JP2007029582A - Game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase chances for informing the gaming properties of a game machine to a player having the assumption that the player repeatedly carries out games. <P>SOLUTION: In a game control section, operation modes are switched between one game mode for allowing a game progress of one time assuming that a credit processing section receives a specified amount of credit and a set game mode allowing the game progress of specified number of times of two times or more assuming that the credit processing section receives the credit of more amount than the specified amount at one time according to a predetermined mode switch operation using an operating section. Further a service providing processing section provides the service not provided in one game mode, e.g., the service in which the number of games capable of being played by the same amount of credit is more than one game mode when the game control section acts in the set game mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game apparatus such as a slot machine installed in a casino or the like.

  As this type of game device, when a credit is received by a bet operation using the operation unit, the game progress is permitted, and depending on the result of the game progress, the credit is paid out or the progress of a special game different from the game is performed. May be permitted (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, etc.). In such a game apparatus, since one game is completed in a short time, the player usually repeats the game a certain number of times. Therefore, in such a game device, the content of the game is devised to improve the game performance of the game device on the assumption that the player repeatedly plays the game. Therefore, in such a game device, by allowing the player to repeatedly play the game a certain number of times, the original game characteristic of the game device can be transmitted to the player for the first time.

JP 2002-282417 A US Pat. No. 6,571,074

  However, many players stop playing on the game device if they play the game only once or twice. For this reason, there is a problem that such a player cannot convey the original game characteristics of the game apparatus.

Patent Document 2 discloses an operation mode (set game mode) in which credits for five games are initially received from a player at a time, and the game progress is permitted without receiving credits until the game is finished five times. A video poker game device comprising In this game apparatus, the player who plays in the set game mode does not stop the play until at least five games are completed because the player receives the credit for the first five games. Therefore, in this game device, at least five game plays can be ensured for a player who plays in the set game mode. Therefore, according to this game device, if a player who has stopped playing after having played the game once or twice plays in the set game mode, the game characteristic of the game device is transmitted to such a player. It becomes possible.
However, for an inexperienced player who does not know whether the game of this game device is actually interesting, the credit for five games, which is five times the credit for one game, is given at one time before the game starts. There is strong resistance. And most of the players who have stopped playing after having played the game once or twice are inexperienced players of the game device. For this reason, as in the game device described in Patent Document 2, it is not possible to prompt the player to play in the set game mode simply by receiving credits for five games at a time from the player. It is not possible to convey the original game characteristics of the game device to a player who has stopped playing after having played two games.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to make it possible to increase the chance of telling the player the game characteristics of a game device on the premise that the player repeats the game. Is to provide a device.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is directed to an operation unit, a credit processing unit that receives credits by a bet operation using the operation unit, and a game when the credit processing unit receives a predetermined amount of credits. A game device comprising: a game control unit that permits progress, and according to a result of the game progress, pays out credits or permits progress of a special game different from the game. A one-game mode that allows a game to be played once, on condition that the credit processing unit receives a specified amount of credit in response to a predetermined mode switching operation using the operation unit, and an amount larger than the specified amount Set game mode that allows a predetermined number of times of game progress on condition that the credit processing unit receives the credits at a time. A service for providing a service that is not provided when the game control unit operates in the one-game mode when the game control unit operates in the set game mode. The present invention is characterized in that a service provision processing unit for performing provision processing is provided.
Here, “credit” is a concept including tangible objects such as coins, banknotes, coins, medals, or electronic data having a value equivalent to these.
The term “service” as used herein means that the player receives this game device in order to obtain a profit from the player, that is, from the amount of credit that the player can acquire according to the game progress result, in order to obtain permission for the game progress. This means that the amount obtained by subtracting the amount of credits to be passed (credit margin) will be increased. Therefore, the “service provision process” means a process performed by the service provision processing unit in order to give such a benefit to the player.
In this game apparatus, the operation mode of the game control unit is switched between the one game mode and the set game mode in response to a predetermined mode switching operation using the operation unit. Note that the operation mode switched according to the mode switching operation may include another operation mode in addition to these two operation modes. The one-game mode is an operation mode in which one game progress is permitted on condition that a specified amount of credit is received. On the other hand, the set game mode is an operation for permitting a game progress of two or more prescribed times on condition that a larger amount of credit than the prescribed amount received as credit for one game is received at a time in the one game mode. Mode. Since the player who plays in the set game mode first receives the credit for obtaining the game permission for the specified number of times, the player will not stop playing at least until the game for the specified number of times is completed. Therefore, for the player who plays in the set game mode, the game play for the specified number of times can be secured. Therefore, if a player who has stopped playing after having played the game once or twice plays in the set game mode, it is possible to convey the original game characteristics of the game apparatus to such a player.
In the game device, when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the service providing processing unit performs a service providing process for providing a service that is not provided when operating in the one game mode. Therefore, when a player plays a game in the set game mode, the player can receive a service that is not provided in the one-game mode. In other words, if the player plays in the set game mode, the player can receive a service in which the credit margin is increased as compared with the one game mode. Therefore, added value is born for play in the set game mode compared to play in the one game mode, and it is possible to increase opportunities for the player to play in the set game mode than in the one game mode. As a result, it is possible to prompt the player to play in the set game mode, and it is possible to increase the chances of transmitting the original game characteristics of the game apparatus to the player.
Note that the process performed by the game control unit according to the result of the game progress is not limited to paying out credits or permitting the progress of the special game, but includes a process of losing nothing provided to the player. In addition to paying out credits and permitting the progress of special games, another process for providing a service that provides some benefit to the player may be included.

Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the game device according to claim 1, wherein the service providing process is more than the prescribed amount received by the credit processing unit at a time when the game control unit operates in the set game mode. The method includes a process of setting a large amount of credit to be less than a credit amount obtained by multiplying the specified amount by the specified number of times.
In this game apparatus, when the player plays in the set game mode, the amount of credits given to play the game for the specified number of times is to play the same number of times as the specified number of times in the one game mode. Less than the amount of credits delivered. That is, the game device can provide a service in which the game can be played at a lower price in the set game mode than in the one game mode.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the game device of the first aspect, when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the service providing process receives the specified number of times at a time by the credit processing unit. It includes a process of setting more than the number of game progressions permitted by the game control unit when the same amount of credit as the amount of credit is received in the one-game mode.
In this game device, when the amount of credits that the player delivers to the game device is the same in the one game mode and the set game mode, the number of games that can be performed with the credit amount is set more than in the one game mode. There are more game modes. In other words, the game device can provide a service in which the game can be played at a lower price in the set game mode than in the one game mode.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the game device according to the first aspect, when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the service providing process indicates that the game progress result is a credit of the one game mode. If the result is equivalent to a payout or permission to proceed with the special game, the game control unit is allowed to pay out the credit or allow the special game to proceed, and the credit is paid out in the one-game mode. If the result is equivalent to a loss that does not permit the progress of the special game, the process includes a process for allowing the game control unit to pay out credit or permit the progress of the special game only for a part of the result. It is characterized by this.
In this game apparatus, when a player plays in the set game mode, credits may be paid out or special games may be permitted even if the game progress is lost in the one game mode. As a result, even if the player is lost in the one game mode, the player is given a chance to pay out credits and allow the special game to proceed if the player is playing in the set game mode. That is, it is possible to provide a service in which the loss is reduced in the set game mode than in the one game mode.

Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the game device according to claim 1, wherein the service providing process is performed when the game control unit operates in the set game mode according to a result of the game progress. In some cases, the game control unit includes a process of allowing the game control unit to allow the progress of a special game that cannot be permitted by the game control unit.
In this game apparatus, when a player plays in the set game mode, a service can be provided in which a special game that cannot be played in the one game mode can be played.

The invention of claim 6 is the game device of claim 1, wherein result history information indicating a result of progress of the game progressed by the game control unit operating in the set game mode is stored for the past two or more games. A result history storage unit, and the service providing process includes a result history for two or more games stored in the result history storage unit when the game control unit operates in the set game mode. The game control unit includes a process of allowing the game control unit to pay out credits or allow the progress of the special game based on the information.
In this game apparatus, when the player plays in the set game mode, the game control unit pays out credits or permits the progress of the special game according to the game progress results for the past two or more games. In this way, under the control of paying out credits or permitting the advancement of the special game according to the game progress result for the past two or more games, the player is repeatedly played a plurality of times in succession. If you don't get it, you won't be able to tell the player how the game is controlled.
In this game apparatus, as described above, since the player can play in the set game mode for two or more prescribed game play times, the control is performed by performing the control in the set game mode. It is possible to increase the chances of telling the player the game characteristics.

The invention according to claim 7 is the game device according to claim 6, further comprising a display unit that displays two or more different types of symbols arranged in a predetermined order in each of a plurality of symbol display areas, The game control unit performs variable display control for sequentially switching the plurality of symbols displayed in each symbol display area after starting the game progression, and displays a game progress result indicating whether or not a predetermined one or more prizes are won. After the determination, the game is progressed by performing stop display control for stopping the variable display of each symbol display area so that the symbol corresponding to the game progress result is stopped and displayed in each symbol display area. When the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the providing process is based on result history information for two or more games stored in the result history storage unit. The number of specific symbols in the symbols stopped and displayed on the display unit in the above game is specified, and the game control unit is allowed to pay out credits or allow the special game to proceed according to the specified number of specific symbols. It is characterized by including processing.
This game apparatus is a so-called slot machine. Conventional slot machines generally perform payout of credits or permission to advance special games based on symbols stopped and displayed on the display unit in one game. On the other hand, in this game device, when the player plays in the set game mode, the payout of credit or the special game is performed according to the number of specific symbols in the symbols stopped and displayed on the display unit in the past two or more games. Progress permission is given. Therefore, if a player plays in a set game, the player can receive credits or permission to advance a special game in accordance with the game progress results of the past two or more times.

The invention according to claim 8 is the game device according to claim 6, further comprising a display unit for displaying two or more different types of symbols arranged in a predetermined order in each of a plurality of symbol display areas, The game control unit performs variable display control for sequentially switching the plurality of symbols displayed in each symbol display area after starting the game progression, and displays a game progress result indicating whether or not a predetermined one or more prizes are won. After the determination, the game is progressed by performing stop display control for stopping the variable display of each symbol display area so that the symbol corresponding to the game progress result is stopped and displayed in each symbol display area. When the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the providing process is based on result history information for two or more games stored in the result history storage unit. The stop display position of the specific symbol in the symbols stopped and displayed on the display unit in the above game is specified for each game, and depending on the combination of each stop display position of the specified specific symbol, It includes a process for allowing the game control section to permit the progress of the special game.
This game device is a so-called slot machine. Conventional slot machines generally perform payout of credits or permission to advance special games based on symbols stopped and displayed on the display unit in one game. On the other hand, in this game device, when the player plays in the set game mode, the credit is determined according to the combination of the stop display positions of the specific symbols in the symbols stopped and displayed on the display unit in the past two or more games. A payout or special game permission is granted. Therefore, if a player plays in a set game, the player can receive credits or permission to advance a special game in accordance with the game progress results of the past two or more times.

The invention according to claim 9 is the game device according to claim 1, wherein a storage amount storage unit for storing a part of the credit amount received by the credit processing unit as a storage amount, and whether or not a predetermined progressive winning condition is satisfied. And a progressive control unit that pays out a credit of at least a part of the storage amount stored in the storage amount storage unit when it is determined that the corresponding selection condition is satisfied, and the service providing process Enables the payout of credit to the player of the game apparatus by the progressive control unit when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, and the progressive control unit when the game control unit operates in the one-game mode. That prohibits the payment of credits to players of this game device by And it is characterized in Mukoto.
The game apparatus has a progressive function of storing a part of the credit amount received by the credit processing unit and paying out a credit of at least a part of the stored amount when a predetermined progressive winning condition is satisfied. . In the game device, the credit can be paid out to the player of the game device in the set game mode, but the credit is not paid out to the player of the game device in the one-game mode. That is, in the set game mode, the credit is paid out if the progressive winning condition is satisfied, but in the one game mode, the credit is not paid out regardless of whether the progressive winning condition is satisfied. Therefore, if the player plays in the set game mode, a service can be provided in which there is a chance of paying out credits using the progressive function.

The invention of claim 10 is the game device according to claim 1, wherein the service providing process is performed when the game control unit operates in the set game mode according to a result of the game progress. The amount of credits to be paid out includes a process of increasing the amount of credits to be paid out by the game control unit based on the same result as the result of the game progress in the one-game mode.
In this game apparatus, when the player plays in the set game mode, the amount of credits paid out based on the game progress result is larger than the amount of credits paid out based on the same result as the game progress result in the one game mode. In other words, in this game apparatus, it is possible to provide a service that makes it easier to acquire more credits in the set game mode than in the one game mode.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the game device of the first aspect, a player specifying information receiving unit that receives player specifying information, and a point storage that stores points in association with the player specifying information received by the player specifying information receiving unit. And a point output unit that outputs points stored in the point storage unit, and the service providing process is performed in the point storage unit when the game control unit operates in the set game mode. It includes a process of adding points and not adding points to the point storage unit when the game control unit operates in the one-game mode.
This game device has a function of storing points in association with player specifying information, outputting the stored points, and using the points. The “point” here is data counted separately from the credit. For example, such a point may be adopted by a facility such as a casino in which the game apparatus is installed, and provide various benefits to a player as a customer depending on the amount of the points. In this game apparatus, points are not added in the one game mode, and points are added in the set game mode. Therefore, the player can provide a service that points can be obtained by playing in the set game mode.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the game device of the first aspect, a player specifying information receiving unit that receives player specifying information, and a point storage that stores points in association with the player specifying information received by the player specifying information receiving unit. And a point output unit that outputs the points stored in the point storage unit, and the service providing process adds a predetermined point when the game control unit operates in the set game mode. The point amount added to the point storage unit when the condition is satisfied is larger than the point amount added to the point storage unit when the same condition as the predetermined point addition condition is satisfied in the one-game mode It is characterized by including the process to perform.
This game device has a function of storing points in association with player specifying information, outputting the stored points, and using the points. The “point” here is the same as in the case of the game device of claim 11. In the game device, when the player plays in the set game mode, the point amount added by satisfying the predetermined point addition condition is added by satisfying the same condition as the point addition condition in the one game mode. More than the point amount. In other words, the game device can provide a service that makes it easier to acquire more points in the set game mode than in the one game mode.

The invention according to claim 13 is the game device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12, wherein the game control unit is in the one-game mode. The credit processing unit receives the specified amount of credit and starts the game on condition that a start operation using the operation unit is received. In the set game mode, the first time during the specified number of times For a game after the game, if the credit processing unit satisfies a condition for receiving a larger amount of credit than the prescribed amount, the game progress is started without receiving a start operation using the operation unit. It is.
In this game apparatus, when the player plays in the one-game mode, the game does not start unless a start operation is performed using the operation unit. On the other hand, when the player plays in the set game mode, the game progress is started for the game after the first game within the specified number of times without receiving a start operation using the operation unit. When the player plays the game many times in succession, it may feel troublesome to perform the start operation every time the game is started. Therefore, in this game apparatus, when a set game is played, the game progresses for the second and subsequent games within the specified number of times without starting operation. As a result, in the second and subsequent games within the specified number of times, the progress of the game is permitted by the credits already received, so that the player can play the game without performing a bet operation or a start operation. Therefore, the operation of the player can be simplified, and the annoyance felt by the player can be reduced. In particular, if no other game progress start conditions are set, the player can start the game without performing any operation for the second and subsequent games within the specified number of times, further increasing the annoyance felt by the player. Can be reduced.

As described above, according to the first to thirteenth aspects of the present invention, in the game device on the premise that the player repeatedly plays the game, the game device has a game property that is easier to convey to the player than the one-game mode. Therefore, an excellent effect can be achieved in that it is possible to increase the opportunity to convey to the player the game characteristics of the game device that is premised on the player repeatedly playing the game.
In particular, according to the inventions of claims 2 and 3, since it is possible to provide a service in which the game can be played at a lower price in the set game mode than in the one game mode, the player is effectively encouraged to play in the set game mode. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to effectively increase the opportunity to convey to the player the game characteristics of the game device that is premised on the player repeatedly playing the game.
Further, according to the invention of claim 4, since it is possible to provide a service in which the loss is reduced in the set game mode than in the one game mode, the player can be effectively urged to play in the set game mode. However, it is possible to effectively increase the chances of telling the player the game characteristics of the game device premised on repeatedly playing the game.
Further, according to the invention of claim 5, since it is possible to provide a service in which a special game that cannot be played in the one game mode can be played in the set game mode, the player can effectively play in the set game mode. This is an excellent effect that it is possible to effectively increase the opportunities to convey to the player the game characteristics of the game device that is premised on the player repeatedly playing the game.
In addition, according to the inventions of claims 6 to 8, it is possible to increase the chance of telling the player the game characteristics by the control of paying out credits or permitting the progress of the special game in accordance with the game progress results of the past two or more times. An excellent effect of being able to be produced.
In addition, according to the invention of claim 9, since a service that there is a chance of paying out credits by the progressive function when the player plays in the set game mode can be provided, the player can effectively play in the set game mode. This provides an excellent effect that it is possible to effectively increase the opportunity to convey to the player the game characteristics of the game device premised on the player repeatedly playing the game.
According to the invention of claim 10, since it is possible to provide a service that makes it easier to acquire more credits in the set game mode than in the one game mode, it is possible to effectively encourage the player to play in the set game mode. It is possible to achieve an excellent effect of effectively increasing the opportunity to convey to the player the game characteristics of the game device that is assumed to be repeated by the player.
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since a service can be provided in which a player can earn points if the player plays in the set game mode, the player can be effectively urged to play in the set game mode. However, it is possible to effectively increase the chances of telling the player the game characteristics of the game device premised on repeatedly playing the game.
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, since it is possible to provide a service in which it is easier to obtain more points in the set game mode than in the one game mode, the player is effectively encouraged to play in the set game mode. It is possible to achieve an excellent effect of effectively increasing the opportunity to convey to the player the game characteristics of the game device that is assumed to be repeated by the player.
Further, according to the invention of claim 13, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to reduce the annoyance felt by the player when the game is continuously played many times.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a video slot machine as a game apparatus installed in a casino will be described.
First, a basic configuration of the slot machine according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. The slot machine 1 includes a box-shaped casing 2 and a front panel 3 attached to the front side of the casing 2 so as to be openable and closable. On the front panel 3, a display window 4 for visually recognizing the monitor 11 from the outside, a coin insertion slot 5a and a bill insertion slot 5b constituting a money receiving portion, a spin button 6a, a first set game operation button 6b, a second set A game operation button 6c, a credit clearing button 6d, various BET buttons 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b and 8c, a coin tray 9 having a coin payout tray 9a, various lamps 10a and 10b, and the like are provided. The spin button 6a, the first set game operation button 6b, the second set game operation button 6c, the credit clearing button 6d, and the various BET buttons 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b, and 8c are lamp buttons each having a light emitting unit. is there. In the present embodiment, various operation buttons such as the spin button 6a are configured by mechanical buttons. However, a button image corresponding to various operation buttons such as the spin button 6a is provided on the monitor 11 by providing a touch panel on the monitor 11. You may use what displayed.

  Inside the slot machine 1, a monitor 11 as a display unit is provided. The monitor 11 displays a plurality of identical or different symbols arranged in a predetermined order on each of the five symbol display areas 11a. The monitor 11 is composed of a liquid crystal display, but may be another display such as a CRT monitor or a plasma display. The monitor 11 also has a credit display 11b for displaying the amount of credit corresponding to the amount of money inserted by the player from the coin insertion slot 5a or the bill insertion slot 5b, and various BET buttons 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b. , 8c to display the credit amount betted by the player, a bet display portion 11c, and an acquired credit display portion 11d to display the earned credit amount acquired by the player according to the result of the game progress, are displayed in the five symbol display areas 11a. Displayed at the top. Further, inside the slot machine 1, an inspection device for confirming whether the received coin or bill is not a fake, a coin withdrawal device (not shown) having a hopper capable of storing a large number of coins, a speaker as a sound output unit, a CPU A main control unit and a sub control unit in which an electronic circuit is formed by various electronic components such as ROM, ROM, and the like are also incorporated.

  A reset switch 12 is provided on the side surface of the slot machine 1. The reset switch 12 has a keyhole corresponding to a dedicated key possessed by the casino attendant in which the slot machine 1 is installed, and is operated by inserting the dedicated key into the keyhole. Therefore, the player cannot operate the reset switch 12.

  Further, a card insertion slot 13 and a display device 14 for inserting a house card as a portable storage medium used in a casino are provided on the upper portion of the slot machine 1. The house card is for managing personal information registered by a player at a casino reception etc., and this house card stores a player ID as player identification information which is individual identification information for each player. Yes. In addition, the casino management device manages personal information of each player in association with the player ID. This house card is used, for example, in order to manage points according to the credit amount spent for the game by the player using the management device. Thereby, according to the point, duties, such as giving a free accommodation ticket etc. to a player, can be provided. Further, the display device 14 displays points and the like possessed by the player. In the present embodiment, the house card is also used when the money previously deposited by the player at the casino is used in the game of the slot machine 1. This point will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main control unit constituting the control unit of the slot machine 1.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a sub-control unit that configures the control unit of the slot machine 1.

  The main control unit 20 includes a CPU 21, an input / output port 21a, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a random number generation circuit 24, a display control unit 25, an illumination control unit 26, an acoustic control unit 27, a refund control unit 28, and the like. The input / output port 21 a is used for data communication with the sub-control unit 30. The ROM 22 stores data such as various programs used by the CPU 21 and various databases, and outputs these to the CPU 21. The RAM 23 temporarily stores variable data calculated by the CPU 21. The random number generation circuit 24 generates a random number every predetermined cycle and outputs the data to the CPU 21. The display control unit 25 constitutes a display unit together with the monitor 11, and performs display control of the monitor 11 that displays the symbol display area 11 a and the like under the control of the CPU 21. The illumination control unit 26 performs lighting control of the various lamps 10a and 10b under the control of the CPU 21. The sound control unit 27 controls announcements, production sounds, and the like that are output from the speaker 15 under the control of the CPU 21. Under the control of the CPU 21, the payout control unit 28 controls the coin payout device 16 as a payout unit in order to pay back coins from the coin payout tray 9 a to the coin tray 9.

  In addition, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 has a spin button 6a for performing a start operation, a first set game operation button 6b, a second set game operation button 6c, a credit clearing button 6d, and a player receiving a game permission. An operation unit comprising various BET buttons 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b, 8c and the like for performing a bet operation for delivering credits to the slot machine is connected. The CPU 21 is also connected to an insertion amount counting device (not shown) that counts the amount inserted into the coin insertion slot 5a and the bill insertion slot 5b.

  The sub control unit 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a card reader 34, a display control unit 35, a main control unit side input / output port 36, a management device side input / output port 37, and the like. The ROM 32 stores various programs used by the CPU 31 and data such as various databases, and outputs them to the CPU 31. The RAM 33 temporarily stores variable data calculated by the CPU 31. The card reader 34 reads the player ID stored in the house card inserted from the card insertion slot 13 and outputs the player ID to the CPU 31. The display control unit 35 performs display control of the display device 14 under the control of the CPU 31. The main control unit side input / output port 36 is used for data communication with the main control unit 20. The management device side input / output port 37 is used for data communication with a management device 40 that manages and manages a plurality of game devices installed in the casino. In the present embodiment, the management device 40 stores credit data corresponding to money previously deposited with the casino by the player in a state associated with the player ID of the player.

Next, the operation of each unit will be described according to the game flow by the slot machine 1.
When a player inserts a coin (not shown) into the coin insertion slot 5a or inserts a bill into the bill insertion slot 5b, the coin is counted by an insertion amount counting device (not shown). Then, the investment amount counting device outputs the investment amount data to the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20. The CPU 21 that has received the inserted amount data stores the credit data indicating the credit amount corresponding to the inserted amount data in the RAM 23. Alternatively, when the credit withdrawal process is performed to withdraw and use the credits deposited in advance in the casino, the credit data is stored in the RAM 23.

  The credit withdrawal process will be described in detail. First, when the player deposits money at the reception of the casino or the like, the management device 40 in a state where credit data corresponding to the deposited money is associated with the player ID of the player. Registered in the database. When a player plays a game in the slot machine 1 using the registered credit data, first, the player inserts a house card in which his player ID is stored into the card insertion slot 13. As a result, the card reader 34 of the sub-control unit 30 reads the player ID stored in the inserted house card and sends the player ID to the CPU 31 of the sub-control unit 30. When receiving the player ID from the card reader 34, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the player ID is normal. Here, this determination is performed by the control unit of the slot machine 1, but may be performed by the management device 40. In this case, the CPU 31 that has received the player ID sends the player ID to the management device 40 and receives the determination result in the management device 40 as a response.

  When it is determined that the determination is not normal, the CPU 31 notifies the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 to that effect. Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 controls the display control unit 25 to display an error message on the monitor 11. Further, the CPU 31 having determined that it is not normal sends a card discharge signal to the card reader 34 and discharges the house card. On the other hand, when it is determined that the determination is normal, the CPU 31 sends a credit data acquisition request related to the player ID received from the card reader 34 from the management device side input / output port 37 to the management device 40. In response to this acquisition request, the management device 40 reads credit data associated with the player ID from the database, and transmits it to the management device side input / output port 37 of the sub-control unit 30 of the slot machine 1. The credit data received via the management apparatus side input / output port 37 is sent to the CPU 31 of the sub-control unit 30, and the CPU 31 sends this credit data to the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20. Then, the CPU 21 stores the received credit data in the RAM 23 so that it can be used in the game of the slot machine 1. As a result, since the player can play the game with the slot machine 1 without carrying money, the convenience of the player is improved.

  By the way, in this embodiment, according to the mode switching operation using the operation unit, the operation modes of the main control unit 20 and the sub control unit 30 as the game control unit are set between the one game mode and the set game mode. Switch. In the one-game mode, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 that also functions as a credit processing unit subtracts a specified amount from the credit data stored in the RAM 23 (receives credit), so that one game progress Allow. On the other hand, in the set game mode, the CPU 21 subtracts twice the credit amount in the RAM 23 from the credit data in the RAM 23 at a time, on the condition that the credit amount is larger than the credit amount for the one game in the one game mode (the prescribed amount). Allow the game progress for the specified number of times. In this embodiment, there are two types of set game modes, the first set game mode and the second set game mode, the specified number of times in the first set game mode is 10 games, and the specified number of times in the second set game mode is 20 games. It is. In the present embodiment, when the player operates the spin button 6a, this is accepted as a mode switching operation to the one game mode, and when the player operates the first set game operation button 6b or the second set game operation button 6c, this is set game mode. It is accepted as a mode switching operation to.

[One game mode]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of one game in the one game mode.
When the player determines the desired number of winning lines and the amount of credit to bet, he operates the BET buttons 7a, 7b and 7c and the winning line selection buttons 8a, 8b and 8c (S1). In this slot machine 1, the winning line selection buttons 8a, 8b and 8c are operated to select 1 to 3 winning lines, and the BET buttons 7a, 7b and 7c are operated to bet the credit amount (1 to 3 credits). ) Is selected. This operation content is sent to the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 as a BET operation signal. Thereafter, the CPU 21 is in a state where it can accept an operation signal from the spin button 6a, and an operation on the spin button 6a and the first set game operation button 6b or the second set game operation button 6c by the player becomes effective.

  Here, when playing in the one-game mode, the player operates the spin button 6a (S2). The operation on the spin button 6a is a mode switching operation to the one game mode and a start operation for starting the game progress. Therefore, when the player operates the spin button 6a, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 operates in the one-game mode. First, the credit amount corresponding to the BET operation signal from the credit data in the RAM 23, that is, the selected number of winning lines is selected. A process (credit process) for reducing the amount obtained by multiplying the credit amount to be bet (hereinafter referred to as “one game BET amount”) is performed (S3). For example, when three winning lines are selected as the number of winning lines and two credits are selected as the credit amount to bet, the one game BET amount, which is the credit amount received by the slot machine, is six credits. Thereafter, the CPU 21 generates a start signal and sends the start signal to the display control unit 25. Upon receiving this start signal, the display control unit 25 performs variable display control for sequentially switching the symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 11a of the monitor 11 (S4). In the present embodiment, the switching order of symbols displayed in each symbol display area 11a is fixed in advance.

  The CPU 21 also sends the generated start signal to the random number generation circuit 24. Upon receiving this start signal, the random number generation circuit 24 generates five random numbers (S5) and sequentially sends these random numbers to the CPU 21. Each random number corresponds to each symbol display area 11 a displayed on the monitor 11. When the CPU 21 receives the five random numbers sent from the random number generation circuit 24, it compares each random number against a stop position table stored in the ROM 22. This stop position table is prepared individually for each symbol display area 11a. And the stop position of the variable display in each symbol display area 11a is determined by each random number and each stop position table. Therefore, the symbols to be stopped and displayed in each symbol display area 11a are determined by the five random numbers sent from the random number generation circuit 24.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 21 receives the five random numbers sent from the random number generation circuit 24, the CPU 21 has won a predetermined prize by checking the combination of these random numbers against the winning decision table stored in the ROM 22. The lottery process for determining whether or not is also performed (S6). Awards can be broadly classified to allow players to advance award (payout award) that pays out an amount of credit corresponding to the prize, or a bonus game that is a special game such as an event or free game or feature game. There are awards (bonus awards). Then, the CPU 21 determines a prize to be won in the current game, based on the combination of random numbers and the winning determination table, or determines a loss when no prize has been won. Note that the ROM 22 stores at least two types of winning determination tables, that is, a winning determination table used in a normal game and a winning determination table used in a special game. For the former type of winning determination table, an individual winning determination table is prepared for each number of winning lines that can be selected by the winning line selection buttons 8a, 8b, and 8c.

  After finishing the lottery process, the CPU 21 controls the display control unit 25 so that the variable display of each symbol display area 11a stops at the determined stop position (S7). As a result, the variable display is stopped at the determined stop position in the symbol display area 11a of the monitor 11, and the predetermined symbols corresponding to the five random numbers are stopped and displayed in each symbol display area 11a.

  When the payout of the payout is determined in the lottery process (S8, S9), the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 stops the variable display of each symbol display area 11a, and then displays the illumination control unit 26 and the sound control unit. 27, a predetermined effect signal is output. As a result, the illumination control unit 26 includes light emitting means for the various lamps 10a and 10b and the spin button 6a, the credit clearing button 6d, and the various BET buttons 7a, 7b, 7c, 8a, 8b, and 8c that are turned on. Lighting control is performed so that the lamp button blinks in a blinking pattern corresponding to the effect signal. In addition, the sound control unit 27 performs control to temporarily stop the music output from the speaker 15 as the effect sound and output the sound effect corresponding to the effect signal from the speaker 15. Then, the CPU 21 performs a payout process for adding the credit amount corresponding to the winning prize to the credit data stored in the RAM 23 (S10).

  In addition, when the winning of the bonus prize is determined in the lottery process (S8, S9), the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 stops the variable display of each symbol display area 11a, and then performs the lighting control unit 26 and the acoustic control. A predetermined effect signal is output to each unit 27. Thereby, the illumination control part 26 performs lighting control so that the various lamp buttons in the lighting state blink with a blinking pattern corresponding to the effect signal. In addition, the sound control unit 27 performs control to temporarily stop the music output from the speaker 15 as the effect sound and output the music as the effect sound according to the effect signal from the speaker 15. Then, the game control format by the CPU 21 is switched from the normal game control format to a bonus game control format for controlling a bonus game such as an event or a bonus game corresponding to the winning prize, and the bonus game proceeds (S11). .

[Set game mode]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of one game in the set game mode.
As in the case of the one game mode, the player operates the BET buttons 7a, 7b, 7c and the winning line selection buttons 8a, 8b, 8c after determining the desired number of winning lines and the amount of credit to bet (S1). When playing in the set game mode, the player operates the first set game operation button 6b or the second set game operation button 6c. In this embodiment, 10 games are set as one set, and when the player plays in the set game mode for one set, the player operates the first set game operation button 6b to play in the set game mode for two sets. To do so, the second set game operation button 6b is operated. The operations on these operation buttons 6b and 6c are a mode switching operation to the set game mode and a start operation for starting the game progress. Therefore, when the player operates the first set game operation button 6b or the second set game operation button 6c, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 operates in a set game mode of a type corresponding to the operation. Specifically, when the first set game operation button 6b is operated (S22), the CPU 21 operates in the first set game mode, and stores the remaining game number data for 10 games in the RAM 23 (S23). On the other hand, when the second set game operation button 6c is operated (S24), the CPU 21 operates in the second set game mode, and stores the remaining game number data for 20 games in the RAM 23 (S25).

Thereafter, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 performs a credit data subtraction process (credit process) in the RAM 23 (S26).
Here, in the case of the first set game mode, the CPU 21 functions as a service providing processing unit, and multiplies the credit amount corresponding to the BET operation signal, that is, the one game BET amount by the number of games for one set (10 games). The amount obtained by multiplying the obtained amount by 90% (one set BET amount) is reduced from the credit data in the RAM 23. For example, if 3 winning lines are selected as the number of winning lines and 2 credits are selected as the BET amount, 90% is further added to the amount obtained by multiplying 6 credits, which is the one game BET amount, by 10 games. The 54 credits obtained by multiplying become the one set BET amount which is the credit amount received by the slot machine.
On the other hand, in the second set game mode, the CPU 21 obtains an amount obtained by multiplying the amount obtained by multiplying the one game bet amount by the number of games for two sets (20 games) by 90% (two set bet). The amount is reduced from the credit data stored in the RAM 23. For example, if 3 winning lines are selected as the number of winning lines and 2 credits are selected as the BET amount, 90% is further added to the amount obtained by multiplying 6 credits, which is the one game BET amount, by 10 games. The 108 credits obtained by the multiplication becomes a 2-set BET amount which is the credit amount received by the slot machine.

Thereafter, when the CPU 21 generates a start signal and sends the start signal to the display control unit 25, the game proceeds in the same manner as in the one-game mode (S4 to S11). After the loss is determined (S8), the payout of the payout is finished (S10), or the bonus game is finished (S11), the CPU 21 of the main controller 20 stores the remaining game stored in the RAM 23. A process of subtracting 1 from the numerical data is performed (S27). Then, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the remaining game number data has become zero (S28). If it is determined that the remaining game number data has become zero, the set game mode of the main control unit 20 is canceled (S29), and the next game is prepared.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining game number data is not zero, the set game mode of the main control unit 20 continues and the process proceeds to the next game. Then, at the beginning of the next game, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 determines that there is no first game in the set game mode (S21). In this case, the CPU 21 generates a start signal without receiving an operation (start operation) of the spin button 6a, the first set game operation button 6b, and the second set game operation button 6c, and displays the start signal as a display control unit. To 25. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when playing in the set game mode, the game progress is automatically started for the second and subsequent games in the set mode without the player performing a start operation. Of course, the game progress may be started after waiting for the start operation from the player for all the games in the set mode.

As described above, in the slot machine of the present embodiment, when the main control unit 20 operates in the first set game mode, the amount of one set BET received for permitting the progress of one set (10 games) is one game. Less than the one-game BET you receive to play 10 games in mode. Specifically, for example, when the player selects three pay lines as the number of pay lines and selects 2 credits as the credit amount to bet, the credits required to play 10 games in the one game mode While the amount is 60 credits, the credit amount necessary to play 10 games in the first set game mode is 54 credits. On the other hand, even when the main control unit 20 operates in the second set game mode, the 2 set BET amount received for permitting the game progress of 2 sets (20 games) is to play 20 games in the one game mode. Less than the amount of one game BET you receive. Specifically, for example, when the player selects three pay lines as the number of pay lines and selects 2 credits as the credit amount to bet, the credits required to play 20 games in the one game mode The amount is 120 credits, whereas the credit amount necessary to play 20 games in the second set game mode is 108 credits.
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the player can play the game at a discount (10% discount) in the set game mode than in the one game mode. As a result, the player can be prompted to play in the set game mode rather than the one game mode. Here, for a player who plays in the set game mode, game play for the specified number of times (10 games or 20 games) can be secured. In general, a game device such as the present slot machine can be transmitted to the player only when the player repeatedly plays the game, and the player can continue to play. Therefore, as a result of being able to prompt the player to play in the set game mode as in this embodiment, it becomes easier to secure the player's game play for a specified number of times, so that the original game characteristics of the slot machine can be conveyed to the player Opportunities can be greatly increased, and eventually the number of players who continue to play can be increased.

  Note that the discount rate may be different between the first set game mode and the second set game mode. Specifically, in the credit subtraction process, in the first set game mode, for example, the amount obtained by multiplying the one game BET amount by the number of games for one set (10 games) is further multiplied by 90%. The amount is reduced from the credit data in the RAM 23 as one set BET amount. On the other hand, in the second set game mode, the amount obtained by multiplying the one game BET amount by the number of games for two sets (20 games) and further multiplying by 85% is used as the two set BET amount. Reduce from credit data.

In the present embodiment, the credit amount (one set BET amount or two set BET amount) that the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 subtracts at a time in the set game mode is used as the one game BET amount for the specified number of times in the set game mode ( Although the service providing process is set to be less than the credit amount obtained by multiplying 10 games or 20 games), the following service providing process may be used. For example, if the credit amount that is the same as the credit amount (one set BET amount or two set BET amount) that the CPU 21 subtracts at a time in the set game mode is subtracted in the one game mode, the main that operates in the one game mode. You may make it set one game number of times (regular number of times) more than the frequency | count of the game progress which CPU21 of the control part 20 permits. As a specific example, the number of games per game (specified number) is 11 games, and the credit amount (1 set BET amount or 2 set BET amount) that the CPU 21 subtracts at a time in the set game mode is 10 in the one game mode. The credit amount required for playing the game (one game bet amount × 10 games) is the same amount. Even if such a process is performed, the player can play an extra one game with the same BET amount in the set game mode than in the one game mode. You can encourage play in mode.
In this case, the ratio of the number of additional games may be different between the first set game mode and the second set game mode. Specifically, in the first set game mode, the remaining number of games set in S23 is 11 games, and in the second set game mode, the remaining number of games set in S23 is 23 games.

[Modification 1]
Next, a modified example of the service providing process in the slot machine of the embodiment (hereinafter, this modified example is referred to as “modified example 1”) will be described.
In the first modification, the winning determination table to be used is different between the one game mode and the set game mode. Thereby, the winning probability and the payout rate can be made different between the one game mode and the set game mode. Therefore, as the winning determination table in the set game mode, a winning probability and a payout rate that are more advantageous to the player than the winning determination table in the one game mode are used. Play in the set game mode can be encouraged rather than the game mode. One specific example will be described below.

The winning determination table used in the one-game mode includes three or more symbol display areas adjacent to each other among the five symbol display areas 11a displayed on the monitor 11 by a combination of five random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 24. When the same symbol is displayed next to each other over 11a, a prize corresponding to the type of the symbol is assigned. Therefore, the combination of the five random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 24 is assigned a loss when the same symbols are stopped next to each other over two adjacent symbol display areas 11a.
On the other hand, the winning determination table used in the set game mode is the same over the two symbol display areas 11a in which the combination of five random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 24 is adjacent to the winning determination table in the one game mode. The allocation of loses for the symbols that are stopped next to each other is changed to the allocation of prizes.

  Therefore, in the first modification, when the combination of five random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 24 displays the same symbol next to each other over two adjacent symbol display areas 11a, the player can play one game. When playing in the mode, the game is lost, and when the player is playing in the set game mode, the player wins an award. The award is preferably a payout award, and the payout is displayed in a stopped manner with the same symbols adjacent to each other over three symbol display areas 11a in which the combination of five random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 24 is adjacent to each other. It is preferable to set the amount less than the amount of credit that the player can obtain due to the award assigned to the item. This is because the probability that the same symbol is adjacently stopped over the two adjacent symbol display areas 11a is higher than the probability that the same symbol is adjacently stopped over the three adjacent symbol display areas 11a.

As described above, according to the first modified example, when the player plays in the set game mode, the player may win even if the player loses in the one game mode. Therefore, it is possible to provide a service in which the loss is reduced in the set game mode than in the one game mode. As a result, it is possible to encourage play in the set game mode rather than the one game mode.
In the specific example described in the first modification, the award that can be won in the set game mode is obtained by adding a new award to the award that can be won in the one-game mode. . Therefore, although the effect of prompting the player to play in the set game mode is higher than in the one game mode, the payout rate in the set game mode is much larger than in the one game mode, so that the casino side operation management becomes difficult. Therefore, the winning determination table in the set game mode not only increases the dividend payout prize, but also adjusts the winning probability for the existing prize, so that the winning game table is set between the set game mode and the one game mode. It is preferable that the payout rate does not change significantly.

[Modification 2]
Next, another modified example of the service providing process in the slot machine of the embodiment (hereinafter, this modified example is referred to as “modified example 2”) will be described.
In the second modification, for the special game that is not permitted to be progressed by the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 in the one-game mode (hereinafter referred to as “set-only special game”), the CPU 21 in the set game mode It can be allowed to proceed. Thereby, the player who wants to play in the set-only special game can be prompted to play in the set game mode rather than the one-game mode. As a specific example, a set-only special game that is allowed to advance when a bonus prize is won in the set game mode is allowed to progress when the same bonus award as that bonus prize is awarded in the one-game mode. Different from the bonus game. For example, the bonus game in the one-game mode needs to receive a credit (credit subtraction process) when starting the game progress, and the set-only special game receives a credit (credit subtraction) when starting the game progress. A free game that does not require processing. In addition, for example, the bonus game in the one game mode is set such that the payout of the prize related to the symbol having a high winning probability is set higher than the payout in the normal game, and the special game for the set has a specific symbol other than the existing game It is assumed that a winning determination is made by considering it as a symbol.

  Note that the credit amount paid out when winning a dividend payout in the set game mode may be made larger than the credit amount paid out when winning the same prize as the payout payout in the one-game mode. Also in this case, it is possible to encourage play in the set game mode rather than the one game mode.

[Modification 3]
Next, still another modified example of the service providing process in the slot machine of the embodiment (hereinafter, this modified example is referred to as “modified example 3”) will be described.
In the third modification, when the player plays in the set game mode, the payout of a payout or the progress of the bonus game is permitted according to the symbols stopped and displayed on the monitor 11 in the past two or more games. . Specifically, a payout is paid out according to the number of specific symbols present in all symbols stopped and displayed on the monitor 11 in the past two or more games. One specific example will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of one game in the set game mode in the third modification. Since S4 to S11 in this flowchart are the same as S4 to S11 described above, illustration is omitted.
In the set game mode of the third modified example, first, after proceeding with the first game in the same manner as in the above embodiment (S21 to S11), the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 receives the five games sent from the random number generation circuit 24. The number of specific symbols (result history information) existing in the stop display symbols determined from the random number and the stop position table is stored in the RAM 23 as the result history storage unit as specific symbol number data (S31). Then, until the set game mode ends, that is, 10 games in the first set game mode and 20 games in the second set game mode, the CPU 21 keeps the stop display symbols in each game. The number of the specific symbols existing in is added to the specific symbol number data (S31). When the CPU 21 determines that the remaining game number data has become zero (S28), the CPU 21 reads the specific symbol number data stored in the RAM 23 and grasps the total number of specific symbols that are stopped and displayed in all the games in the set game mode. . Then, after performing a process of paying out an amount of credit determined according to the total number as a payout (S32), the set game mode of the main control unit 20 is canceled (S29), and the next game is prepared.

As described above, according to the third modification, when the player plays in the set game mode, the player receives a payout according to the number of specific symbols in the symbols stopped and displayed on the monitor 11 in the past two or more games. be able to. In the third modification, such a payout of a payout cannot be received when playing in the one-game mode, so that it is possible to urge the player to play in the set game mode rather than the one-game mode.
Here, when paying out a dividend or permitting the progress of a bonus game in accordance with the result of the game progress two or more times in the past (in the specific example described in the third modification, the number of specific symbols stopped and displayed) If a player stops playing during a period in which two or more games have been performed in the past, the game cannot be transmitted to the player. In the third modification, the period is a period in which the set game mode is operated, and when the set game mode is started, the player passes credits for obtaining permission to advance the game during the set game mode at a time. Players rarely quit playing during set game mode. Therefore, according to the third modification, it is possible to sufficiently inform the player of the game characteristics of paying out a dividend and permitting the progress of a bonus game in accordance with the game progress results of the past two or more times.

[Modification 4]
Next, still another modified example of the service providing process in the slot machine of the embodiment (hereinafter, this modified example is referred to as “modified example 4”) will be described.
Similarly to the case of the third modification, in the fourth modification, when the player plays in the set game mode, the payout of a payout is performed according to the symbols stopped and displayed on the monitor 11 in the past two or more games. , Allow bonus game progress. However, in the fourth modification, stop display positions of specific symbols that have been stopped and displayed on the monitor 11 in each of the past two or more games are stored, and combinations of the stop display positions of the specific symbols in each game (each The payout of the payout is made according to the relationship between the stop display positions of the specific symbols between the games and the progress of the bonus game is permitted. One specific example will be described below.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of one game in the set game mode in the fourth modification. Since S4 to S11 in this flowchart are the same as S4 to S11 described above, illustration is omitted.
In the set game mode of the third modified example, first, after proceeding with the first game in the same manner as in the above embodiment (S21 to S11), the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 receives the five games sent from the random number generation circuit 24. The stop display position (result history information) of the specific symbol present in the stop display symbol determined from the random number and the stop position table is stored in the RAM 23 as the result history storage unit as first stop display position data (S41). Then, until the set game mode ends, for example, until 10 games end in the first set game mode, the CPU 21 determines each stop display position of the specific symbol in each game as the second to tenth stop display positions. The data is stored in the RAM 23 (S41). When the CPU 21 determines that the remaining game number data has become zero (S28), the CPU 21 reads the first to tenth stop display position data stored in the RAM 23 (S42), and is stopped and displayed in all the games in the set game mode. Each stop display position of a specific symbol is grasped. Then, if the positional relationship of the stop display position of the specific symbol between the games in the set game mode satisfies a predetermined positional relationship, it is determined to be a win, and if it satisfies the predetermined positional relationship, it is determined to be lost. (S43).

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a predetermined positional relationship.
In the example shown in FIG. 8, if the positional relationship that the specific symbol A is stopped and displayed at the same position during three or more games in the set game mode is established, it is determined that a prize is won (S43). That is, if the first to tenth stop display position data has the same stop display position of the specific symbol A for three games or more, it is determined that a prize is won. Then, if it is determined that a prize is won, a process of paying out an amount of credits corresponding to the number of specific symbols A present at the same stop display position as a payout is performed (S44). Here, since there is no condition that the games related to the stop display position data in which the specific symbol A exists at the same stop display position are played continuously, for example, the second time, the fourth time, and the eighth time Even if the specific symbol A is present at the same stop display position in the game, a prize is awarded, but the above-described conditions may be added. In this case, for example, if the specific symbol A is present at the same stop display position in the third, fourth, and fifth games, the winning is achieved. However, for example, the specific symbol A is stopped in the second, fourth, and eighth games. Even if it exists at the display position, it does not win.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a predetermined positional relationship.
In the example shown in FIG. 9, in the game of three or more times during the set game mode, the positional relationship between the stop display positions of the specific symbol A is three or more symbol displays adjacent to each other in the five symbol display areas 11a. If the positional relationship is such that they are adjacent to each other over the range, it is determined that a prize is won (S43). That is, the positional relationship of the specific symbol A when all the stop display positions of the specific symbol A grasped by the first to tenth stop display position data are overlaid is over three or more symbol display areas 11a adjacent to each other. When the positional relationship is adjacent to each other, it is determined that a prize is won. Then, if it is determined that the prize is won, a process of paying out an amount of credit according to the number of specific symbols A adjacent to each other as a payout is performed (S44). Here, there is no condition that the games related to the stop display position data corresponding to the specific symbols A adjacent to each other are continuously played, so for example in the second, fourth and eighth games Even if the positional relationship of the specific symbol A is a positional relationship that is adjacent to each other over three or more symbol display areas 11a adjacent to each other, the winning is achieved. However, the above-described conditions may be added. In this case, for example, in the third, fourth, and fifth games, if the positional relationship of the specific symbol A is adjacent to each other over three or more symbol display areas 11a adjacent to each other, a winning is achieved. Even if the positional relationship of the specific symbol A is adjacent to each other over the three or more symbol display areas 11a adjacent to each other in the second, fourth, and eighth games, no prize is won.

As described above, according to the fourth modification, when the player plays in the set game mode, according to the combination of the stop display positions of the specific symbols in the symbols stopped and displayed on the monitor 11 in the past two or more games. , You can get paid out dividends. In the fourth modification, such payout cannot be received in the case of playing in the one game mode, so that it is possible to encourage the player to play in the set game mode rather than in the one game mode.
Here, when paying out a payout or permitting the progress of a bonus game according to the game progress results of the past two or more times (in the specific example described in the fourth modification, the stop display position of the specific symbol), the past 2 If a player stops playing during a period in which more than one game is played, the game cannot be transmitted to the player. However, in the fourth modification, as in the third modification, the player rarely stops playing during the set game mode. Therefore, according to the fourth modification, it is possible to sufficiently convey to the player the game characteristics of paying out a payout or permitting the progress of a bonus game in accordance with the game progress results of the past two or more times.

[Modification 5]
Next, still another modified example of the service providing process in the slot machine of the embodiment (hereinafter, this modified example is referred to as “modified example 5”) will be described.
In the slot machine according to the fifth modification, a part of the credit amount received by the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 by the credit subtraction process is stored as a storage amount, and at least the storage amount when the predetermined progressive winning condition is satisfied. It has a progressive function that pays out a certain amount of credits. The predetermined progressive winning condition is determined only in the set game mode and not in the one game mode. One specific example will be described below.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of one game in the set game mode in the fifth modification.
The game progress in the set game mode of Modification 5 is basically the same as in the above embodiment. However, in the fifth modification, when performing the credit subtraction process, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 transmits storage amount data indicating a part of the subtracted credit amount (for example, 5%) from the input / output port 21a. . When the sub control unit 30 receives this storage amount data at the main control unit side input / output port 36, the CPU 31 performs a process of adding the storage amount data to the progressive storage data in the RAM 33 as the storage amount storage unit. . Thereby, a part of the credit amount received by the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 by the credit subtraction process is cumulatively stored in the RAM 33 of the sub-control unit 30 as progressive storage data (S51). In the fifth modification, the initial value of the progressive storage data is set to 500 credits, for example, and the credit amount indicated by the storage amount data is cumulatively added to this initial value.
In addition, the CPU 31 of the sub-control unit 30 periodically outputs a display command for displaying the storage amount related to the progressive storage data stored in the RAM 33 to the display control unit 35. Thereby, the display control unit 35 performs display control for causing the display device 14 to display the storage amount. As a result, the current storage amount is displayed on the display device 14, and the player can check the storage amount by viewing this.

  In the fifth modification, a case where a part of the credit amount received by the slot machine is cumulatively added is described as an example, but it does not matter whether a plurality of game devices (slot machines) or not. In addition, it may be determined whether or not they are installed in the same casino.) A part of the lottery amount received may be integrated and cumulatively added. In this case, as compared with the case of one slot machine as in Modification 5, the amount of storage increases, and the amount of credits paid out when a predetermined progressive condition is satisfied increases.

  In the fifth modification, a part of the payout payout is set as a progressive prize. Specifically, the winning determination table used in the set game mode in the fifth modified example covers five symbol display areas 11a displayed on the monitor 11 with respect to the winning determination table used in the set game mode in the embodiment. The payout payout corresponding to the combination of random numbers corresponding to the symbols that the specific symbols are stopped next to each other is designated as a progressive award. Accordingly, the game proceeds in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment (S21 to S8), and after the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 determines that the dividend payout is won (S8, S9), the payout payout is a progressive award. Whether or not (S52). When it is determined that the progressive prize is received, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 requests the CPU 31 of the sub-control unit 30 to acquire progressive storage data via the input / output port 21a. Upon receiving this request, the CPU 31 reads the progressive storage data from the RAM 33 and outputs it to the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 via the main control unit side input / output port 36. The CPU 21 that has received the progressive storage data performs a payout process of adding the credit amount indicated by the progressive storage data to the credit data stored in the RAM 23 (S53). The CPU 31 of the sub-control unit 30 resets the progressive storage data stored in the RAM 33 to the initial value after outputting the progressive storage data to the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20.

  As described above, according to the fifth modification, if the player plays in the set game mode, the player may win a progressive award, and has a chance to acquire a large amount of credits at a time. Therefore, since the progressive award cannot be won in the one game mode, it is possible to promote the play in the set game mode rather than the one game mode.

[Modification 6]
Next, still another modified example of the service providing process in the slot machine of the embodiment (hereinafter, this modified example is referred to as “modified example 6”) will be described.
As described above, the slot machine according to the sixth modification converts the credit amount received from the player (the credit amount subtracted by the credit subtraction process) into points, and the casino performs various operations according to the points. . A player who wishes to receive this service first performs registration processing at the reception of the casino where the slot machine 1 is installed before starting to play the slot machine 1. In this registration process, for example, personal information such as a player's name and address is entered on a predetermined sheet, and a house card storing the player's ID is received. The personal information entered on a predetermined form is registered in the database of the management apparatus 40 from a predetermined terminal.

  When a player plays a game in the slot machine 1, first, a house card in which his player ID is stored is inserted into the card insertion slot 13. As a result, the card reader 34 of the sub-control unit 30 reads the player ID stored in the inserted house card and sends the player ID to the CPU 31 of the sub-control unit 30. When receiving the player ID from the card reader 34, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the player ID is normal. Here, this determination is performed by the control unit of the slot machine 1, but may be performed by the management device 40. In this case, the CPU 31 that has received the player ID sends the player ID to the management device 40 and receives the determination result in the management device 40 as a response.

  When it is determined that the determination is not normal, the CPU 31 notifies the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 to that effect. Upon receiving this notification, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 controls the display control unit 25 to display an error message on the monitor 11. Further, the CPU 31 having determined that it is not normal sends a card discharge signal to the card reader 34 and discharges the house card. On the other hand, if it is determined that the determination is normal, the CPU 31 sends a point data acquisition request related to the player ID received from the card reader 34 from the management device side input / output port 37 to the management device 40. In response to this acquisition request, the management device 40 reads point data associated with the player ID from the database, and transmits this to the management device side input / output port 37 of the sub-control unit 30 of the slot machine 1. The point data received via the management device side input / output port 37 is sent to the CPU 31 of the sub-control unit 30. The CPU 31 temporarily stores this point data in the RAM 33, and then displays and controls a display command corresponding to the point data. To the unit 35. Thereby, the display control part 35 performs display control which displays the point on the display apparatus 14 as character information.

  On the other hand, the CPU 21 of the main control unit 20 outputs data indicating the credit amount received by the CPU 21 by the credit subtraction process to the sub-control unit 30 via the input / output port 21a only in the set game mode. This data is input to the CPU 31 via the main control unit side input / output port 36 of the sub control unit 30. Thereby, the CPU 31 converts the credit amount (credit amount subtracted by the credit subtraction process) indicated by the data into points, and adds the points to the point data stored in the RAM 33. The point data after the addition is displayed on the display device 14 as needed. Further, the CPU 31 outputs the data for the point to the management device 40 through the management device side input / output port 37 together with the player ID. The management device 40 that has received the point data adds it to the point data associated with the ID registered in the database as the point storage unit.

In this way, the points indicated by the point data registered in the database of the management device 40 are output from a point output unit such as a display unit or a printing unit connected to the management device 40. Upon receiving this output, the casino clerk provides services according to the points at the casino reception etc. at the request of the player.
As described above, according to the sixth modification, point data is added only in the set game mode, and no point data is added in the one game mode. Therefore, it is possible to encourage play in the set game mode rather than the one game mode.

  In the sixth modification, point data is added only in the set game mode. However, point data may be added in the one game mode or the set game mode. However, the point amount added when a predetermined point addition condition that a predetermined amount of credit is subtracted in the credit subtraction process is satisfied is set to be larger in the set game mode than in the one game mode. . Specifically, when the CPU 31 converts the credit amount received by the credit subtraction process into points, the CPU 31 uses different conversion values for the one game mode and the set game mode. Even in such a case, play in the set game mode can be promoted rather than the one game mode.

Note that the service processes described in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined with each other.
In the above-described embodiment (including each modification), the slot machine installed in the casino has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is assumed that the player repeatedly plays the game. The game device can be applied to any game device.

The flowchart which shows the flow of one game at the time of the set game mode of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment. External perspective view of the slot machine. The block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the main control part of the slot machine. The block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the sub-control part of the slot machine. The flowchart which shows the flow of one game at the time of the one game mode of the slot machine. The flowchart which shows the flow of one game at the time of the set game mode in the modification 3. The flowchart which shows the flow of one game at the time of the set game mode in the modification 4. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the positional relationship which concerns on the winning in the modification 4. FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the other example of the positional relationship which concerns on the winning in the modification 4. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of one game at the time of the set game mode in the modification 5.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine 6a spin button 6b first set game operation button 6c second set game operation button 7a, 7b, 7c BET button 8a, 8b, 8c winning line selection button 11 monitor 11a symbol display area 13 card insertion slot 14 display device 20 Main control unit 30 Sub control unit 34 Card reader 40 Management device

Claims (13)

An operation unit;
A credit processing unit for receiving credits by a bet operation using the operation unit;
When the credit processing unit receives a predetermined amount of credit, the game control unit permits the game progress, and according to the game progress result, pays out the credit or permits a special game different from the game to proceed. In the game device provided,
The game control unit, in response to a predetermined mode switching operation using the operation unit, a one-game mode that permits one game progress on condition that the credit processing unit receives a specified amount of credit; The operation mode is switched between the set game mode and the set game mode permitting the game progress of the prescribed number of times at least twice on condition that the credit processing unit receives a larger amount of credit at a time than the prescribed amount. Yes,
When the game control unit operates in the set game mode, a service providing processing unit is provided that performs a service providing process for providing a service that is not provided when the game control unit operates in the one-game mode. A game device. The game device according to claim 1,
The service providing process is obtained by multiplying the specified amount by the specified number of credits larger than the specified amount received by the credit processing unit at a time when the game control unit operates in the set game mode. A game device including a process for performing a setting to be less than a credit amount to be obtained. The game device according to claim 1,
When the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the service providing process receives the specified number of credits in the one-game mode, the same number of credits received by the credit processing unit at a time. A game apparatus including a process of setting a larger number of times of game progress permitted by the game control unit. The game device according to claim 1,
In the service providing process, when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the game progress result is a result corresponding to a payout of credit in the one game mode or permission to advance the special game. In some cases, the game control unit is allowed to pay out credits or permit the progress of the special game, and the result corresponding to a loss where neither the credit is paid out nor the progress of the special game is allowed in the one-game mode. In some cases, the game apparatus includes a process for allowing the game control unit to pay out a credit or permit the progress of the special game only for a part of the result. The game device according to claim 1,
In the service providing process, when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, according to a result of the game progress, a progress of a special game that the game control unit cannot permit in the one-game mode is performed. A game device including a process for allowing a control unit to permit. The game device according to claim 1,
A result history storage unit that stores result history information indicating a result of progress of the game progressed by the game control unit operating in the set game mode for the past two or more games;
When the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the service providing process is based on the result history information for two or more games stored in the result history storage unit. A game apparatus comprising a process for allowing a game control unit to permit a game to be progressed. The game device according to claim 6.
It has a display unit for displaying two or more different types of symbols arranged in a predetermined order in each of a plurality of symbol display areas,
The game control unit performs variable display control for sequentially switching the plurality of symbols displayed in each symbol display area after starting the game progression, and also determines whether or not a predetermined one or more prizes are won. After determining, the stop display control for stopping the variable display of each symbol display area is performed, and the game is progressed so that the symbol corresponding to the game progress result is stopped and displayed in each symbol display area.
In the service providing process, when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the service providing process is performed in the past two or more games based on result history information for two or more games stored in the result history storage unit. Including a process of specifying the number of specific symbols in the symbols that are stopped and displayed on the display unit, and causing the game control unit to pay out credits or allow the progress of the special game according to the specified number of specific symbols. A game device. The game device according to claim 6.
It has a display unit for displaying two or more different types of symbols arranged in a predetermined order in each of a plurality of symbol display areas,
The game control unit performs variable display control for sequentially switching the plurality of symbols displayed in each symbol display area after starting the game progression, and also determines whether or not a predetermined one or more prizes are won. After determining, the stop display control for stopping the variable display of each symbol display area is performed, and the game is progressed so that the symbol corresponding to the game progress result is stopped and displayed in each symbol display area.
In the service providing process, when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the service providing process is performed in the past two or more games based on result history information for two or more games stored in the result history storage unit. A stop display position of a specific symbol in the symbols that are stopped and displayed on the display unit is specified for each game, and depending on a combination of each stop display position of the specified specific symbol, a credit is paid out or the progress of the special game is permitted Including a process for causing the game control unit to perform the process. The game device according to claim 1,
A storage amount storage unit that stores a part of the credit amount received by the credit processing unit as a storage amount;
Determining whether or not a predetermined progressive winning condition is satisfied, and determining that the corresponding selection condition is satisfied, a progressive control unit that pays out a credit of at least a part of the storage amount stored in the storage amount storage unit; Have
The service providing process enables payout of credits to the player of the game apparatus by the progressive control unit when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, and when the game control unit operates in the one game mode. A game apparatus, comprising: a process for prohibiting a payout of credit to a player of the game apparatus by the progressive control unit. The game device according to claim 1,
In the service providing process, when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, the amount of credit paid out by the game control unit according to the result of the game progress is the result of the game progress in the one-game mode. And a game apparatus including a process for increasing the amount of credits paid out by the game control unit based on the same result as the above. The game device according to claim 1,
A player identification information receiving unit for receiving player identification information;
A point storage unit for storing points in association with the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving unit;
A point output unit for outputting the points stored in the point storage unit,
The service providing process adds points to the point storage unit when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, and adds points to the point storage unit when the game control unit operates in the one-game mode. A game device characterized by including a process that does not. The game device according to claim 1,
A player identification information receiving unit for receiving player identification information;
A point storage unit for storing points in association with the player identification information received by the player identification information receiving unit;
A point output unit for outputting the points stored in the point storage unit,
In the service providing process, when the game control unit operates in the set game mode, a point amount added to the point storage unit when a predetermined point addition condition is satisfied is determined in the one game mode. A game device comprising a process for increasing the amount of points added to the point storage unit when the same condition as the point addition condition is satisfied. The game device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12.
In the one-game mode, the game control unit starts the game progress on the condition that the credit processing unit receives the specified amount of credit and receives a start operation using the operation unit, In the game mode, for a game after the first game in the specified number of times, if the credit processing unit satisfies a condition for receiving an amount of credit larger than the specified amount, the start operation using the operation unit is not received. A game apparatus characterized by starting a game progress.

Images