game (CB), there is a difference in the probability of winning the single bonus (SB) game in each game (CB1 to CB3). For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the probability of winning a single bonus (SB) game is set to 1/3 for CB1, 1/6 for CB2, and 1/65536 for CB3.
Further, in the present embodiment, during the first special game (CB), four types of small roles can be won. Of these small roles, for example, the number of medals to be paid out when the small role 4 wins. Is the largest (for example, 13), and the right reel has symbols (for example, within 4 frames) arranged so as to facilitate winning a prize.

  During the first special game (CB1 to CB3), the upper limit payout number is set to about 50, for example, and since there is a possibility that the small role 4 will win most during the game, the upper limit payout number The number of games until the game is paid out is approximately 4 times (50 ÷ 13) for each of the first special games (CB1 to CB3). Therefore, in the first special game, it is possible to shift to the replay time (RT) if about 4 games can be consumed without winning the single bonus (SB), so to speak, it is possible to shift to the CB completion probability (that is, shift to RT). The possible RT transition probability) is associated with the above SB winning probability, and as shown in FIG. 6, CB1 is 19.75%, CB2 is 48.23%, and CB3 is 99.99%. Set to

  Further, by setting the SB winning probability in the first special games CB1 to CB3 in this way, there is a difference in the number of net increase that can be obtained in the game of CB1 to CB3. 18.5, 27.4 for CB2 games, and 40 for CB3 games. Therefore, for the player, among the three types of games in the first special game (CB), the CB3 game is set as the most advantageous game in terms of both the net increase number and the RT transition probability.

According to the present embodiment, in the first special game (CB1 to CB3), the SB winning probability is varied according to the bet number set by the bet number setting means, and a combination of a plurality of special symbols set in advance is used. The bet number can be configured to correspond.
Further, the predetermined bet number can be increased corresponding to the reduction in the SB winning probability, and the preset upper limit payout number can be set to be the same.
For example, in the CB1 game having a large SB winning probability, one bet, then two in CB2, and three in CB3 are configured. In the present embodiment, only the left reel is uncontrolled, and the symbols of the middle reel and the right reel are controlled to be drawn based on the winning result. Therefore, when the SB wins, the winning is won't be missed. Therefore, the higher the probability of winning the SB, the greater the risk that the player owes. However, the higher the probability of winning the SB, the smaller the number of medals bet in the game, thereby suppressing the consumption of medals per game. Therefore, even a low-skilled player can enjoy a game with a high SB winning probability (that is, a low RT transition probability) and can be configured as a slot machine with an enhanced game taste.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4 (3), when the player successfully avoids the single bonus (SB) without winning an internal winning, acquires the medal up to the maximum payout number and completes the CB game, the replay time ( (RT).
As described in the probability table of FIG. 6, the replay time (RT) has a high probability of winning a replay (replay) in the RT game, so a small number of medals are paid out during the game. If you win a winning combination, you can receive a corresponding medal, and you can play with reduced medal consumption while expecting to win the first special game (CB) or the second special game (BB). Since it is possible, it is configured as a gaming state advantageous to the player.

The replay time (RT) is configured so that replay of a maximum of 50 games, for example, a maximum of 50 games can be continued.
If the first special game (CB) or the second special game (BB) is won before the game with the set number of games is completed, the replay time (RT) ends at that time. ((6) or (7) in FIG. 4), the subsequent game shifts to these special games. Further, when the game with the set number of games is completed, the replay time (RT) ends ((5) in FIG. 4).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, each first special game (CB 1 to 3) is configured such that a winning is determined based on the operation timing of the stop button of the player. If the technical intervention is enhanced and if it can be avoided without winning the single bonus (SB) internally, it shifts to the replay time (RT), which is a specific game advantageous to the player. Being able to shift to a game (CB) is an important concern, and the single bonus (SB) winning probability during the CB game fluctuates, so that the interest of the game can be further improved.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the number of net increase in each CB1 to 3 of each first special game and the transition probability (completion probability) to replay time (RT) are made different. However, for a player, the net increase is the smallest even for the CB1 game, which is the game that is the least disadvantageous for the player, with the smallest increase in the number of net increase and the low probability of transition to replay time (RT). Moreover, even in a CB3 game that has a large probability of transition to replay time (RT), which is relatively advantageous to the player, transition to replay time (RT) depending on luck (whether 4 games can be completed without drawing SB) If there is a possibility that it can be done, and if it is possible to transfer to the replay time (RT) safely, the maximum net increase expected during the CB game can be obtained, so it is more satisfying Can be obtained, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the game in any game.

The slot machine of the present invention is configured to have the second special game (BB1 to 3) in addition to the first special game (CB1 to 3).
Like the first special game, the second special game (BB) is constituted by a so-called challenge time CT. Therefore, when there is a specific winning, for example, a single bonus SB, the game shifts to a normal game. However, the winning probability of the single bonus SB in the second special game (BB) is set to be extremely small, for example, 1/65536 in the probability table of FIG. The upper limit payout number of medals can be almost obtained.
In addition, the second special game (BB) is configured to shift to the normal game after acquiring the preset number of medals set in advance. ((8) in Fig. 4)

In addition, the second special game (BB) is provided with a plurality of second special games (BB1 to 3) each having a different upper limit payout number. Usually, each upper limit payout number is higher than that of the first special game. Is also set larger.
As shown in FIG. 5, when the symbol combinations “Picture 7”, “Picture 7”, and “x1” are arranged on the winning line, the number of medals is increased in the second special game (BB1 to 3). However, for example, it is configured to be able to execute a BB1 game preset to 60 sheets.
In this BB1 game, it is easy to win a symbol combination corresponding to the small role 4, and a net increase in medals finally paid out by acquiring a large number of predetermined number of medals when the symbol combination is established (winning). The BB1 game is configured to end when the number reaches the upper limit payout number preset in the BB1 game, for example, 60.

Similarly, when the symbol combinations “Picture 7”, “Picture 7”, and “x2” are aligned on the winning line, the BB2 game in which the net number of medals is set to 120 is designated as “Picture 7” and “Picture 7”. When the symbol combinations “x3” are arranged on the winning line, the BB3 game in which the net increase in number of medals is set to 180 pieces can be executed.
In this way, the second special games (BB1 to BB3) are set so that the upper limit payout numbers are different from each other, but the winning probability of SB is 1 as described in the probability table of FIG. It is set to a very small probability of / 65536.

Therefore, the game in the second special game (BB) is composed of the above-described so-called second special agent continuous operation device in which a winning is determined based on the operation timing of the stop button of the player. The player plays the game in the second special game (BB) with the aim of obtaining a predetermined medal acquisition number.
As described above, the slot machine according to the present invention includes the second special game (BB1 to 3) in addition to the first special game (CB1 to 3), thereby diversifying the games that can demonstrate the skill of the player. It is possible to provide a slot machine that is more interesting to the player.

Next, the control of the slot machine configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
The bet number setting means sets the bet number for each game at the start of the game. When the player inserts medals for each game or the medals are credited, the BET switch 45 is operated. The number of bets in the game is detected and the game can be started (step 101).
Next, when the game start lever 12 is operated by the player (step 102), the game start command means detects it and outputs a signal for internal lottery, and internal lottery is performed (step 103). ). In accordance with the internal lottery, reel rotation control is performed by the symbol changing means (step 104).
When the three reels 4, 5, and 6 as the symbol display means are started to rotate by the driving of the symbol changing means and the reel stop buttons 13 to 15 are operated by the player, the symbols are drawn based on the result of the internal lottery. Stop control means controls the stop of the rotation of each reel 4-6.

  First, it is determined whether or not replay is won by internal lottery (step 105), and when the player operates each reel stop button 13-15 at the replay symbol winning timing (step 106), a replay winning process is performed. (Step 107).

  In the case of No in step 105, it is next determined whether or not the winning flag for the second special game (BB) is established by internal lottery (step 108), and the player is allowed to win the second special game. When each of the reel stop buttons 13 to 15 is operated (step 109), a winning process for winning the second special game is performed (step 110), and the process proceeds to the second special game. However, if the player does not operate the reel stop buttons 13 to 15 at the timing when the second special game can be won (No in Step 109), the process proceeds to a disengagement process (Step 120).

  In the case of No in step 108, it is determined whether or not the first special game (CB) is won by the internal lottery and the flag is established (step 111), and each reel stop button 13 is displayed at the timing when the first special symbol can be won. When -15 is operated (step 112), the reel is controlled to stop so that the symbol of the first special game is won (step 113), and then the process proceeds to the first special game. However, if the player does not operate the reel stop buttons 13 to 15 at the timing when the first special game can be won (No in step 112), the process proceeds to a disengagement process (step 120).

  In the case of No in step 111, it is determined whether or not a single bonus (SB) is won by internal lottery (step 114), and each reel stop button 13-15 at the timing when the player can win the single bonus (SB). Is operated (in the case of Yes in step 115), the winning process of the symbol corresponding to the single bonus (SB) is executed (step 116), and the process proceeds to SB game. However, if the player does not operate the reel stop buttons 13 to 15 at the timing when the single bonus (SB) can be won, the process proceeds to the disengagement process (step 120).

  Returning to step 114, in the case of No, it is determined whether the small role is won based on the result of the internal lottery (step 117), and each reel stop button 13-15 is operated at a timing when the small role symbol can be won. In this case (step 118), the game medium payout means performs a game medium (medal) payout process (step 119), a predetermined number of game media are paid out, and the process ends. However, when the reel stop buttons 13 to 15 are not operated at the timing of the small role symbol winning (when No in Step 118), the process shifts to the detachment process (Step 120).

  In the case of No in step 117, the result of the internal lottery is a case where none of the above winning combinations has been won, so that a loss process (step 120) is performed and the process ends.

Next, the control process of the CB game when the CB game (first special game) wins in the above step 113 will be described with reference to FIG.
First, it is sequentially determined which of the CB games is the CB game (steps 201 and 202), and condition settings (for example, upper limit payout number, upper limit game, etc.) set in advance for each first special game are determined. (Number of times, required number of bets, probability table selection, etc.) are performed by the CB1-3 game setting process (steps 203, 204, 205).

Next, the number of bets is set by inserting game media (medals etc.) by the player (step 206), and internal lottery (step 208) and reel rotation control are performed by operating the start lever 12 (step 207) (step 207). Step 209).
Since the first special game (CB) is constituted by a challenge time (CT), the rotation of at least one reel (only the left reel in this embodiment) is stopped almost according to the operation of the stop button of the player. It is configured as follows. Therefore, since the winning arrangement of SB is a combination of symbols as shown in FIG. 5, the left reel that stops almost in accordance with the operation of the stop button of the player is “ANY” which may be any symbol, Since the left reel is subjected to normal pull-in control, when the SB wins internally, the SB wins without being missed.
Therefore, as a result of the internal lottery, when SB is won (Yes in Step 210), an SB winning process is performed (Step 211), after one SB game is executed (Step 212), the first special game (CB) To normal game.

Also, during the first special game (CB), all kinds of small roles are flagged (internal winning), so if the SB is not winning, each small stop button 13 is displayed at the timing at which each small role can win a prize. It is determined whether or not .about.15 has been operated (step 213), a winning process for the small role is performed (step 214), and a game medium payout process corresponding to the payout number of the small role is performed (step 215).
Next, it is determined whether or not the number of payouts so far exceeds the maximum number of payouts (step 216). If the payout has been made, the game shifts to a specific game (RT game). If it is determined that it is not, the CB game is continued as it is.
If each reel stop button 13 to 15 is not operated at any winning combination timing (No in step 213), a disengagement process is performed (step 217), and the game medium is paid out. However, after determining whether or not the ending game number is reached, the CB game is continued.

In order to perform such a game control, when a plurality of symbols stopped by the symbol stop control unit become a preset winning symbol, a game control unit that enables a game according to the combination of the winning symbols The game control means further includes special game control means for controlling such special games. The special game control means terminates the special game by detecting from the stop control means that the single bonus game (SB) is won during the games in the CB1 to 3 which are special games. Is transferred to normal games.
Further, the special game control means ends the special game when the payout of the game media from the game media payout means is paid out to a preset upper limit payout number, and shifts the subsequent game to a specific game. It is something to be made.

  More specific configurations of the symbol display means, the bet number setting means, the game start command means, the symbol variation means, the stop control means, the game control means, etc., are all configured by techniques well known in this field. The main control unit 30 and the sub control unit 31, and the CPU 32, the clock generation circuit 33, the ROM 34, the RAM 35, the lottery processing unit 36, the game control unit 37, and the like, which are described in FIG. It is incorporated in a game number counting unit 38, a transmission timing control circuit 39 for transmitting data to the sub-control unit, a data transmission circuit 40, and the like.

In the embodiment described above, the game end condition in the first special game (CB) and the second special game (BB) is not the time when the predetermined upper limit payout number is acquired, but the predetermined upper limit game number is ended. It can also be at the point of time.
In this case, the special game control means is configured to end the special game by detecting the end of a predetermined upper limit number of games, and shift the subsequent game to a specific game.
Assuming that the end condition of the first special game (CB), that is, the transition condition to the RT, is that a predetermined upper limit payout number has been acquired, if the player removes the small role winning in step 213 of FIG. In some cases, the number of payouts cannot be obtained, and since the first special game (CB) is performed again, the risk of winning the SB increases as the number of games progresses.
Therefore, assuming that the end condition of the first special game (CB) is the predetermined upper limit number of games in this way, the transition to RT is defined by the SB internal winning in the upper limit number of games. Since the skill is not reflected, it is possible to provide a slot machine with a sense of security for a player who is not good at operating the reel stop button at a timing that allows winning.

In the above-described embodiment, one of the end conditions of the first special game (CB1 to CB3) and the second special game (BB1 to BB3) is set as a prize for a specific winning combination (single bonus (SB)). Although configured, the present invention is not limited to this, and other predetermined winnings can also be configured as the end condition.
By doing so, it is possible to provide a slot machine that constitutes a variety of game modes for the player.

In the above-described embodiment, the number of bets in the first special game (CB1 to CB1) is made different according to the SB winning probability, and the upper limit payout number or upper limit game number of the preset game medium is set to be the same. However, conversely, it is also possible to make the upper limit payout number or upper limit game number of game media set in advance differently and set the corresponding bet number to the same.
For example, in each of the first special games (CB1 to CB3), the bet number is set to 2 and the SB winning probability is set to 1/6. For CB1, the upper limit payout number is 50 or the upper limit game number is 4, and for CB2. Can be set such that the upper limit payout number is 100 or the upper limit number of games is 8 times, and for CB3, the upper limit payout number is 150 or the upper limit number of games is 12 times.

  In the above-described embodiment, the probability of shifting to the replay time (RT) for each first special game (CB1 to 3) is decreased as the number of net increase is smaller. Conversely, the number of net increase is small. It is also possible to increase the probability of shifting to the replay time (RT).

Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiment, the maximum number of replay time (RT) games is set to 50. However, the maximum number of games is not limited to this, and the maximum number of games can be continued according to the winning probability design of the entire slot machine. The number of times can be changed as appropriate.
Further, the replay time (RT) is configured as a replay time (RT) having a plurality of maximum continuation times (for example, 50 times, 30 times, etc.). It can also be configured to increase the probability of transition from the special game (CB). By configuring in this way, even low-skilled players can be motivated to make the best use of their skills to complete the first special game (CB). A slot machine can be configured.

The front view of the slot machine which shows the Example of this invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure with the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 opened. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine of the present invention. The conceptual diagram which shows the transition of the game state in this invention. The figure which shows an example of the winning combination (winning symbol combination) of this invention. The table | surface which shows an example of the winning probability for every winning combination of this invention. The flowchart explaining the process in the normal game by this invention. Flow chart explaining the processing in the first special game according to the present invention

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine,
2 Front door,
3 medal slot,
4, 5, 6 Left, middle, right reel,
7, 8, 9 Display window,
10 winning line indicator lamps,
11 Side speakers,
12 Start lever,
13, 14, 15 Reel stop button,
16 Upper lamp,
17 Liquid crystal display,
18 Stepping motor,
19 Credit display section,
20, 21 LED display unit 26 Medal hopper,
27 power supply unit,
30 Main control unit,
31 sub-control unit,

Claims (7)

Based on a plurality of symbol display means, a bet number setting means that allows a game to be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, driving of the bet number setting means, and a game start operation A game start command means for commanding the start of the game, a symbol change means for changing the symbols of the plurality of symbol display means based on driving of the game start command means, and the plurality of symbol displays based on a stop operation The stop control means for stopping and controlling the variation of the symbols of the means, and the symbols of the plurality of symbol display means stopped by the control of the stop control means enable a game according to a combination of predetermined winning symbols. A game medium payout unit that pays out a game medium when the symbols of the plurality of symbol display means stopped by the control of the game control means and the stop control means are a combination of a predetermined winning symbol And the step, in the slot machine having,
In the normal game, the game control means shifts to a special game different from the normal game when a combination of special symbols is selected among the preset winning symbols, and is set in advance in the special game. A special game control means for ending the special game based on the payout of the game medium of the upper limit payout number or the end of the game of the upper limit game number, or when a combination of specific winning symbols appears.
In the special game, the special game control means replays a predetermined combination of winning symbols when a predetermined upper limit number of game media is paid out or the upper limit number of games is terminated. A slot machine, wherein a game lottery probability is shifted to a specific game set higher than that of the normal game, and when a combination of specific winning symbols appears in the special game, the slot machine is shifted to the normal game.   2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the special game has different probabilities of occurrence of the combination of the specific winning symbols depending on a plurality of bets by the bet number setting means, and a plurality of preset games. A slot machine comprising a plurality of first special games each corresponding to the number of bets corresponding to the combination of the special symbols.   3. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of first special games have a predetermined bet by the bet number setting means in response to setting the probability that the combination of the specific winning symbols appears to be small. A slot machine characterized by increasing the number and setting a preset upper limit payout number or upper limit game number of game media to be the same.   2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first special games have different upper limit payout numbers or upper limit game number of game media set in advance, and a bet number corresponding to the combination of the specific winning symbols. A slot machine characterized by the same.   5. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined upper limit payout amount of game media can be paid out by setting the probability that the specific winning symbol combination appears to be extremely small. It is a special game that allows almost the maximum number of games to be played and does not shift to the specific game even when the maximum number of payouts or the maximum number of games has been completed, and the upper limit payout number or the upper limit game A slot machine comprising a second special game in which the number of times is set larger than that of the plurality of first special games.   6. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein the second special game is composed of a plurality of the second special games in which the upper limit payout number or the upper limit game number is different.   The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the special game is a challenge time and the specific game is a replay time.

Images