JP2010220803A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a player enjoy a game while maintaining game volition and expectation feeling, in not only a usual game but also all the games. <P>SOLUTION: This slot machine 1 includes reels arranged successively with a several patterns on a peripheral face, a control means for starting rotation of the reels by an operation of a start lever 4, for stopping the reels by an operation of a stop button 5, and for imparting a prescribed game value, based on a combination of the stop-displayed patterns, a rendering display means (variable display part 45) for executing prescribed rendering display, and an announcement means (small combination display part 2a) for announcing a prescribed small combination winning, wherein the rendering display means has a game means for putting up a point imparted corresponding to the game value to carrying out the prescribed game, the game means acquires an award in response to a game result, and the announcement means announces the small combination winning in response to the award. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine provided with effect display means for effect, and more particularly to a slot machine that advances a game based on a player's operation in this effect display means.

  In general, a slot machine has a predetermined pattern, number, character, etc. on the outer peripheral surface when a player inserts a game medal (coin) or game ball (pachinko ball) as a game medium and presses a start lever. A plurality of reels (usually three reels) with the symbol of 開始 start rotating, and after rotating at a constant speed, the reels are stopped by pressing the stop button at an arbitrary timing. This is a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming media are paid out according to the combination of symbols.

In such a slot machine, internal lottery is performed based on a predetermined lottery probability at the timing of operating the start lever for each game. As a result of internal lottery, the winning content of this game is determined from multiple lottery objects, and each reel is controlled to stop so that it is stopped and displayed with the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning content based on the timing of pressing the stop button. It has become so.
The lottery objects in the internal lottery include a lottery object to which a game value is given to a player by a combination of symbols on reels that are stopped and displayed, and a lottery that is a lottery object to which no game value is given. .

A lottery object to which a game value is given to a player is called a role, a so-called “winning” to which a game medium is given, and a “small role” in which several medals are obtained, No medium will be given, but in the next game, a `` re-gamer '' that can be played without inserting medals, and a condition for shifting to a bonus game that is a special game state in which a predetermined small role is consecutively won There is a “bonus role”.
The lottery probability that these lottery objects are drawn is usually set such that a lottery occurs frequently, a small combination, a re-playing combination, etc. occur occasionally, and a bonus combination occurs rarely. Therefore, the majority of the gaming state is occupied by normal games in which losers, small roles, and re-playing roles are generated. In such normal games, the player expects to win a bonus role, The machine game is progressing.

In recent slot machines, in addition to the above-described normal game, bonus game, and the like, there are also slot machines in which a specific game state that is advantageous to the player is set.
As a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, a gaming state called “replay time (RT)” in which the above-mentioned re-playing role is generated with a high probability and the state in which re-playing occurs frequently is known. ing.
In this replay time, re-games are generated with a high probability over a game section such as the predetermined number of games, the next big hit, or the stop display of a specific symbol combination. Each time you win the game, you can play the next game without inserting medals, and the amount of medals to be inserted is reduced accordingly, reducing the burden on the player compared to normal games. .

As another specific gaming state of such a replay time, when a small part is won as a game part overlapped with this replay time or as a different game part from the replay time, the winning of this small part is notified. A gaming state called assist time (AT) for guiding a player to a small role winning is known. In this case, the winning combination of the small role is different depending on the specification of the slot machine, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the small role is notified, and the player is "pressed" to stop and display the combination of symbols. Notify the operation order of the stop button corresponding to the specification or the preset small combination, let the player operate the stop button in this order, and stop the combination of symbols corresponding to this small combination There are specifications.
In this assist time, if the player follows this notification, it becomes a small role winning and several medals can be obtained. In particular, the assist / replay time (ART) in which the replay time and the assist time are overlapped in one game section. ), The number of medals gradually increases, and the game state is advantageous to the player following the bonus game.

The notification of the internal winning of the small role at such assist time is performed by the effect display means. The effect display means includes an effect control board called a sub board, which is different from the main board that controls the entire gaming machine, a speaker, and a display device such as an LED or a liquid crystal display.
The sub-board is a computer on which a central processing unit (CPU) is mounted, performs unidirectional communication with the main board, controls the speaker and the display device according to a predetermined command transmitted from the main board, It is configured to produce a light effect and notify the winning content.
In this way, the sub-board has a master-slave relationship with the main board, and controls display devices such as speakers, LEDs and liquid crystal displays exclusively by a predetermined command transmitted from the main board based on the result of the internal drawing. It is common to produce effects related to the results of the internal lottery.

Unlike the effects related to the result of the internal lottery, a slot machine has been proposed in which a player operates the sub-game in a bonus game display device (for example, Patent Document 1).
In this sub game, the player is forced to push the triple symbols, and when successful, after the bonus game, a privilege to shift to the assist time until the next bonus game is given.

By the way, in a normal slot machine, in order to limit the number of games that can be consumed per unit time in order to suppress excessive game investment by a player, the rotation of the reel in the next game within a predetermined time is started. There is provided a wait timer for prohibiting.
This wait timer is set for each game at a predetermined timing, such as at the start of reel rotation, and timing is started from this timing, and the start of reel rotation in the next game is prohibited before the predetermined time elapses. It is supposed to be.
However, although such a weight timer is necessary to suppress excessive gaming investment, the reel does not rotate during this period even if a game medium is inserted and the start lever is operated, so that the game proceeds. It was a time when the game could not progress.

Further, while a small role is won and a predetermined number of game media are paid out, game operations such as insertion of game media and start lever operation are invalid.
Although this time is necessary to guarantee the payout operation, like the wait timer, it is a time during which the next game cannot be progressed.
Many players who have time for which it is not possible to proceed with the game have rushed the progress of the game, and the start lever and the bet button that is operated to bet the game medium credited to the game are more than necessary. I felt stress in the existence of this time.

  Therefore, in order to make use of the time during which the game cannot proceed, a plurality of reels are not started all at once, but are sequentially started one reel at a time, and the display effect is also synchronized with the start, and this time is spent. A slot machine has been proposed (Patent Document 2). As a result, the slot machine game can proceed without the player being aware of the time during which the game cannot proceed.

In addition, a slot machine has been proposed that uses an effect display means to perform a specific effect display during a time during which the game cannot proceed during the above-described wait time (for example, Patent Document 3).
This makes it possible to cause the player to watch the special effect display and forget the time when the game cannot proceed.

JP 2004-290431 A JP 2004-305565 A JP 2002-126172 A

However, the conventional technology cannot solve the following problems.
For example, the slot machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured so that a subgame can be played unconditionally when a specific game state such as a bonus game is entered, but a subgame cannot be played in a normal game. Normal games were boring.

  There are also slot machines that allow a player to operate a game in a normal game. However, such a game is an effect for notifying the result of the internal lottery exclusively, and for example, a privilege that changes a game section where the assist time continues is not given depending on the result of the game.

  In addition, in the current slot machine, the value of a game given by a combination of a small role or a re-playing role or a stop display of a combination of predetermined symbols is simply paid out of the game media or the next re-playing. However, it did not contribute to the continuation of game motivation and expectations.

In addition, the slot machines described in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3 cannot be said to be effectively utilizing the time during which the game cannot proceed, in which the game cannot proceed.
In other words, the use of the time during which the game cannot proceed in these slot machines was limited to diverting the player's attention so as not to make the player aware of this time, and this time was not actively utilized. .
In addition, the above-mentioned sub-board is relatively loosely regulated and restricted in the rules relating to gaming machines, and although input relating to player operations is permitted, this advantage has not been fully utilized.

  In order to solve the problems of the current slot machine as described above, the inventors of the present application have made extensive efforts to increase the game value while actively utilizing the time during which the game cannot be progressed. An attractive slot machine that does not exist in the past is provided with game means for playing a game by betting the score given correspondingly, and notifying the internal winning of a small role based on the privilege according to the game result The present invention has been conceived to realize the present invention.

  That is, the present invention has been proposed in order to solve the problems of the current technology as described above, and it becomes possible to play a game based on the result of the slot machine game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that is reflected in the number of small bonus winning notifications in a specific gaming state and that effectively utilizes the time during which the game cannot proceed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the slot machine of the present invention has a reel in which several kinds of symbols are continuously arranged on its peripheral surface, and starts the rotation of the reel by a start operation, and stops the reel by a stop operation. Control means for giving a predetermined game value based on the combination of the symbols displayed in a stopped state, effect display means for performing a predetermined effect display, and notification means for notifying an internal winning of a predetermined small role. In the slot machine provided, the effect display means has game means for betting a score given corresponding to the game value and playing a predetermined game, and the game means obtains a privilege according to the game result. The notification means is configured to notify the internal winning of the small role according to the privilege.

  According to the slot machine of the present invention, it becomes possible to play a game based on the result of the slot machine game, and this game result is reflected in the number of small bonus notifications. While maintaining motivation and expectation, it is possible to play a game, and it is possible to actively utilize the time during which the game cannot be progressed.

It is a schematic front view showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the internal structure of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the effective line in the display window of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a view showing a relationship between a symbol arrangement of each reel and a symbol number in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an outline of a main control unit and its peripheral configuration of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart of a control process in the main control unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the transition conditions and completion | finish conditions of each replay time of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 38 shows a relationship between gaming states corresponding to each bit in the game mode area of the slot machine related to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the combination of the stop symbol corresponding to each combination of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, the game value provided, and a score. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the lottery object of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and the random number table according to gaming state. It is a figure which shows the relationship of the lottery object corresponding to each bit in the winning flag area | region of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the symbol number area | region corresponding to each reel of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the combination of the stop symbol corresponding to each win of the pseudo | simulation game performed with the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention, and the privilege and score which are acquired. It is a flowchart which shows the acquisition process of the privilege and score which are performed in the sub-control part of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the alerting | reporting process performed by the sub-control part of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a time chart which shows the game operation time of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a lighting state of each bet button of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Slot machine body]
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a slot machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Slot machine body]
First, the configuration of a slot machine main body according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an internal configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the effective line in the display window of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment.
As shown in these drawings, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment acquires gaming media by rotating a plurality of reels 21a, 21b, and 21c provided in the slot machine 1, as in the conventional slot machine. It constitutes a swing type game machine that can be used.

The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment includes game means for performing a pseudo slot machine game (hereinafter referred to as a “pseudo game”) simulating a slot machine game, and shifts to a replay time over a predetermined game section after a bonus game. In this replay time, the internal winning of the small role is notified for the number of times of notification based on the privilege acquired in the pseudo game.
Hereinafter, the configuration of the slot machine main body according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment covers a main control unit 10 that is internally configured by a microcomputer and the like, a housing 1b that can accommodate necessary machines and devices, and a front side that can be opened and closed. It is comprised by the housing | casing shape which consists of the front door 1a.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front door 1a is a door body that can be freely opened and closed to the casing 1b of the slot machine 1 via a hinge or the like. The front door 1a includes a front panel 2 and other parts. Thus, the front portion of the slot machine 1 is configured.

A variable display unit 45 is provided at the uppermost part of the front door 1 a, and speakers 9 are provided on the left and right sides of the variable display unit 45.
The variable display unit 45 has a reel structure similar to the reel 21 provided in the drum unit 20 described later, and is configured as a pseudo game reel by variably displaying symbols displayed on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 451a to 451c. Has been.
The symbols represented on each reel 451 are composed of the same symbols as the symbols represented on the reel 21 included in the drum unit 20, and the symbols are arranged in exactly the same manner (see FIG. 4). As another embodiment, in some characteristic symbols (for example, a bonus symbol such as “7”), the symbols can be the same, and the symbols can be changed for other symbols.
And this variable display part 45 is drive-controlled by the variable display drive circuit 44 with which the effect control part 40 which is an effect display means of this invention is equipped (refer FIG. 5).

The speaker 9 outputs various sounds such as a melody sound and a message sound to the player, thereby outputting a sound effect of the pseudo game, a winning content in the internal lottery, and the like. For example, when a predetermined small combination is hit internally during the replay time, the names of symbols constituting a combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination can be output by voice (notification means). In the case of a specification in which a small role is awarded according to a preset operation order of the stop button 5, the operation order of the stop button 5 may be output by voice.
The sound generated from the speaker 9 is generated and output by a sound circuit 42 provided in the effect control unit 40 (see FIG. 5).

The front panel 2 is provided with a display window 3 at a substantially central portion so that the reels 21a to 21c in the housing can be visually recognized from the outside.
The display window 3 is a window for visual recognition of three reels (left) 21a, reel (middle) 21b, and reel (right) 21c (see FIG. 2) disposed in the slot machine 1, and is usually colorless and transparent. Or it consists of a colored transparent resin panel, etc., and among the plurality of symbols represented around each of the three reels 21, it is possible to visually recognize and identify three symbols that are adjacent in the vertical direction. .
And the effective line is set to the combination of the stop symbol of the reel 21 visually recognized through this display window 3.
As shown in FIG. 3, there are three active lines arranged in parallel in the middle, upper, and lower effective lines 1, effective lines 2, and effective lines 3, and two effective lines 4 and effective lines that cross diagonally. A total of five lines are provided, and a predetermined game value is given by a combination of symbols shown on the reels 21a to 21c stopped and displayed along the active lines 1 to 5 (FIG. 9). reference).

Below the display window 3 of the front panel 2, a small role symbol display unit 2a, a notification count display unit 2b, a score display unit 2e, and a medal number display unit 2f are provided.
The small role symbol display unit 2a is configured by a liquid crystal display. For example, when a predetermined small role is hit in an internal lottery at a replay time, the reel 21a among symbols constituting a combination of symbols corresponding to this small role. Is a display device that displays the symbol as a moving image and a still image (notification means). In the case of a specification in which a small role is awarded according to the preset operation order of the stop button 5, the operation order of the stop button 5 can also be displayed.
The notification count display unit 2b is a display that includes a 7-segment LED or the like, and displays the notification count that can notify the winning of a small role at the replay time, corresponding to the privilege acquired in the simulated game.
The score display unit 2e is a display that is composed of a 7-segment LED or the like and displays the score acquired in the pseudo game.
These display units are driven and controlled by a display unit drive circuit 43 provided in the effect control unit 40 (see FIG. 5).

The medal number display section 2f is composed of a 7 segment LED or the like, and displays the number of stored medals credited (stored) in the slot machine 1.
The medal number display unit 2f is driven and controlled by a display unit driving circuit 15 provided in the main control unit 10 (see FIG. 5).

On the left side of the display window 3 of the front panel 2, a bonus winning notification unit 2c and a notification per notification unit 2d are provided.
The bonus winning notification unit 2c is a display that lights or blinks when a bonus combination is won as a result of the internal lottery in the main control unit 10 of the slot machine 1.
The notification-per-notification unit 2d is a display that lights up or blinks when a hit (per notification) is obtained in the pseudo game.
These notification units have an LED and a translucent display unit that translucently displays a pattern or the like by the light of the LED, and are driven and controlled by a display unit drive circuit 43 provided in the effect control unit 40 (see FIG. 5). ).

Buttons for the player to operate, such as a start lever 4, a stop button 5, a medal insertion slot 6, a checkout button 6b, a bet button 7, etc., are provided at a substantially central portion of the front door 1a on the lower side of the front panel 2. It has been.
The start lever 4 is a game start means for starting the rotation of each of the three reels 21. When the start lever 4 is pressed by the player's operation, a start signal is output to the main control unit 10 described later ( 5), the reels 21a to 21c inside the main body are rotated simultaneously or sequentially.
Further, when a start signal is input by depressing the start lever 4, an internal lottery is performed in the main control unit 10, and the winning content is determined.
Further, the start lever 4 is also used as a game start means for starting the rotation of each reel 451 of the variable display unit 45, and when operated in a state where a pseudo game is possible, a corresponding control command from the main control unit 10 Is transmitted to the effect control unit 40, and each reel 451 of the variable display unit 45 starts rotating.

The stop button 5 is a stop means for stopping the rotating reel 21 and includes three stop buttons (left) provided corresponding to the three reels (left) 21a, the reel (middle) 21b, and the reel (right) 21c. 5a, a stop button (middle) 5b, and a stop button (right) 5c. When each stop button 5a, 5b, 5c is pressed at an arbitrary timing by the player, a stop signal is output to the main control unit 10 (see FIG. 5), and the corresponding reels 21a, 21b, 21c are rotated. Is to be stopped.
Further, the stop buttons 5a, 5b, 5c are also used as stop means for stopping the reels 451 of the rotating variable display section 45. When the stop buttons 5a, 5b, 5c are pressed, the main control section 10 A corresponding control command is transmitted to the effect control unit 40, and the rotation of the corresponding reels 451a, 451b, 451c is stopped.
Therefore, when the player operates the start lever 4 and the stop button 5, the reels 21a to 21c and the reels 451a to 451c can be rotated and stopped, and a slot machine game and a pseudo game can be performed.

The medal slot 6 is a slot for receiving medals as a game medium used in the slot machine game, and a game can be played according to the number of medals inserted from the medal slot 6.
As shown in FIG. 2, a medal selector 6a is provided on the inside of the main body of the medal insertion slot 6. The number of inserted medals is counted, and a medal signal indicating the number of medals is sent to the main control unit 10 inside the main body. It is output. Thereby, a slot machine game according to the number of inserted medals can be performed.

The number of medals inserted from the medal slot 6 is stored in the RAM 11b in the main control unit 10 as the number of stored medals (see FIG. 5), and a plurality of medals are stored in advance prior to the start of the game. Can be stored and stored as stored medals.
Specifically, when three medals are inserted and further medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 6, the fourth and subsequent medals are stored medals and a predetermined number (for example, a maximum of 50) is obtained. Stored and memorized. When there is a payout at the time of winning a prize, the winning medals are stored as stored medals up to the maximum number of stored medals. The number of stored medals is displayed as a numerical value on the medal number display section 2 f of the front panel 2.

The adjustment button 6b is a switch for adjusting the stored medal at the end of the game.
When the settlement button 6b is pressed, medals for the stored medals are discharged from the medal payout device 30 to the game medal payout port 8, and the stored medal count data stored in the RAM 11b is also deleted.
In addition, when the stored medals are settled, the numerical value of the medal number display portion 2f is also displayed as zero.

The medal bet button 7a is a medal insertion switch for inserting (betting) a medal to be used (betting) in the game from among the stored medals when the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 has a stored medal. .
When the medal bet button 7a is pressed, a medal bet signal is output to the main control unit 10 (see FIG. 5), and a predetermined number of medals (for example, three) are transferred from the stored medals stored in the RAM 11b to the slot machine. It will be thrown into the game.
When a stored medal is inserted, the number of stored medals stored in the RAM 11b is subtracted by the inserted number, and the display value of the medal number display unit 2f is also decreased by the inserted number.

The scoring bet button 7b is a scoring switch that inserts (bets) a score to be used (bet) in the pseudo game from the score displayed on the score display unit 2e.
When the scoring bet button 7b is pressed, a scoring bet signal is output to the effect control unit 40 (see FIG. 5), and a predetermined number of scoring points (for example, 3 scoring points) are input to the pseudo game so that a game is possible. It becomes.
When the score is input, the number stored in the RAM of the sub-control unit 41, which will be described later, is subtracted by the input number, and the numerical value displayed on the score display unit 2e is also decreased by the input number.

A gaming medal payout port 8 is provided at the bottom of the slot machine 1.
When each reel 21 stopped by pressing the stop button 5 has a predetermined symbol combination, a number of medals corresponding to the symbol combination from the medal payout device 30 in the housing are obtained from the game medal payout exit 8. It is to be paid out.

Inside the casing of the slot machine 1, as shown in FIG. 2, there are a drum unit 20 that rotates and stops the three reels 21a to 21c, a medal payout device 30 that pays out medals, and other machines and devices. Is provided.
The drum unit 20 rotatably holds the three reels 21a, 21b, and 21c and the three reels 21a to 21c, and rotates the stepping motors 23a to 23c corresponding to the reels 21a to 21c. A motor drive circuit 22 that controls the start of rotation of 21c, constant speed rotation and stop, and a main control unit as a marker signal by detecting the reference position of each reel 21a-21c each time the reels 21a-21c rotate once 10 is provided (see FIG. 5).

As in the existing slot machine, the reel 21 is composed of a cylindrical portion having a plurality of (usually 21) patterns and symbols such as characters on the outer periphery, and rotates in the vertical direction (downward from the top of the drawing). Three reels (left) 21a, reel (middle) 21b, and reel (right) 21c are arranged in a line in the horizontal direction (left and right in the drawing) (see FIG. 2).
As shown in FIG. 4, the symbols shown on the reels 21a to 21c are arranged at equal intervals for each reel. For example, "7", "Bell", "Orange", "Cherry", "REPLAY" ”And the like are displayed in a predetermined order, and 21 symbols are displayed on each reel.

The three reels 21 a to 21 c are driven and stopped by the main controller 10, the motor drive circuit 22 of the drum unit 20, and the rotation position detector 24. The main control unit 10 constantly monitors the current rotational positions of the reels 21a to 21c based on the marker signal indicating the reference position input from the above-described drum position detection unit 24.
In the drum unit 20, the three reels 21a to 21c are rotatably held by the corresponding three stepping motors 23a to 23c, respectively, and the start lever 4 and the stop buttons 5a to 5c are pressed to operate the motor drive circuit. 22, a pulse (drive) signal is input from the main control unit 10 to drive the stepping motors 23a to 23c (see FIG. 5), and control of rotation start, constant speed rotation and stop of the corresponding reels 21a to 21c is performed. Done.

Then, based on the timing when the player presses the stop button 5, the stop position of the reel 21 is controlled according to the winning content in the internal lottery performed by the main control unit 10, and the current stop of each reel 21a to 21c is possible. The reel 21 is controlled to stop so that the symbol corresponding to the winning content stops at the valid lines 1 to 5 within the range of the predetermined symbol feed frame number from the correct rotation position (within the range of 0 to 4 frames). become.
Thus, the internal control is performed by the main control unit 10 in response to the start signal from the start lever 4, and the drum unit 20 is controlled by the pulse signal from the main control unit 10, so that the stop button 5 is pressed. The reels 21a, 21b, and 21c are controlled to stop so that a combination of symbols corresponding to the contents of the winning symbol is stopped and displayed on the effective line within a predetermined number of symbol-feeding frames based on the above.

The medal payout device 30 is a medal payout device disposed below the drum unit 20 in the housing, and drives and controls a hopper 31 that stores payout medals and a medal payout motor provided in the hopper 31. A hopper drive circuit 32 that discharges a predetermined number of medals, and a medal detection unit 33 that detects the number of discharged medals by a predetermined sensor and outputs it to the main control unit 10 as a payout signal ( (See FIG. 5).
Then, medals discharged from the medal payout device 30 are paid out from the game medal payout opening 8 of the front door 1a to the front surface of the slot machine and provided to the player.

[Main control section]
Next, the main controller 10 that controls the entire slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an outline of the main control unit and its peripheral configuration according to this embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of control executed in the main control unit according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the main control unit 10 of the present embodiment is configured as a control board having a microcomputer including an IC, a memory, various circuit boards, and the like that controls each part of the slot machine 1 described above. It is arrange | positioned at the rear part of the body 1b.
Specifically, the main control unit 10 is generally called a main board, and includes a CPU 11, a ROM 11a and a RAM 11b that are built in the CPU 11 as storage means, a main body clock generation circuit 12 that generates a reference clock, and a random number generation unit. For example, a random number clock generation circuit 14 for generating a reference clock for generating a random number, a random number counter 13 for generating a random number for internal lottery, and a display unit driving circuit 15 for driving the display unit 2f.
The main control unit 10 executes processing for controlling the entire slot machine 1 based on programs and data stored in the ROM 11a.

Specifically, the main control unit 10 monitors the insertion of medals, makes the game possible according to the number of inserted medals, controls the rotation of each reel at the timing of operating the start lever 4, An internal lottery is performed based on the lottery probability, and the content of the winning is determined. Based on the timing of the stop operation of the stop button 5 by the player, each reel 21 is displayed so as to be stopped with a combination of stop symbols corresponding to the winning content. Stop control.
Furthermore, a combination of stop symbols displayed in a stopped state is determined, and a re-game player who can play the next game without paying out a predetermined number of medals or inserting a normal game, bonus game, or medal according to the combination of symbols. The game management is performed such that the game state is shifted to a plurality of game states including a replay time drawn with a high probability.
Hereinafter, the flow of processing executed by the main control unit 10 will be described in detail based on the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the slot machine 1 is powered on, an initialization process is performed (S1). In the initialization process, the work area of the RAM 11b is initialized and various initial settings are performed. In the initial setting, processing for setting a game mode flag for managing the gaming state is also performed.
In the present embodiment, as a gaming state, a replay time is provided in which a re-game player who can play the next game without inserting a normal game, a bonus game, or a medal is drawn with a high probability.
Three types of replay times (RT1, RT2, RT3) with different number of games to be continued are set as the replay time, and the probability of replaying a replaying role is drawn from the normal game at each replay time (RT1, RT2, RT3). Is a gaming state set high.
Even in normal games, the re-gamer is a lottery subject to be drawn, so when compared with the draw probability of the re-gamer, replay time (RT1, RT2, RT3) (high probability)> normal game (low probability) , And the relationship that holds.

FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the replay time (RT1, RT2, RT2) transition condition and end condition in this embodiment.
As shown in the figure, the replay time (RT1, RT2, RT3) shifts after any of the big bonus games (BB1, BB2, BB3) until the corresponding number of games (150, 100, 50) After the replay time continues, the game shifts to a normal game. If a bonus combination (including RB) is won during the replay time and a combination of symbols corresponding to the bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a bonus symbol) is stopped and displayed, the game shifts to a bonus game. It is supposed to be.

Next, the relationship between the game mode flag and the gaming state in the present embodiment is shown in FIG.
The game mode flag is a flag for managing the gaming state of the slot machine 1, and is set in bit units in the game mode area provided in the RAM 11b as shown in FIG.
Specifically, “1” is set to “bit 0” for normal game, “1” is set to any of “bits 1 to 3” and replay time (RT1 to 3) is set, and “1” is set to “bit 4”. ”Is a big bonus game (BB1-3),“ bit5 ”is“ 1 ”and a regular bonus game (RB) is set. By referring to the set game mode flag for each bit, The slot machine 1 is controlled to be in each gaming state.
In the initial setting, “1” is set to “bit 0” in the figure so as to be a normal game, and other bits are cleared by “0”.

Next, the main control unit 10 performs medal insertion processing for monitoring medal insertion (S2).
Specifically, in the medal insertion process, the input of the medal signal from the medal selector 6a and the medal bet signal from the bet button 7a is monitored, and the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 or the bet button 7a is pressed. Then, the number of inserted medals is confirmed, and the number of stored medals stored in the RAM 11b is decreased based on a medal bet signal from the bet button 7a. As a result, the number of bets placed on the slot machine game is determined, and a single game can be started.

Further, the main control unit 10 monitors the start lever 4 operation by the player (S3). When a start signal generated in response to the start lever 4 operation is input, the main control unit 10 performs an internal lottery process (S4) and the reels. A pulse (driving) signal that is a control signal 21 is output to the drum unit 20, and a reel rotation control process for rotating the reels 21a to 21c is performed (S5).
Hereinafter, the internal lottery according to the present embodiment will be described.

The internal lottery is a lottery process performed at the timing of the player's operation of the start lever 4 for each game. A random number acquired from a random number counter 13 such as a counter IC and a random number preset and stored in the ROM 11a. This is executed by comparing and determining the values in the table.
The random number output from the random number counter 13 generated in the update range (0 to 16383) is acquired (latched) at the timing of operation of the start lever 4, and the acquired random number is assigned to each lottery in the random number table for each gaming state. By comparing with the corresponding winning range, it is judged which lottery target corresponds to the winning range, and the lottery target indicated by that winning range is determined and won as the winning content of the game this time. ing.

The lottery to be drawn in the internal lottery is a game that is not given game value, a game medium is given, so-called “winning”, a “small role” in which several medals are obtained, and a game medium Will not be granted, but in the next game, a “re-game player” that can be played without inserting medals, and a bonus that is a special game state in which a game medium is not given, but a predetermined small role is successively won There is a “bonus combination (BB1-3, RB)” as a condition for shifting to a game (BB1-3, RB).
In FIG. 9, each combination that is a lottery object of the present embodiment, a combination of symbols shown on each corresponding reel 21 that is stopped and displayed, a game value that is given, and a game value that is given according to this game value. The relationship with the score is shown.

As shown in the figure, the “bonus combination” includes the corresponding symbol combinations “red 7, red 7, red 7,” “yellow 7, yellow 7, yellow 7,” “blue 7, blue 7, blue 7”. There are four types: BB1 to BB3 that shift to the big bonus game by the stop display of RB, and RB that shifts to the regular bonus game by the stop display of the combination of the corresponding stop symbols “Red 7, Red 7 and Blue 7” .
In the present embodiment, after the big bonus game (BB1 to BB3), the game is shifted to replay times (150 times, 100 times, 50 times) each having a different number of games.
In addition, it is set so that points for betting on the pseudo game as shown in the figure are given by the stop display of the combination of each bonus symbol.

The “re-game player” consists of “replay, replay, and replay” corresponding to the combination of symbols, and due to the stop display of this symbol combination, there is no medal payout. Can be done.
In the present embodiment, the “re-game player” is set so that a score for betting on the pseudo game is not given.

There are five types of “small roles”: small role A to small role E depending on the combination of corresponding stop symbols.
For the small combination A, the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is “red 7 / bell / bell”, and 10 medals are paid out by the stop display of the combination of the symbols.
For the small combination B, the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is “yellow 7 / bell / bell”, and 10 medals are paid out by the stop display of the combination of the symbols.
For the small combination C, the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is “blue 7 / bell / bell”, and 10 medals are paid out by the stop display of the combination of the symbols.
For the small role D, the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is “orange / bell / bell”, and 10 medals are paid out by the stop display of the combination of the symbols.
For the small role E, the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is “cherry / ANY / ANY”, and two medals are paid out by the stop display of the stop symbol combination. Note that “ANY” means that all symbols (see FIG. 4) represented on the middle reel 21b and the right reel 21c are targeted, so that the small role E stops “Cherry” on the left reel 21a. By displaying, the winning is effectively decided.
And in this embodiment, it is set so that a score bet on the pseudo game is given by a stop display of symbols corresponding to the small roles A to D, and a score is not given in the small role E.

  Among the above-mentioned small roles A to E, the symbols “orange” and “bell” that constitute the combination of the stopped symbols corresponding to the small role D are symbol feeds that can be stopped and displayed on each reel 21. Since it is arranged with an interval that does not exceed the maximum number of frames (4 frames) (see FIG. 4), when hitting this, regardless of the operation timing of the stop button 5 by the player, The combination of “orange / bell / bell” can be stopped and displayed along either of them.

Further, since the small role E does not matter on the type of symbols that are stopped and displayed on the middle reel 21b and the right reel 21c, only “cherry” is one of “upper a, middle a, lower a” shown in FIG. It is sufficient if the stop is displayed at the stop position.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when “cherry” is positioned at any one of “upper a, middle a, lower a” at the stop operation timing of the stop button 5 a corresponding to the rotating left reel 21 a (3 7 frames, which is the total of the maximum number of frames (4 frames) that can be fed to at least the “upper a” stop position, when not positioned at “upper a, middle a, lower a” Each “cherry” is placed within the range of.
Thus, in the reel stop control process, regardless of the timing of the stop operation of the stop button 5 by the player, “cherry” is stopped at any stop position of “upper a, middle a, lower a” of the left reel 21a. It can be displayed.

On the other hand, among the symbols constituting the combinations of stop symbols corresponding to the small roles A to C, the symbols “red 7”, “yellow 7”, and “blue 7” that are symbols of the left reel 21a are symbols that can be stopped and displayed, respectively. Since it is arranged at intervals exceeding the maximum value (4 frames) of the number of frames to be sent, the stop button so that the player stops these symbols at any one of the upper a, middle a, and lower a in the display window 3 Unless the so-called “eye press” is performed to operate 5a, it is difficult to stop display the corresponding combination of stop symbols.
Therefore, when the small winning combination A to C is won in the internal lottery, these internal winnings are notified by the notification means such as the small winning symbol display portion 2a and the speaker 9, so that the player can play "Red 7" on the reel 21a. Alternatively, “winning” aiming at “yellow 7” or “blue 7” can be performed and these winnings can be easily established.

FIG. 10 shows the lottery objects for each gaming state in the internal lottery of the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, eleven types of lottery objects are provided, and different random numbers tables are referenced for each gaming state, and internal lottery is performed.
Specifically, in the normal game, the internal lottery is performed with reference to the random number table for the normal game and the replay time with reference to the random number table for the replay time.
Each random number table that is referenced is set to a value with a wide range of winnings for re-games to be won so that the re-play time is more likely to be drawn than for normal games at the replay time. Yes.

The value shown in each random number table in the figure indicates the winning width of each lottery object calculated from the random number winning range in which each lottery object is drawn in the random number update range (0 to 16383). Yes. Each lottery target is won when the random number output from the random number counter 13 falls within a win range predetermined for each lottery target. The winning range for each lottery is calculated by subtracting the lower limit from the upper limit of this winning range. It is like that.
Note that “...” In the figure indicates a predetermined numerical value of the winning width set for each lottery object.

The winning width of lottery number 10 for replay is set to “2340” in the random number table for normal gaming, and “13650” in the random number table for replay time. The winning probability of (“Replay”) is “1 / 7.0” (≈2340 / 16384) in the normal game, and “1 / 1.2” (≈13650 / 16384) in the replay time.
As a result, when the winning probability of replay in each gaming state is compared, there is a relationship of winning probability of replay time (high probability)> winning probability of normal game (low probability).

The random number table for each gaming state is determined by referring to the value of the game mode flag described above.
Random numbers are judged in order from the lottery number with the largest lottery number, and the upper limit value of the lottery range for each lottery is compared with the random number acquired from the random number counter 13 to determine the winning content in the game. .
The determined winning content is managed by a winning flag.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a winning flag area for setting a winning flag corresponding to each winning combination in the RAM 11b.
As shown in the figure, the winning flag area is provided with a winning flag area 1 and a winning flag area 2 corresponding to the winning combination. The winning flag area 1 is an area for setting a bonus winning combination, and the winning flag area 2 is It is an area for setting a re-playing role (replay) and various small roles.
In the internal lottery, a winning flag corresponding to the winning content won is set.

For example, when “BB1” which is a lottery object of lottery number 1 in FIG. 10 is won, “1” is set to “bit 0” in the winning flag area 1.
In addition, when “Replay” which is a lottery object of lottery number 10 is won, “1” is set in “bit 0” of the winning flag area 2.
Then, referring to the flag set in the winning flag area, the subsequent reel stop control process and stop symbol determination process are performed, and all are cleared to “0” in the stop symbol determination process. .
Of these winning flags, the winning flags related to bonuses BB1 to 3 and RB will not be cleared unless they are stopped and displayed with a combination of the corresponding stop symbols, and the winning flag is carried over to the next game. It is supposed to be.

Next, the main control unit 10 performs a reel rotation control process for controlling the rotation of each reel 21. In the reel rotation process, a pulse (drive) signal is output to the motor drive circuit 22, the stepping motors 23a to 23c are driven (see FIG. 5), and the rotation of the corresponding reels 21a to 21c is started and the constant speed rotation is controlled. Is done.
During the rotation of each reel 21, a process for monitoring the symbol positions of the reels 21 a to 21 c is performed based on the marker signal input from the drum unit 20.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, in the predetermined area of the RAM 11b, the symbol numbers of the reels 21a to 21c located on the effective line 1 (see FIG. 3) of the middle stage (medium a, middle b, and middle c). Is provided for each reel.
In the symbol number area, the pulse (drive) signal output from the main control unit 10 to the motor drive circuit 22 is updated by +1 every predetermined number of pulses (corresponding to the rotation angle between symbols), and each reel makes a round. In addition, initialization (symbol number 0) is performed by a marker signal output from the rotating drum position detection unit 24.
That is, the value of each symbol number area is also updated in synchronization with the rotation of each reel 21, and as a result, the value of each symbol number area is positioned on the active line 1 in the middle stage (medium a, middle b, middle c). It always matches the symbol number symbol of each reel 21a to 21c (see FIG. 4).
Thereby, in the reel stop control process and the stop symbol determination process described later, by referring to the value of each symbol number area, each reel 21a to 21a positioned on the effective line 1 in the middle stage (medium a, middle b, middle c). The symbol of 21c can be discriminated.

  For example, in the reel stop control process, by referring to the value of each symbol number area when the stop button 5 corresponding to each reel 21 is stopped, the number of symbols that can be stopped (0 to 4 frames) is displayed. Within the range, each reel 21 is rotated and stopped to stop control so that a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning content is obtained. In the stop symbol determination process, each symbol number area when each reel stops By referring to the value of, it is possible to determine the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the effective lines 1 to 5.

Next, a reel stop control process for controlling each reel 21 to stop by the player's stop operation of the stop button 5 will be described.
In the reel stop control process, each symbol combination corresponding to the winning content (winning flag) in the internal lottery is stopped and displayed based on a stop signal generated when the player presses each stop button 5. The reel 21 is controlled to stop (S6).
Specifically, the stop control of each reel 21 is performed by referring to the symbol number value of the symbol number area of each reel at the timing of the detected stop signal for each reel 21 and the range of the number of symbol frames that can be stopped and displayed. By determining for each reel a symbol that constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to the winning flag within (0 to 4 frames), and outputting a pulse signal corresponding to the number of symbol frames to the motor drive circuit 22, After each reel 21 is rotated to the target stop symbol, the reel 21 is excited and stopped.
If the stop symbol constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning flag is not within the range of the number of symbols that can be stopped (0 to 4 frames), none of the stop symbol combinations shown in FIG. Each reel is controlled so as to have a combination of “losing”.

Next, in the main control unit 10, following the reel stop control process as described above, as shown in FIG. 6, a stop symbol determination process (S7) for determining a combination of stop symbols displayed to be stopped is performed. It has become.
In the stop symbol determination process, the combination of stop symbols is determined by referring to the symbol number in the symbol number area of each reel at the time of stop.
As described above, the symbol number in the symbol number area of each reel matches the symbol number of each reel 21a to 21c located in the effective line 1 of the middle row (middle a, middle b, middle c). FIG. 4 shows combinations of symbols stopped and displayed on all the effective lines 1 to 5 by discriminating the symbols of the reels 21a to 21c located on the effective line 1 (middle a, middle b, middle c). The determination can be made based on the arrangement of the symbols shown.
Then, it is determined whether or not the determined combination of stop symbols is a combination of stop symbols corresponding to the winning flag won in the internal lottery (see FIG. 9). Subsequent processing is performed.
Hereinafter, the case where the winning flag is a re-playing combination, each small combination, or a bonus combination will be described.

In the case where the winning flag in the stop symbol determination process is a re-game player, it is as follows.
When it is determined that “1” is set in “bit 0” of the winning flag area 2 shown in FIG. 11 corresponding to the re-gamer and the combination of the corresponding stop symbols is stopped by “Replay / Replay / Replay” As shown in FIG. 6, the game state after the completion of the above-described medal insertion process is entered so that the game can be performed without inserting a medal in the next game at the same time that the area is cleared with “0”. (S8).

When the winning flag is a small combination, the following processing is performed.
If it is determined that the combination has stopped with the combination of stop symbols corresponding to each small role, as shown in FIG. 6, it is determined as a “winning” in which a medal is won (S9), and the winning in FIG. 11 set at the time of winning is determined. The “bit” corresponding to each small combination in the flag area 2 is cleared to “0”, and then the process proceeds to the medal payout process (S10).
On the other hand, if the combination of the stop symbols corresponding to each small combination is not stopped and it is determined to be so-called “missing”, the small combination in the winning flag area 2 in FIG. The corresponding “bit” is cleared to “0”, and the game state before the medal insertion process (S2) is the same as “losing” that does not correspond to any of the bonus combination, re-playing combination, or small combination in the internal drawing. It is supposed to migrate.

On the other hand, when the winning flag is “bonus combination (BB1 to 3 or RB)”, “1” is set in “bits 0 to 3” of the winning flag area 1 shown in FIG. 11 corresponding to any “bonus combination”. When it is determined that the game has been stopped with a combination of corresponding stop symbols, the area is cleared with “0”, and the game mode flag in FIG. 8 is set to “bit 4 or 5” corresponding to the bonus game. By setting “1” to “1” and clearing other bits with “0”, the game shifts to a big bonus game or a regular bonus game.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning flag that has been won is a bonus combination but has not been stopped by the combination of the corresponding stop symbols, the corresponding winning flag region 1 in FIG. 11 set at the time of winning corresponds. “Bits 0 to 3” are not cleared with “0”, and are left as they are, and the bonus combination winning flag is carried over to the next game.
This state is continued even in the next game unless it is stopped by a combination of corresponding stop symbols.

In each bonus game, a predetermined small role is won and won with a very high probability, and the bonus game is terminated when the number of medals obtained in the bonus game exceeds a prescribed number.
And in this embodiment, after a big bonus game (BB1-3) is complete | finished, it transfers to a replay time.
In addition, it can also be made to transfer to replay time (RT1, RT2, RT3) by the stop display of the combination of a specific symbol.

When moving to the replay time, as described above, the random table for the replay time is referred to in the internal lottery, and “Replay” is hit with a high probability of “1 / 1.2”, and “Replay / Replay / Replay” is selected. It is set to be in a gaming state that is advantageous to the player who can play next time without inserting medals by frequently stopping and displaying.
The probability of winning a “replay” at this replay time is set so that the number of medals to be thrown in can be reduced because the re-playing role is generated with a higher probability than normal games, but the number of medals gradually decreases. Yes.

Furthermore, in this replay time, the left reel among the symbols constituting the combination of symbols corresponding to these small roles when winning the small roles A to C based on the benefits (number of notifications) acquired in the pseudo game. The symbol 21a ("red 7" or "yellow 7" or "blue 7") is notified by the notification means such as the small role symbol display unit 2a and the speaker 9, respectively.
As a result, the player, according to the notification, aims to win the symbol and “wins”, so that the small roles A to C can be won, and the medals increase accordingly.
In other words, this replay time is a game state advantageous to the player (assist・ Replay time.

Next, in the medal payout process (S10) when it is determined as “winning”, as shown in FIG. 9, control is performed to pay out medals with the number of payouts according to the type of small role.
Specifically, in the medal payout process, the medal payout motor provided in the hopper 31 is driven and controlled by controlling the hopper drive circuit 32 shown in FIG.
By paying out medals, a payout signal of one pulse is output every time one medal is paid out from a predetermined sensor of the medal detection unit 33.
The main control unit 10 monitors the payout signal and controls the hopper drive circuit 32 until the number of pulses reaches the number of medals for each small combination.
As a result, a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the types of small roles.
Note that, as described above, up to a predetermined number (for example, a maximum of 50) of medals to be paid out is stored in the RAM 11b in the main control unit 10 as the number of stored medals. The corresponding medal is paid out from the game medal payout exit 8.

  As described above, the process from the medal insertion process to the medal payout process performed in the main control unit 10 based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 makes one game in the slot machine game and the slot is obtained by repeating this one game. Machine games are going on.

[Direction control unit]
Next, the effect control unit 40 which is the effect display means of the present invention will be described.
The production control unit 40 includes a sub-control unit 41 that is formed of a microcomputer on which storage means such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM are mounted, similarly to the main control unit 10, generally called a sub-board (sub-board). The sub-control unit 41 controls the sound circuit 42, the display unit drive circuit 43, and the variable display drive circuit 44 according to the control command transmitted from the main control unit 10, so that the speaker 9, the display units 2a to 2e, and the variable are controlled. The display unit 45 is driven to perform a predetermined effect.

Specifically, in the production control unit 40, based on the following control command transmitted from the main control unit 10, the progress status of the game managed by the main control unit 10, the game state, and the winning content in the internal lottery are identified, It is possible to produce effects that match these.
For example, the control command transmitted from the main control unit 10 includes a medal bet command transmitted based on a medal bet operation, a start command transmitted based on an operation of the start lever 4, and each stop button 5. A stop command transmitted based on the operation, a winning command transmitted based on the winning content of the internal lottery, a game mode command transmitted based on the transition of the gaming state, and timings for starting and stopping the rotation of the reel 21 There are a reel rotation start / stop command transmitted to, a payout start / end command transmitted at the timing of medal payout start and end, and the like.

There is also a wait time end command that is transmitted at the end of the wait time. The wait time is a timer that sets a timer every time the reel 21 starts rotating in the main control unit 10 and starts measuring time, and ends measuring after a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds). At this time, the start of rotation of the reel 21 in the next slot machine game is prohibited.
In this way, the effect control unit 40 receives and decodes the control command from the main control unit 10, thereby performing an effect synchronized with the slot machine game managed by the main control unit 10.

  Then, in the effect control unit 40, a variable having the same configuration as that of the drum unit 20 based on the score bet signal input by operating the score bet button 7 b and the control command transmitted from the main control unit 10. The display unit 45 is controlled to advance the pseudo game.

Specifically, the sub-control unit 41 of the effect control unit 40 adds the score bet on the pseudo game corresponding to the winning command transmitted from the main control unit 10 based on the winning content of the internal drawing to the RAM and stores it. At the same time, the scoring bet signal from the scoring bet button 7b is monitored, a pseudo game is enabled according to the scoring bet signal, and each reel 451 of the variable display section 45 is rotated at the timing when the start command is received. As with the internal lottery performed by the main control unit 10, the internal lottery is performed based on a predetermined lottery probability, the content of the win is determined, and the combination of stop symbols corresponding to the content of the win is received at the timing when the stop command is received. Each reel 451 is controlled to stop so as to be stopped.
Further, as in the case of the main control unit 10, the combination of the stopped symbols that are stopped and displayed is determined. At this time, according to the combination of symbols, a score or privilege is acquired, the acquired score is added to the RAM, credited (stored) so as to become a master of the pseudo game, and the acquired privilege is replayed at the replay time. When the small combination A to C is won, it is added to the RAM and credited (stored) as the number of notifications for notifying the symbols corresponding thereto.

  Here, in FIG. 13, each winning combination of the internal drawing performed by the sub-control unit 41, the combination of symbols shown on each reel 451 that is stopped and displayed corresponding to each winning combination, and the acquired privilege And the relationship with the score.

As shown in the figure, in the pseudo game hit of this embodiment, only a score is given as “per notification” in which the number of notifications is given, and a score is not given, depending on the combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed. It is divided into “per score”.
In “per notification”, there are notifications BB1 to RB3 and notification RB, and the number of notifications (3 to 20 times) is given as a privilege by the stop display of the corresponding symbol combination.
On the other hand, “per score” includes a score replay and score small roles A to E, and a score (2 to 10 scores) is given by a stop display of a corresponding symbol combination.
In the present embodiment, the combination of symbols corresponding to each and the combination of symbols corresponding to each combination shown in FIG. 9 are the same combination, and a privilege and score to be given, and a game to be given The values are distributed so that they have almost the same value (weight).
Thereby, the player can advance the pseudo game with the same values as the slot machine game, and can avoid confusion caused by reversing the value to be given.

Here, the acquisition process of the score and the frequency | count of alerting | reporting which the sub-control part 41 performs regularly based on the control program memorize | stored in ROM is demonstrated, referring the flowchart shown in FIG.
The sub-control unit 41 monitors a state that needs to be initialized, for example, when the power is turned on or when the slot machine 1 is in a non-operating state for a predetermined time (S11), and determines that such a state is detected (S11). -YES), the RAM area for storing the score is cleared to zero (S12). At this time, the RAM area for storing the number of notifications can be cleared to zero at the same time.
Next, the winning command transmitted from the main control unit 10 based on the winning content of the internal lottery is monitored (S13), and when the received winning command is the winning content (combination) to which a score is given (S13-). (YES), this score is added to the RAM (S14).
In this way, the score that becomes the starting hand for playing the pseudo game is given only after the slot machine game is performed.

Next, the score bet signal from the score bet button 7b is monitored (S15). When there is an input (S15-YES), a predetermined number (for example, 3 scores) is subtracted from the stored score to simulate The game can be started (S16). If the stored score is less than the predetermined number, the pseudo game cannot be played.
When the pseudo game is started, the game result is monitored (S17, S19). When it is determined that the score is per score (S17-YES), the score corresponding to the score is added to the RAM (S18). . On the other hand, when it is determined to be per notification (S19-YES), the number of notifications corresponding to per notification is added to the RAM (S20). In other cases (S17-NO, S19-NO), the result of the pseudo game is lost, and the acquisition process is terminated.
Such a process can be performed not only during a normal game but also during a replay time or a bonus game.

Next, the notification process executed by the sub control unit 41 based on the control program will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The sub-control unit 41 monitors the game mode command transmitted from the main control unit 10 (S21). When the received game mode command is the replay time (S21-YES), the following processing is performed.
First, the reception of the winning command indicating the winning of the small combination A to C transmitted from the main control unit 10 is monitored (S22), and when the winning command of the small combination A to C is received (S22-YES), The remaining number of notifications stored in the RAM is determined (S23). When there is a notification number (remaining number) (S23-YES), the winning of the corresponding small role is notified (S24). At this time, among the symbols constituting the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning small role, the symbol of the reel 21a is displayed as a moving image and a still image on the small role symbol display unit 2a, or the symbol name is displayed from the speaker 9. Output audio.
On the other hand, when there is no notification number (remaining number), notification is not performed (S23-NO).

As described above, the pseudo game according to the present embodiment is not a mere game, but based on the score given in the slot machine game, the game is possible for the first time, and the game result is fed back to the slot machine game. Have a good game cycle.
That is, unless a slot machine game is performed, a score that becomes a master for performing a pseudo game is not given, and when the result of the pseudo game based on this score is “per notification”, The winning combination of the small roles A to C is notified in the replay time for the acquired number of notifications.
As a result, in order to obtain the right (score) to play the pseudo game, the player must first insert a medal into the slot machine 1 and play the slot machine game, thereby improving the sales of the game hall. In addition to contributing, the winning of the small roles A to D is not just a medal acquisition on the spot, but becomes a leading player to play a pseudo game, and as a result, increases the number of notifications in the replay time as a privilege. Therefore, even in a normal game that tends to lose game motivation, it is possible to acquire this notification number as much as possible, and to play a pseudo game actively trying to save, while maintaining the game motivation and expectation, the slot machine You can play games.

Such a pseudo game can be played at any time asynchronously with the progress of the slot machine game, or can be played in synchronization with the progress of the slot machine game.
In the case of playing a pseudo game asynchronously with the progress of the slot machine game, for example, while the reel 21 is rotating, the score bet button 7b is operated and the start lever 4 is operated to start the rotation of the reel 451. After the reel 21 is stopped, the reel 451 can be stopped by operating the stop button 5.
Further, the reel 451 can be stopped by operating the stop button 5 at an arbitrary timing while keeping the reel 451 rotated for a plurality of slot machine games.
On the other hand, when a simulated game is played in synchronization with the progress of the slot machine game, for example, the start lever 4 is operated, the reel 21 starts rotating, and the reel 451 also starts rotating, and the stop button 5 is operated. Thus, the reel 451 can be stopped simultaneously with the stop of the reel 21.

Further, in the case where a pseudo game is played in synchronization with the progress of the slot machine game, it is also possible to limit the time that can be played in order to prioritize the slot machine game.
As a result, when the slot machine game can be advanced, the slot machine game is advanced in order to give priority to the slot machine game, and the game can be performed in a time during which the slot machine game cannot be advanced. Thus, the limited game time can be utilized effectively.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a time during which the game cannot be progressed is identified from the above-described control command, and the pseudo game can be actively made at such time.

The time during which the slot machine game cannot be advanced is, for example, a time during which a medal is paid out due to winning a prize, or a wait time during which the next rotation of the reel 21 is prohibited until a predetermined time elapses after the reel 21 stops rotating. In addition, there is a freeze production time in which the progress of the game is temporarily stopped for production.
In particular, during the payout of medals, the bet operation including the insertion of medals is not accepted, and during the wait time other than during the rotation of the reel 21, the bet operation and the start operation can be accepted. Based on this operation, the next reel 21 rotation is not started.
Therefore, the effect control unit 40 is configured so that a pseudo game can be performed during such a time that the game cannot proceed.

  More specifically, the sub-control unit 41 identifies the payout start / end command when the medal is being paid out of the time during which the game cannot proceed, and identifies the reel rotation start / stop command when the reel 21 is rotating. In addition, during the wait time other than the rotation of the reel 21, it is possible to accept at least each input operation of the scoring bet button 7b and the start lever 4 during such time by identifying from the reel stop command and the wait time end command. (Game operation is possible), and the progress of the pseudo game can be started.

FIG. 16 is a time chart showing the time during which the game can be operated for proceeding with the pseudo game in the present embodiment.
As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, during the rotation of the reel 21, an input operation of the score bet button 7b or the start lever 4 which is a game start means for starting the progress of the pseudo game is not accepted. In other cases, it is acceptable (game operation is possible).
Thus, by disabling the game while the reel 21 is rotating, the slot machine game is given priority, and the game is possible at other times.

In particular, when the reel 21 is not rotating, and during the payout of the medals and during the wait time, the slot machine game cannot be progressed and the game cannot be progressed. By performing the above, it is possible to effectively utilize the time during which the game cannot proceed and to eliminate the frustration of the player who has been feeling stressed by having the time during which the game cannot proceed.
In addition, during the payout of medals, the payout time of medals can be set in order to secure a time that allows at least one pseudo game to be performed reliably.

It should be noted that whether or not the input operation is acceptable can be easily identified by the player.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing lighting states of the medal bet button 7a and the score bet button 7b, and FIG. 17A shows a mode in which the medal bet button 7a is lit and the score bet button 7b is turned off. FIG. 17B shows a mode in which the medal bet button 7a is turned off and the score bet button 7b is turned on.

The medal bet button 7a and the score bet button 7b incorporate an LED (not shown) that is driven and controlled by the display unit drive circuit 43. For example, when the input operation of the score bet button 7b cannot be accepted, FIG. When the score bet button 7b is turned off as shown in a) and the input operation of the score bet button 7b is acceptable, the score bet button 7b can be turned on as shown in FIG.
Further, by providing the medal bet button 7a and the score bet button 7b separately as described above, medals are not erroneously inserted (betted), and extra medals can be avoided.

In addition, the production control unit 40 limits the number of trials of the pseudo game that can be performed when the reel 21 is not rotating.
Specifically, the sub-control unit 41 determines whether or not the next scoring bet button 7b or the start lever even if one pseudo game is finished and the time for which the game can be operated still remains except when the reel 21 is rotating. By disabling the input operation 4, the pseudo game is prohibited from being performed once or more during this period, and the pseudo game can be tried only once.
Accordingly, the player can alternately perform the slot machine game and the pseudo game one time at a time, and can efficiently digest the game time without disturbing the progress of the slot machine game.

  In particular, in the pseudo game, the symbols shown on each reel 451 of the variable display unit 45 are the same as the symbols shown on each reel 21, and the arrangement thereof is also the same. Since it also serves as a means, players cannot distinguish whether they are playing a pseudo game or a slot machine game, and in a normal slot machine where the number of games per unit time is defined You can enjoy a speedy game that you can't taste. Also, from this, although the amount of medals invested in slot machine games is the same as that of conventional slot machines, it is possible to make an illusion that many slot machine games are performed with little investment, and the player can You can make it feel good.

Further, in addition to the restrictions on the game operation possible time and the number of trials related to such a pseudo game, it is possible to make the pseudo game possible when a specific condition is established independently.
For example, a pseudo game may be possible after a slot machine game is performed at least once and until a predetermined time elapses after the reel 21 stops.
As a result, it is possible to eliminate the act of playing a pseudo game without inserting medals into the slot machine 1, which can contribute to an increase in sales at the game hall.

Further, in the slot machine game, a pseudo game can be made possible only when the symbols shown on the reels 21 are stopped and displayed with a specific symbol combination.
For example, in the case of a combination of symbols that does not correspond to any of the symbol combinations shown in FIG. 9, and in the case of a particular symbol combination, a score that can be simulated is given, so that a simulated game can be performed. Also good.

In addition, when the sub control unit 41 receives a reel rotation start command from the main control unit 10 while each reel 451 of the variable display unit 45 is rotating in the pseudo game, the sub control unit 41 forcibly turns each reel 451 off. It can also be stopped.
In the pseudo game of this embodiment, when the score bet button 7b is operated and the start lever 4 is further operated during the time when the game can be operated, each reel 451 of the variable display section 45 starts rotating, When the stop button 5 corresponding to the reel 451 is operated, each reel 451 stops rotating. That is, each reel 451 continues to rotate until the stop button 5 is operated.
However, when each reel 21 starts to rotate, the player's attention is put on the slot machine game. In particular, after this, a jackpot announcement effect based on the winning content of the internal lottery is also performed, and the player's interest is suitable for slot machine games.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a reel rotation start command is received from the main control unit 10 while each reel 451 is rotating, it is assumed that the stop button 5 is operated at this timing, and each reel 451 is operated. Is forcibly stopped.
In this way, by giving a pseudo game while giving priority to the original slot machine game, the time during which the game cannot be progressed can be effectively utilized without hindering the progress of the slot machine game.

  As described above, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment can be played for the first time by giving a score based on the result of the slot machine game, and the game result is notified of the number of small roles won in the replay time. Therefore, not only in a normal game but also in all gaming states, while maintaining the willingness and expectation of the game, it is possible to play the game, and further, the time during which the game cannot be progressed cannot be advanced. Can be actively used.

  The preferred embodiment of the slot machine of the present invention has been described above. However, the slot machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

For example, in the slot machine of the above-described embodiment, the winning of the small role is notified by displaying the corresponding symbol or the symbol name by voice output, but only when the stop button 5 is operated in a specific stop order. In the case of a slot machine having a specification that allows a small role to be awarded, this stop order can be displayed or output as a voice.
Moreover, in this embodiment, although it was set as the specification which alert | reports a winning combination of a small part over a replay time, it can also alert | report alone.
In this embodiment, the variable display unit has a reel structure, but other display devices such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) may be used.
In the present embodiment, the game performed by the effect display means (effect control unit 40) is a pseudo slot machine game, but the type of game is not limited to this.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a slot machine (rotational game machine) in which a game is played using mainly medals (coins) and game balls (pachinko balls) as game media. The present invention can be suitably used for a slot machine having a specification with an assist time for notifying a winning.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Front panel 3 Display window 4 Start lever 5 (5a, 5b, 5c) Stop button 6 Medal insertion slot 7 Bet button 8 Game medal payout exit 9 Speaker 10 Main control part 20 Drum unit 21 (21a, 21b, 21c) Reel 30 Medal payout device 40 Production control unit 45 Variable display unit

Claims (10)

A reel in which several kinds of symbols are continuously arranged on the circumferential surface thereof, and the reel starts rotating by a start operation, and the reel is stopped by a stop operation, and is determined based on a combination of the symbols displayed to be stopped. In a slot machine comprising: a control means for giving a game value of the game; an effect display means for performing a predetermined effect display; and an informing means for notifying an internal winning of a predetermined small role,
The effect display means has game means for betting a score given in correspondence with the game value and playing a predetermined game,
The game means acquires a privilege according to the game result,
The notifying means notifies an internal winning of a small role according to the privilege.   The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the game means acquires the score according to a game result. The game means includes an operation means for starting a game based on an input operation, and an operation means for ending the game,
3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein each of the operation means is used as a start lever for performing the start operation and a stop button for performing the stop operation.   The slot according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation means for betting a score on a game is provided separately from a bet button for betting a game medium on a slot machine game based on a stored credit number. Machine. The game is a pseudo slot machine game imitating a slot machine game,
The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the effect display means variably displays the same symbol as the symbol represented on the reel in the same arrangement.   6. The slot machine according to claim 5, wherein the notification means performs notification for a predetermined number of times when the pseudo slot machine game is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol combination.   The slot machine as described in any one of Claims 1-6 provided with the game restriction | limiting means which restrict | limits the game possible time and / or the number of games which can be tried.   The slot machine according to claim 7, wherein the game restriction means disables the game from the start to the stop of the reel rotation.   9. The slot machine according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the game limiting means is allowed to try only one game after the reels are stopped.   The slot machine according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the game restriction means enables a game during a wait time during which rotation of the reel is prohibited and / or during a game medium payout.

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