JP2007195737A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make the sound volume adjusting function for bonus game performance sounds more sufficient in a slot machine. <P>SOLUTION: When an account settlement button is pressed by a game player right after a betting button has been pressed contrary to the basic operating procedures during a bonus game, a bonus game performance sound volume from a speaker is reduced with the pressing of the betting button as a trigger. Therefore, when the game player leaves his/her seat during the bonus game, or interrupts the game in order to take an action for transferring acquired tokens to a cash-box, if the account settlement button is pressed by the game player after the betting button has been pressed and prior to the operation of a starting lever conforming to the intention of the game player, the sound volume of the performance sound in response to the bonus game is reduced right after the pressing of the account settlement button. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that notifies a player that a current gaming state is a specific gaming state by continuously outputting a production sound while the gaming state is a specific gaming state.

  In general, a slot machine includes a symbol display means for performing symbol change display and stop display for each of a plurality of symbol change sequences, a display window for mainly observing symbol change display by the symbol display means, and symbol display means. And a plurality of stop buttons arranged to correspond to each symbol variation row and for stopping and displaying the symbol variation display by the symbol display means.

  In such a slot machine, a lottery regarding the formation of a winning combination is performed when the start lever is operated. When the lottery is completed, the symbol variation display for all symbol variation sequences in the display window is started. Thereafter, when the player sequentially presses the stop button, the symbols that have been variably displayed in the display window are sequentially stopped in accordance with the order of pressing. When the symbols of all symbol variation columns are stopped, the combination of the symbols that are stopped along the activated betting line (hereinafter simply referred to as “active line”) is internally established in the above-mentioned winning combination lottery. When a combination of symbols indicating the winning combination is matched, the number of game media (a concept including medals, coins, etc.) corresponding to the type of winning combination is paid out.

  Here, “to push” refers to an act of observing the symbol variation display in the display window and pushing the stop button in anticipation of the timing at which the symbol to be stopped appears in the display window.

  In particular, in the above slot machine, when a winning combination of a specific combination is established, the gaming state shifts to a special gaming state that is advantageous to the player and that allows acquisition of a large amount of gaming media.

  Examples of the specific combination that allows the transition to the specific game include a big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as “BB combination”) and a regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as “RB combination”). When winning of the BB combination is established, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus game (hereinafter referred to as “BB game”). On the other hand, when a winning combination of RB combination is established, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as “RB game”).

  In the following description, the terms “BB combination” and “RB combination” are collectively referred to as “bonus combination”, and “BB game” and “RB game” are collectively referred to as “bonus game”. Called.

  In addition, the slot machine is configured to continuously output the effect sound unique to the bonus game when the bonus game is being played. Therefore, the player can confirm that the current gaming state is the bonus game by listening to the effect sound unique to the bonus game.

  However, many players leave the machine while the bonus game is being played. If the player leaves the machine during the bonus game, the bonus game-specific production sound remains output. In this way, if a large production sound peculiar to the bonus game is continuously output even though the game that the player himself has played is not being played, the player who is playing around the game You will be inconvenienced by loud production sounds.

  Also, in the case where the game media acquired during the bonus game is being transferred to a game media storage box called a dollar box, a sound effect peculiar to the bonus game is also provided. Will remain output. In this case, since a large effect sound peculiar to the bonus game continues to be output even though no game is played, the player who is playing the game himself / herself feels bothered by the large effect sound.

  Recently, various slot machines configured to solve the disadvantages of continuously outputting the above-mentioned bonus game-specific effect sounds have been proposed. As a typical example of such a slot machine, one proposed in Patent Document 1 can be cited.

  The slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 detects whether or not a game is being performed when a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined timing in the previous game while the gaming state has shifted to a bonus game. When it is detected that no effect has been performed, the volume of the effect sound corresponding to the bonus game is lowered.

Japanese Patent No. 3770856

  However, in the slot machine according to Patent Document 1, the condition for reducing the volume of the effect sound in the bonus game is that when a predetermined time has elapsed from a predetermined timing in the previous game, the game is not being played. . For this reason, even if the game is interrupted in order to move the game media that the player has left the seat or moved to the game media storage box, the volume of the effect sound does not decrease immediately. In other words, when the game is interrupted because the player leaves the seat or the like, the volume reduction operation of the effect sound is executed after the predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, it is difficult to say that it is sufficient as a volume adjustment function related to the effect sound.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that can make a volume adjustment function of a performance sound related to a game more satisfactory.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present inventor, when the game is interrupted in order to move the game media that the player has left the seat or transferred to the game media storage box, I thought that it would be better to lower the volume of the production sound related to the game when this operation was performed.

  The specific invention based on this idea is as follows.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a symbol display means for performing a symbol variation display and a stop display for each of a plurality of symbol variation sequences, a betting operation means for setting the number of game media bet in one game, and the symbol display means. Start operation means for starting the symbol variation display, a plurality of stop operation means provided corresponding to the plurality of symbol variation sequences, for stopping the symbol variation display by the symbol display means, and these Prior to the operation of the plurality of stop operation means, the winning combination lottery means for performing the lottery regarding the establishment of a plurality of types of combinations, and all the symbol variation sequences accompanying the operation of all the stop operation means The symbols belonging to are stopped and displayed, and the combination of the stopped symbols along the active line crossing the plurality of symbol variation columns indicates the winning of the winning combination internally established by the lottery by the winning symbol lottery means. When the combination of symbols matches, a winning determination means for determining that the winning combination has been established, a sound output means for outputting a performance sound related to the game, and a payment for the credited game medium In a slot machine in which the bet operation means, the start operation means, and the plurality of stop operation means are sequentially operated by a player as a basic operation procedure in one game, From the sound output means, on condition that at least one of the betting operation means, the start operation means, the plurality of stop operation means, and the settlement operation means is operated by the player in an order different from the operation procedure. Volume adjusting means for lowering the output volume is provided.

  In the above configuration, the bet operation means, the start operation means, and the stop operation means are operated by the player in this order for each game. Contrary to this basic operation procedure, when at least one of the betting operation means, the start operation means, each stop operation means and the settlement operation means is operated by the player, the sound volume adjustment means The output volume of the game related effect sound output from the output means is lowered. Therefore, when the game is interrupted in order to leave the seat or move the acquired game media to the game media storage box, the player bets in a different order from the basic operation procedure based on his / her intention. If at least one of the operation means, the start operation means, the stop operation means, and the settlement operation means is operated, the volume of the game-related effect sound decreases immediately after that.

  If it sees from a certain situation, the said volume adjustment means will reduce the output volume from the said sound output means on condition that the player operates the said adjustment operation means immediately after operating the said bet operation means.

  In the above configuration, when the player operates the settlement operation unit immediately after operating the bet operation unit, the volume adjustment unit lowers the output volume from the sound output unit. Therefore, when the game is interrupted to leave the seat, etc., the settlement operation means is set after the player operates the bet operation means and before the start operation means based on the intention. If operated, immediately after that, the volume of the game-related effect sound decreases.

  At this time, not the number corresponding to the total number of credits but the number of game media corresponding to the number of bets is settled. Therefore, when resuming the game, the player must first re-operate the betting operation means to set the betting number of game media in the game.

  Therefore, the volume adjusting means is configured to restore the output volume from the sound output means by the player operating the bet operation means after lowering the output volume from the sound output means. Preferably it is.

  Viewed from another aspect, the sound volume adjusting means outputs the sound output means from the sound output means on condition that the player operates one of the plurality of stop operating means immediately after operating the bet operating means. Decrease the output volume.

  In the above configuration, when one of the plurality of stop operation means is operated by the player immediately after the betting operation means is operated, the sound volume adjustment means lowers the output sound volume from the sound output means. Therefore, when a game is interrupted to leave a seat or the like, an arbitrary stop operation is performed after the player operates the bet operation means and before the start operation means based on his / her intention. If the means is operated, the volume of the game-related effect sound decreases immediately after that.

  The volume adjusting means is configured so that the level of the output volume from the sound output means is different depending on the stop operation means operated immediately after the player operates the bet operation means. Is preferred.

  In this case, it is possible to set the level of decrease in the output volume of the game-related effect sound in a plurality of stages.

  By the way, in the state where the volume of the game related effect sound is lowered, the betting number of game media set by the operation of the betting operation means is valid. Therefore, when resuming the game, there is no need to re-operate the betting operation means again.

  Therefore, the volume adjusting means is configured to restore the output volume from the sound output means by the player operating the start operation means after lowering the output volume from the sound output means. Preferably it is.

  The slot machine further includes specific game transition means for shifting the gaming state to a specific gaming state advantageous to the player when the winning determination means determines that the winning of the specific role has been established. In the specific game state, a special effect sound is output from the sound output means as the effect sound, and the volume adjusting means lowers the output volume of the effect sound in the specific game state.

  In the above configuration, while the gaming state is in the specific gaming state, if the player performs an operation contrary to the flow of the basic operation procedure, immediately after that, the volume of the effect sound corresponding to the specific gaming state decreases.

  Here, the specific combination is a combination that allows a transition to a specific game that is advantageous for a player such as a bonus combination, and the specific game state is a game state that is advantageous for a player such as a bonus game. Say.

  Examples of the symbol display means include those employing a mechanical reel and those employing a simulation reel. The mechanical reel slot machine is provided with a plurality of reels in which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface, and the variation of symbols is displayed by mechanically rotating and stopping these reels. And a stop indication is achieved. On the other hand, the simulation slot machine is provided with a display device that electrically displays a symbol such as a liquid crystal display device, and the variation of the symbol is displayed by electrically controlling the driving of the display device. And a stop indication is achieved.

  According to the present invention, a predetermined operation based on the player's own intention is performed when the game is interrupted in order to leave the seat or move the acquired game medium to the game medium storage box. As a result, the volume of the game-related performance sound is reduced immediately after this operation is performed. As a result, the function for adjusting the volume of the game-related effect sound becomes more sufficient.

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

<Embodiment 1>
[Appearance configuration]
1 to 4, a slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment is attached to a box-shaped housing 2 whose front surface is open and to be openable and closable with respect to the housing 2. A front door 3 is provided.

  A front panel 4 is mounted on the front face of the center portion of the front door 3. A display window 5 is formed in the main part of the front panel 4. The display window 5 is mainly for observing the three rotary reels 6L, 6C, 6R in the housing 2, and each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R has a bonus role symbol on the outer peripheral surface thereof. In addition, a plurality of types of role symbols including small role symbols are drawn along the circumferential direction. Three of these symbols are observed through the display window 5. Both the display window 5 and the reels 6L, 6C, 6R face the player on the front panel 4.

  On the left side of the display window 5, five betting line display lamps 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E are provided. These five betting line display lamps 7A to 7E are lamps that are lit to indicate an active line in one game. On the other hand, on the right side of the display window 5, there are a start lamp 8, a loading instruction lamp 9, a replay time (hereinafter referred to as “RT”) notification lamp 10, an assist time (hereinafter referred to as “AT”) notification lamp 11, and a game overlamp. 12 is provided. The start lamp 8 is a lamp that lights or blinks when the game can be started. The insertion instruction lamp 9 is a lamp that is lit when a medal can be inserted into the slot machine 1. The RT notification lamp 10 is a lamp that is turned on when the gaming state shifts to RT. The AT notification lamp 11 is a lamp that is turned on when the gaming state shifts to AT. The game overlamp 12 is a lamp that lights up when the game is over. These lamps 8 to 12 are arranged in this order from the upper side to the lower side of the front panel 4.

  Here, “RT” is a gaming state in which a replay winning combination is won with a high probability in a lottery regarding the formation of a winning combination. On the other hand, “AT” is a gaming state in which reference information for supporting the winning of the winning combination in the lottery regarding the formation of the winning combination is announced.

  On the display window 5, five betting lines 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, and 13E passing through the window surface of the display window 5 are provided. Specifically, the first betting line 13A extends horizontally in the middle of the display window 5, and the first betting line display lamp 7A is disposed at the left end of the betting line 13A. The second betting line 13B extends horizontally in the upper stage of the display window 5, and the second betting line display lamp 7B is disposed at the left end of the betting line 13B. The third betting line 13C extends horizontally at the lower stage of the display window 5, and a third betting line display lamp 7C is disposed at the left end of the betting line 13C. The fourth betting line 13D extends obliquely downward from the upper left stage of the display window 5 toward the lower right stage, and a fourth betting line display lamp 7D is disposed at the left end of the betting line 13D. The fifth betting line 13E extends obliquely upward from the lower left stage of the display window 5 toward the upper right stage, and a fifth betting line display lamp 7E is disposed at the left end of the betting line 13E.

  Below the display window 5, a payout number display 14, a game number display 15 and a credit number display 16 are provided. The payout number display 14 is a display that displays the number of medals to be paid out to the player when a winning occurs. The game number display unit 15 is a display unit that displays the number of small role games and the number of JAC games in the bonus game. The credit number display 16 is a display that displays the number of medals credited to the machine 1. These indicators 14-16 are 7 segment indicators, and are arranged on the front panel 4 from left to right in this order.

  Here, the “credit” is the number of medals stored in the slot machine 1 as a valuable value owned by the player.

  An upper panel 17 is attached to the upper part of the front door 3. A liquid crystal display device (hereinafter referred to as “LCD”) 18 is provided at the center of the upper panel 17. This LCD 18 is a means for displaying various effects relating to the game by displaying, and when the bonus combination is won as a result of the above-mentioned winning combination lottery, it displays effect information for notifying that. Alternatively, the game effect information may be displayed using an LED display device or an EL display device. Speakers 19A and 19B are arranged on both the left and right sides of the LCD 18, and the pair of left and right speakers 19A and 19B are fitted into the upper panel 18. These speakers 19 </ b> A and 19 </ b> B are means for producing a production sound such as a sound effect according to the gaming state. On the other hand, a lower panel 20 is attached to the lower part of the front door 3. On the lower panel 20, a model name, an image design, and the like are printed, and a medal payout port 21 and a medal tray 22 are provided below the model name.

  An operation unit 23 is provided between the front panel 4 and the lower panel 20. The operation unit 23 includes a medal slot 24, a bet button 25, a start lever 26, stop buttons 27L, 27C, 27R, and a settlement button 28. The medal slot 24 is arranged on the right side of the upper surface of the operation unit 23. The bet button 25 is a button used when setting the number of medals inserted from the insertion slot 24, and is an intermediate position between the start lever 26 and the left stop button 27L on the upper surface of the operation unit 23. Is arranged. The start lever 26 is a lever used when starting a game, and the stop buttons 27L, 27C, 27R are buttons used when stopping the rotation of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R. Specifically, when the left stop button 27L is operated, the rotation of the left reel 6L is stopped. When the middle stop button 27C is operated, the rotation of the middle reel 6C is stopped. When the right stop button 27R is operated, the rotation of the right reel 6R is stopped. These stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R are arranged corresponding to the reels 6L, 6C, and 6R in the front center portion of the operation unit 23. On the other hand, the start lever 26 is disposed on the left side of the stop buttons 27L, 27C, 27R on the front surface of the operation unit 23. The settlement button 28 is a button used when the medals credited to the machine 1 are settled, and is disposed on the left side of the start lever 26 in front of the operation unit 23.

  In the present slot machine 1, the game proceeds in the credit mode. That is, when the bet button 25 is pressed once for each game, three medals are targeted for betting, and all the five betting lines 13A to 13E are activated. At this time, the five betting line display lamps 7A to 7E are turned on.

  In such a credit mode, when a combination of winning symbols is arranged on any of the activated betting lines (effective lines) 13A to 13E, and a winning is thereby established, The number of medals paid out within the range not exceeding the upper limit is stored in the slot machine 1 as credits. When the upper limit of credit is exceeded, the number of medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out from the payout opening 21 to the tray 22.

  When the number of medals to be bet is set in accordance with the procedure of the credit mode, the control device 100 (see FIG. 7) takes in the medals for the set bet number. The condition for starting the game is established by taking in the medal. At this time, the start lamp 8 is turned on or blinks. When the start lever 26 is operated in the operating state of the start lamp 8, the control device 100 rotates all the reels 6L, 6C, 6R all at once.

  When the stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R are pressed, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operation is stopped. When all of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R stop rotating and one of the winning combinations is arranged on the active line, the control device 100 gives a predetermined number of medals according to the type of winning combination that has been established. Payout to the player in a manner according to the medal input mode.

  Referring to FIG. 2, between the left side area of LCD 18 and speaker 19A and between the right side area of LCD 18 and speaker 19B, a desired game history among a plurality of game history images displayed on LCD 18 is displayed. A total of four switching buttons K and F for switching and displaying images are provided so as to be arranged in the vertical direction. The LCD 18 has a large width so that the left and right side edges are adjacent to the speakers 19 </ b> A and 19 </ b> B, the upper edge is adjacent to the upper edge of the front door 3, and the lower edge is the upper edge of the display window 5. It has a very large display surface with a vertical dimension that is large enough to be adjacent to the edge. Therefore, on the LCD 18, a lot of display contents are displayed at the same time. Specifically, a menu screen for switching to various game history images is displayed in one third of the LCD 18, and an effect image using a character or the like is constantly displayed in the remaining two thirds. . The game history image menu is a graph showing the maximum number of medals earned in a bonus game, the number of bonus winnings per day, the number of games played from the previous bonus game to the present, the number of medals paid out and the number of medals inserted. Tables or explanations about games can be exemplified. These exemplified menus are displayed on the LCD 18 in advance. The switch button K includes a first cursor movement button K1 for moving the cursor in the advancing direction on the display screen and a cursor on the display screen so that a desired menu can be selected from a plurality of menus. And a second cursor movement K2 for moving in the direction to return. On the other hand, the switching button F includes a determination button F1 for determining whether or not to switch to the game history image having the menu contents indicated by the cursor moved by the cursor movement buttons K1 and K2, and the switched game history image based on the switching history image. A cancel button F2 for returning to the previous image is included.

[Internal configuration]
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in the housing 2, the reels 6L, 6C, 6R, stepping motors SML, SMC, SMR, which are driving sources of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R, a hopper 30, and a probability setting box 31 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the reels 6L, 6C, 6R are arranged in the center of the housing 2, and the locations where the hopper 30 and the probability setting box 31 are installed are based on the reels 6L, 6C, 6R. It has been decided. As shown in FIG. 6, the rotating shaft 61 of each reel 6L, 6C, 6R is rotatably supported by a bracket 32 in the housing 2, and the end of each rotating shaft 61 is each stepping motor. It is coupled to the output shafts of SML, SMC and SMR.

  The hopper 30 is a means for storing and releasing medals, and is attached to the bottom surface of the housing 2 below the reels 6L, 6C, 6R as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the probability setting box 31 is attached to the bottom surface of the housing 2 on the left side of the hopper 30.

[Electrical configuration]
Referring to FIG. 7, the control device 100 of the slot machine 1 is a microcomputer, and includes a CPU 1001, a RAM 1002, a ROM 1003, a clock pulse generation circuit 1004, a random number generator 1005, a motor drive control circuit 1006, a lamp drive control. A circuit 1007, a display drive control circuit 1008, an LCD drive control circuit 1009, a sound output control circuit 10010, and a hopper drive control circuit 10011 are provided.

  The CPU 1001 serves as a control center of the slot machine 1 and performs various controls according to programs stored in the ROM 1003. Examples of the control target of the CPU 1001 include stepping motors SML, SMC, SMR, various lamps 7A to 7E, 8 to 12, various displays 14 to 16, LCD 18, speakers 19A and 19B, and a hopper 30. Control signals for these control elements are respectively sent through a motor drive control circuit 1006, a lamp drive control circuit 1007, a display drive control circuit 1008, an LCD drive control circuit 1009, a sound output control circuit 1009, and a hopper drive control circuit 10011. Given from the CPU 1001.

  The CPU 1001 includes operation signals for the bet button 25, the start lever 26, the stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R and the settlement button 28, the sensing outputs of the medal insertion detection sensor 200 and the medal discharge detection sensor 300, and a rotational position detection circuit. 400 rotation position detection signals and switching signals of the key switch SW1, the probability setting switch SW2, and the reset switch SW3 are given.

  The operation signals of the stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R are subjected to predetermined processing by the reel stop signal processing circuit 500 and then input to the CPU 1001 as reel stop signals.

  The medal insertion detection sensor 200 is a sensor for detecting a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 24, and is provided in association with the medal insertion slot 24. On the other hand, the medal discharge detection sensor 300 is provided in association with the medal discharge position of the hopper 30, and the sensing signal is subjected to a predetermined process by the medal discharge completion signal processing circuit 600 and then the medal discharge completion signal. As input to the CPU 1001.

  The rotational position detection circuit 400 is a circuit for detecting the rotational position of each reel 6L, 6C, 6R. The rotational position detection circuit 400 is an optical sensor provided in association with each reel 6L, 6C, 6R, and each stepping motor SML. , SMC, SMR, and a rotary encoder provided in the vicinity of SMR. When the rotation of each reel 6L, 6C, 6R stops, the CPU 1001 identifies the type of stop symbol of each reel 6L, 6C, 6R on the effective line based on the detection signal of the rotation position detection circuit 400. To do.

  The key switch SW1, the probability setting switch SW2, and the reset switch SW3 are built in the probability setting box 31. The key switch SW1 is a switch for switching between the game mode and the probability setting mode. On the other hand, the probability setting switch SW2 is a switch for switching the setting of the winning probability related to the winning combination lottery, and the switching signal is accepted by the CPU 1001 only when the key switch SW1 is in the probability setting mode. It is done.

  In order to start the game, when the start lever 26 is operated by the player and the operation signal is input, the CPU 1001 passes through the motor drive control circuit 1006 to start the rotation of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R. A start signal is output to the stepping motors SML, SMC, SMR. As a result, the variable display of the symbols of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is started in the display window 5. On the other hand, in order to stop the rotation of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R, when the stop button 27L, 27C, 27R is pressed by the player and the operation signal is input, the CPU 1001 corresponds to the operated stop button. In order to stop the rotation of the reel, a stop signal is output to the stepping motors SML, SMC, SMR via the motor drive control circuit 1006. As a result, changes in the symbols of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R are sequentially stopped and displayed in the display window 5.

  The RAM 1002 interfaces with the CPU 1001 and functions as a working area for the CPU 1001. Specifically, writing and reading of values of flags and variables necessary for control of game and symbol change are performed.

  The ROM 1003 has a game program for controlling the slot machine 1 to pay out medals in a manner corresponding to the credit mode, the initial values of variables used in the game program, the correspondence between symbols and random numbers. Are stored.

  The clock pulse generation circuit 1004 is a circuit for generating a reference clock pulse, and supplies the generated reference clock pulse to the CPU 1001.

  The random number generator 1005 is a means for generating a random number used when the electronic lottery or the like related to the establishment of the above-mentioned combination is performed inside the machine 1 and extracting an arbitrary random number from the generated random number. The extracted random number is supplied to the CPU 1001. For example, when a command for generating a random number when performing a winning combination lottery is given from the CPU 1001 to the random number generator 1005, the random number generator 1005 generates a random number within a predetermined range and a signal indicating the value of the random number Is output to the CPU 1001.

  The lamp drive control circuit 1007 generates a lamp drive signal based on an instruction signal from the CPU 1001, and supplies the generated lamp drive signal to the various lamps 7A to 7E and 8 to 12. As a result, the various lamps 7A to 7E and 8 to 12 are lit or blinked to notify a predetermined event.

  The display device drive control circuit 1008 generates a display device drive signal based on an instruction signal from the CPU 1001, and supplies the generated display device drive signal to the various displays 14-16. As a result, the various indicators 14-16 display a predetermined event.

  The LCD drive control circuit 1009 generates an LCD drive signal based on an instruction signal from the CPU 1001 and supplies the generated LCD drive signal to the LCD 18. As a result, the LCD 18 displays various game effect information on the display surface.

  The sound output control circuit 10010 generates a sound output signal based on the instruction signal from the CPU 1001, and gives the generated sound output signal to the speakers 19A and 19B. As a result, the speakers 19A and 19B emit a production sound including a sound effect corresponding to the gaming state.

  The hopper drive control circuit 10011 generates a hopper drive signal based on an instruction signal from the CPU 1001, and gives the generated hopper drive signal to the hopper 30. As a result, the hopper 30 releases the stored medals to the tray 22.

[Flow of control]
Referring to FIG. 8, first, CPU 1001 in control device 100 waits for bet button 25 to be pressed once, thereby activating five betting lines 13A to 13E and completing a bet. (Step S1).

  When the betting lines 13A to 13E are activated by pressing the bet button 25 once, the CPU 1001 determines that the betting is completed and waits for the start lever 26 to be operated (step S2). At this time, the start lamp 8 is turned on or blinks.

  When the start lever 26 is operated, the CPU 1001 performs a lottery regarding the establishment of a winning combination (step S3). This lottery is performed inside the machine 1.

  When the winning combination lottery is completed, the CPU 1001 starts the rotation of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R (step S4). As a result, the variable display of the symbols of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is started in the display window 5.

  When the rotation of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is started, the CPU 1001 presses all the stop buttons 27L, 27C, 27R to complete the pushing operation, and the rotation of all the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is stopped. (Step S5 and Step S6). When the stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R are pushed, the CPU 1001 sequentially stops the rotation of the reels 6L, 6C, and 6R according to the order of the pushes. As a result, in the display window 5, changes in the symbols of the rotating reels 6L, 6C, 6R are sequentially stopped and displayed.

  When the pressing of the stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R is completed and the rotation of all the reels 6L, 6C, and 6R is stopped, the CPU 1001 determines whether or not a bonus combination winning is achieved (step S7). When the combination of winning symbols for the bonus combination is aligned on the active line and the bonus combination is established, the CPU 1001 performs a bonus game process (step S8). Since this bonus game process is the same as a conventionally known process, its description is omitted. When the bonus game process ends, the CPU 1001 returns the process to step S1 again and waits for the completion of the bet. On the other hand, if the bonus combination winning is not established, the CPU 1001 shifts the processing to step S9.

  When the process proceeds to step S9, it is determined whether or not a small winning combination has been established. When the combination of winning symbols for the small role is aligned on the active line and the winning of the small role is established, the CPU 1001 pays out the small role (step S31). Specifically, medals paid out within a range not exceeding the upper limit of credits are stored in the slot machine 1 as credits. However, when the upper limit of credit is exceeded, the number of medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out to the tray 22. When this payout ends, the CPU 1001 returns the process to step S1. On the other hand, if the winning of the small combination is not established, the CPU 1001 regards it as a loss and returns the process to step S1 without performing the above-described payout.

  In particular, in the slot machine 1, while the gaming state is transitioning to the bonus game, the effect sound corresponding to the bonus game is output from the speakers 19A and 19B. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the player leaves the seat or interrupts the game to move the acquired medal to a so-called dollar box, the game is performed after the bet button 25 is pressed. If the adjustment button 28 is pressed before the starter 26 is operated by the user himself, the volume of the large performance sound specific to the bonus game output from the speakers 19A and 19B is lowered when this operation is performed. Etc. are configured to be performed.

(Volume adjustment processing)
Referring to FIG. 9, in the volume adjustment process described above, first, CPU 1001 in control device 100 determines whether or not a bonus game-specific effect sound is output from speakers 19A and 19B (step S101). When determining that the bonus game effect sound is not output, the CPU 1001 waits for the effect sound to be output. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bonus game effect sound is output, the CPU 1001 waits for the bet button 25 to be pressed (step S102).

  When the bet button 25 is pressed, the CPU 1001 determines whether or not the settlement button 28 is pressed before the start lever 26 is operated (step S103 and step S104). When it is determined that the start lever 26 has been operated without pressing the settlement button 28 to continue the game (YES in step S103 and NO in step S104), the CPU 1001 outputs a bonus output from the speakers 19A and 19B. The volume of the game effect sound is maintained, and the process returns to step S101 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the checkout button 28 is pressed before the start lever 26 is operated in order to interrupt the game so that the player leaves the seat (NO in step S103 and NO in step S104). YES), the CPU 1001 lowers the volume of the bonus game effect sound output from the speakers 19A, 19B (step S105). Specifically, the CPU 1001 gives a sound volume control command to the sound output control circuit 10010. Then, the sound output control circuit 10010 reduces the bonus game effect volume from the speakers 19A and 19B based on the volume reduction command from the CPU 1001. At this time, not the number corresponding to the total number of credits but the number of medals corresponding to the number of bets is settled. Thereafter, the CPU 1001 shifts the processing to step S106.

  In step S106, the CPU 1001 waits for the bet button 25 to be operated again. When the bet button 25 is pressed again to resume the game, the CPU 1001 restores the volume of the bonus game effect sound output from the speakers 19A and 19B (step S107). Specifically, the CPU 1001 gives a sound volume return command to the sound output control circuit 10010. Then, the sound output control circuit 10010 restores the bonus game effect sound volume from the speakers 19A and 19B based on the sound volume return command from the CPU 1001. As described above, the re-operation of the bet button 25 is set as a condition for returning the bonus game effect sound because the number of medals corresponding to the number of bets is settled in the state where the effect sound volume is lowered. This is because when restarting the game, the player must first press the bet button 25 to set the number of medals bet in the game. Thereafter, the CPU 1001 returns the process to step S101 again.

[Action / Effect]
When the game is executed, as shown in FIG. 8, the player operates the bet button 25, the start lever 26, and the stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R in this order for each game. During the bonus game, when the checkout button 28 is pressed by the player against this basic operation procedure, the volume of a large performance sound specific to the bonus game output from the speakers 19A and 19B is lowered. Specifically, when the player presses the checkout button 28 immediately after pressing the bet button 25, the bonus game effect volume from the speakers 19A, 19B decreases. Therefore, when the game is interrupted in order to leave the seat or move the acquired medal to the dollar box, based on the intention, after the bet button 25 is pushed, If the player presses the checkout button 28 before performing the operation, the volume of the production sound corresponding to the bonus game is lowered immediately after that. As a result, the function for adjusting the volume of the bonus game-related effect sound in the slot machine 1 becomes more sufficient. Furthermore, it contributes to improving the manners of players.

<Embodiment 2>
Referring to FIG. 10, the feature of the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment is that any one of the stop buttons 27L, 27C, 27R is shown in FIG. 8 by the player during the bonus game. The configuration is such that the output volume of the bonus game effect sound from the speaker is lowered on the condition that they are pressed in a different order from the basic operation procedure, and the other configurations are substantially the same as in the first embodiment. It is.

  Specifically, in the sound volume adjustment processing in the second embodiment, first, the CPU 1001 in the control device 100 waits for a bonus game-specific production sound to be output from the speakers 19A and 19B (step S201). When the bonus game effect sound is output, the CPU 1001 waits for the bet button 25 to be pressed (step S202).

  When the bet button 25 is pressed, the CPU 1001 determines whether any one of the stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R is pressed before the start lever 26 is operated (step S203 and step S203). S204). If it is determined that the start lever 26 has been operated without pressing the stop buttons 27L, 27C, 27R in order to continue the game (YES in step S203 and NO in step S204), the CPU 1001 uses the speakers 19A, 19B. The volume of the bonus game effect sound output is maintained, and the process returns to step S201 again. On the other hand, it is determined that any one of the stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R has been pressed before the start lever 26 is operated in order to interrupt the game so that the player leaves the seat. In this case (NO in step S203 and YES in step S204), CPU 1001 lowers the volume of the bonus game effect sound output from speakers 19A and 19B (step S205). Thereafter, the CPU 1001 moves the process to step S206.

  In step S206, the CPU 1001 waits for the start lever 26 to be operated. When the start lever 26 is re-operated to resume the game, the CPU 1001 restores the volume of the bonus game effect sound output from the speakers 19A and 19B (step S207). As described above, the operation of the start lever 26 is set as a condition for returning the bonus game effect sound when the effect sound volume is lowered and the betting number of medals set by the operation of the bet button 25 in the step S202. This is because when the game is resumed, it is not necessary to operate the bet button 25 again. Thereafter, the CPU 1001 returns the process to step S201 again.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, during the bonus game, one of the stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R is stopped immediately after the bet button 25 is pressed, contrary to the basic operation procedure described above. When the button is pressed by the player, the bonus game effect volume from the speakers 19A and 19B is lowered. Therefore, when the game is interrupted to leave or gain a seat, etc., after the player presses the bet button 25 based on the intention and before the start lever 26 is operated. If any one of the stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R is pressed, the volume of the effect sound corresponding to the bonus game is decreased immediately after that. Therefore, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment is obtained.

<Embodiment 3>
Referring to FIG. 11, the feature of the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment is that any one of the three stop buttons 27L, 27C, 27R is shown in FIG. 8 by the player during the bonus game. According to the second embodiment, the level for lowering the output volume of the bonus game effect sound from the speaker is different depending on whether the buttons are pressed in a different order from the basic operation procedure. Is almost the same.

  Specifically, in the sound volume adjustment processing in the third embodiment, first, the CPU 1001 in the control device 100 waits for a bonus game-specific production sound to be output from the speakers 19A and 19B (step S301). The volume output level of the bonus game effect sound at this time is “10” level. When the bonus game effect sound is output, the CPU 1001 waits for the bet button 25 to be pressed (step S302).

  When the bet button 25 is pressed, the CPU 1001 determines whether any one of the three stop buttons 27L, 27C, and 27R is pressed before the start lever 26 is operated (steps S303 to S303). Step S306). If it is determined that the start lever 26 has been operated without pressing any of the stop buttons 27L, 27C, 27R to continue the game (YES in step S303 and NO in steps S304 to S306), the CPU 1001 The volume of the bonus game effect sound output from 19A and 19B is maintained, and the process returns to step S301 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the left stop button 27L is pressed before the start lever 26 is operated in order to interrupt the game so that the player leaves the seat (steps S303, S305 and step S305). If NO in S306 and YES in Step S304), CPU 1001 lowers the volume output level of the bonus game effect sound output from speakers 19A and 19B to “5” level (Step S307). Thereafter, the CPU 1001 moves the process to step S310. Further, when it is determined that the middle stop button 27C is pressed before the start lever 26 is operated in order to interrupt the game so that the player leaves the seat (step S303, step S304 and step S304). If NO in S306 and YES in Step S305), CPU 1001 lowers the volume output level of the bonus game effect sound output from speakers 19A and 19B to “3” level (Step S308). Thereafter, the CPU 1001 moves the process to step S310. Further, when it is determined that the right stop button 27R is pressed before the start lever 26 is operated in order to interrupt the game so that the player leaves the seat (steps S303, S304 and step S304). If NO in S305 and YES in Step S306), CPU 1001 lowers the volume output level of the bonus game effect sound output from speakers 19A and 19B to “0” level (Step S309). The sound output control circuit 10010 adjusts the volume output level of the effect sound at this time based on a command from the CPU 1001. Thereafter, the CPU 1001 moves the process to step S310.

  In step S310, the CPU 1001 waits for the start lever 26 to be operated. When the start lever 26 is re-operated to resume the game, the CPU 1001 restores the volume of the bonus game effect sound output from the speakers 19A and 19B (step S311). Thereafter, the CPU 1001 returns the process to step S301 again.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, during the bonus game, contrary to the basic operation procedure described above, immediately after the player presses the bet button 25, the player selects one of the three stop buttons 27L, 27C, 27R. Depending on which stop button is pressed, the level for lowering the output volume of the bonus game effect sound from the speakers 19A, 19B varies. Therefore, in addition to the same effects as in the second embodiment, the bonus game effect It is possible to set the sound output volume reduction level in a plurality of stages.

<Embodiment 4>
Referring to FIG. 12, the feature of the slot machine according to the fourth embodiment is that the bet button 25 is pushed by the player in an order different from the basic operation procedure shown in FIG. 8 during the bonus game. As a condition, the output volume of the bonus game effect sound from the speaker is configured to decrease, and the other configuration is substantially the same as in the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in the sound volume adjustment processing in the third embodiment, first, the CPU 1001 in the control device 100 waits for a bonus game-specific production sound to be output from the speakers 19A and 19B (step S401). When the bonus game effect sound is output, the CPU 1001 waits for the bet button 25 to be pressed (step S402).

  When the bet button 25 is pressed, the CPU 1001 determines whether or not the bet button 25 is pressed again before the start lever 26 is operated (steps S403 and S404). If it is determined that the start lever 26 has been operated without pressing the bet button 25 again to continue the game (YES in step S403 and NO in step S404), the CPU 1001 outputs from the speakers 19A and 19B. The volume of the bonus game effect sound is maintained, and the process returns to step S401 again. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bet button 25 is pressed again before the start lever 26 is operated to interrupt the game so that the player leaves the seat (NO in step S403 and step S404). In step S405, the CPU 1001 reduces the volume of the bonus game effect sound output from the speakers 19A and 19B. At this time, the re-operation of the bet button 25 is invalidated to prevent so-called double betting. Thereafter, the CPU 1001 shifts the processing to step S406.

  In step S406, the CPU 1001 waits for the start lever 26 to be operated. When the start lever 26 is operated to resume the game, the CPU 1001 restores the volume of the bonus game effect sound output from the speakers 19A and 19B (step S407). Thereafter, the CPU 1001 shifts the process to step S401 again.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, during the bonus game, when the player presses the bet button 25 immediately after pressing the bet button 25 contrary to the basic operation procedure described above, As a result, the bonus game effect volume from the speakers 19A, 19B is lowered. Therefore, when the game is interrupted to leave or gain a seat, etc., after the player presses the bet button 25 based on the intention and before the start lever 26 is operated. If the bet button 25 is continuously pressed, the volume of the effect sound corresponding to the bonus game is lowered immediately after that. Therefore, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment is obtained.

<Embodiment 5>
Referring to FIG. 13, the feature of the slot machine 1 according to the fifth embodiment is that, in the bonus game, when the start lever 26 is operated before the bet button 25 is pressed at the start of the game, the speaker The bonus game effect sound output from 19A and 19B is configured to be reduced in volume, and the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Specifically, in the sound volume adjustment process in the fifth embodiment, first, the CPU 1001 in the control device 100 waits for a bonus game-specific production sound to be output from the speakers 19A and 19B (step S501). When the bonus game effect sound is output, the CPU 1001 waits for the start lever 26 to be operated (step S502).

  When the start lever 26 is operated, the CPU 1001 lowers the volume of the bonus game effect sound output from the speakers 19A and 19B (step S503). Thereafter, the CPU 1001 shifts the processing to step S504.

  In step S504, the CPU 1001 waits for the bet button 25 to be pressed. When the bet button 25 is operated to resume the game, the CPU 1001 restores the volume of the bonus game effect sound output from the speakers 19A and 19B (step S505). Thereafter, the CPU 1001 shifts the process to step S501 again.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, during the bonus game, when the start lever 26 is operated before the bet button 25 is pressed when the game is started, it is output from the speakers 19A and 19B. The volume of the bonus game effect sound is lowered and maintained until the bet button 25 is pressed next time. Therefore, the player can lower the game sound by an irregular operation in which the start lever operation is performed before the bet button operation is performed after the end of a certain game. It should be noted that instead of the bet button 25 operation in the fifth embodiment, an act of betting by inserting medals in the manual mode may be used.

  The present invention is not limited to the first to fifth embodiments described above, and various design changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims attached to this specification. .

  In the present invention, a predetermined operation based on the player's own intention is performed when the game is interrupted in order to perform the work of moving the game medium that the engineer leaves or acquires to the game medium storage box. As a result of the volume of the game-related effect sound being reduced immediately after this operation is performed, the volume adjustment function of the game-related effect sound becomes more satisfactory, so that the effect sound is displayed while the game state is in the specific game state. This is useful as a slot machine that notifies the player that the current gaming state is the specific gaming state by continuously outputting.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a front view of the slot machine. It is a side view of the slot machine. It is a top view of the slot machine. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the slot machine, Comprising: The state which opened the front door is shown. It is a side view which notches and shows a part of the slot machine. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the processing operation accompanying the game operation of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the processing operation accompanying the volume adjustment of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the volume adjustment processing operation of the slot machine which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of volume adjustment processing operation of the slot machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The present invention is a flowchart showing the flow of the volume adjustment processing operation of the slot machine according to Embodiment 4. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of a volume adjustment processing operation of the slot machine according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 6L, 6C, 6R Rotating reel 19A, 19B Speaker 25 Bet button 26 Start lever 27L, 27C, 27R Stop button 28 Checkout button 100 Controller 1001 CPU
1002 RAM
1003 ROM
10010 Sound output control circuit

Claims (7)

Symbol display means for performing symbol variation display and stop display for each of a plurality of symbol variation sequences;
Betting operation means for setting the number of betting numbers of game media in one game;
A starting operation means for starting the variable display of the symbols by the symbol display means;
A plurality of stop operation means provided to correspond to the plurality of symbol variation sequences, and to stop and display the symbol variation display by the symbol display means;
Prior to the operation of the plurality of stop operation means, the winning combination lottery means for performing a lottery regarding the establishment of a plurality of types of winning combinations,
As all stop operation means are operated, symbols belonging to all symbol variation sequences are stopped and displayed, and a combination of stop symbols along the effective line crossing the plurality of symbol variation sequences is determined by the winning combination lottery device. A winning determination means for determining that a winning combination of the winning combination has been established when the combination of symbols indicating the winning combination of the winning combination internally established in the lottery,
Sound output means for outputting performance sounds related to the game;
A settlement operation means for settlement of the credited game medium,
As a basic operation procedure in one game, in the slot machine in which the bet operation means, the start operation means and the plurality of stop operation means are sequentially operated by a player,
The sound output means on condition that at least one of the betting operation means, the start operation means, the plurality of stop operation means, and the settlement operation means is operated by a player in an order different from the operation procedure. A slot machine, characterized in that a volume adjusting means for lowering the output volume from is provided. The sound volume adjusting means lowers the output sound volume from the sound output means on condition that the player operates the settlement operation means immediately after operating the bet operation means. The described slot machine. The volume adjusting means lowers the output volume from the sound output means, and then returns the output volume from the sound output means to the original by the player operating the bet operation means. Item 3. The slot machine according to Item 2. The volume control means lowers the output volume from the sound output means on condition that one of the plurality of stop operation means is operated immediately after the player operates the bet operation means. The slot machine according to claim 1. The volume adjusting means is configured such that the level of lowering the output volume from the sound output means varies depending on the stop operation means operated immediately after the player operates the bet operation means. The slot machine according to claim 4. The volume control means is configured to restore the output volume from the sound output means by the player operating the start operation means after lowering the output volume from the sound output means. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein: The slot machine further includes specific game transition means for shifting the game state to a specific game state advantageous to the player when the winning determination means determines that the winning of the specific role has been established, and the specific game In the state, it is configured such that a special effect sound is output from the sound output means as the effect sound,
The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the volume adjustment means lowers the output volume of the effect sound in the specific gaming state.

Images