JP5995020B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a player can select a plurality of performance modes having different degrees of involvement in the payout rate.

  Conventionally, in this type of gaming machine, for example, a slot machine, a symbol that constitutes a predetermined combination that is won internally can be won in a predetermined manner on the active line by operating a stop switch, Game media is paid out. In addition, the stop switch operation order is set for the winning combination, and if you operate in the correct push order, you can win, but there are some that are designed so that you can not win if you do not operate in the correct push order . Then, during a predetermined game period, an effect is provided to notify the correct pressing order of the winning combination, and the player performs a stop operation in accordance with the notification so that the profit that can be obtained by winning is increased. A gaming machine equipped with an assist time (AT) is known.

  If the notification mode during AT or the duration of AT changes, the amount of game media that can be acquired by the player also changes accordingly. As described above, the presence / absence of the performance and the performance mode (effect mode) may affect the amount of game medium payout per unit time (the payout rate). Furthermore, the player can arbitrarily select a plurality of performance modes having different degrees of participation in the payout rate (for example, the number of continuations), for example, by operating a predetermined operation switch.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine as described above, due to legal regulations, the performance of the gaming machine is tested by a predetermined testing device in a type test conducted by a predetermined testing institution, and if it does not conform, it cannot be put on the market. ing. In such a test, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a gaming machine is automatically operated based on a test signal from a test apparatus. Patent Document 2 discloses an internal winning signal indicating the number to be paid out when it is considered that a winning combination with the largest number of payouts has occurred when the winnings having different payout numbers are simultaneously won in the winning lottery. Is output to prevent the medal payout rate from being underestimated in the type test.

Japanese Patent No. 4152926 JP-A-2005-131325 ([0083])

  Here, as described above, when the player is made to select a plurality of modes of production with different degrees of participation in the payout rate (so-called expected value), the production is determined from the testing device during the test. A test signal corresponding to the operation signal for the output is output, and an effect is determined based on the signal. However, since the test device cannot select the production mode, the production mode with the high expectation value may be selected at the timing of the test signal output at that time, or the production mode with the low expectation value may be selected. May be selected. If it does so, there exists a possibility that the problem that evaluation of the yield rate in a test and the actual yield rate in a market may not correspond.

  Accordingly, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a gaming machine capable of always playing a game in an optimum mode in a performance test of the gaming machine when the player can select a gaming mode related to the game. The purpose is to provide.

The features of the present invention will be described below using the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In addition, the code | symbol in parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.

(Claim 1)
The invention described in claim 1 is a gaming machine which starts a game by inserting a game medium, and a plurality of rotating reels (40) displaying a plurality of symbols, and for starting the rotation of the rotating reel (40). A start switch (30), a stop switch (50) for stopping the rotation of the rotating reel (40), and a lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is composed of a combination of a plurality of symbols, And a control device (20) for controlling the operation of the gaming machine, and if the symbols constituting the winning combination of the plurality of rotating reels (40) can be stopped in a predetermined arrangement, a prize is awarded and the number corresponding to the prize is awarded. The control device (20) is provided with a plurality of gaming state modes in which the game medium is paid out and an effect related to the payout rate can be executed, and the degree related to the payout rate of the executed effect is different. Input / output to / from a specified test device (200) connected to The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of automatically playing a game based on a test signal, regardless of actual game medium input and operation of the start switch (30) and the stop switch (50).

  The gaming machine according to the present invention can be a slot machine or a parrot gaming machine, and includes a payout device (hopper unit 65) and other components for paying out game media at the time of winning in addition to the above configuration. May be. The “game medium” includes medals, game balls (pachinko balls), coins and the like used for games.

  Here, “injecting game media” includes not only actual insertion of game media (medals etc.) from the game media slot (medal slot 14), but also games stored in advance in the gaming machine as credits. It also includes changing the medium into loading by operating the bet switch (16).

  In addition, here, the “production related to the winning rate” includes an effect that informs the information related to the winning combination (the winning symbol and the correct pressing order of the stop switch (50)). “Different” includes a case where the difference in the appearance rate (notification mode) or the duration of the effect (such as the number of games) varies depending on the level of the payout rate. In the “gaming state mode”, a gaming state mode (AT mode) in which an assist time for notifying information related to the winning combination is executed, and effects other than AT accompanied by AT (for example, the progress of the game is temporarily stopped). A game state mode (freeze mode) in which a “freeze effect” is executed is included.

  The test device (200) is a device having a connection control board (interface board) capable of outputting a predetermined test signal to the control device (20) of the gaming machine, and performing a type test of the gaming machine. In addition to the apparatus of the predetermined test engine to be performed, a commercially available apparatus for testing the performance of the gaming machine is also included.

Further, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the control device (20), based on a predetermined mode determination operation, mode determining means for determining a gaming state mode to be applied from the plurality of gaming state modes ( 121), and when the mode determination operation is performed, the mode determination means (121) determines application of the gaming state mode that is applicable when the operation is performed. is there. Then, the control device (20) sets the test device (200) to the game suspended state from the start of the predetermined mode selection until the application of the gaming state mode having the highest degree of involvement in the payout rate is determined. It is characterized by continuing to output a game interruption request signal for playing.

  Here, the “mode determination operation” is a predetermined operation performed by the player, and includes, for example, operating a predetermined operation switch and actually inserting a game medium. The operation switch for confirming the mode may be an operation switch directly related to the progress of the game, such as the start switch (30), stop switch (50), or bet switch (16). May be a dedicated switch (production selection switch).

(Function)
In the present invention, the player can determine the application of the game state mode that can be applied when the operation is performed by performing a predetermined mode determination operation.

On the other hand, when testing a gaming machine, a game is played by exchanging signals between the control device (20) and the testing device (200). Then, from the start of the predetermined mode selection until the application of the gaming state mode with the highest degree of involvement in the payout rate is confirmed , the control device (20) gives the test device (200) the test device (200). 200) continues to output a game interruption request signal for setting the game interruption state.

  According to the present invention, when a game is automatically played using the test apparatus, it is possible to always play a game in an appropriate game state mode.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, when the player can select a game mode related to the game, it is possible to always play the game in the optimum mode in the performance test of the gaming machine. A gaming machine can be provided.

FIG. 4 is an external front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an input, output and control device of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the slot machine in the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an AT mode determination process in the operation of the slot machine. It is a figure which shows the display screen of the liquid crystal display device in a mode selection period. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing signal input / output between a control device of the slot machine and a test device. It is a time chart which shows the signal output of the production | presentation selection period at the time of test apparatus connection. It is a flowchart which shows a request signal output process.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine.
(Slot machine 10)
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 includes a square box-shaped casing 11. A front panel 12 facing the player side is formed on the casing 11, and a symbol display window 13 through which the symbols of the three rotary reels 40 can be seen is formed on the front panel 12. ing. A medal slot 14 is provided at a substantially central end of the slot machine 10.
Inside the slot machine 10, a reel unit 60 including the rotary reel 40, a hopper unit 65, and a control device 20 for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 10 are incorporated.

(Control device 20)
Although not shown, the control device 20 is a device in which a control board on which electronic components are mounted is housed in a board case. As shown in FIG. 2, the control board includes a main control board and a sub control board, and each board includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like, although not particularly shown. Then, the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM, so that the main control board constitutes the game control device 21, and the sub control board constitutes the effect control device 22.
(Game control device 21)
The game control device 21 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 by operating the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the medal sensor 15, the bet switch 16, the start switch 30, the stop switch 50, and the settlement switch 17 are connected to the input side of the game control device 21.

Although not specifically shown, the medal sensor 15 is a detection sensor built under the medal slot 14, and is used to detect the inserted game medal. As shown in FIG. 1, the bet switch 16 is a button switch positioned below the symbol display window 13 and is used to replace credits with coins.
Here, the credit means that a medal for use in the next game or later is stored in advance in the gaming machine. Or up to 50 game medals to be paid out by winning a prize can be stored inside the gaming machine.

Further, although not shown in the drawing, a contact sensor that is energized by contact or a light-blocking sensor that detects movement caused by pressing the button is provided on the inside of the housing of the bet switch 16, and the pressing of the button is detected. The detection signal of the medal sensor 15 and the operation signal of the bet switch 16 are output to the control device 20 as insertion signals.
As shown in FIG. 1, the start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the symbol display window 13 on condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is pressed, or at the time of re-playing a predetermined game from the previous game. This is for starting the driving of the reel unit 60 on the condition of the passage of time. In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a contact sensor that is energized by contact or a light-blocking sensor that detects a swing caused by pressing the lever is provided on the inside of the housing of the start switch 30 to detect the lever pressing. The detection signal is output to the control device 20 as a start signal.

The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the stop switch 50 includes three stop buttons corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is arranged below each rotary reel 40. Although not shown in the drawings, a contact sensor that is energized by contact or a light-blocking sensor that detects movement caused by pressing the button is provided inside the housing of each stop button. The detection signal is output to the control device 20 as a stop signal.
Then, the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set so that the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops rotating.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reel unit 60 and the hopper unit 65 are connected to the output side of the game control device 21.
The reel unit 60 includes three stepping motors fixed to or supported by a frame, and three rotary reels 40 (see FIG. 1) fixed to the output shafts of the respective stepping motors. Yes. Each rotary reel 40 includes a rotary drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape attached around the rotary drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape.
When the slot machine 10 is viewed from the front, three symbols of each rotary reel 40 can be visually recognized from the symbol display window 13. Although not particularly shown, each rotary reel 40 is provided with a start index as a detection unit that is detected by an index sensor (not shown) provided on the reel unit 60. The start index can be, for example, a protrusion provided on the inside of the rotating drum or on the spoke connecting the rotating drum and the stepping motor.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hopper unit 65 is a payout device provided inside the housing 11, and is for paying out medals to the player based on the result of the game.
As shown in FIG. 1, the checkout switch 17 is a button switch located obliquely below the symbol display window 13, and is used for paying out credits.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game control device 21 functions as a lottery drawing means 70, a reel control means 80, a hopper control means 90, a game state control means 100, and a game result determination means 110.
(Role lottery means 70)
The combination lottery means 70 determines whether or not a predetermined “combination” composed of a combination of symbols displayed on the plurality of rotating reels 40 has been won. Specifically, the count value of the loop counter as the random number generation means is read and stored at the timing of receiving the operation signal of the start switch 30, and is used in any role by collating with the lottery table stored in the ROM. Determine whether you have won or did not win any of the roles.

  Here, in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined number of game medals can be obtained by stopping a predetermined symbol (for example, a watermelon symbol, a bell symbol, a cherry symbol, etc.) on the active line as the combination. A small role to be paid out (for example, a watermelon role, a bell role, a cherry role, etc.) and a predetermined symbol (for example, a replay symbol) are aligned on the active line and stopped again without inserting a new game medal in the next game. And a bonus combination that shifts to a bonus game when predetermined symbols (for example, 7 symbols, Bar symbols, etc.) are aligned on the active line and stopped. As the bonus combination, an RB game combination that shifts to a regular bonus game (RB game) and a BB game combination that shifts to a big bonus game (BB game) are provided. The RB game is a game period that is set to increase the winning probability of a small role, and ends when a predetermined number of games are consumed or a predetermined number of wins are won. The BB game is a game period that is set so that the RB game is continuously performed, and ends when the number of paid-out medals exceeds a predetermined number.

The active line is a line that defines an arrangement of symbol combinations that are effective for winning, replaying, or bonus operations.For example, although not shown, a symbol positioned in the upper stage of the symbol display window 13 The upper line connecting the horizontal line, the middle line connecting the symbols located in the center of the symbol display window 13 in the horizontal line, the lower line connecting the symbols positioned in the lower line of the symbol display window 13 in the horizontal line, the upper line of the symbol display window 13, An oblique line that diagonally connects the symbols located in the middle and lower stages can be provided, and the number and types of effective lines can be changed according to the number of inserted game medals and the game state.
The lottery table is defined as a winning area corresponding to the role of a predetermined numerical area with the count value of the loop counter as the entire area. A plurality of lottery tables provided according to the above are provided. When performing the above-described winning determination, the winning lottery table corresponding to the set value and the gaming state of the slot machine 10 is referred to. Specifically, the lottery table includes a base game lottery table referred to in a normal game win determination, a bonus lottery table referred to in a bonus game win determination, and a game in which a bonus combination is carried over ( There is a bonus internal / medium lottery table which is referred to in the determination of winning of (internal game), and these are provided for each setting. When the setting is changed, the lottery table is changed, and the winning probability is changed. As a result, the number of medals paid out by winning is changed. In general, the higher the setting, the more balls are played.

In the base game lottery table, winning areas for bonus combination, small combination, and re-playing combination are set within a predetermined range (with a predetermined probability). In the present embodiment, the winning area for the bonus combination and the small combination is equivalent to the lottery table for the normal game, but the winning area for the re-gamer is larger (the winning probability is higher) than the lottery table for the normal game. A lottery table set in is provided. A game period in which a role lottery is performed using this lottery table is referred to as a replay time (hereinafter referred to as RT).
Here, RT is a collective term of game periods that are set such that the winning probability of the re-gamer is different from the normal game state and that is started when the predetermined start trigger is met and ended when the predetermined end trigger is met. As in this embodiment, when the transition is made to RT where the winning probability of the re-gamer is set high, the number of replays that can be played without a bet increases, and the win probability of the small role does not change. Since there is less loss of medals, it becomes a kind of advantageous state. In the present embodiment, the transition opportunity to RT can be any of a case where a bonus combination is won, a case where a bonus game is completed, or a case where a combination of specific symbols is displayed during a normal game. Also, the RT end timing is either when the bonus combination is won, when the bonus combination is displayed, when a combination of specific symbols is displayed during a normal game, or when a predetermined number of games have ended Can do.

A plurality of RT lottery tables having different winning probabilities for re-gamers may be provided so that a plurality of types of RTs can be executed.
Further, when it is determined that any of the winning combinations has been won, that is, when the read count value is included in the winning area of a predetermined winning combination in the lottery table, the corresponding lottery means 70 corresponds to the winning combination. The winning flag is established. As the winning flag, a small winning flag that is established when the determination result is a small winning combination, a bonus winning flag (BB flag, RB flag) that is established when the determining result is a bonus winning, and the determination result is There is a re-game winning flag that is established when the re-game winning combination is won. The small role winning flag and the re-game winning flag are valid only in the game in which the winning flag is established, and are erased (reset) when the game ends. In other words, the small combination and the re-playing combination cannot carry over the winning right after the next game. On the other hand, the bonus winning flag is carried over after the next game until the symbols constituting the bonus combination are displayed on the active line.

(Reel control means 80)
The reel control means 80 controls the rotation of the rotating reel 40 based on an effective operation signal (start signal) of the start switch 30, and rotates based on the result of the role lottery and the operation signal (stop signal) of the stop switch 50. This is for controlling the rotation stop of the reel 40. The reel control means 80 includes a rotation start control means and a rotation stop control means (not shown).
The rotation start control means is for performing control related to the start of rotation of the rotary reel 40. Specifically, if a start signal is input while a bet is placed, a certain time (4.1 seconds, so-called wait time) has elapsed since the start of rotation of the rotary reel 40 in the previous game. As a condition, a rotation start signal is output to the stepping motor of the reel unit 60 to start driving the stepping motor, thereby starting rotation of all the rotating reels 40 all at once or in a predetermined order. When the rotational speeds of all the rotary reels 40 reach a predetermined speed, constant speed rotation is performed at the predetermined speed.

  The rotation stop control means is for controlling the rotation stop of the rotary reel 40 when the stop switch 50 is operated. Specifically, when all the rotating reels 40 are rotating at a constant speed and a stop signal from any one of the stop switches 50 is input, the stepping motor of the rotating reel 40 corresponding to the stop switch 50 is used. The rotation of the rotary reel 40 corresponding to the stop switch 50 is stopped by outputting a drive stop signal and stopping the driving of the stepping motor. At this time, based on the lottery result of the winning lottery means 70, it is determined at which position within the range of the predetermined number of frames the corresponding rotating reel 40 is to be stopped.

  Specifically, the rotation stop control means grasps the current rotation angle of the rotary reel 40 based on the detection signal that the index sensor provided in the reel unit 60 detects the start index of the rotary reel 40, and the stop switch 50 A symbol located on a predetermined effective line can be specified from the rotation angle of the rotary reel 40 at the time of operation. Then, with the specified symbol as a reference, the corresponding rotating reel 40 is stopped within a range from the symbol to a symbol when a predetermined number (maximum number of sliding frames, for example, five frames) is moved in the rotation direction. Is formed. In other words, the rotation stop control means determines the amount of rotation that the rotating reel 40 rotates from the time when the stop switch 50 is operated until the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops (5 frames). The stop of the driving of the stepping motor is controlled so as to be within the range.

When the winning flag relating to the predetermined combination is established, that is, when the result of the combination lottery is winning the predetermined combination, the combination of winning symbols is stopped on the active line, and The stop position of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is determined within the predetermined number of frames so that the symbols other than the winning symbol do not stop on the active line. When the winning flag is not established, that is, when the winning lottery result is lost, the rotary reel 40 is stopped so that the combination of symbols constituting any of the winning combinations does not stop on the active line.
The stop control described above may use a stop table in which a symbol stop position is determined in advance according to the operation timing of the stop switch 50, or may a predetermined symbol be stopped at a predetermined position. It may be a judgment.

(Hopper control means 90)
The hopper control means 90 operates the hopper unit 65 and pays out medals based on the determination result of the game result determination means 110 described later and the operation of the settlement switch 17. That is, when the game result determination means 110 determines the winning of the payout small role, the medal corresponding to the small role winning is paid out, and when the checkout switch 17 is operated when there are 1 or more credits, As a result, the medal that is stored as is to be paid out.
(Game state control means 100)
The gaming state control means 100 is for controlling the bonus game, the game inside the bonus, and the RT game. Specifically, when a bonus combination is won, the bonus lottery table is used to control the combination lottery, and when the bonus combination is displayed, the bonus lottery table is used. Control so that a lottery is performed. Further, during the bonus game, the number of payout medals, the number of games, and the number of wins are counted, and control is performed to return to the normal game when a predetermined count value is reached.

Further, when a predetermined RT transition opportunity is met, control is performed so that a role lottery is performed using the RT lottery table, and when a predetermined RT end timing is met, the game is returned to the normal game. Control.
(Game result judging means 110)
The game result determination unit 110 determines a result of the game and makes a process based on the determination result when all the rotating reels 40 are stopped by the operation of the stop switch 50.
Specifically, the game result determination means 110 determines the profit granting according to the combination when the symbols constituting the predetermined combination are displayed on the active line. That is, when a small combination symbol is displayed on the active line, a predetermined number of medal payouts are determined according to the combination, and when a replay symbol is displayed on the effective line, automatic bet processing is determined. If the bonus role symbol is displayed on the active line, the game state transition decision is made. Further, by performing a predetermined signal output to the effect control device 22, the effect display unit 66 can perform a predetermined effect upon winning or shifting to a bonus game.

(Production control device 22)
The effect control device 22 is for controlling the effect display unit 66 such as the lamp 68 and the speaker 69 based on the output signal from the game control device 21 and the operation signal of the operation means such as the start switch 30.
As shown in FIG. 2, an effect display unit 66 is connected to the output side of the effect control device 22.
The effect display unit 66 displays various effects. Specifically, the effect display unit 66 includes an image display device 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69. As shown in FIG. 1, the image display device 67 is a window provided above the rotary reel 40, and is used for performing a predetermined image display effect using a liquid crystal display device, a CRT, or the like. . Note that the image display device 67 is not limited to the above-described one, and for example, a rotary reel dedicated to the production may be provided, and the production may be displayed by the design or characters of the reel. The lamp 68 and the speaker 69 are used for notifying a winning or the like by lighting or blinking of the light emitter and generating a winning sound.

The effect control device 22 functions as AT control means 120 and game control signal output means 130 as shown in FIG. Although the game control signal output means 130 is provided as a control program for the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, it is a program that operates only during a type test of the slot machine 10, and When the machine 10 is activated, it does nothing. Therefore, the detailed description of the game control signal output means 130 will be made in the description of the operation during the type test.
(AT control means 120)
The AT control means 120 is means for controlling the assist time (AT). Here, the AT is a gaming state in which information on the result of the winning lottery is notified to the player and the possibility of the medal acquisition by the player is increased, and the operation order of the stop switch 50 is notified. Although there is a thing and a thing which alert | reports an index symbol, in this Embodiment, any may be sufficient. Here, in the present embodiment, a plurality of AT modes for executing a plurality of types of ATs having different degrees of involvement in the payout rate are provided.

The AT control means 120 includes a mode determination means 121 and an AT execution means 122 as shown in FIG.
(Mode determining means 121)
The mode determining means 121 is for determining an AT mode to be applied from among a plurality of AT modes.
Specifically, the mode determining means 121 sequentially changes the applicability state of the plurality of AT modes every predetermined time during a predetermined mode selection period, and inputs a medal or an insertion signal based on the operation of the bet switch 16 Is input, the AT mode that is applicable when the signal is input is determined as the AT mode to be applied. That is, in the present embodiment, the medal insertion or the operation of the bet switch 16 is positioned as a mode determination operation for determining the effect mode.

Here, the mode selection period is a period from a predetermined start opportunity determined in advance until the application mode is determined. The start trigger of the mode selection period can be set, for example, at the start of BB (next game after the game on which the BB symbol is displayed), or the nth game (n is 2 or more) after BB transition. Or it can be set as the time determined by the lottery performed at the predetermined opportunity (for example, at the time of AT transfer determination) in a game.
Further, each AT mode is set so that the number of executions of the AT game is different. For example, the mode 1 is set so that the AT may be stopped when the AT is stopped after the AT is started at a predetermined opportunity (winning or winning a specific role, at the end of one set, etc.). In mode 2, the AT is set unconditionally for a predetermined number of games (for example, 500 games). The mode 3 is set so that there is a case where the AT is continued after the AT is started and a lottery or continuous lottery is performed at a predetermined opportunity. Note that “one set” is a unit of a period in which a plurality of preset AT games are performed, and “additional lottery” is a lottery to determine whether or not to add the number of sets to be executed. . The mode of navigation executed in each AT mode is the same, but mode 2 in which the longest duration is surely guaranteed is set to have the highest degree of participation (expected value) in the payout rate. Yes.

Note that the difference in mode may be a difference in the number of navigations and the navigation mode.
The mode determining means 121 sequentially switches the applicable states (selectable states) of modes 1 to 3 every 1.5 seconds, for example, during the mode selection period. At this time, a predetermined mode selection display is displayed on the image display device 67 to inform the player of the currently applicable mode (see FIG. 5). While viewing the display, the player can confirm the mode by inserting a medal or operating the bet switch 16 when the desired mode can be selected. Note that since the mode is determined by receiving an insertion signal based on the mode determination operation, the mode cannot be determined even if the bet switch 16 is operated when the credit is 0.

(AT execution means 122)
The AT execution means 122 is for executing AT.
Specifically, the AT execution means 122 determines whether or not to shift to the AT at a predetermined time during the game, for example, when a lottery, winning a specific role, winning or displaying a specific symbol is determined. The AT game is started when the AT start condition (for example, BB game end, etc.) is met, and a predetermined AT end condition (for example, a predetermined number of games, notifications, winnings, or winning a specific winning combination) Or the winning game), the AT game is terminated.

Note that an AT game may be played during RT. In the so-called ART (assist replay time) in which an AT game is played during an RT in which the winning probability of the re-gamer is set higher than usual, not only the decrease in the number of medals on hand but also the stop operation according to the notification As a result, the medal acquisition by the small role winning is surely increased, so that the gaming state becomes more advantageous than the case where only AT is performed.
Here, when the AT execution means 122 performs a so-called push order AT for notifying the operation order of the stop switch 50, the reel control means 80 determines that the stop switch 50 when the specific combination is won as the stop data. Is provided with stop data for drawing the symbols constituting the specific combination into the active line and stopping them when operated in a specific operation order. Then, the AT control means 120 is provided with display data corresponding to the type of operation order, and when a signal in which a winning combination with a specific operation order is selected is input from the game control device 21, the operation order is determined. Display data is selected and displayed on the image display device 67, for example. For example, the operation order of each of the three stop switches 50 is displayed with numbers 1, 2, and 3, and the stop button to be stopped first is displayed with characters such as left, middle, and right. A thing, a forward press, a reverse press, etc. may be displayed by a character or an arrow. Further, the notification of the operation order is not limited to that using the image display device 67. For example, a light emitter may be provided inside the stop button of each stop switch 50, and the stop switch 50 to be operated may be notified by changing the emission color of the stop button from, for example, red to blue.

  If the stop switch 50 is operated in a specific operation order according to the notification, an advantageous result is obtained for the player. For example, when a small role that depends on the operation order whether or not to win a prize is elected, the operation order in which the small role wins is notified, and when the player operates the stop switch 50 according to the operation order, The small role can be won (depending on the design of the rotating reel 40), and when a small role with a different number of payouts is selected at the same time, the operation order in which the small role set with a large number of payouts wins is selected. When the player operates the stop switch 50 in accordance with the operation order, the small combination with a large number of payouts can be won. Or, when a small winning combination and a small winning single winning combination are simultaneously elected, the operation order in which the overlapping winning small combination wins is notified, and the player operates the stop switch 50 according to the operating order. It is possible to earn many medals by winning multiple prizes. Even when the notification is not performed, if the player operates the stop switch 50 in the operation order that brings about the advantageous result as described above, the advantageous result may be obtained. However, notification is performed, and by following the notification, an advantageous result can be surely obtained.

On the other hand, when the AT execution means 122 performs AT for notifying the indicator symbol, for example, “white 7 bell bell” “red 7 bell bell” “blue 7 bell bell” A small combination consisting of symbol combinations is provided, and “white 7”, “red 7”, and “blue 7” are arranged at positions that cannot be aimed at the left reel 41 at the same time. Then, the AT execution means 122 selects “white 7” “red 7” according to the selected small role.
One of “blue 7” is displayed on the image display device 67, for example. By following the notification and operating the stop switch 50 aiming at each symbol, the small combination can be won efficiently.
(Operation of slot machine 10)
Next, an outline of the operation of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described based on the flow of FIG.

First, in step 100 shown in FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not a prescribed number of medals has been bet. Here, the prescribed number of medals is the number of medals that can be used for a single game, and the slot machine 10 can be used for up to three medals. The prescribed number may be changed according to the gaming state. For example, the prescribed number can be set to one during a bonus game. The medal insertion includes a bet switch operation. If the prescribed number of medals is not inserted, the process returns to step 100. If the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the process proceeds to the next step 101.
In step 101, it is determined whether or not the start switch 30 is turned on. If the start switch 30 is not turned ON, the process returns to step 101. If the start switch 30 is turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step 102.

In step 102, a role lottery process by the role lottery means 70 is performed. Depending on the lottery result, the AT control means 120 may perform an AT shift lottery. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 103.
In step 103, the rotating reel 40 starts to rotate. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 104.
In step 104, it is determined whether or not any of the stop switches 50 is turned on. If the stop switch 50 is not turned on, the process returns to step 104. If the stop switch 50 is turned on, the process proceeds to the next step 105.

In step 105, the reel control means 80 performs a rotation stop process for the rotary reel 40. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 106.
In step 106, it is determined whether all the rotating reels 40 have stopped. If all the rotating reels 40 are not stopped, that is, if there are rotating reels 40 that are rotating, the process returns to step 104, and if all the rotating reels 40 are stopped, the process proceeds to the next step 107.
In step 107, a game result determination process is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 108, and processing according to the game result is performed. That is, when a symbol combination constituting a predetermined combination is displayed on the active line, a profit is given according to the combination. Specifically, when a combination of bonus symbols constituting the bonus combination is displayed, the transition to the bonus game (BB game, RB game) is determined, and the combination of replay symbols configuring the replay combination is displayed. In the case where the medal automatic insertion for the next game (the display of the bet display section is automatically displayed up to a specified number) is determined, and when the combination of small role symbols constituting the small role is displayed, The winning medals are paid out according to the role. Then, one game is finished. On the other hand, when the symbol combination stopped on the active line does not constitute any combination, one game is finished as it is.

Next, AT mode determination processing by the mode determination means 121 will be described based on the flow of FIG. In this embodiment, the mode selection period starts when the BB game starts (when the first game starts to move to the BB game). That is, the player can actually select the mode is the second game starting from the BB game.
First, in step 200 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether or not a predetermined mode selection period is met. This determination is made when the start switch 30 is operated. If it does not correspond to the mode selection period, the processing is terminated as it is, and if it falls within the mode selection period, that is, if it is the first game after shifting to the BB game, the process proceeds to the next step 201.

In step 201, mode switching is started. Specifically, the modes applicable to the AT modes 1 to 3 are changed in order of 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3,... Every 1.5 seconds. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 202.
In step 202, it is determined whether one game is over. When one game is over, in the next step 203, mode selection display is started on the image display device 67 in accordance with the mode switching state. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, all types of AT modes are displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the image display device 67 as characters and graphics, and the display colors of the applicable modes are changed, so that the current application is performed. Inform the player of the possible mode. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 204.

In step 204, it is determined whether a bet has been placed, that is, whether a medal has been inserted or whether the bet switch 16 has been turned ON. When a bet is placed, the process proceeds to the next step 205, and the mode that can be applied at the time of betting, that is, at the time of receiving the insertion signal, is determined as the application mode. For example, if the bet switch 16 is operated when mode 1 is lit on the image display device 67, the application of mode 1 is confirmed. At this time, a predetermined confirmation display may be performed. When the mode is confirmed, the mode selection display ends. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 206.
In step 206, the determined mode is stored. Then, the mode determination process ends.

Thereafter, when a predetermined AT start condition (for example, BB game end) is met, AT is started in the stored mode. The stored mode is reset at the end of AT or rewritten when a new mode is determined.
(Test signal input / output means 150)
The control device 20 is provided with a test signal input / output means 150 for connection to a predetermined test device 200 (see FIG. 2) when examining the performance of the gaming machine, for example, in a type test. The test signal input / output means 150 is a terminal used only when connecting to the test apparatus. As shown in FIG. 6, the game control apparatus 21 (main control board) has a main test output means 151, Main test signal input means 152 is provided in the production control device 22 (sub control board), and sub test output means 153 is provided. The main test output means 151 and the main test signal input means 152 are connected to the test apparatus 200 via the main interface board 210, and the sub test output means 153 is connected to the test apparatus 200 via the sub interface board 220. To be connected. Note that the test apparatus 200 is formed so that a game can be automatically executed by exchanging signals with the control apparatus 20 of the slot machine 10, and includes a main interface board 210 and a sub interface. The substrate 220 is a relay means for connecting the test apparatus 200 and the control apparatus 20.

As shown in FIG. 6, the main test output means 151 is connected to the main interface board 210 with each of an input enable signal, a rotation enable signal, a stop enable signal, a rotation detection signal, a payout request signal, a lottery information signal, and a game state signal. A signal can be output. Each signal is output from the main interface board 210 to the test apparatus 200.
Here, the insertion-possible signal is a signal indicating that a medal can be inserted (bet), and when one game is completed (when the rotation reel 40 is completely stopped or a medal payout is completed by winning). Is output. The rotatable signal is output when the rotary reel 40 can be rotated, in other words, when the start switch 30 is activated (after the bet is received). The stop enable signal is used when the rotary reel 40 can be stopped, in other words, when the stop switch 50 is activated (after the end of the weight, the process proceeds to steady rotation and the symbol can be determined. Output). In addition, as a possible signal, a rotatable signal, and a stoptable signal, a loading request lamp, a start operable lamp, and a stop operable lamp (all not shown) provided at predetermined locations of the slot machine 10, respectively. A lamp signal for lighting can be used.

The rotation detection signal is a start index detection signal and is output while the rotary reel 40 is rotating. The payout request signal is output when payout by winning is determined, and a signal output from the hopper control means 90 to the hopper unit 65 can be used. The lottery information signal is a signal representing the type of winning combination, and is output according to the type of combination when a predetermined combination is won as a result of the combination lottery (when a winning flag is established). The game state signal is output during the period according to the game state related to the control of the game control device 21 such as re-game, bonus inside, bonus game, and RT.
The main test signal input means 152 is formed so that a test input signal, a test start signal, and a test stop signal output from the test apparatus 200 can be input via the main interface board 210. The test input signal is a signal that is output in response to the input of the input enable signal from the control device 20. The test start signal is a signal that is output when a rotatable signal is input from the control device 20. The test stop signal is a signal that is output when a stoppable signal is input from the control device 20.

  Then, in the control device 20, when a test insertion signal is input, the operation is the same as when a medal insertion or insertion signal based on the operation of the bet switch 16 is input, and when a test start signal is input. The operation is the same as when the operation signal for the start switch 30 is input. When the test stop signal is input, the operation is the same as when the operation signal for the stop switch 50 is input. Yes. That is, when a test input signal is input, the start switch 30 is activated to output a start-operation-capable ramp signal (rotatable signal), and when a test start signal is input, the stepping motor of the reel unit 60 is turned on. The rotary reel 40 is rotated by driving. When all of the rotating reels 40 have reached steady rotation and the symbol can be determined, the stop switch 50 is activated and a stop operation enable lamp signal (stop enable signal) is output, and a test stop signal is input. The stop of the rotary reel 40 is controlled based on the stop control data corresponding to the lottery result.

When the predetermined combination is won, the testing apparatus 200 places the winning symbol on the active line based on the rotation detection signal from the control device 20 and the symbol determination table set in advance according to the slot machine 10. The test stop signal can be output at a timing at which it can be stopped. Therefore, in a game in which a predetermined combination is won, the winning symbol can be displayed on the active line.
On the other hand, the sub-test output means 153 is configured to be able to output a press information signal, a game interruption request signal, and an interruption release request signal to the sub interface board 220. Each signal is output from the main interface board 210 to the test apparatus 200.

  The press information signal is output during AT. Specifically, the pressing order of the stop switch 50 is set with respect to the winning state, and in the case of the AT that notifies the correct pressing order, a signal indicating the pressing order of the correct answer is output and the winning order is selected. In the case of an AT that reports an indicator symbol, a signal indicating the winning symbol is output. That is, content equivalent to navigation performed during AT is output to the test apparatus 200 by a predetermined signal. Based on the signal, the test apparatus 200 outputs a test stop switch so that the correct answer is pushed or at the optimal timing for drawing the winning symbol. Thereby, a game result equivalent to the case where the player performs a stop operation in accordance with the notification can be obtained.

  Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of AT modes having different expected values are provided, and the application mode is determined by the player by the throwing-in operation. However, when playing a game using the test apparatus 200, if a control signal is output from the control device 20, a test input signal is output from the test apparatus 200 regardless of the mode applicable state. Each time, the applied AT mode changes. This is not preferable because it is not possible to properly grasp the appearance performance. Therefore, the effect control device 22 is provided with a game control signal output means 130. Based on the ON / OFF state of the signal transmitted by the game control signal output means 130, the sub test output means 153 requests a game interruption. A signal and an interrupt release request signal are output.

(Game control signal output means 130)
The game control signal output means 130 is used when the control device 20 is connected to the test device 200 and the mode determination means 121 starts mode switching (as described above, mode switching is started after the start operation). A predetermined game control signal is transmitted at a predetermined opportunity during the game. Specifically, the game control signal output means 130 transmits a first game control signal and a second game control signal.
As shown in FIG. 7, the first game control signal is a third stop (the rotation stop of the last rotating reel 40 based on the test stop signal) in the game in which mode switching is started (first game of the BB game). It is transmitted at the timing (becomes ON state), and stops after a predetermined time (for example, 1.5 seconds) has elapsed (becomes OFF state). Furthermore, after the third stop described above, when the medal can be inserted (when the insertion request lamp signal is ON), the applicable mode is changed before the mode 2 is switched to the mode 3 (for example, 0.5 seconds before) and is stopped before the applicable mode is switched from mode 3 to mode 1 (for example, 0.5 seconds before).

On the other hand, the second game control signal is a strobe signal that is transmitted for a time shorter than the transmission duration time of the first game control signal and the mode switching time T (1.5 seconds). When the signal is transmitted, it is transmitted immediately after that (before the first game control signal is turned off). In addition, when the medal can be inserted after the third stop, it is transmitted at a timing when the applicable mode is switched from mode 1 to mode 2 and at a timing when the applicable mode is switched from mode 2 to mode 3.
If the second game control signal is turned on when the first game control signal is on, the signal output status is output from the sub test output means 153 as a game interruption request, and the first game control When the second game control signal is turned ON when the signal is OFF, the signal output status is output from the sub test output means 153 as an interruption release request. That is, “the game interruption request signal is output” means that the first game control signal and the second game control signal are output simultaneously, and “the interruption release request signal is output” means that the second game control signal is output. Only game control signals are output. As described above, in this embodiment, the types of signals output from the sub test output means 153 to the sub interface board 220 are only the first game control signal and the second game control signal. Depending on the situation, a game interruption request or a suspension release request is switched.

  Here, the first game control signal is turned ON and the second game control signal is turned ON at the third stop of the first game. The game interruption request signal is sent before the medal can be inserted at the second game. This is a measure for outputting and ensuring that the test apparatus 200 is in a non-operating state. That is, the applicable mode when the input signal is output from the main test output means 151 is unpredictable, but the test input signal is input at the timing when the input becomes possible, and the applicable mode at that time This is to prevent the AT mode from being fixed. Also, the timing to turn on the first game control signal immediately before switching to mode 3 is that the interrupt release request signal is output before the second game control signal is output when switching to mode 3 This is to prepare a possible situation in advance and to ensure that an interruption cancellation request signal is output.

When the first game control signal is ON and the second game control signal is ON, a game interruption request signal is output at the rising timing of the second game control signal, and the first game control signal is OFF and the first game control signal is OFF. When the second game control signal is turned ON, the interruption release request signal may be output at the rising timing of the second game control signal.
(Request signal output processing)
Next, the request signal output process will be described based on the flow of FIG.
First, in step 300 of FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the mode determining means 121 has started mode switching. If mode switching has not been started, the processing is terminated as it is. If mode switching has been started, the process proceeds to the next step 301.

In step 301, it is determined whether the third stop has occurred. When the third stop is made, a game interruption request signal is output in the next step 302. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 303.
In step 303, it is determined whether or not a medal can be inserted (whether the insertion request lamp signal is ON). If it is possible to insert a medal, the process proceeds to the next step 304, and the applicable mode is changed to mode 2. It is determined whether or not. When mode 2 is entered, an interruption cancellation request signal is output in the next step 305. At this time, a timer (not shown) starts time measurement. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 306.

In step 306, it is determined whether or not T seconds (1.5 seconds as the mode switching time) have elapsed since the suspension cancellation request signal was output. If T seconds have not elapsed, it is determined in the next step 307 whether or not the mode is determined by the mode determination means 121. The AT mode is determined when one test input signal is input (see FIG. 7). If the mode is not confirmed, the process returns to step 306, and if the mode is confirmed, the process is terminated.
If T seconds have passed in step 306, the process returns to step 302. That is, when the game interruption state of the test apparatus is canceled by the output of the game interruption request signal, but the test insertion signal is not output, or the test insertion signal is output, the main test signal input means 152 However, if the signal cannot be input, the test apparatus 200 is put into the game interruption state until the mode 2 starts again.

(Summary)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to cause the test apparatus to output a test input signal only in the production mode (AT mode) that is most involved in the payout rate. Therefore, the production mode with a low payout rate is not selected depending on the timing of insertion at the time of the test, and the inconvenience that the test result and the actual operation status in the market do not match can be prevented.
In the present embodiment, in the type test, the production mode having the highest degree of participation in the payout rate is set to be automatically selected. However, the performance test of the gaming machine is performed by a predetermined test organization. In this case, a setting may be made such that an effect mode in which the degree of participation in the payout rate is average or an effect mode in which the degree of participation in the output rate is low is selected.

(Modification 1)
By the way, the effects that the slot machine 10 can execute are not limited to those based on the control of the effect control device 22. For example, it is possible to form a state effect that can be executed by making the progress of the game different from the normal based on the control of the game control device 21. Examples of the state effect include a freeze effect that pauses the progress of the game and a spinning effect that changes the behavior of the rotating reel 40 (during the freeze) from the normal time. When such a state effect is performed, the presence / absence and type (mode) of the execution of the effect are determined by the game control device 21. When the state effect is performed (for example, when the start of the state effect or execution is determined), an AT execution lottery for determining whether to start the AT is performed thereafter, and the state effect mode is set. Accordingly, if the winning probability (AT transition probability) of the AT lottery is set differently, the state effect mode can be related to the payout rate. In this case, if the mode determination of the state effect is formed so that the player can arbitrarily select the same as in the above-described embodiment, it is necessary to consider the mode determination when the test apparatus 200 automatically plays the game. It becomes.

  Therefore, in such a case, information relating to the mode output to the effect control device 22 from the state effect mode selection means provided in the game control device 21 (information for causing the image display device 67 to perform mode selection display) ) Based on this, the game control signal output means 130 provided in the production control device 22 transmits a predetermined game control signal, and the sub-test signal output means 153 requests the test apparatus 200 via the sub-interface board 220 to interrupt the game. A signal and a break release signal can be output. When the mode selection display is performed using a display unit based on the control of the game control device 21, for example, a numerical display unit used as a game number display unit while the game is in progress, the game control device 21 switches the mode. Only the start signal may be output, and the effect control device 22 may be provided with a timer that starts time counting simultaneously with the start of mode switching so that the effect control device 22 can grasp the current mode.

The game control device 21 is provided with a game control signal output means 130 so that a game interruption request signal and an interruption release signal are output from the main test signal output means 151 to the testing apparatus 200 via the main interface board 210. Also good.
(Modification 2)
The above-described embodiment and Modification 1 are examples in which the medal insertion operation is a mode confirmation operation. However, when the mode selection trigger is set to the operation of the start switch 30 or the operation of the stop switch 50, The timing of outputting the game interruption request signal changes.
For example, if the production mode can be selected when the start switch 30 is operated or the stop switch 50 is operated (when the lottery result is lost), or the start switch 30 or any one of the stop switches 50 is operated during the freeze. If the production mode can be selected, the test signal input timing corresponding to the operation signal of each operation switch input from the test apparatus 200 after the mode switching is started matches the mode to be applied. It is necessary to let

For example, if the production mode can be determined by operating the start switch 30, a game interruption request signal is output when the test input signal is input, and the test mode is used until the specific mode becomes applicable. Prohibit start signal output. If the production mode can be determined by operating the first stop switch 50, a game stop request signal is output when the test start signal is input, and the test stop signal is applied until the specific mode is applicable. Prohibit output.
Furthermore, the operation means for selecting the production mode is not limited to switches that are operated for the progress of the game, such as the bet switch 16 and the start switch 30. For example, it is possible to provide an effect selection switch that can determine the application mode by operating during the mode selection period. In such a case, the test device 200 is set to output a test effect selection signal corresponding to the operation signal of the effect selection switch, and a game interruption request signal is output when mode switching starts. The output of the test effect selection signal is prohibited until the specific mode becomes applicable.

(Other)
As a result, the configuration of the signal input / output means is not limited to the above as long as the test confirmation signal can be input only when the specific mode can be applied. For example, while the game interruption request signal is continuously output, the test apparatus 200 may be in a game interruption state. Further, although not corresponding to the claimed invention, the control device 20 may be configured not to accept (invalidate) the test signal from the test device 200 by the game interruption request signal.
The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines other than slot machines. For example, the present invention can be applied to a parrot game machine that uses a game ball (pachinko ball) as a game medium to perform a game similar to a slot machine.

10 slot machine 11 chassis
12 Display window 13 Symbol display window
15 Medal sensor 16 Bet switch
20 Controller 21 Game controller
22 Production control device
30 Start switch 40 turn reel
50 Stop switch 60 Reel unit
65 Hopper unit 66 Production display
70 Winning lottery means 80 Reel control means
120 AT control means 121 Mode decision means
130 Game control signal output means 150 Test signal input / output means
200 Test equipment 210 Main interface board
220 Sub-interface board

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that starts a game by inserting a game medium,
A plurality of rotating reels displaying a plurality of symbols;
A start switch for starting rotation of the rotating reel;
A stop switch for stopping the rotation of the rotating reel;
A control lottery for performing a role lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is made up of a combination of a plurality of symbols, and controlling the operation of the gaming machine;
When the symbols constituting the winning combination of the plurality of rotating reels can be stopped in a predetermined arrangement, a prize is awarded, and the number of game media corresponding to the prize is paid out,
There are a plurality of game state modes that can execute an effect related to the payout rate and have different degrees of involvement in the payout rate of the executed effect,
Based on a test signal input / output to / from a predetermined test device connected to the control device, the game is automatically performed regardless of actual game medium input and operation of the start switch and the stop switch. In a gaming machine capable of
The control device includes mode determining means for determining a gaming state mode to be applied from among the plurality of gaming state modes based on a predetermined mode determination operation,
When the mode determination operation is performed, the mode determination means determines application of the gaming state mode applicable at the time when the operation is performed,
The control device outputs a game interruption request signal for placing the test device in a game interruption state from the start of a predetermined mode selection until the application of the game state mode having the highest degree of involvement in the play rate is determined. A gaming machine characterized by continuous output.

Images