JP2008035896A - Gaming machines that change the types of symbols that form a combination that gives prizes, and how to play gaming machines - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming machine and a gaming machine playing method for changing a type of a symbol that establishes a combination for giving a prize when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
Based on the number of bets accepted at the start of the game, the types of symbols to be paid out and the upper limit of the number of symbols affecting the prize are set, and reels 23 to 27 each start rotating, The player is awarded a prize based on the symbols 46 that are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the upper limit of the set symbol type and the number of symbols.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that gives a prize based on a combination of arranged symbols and a playing method of the gaming machine, and more particularly, to change a symbol type that establishes a combination that gives a prize when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a playing method of the gaming machine.

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 a symbol string in a predetermined area of the gaming machine, and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed. The game medium is paid out based on the combination of the symbols that are displayed and stopped.
The means for variably displaying the symbol array is roughly divided into a mechanical reel and a video reel. For example, US Pat. No. 6,093,102 and US Pat. No. 6,960,133 describe a slot machine that uses a video reel or a mechanical reel to display a total of 15 symbols of 3 × 5. In the slot machine, when the game is started, the reels rotate and the symbols in the columns arranged in the vertical direction start to change in synchronization with each other, and the columns rotate as the reels stop rotating every predetermined time. Each of the three symbols is stopped and displayed. A prize is awarded when the display is stopped and displayed in a combination in which the number of symbols of the same type is greater than or equal to a predetermined number.
US Pat. No. 6,093,102 US Pat. No. 6,960,133

  In the conventional slot machine described above, the combination for giving a prize is always the same. That is, when a predetermined number or more of the same type of specific symbols are stopped and displayed on the display, the number of displayed symbols (for example, “CHERRY” or “7”) and the number (for example, 3 to 10) are selected. Although a prize is awarded, the specific symbols to be targeted are determined in advance by the gaming machine, and they have not changed.

  The present invention is attractive to a player by changing a pattern in which a combination for giving a prize is established by changing a type of a specific symbol that establishes a combination for giving a prize when a predetermined condition is satisfied. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine and a gaming machine playing method in which a game can be provided and an expectation for the game is improved.

  In order to achieve the object, a gaming machine according to claim 1 (for example, slot machine 1) is disposed on a display (for example, lower display 6) on which a plurality of symbols (for example, symbol 46) are disposed, and the display. A processor that gives a prize when a predetermined number or more of the specific symbols are arranged, and changes the type of the symbol that becomes the specific symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, Main CPU 61).

  A gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1) according to claim 2 includes a display (for example, lower display 6) on which a plurality of symbols (for example, symbol 46) are arranged, and an operation button (for example, 1) that accepts a bet. -BET button 21, maximum BET button 22) and a bet that is awarded by the operation button when a combination of a predetermined number or more of the symbols arranged on the display is given. And a processor (for example, main CPU 61) that changes the type of the symbol to be the specific symbol based on the number.

  A gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1) according to claim 3 includes a display (for example, lower display 6) on which a plurality of symbols (for example, symbol 46) are arranged, and an operation button (for example, 1) that accepts a bet. -BET button 21, maximum BET button 22) and a bet that is awarded by the operation button when a combination of a predetermined number or more of the symbols arranged on the display is given. And a processor (for example, a main CPU 61) that increases the types of symbols that become the specific symbols as the number increases.

  The gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 1) according to claim 4 further includes operation buttons (for example, a 1-BET button 21 and a maximum BET button 22) for receiving a bet, and the processor (for example, the main CPU 61). ) Is characterized in that the type of the symbol to be the specific symbol is changed on condition that the bet number received by the operation button becomes a predetermined bet number.

  In addition, in the gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1) according to claim 5, the bet accepted by the processor (for example, main CPU 61) by the operation buttons (for example, 1-BET button 21, maximum BET button 22). As the number increases, the types of symbols to be the specific symbols are increased.

  A gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1) according to claim 6 includes a display (for example, lower display 6) on which a plurality of symbols (for example, symbol 46) are arranged, and symbols among the symbols arranged on the display. The type of symbol that gives a prize according to the number of specific symbols arranged when a predetermined number or more of the specific symbols are arranged, and becomes the specific symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied And a processor (for example, main CPU 61) that changes the upper limit of the number of the specific symbols that affect the contents of the prize.

  The gaming machine according to claim 7 (for example, the slot machine 1) further includes operation buttons (for example, a 1-BET button 21 and a maximum BET button 22) for receiving a bet, and the processor (for example, the main CPU 61). ) Changes the kind of symbol that becomes the specific symbol and the upper limit of the number of the specific symbol that affects the contents of the prize, provided that the bet number accepted by the operation button becomes a predetermined bet number It is characterized by doing.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to the eighth aspect (for example, the slot machine 1), the processor (for example, the main CPU 61) bets accepted by the operation buttons (for example, the 1-BET button 21, the maximum BET button 22). As the number increases, the kind of symbols that become the specific symbols and the upper limit of the number of the specific symbols that affect the contents of the prize are increased.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 1) in which a plurality of symbols (for example, the symbol 46) are arranged on a display (for example, the lower display 6) and arranged on the display. Among the symbols, an award is awarded when a combination of a predetermined number or more of specific symbols is arranged, and the type of the symbol that becomes the specific symbol is changed when a predetermined condition is satisfied .

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 1) in which a plurality of symbols (for example, the symbol 46) are arranged on a display (for example, the lower display 6) and arranged on the display. Based on the number of bets received by operating buttons (for example, the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22), a prize is awarded when a predetermined number or more of symbols are combined. A feature is that the type of a symbol to be a specific symbol is changed.

  In addition, in a playing method of a gaming machine (eg, slot machine 1) according to claim 11, a plurality of symbols (eg, symbol 46) are arranged on a display (eg, lower display 6) and arranged on the display. As the number of bets received by operating buttons (for example, the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22) is increased when a predetermined number or more of the symbols are combined, a prize is awarded. In this case, the number of types of symbols to be the specific symbols is increased.

  In addition, in the playing method of the gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 1) according to claim 12, the bet number received by the operation buttons (for example, the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22) becomes the predetermined bet number. The type of the symbol to be the specific symbol is changed on the condition that

  In addition, the playing method of the gaming machine (eg, slot machine 1) according to claim 13 is further accompanied by an increase in the number of bets accepted by the operation buttons (eg, 1-BET button 21, maximum BET button 22). The number of types of symbols to be the specific symbols is increased.

  Further, according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine (for example, slot machine 1) in which a plurality of symbols (for example, the symbol 46) are arranged on a display (for example, the lower display 6) Among the symbols, a prize corresponding to the number of specific symbols arranged when a predetermined number or more of the specific symbols are arranged is awarded, and the specific symbol is obtained when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The type of symbol and the upper limit of the number of the specific symbols that affect the contents of the prize are changed.

  Further, in the playing method of the gaming machine (for example, the slot machine 1) according to claim 15, the bet number received by the operation buttons (for example, the 1-BET button 21, the maximum BET button 22) becomes the predetermined bet number. And the upper limit of the number of the specific symbols affecting the contents of the prize is changed.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming method (for example, a slot machine 1) that further includes an increase in the number of bets accepted by the operation buttons (for example, the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22). The type of the symbol to be the specific symbol and the upper limit of the number of the specific symbols that affect the contents of the prize are increased.

  In the gaming machine and the playing method of the gaming machine according to the present invention, since the type of a specific symbol that establishes a combination that gives a prize when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a pattern that establishes a combination that gives a prize is changed. By making the change, it becomes possible to provide an attractive game for the player. Therefore, the expectation for the game is improved.

Further, as the number of accepted bets increases, the processor increases the number of patterns in which a combination for giving a prize is established, so that the player can play a game with a larger number of bets.
Furthermore, since the upper limit of the number of specific symbols that affect the contents of the prize is changed together with the type of the specific symbol that establishes the combination that gives the prize, it is possible to increase the combination that gives a higher prize. . Therefore, it is possible to improve the expectation for the game.
In other words, in conventional gaming machines, the specific symbols that establish a combination that gives some award are determined in advance by the gaming machine, and since they do not change, the game becomes monotonous, and more games Although the willingness to bet the medium could not be stimulated, the present invention can solve such a problem.

Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on first to third embodiments embodied in a slot machine. Here, the slot machines according to the following first to third embodiments have an image display device such as a liquid crystal display, and a so-called video slot for playing a game by displaying images of various symbols on the image display device. Machine.
The slot machine according to the present invention gives a prize when a predetermined number or more of the same type of symbols are arranged on the display as one form of a combination for giving a prize. As the number of bets betted by a person increases, the types of symbols for which award is paid out increases. For example, when the bet number is 1 BET, four types of symbols “CHERRY”, “HEART”, “MOON”, and “STAR” are targeted, and when the bet number is 2 BET, six types including “SUN” and “SMILE” are added. When the number of bets is 3BET, 8 types of symbols with “1BAR” and “2BAR” are added, and when the number of bets is 4BET, 9 types of symbols with “3BAR” are added, When the bet number is 5 BETs, all 10 types of symbols with “7” added are targeted.
In addition, the slot machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the upper limit of the number of symbols affecting the prize increases as the number of bets betted by the player at the time of start acceptance as shown in FIG. It is. For example, when the bet number is 1 BET, the credits to be awarded as prizes up to 6 symbols at the same time increase with the number of symbols, and when the bet number is 2 BET, the maximum number of symbols displayed at the same time is 7 Credits to be awarded as prizes increase with the number of symbols, and when the bet number is 3 BET, the credits to be awarded as prizes with a maximum of 8 symbols displayed simultaneously increase with the number of symbols, and the number of bets In 4BET, the number of symbols displayed at the same time increases up to 9 credits as the award increases with the number of symbols, and when the number of bets is 5BET, the number of simultaneously displayed symbols increases up to 10 The credits to be given increase with the number of symbols.

[First Embodiment]
First, a schematic configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment.
The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment includes a cabinet 2, a top box 3 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 2, and a main door 4 provided on the front surface of the cabinet 2.

  An upper display 5 is provided on the front surface of the top box 3. Here, the upper display 5 is constituted by a known liquid crystal display, and displays a game method, a payout table, and the like.

For example, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an award display screen 13 displayed on the upper display 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the award display screen 13 is composed of a payout table 71 arranged substantially in the center, and shows the contents of the award (the number of credits to be paid out) given according to the type and number of symbols that are stopped. It is shown. Here, the payout table 71 displays ten types of symbol images 72 on the upper horizontal axis, and displays eight types of images 73 indicating the number of symbols on the left vertical axis. Then, the number of credits paid out as a prize is displayed in each of the 80 prize display areas 74 specified by the combination of the symbol type displayed in the upper stage and the number of symbols displayed in the left stage. For example, the payout table 71 shown in FIG. 3 indicates that when 7 “CHERRY” symbols are displayed regardless of the display position, 20 credits are paid out as a prize.
In particular, in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, as described above, as the number of bets placed by the player at the time of accepting the start increases, the types of symbols subject to award payout and the symbols that affect the award The upper limit of the number increases. Therefore, on the award display screen 13, based on the currently accepted bet number, only the award display area 74 subject to payout is turned on using the backlight, while the award display area 74 not subject to payout is turned off ( FIG. 3 shows the lighting state of the backlight particularly when the bet number is 3 BET). As a result, the player can easily grasp the combination and the contents of the prize that are currently paid out.

  On the other hand, a lower display 6 is provided on the entire surface of the main door 4. Here, the lower display 6 is constituted by a known liquid crystal display and has a symbol display unit 7 having a 3 × 5 symbol display area. The symbol display unit 7 is composed of five rows of reels 23 to 27. Each reel 23 to 27 scrolls and displays a predetermined row of symbol rows, and displays a maximum of three symbols after a predetermined time. Stop display. As a result, as will be described later, a maximum of 15 symbols are displayed in accordance with the progress of the game, and a predetermined prize is paid out to the player based on the combination of the displayed symbols. The number of reels may be three reels, and the number of symbols displayed is not limited to fifteen.

  Further, a touch panel 11 is provided on the front surface of the lower display 6, and the player can input various instructions by operating the touch panel 11.

  Further, the lower display 6 is provided with a credit amount display portion 8 and a payout amount display portion 9. The credit amount display unit 8 displays the number of credits currently owned by the player. In the payout number display portion 9, the amount of a prize awarded when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the symbol display portion 7 is a predetermined winning combination is displayed as the number of payouts.

Also, below the lower display 6, a control panel 15 provided with a plurality of buttons for inputting instructions relating to the game progress by the player, and a coin receiving slot for receiving coins as game media into the cabinet 2. 16 and a bill insertion slot 17 are provided.
The control panel 15 is provided with a start button 18, a change button 19, a CASHOUT button 20, a 1-BET button 21, and a maximum BET button 22. The start button 18 is an operation means for inputting an instruction to start scroll display of the symbol row on the reels 23 to 27. The change button 19 is an operation means used when requesting exchange of money from a game hall staff. The CASHOUT button 20 gives an instruction to pay out coins corresponding to the number of credits owned by the player (one credit corresponds to one coin) from the coin payout exit 28 to the coin tray 29, or to pay out with a bar code ticket. It is an operation means for inputting.
The 1-BET button 21 is an operation means for receiving an instruction to bet (bet) one credit among the credits owned by the player. The maximum BET button 22 is an operation means for receiving an instruction to bet on the game the maximum number of credits (5 credits in the first embodiment) that can be bet on one game among credits owned by the player. It is. In addition, various types of BET buttons such as a 3-BET button can be provided as the BET button.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, coins, bills, or electronic valuable information (credits) corresponding to these are used as game media. However, game media applicable to the present invention are not limited to this, and examples include medals, tokens, electronic money, and tickets.

  Next, symbols displayed on the symbol display unit 7 of the lower display 6 during the game will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the symbol display unit 7 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a front view showing the symbol 46 displayed on the symbol display unit 7.

As shown in FIG. 4, the symbol display unit 7 according to the first embodiment includes five rows of reels 23 to 27. Each reel 23 to 27 has symbol display areas 31 to 45 for displaying three symbols 46 on each reel 23 to 27 when the rotation is stopped. When the game is started, one symbol 46 (a total of 15 symbols) is displayed in each of the symbol display areas 31 to 45 as shown in FIG. In addition, in order to distinguish each symbol display area | region 31-45, although it divided | segmented with the dotted line in the figure, you may comprise so that this dotted line may not be displayed.
Here, in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, a game is played using the 10 types of symbols 46 and blanks (blank symbols) shown in FIG. A winning combination is awarded when a combination of a predetermined number or more of the same type of symbols is displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 regardless of the arrangement, and an award according to the type of symbols and the number of displays is paid out. Further, when the bonus combination “7” 46 is arranged in a line in the horizontal direction with respect to the symbol display areas 31 to 45, the bonus game is continuously executed as a prize after the end of the normal game. .

In the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, as the number of bets placed by the player at the time of accepting the start increases, the type and symbol of the symbol for which a prize is paid out is affected. Increases the maximum number of symbols. For example, when the bet number is 1 BET, four types of symbols “CHERRY”, “HEART”, “MOON”, and “STAR” are targeted, and when the bet number is 2 BET, six types including “SUN” and “SMILE” are added. When the number of bets is 3BET, 8 types of symbols with “1BAR” and “2BAR” are added, and when the number of bets is 4BET, 9 types of symbols with “3BAR” are added, When the bet number is 5 BETs, all 10 types of symbols with “7” added are targeted. In addition, when the bet number is 1 BET, the credits to be awarded as prizes increase up to a maximum of 6 symbols displayed simultaneously with the number of symbols, and when the bet number is 2 BET, the maximum number of symbols displayed simultaneously is 7 Credits to be awarded as prizes increase with the number of symbols, and when the bet number is 3 BET, the credits to be awarded as prizes with a maximum of 8 symbols displayed simultaneously increase with the number of symbols, and the number of bets In 4BET, the number of symbols displayed at the same time increases up to 9 credits as the award increases with the number of symbols, and when the number of bets is 5BET, the number of simultaneously displayed symbols increases up to 10 The credits to be given increase with the number of symbols.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, when nine “CHERRY” symbols 46 are displayed at the same time and three “7” symbols 46 are displayed at the same time, the content of the prize depends on the number of bets placed by the player. Change.

Here, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the symbol display unit 7 when the player starts the game with 3BET and the symbols 46 are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 in the combination shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a view showing the symbol display unit 7 when the player starts the game with 5 BETs and the symbols 46 are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 in the combination shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, when the bet number is 3 BETs, the symbol “7” is not a symbol (specific symbol) to be awarded. In addition, the maximum number of symbols that affect the contents of the award is eight, and even if nine symbols are displayed, a prize having the same contents as when eight are displayed is awarded. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, the award content is a payout of 25 credits based on the display of eight “CHERRY” symbols at the same time.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, when the bet number is 5 BET, the symbol “7” is also a symbol to be awarded. In addition, the maximum number of symbols that affect the award content is ten. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the content of the award is based on the payout of 30 credits based on the simultaneous display of nine “CHERRY” symbols and the display of three “7” symbols at the same time. A payout of 130 credits combined with a payout of credits.

In the first embodiment, when a predetermined number of symbols having the same symbol as shown in FIG. 1 are displayed, a prize is awarded and, for example, one “7” symbol and three “CHERRY” symbols are displayed. In such a case, a prize may be awarded and a prize may be given.
In addition, for a prize, a payline is set in the symbol display areas 31 to 45, and a prize is paid out when a combination of symbols stopped along the payline becomes a predetermined combination shown in FIG. good. Further, both prizes shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 may be paid out.

  Next, the game progress procedure of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be specifically described. First, when the start button 18 is pressed after the bet acceptance is completed, based on the number of bets bet by the player, the maximum number of symbols that affect the type of symbols for establishing a combination for giving a prize and the contents of the prize are determined. Determined (see FIG. 1). Thereafter, an internal lottery process for determining a symbol 46 to be displayed on the symbol display unit 7 is performed, and when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start button 18 is pressed, the reels 23 to 27 start to rotate, and the symbol string scroll display is performed. After a predetermined time has elapsed, a total of 15 symbols 46 are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45. Then, in consideration of the type and the maximum number of symbols determined based on the number of bets, the contents of the award are determined and awarded based on the combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed.

  Next, a configuration related to the control system of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, the control system of the slot machine 1 basically includes a mother board 60 and a gaming board 50.
First, the gaming board 50 will be described. The gaming board 50 corresponds to a CPU 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S corresponding to the memory card 53, and a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54 connected to each other via an internal bus. An IC socket 54S is provided.

The memory card 53 is a non-volatile memory, and is a recording medium on which a game program and a game system program (hereinafter referred to as a game program or the like) are recorded. The game program recorded on the memory card 53 includes a lottery program. This lottery program is a program for determining the symbols 46 displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45.
The memory card 53 includes a symbol lottery table for drawing the symbols 46 displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45. Here, the symbol lottery table is a table in which a predetermined random value range is associated with the symbol 46 that is stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45. First, the symbols 46 to be stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 are lottered based on the symbol lottery table, and thereafter, a prize to be given to the player is determined based on the determined combination of the symbols 46.
The symbol lottery table may be a table in which a predetermined random value range is associated with a prize to be given to the player. In that case, first, a prize to be given to the player is lottery based on the symbol lottery table, and then a combination of symbols 46 satisfying the determined prize is selected by the main CPU 61.

  Next, the mother board 60 will be described. The motherboard 60 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose motherboard (printed wiring board on which basic components of a personal computer are mounted), and includes a main CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a communication interface 64.

  The ROM 62 is composed of a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores permanent data such as a program such as a BIOS executed by the main CPU 61. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 61, a predetermined peripheral device initialization process is performed, and a process for fetching a game program or the like stored in the memory card 53 is started via the gaming board 50.

  The RAM 63 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 61 operates. Further, the RAM 63 can store various programs such as an authentication program and a game program read out via the gaming board 50 and various information such as the number of credits currently owned by the player.

  The communication interface 64 is a communication device for communicating with a server or the like installed in the game arcade via a communication line.

  Further, a main body PCB 70 and a door PCB 80, which will be described later, are connected to the mother board 60 by USBs. Further, a power supply unit 65 is connected to the mother board 60. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 65 to the mother board 60, the main CPU 61 of the mother board 60 is activated. Further, power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and the CPU 51 is activated.

  Further, a hopper 66, a coin detection unit 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 69, a touch panel 11, a bill insertion slot 17, and the like are connected to the main body PCB 70.

  The graphic board 68 controls image display on the upper display 5 and the lower display 6 based on a control signal from the main CPU 61. For example, the award display screen 13 (FIG. 3) is displayed on the upper display 5, and the scroll display and stop display of the symbol 46 accompanying the rotation of the reels 23 to 27 are performed on the lower display 6 on the symbol display unit 7. .

  On the other hand, to the door PCB 80, a control panel 15, a reverter 16S, a coin counter 16C, and a cold cathode tube 81 are connected. The control panel 15 includes a start switch 18S corresponding to the start button 18, a change switch 19S corresponding to the change button 19, a CASHOUT switch 20S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 20, a 1-BET switch 21S corresponding to the 1-BET button 21, A maximum BET switch 22S corresponding to the maximum BET button 22 is provided. Each switch outputs an input signal to the main CPU 61 when the corresponding button is operated by the player.

Next, a main control program executed in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the main control program.
In the slot machine 1, the memory card 53 is already inserted into the card slot 53S of the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is attached to the IC socket 54S.

First, when the power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit 65, the mother board 60 and the gaming board 50 are activated, and the authentication reading process of step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1 is executed. In this authentication reading process, the mother board 60 and the gaming board 50 perform separate processes in parallel.
That is, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52, and the authentication program is falsified in advance according to the read preliminary authentication program before being taken into the motherboard 60. Pre-authentication is performed to confirm and prove that there is no
On the other hand, in the motherboard 60, the main CPU 61 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 62, expands the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM 63, executes the BIOS expanded in the RAM 63, and executes various peripheral devices. Perform diagnosis and initialization.

Thereafter, the main CPU 61 reads the authentication program stored in the ROM 55, and performs authentication for confirming and proving that the game program stored in the memory card 53 inserted into the card slot 53S has not been tampered with. . When the authentication process is normally completed, the main CPU 61 writes the game program or the like to be authenticated (authenticated) in the RAM 63. Subsequently, the payout rate setting data stored in the GAL 54 is read through the gaming board 50, and the read payout rate setting data is written in the RAM 63.
After performing the process described above, the main CPU 61 ends the authentication reading process.

  In S2, the main CPU 61 sequentially reads and executes the game program and the like authenticated in the authentication reading process in S1 from the RAM 63, and performs the main game process. By executing this main game process, a game is played in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. The main game process is repeatedly executed while power is supplied to the slot machine 1.

  Next, the sub-process of the main game process in S2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the main game processing program in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. Each program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 below is stored in the memory card 53, expanded in the RAM 63 provided in the slot machine 1, and executed by the main CPU 61.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, in step S11, the main CPU 61 performs a predetermined initial setting, and then performs a start acceptance process for setting the coin insertion, the number of bets, and the like. At this time, in the initialization process, processing such as clearing data of items set in a predetermined data area (for example, a payout number counter) is performed. In the start acceptance process, the player performs a bet operation for setting the number of bets in the current game to any one of 1 BET to 5 BET using the coin insertion or the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22. .

Next, in S12, the main CPU 61 determines whether or not the start button 18 has been input. Whether or not the start button 18 has been input is determined based on whether or not an input signal from the start switch 18S has been received.
When the start button 18 is not input (S12: NO), the process returns to the start acceptance process (S11) again. At this time, operations such as correction of the number of bets can be performed. On the other hand, when the start button 18 is input (S12: YES), the bet number set based on the operation of the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22 is subtracted from the number of credits owned and the bet information Is stored in the RAM 63.

  After that, in S13, based on the number of bets accepted in the start acceptance process of S11, the type of symbols to be paid out and the upper limit of the number of symbols affecting the prize are set. For example, when the number of bets accepted is 1 BET, the upper limit symbol that increases the credits to be paid out as prizes is targeted for four types of symbols “CHERRY”, “HEART”, “MOON”, and “STAR”. The number is set to six. In addition, when the accepted bet number is 2 BET, six types of symbols added with “SUN” and “SMILE” are further targeted, and the upper limit number of symbols for increasing the credits to be paid out as a prize is seven. Is set. Further, when the accepted bet number is 3 BET, 8 types of symbols added with “1 BAR” and “2 BAR” are further targeted, and the upper limit number of symbols to which the credits to be paid out as a prize increase is 8 Is set. When the accepted bet number is 4 BETs, nine symbols to which “3BAR” is further added are targeted, and the upper limit symbol number for increasing the credits to be paid out as a prize is set to nine. If the accepted bet number is 5 BETs, all 10 types of symbols to which “7” is added are targeted, and the upper limit number of symbols for increasing the credits to be paid out as a prize is set to 10. .

  Next, in S14, the main CPU 61 controls lighting of the backlight of the upper display 5 so that only the award display area 74 indicating the award to be paid out on the award display screen 13 (FIG. 3) is lit.

  Subsequently, in S <b> 15, the main CPU 61 executes a symbol lottery process for drawing symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 of the symbol display unit 7. Specifically, the main CPU 61 executes a random number generation program included in the lottery program stored in the RAM 63, thereby sampling a random value from a numerical range of a predetermined random value range, Based on the numerical value and the symbol lottery table, 15 symbols 46 (that is, the stop positions of the reels 23 to 27) to be displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 are determined from among a plurality of types of symbols.

  Further, in S16, the main CPU 61 starts the rotation of the reels 23 to 27, and scrolls and displays the symbol rows arranged on the reels 23 to 27 at a predetermined speed. Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses, the reels 23 → reel 24 → reel 25 → reel 26 → reel 27 are stopped and displayed in this order, and three symbols 46 are displayed for each of the reels 23 to 27 (see FIG. 5).

  Subsequently, in S17, the main CPU 61 determines whether or not the combination of the symbols 46 displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 is a specific combination for paying out some prize.

  And when it determines with it being a combination which pays out a prize (S17: YES), it transfers to S18. On the other hand, when it is determined that the combination does not pay out a prize (S17: NO), the main game process is terminated. In addition, when starting a game continuously after the next time, the process after S1 is performed again.

  In S18, the main CPU 61 notifies the player of the contents of the prize by displaying a prize based on the established combination on the lower display 6. For example, in FIG. 7, the character “Win 130” is displayed to notify that a combination of nine symbols “CHERRY” and three symbols “7” is formed and a total of 130 credits are awarded as a prize. Is displayed.

  Subsequently, in S19, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbols 46 displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 has formed a bonus combination by the reel rotation processing in S16. Here, the bonus combination is a combination of “7” symbols 46 arranged in a row in the horizontal direction.

  As a result, when it is determined that a bonus combination has been established (S19: YES), the process proceeds to a bonus game process (S20). Although various modes are conceivable as the bonus game, the explanation here assumes that the free game is a bonus game. Here, the free game is a game in which the same game as the normal game is performed a predetermined number of times without performing a BET, and in the bonus game process of S20, the rotation and stop control of the reels 23 to 27 are repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times. The established prize is paid out to the player in a payout process of S21 described later. Note that the condition for shifting to the bonus game may be a case where a predetermined number or more of predetermined symbols are displayed, or a form that suddenly occurs as a mystery, and various conditions can be set. In addition, as a lottery table used during the free game, a lottery table set so as to pay out more than the base game may be used.

  Then, in S21, the main CPU 61 pays out a prize based on the combination of the displayed symbols to the player. At this time, by pressing the CASHOUT button 20, it is possible to pay out as coins corresponding to the number of credits (one credit corresponds to one coin), and it is also possible to pay out with a bar code ticket. is there.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the bet number in the current game is set to any one of 1 BET to 5 BET by the player's operation using the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22 at the start of the game. Accepted (S11), and further, based on the accepted bet number, the type of symbol to be paid out and the upper limit of the number of symbols affecting the award are set (S13). Thereafter, the reels 23 to 27 each start rotating, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a total of 15 symbols 46 are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45, and the upper limit and arrangement of the set symbol type and the number of symbols. Since a prize is awarded to the player based on the combination of the symbols 46 that have been made (S21), the number of combinations in which a combination that gives a prize is established is increased, and the combination of symbols that gives a higher prize is increased. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to improve the sense of expectation for the game and provide an attractive game for the player.
Also, by increasing the number of bets, the types of symbols for which awards will be paid out and the upper limit on the number of symbols that will affect the prizes will increase, allowing players to play with more bets. It becomes.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a slot machine according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 11 denote the same or corresponding parts as those of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. It is.

The schematic configuration of the slot machine according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. Various control processes are substantially the same as those in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, depending on the number of bets received by the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, both the type of symbols to be paid out and the upper limit of the number of symbols affecting the prize are changed. The slot machine according to the embodiment differs from the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment in that only the upper limit of the number of symbols that affects the prize is changed depending on the number of bets received.

  In the slot machine according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, when the number of bets accepted in the start acceptance process (S11) is 1 BET, the maximum number of symbols simultaneously displayed for all 10 types of symbols is 6. Credits awarded as prizes increase with the number of symbols. In addition, when the bet number is 2 BETs, the credits to be awarded as prizes up to a maximum of 7 simultaneously displayed symbols increase with the number of symbols. In addition, when the bet number is 3 BETs, the credits to be awarded as prizes up to a maximum of 8 simultaneously displayed symbols increase with the number of symbols. In addition, when the bet number is 4 BETs, the credits to be awarded as prizes up to a maximum of 9 simultaneously displayed symbols increase with the number of symbols. In addition, when the bet number is 5 BETs, the credits that are awarded as prizes up to a maximum of 10 simultaneously displayed symbols increase with the number of symbols.

  In the payout process (S21), the main CPU 61 pays the player based on the upper limit of the number of symbols set based on the received bet number and the combination of the symbols 46 displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45. Determine the content of the award to be given.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the bet number in the current game is set to any one of 1 BET to 5 BET by the player's operation using the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22 at the start of the game. Accepted (S11), and further, based on the accepted number of bets, an upper limit of the number of symbols affecting the prize is set. Thereafter, the reels 23 to 27 respectively start rotating, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a total of 15 symbols 46 are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45, and the upper limit of the set number of symbols 46 is set. Since a prize is awarded to the player based on the combination of symbols (S21), it is possible to increase the combination of symbols that give a higher prize. Therefore, it is possible to improve the sense of expectation for the game and provide an attractive game for the player.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a slot machine according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 11 denote the same or corresponding parts as those of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. It is.

The schematic configuration of the slot machine according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. Various control processes are substantially the same as those in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, as the number of bets accepted by the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment increases, the types of symbols to be paid out and the upper limit of the number of symbols that affect the prize increase. The slot machine according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the number of accepted bets does not simply increase the types of symbols to which award is paid out, but the combination is changed. It differs from the slot machine 1 concerned.

  In the slot machine according to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, when the number of bets accepted in the start acceptance process (S11) is 1 BET, there are four types of “CHERRY”, “HEART”, “MOON”, and “STAR”. The maximum number of symbols displayed at the same time is 10 and the credit given as a prize increases with the number of symbols. Further, when the bet number is 2 BETs, five types of symbols “HEART”, “MOON”, “STAR”, “SUN”, and “SMILE” are targeted. When the bet number is 3BET, six types of symbols “MOON”, “STAR”, “SUN”, “SMILE”, “1BAR”, and “2BAR” are targeted. When the bet number is 4 BET, six types of symbols “STAR”, “SUN”, “SMILE”, “1BAR”, “2BAR”, and “3BAR” are targeted. When the bet number is 5 BET, six types of symbols “SUN”, “SMILE”, “1BAR”, “2BAR”, “3BAR”, and “7” are targeted.

  In the payout process (S21), the main CPU 61 determines the type of symbol to be paid out based on the accepted number of bets and the combination of the symbols 46 displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45. The contents of the award to be paid out to the player are determined.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment, the bet number in the current game is set to any one of 1 BET to 5 BET by the player's operation using the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22 at the start of the game. Accepted (S11), and further, based on the accepted number of bets, the type of symbol to be paid out is set. Thereafter, the reels 23 to 27 respectively start rotating, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, a total of 15 symbols 46 are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45, and the set symbol type and the arranged symbols 46 are displayed. Since the player is awarded with a prize based on the combination (S21), the pattern in which the combination for giving the prize is established can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the sense of expectation for the game and provide an attractive game for the player.
In addition, by increasing the number of bets, the types of symbols for which awards are paid out are changed to the types of symbols for which higher awards are paid out, so that players can play with a larger number of bets. It becomes possible to make it.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, Of course, various improvement and deformation | transformation are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.
For example, in the first and third embodiments, as the number of accepted bets increases, the type of symbol for which a prize is to be paid out increases or changes according to a preset rule (see FIGS. 1 and 13). However, the player may be allowed to select the type of symbol that increases. In that case, after the bet accepting process (S11) is finished and a bet of 2 BET or more is accepted, a list of symbols is displayed on the lower display 6 and symbols are displayed to the player using the touch panel 11. Can be selected.

  In the first to third embodiments, on the condition that the number of accepted bets increases, the type of symbol for which a prize is paid out and the upper limit of symbols that affect the prize are changed. May be used as a condition. For example, when the payout rate is 90% or less, the type of symbol for which the award is paid out and the upper limit of symbols that affect the award are increased, and when the payout rate becomes 95% or more, It is also possible to reduce the upper limit of symbols that affect the types of symbols to be paid out and prizes. In addition, when the combination of symbols becomes a predetermined combination, it is also possible to increase the types of symbols to be paid out for prizes and the upper limit of symbols affecting the prizes for several games.

Further, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine using a normal mechanical reel. Further, it can be applied not only to a slot machine but also to a poker game machine, for example. In that case, according to the number of bets of the player, it is possible to change the upper limit of the card symbol (for example, 3 of the heart) and the number of cards constituting the combination (that is, the poker hand) to which a prize is awarded.
For example, if the game is started with 1 BET, only the heart symbol is the target of a card that establishes a combination, and if the game is started with 4 BET or more, all symbols are the targets of a card that establishes a combination. be able to. In addition, when a game is started with 1 BET, even if four or more identical symbols are displayed, up to three are eligible for a prize (ie even if a four-card combination is established, a three-card combination prize is paid) On the other hand, when the game is started with 5 BETs, when four identical symbols are displayed, an expensive prize corresponding to the four symbols displayed (that is, a prize for the four-card role) is awarded. You may do it.

It is the figure which showed the combination and the content of a prize which establish a prize in the slot machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. It is the front view which showed the prize display screen displayed on an upper display. It is the front view which showed the symbol display part which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is the front view which showed the symbol displayed on a symbol display part after a reel rotation process. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a symbol display portion when a player starts a game with 3BET and a symbol is stopped and displayed in the combination shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a symbol display portion when a player starts a game with 5 BETs and a symbol is stopped and displayed in the combination shown in FIG. 5. 10 is a payout table showing prizes to be paid out to a player based on a combination of symbols displayed on a symbol display unit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of a main control processing program in the slot machine according to the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of a main game processing program in the slot machine according to the first embodiment. It is the figure which showed the combination and the content of a prize which establish a prize in the slot machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the combination and the content of a prize which establish a prize in the slot machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 6 Lower image display panel 7 Symbol display section 21 1-BET button 22 Maximum BET button 23 to 27 Reel 31 to 45 Symbol display area 46 Symbol 61 Main CPU
62 ROM
63 RAM

Claims (16)

A display for arranging a plurality of symbols;
Among the symbols arranged on the display, a prize is given when a combination of a predetermined number or more of specific symbols is arranged, and the type of the symbol that becomes the specific symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied is changed. A gaming machine, characterized by comprising: A display for arranging a plurality of symbols;
An operation button for accepting a bet;
Among the symbols arranged on the display, a prize is awarded when a combination of a predetermined number or more of specific symbols is provided, and a symbol that becomes the specific symbol based on the number of bets received by the operation button is given. A gaming machine comprising: a processor for changing types. A display for arranging a plurality of symbols;
An operation button for accepting a bet;
An award is awarded when a predetermined number or more of the symbols arranged on the display are combined, and the symbol becomes the specific symbol as the number of bets accepted by the operation button increases. A gaming machine comprising: a processor that increases types of symbols. Has an operation button to accept bets,
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor changes a type of a symbol to be the specific symbol on condition that the bet number accepted by the operation button becomes a predetermined bet number.   5. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the processor increases the types of symbols that become the specific symbols as the number of bets received by the operation button increases. A display for arranging a plurality of symbols;
When a symbol according to the number of specific symbols arranged in a combination of a predetermined number or more of the symbols arranged on the display is given and a predetermined condition is satisfied A gaming machine comprising: a processor that changes a type of the symbol to be the specific symbol and an upper limit of the number of the specific symbols that affects the contents of the prize. Has an operation button to accept bets,
The processor sets the type of the symbol to be the specific symbol and the upper limit of the number of the specific symbol that affects the contents of the prize on condition that the bet number accepted by the operation button becomes a predetermined bet number. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the gaming machine is changed.   The processor increases the kind of symbol that becomes the specific symbol and the upper limit of the number of the specific symbol that affects the contents of the prize as the number of bets accepted by the operation button increases. The gaming machine according to claim 7. Place multiple symbols on the display,
A prize is awarded when a combination of a predetermined number or more of the symbols arranged on the display is a combination,
A method for playing a gaming machine, characterized by changing a type of a symbol that becomes the specific symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Place multiple symbols on the display,
A prize is awarded when a combination of a predetermined number or more of the symbols arranged on the display is a combination,
A method for playing a gaming machine, comprising: changing a type of a symbol to be the specific symbol based on the number of bets received by an operation button. Place multiple symbols on the display,
A prize is awarded when a combination of a predetermined number or more of the symbols arranged on the display is a combination,
A method for playing a gaming machine, characterized in that the number of types of symbols as the specific symbols increases as the number of bets accepted by an operation button increases.   10. The method of playing a gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein the type of the symbol to be the specific symbol is changed on condition that the bet number accepted by the operation button becomes a predetermined bet number.   The gaming machine according to claim 10 or 12, wherein the number of types of symbols as the specific symbols increases with an increase in the number of bets accepted by the operation buttons. Place multiple symbols on the display,
Award according to the number of specific symbols arranged when a combination of a predetermined number or more of the specific symbols among the symbols arranged on the display is given,
A method for playing a gaming machine, comprising: changing a type of a symbol that becomes the specific symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied and an upper limit of the number of the specific symbols that affect the contents of the prize.   Changing the kind of the symbol to be the specific symbol and the upper limit of the number of the specific symbol affecting the contents of the prize, on condition that the bet number accepted by the operation button becomes a predetermined bet number The method of playing a gaming machine according to claim 14, wherein the game machine is played.   The number of bets accepted by the operation button is increased, and the kind of the symbol that becomes the specific symbol and the upper limit of the number of the specific symbols that affect the contents of the prize are increased. 15. A playing method of the gaming machine according to 15.

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