JP2008167862A - Gaming machines whose dividends change according to the number of gameplay - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine with further enhanced entertainment properties. <P>SOLUTION: The gaming machine has a RAM 110 for storing dividend table data on a plurality of levels associated with the number of times of play of a game and storing the number of times of play of the game. A CPU 106 starts the game and increases the number of times of play stored in the RAM 110 by a prescribed number whenever the game is executed. A prize corresponding to a prescribed number of dividends is given by referring to the dividend table data on the level corresponding to the number of times of play. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a payout changes depending on the number of game plays.

Conventionally, a slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine, starts a game by inserting a gaming medium such as a coin into the gaming machine, displays the symbol string in a predetermined area of the gaming machine, and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed. A prize is awarded based on the combination of the symbols that are displayed and stopped. Whether or not a combination for giving a prize is established depends on whether or not a predetermined number of symbols of the same type (for example, “CHERRY” and “7”) are arranged along a predetermined winning line. Generally, it is determined. Further, a technology is disclosed in which, when an amount invested in a slot machine reaches a certain value, it is randomly determined to give a special prize called a jackpot only by that slot machine (see Patent Document 1). In such a technique, in addition to the payout that can be obtained by the game of the slot machine itself, the player may win a further payout by the jackpot, so that the player's willingness to play the game can be further enhanced.
US Publication 2003/0069073 Specification

  However, the dividend that a player can earn by jackpot is a portion of credits betted by a plurality of players or one player, and it can be expected to improve entertainment performance by winning jackpot. Entertainment has become popular, and recently there is a problem of lack of freshness.

  An object of this invention is to provide the gaming machine which improves the further entertainment property.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a memory for storing a plurality of levels of payout table data associated with the number of times the game has been played, a counter for storing the number of times the game has been played, the game is started, Each time the game is executed, the number of plays stored in the counter is increased by a predetermined number, and when a prize is awarded, the payout table data at a level corresponding to the number of plays is referred to and the number of plays is determined. A gaming machine characterized by comprising a controller for awarding a prize.

  According to the gaming machine having the above configuration, each time the game is started and the game is executed, the number of plays stored in the counter is increased by a predetermined number, and when a prize is awarded, a level corresponding to the number of plays is given. With reference to the payout table data, a prize corresponding to a predetermined number of payouts is awarded.

  As a result, the more players the number of times the game is played, the greater the number of payouts that can be obtained when winning a prize, and the more prizes can be obtained.

  As a result, the possibility that the credits consumed by the number of times the game is played will be gradually recovered, and the player can enjoy a game with further entertainment.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, a memory for storing a plurality of levels of payout table data associated with the number of times the game has been played, a counter for storing the number of times the game has been played, the game is started, Each time the game is executed, the number of times of play stored in the counter is increased by a predetermined number, and the number of times of play of the game stored in the counter is reset to a predetermined value and given a prize according to a predetermined condition And a controller for giving a prize according to a predetermined payout amount with reference to the payout table data at a level according to the number of times of playing.

  According to the gaming machine having the above configuration, each time the game is started and the game is executed, the number of plays stored in the counter is increased by a predetermined number, and the number of play times of the game stored in the counter is determined according to a predetermined condition. Is reset to a predetermined value, and when award is awarded, a prize according to a predetermined number of payouts is awarded with reference to the payout table data at a level corresponding to the number of plays.

  As a result, the more players the number of times the game is played, the greater the number of payouts that can be obtained when winning a prize, and the more prizes can be obtained. However, since the number of times of playing the game is reset under a predetermined condition, the number of payouts that can be obtained even if the player repeats the number of times of playing the game may decrease. Therefore, the player can enjoy a game with further entertainment properties.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it corresponds to a display for displaying video relating to a game, a plurality of levels of payout table data associated with the number of times the game has been played, and a plurality of types of symbols used in the game. A memory for storing the symbol data, a counter for storing the number of times the game has been played, and starting the game, and increasing the number of plays stored in the counter every time the game is executed, Of the stored symbol data, symbol data corresponding to a symbol to be displayed on the display is determined at random, a symbol corresponding to the determined symbol data is displayed on the display, and a prize is awarded based on the displayed symbol. Refer to the payout table data at the level corresponding to the number of plays. Gaming machine characterized by comprising a controller for providing an award corresponding to the number of dividend corresponding to the display symbol is provided.

  According to the gaming machine having the above configuration, the number of plays stored in the counter is increased by a predetermined number every time the game is executed, and the symbol data corresponding to the symbol to be displayed on the display is stored among the symbol data stored in the memory. Randomly determined, symbols corresponding to the determined symbol data are displayed on the display, and when award is awarded based on the displayed symbols, the payout table data of the level corresponding to the number of times of play is referred to and displayed. Awards are awarded according to the number of dividends corresponding to the symbol.

  As a result, the more times the player plays the game, the greater the number of payouts that can be obtained when winning a prize based on the displayed symbol, and the more prizes can be obtained. Therefore, there is a higher possibility that the credits consumed by the number of times of playing the game will be gradually recovered, and the player can enjoy a game with further entertainment properties.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it corresponds to a display for displaying video related to a game, a plurality of levels of payout table data associated with the number of times the game has been played, and a plurality of types of symbols used in the game. A memory for storing the symbol data, a counter for storing the number of times the game has been played, and starting the game, and increasing the number of plays stored in the counter every time the game is executed, Of the stored symbol data, symbol data corresponding to a symbol to be displayed on the display is determined at random, a symbol corresponding to the determined symbol data is displayed on the display, and a combination of the displayed symbols is a predetermined symbol In the case of a combination of symbols, the counter stored in the counter When a game is reset to a predetermined value and a prize is awarded based on the displayed symbol, the payout table data of a level corresponding to the number of play is referred to and the corresponding symbol is displayed. There is provided a gaming machine comprising a controller for giving a prize according to the number of payouts.

  According to the gaming machine having the above configuration, the number of plays stored in the counter is increased by a predetermined number every time the game is executed, and the symbol data corresponding to the symbol to be displayed on the display is stored among the symbol data stored in the memory. Randomly determined, symbols corresponding to the determined symbol data are displayed on the display, and when the combination of the displayed symbols is a predetermined symbol combination, the number of times of playing the game stored in the counter is set to a predetermined value. When the award is awarded based on the displayed symbols after resetting, the award corresponding to the number of payouts corresponding to the displayed symbols is awarded with reference to the payout table data at a level corresponding to the number of times of play.

  As a result, the more times the player plays the game, the greater the number of payouts that can be obtained when winning a prize based on the displayed symbol, and the more prizes can be obtained. However, when a predetermined combination of symbols is displayed, the number of times that the game has been played is reset, so that the number of payouts that can be obtained even if the player repeats the number of times that the game has been played may decrease. Therefore, the player can enjoy a game with further entertainment properties.

  According to the present invention, the more times a player plays a game, the greater the number of payouts that can be earned when winning a prize, so the possibility that the total game balance will become positive gradually increases. . Therefore, the player can enjoy a game with further entertainment properties.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The slot machine 13 according to the present invention includes a plurality of levels of payout table data associated with the number of times the game has been played, and a RAM 110 that stores the number of times the game has been played. The CPU 106 starts the game, Each time it is executed, the number of plays stored in the RAM 110 is increased by a predetermined number, and when giving a prize, a prize according to a predetermined number of payouts is given with reference to the payout table data at a level corresponding to the number of plays. To do.

  Specifically, although details will be described later, as shown in FIG. 1, the CPU 106 starts the game (step S100), and increases the number of plays stored in the RAM 110 by a predetermined number each time the game is executed. (Step S200) When awarding a prize, the award according to a predetermined number of payouts is awarded with reference to the payout table data at a level corresponding to the number of plays (Step S300).

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the slot machine 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 13 includes a cabinet 20 and a main door 42. The cabinet 20 has an open surface facing the player. In the cabinet 20, a controller 100 (see FIG. 4) for electrically controlling the slot machine 13 and a hopper 44 (see FIG. 4) for controlling the insertion, storage and payout of coins (game media). ) And the like. The game medium is not limited to coins, and examples thereof include medals, tokens, electronic money, or electronic valuable information (credits) corresponding to these.

  The main door 42 is a member for covering the inside of the cabinet 20 so as not to be exposed to the outside, and the liquid crystal display 30 is provided in the approximate center of the main door 42.

  The liquid crystal display 30 is for displaying various images relating to the game including effect images and the like. The player proceeds with the game while visually recognizing various images displayed on the liquid crystal display 30. The liquid crystal display 30 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 34. The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be partially or entirely switched to a transparent / non-transparent state and can display various images.

  The slot machine 13 is composed of video reels, and displays five virtual reels on the liquid crystal display 30. Note that the video reel is to display an image reel on the liquid crystal display 30 instead of the mechanical reel. The slot machine 13 includes “BONUS”, “WILD”, “TREASURE BOX”, “GOLDEN MASK”, “HOLY CUP”, “COMPASS & MAP”, “SNAKE”, “A” as a plurality of types of symbols necessary for the basic game. , “K”, “Q”, “J”, “10” are displayed together with an image as if the reel is rotating.

  A substantially horizontal operation unit 21 is provided below the liquid crystal display 30. A coin insertion slot 22 for inserting coins into the slot machine 13 is provided on the right side of the operation unit 21. On the other hand, on the left side of the operation unit 21, it is determined which of the lines L 1, L 2, L 3, L 4, L 5, L 6, L 7, L 8, and L 9 for granting 9 prizes described later is to be activated. A BET switch 23 for selecting the number of coins as a game medium to bet on a line for granting an activated prize (hereinafter simply referred to as a “winning line”), and the winning in the previous game A spin / repeat / bet switch 24 is provided to play the game again without changing the number of coins bet on the line. By pressing the BET switch 23 or the spin / repeat / bet switch 24, the number of coins bet on the winning line is determined according to the operation.

  In the operation unit 21, a start switch 25 is provided on the left side of the BET switch 23 to accept a player's basic game start operation for each game. A pressing operation on one of the start switch 25 and the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 serves as a trigger for starting the game, and the rotation of the five video reels 3A to 3E is started.

  On the other hand, in the operation unit 21, a cashout switch 26 is provided in the vicinity of the coin insertion slot 22. When the player presses the cashout switch 26, the inserted coins are paid out from a coin payout opening 27 opened at the lower front of the main door 42, and the coins that have been paid out are stored in the coin tray 28. Sound effects emitted from speakers 41 (see FIG. 4) housed in the cabinet 20 are propagated to the outside of the cabinet 20 on the left and right sides of the coin tray 28 above the coin tray 28. A sound transmission port 29 is provided.

  FIG. 3 shows an enlarged display area of the slot machine 13. The liquid crystal display 30 of the slot machine 13 includes a front panel 31 and a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the back surface of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 includes a transparent display surface 31a and a pattern formation region 31b on which a pattern is formed. The image information displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the back surface of the front panel 31 can be viewed through the display surface 31 a of the front panel 31. In the case where the slot machine 13 is composed of video reels, the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 may be made non-transparent to display an image reel, or a simple liquid crystal panel may be used instead of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. May be.

  On the left side of the liquid crystal display 30, various display units such as a payout number display unit 48, a credit number display unit 49, and a BET number display unit 50 are provided. In addition, as for the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, the part which covers the front of the said various display parts 48-50 is transparent, and the display content of the said various display parts 48-50 is visually recognizable.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 13 has lines L1 to L9 for giving nine prizes. The lines L1 to L9 for giving each prize extend so as to pass one symbol of each video reel 3A to 3E when the five video reels are stopped.

  When the BET switch 23 is pressed once, for example, a line L3 for giving a third prize, a line L5 for giving a fifth prize, and a line L7 for giving a seventh prize are valid. And one coin is taken in as a credit medal.

  When the BET switch 23 is pressed twice, in addition to the above three lines, for example, a line L1 for giving a first prize, a line L4 for giving a fourth prize, and an eighth prize are given. The line L8 for giving is activated and two coins are taken in as credit medals.

  When the BET switch 23 is pressed three times, in addition to the above six lines, for example, a line L2 for giving a second prize, a line L6 for giving a sixth prize, and a ninth prize are given. The line L9 for giving is activated and three coins are taken in as credit medals.

  The payout number display section 48 is for displaying the number of coin payouts when a combination for giving a prize is established along the winning line. The credit amount display section 49 is for displaying the number of coin credits stored in the slot machine 13. The BET number display section 50 is for displaying a BET number that is the number of bet coins on the winning line. The various display units 48 to 50 are configured to include a 7-segment display. Alternatively, various display units 48 to 50 may display images on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 having video reels. As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 100 of the slot machine 13 is a microcomputer, and includes an interface circuit group 102, an input / output bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a communication interface circuit 111, a random number generator 112, a speaker drive. A circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124, a display unit drive circuit 128, and a display / input controller 140 are provided.

  The interface circuit group 102 is connected to an input / output bus 104, and the input / output bus 104 inputs and outputs data signals or address signals to the CPU 106.

  A start switch 25 is connected to the interface circuit group 102. The start signal output from the start switch 25 is converted into a predetermined signal in the interface circuit group 102 and then supplied to the input / output bus 104.

  The interface circuit group 102 is also connected to a BET switch 23, a spin / repeat / bet switch 24 and a cashout switch 26. The switching signals output from these switches 23, 24 and 26 are also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into predetermined signals by the interface circuit group 102, and then supplied to the input / output bus 104.

  A coin sensor 43 is also connected to the interface circuit group 102. The coin sensor 43 is a sensor for detecting a coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 22, and is provided in association with the coin insertion slot 22. The sensing signal output from the coin sensor 43 is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuit group 102, and then supplied to the input / output bus 104.

  A ROM 108 and a RAM 110 are connected to the input / output bus 104.

  The CPU 106 reads out the basic game program and executes the basic game when the start operation of the basic game is received by the start switch 25. The basic game program displays on the liquid crystal display 30 via the display / input controller 140 to start scrolling the symbols of the five video reels, and then displays to stop the five video reels. If the symbol combination on the video reel is rearranged and the combination of the stopped symbol is shown in the winning line, and if it indicates a specific combination that gives a prize, the specific combination that gives the prize It is programmed to pay out coins according to

  The ROM 108 has a control program for controlling the slot machine 13 in a centralized manner, a program for executing the routines shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 (hereinafter referred to as “routine execution program”), and a control program for executing the control program. Initial data and various data tables used in the determination process are stored. The routine execution program includes the basic game program and the like. The RAM 110 temporarily stores flags and variable values used in the control program.

  A communication interface circuit 111 is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The communication interface circuit 111 is a circuit for communicating with a server or the like via various communication line networks including a public telephone line network and a LAN.

  A random number generator 112 for generating random numbers is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The random number generator 112 generates a random number included in a certain range of numerical values, for example, “0” to “65535 (2 to the 16th power-1)”. Alternatively, a random number may be generated by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 106.

  The input / output bus 104 is also connected to a display unit driving circuit 128 for driving the various display units 48 to 50. The CPU 106 controls the operations of the various display units 48 to 50 via the display unit driving circuit 128 in response to occurrence of a predetermined event.

  A speaker drive circuit 122 for driving the speaker 41 is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The CPU 106 reads the sound data stored in the ROM 108 and transmits the read sound data to the speaker drive circuit 122 via the input / output bus 104. Thereby, a predetermined sound effect is emitted from the speaker 41.

  A hopper driving circuit 124 for driving the hopper 44 is also connected to the input / output bus 104. When the cash-out signal from the cash-out switch 26 is input, the CPU 106 outputs a driving signal to the hopper driving circuit 124 via the input / output bus 104. Accordingly, the hopper 44 pays out coins corresponding to the remaining number of credits stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 at that time.

  A display / input controller 140 is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The CPU 106 generates an image display command according to the game state and the game result, and outputs the generated image display command to the display / input controller 140 via the input / output bus 104. When an image display command from the CPU 106 is input, the display / input controller 140 generates a drive signal for driving the liquid crystal display 30 based on the input image display command, and the generated drive signal is displayed on the liquid crystal display. Output to 30. As a result, a predetermined image is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display 30. The display / input controller 140 transmits a signal received by the touch panel 32 on the liquid crystal display 30 as an input signal to the CPU 106 via the input / output bus 104.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the display / input controller 140 of the slot machine 13. The display / input controller 140 of the slot machine 13 is a sub-microcomputer that performs image display processing and input control from the touch panel 32, and includes an interface circuit 142, an input / output bus 144, a CPU 146, a ROM 148, a RAM 150, a VDP 152, a video RAM 154, An image data ROM 156, a drive circuit 158, and a touch panel control circuit 160 are provided.

  The interface circuit 142 is connected to the input / output bus 144. The image display command output from the CPU 106 on the controller 100 side is supplied to the input / output bus 144 via the interface circuit 142. The input / output bus 144 inputs / outputs data signals or address signals to / from the CPU 146.

  A ROM 148 and a RAM 150 are connected to the input / output bus 144. The ROM 148 stores a display control program for generating a drive signal to be supplied to the liquid crystal display 30 based on an image display command from the CPU 106 on the controller 100 side. On the other hand, the RAM 150 stores flags and variable values used in the display control program.

  A VDP 152 is also connected to the input / output bus 144. The VDP 152 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a pallet circuit, and the like, and is a processing device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display 30. The VDP 152 stores a video RAM 154 for storing image data in accordance with an image display command from the CPU 106 on the controller 100 side, and an image data ROM 156 storing various image data including the effect image data and the like. Is connected. Further, a drive circuit 158 that outputs a drive signal for driving the liquid crystal display 30 is also connected to the VDP 152.

  The CPU 146 reads out and executes the display control program stored in the ROM 148, thereby causing the video RAM 154 to store image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 in accordance with an image display command from the CPU 106 on the controller 100 side. The image display command includes various image display commands including a display command for the effect image.

  The image data ROM 156 stores various types of image data including the effect image data and the like.

  The touch panel control circuit 160 transmits a signal received by the touch panel 32 on the liquid crystal display 30 as an input signal to the CPU 106 via the input / output bus 144.

  FIG. 6 shows a symbol row in which 21 symbols represented on each of the video reels 3A to 3E are arranged. The symbol column for the first video reel is for the video reel 3A, the symbol column for the second video reel is for the video reel 3B, the symbol column for the third video reel is for the video reel 3C, and for the fourth video reel. The symbol column corresponds to the video reel 3D, and the symbol column for the fifth video reel corresponds to the video reel 3E.

  Referring to FIG. 6, code numbers “00” to “20” are assigned to the symbols of video reels 3A to 3E, and these code numbers are tabulated and stored in the above-described ROM 108 (FIG. 4).

  On each of the video reels 3A to 3E, a “bonus” symbol (symbol 61) (hereinafter abbreviated as “bonus”), a “wild” symbol (symbol 62) (hereinafter abbreviated as “wild”), a “treasure box” "Symbol (symbol 63) (hereinafter abbreviated as" treasure chest ")," golden mask "symbol (symbol 64) (hereinafter abbreviated as" golden mask ")," holy grail "symbol (symbol 65) (hereinafter referred to as" golden mask ") , Abbreviated as “Holy Grail”), “compass and map” symbol (symbol 66) (hereinafter abbreviated as “compass and map”), “snake” symbol (symbol 67) (hereinafter abbreviated as “snake”) "Ace" symbol (symbol 68) (hereinafter abbreviated as "ace"), "King" symbol (symbol 69) (hereinafter abbreviated as "King"), "Queen" symbol Symbol 70) (hereinafter abbreviated as “Queen”), “Jack” symbol (symbol 71) (hereinafter abbreviated as “Jack”) and “10” symbol (symbol 72) (hereinafter abbreviated as “10”). ) Is represented. The symbol column of each video reel 3A to 3E displays an image that moves in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8 (from top to bottom) by displaying an image in which the reels 3A to 3E are rotated in the forward direction.

  Here, in this embodiment, as a winning combination, “bonus”, “wild”, “snake”, “treasure box”, “golden mask”, “holy grail”, “compass and map”, “ace”, “ “King”, “Queen”, “Jack” and “10” are provided. The combination (combination data) is basically control information in which a profit (the number of coins to be paid out) given to the player is associated with a winning symbol combination, stop control of each video reel 3A to 3E, game state Control information used for switching (transferring) and giving coins.

  FIG. 7 shows a symbol arrangement table. In the symbol arrangement table, the symbols of the video reels 3A to 3E are registered in association with the code numbers indicating the positions of the symbols constituting the symbol row. The first to fifth video reels correspond to the video reels 3A to 3E, respectively. In other words, the symbol arrangement table includes symbol information corresponding to the symbol positions (code numbers) of the video reels 3A to 3E.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing operations in the game machine 13 executed by the controller 100 of the game machine 13. This is called and executed at a predetermined timing from the main program of the game machine 13 that is executed in advance.

  In the following, the game machine 13 is activated in advance, and on the other hand, a variable used in the CPU 106 on the controller 100 side is initialized to a predetermined value, so that the game machine 13 is in steady operation. To do.

  First, the CPU 106 on the controller 100 side determines whether or not a credit that is the remaining number of coins inserted by the player remains (step S1). Specifically, the CPU 106 reads out the credit number C stored in the RAM 110 and performs processing based on the read credit number C. When the credit number C is “0” (when NO is determined in the process of Step S1), the CPU 106 cannot start the game, and thus terminates this routine without performing any process. On the other hand, when the number of credits C is “1” or more (when it is determined YES in the process of step S1), the CPU 106 determines that credits remain and moves the process to step S2.

  In step S2, the CPU 106 determines whether the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 has been pressed. When the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 is pressed and an operation signal is input from the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 (when YES is determined in the process of step S2), the CPU 106 Then, the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the operation signal from the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 is not input even after a predetermined time has elapsed (NO in the process of step S2), the CPU 106 determines that the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 Is determined not to be pressed, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, game conditions are set. Specifically, the CPU 106 determines the number of coins bet on the winning line in this game based on the operation of the BET switch 23. At this time, the CPU 106 receives an operation signal generated by the operation of the BET switch 23 and, based on the number of times the received operation signal is received, calculates the BET number related to the winning line in a predetermined memory of the RAM 110. Remember to area. The CPU 106 reads the credit number C written in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, subtracts the total BET number obtained by adding the BET number from the read credit number C, and uses the subtracted value as a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Remember me. Thereafter, the CPU 106 shifts the processing to step S4.

  In step S4, the CPU 106 determines whether the start switch 25 is ON by waiting for the start switch 25 to be operated. If the start switch 25 is operated and an operation signal is input from the start switch 25 (when YES is determined in the process of step S4), the CPU 106 determines that the start switch 25 is operated. Judgment is made, and the process proceeds to step S5.

  On the other hand, when proceeding to step S14, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the value of the credit number C is equal to or greater than the total bet number in the previous game. In other words, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the game can be started by pressing the spin / repeat / bet switch 24. Specifically, when the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 is pressed and an operation signal is input from the switch 24, the CPU 106 stores the credit number C written in a predetermined memory area in the RAM 110 and the credit number C. The number of BETs related to the winning lines L1 to L9 in the previous game is read, and the value of the credit number C is the value of the total bet number in the previous game based on the relationship between the read credit number C and the number of BETs. Processing is performed based on whether or not the above is true. When it is determined that the value of the credit number C is less than the value of the total bet number in the previous game (when it is determined NO in the process of step S14), the CPU 106 cannot start the game, so no processing is performed. This routine is terminated without performing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the number of credits C is equal to or greater than the total number of bets in the previous game (when it is determined YES in the process of step S14), the CPU 106 determines from the value of the number of credits C the previous time. The total bet value in the game is subtracted, and the subtracted value is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Thereafter, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S5.

  In step S5, the CPU 106 performs a play count process and moves the process to step S6.

  In step S6, the CPU 106 performs a symbol combination determination process. The specific processing contents of this symbol combination determination processing are as follows.

  In the symbol combination determination process, first, the CPU 106 determines a combination of stop symbols along the winning line. Specifically, the CPU 106 issues a command for generating a random number to the random number generator 112, and a random number within a predetermined range generated by the random number generator 112 (“0” to “65535 in the present embodiment). )). The CPU 106 stores the extracted random number in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. In the present embodiment, the random number is generated by the random number generator 112 provided outside the CPU 106. However, the random number generator 112 is not provided, and the random number is generated by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 106. It doesn't matter. The CPU 106 reads the basic game random number table (see FIG. 11) and the basic game payout table (see FIGS. 12 to 14) stored in the ROM 108, and reads out the read basic game random number table and the basic game payout. The table is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 controls the stop display for each reel based on the basic game random number table. The CPU 106 reads the basic game random number table and the basic game payout table stored in the predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, and uses the random number value written in the predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 as a parameter. To determine the combination of stop symbols for the winning line. As described above, when the specific combination for giving a prize is determined, the CPU 106 stores the specific combination data for giving the determined prize in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 reads out the random number value written in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 and the specific combination data for giving a prize, and stops display based on the read random number value and the specific combination data for giving a prize. Determine the stop symbol combination to be used. At this time, the symbol arrangement table (see FIG. 7) stored in the ROM 108 is read by the CPU 106, stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, and referenced. The CPU 106 stores the determined stop symbol data in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Alternatively, a stop symbol may be determined for each reel using the basic game random number table.

  When determining the combination of stop symbols related to the winning line, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the combination of stop symbols related to the winning line is a specific combination that gives a prize. When the combination of the stop symbols related to the winning line is a specific combination that gives a prize, the CPU 106 generates a prize corresponding to the symbol combination that is the specific combination that gives the determined prize to the winning line. Therefore, a flag indicating that an award indicating the type of a specific combination for giving the prize is given is activated. A flag indicating that the activated prize is awarded is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 by the CPU 106. On the other hand, when the combination of the stop symbols related to the winning line is another combination, that is, a combination of loses, the CPU 106 does not validate the flag indicating that the award is awarded. Thereafter, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S7.

  Here, the basic game random number table shown in FIG. 11 will be described. In this basic game random number table, a random number range and a winning probability are registered in association with each symbol. In the symbol combination determination process, for example, when random numbers in the range of “0” to “299” are extracted from the random numbers of “0” to “65535”, a bonus is generated as a result of the final basic game It is determined within the machine 10 that In other words, the probability that the combination of stop symbols is determined as a bonus combination is “300/65536”. On the other hand, when random numbers in the range of “10000” to “65535” are extracted from the random numbers of “0” to “65535”, it is possible to generate a loss as a result of the final basic game. Determined by In other words, the probability that the combination of stop symbols is determined as a combination indicating a loss is “55536/65536”.

  Further, the basic game payout table (payout table level 1) shown in FIG. 12 will be described. In this basic game payout table (payout table level 1), each symbol is registered in association with the number of coins to be paid out for each credit amount betted in one game. Therefore, at the time of determining the symbol combination, for example, when “wild” occurs, if the number of BET credits is “1”, 50 coins are paid out and the number of BET credits is “2”. If 100 coins are paid out and the number of BET credits is “3”, 150 coins are paid out. The same applies to FIGS. 13 and 14.

  The basic game payout table (payout table level 2) shown in FIG. 13 has a larger number of credits to be paid out than the basic game payout table (payout table level 1) shown in FIG.

  Similarly, the basic game payout table (payout table level 3) shown in FIG. 14 has a larger number of credits to be paid out than the basic game payout table (payout table level 2) shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 8, in step S7, the CPU 106 displays an image for starting the rotation of the video reels 3A to 3E. Specifically, the CPU 106 displays an image by rotating the video reels 3A to 3E sequentially or simultaneously based on the symbol arrangement table stored in the RAM 110.

  When an image for starting the rotation of the video reels 3A to 3E is displayed, the CPU 106 waits for a predetermined time to elapse (step S8). When the predetermined time has elapsed (when it is determined YES in step 8), the CPU 106 automatically stops the rotation of the video reels 3A to 3E (step S9). Specifically, the CPU 106 determines that the stop symbol corresponding to the specific combination that gives the prize determined in step S6 is based on the specific combination that gives the prize written in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Are displayed in such a manner that the images of rotation of the video reels 3A to 3E are stopped in order or simultaneously. Thereafter, the CPU 106 shifts the processing to step S10.

  In step S10, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a predetermined symbol combination is established by the symbol combination determination process in step S6. Specifically, the CPU 106 makes a determination based on the state of a flag indicating that a prize relating to a winning line stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 is given. If the flag indicating that the award is to be awarded is not activated, that is, if the specific combination for awarding is “other” (when NO is determined in step S10), the CPU 106 It is determined that the specific combination for giving is not established, and this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the flag indicating that a prize is awarded is activated, that is, when the specific combination for giving a prize is other than the above “others” (when it is determined YES in the process of step S10). The CPU 106 moves the process to step S11.

  In step S11, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the established symbol combination is “bonus” by the symbol combination determination process in step S6. Specifically, the CPU 106 makes a determination based on the state of a flag indicating that a prize relating to a winning line stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 is given. When the flag indicating that an award is given is enabled and the specific combination for giving an award is “bonus”, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S12, and when it is not “bonus”. The process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S12, the CPU 106 performs a bonus game process. When the process of step S12 ends, the CPU 106 ends this routine.

  In step S13, the CPU 106 performs a payout process. When the process of step S13 ends, the CPU 106 ends this routine.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the play count processing will be described.

  In step S21, the CPU 106 performs a process of reading the number of times the game has been played, and moves the process to step S22. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads out the value of a counter that counts the number of game plays from a predetermined storage area of the RAM 110.

  In step S22, the CPU 106 increases the number of game play by one. Specifically, the value of the read game play count is incremented by 1 and stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 110. When the process of step S22 ends, the CPU 106 ends this routine.

  The payout process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S31, it is determined whether or not a predetermined symbol combination is displayed. If it is determined that a predetermined symbol combination is displayed, the process proceeds to step S32. If it is determined that a predetermined symbol combination is not displayed, the process proceeds to step S33. Specifically, for example, when three or more Holy Grail symbols are displayed regardless of whether or not they are on the active line, the CPU 106 determines that a predetermined combination of symbols has been displayed.

  In step S32, the CPU 106 resets the number of times the game is played to 0, and moves the process to step S33. Specifically, the value of a counter that counts the number of times the game is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 110 is set to zero.

  In step S33, the CPU 106 pays out according to the number of game plays and the symbol combination. Specifically, the CPU 106 refers to a payout table level table, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15, determines a payout table of a level corresponding to the number of game plays, and pays out credits with reference to the determined payout table. .

  Here, the payout table level table shown in FIG. 15 will be described. This payout table level table is a table that the CPU 106 refers to when paying out according to the number of game plays and symbol combinations. For example, when the number of game plays is 105, the payout table level is “level 2”. Therefore, the CPU 106 refers to the basic game payout table (payout level 2) described above with reference to FIG. 13 and pays out according to the symbol combination.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the effect image. FIG. 16 shows a state in which the payout table level is displayed on the display area 81 and the number of game plays is displayed on the display area 82 during the execution of the game. The CPU 106 displays the main image on the liquid crystal display 30 via the display / input controller 140.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the effect image. According to FIG. 17, in step S32 in FIG. 10, the number of plays is reset to 0, so that the payout table level on the display area 81 becomes level 1, and the number of times the game is played on the display area 82 is reset to 0. The state of being done is shown. The CPU 106 displays the main image on the liquid crystal display 30 via the display / input controller 140.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the effect image. FIG. 18 shows a state in which the number of payouts corresponding to the number of game plays is displayed on the display surface 31a for each symbol combination. This image is displayed at a predetermined timing during the execution of the game. In this display example, the payout number when the number of credits bet is 3 is displayed from the basic game payout table stored in the ROM 108 (see FIGS. 12 to 14). . Further, the state where the payout number is highlighted is shown according to the current number of game play. The CPU 106 displays the main image on the display surface 31 a of the liquid crystal display 30 via the display / input controller 140.

  In the present embodiment, the number of payouts changes according to the level of the payout table for all of the plurality of symbols, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of payouts for a specific symbol may be changed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the payout table level changes to the lowest rank according to a predetermined condition, and the number of payouts changes according to the level of the payout table for all the symbols. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of payouts may be changed.

  In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a video reel slot machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a mechanical reel slot machine.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine (so-called casino machine) that does not include a stop button and that automatically stops rotating after the reel rotates has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to a slot machine (a so-called pachislot machine) that includes a stop button and sequentially stops reels according to the order in which the stop button is pressed.

  Although the embodiment according to the present invention has been described above, it is needless to say that various design changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims attached to this specification.

It is a flow explaining the flow of the game performed in the slot machine which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a slot machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing an enlarged display area of the slot machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a controller of the slot machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a display / input controller of the slot machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the symbol row | line represented on each video reel which concerns on preferable embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | positioning table which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. FIG. 25 shows a flow of basic game processing executed in the slot machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the play count processing performed in the slot machine which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the payout process performed in the slot machine which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the random number table for basic games used with the basic game which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the payout table for basic games (payout table level 1) which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the payout table for basic games (payout table level 2) which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the payout table for basic games (payout table level 3) which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. FIG. 22 shows a payout table level table used in a basic game executed in the slot machine according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is an example of the display screen which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the display screen which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention. It is an example of the display screen which concerns on suitable embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

13 Slot Machine 23 BET Switch 25 Start Switch 26 Cash Out Switch 30 Liquid Crystal Display 31a Display Surface 32 Touch Panel 106 CPU
112 Random number generator 146 CPU

Claims (4)

A memory for storing a plurality of levels of paytable data associated with the number of game plays;
A counter for storing the number of times the game has been played;
(A) Start the game,
(B) Every time the game is executed, the number of plays stored in the counter is increased by a predetermined number,
(C) a gaming machine comprising: a controller for giving a prize according to a predetermined payout amount with reference to the payout table data at a level corresponding to the number of times of play when giving a prize. Machine. A memory for storing a plurality of levels of paytable data associated with the number of game plays;
A counter for storing the number of times the game has been played;
(A) Start the game,
(B) Every time the game is executed, the number of plays stored in the counter is increased by a predetermined number,
(C) Resets the number of times the game is stored in the counter to a predetermined value according to a predetermined condition,
(D) a gaming machine comprising: a controller that gives a prize according to a predetermined number of payouts with reference to the payout table data at a level corresponding to the number of times of play when giving a prize. Machine. A display that displays video about the game,
Memory for storing a plurality of levels of payout table data associated with the number of times the game has been played, and symbol data corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols used in the game;
A counter for storing the number of times the game has been played;
(A) Start the game,
(B) Every time the game is executed, the number of plays stored in the counter is increased by a predetermined number,
(C) Randomly determining symbol data corresponding to a symbol to be displayed on the display among the symbol data stored in the memory;
(D) displaying a symbol corresponding to the determined symbol data on the display;
(E) When awarding based on the displayed symbol, a controller that refers to the payout table data at a level corresponding to the number of times of playing and awards according to the number of payouts corresponding to the displayed symbol And a gaming machine characterized by comprising: A display that displays video about the game,
Memory for storing a plurality of levels of payout table data associated with the number of times the game has been played, and symbol data corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols used in the game;
A counter for storing the number of times the game has been played;
(A) Start the game,
(B) Every time the game is executed, the number of plays stored in the counter is increased by a predetermined number,
(C) Randomly determining symbol data corresponding to a symbol to be displayed on the display among the symbol data stored in the memory;
(D) displaying a symbol corresponding to the determined symbol data on the display;
(E) If the displayed symbol combination is a predetermined symbol combination, the number of times the game is stored stored in the counter is reset to a predetermined value;
(F) When giving a prize based on the displayed symbol, a controller that gives a prize according to the number of payouts corresponding to the displayed symbol with reference to the payout table data at a level corresponding to the number of plays. And a gaming machine characterized by comprising:

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