JP2007190124A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine which makes a player continuously play a game by carrying on a performance using information regarding the number of game mediums put out, and which permits an effective utilization of a performance means. <P>SOLUTION: The slot machine controls a special game performance so as to make it to be continuously carried on by the performance means even after a special game condition ends. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that performs an effect for notifying information related to a game by a production means.

In the conventional slot machine, there is an apparatus that displays information on the number of game media as an effect performed by the effect means. This slot machine notifies the player of the fact when the number of all paid out game media matches the predetermined end number (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-334457 A

  However, in the conventional slot machine, only when a certain condition is satisfied, the fact is notified as an effect, so the number of game media is simply displayed, giving the player a sense of expectation. It is not intended to entertain the player by directing, but it does not fully produce the effect of the effect, despite using directing means.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the purpose of the present invention is to perform an effect using information relating to the number of paid-out game media, and to continuously perform the game. The object is to provide a slot machine capable of effectively utilizing the production means.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, even after the special game state is ended, the special game effect is continuously performed by the effect means.

Specifically, the slot machine according to the present invention is:
A slot machine having a rotatable reel with a plurality of symbols, and a unit game in which a single process is performed until processing based on the fact that the reel has stopped,
Game control means for determining one gaming state from a plurality of gaming states that may give different benefits to the player and controlling the progress of the unit game in the one gaming state;
Production means for producing an effect for notifying information related to the unit game;
Production control means for controlling the production performed by the production means based on the gaming state,
The plurality of gaming states include a general gaming state and a special gaming state that can be more advantageous to the player than the general gaming state,
The effects include special game effects performed based on the gaming state being the special gaming state,
When the game control means is controlling to advance the unit game in the special game state, the effect control means is controlled so that the special game effect is performed by the effect means,
After finishing the special gaming state, the effect control means controls the special game effect to be continuously performed by the effect means.

  The slot machine according to the present invention has a reel. This reel can be rotated or stopped based on the player's operation. For example, there is one in which a start signal is issued from the start switch when the player operates the start switch. It is preferable to control the reel to rotate based on the detection of the start signal. The control in this case is performed by the reel rotation control means. In some cases, a stop signal is issued from the stop switch when the player operates the stop switch. It is preferable to control the reel to stop based on the detection of the stop signal. The control in this case is performed by the reel stop control means.

  Each reel has a plurality of symbols. When the reels stop, it is determined whether or not a predetermined winning combination has been won according to the type of symbols that are stopped and displayed. When winning, processing corresponding to the winning combination is performed. Thus, when the reel stops, processing based on the fact that the reel has stopped is performed. In the slot machine, a unit game is performed with a single process from the start of the reel rotation until the end of the process.

  The slot machine according to the present invention includes game control means, effect means, and effect control means.

  The game control means controls the progress of the unit game described above. A unit game is played in a certain game state. The gaming state is composed of a plurality of gaming states in which the benefits given to the player can be different. The game control means determines one game state from the plurality of game states, and controls so that the unit game is advanced in the one game state.

  The plurality of game states include a general game state and a special game state. This special game state is a game state that can be more advantageous to the player than the general game state.

  In the production means, production is performed. The effect is for informing information related to the unit game described above. The production includes special game production. This special game effect is performed based on the gaming state being the special gaming state described above.

  The effect control means controls the effect performed by the effect means described above based on the gaming state. When this game control means is controlling to advance a unit game in a special game state, the above-described effect control means controls the effect means to perform a special game effect. Further, the effect control means controls the special means such that the special game effect is continuously performed in the effect means even after the special game state is ended.

  In this way, even when the special game state is ended and then the unit game is played in another game state, the effect means continues to perform the special game effect as it is. By doing in this way, the player who recognized the special game effect may play a game without knowing that the special game state has ended, and the player's expectation can be maintained. In addition, even when the player knows that the special gaming state has ended, it can have a sense of expectation that it will be advantageous.

The slot machine according to the present invention is
Including a lottery means for performing a lottery process
The role includes a small role for paying out game media,
Preferably, the effect control means controls the special game effect to be performed by the effect means from the end of the special game state to the winning of the small role.

  The slot machine according to the present invention also includes a role lottery means. The part lottery means performs a part lottery process. A plurality of types of roles are determined in advance. At least one type of combination is determined by the combination lottery process of the combination lottery means. Specifically, the types of winning combinations drawn by the winning combination lottery process include, for example, types such as a small role, a replaying role, and a special role.

  The small role is a role for paying out a predetermined number of game media. Examples of the game medium include medals. The re-game is a role that allows a re-game to be played while keeping the number of bets in the unit game that is currently being played, and without making a bet on a further predetermined number of game media.

  The special role is a role that shifts from the general gaming state to the special gaming state. The special game state is a game state in which there is a high possibility that more game media can be acquired than the number of game media that can be acquired in a unit game in the general game state, and is a game state that is advantageous to the player. The special combination is, for example, a single bonus (hereinafter referred to as an SB combination), a regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as an RB combination), or a first type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a first type BB combination). ), A challenge bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a CB combination), and a second type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a second type BB combination).

  The SB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a single bonus game state (ordinary character) (hereinafter referred to as SB game state). The RB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a regular bonus game state (first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as an RB game state). The first type BB combination is a combination for shifting to a first type big bonus game state (a combination continuous action device related to a first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as a first type BB game state). . The CB combination is a combination for shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the challenge bonus gaming state (second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as CB gaming state). In the second type BB combination, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the second type big bonus gaming state (a combination continuous action device related to the second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as a second type BB gaming state). It is a role to make it.

  The above-described effect control means performs control so that the special game effect is performed in the effect means from the end of the special game state to the winning of the small role.

  As described above, when a small prize is won, a predetermined number of game media are paid out. For this reason, even if the special gaming state ends, special game effects are performed until the small role is won, and the game medium is paid out by winning the small role, so the player must have completed the special gaming state. The game progresses without being aware of the game, and it can be determined that the special game state has ended when the game medium is paid out. Therefore, even after the special game state actually ends, the game can be continued with the expectation. be able to.

Furthermore, the slot machine according to the present invention is:
It is preferable that the effect control unit controls the special game effect to be performed by the effect unit from the end of the special game state until the unit game is performed a predetermined number of times.

  Thus, even if the special game state is finished, the special game effect is performed in the effect means until the unit game is performed a predetermined number of times. Even in this way, the player proceeds with the game without noticing that the special game state has ended, so that even after the special game state has actually ended, the player can continue to expect and play the game. .

The slot machine according to the present invention is
The special gaming state is a gaming state that ends on the condition that the special gaming state progress after the special gaming state has reached a predetermined end progress,
The effect control means notifies the progress information about the current special game state progress with respect to the predetermined end progress from the effect means as the special game effect,
The progress information is preferably information that is different from the current special gaming state progress for the predetermined end progress.

  The special gaming state described above ends when a predetermined end condition is satisfied. The predetermined end condition is that the progress of the unit game has reached a predetermined end progress. The progress of the unit game is the progress after the game state becomes the special game state, and this is referred to as the special game state progress. For example, the number of game media paid out in a unit game performed after the game state has changed to the special game state, or the number of unit games played after the game state has changed to the special game state is expressed as `` special game state. Progression ".

  Further, when the special game state progress is the number of game media paid out in a unit game performed after entering the special game state, the “predetermined end progress” can be paid out in the special game state. The maximum number of game media. Further, when the special game state progress is the number of unit games played after entering the special game state, the “predetermined end progress” is the maximum number of games that can be performed in the special game state. .

  The effect control means notifies the progress information from the effect means. This progress information is information relating to the current special gaming state progress based on a predetermined end progress. As described above, the progress information only needs to be related to the current special gaming state progress based on the predetermined end progress, and need not necessarily be the current special gaming state progress based on the predetermined end progress. Absent. For example, information different from the current special gaming state progress based on a predetermined end progress may be used as the progress information.

  For example, as described above, when the “predetermined end progress” is the maximum number of game media that can be paid out in the special game state, the “current special game state progress” is calculated based on the game medium paid out. The number of game media that can be paid out in the future in the current special game state can be set as the “current special game state progress with respect to the predetermined end progress”. Furthermore, as described above, the progress information does not have to be the current special game state progress based on the predetermined end progress. For example, by adding a predetermined number to the maximum number of game media that are “predetermined end progress” and using that value as a reference, a predetermined number of game media that can be paid out in the future is expressed as “the predetermined end progress”. It is also possible to use “progress information regarding the current progress of the special game state”. That is, the number of game media until the special game state actually ends is different from the number of game media displayed in the production.

  In this way, the player proceeds with the game without noticing that the special game state has ended, so that even after the special game state has actually ended, the player can continue to expect and perform the game. it can.

Furthermore, the slot machine according to the present invention is:
A game medium payout means for paying out game media to a player;
Game medium counting means for counting the number of game media paid out by the game medium payout means,
The special game state progress is the number of game media counted by the game media counting means,
The predetermined completion rate is preferably a predetermined number of game media.

  The slot machine according to the present invention includes a game medium payout means and a game medium counting means.

  The game medium payout means executes a process of paying out game media to the player. The game medium counting means counts the number of game media paid out by the game medium payout means.

  The above-mentioned special game state progress is the number of game media counted by the game media counting means. Further, the predetermined end progress is a predetermined number of game media.

  It is possible to perform an effect using information relating to the number of paid-out game media and to continuously perform the game, and to effectively use the effect means.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<< Configuration of Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the front surface of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the slot machine 10.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 10 includes a box-shaped base portion 20 and a front door 40. The front door 40 is pivotally supported on the left side portion of the base portion 20 and is provided to be openable and closable on the front side of the base portion 20. FIG. 1 shows a state where the front door 40 is closed with respect to the base portion 20, and FIG. 2 shows a state where the front door 40 is opened approximately 180 degrees with respect to the base portion 20.

<Front side of front door 40>
The front door 40 is attached to the base unit 20 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front surface of the base unit 20 when closed. As shown in FIG. 1, a member related to operation and a member related to display are mainly provided on the front surface of the front door 40. A control circuit board is mainly provided on the back surface of the front door 40.

<Operational parts>
As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 41 extending in the horizontal direction is provided at the approximate center of the front side (player side) of the front door 40. On the front side of the operation panel 41, a start switch 42 and three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are provided. On the upper surface side of the operation panel 41, a 1-bet switch 62, a 2-bet switch 64, a maximum bet switch 66, and a medal slot 46 are provided. A receiving tray 48 for receiving medals paid out based on the result of the unit game is also provided at the lower portion of the front door 40. In the present specification, a game whose progress is determined by a display mode of symbols attached to three reels to be described later is referred to as a unit game. This unit game will be described in detail later.

  The start switch 42 and the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are switches that are operated by the player to advance the unit game. When the player operates the start switch 42, rotation of three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R, which will be described later, is started. Further, when the player operates the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c, the reels 30L to 30R corresponding to the operated stop switches are stopped.

  The functions of the 1 bet switch 62, the 2 bet switch 64, and the maximum bet switch 66 will be described later.

<Reel display window 50 and reels 30L, 30C, 30R>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a reel display window 50 is formed at a substantially central portion of the front surface of the front door 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the three reels 30 </ b> L to 30 </ b> R are rotatably accommodated in the reel unit 28. The reel unit 28 has a front surface 29 open, and the player can visually recognize the type of symbols located on the front surface 29 of the reel unit 28, as will be described later. The reel unit 28 is supported by a support plate 26 fixed to the base portion 20. When the front door 40 is closed, the reel display window 50 is positioned in front of the front surface 29 of the reel unit 28. The reel display window 50 is covered with a transparent member, and when the front door 40 is closed, the player visually recognizes the types of symbols drawn on the reels 30L to 30R via the reel display window 50. be able to.

  A plurality of types of symbols are attached to each of the three reels 30L to 30R. The types of symbols are those that can be identified by the player, such as the number “7” or the fruit “cherry”. As will be described later, when the three reels 30L to 30R are stopped, nine symbols are stopped and displayed in the reel display window 50 so as to be visible.

<Reels 30L, 30C, 30R and stop switches 44a, 44b, 44c>
The left reel 30L corresponds to the left stop switch 44a. When the player operates the left stop switch 44a, the left reel 30L stops. The middle reel 30C corresponds to the center stop switch 44b. When the player operates the center stop switch 44b, the middle reel 30C stops. The right reel 30R corresponds to the right stop switch 44c. When the player operates the right stop switch 44c, the right reel 30R stops.

<Reel display window 50 and winning lines L1 to L5>
As described above, the reel display window 50 is covered with a transparent member. As shown in FIG. 1, five winning lines L <b> 1 to L <b> 5 are drawn on the reel display window 50. By doing in this way, the player can visually recognize the kind of symbol through the reel display window 50 and can also visually recognize the five winning lines L1 to L5 on the reel display window 50. .

  The winning line L1 is a middle straight line extending in the horizontal direction, the winning line L2 is an upper straight line extending in the horizontal direction, and the winning line L3 is a lower straight line extending in the horizontal direction. The winning line L4 is a straight line extending from the upper left to the lower right, and the winning line L5 is a straight line extending from the lower left to the upper right.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the five winning lines L1 to L5 are shown on the reel display window 50. However, if the winning line is clear to the player, the reel display window The winning line may not be drawn on 50.

<Bet switches 62, 64 and 66 and winning lines L1 to L5>
When a predetermined number or more medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 46 of the operation panel 41 described above, the number of medals inserted by a medal counter (not shown) is counted, and the number is stored as the number of credits. The 1-bet switch 62 described above is a switch for setting one medal out of the stored credits to be a game bet. Further, the 2-bet switch 64 is a switch for targeting two medals out of the number of credits for game betting, and the maximum bet switch 66 is a game betting for three medals out of the credit number. It is a switch for making it an object of.

  As described above, the five reel lines L1 to L5 are drawn on the reel display window 50. When the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, one of the five pay lines, for example, the pay line L1 is activated. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, three of the five pay lines, for example, the pay lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, all five pay lines, that is, L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 are activated. Thus, the three bet switches 62, 64 and 66 function as game medium number setting means for determining the number of medals to be a game bet and validating the pay lines L1 to L5.

<Effective line>
As described above, the three bet switches 62, 64, and 66 function as a game medium number setting unit that activates the pay lines L1 to L5 when operated by the player. When the player operates the 1 bet switch 62, the pay line L1 is activated, when the 2 bet switch 64 is operated, the pay lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated, and when the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, All of the pay lines L1 to L5 are activated. As described above, the activated winning line is referred to as an activated line.

  The arrangement of symbols stopped on the active line is a target for determining whether or not a prize has been won. For example, when “7”-“7”-“7” are arranged on the above-described effective line L1, it is determined that the winning combination of big bonus has been won. The type of combination will be described later. Further, when the arrangement of symbols that do not constitute a combination on the active line L1 stops, it is determined that no winning has been won. On the other hand, even if it is a winning line, when the winning line is not activated, even if the line of “7”-“7”-“7” is aligned on the winning line, The winning line is not subject to the determination of whether or not a prize has been won.

<Image display device 34>
An image display device 34 is provided on the upper portion of the front door 40. An effect image is displayed on the image display device 34. The effect image is an image that is displayed as the game progresses, and is mainly an image that includes various types of information related to the game. For example, in one unit game, lottery processing is performed by the role lottery means 120 described later. An effect image that suggests the lottery result is displayed on the image display device 34 based on the lottery result of the lottery process.

  A unit game played in the slot machine 10 is a game in which a single-stroke game can be repeated. This single-stroke game is called a unit game. The unit game will be described in detail later.

  There are two types of effect images displayed on the image display device 34: one that displays various types of information in the form of characters, and the other that displays in the form of drawings other than characters. The information displayed in the form of characters is mainly used to make a player visually recognize various information directly. In this case, a symbol that visually represents a word as a means for transmitting human intention and emotion, such as a numerical value, alphabet, hiragana, katakana, and kanji, is used as the character. Further, the information displayed in the form of a drawing is mainly used for indirectly making a player visually recognize various kinds of information. In this case, an image of a character indicating a creature such as a person or an animal, a pseudo life form such as a robot, or an image indicating other machinery, a building, a landscape, or the like is included.

<Speaker 36>
As shown in FIG. 1, the speakers 36 are provided on both the left and right sides of the image display device 34 described above. The speaker 36 produces a voice effect as the game progresses. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a sub-control board 52 described later, a sound corresponding to the condition is emitted from the speaker 36. For example, based on the lottery result of the lottery process performed by the role lottery means 120 described later, sound effects, music, etc. suggesting the lottery result are emitted from the speaker 36.

<Lamp 38>
The lamp 38 is provided in the upper part of the front door 40, as shown in FIG. The lamp 38 produces a light effect as the game progresses. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a sub-control board 52 to be described later, the lamp 38 is turned on or blinked according to the condition. For example, based on the lottery result of the lottery process performed by the role lottery means 120 described later, the lamp 38 is lit in a predetermined color or a predetermined pattern according to the type of the role so as to suggest the lottery result. Or blink.

  In addition, the effect by light includes not only the lamp 38 described above but also a back lamp (not shown) arranged inside the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R.

<Base part 20>
The base body portion 20 shown in FIG. 2 is assembled with wood or the like, and is formed in a box shape with an open front surface. A power supply unit 22 for supplying power to various devices mounted on the slot machine 10 and a medal payout device 24 including a hopper for storing medals are provided in the lower portion inside the base body portion 20. A support plate 26 is provided above the power supply unit 22 and the medal payout device 24. The support plate 26 supports a reel unit 28 that rotatably accommodates the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. Furthermore, a main control board 32 that controls the game played in the slot machine 10 as a whole is provided in the upper part inside the base body 20.

<Main control board 32>
The main control board 32 is a control board for controlling the start and stop of the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R and for controlling the entire game such as the progress of the game performed in the slot machine 10.

  The main control board 32 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) that performs arithmetic operations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) that stores a game program, and a RAM that temporarily stores each data. (Random access memory) (not shown).

  For example, the ROM stores a program for executing a flowchart shown in FIG. The RAM also stores variable values used in this program. These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus so that data signals and address signals can be input / output.

  The main control board 32 is electrically connected to the bet switches 62, 64 and 66 described above. When the player operates the bet switches 62, 64 and 66, a bet instruction signal is issued from each of the bet switches 62, 64 and 66 to the main control board 32.

  Further, the main control board 32 is electrically connected to the above-described start switch 42 and the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. When the player operates the start switch 42 or the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c, an operation signal is issued from the start switch 42 or the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c to the main control board 32. When a signal is issued from the start switch 42 to the main control board 32, the main control board 32 controls the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. When a signal is issued to the main control board 32 from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c, the main control board 32 stops the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch among the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. Take control.

<Sub control board 52>
As shown in FIG. 2, the sub control board 52 is disposed on the upper part of the back surface of the front door 40. The sub-control board 52 is a board that mainly controls effects during the game. For example, control is performed such that an effect image is displayed on the image display device 34, a sound effect or music is emitted from the speaker 36, and the lamp 38 is turned on or blinked. The sub-control board 52 includes a CPU (not shown) that performs calculations, a ROM (not shown) that stores effect programs and effect data, and a RAM (not shown) that temporarily stores each data. Including.

  For example, the ROM stores an effect control program for controlling the effects shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and image data and audio data (not shown) for effects. The RAM also stores variable values used in the above-described effect control program. These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus so that data signals and address signals can be input / output.

  The sub control board 52 is electrically connected to the main control board 32 by a harness (not shown). The main control board 32 transmits commands, information, and the like to the sub control board 52. The above-described main control board 32 controls the entire game in an integrated manner, while the sub control board 52 belongs to the lower level of the main control board 32 and is based on commands, information, etc. sent from the main control board 32. To control the entire production.

<Unit game in slot machine 10>
When the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R are stopped, symbols are positioned on the pay lines L1 to L5. The unit game in the slot machine 10 is a game in which the game result is determined by the arrangement of symbols positioned on the activated pay line. For this reason, the player visually recognizes the symbols on the rotating reels 30L, 30C and 30R, and determines that the sequence of symbols constituting the predetermined combination is optimal on the activated pay line. At this timing, the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated to stop the reels 30L, 30C or 30R.

  As will be described later, a plurality of types of roles are determined in advance. At least one type of combination is determined by the combination lottery process of the combination lottery means 120 described later. The determination of at least one type of combination is referred to as “winning”. In addition, depending on the combination lottery process, there is a case where any type of combination is not determined, and this case is referred to as “out”.

  The unit game played in the slot machine 10 is a game in which a single-stroke game can be repeated. This single-stroke game is called a unit game. The unit game starts when the player operates the start switch 42 and ends when the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated. From the player's point of view, the unit game is performed until the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R all stop after the start switch 42 is operated and the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R start to rotate. A single-stroke game. As described above, the unit game is started every time the player operates the start switch 42. In the present specification, when expressed as a unit game, there are a case where a unit game is repeated and a case where one unit game is meant.

  As described above, the unit game is started based on the player operating the start switch 42. More specifically, at the time of starting the unit game, when the player operates the start switch 42, a start signal is generated from the start switch 42, and the start signal generated from the start switch 42 is transmitted to the main control board 32. It is preferable to detect when. Further, the start time of the unit game may be a time when it can be visually recognized that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R start to rotate.

  Further, as described above, the unit game is ended by operating the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. More specifically, at the end of the unit game, the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped by operating the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c by the player, and the main control board 32 It is preferable that the end process such as a winning process is finished. The end point of the unit game may be when the main control board 32 detects that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped. Furthermore, the end point of the unit game may be a time when it can be visually confirmed that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped.

The types of the above-described combinations include, for example, small combinations, replay combinations, special combinations, and the like.
The small role is a role for paying out a predetermined number of medals. There are several types of small roles. In many cases, the small role is used as the name of the role using the types of symbols given to the three reels 30L, 30C, or 30R. For example, the types of symbols include “watermelon”, “bell”, “cherry” and the like. For this reason, a small role in which the pattern “watermelon” is aligned on the effective line is referred to as a watermelon role, and a small role in which the pattern “bell” is aligned on the effective line is referred to as a bell role. Further, when the symbol “cherry” of the left reel 30L is stopped and displayed on the active line, it is assumed that a winning is made regardless of the types of symbols of the middle reel 30C and the right reel 30R. This role is called the cherry role.

  The re-game player is a player who can play the unit game again without maintaining a predetermined number of medals while maintaining the number of bets (the number of bets) in the currently played unit game. . In this specification, the unit game at this time is referred to as replay (also referred to as replay or RP).

  The special role is a role that can shift the game state of the unit game from the general game state to the special game state (a game advantageous to the player). Examples of the special combination include a single bonus (hereinafter referred to as SB combination), a regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as RB combination), and a first type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as first type BB combination). ), A challenge bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as CB combination), and a second type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as second type BB combination).

  The SB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a single bonus game state (ordinary character) (hereinafter referred to as SB game state). When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the SB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the SB gaming state. When shifting to the SB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The unit game in the SB game state is a game in which a predetermined combination is won with a high probability, and ends with one unit game.

  The RB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a regular bonus game state (first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as an RB game state). When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the RB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the RB gaming state. When transitioning to the RB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The unit game in the RB game state is a game in which a predetermined combination is won with high probability. The RB gaming state ends when the number of unit games exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 12 times) or when a predetermined combination wins a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times).

  In the first type BB combination, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the first type big bonus gaming state (the continuous action device relating to the first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as the first type BB gaming state). It is a role to make it. When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the first type BB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the first type BB gaming state. When shifting to the first type BB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The first type BB gaming state is composed of two gaming states, the RB high probability winning state in which the above-mentioned RB combination is won with high probability, and the above-described RB gaming state, and each of them plays at least one unit game. It can be carried out. Further, when the gaming state shifts from the RB high probability winning state to the RB gaming state, it can be returned from the RB gaming state to the RB high probability winning state. The first type BB gaming state ends when the number of medals paid out in the first type BB gaming state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 465).

  The CB combination is a combination for shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the challenge bonus gaming state (second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as CB gaming state). When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the CB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the CB gaming state. When shifting to the CB gaming state, no medal is paid out. When the gaming state becomes the CB gaming state, it is possible to change the stop control of a certain reel among the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. Specifically, control is performed so that the reel is stopped within 75 milliseconds (usually 190 milliseconds) with reference to the time when the stop switch corresponding to the certain reel is operated by the player. Further, when the gaming state is changed to the CB gaming state, for a predetermined small combination, the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the predetermined small combination is aligned with the effective line regardless of the result of lottery processing by the combination lottery means 120 described later. be able to. The CB gaming state is ended by performing one unit game.

  In the second type BB combination, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the second type big bonus gaming state (a combination continuous action device related to the second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as a second type BB gaming state). It is a role to make it. When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the second type BB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the second type BB gaming state. When shifting to the second type BB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The second type BB gaming state includes two gaming states, a CB high probability winning state in which the above-mentioned CB combination is won with a high probability and the above-described CB gaming state, and unit games can be performed in each of them. . In addition, when the gaming state shifts from the CB high probability winning state to the CB gaming state, the CB gaming state can be returned to the CB high probability winning state again. The second type BB gaming state ends when the number of medals paid out in the second type BB gaming state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 286). In addition, when the gaming state is the second type BB gaming state, if the above-mentioned SB combination or RB combination can be won by the lottery process of the combination lottery means 120, the SB combination or RB combination is won. Sometimes, the second type BB gaming state ends.

<< Functions of Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main control functions in the slot machine 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 10 mainly includes an operation unit 500, a game medium number setting unit 600, a main control unit 100, a sub control unit 200, a symbol display unit 400, and an effect unit 300. And a game medium payout means 700.

<Operating means 500>
The operation means 500 is operated by the player, and issues a signal indicating that it has been operated to the main control means 100 described later based on the player's operation. The operation means 500 preferably includes a start switch 42 and stop switches 44a to 44c. When the start switch 42 is operated by the player, the start switch 42 issues a signal indicating that the start switch 42 has been operated to the main control means 100 described later. Each of the stop switches 44a to 44c also issues a signal indicating that it has been operated to the main control means 100 when operated by the player.

  As described above, the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R starts by the signal issued from the start switch 42 to the main control means 100, and the trigger for starting the unit game described above is determined. A signal issued from the start switch 42 to the main control means 100 is referred to as a start signal.

  In addition, the corresponding reels among the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped by a signal issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c to the main control means 100, and a trigger for ending the unit game is determined. A signal issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c to the main control means 100 is referred to as a stop signal. Thus, the unit game is started based on the start signal described above being issued, and the unit game is ended based on the stop signal being issued.

<Game medium number setting means 600>
Similarly to the operation unit 500, the game medium number setting unit 600 is operated by the player, and issues a signal indicating that the game medium has been operated based on the operation of the player to the main control unit 100 described later. Based on a signal issued from the operation means 500 to the main control means 100, it is determined which one of the plurality of pay lines L1 to L5 is to be activated.

  The game medium number setting means 600 may be anything that can be operated by the player. The game medium number setting means 600 is preferably composed of the 1-bet switch 62, the 2-bet switch 64, and the maximum bet switch 66 described above.

  The number of medals to be bet on the game is determined by a signal issued from the 1-bet switch 62, 2-bet switch 64 or maximum bet switch 66 to the main control means 100. For example, one medal is targeted for a game bet by a signal issued from the 1 bet switch 62 to the main control unit 100, and two medals are received by a signal issued from the 2 bet switch 64 to the main control unit 100. Are bets for gaming, and three medals are targeted for gaming bets by a signal issued from the maximum bet switch 66 to the main control means 100.

<Main control means 100 (game control means)>
In addition to the above-described operation means 500 and game medium number setting means 600, the main control means 100 is electrically connected to the sub control means 200, the symbol display means 400, the effect means 300, and the game medium payout means 700. ing. The main control means 100 controls the entire game such as the progress of the game. The main control means 100 preferably comprises the main control board 32 described above.

  As described above, the operation means 500 is electrically connected to the main control means 100. A start signal is issued from the start switch 42 of the operation means 500 to the main control means 100. Thereby, it can be detected that the start switch 42 is operated by the player. A stop signal is issued to the main control unit 100 from each of the stop switches 44 a to 44 c of the operation unit 500. Thereby, the order and timing of the stop signal issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c can be detected.

  In addition, a game medium number setting means 600 is electrically connected to the main control means 100. A bet signal is issued to the main control means 100 from each of the 1 bet switch 62, the 2 bet switch 64 and the maximum bet switch 66 of the game medium number setting means 600. By detecting the issued bet signal, the number of medals to be bet and the setting of the effective line are controlled.

  The main control means 100 includes a combination lottery means 120, a reel drive control means 130, a symbol detection means 150, and a game medium counting means 160.

<Role lottery means 120 (role lottery means)>
The role lottery means 120 performs a lottery of predetermined types. As described above, there are types of combinations such as a small combination, a replay combination, and a special combination.

  The small role is a role for paying out a predetermined number of medals. The re-playing role is a role that allows the re-playing to be performed without maintaining a predetermined number of bets in the unit game that has been played and without betting a further predetermined number of medals.

  The special role is a role that shifts from the general gaming state to the special gaming state. The special gaming state is a gaming state in which there is a high possibility that more medals can be obtained than the number of medals that can be obtained in the unit game in the general gaming state, and is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. As described above, the special combination includes, for example, the SB combination, the RB combination, the first type BB combination, the CB combination, and the second type BB combination. The SB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to the SB game state. The RB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to the RB game state. The first type BB combination is a combination for shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the first type BB gaming state. The CB combination is a combination for shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the CB gaming state. The second type BB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to the second type BB game state.

  The role lottery means 120 includes, for example, a random number generation means 122, a random number extraction means 124, and a random number determination means 126. The random number generation means 122 generates a random number (hardware random number or the like) for the role lottery process. The random number extraction unit 124 extracts the random number generated by the random number generation unit 122. The random number determination means 126 determines the presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination based on the random number value extracted by the random number extracting means 124. The role lottery means 120 constitutes a “role lottery means”, and a “role lottery process” is performed.

  The “role lottery process” is a lottery process for determining whether or not a game is won or missed. Specifically, it is executed in step S13 of FIG.

<Random number generator 122>
The random number generator 122 continuously generates random numbers in a predetermined positive integer range (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) at predetermined timings.

<Random number extraction means 124>
The random number extraction unit 124 extracts the random number generated by the random number generation unit 122 at a predetermined timing. For example, in the present embodiment, random numbers are extracted when the start switch 42 is operated by the player.

<Random number judging means 126>
The random number determination unit 126 checks the random number value extracted by the random number extraction unit 124 with a lottery probability table (probability table) stored in the probability table storage unit 128 described later, thereby corresponding to the region to which the random number value belongs. Decide which role to play.

<Probability table storage means 128>
The probability table storage means 128 has a lottery probability table in which lottery probabilities are stored in accordance with a plurality of gaming states and types of combinations.

  As described above, the game state of the unit game includes a general game state, an SB game state, an RB game state, a first type BB game state, a CB game state, a second type BB game state, and the like. The lottery probability table corresponds to these gaming states, the general gaming state probability table, the SB gaming state probability table, the RB gaming state probability table, the first type BB gaming state probability table, the CB gaming state probability table, the second type. It consists of a probability table such as a BB gaming state probability table.

  Each of these probability tables has, for example, a plurality of areas obtained by dividing an integer in the range of 0 to 65535 for each predetermined range. Each of the plurality of areas corresponds to a type of combination. For example, an integer in the range of 0 to 65535 can be used for an area corresponding to a small combination, an area corresponding to a re-playing combination, an area corresponding to an RB combination, an area corresponding to a first type BB combination, and an outage The area is divided into a plurality of areas such as the obtained area.

  The random number determination means 126 described above determines which of these areas the random number value extracted by the random number extraction means 124 is included in, and determines the type of the combination. For example, when the value of the random number extracted by the random number extraction unit 124 is included in the area corresponding to the first type BB combination, the random number determination unit 126 determines that the first type BB combination is won. Further, when the random number value extracted by the random number extraction unit 124 is included in the region corresponding to the detachment, the random number determination unit 126 determines that the detachment has occurred.

  Note that all probability tables such as a general gaming state probability table, an SB gaming state probability table, an RB gaming state probability table, a first type BB gaming state probability table, a CB gaming state probability table, a second type BB gaming state probability table, etc. It is not necessary to provide areas corresponding to all the combinations. It is only necessary to provide an area only for a winning combination that can be won in the gaming state. For example, when the gaming state is the RB gaming state, the RB gaming state probability table includes these roles so that the SB combination, the RB combination, the first type BB combination, the CB combination, and the second type BB combination are not won. Do not provide an area corresponding to. In addition, when the gaming state is the first type BB gaming state, in the first type BB gaming state probability table, the SB combination, the first type BB combination, the CB combination, and the second type BB combination are not won. Do not provide areas corresponding to these roles. Furthermore, when the game state is the second type BB game state, the second type BB game state probability table corresponds to these roles so that the first type BB combination and the second type BB combination are not won. Avoid providing areas.

  At least one type of combination is determined by the combination lottery process of the combination lottery means 120 described above. The determination of at least one type of combination is referred to as “winning”. In addition, the fact that any type of combination is not determined by the combination lottery process is referred to as “out”.

<Reel drive control means 130>
The reel drive control unit 130 performs rotation control and stop control of the three reels 30L to 30R based on the start signal issued from the start switch 42 and the stop signal issued from the stop switches 44a to 44c. . The reel drive control unit 130 includes a reel rotation control unit 132 and a reel stop control unit 134.

<Reel rotation control means 132>
The reel rotation control means 132 issues a rotation control signal to the motors 86a, 86b and 86c when it detects a start signal issued from the operation means 500, preferably the start switch 42 described above. As will be described later, the motor 86a drives the left reel 30L, the motor 86b drives the middle reel 30C, and the motor 86c drives the right reel 30R. When the reel rotation control means 132 detects the start signal, it issues a rotation control signal to these three motors 86a, 86b and 86c. With the rotation control signal, the three reels 30L to 30R start to rotate. This process is executed in step S14 shown in the flowchart of FIG.

<Reel stop control means 134>
The reel stop control means 134 sends the motor 86a, 86b or 86c to the motor 86a, 86b or 86c based on the timing when the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is operated by the player and the result of the lottery process of the role lottery means 120 described above. A stop control signal is issued to stop the left reel 30L, middle reel 30C, or right reel 30R.

  As described above, when the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is operated by the player, a stop signal is issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c. The reel stop control means 134 detects a stop signal issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c. When the reel stop control means 134 detects a stop signal issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c, it detects the rotational angular positions of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C and the right reel 30R. As will be described later, the rotation angle position of the left reel 30L is detected by a rotation angle sensor 83a. The rotation angle position of the middle reel 30C is detected by the rotation angle sensor 83b. The rotation angle position of the right reel 30R is detected by the rotation angle sensor 83c.

  That is, when the left stop switch 44a is operated by the player, the reel stop control means 134 detects the rotation angle position of the left reel 30L based on a signal issued from the rotation angle sensor 83a. When the center stop switch 44b is operated by the player, the reel stop control means 134 detects the rotation angle position of the middle reel 30C based on a signal issued from the rotation angle sensor 83b. When the right stop switch 44c is operated by the player, the reel stop control means 134 detects the rotation angle position of the right reel 30R based on a signal emitted from the rotation angle sensor 83c.

  In addition, as described above, the reel stop control unit 134 performs stop control of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, or the right reel 30R based on the lottery process result of the above-described combination lottery unit 120. For example, when a predetermined winning combination is won by the lottery process of the winning lottery means 120, the reel stop control means 134 is arranged so that the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is easily aligned on the winning line. Stop control of the reels 30L, 30C and 30R is performed. On the other hand, when no winning combination is won by the lottery process of the winning lottery means 120, that is, when the winning combination is lost, the reel stop control means 134 validates the arrangement of symbols corresponding to any of the winning combinations. Stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is performed so that they are not aligned on the winning line. As will be described later, by detecting the rotation angle positions of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C and the right reel 30R, the types of symbols that can be stopped on the winning line can be obtained. Based on the result of the lottery process, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R can be performed.

  The reel stop control means 134 uses the reels 30L, 30L, 44C so that the number of symbols passing through the winning line is equal to or less than a predetermined maximum passing number on the basis of when the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated. Stop control of 30C and 30R is performed. For example, when the winning line L1 is used as a reference, the reel stop control is performed so that the number of symbols passing through the winning line L1 is equal to or less than the maximum passing number after the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated. do.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the reference winning line is preferably any one of the winning lines L1 to L3 extending in the horizontal direction. If attention is paid to one of the reels 30L, 30C and 30R, the number of symbols passing through the winning lines L1 to L3 from when the stop switch is operated until the reel stops is The same is true for any winning line. For example, the number of symbols passing through the pay lines L1 to L3 from when the stop switch 44a is operated until the reel 30L is stopped is the same in any pay line.

  In the present specification, as described above, the maximum number of passes is the maximum number of symbols that can pass through one winning line. Further, the reel stop control is performed as “pull-in control” so that the arrangement of the symbols corresponding to the predetermined winning combination is aligned on the activated pay line. Furthermore, the reel stop control is performed as “kicking control” so that the symbol arrangement corresponding to any of the winning combinations is not aligned on the activated pay line.

  As described above, the reel stop control means 134 performs control so that the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R rotate to some extent and then stop after the stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated. However, if the time until the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped is too long, the mode until the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped becomes unnatural. For this reason, the time from when it is detected that the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated until the reels stop is set to 190 milliseconds or less in principle. As described in the CB gaming state described above, when the gaming state becomes the CB gaming state, the stop control can be changed for certain reels among the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. . Control is performed so that the reel is stopped within 75 milliseconds with reference to the time when the stop switch corresponding to the certain reel is operated by the player.

Further, when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotating at a constant speed, it is necessary to allow the player to generally identify the symbols attached to the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. For this reason, the rotation speeds of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are determined so that the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R do not rotate more than 80 revolutions per minute.
Further, in the case of a general slot machine, the number of symbols attached to each of the reels 30L, 30C and 30R is 21.

  Thus, the first condition is that the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R with 21 symbols are controlled to stop within 190 milliseconds after the stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated. From the second condition that the reels 30L, 30C and 30R are controlled to rotate so as not to rotate more than 80 revolutions per minute, the reels 30L to 30R are stopped after the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated. In the meantime, the number of symbols that can pass on a certain winning line can be calculated as four. In this specification, the calculation of the number of control frames includes not only the symbols that have passed through one winning line when the stop switch is operated, but only the number of symbols that have passed through one winning line. First, the number of control frames is 5 including the symbol when the reel is stopped and the symbol is positioned on one winning line. In the case of this example, the maximum number of symbols that can pass through a “one winning line” is four as described above. That is, the reels 30L, 30C and 30R are rotated by rotating the reels 30L, 30C and 30R from when the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated until the number of symbols passing through one winning line is four. And 30R can be controlled to stop.

  As described above, when the reel stop control unit 134 wins a predetermined combination by the lottery process of the combination lottery unit 120, the reels corresponding to the combination are easily aligned on the winning line. Thus, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is performed. That is, when the winning combination is determined by referring to the game probability table based on the value of the random number by the random number determination means 126 described above, the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are so won that the winning combination is won. Stop control.

  These processes are executed in the reel stop control process in step S16 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

<Design detecting means 150>
The symbol detection unit 150 detects a symbol that has reached or can reach a certain rotation reference position based on the stop signal issued from the operation unit 500. That is, in response to the player operating the operation means 500, for example, the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c, the reel drive control means 130 starts the stop control of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C or the right reel 30R. To do. The symbol detecting means 150 detects the symbol positioned at a certain rotation reference position, for example, the winning line L1, when the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated, so that the reels 30L, 30C or 30R actually It is possible to control the stop of the reels 30L, 30C, or 30R by detecting a symbol that may be located at a certain rotation reference position when stopped. The symbol detection means 150 can also detect a symbol located at a certain rotation reference position when the reel 30L, 30C or 30R actually stops. In this way, the symbol detection means 150 can detect a symbol that has reached or can reach a certain rotation reference position.

  As described above, when the reels 30L, 30C, or 30R are stopped, the stop control may not be performed immediately. That is, even if the symbol is positioned at a certain rotation reference position when the stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated, the reel is rotated so that the symbol is not positioned at the certain rotation reference position. The reel may be stopped. In such a case, the reel stop control means 134 described above controls to stop the reels 30L, 30C, or 30R so that a symbol that can reach a certain rotation reference position is located at a certain rotation reference position.

  Here, detecting a symbol specifically means obtaining a symbol number of a stop control table (not shown) stored in advance. The stop control table stores a symbol number and stop information for symbols attached to each of the three reels of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, and the right reel 30R. The symbol number is a numerical value indicating the position of the symbol arrangement on the reel, and is a numerical value indicating the position from the reel reference position along the circumferential direction of the reel, with a certain position on the reel as the reel reference position. The stop information is information used to stop the reels 30L, 30C, or 30R. For example, the symbol is positioned on the pay line L1 so that the symbol is positioned at a certain reference position in the rotation direction of the reel. This is information used to stop and control the reels 30L to 30R.

  In addition, the symbol detection means 150 detects the type of symbols stopped on the active line for the reels that have already stopped. The symbol “stopped” on this active line means that, in principle, the effective line is located at the approximate center of the symbol, but when the reel stops, the correspondence between the active line and the symbol is played. If it can be made to recognize a person, it will not be restricted to such a positional relationship.

  As will be described later, the rotation angle sensors 83a to 83c generate signals corresponding to the angles at which the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotated. The symbol number can be obtained based on this signal. Furthermore, the symbol detection means 150 stores a symbol correspondence table (not shown) that defines the correspondence between symbol numbers and symbol types corresponding to symbol numbers. By obtaining a symbol number based on the signals emitted from the rotation angle sensors 83a to 83c and searching the symbol correspondence table, the type of symbol corresponding to the symbol number can be obtained.

  The symbol detection by the symbol detection means 150 is executed when the reel stop control process in step S16 in FIG. 4 is performed.

<Game medium counting means 160>
The game medium counting means 160 counts the number of game media paid out by a game medium paying means 700, which will be described later, and the number added as the number of credits. As described above, a small role is a role for paying out a predetermined number of game media, and when winning a small role, a predetermined number of game media are paid out or the number of credits is the same. Or added. The game medium counting means 160 counts the number of game media to be paid out and the number of credits added when winning a small combination.

<Sub-control means 200>
As described above, the sub control unit 200 is electrically connected to the main control unit 100, and various signals and information generated from the main control unit 100 are supplied to the sub control unit 200.

  The various signals issued from the main control means 100 include a signal indicating the gaming state of the unit game, a signal indicating the winning result of the unit game, and a signal indicating the number of game media paid out after entering the gaming state. There is. These signals are transmitted from the main control means 100 in the process of step S19 in the flowchart of FIG.

  The sub-control means 200 receives these signals and controls effects performed by the effect means 300 described later.

  The sub-control means 200 is preferably composed of the sub-control board 52 described above. The sub control unit 200 includes an information transmission unit 270.

<Information transmission means 270>
The information transmission unit 270 transmits information related to the selected effect to the effect unit 300.
When the game state of the unit game is neither the first type BB game state nor the second type BB game state, an effect according to the game state at that time is selected, and the information transmission means 270 displays the selected effect. A command signal to be transmitted is transmitted to the rendering means 300, or image data and audio data related to the selected rendering is converted into a signal and transmitted to the rendering means 300. Selection of the effect at this time is performed by the process of step S45 of FIG.

  In addition, when the gaming state of the unit game is the first type BB gaming state or the second type BB gaming state, an effect according to the first type BB gaming state or an effect according to the second type BB gaming state is provided. The selected information transmission unit 270 transmits a command signal to display the selected effect to the effect unit 300, or converts image data and audio data related to the selected effect into a signal and transmits the signal to the effect unit 300. . The selection of the effect at this time is performed by the process of step S42 of FIG.

  Furthermore, even after the first type BB gaming state and the second type BB gaming state are ended, the effects selected in the first type BB gaming state and the second type BB gaming state are continued for a predetermined period thereafter. As is done, a command signal for displaying the selected effect is transmitted to the effect means 300, or image data and audio data relating to the selected effect are converted into signals and transmitted to the effect means 300. The predetermined period after the first type BB gaming state or the second type BB gaming state ends is, for example, until a small role is won or until a unit game is performed a predetermined number of times. Selection of the effect at this time is also performed by the process of step S42 of FIG.

<Design display means 400>
The symbol display means 400 includes three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. On each of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R, a predetermined number, for example, 21 symbols are arranged along the rotation direction of the reel.

  The reel 30L includes a motor 86a for rotating the reel 30L and a rotation angle sensor 83a for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30L. The reel 30C includes a motor 86b for rotationally driving the reel 30C and a rotation angle sensor 83b for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30C. The reel 30R includes a motor 86c for rotationally driving the reel 30R and a rotation angle sensor 83c for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30R.

  The rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c emit signals corresponding to the angles at which the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotated. When the reels 30L, 30C and 30R are at a predetermined rotational position in the rotational direction, the rotational angle sensors 83a, 83b and 83c emit signals corresponding to the angles rotated from the origin. For example, a configuration in which one rotation of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R, that is, 360 degrees is equally divided into 400 steps. In this case, the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c generate signals indicating steps from 0 to 399 according to the angles at which the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotated. Specifically, when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are located at the origin, a signal indicating that it is the 0th step is issued, and when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are at a rotational position rotated by 90 degrees from the origin, the 99th step is indicated. Issue a signal to indicate. As described above, it is possible to obtain how much the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotated from the origin by the signals generated from the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c. The above description is for conceptually explaining signals emitted from the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c. In the slot machine 10, the rotation is performed to obtain the positions of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. Rather than detecting signals emitted from the angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c, detection is performed in order to obtain a symbol number or a symbol type, or to specify a predetermined symbol position, as will be described later.

  As described above, the symbol detection unit 150 stores a symbol correspondence table (not shown) that defines the correspondence between symbol numbers and symbol types corresponding to symbol numbers. Here, for example, when 21 symbols are attached to one reel along the circumferential direction, the symbol number is a reel reference position with a certain position on the reels 30L, 30C and 30R as the reel reference position. The symbol arranged at the position is the symbol of the 0th frame. The first frame design, the second frame design,... In this order along the circumferential direction with reference to this origin, and the last 21st design as the 20th frame design. The symbol correspondence table stored in the symbol detection means 150 stores the correspondence between the symbol number and the symbol type corresponding to the symbol number. For example, for the left reel 30L, the correspondence such that the 0th frame is the symbol “7”, the 8th frame is the symbol “Replay”, and the 16th frame is the symbol “Cherry” is stored in the symbol correspondence table. Has been.

  By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to retrieve the symbol correspondence table based on the signals emitted from the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c and acquire the symbol type. For example, the symbol number of the reel 30L at the position of the winning line L3 is obtained based on the signal generated from the rotation angle sensor 83a, and the type of the symbol positioned at the winning line L3 can be obtained from the symbol number. it can. By doing in this way, regardless of whether the reels 30L, 30C and 30R are rotating or stopped, the types of symbols positioned on the effective lines L1 to L5 and the effective line L1 The kind of symbol which can be stopped at ~ L5 can be specified.

<Direction means 300>
In the production means 300, notification of information related to the game is performed as production. In the present embodiment, an effect for notifying information related to a unit game is performed by the effect means 300.

  The effect unit 300 is electrically connected to the information transmission unit 270 of the sub-control unit 200 described above. The production means 300 notifies the player of the information emitted from the information transmission means 270 so that the player can recognize it. The effect unit 300 is preferably composed of the image display device 34, the speaker 36, or the lamp 38. It is preferable that the game for notifying the information related to the game described above is performed by the image display device 34. As described above, the effect is controlled and advanced by the sub-control means 200.

<Game medium payout means 700>
The game medium payout means 700 pays out the number of game media corresponding to the type of the small combination when it is determined that the small combination selected by the combination lottery means 120 is won. As described above, whether or not a winning combination has been won is determined based on a combination of symbol types on the active line when all of the three reels 30L to 30R are stopped. The game medium payout means 700 includes the medal payout device 24 described above.

<< Control processing >>
Below, the control performed in the main control means 100 (main control board 32) mentioned above is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a subroutine for executing control processing in the main control means 100. 5 to 7 are subroutines for executing control processing in the sub-control means 200. FIG.

  In the following, the slot machine 10 is activated in advance, and the main control means 100 and the sub-control means 200 described above finish the activation process such as initialization of various variables used for the control, and then the slot machine 10 10 is assumed to be in steady operation. Also, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 show only one example for executing the control processing in the main control unit 100 and the sub control unit 200, and are not limited to this processing procedure.

<Control in main control means 100>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control in the main control means 100.
First, the inserted number is determined based on a signal generated by the player operating the above-described 1-bet switch 62, 2-bet switch 64, or maximum bet switch 66 (step S11). This inserted number indicates the number of medals targeted for betting for one game, and is not only the number of medals targeted for betting after being temporarily accumulated as the number of credits described above, It also includes the number of medals that have been inserted through the medal insertion slot 46 and are directly bet.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the start switch 42 has been operated by the player (step S12). This determination process is determined based on whether or not a start signal is issued from the start switch 42. When it is determined that the start switch 42 is not operated (NO), the determination process in step S12 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 42 has been operated by the player (YES), the role lottery process by the above-described role lottery means 120 is executed (step S13). Thereafter, rotation control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is started by the reel rotation control means 132 of the reel drive control means 130 described above (step S14).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c has been operated by the player (step S15). This determination process is determined by whether or not a stop signal is issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c. When it is determined that the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is not operated (NO), the determination process in step S15 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the player has operated the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c (YES), the reel drive control means 130 described above is operated based on the operation of the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c. Stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is executed by the reel stop control means 134 (step S16).

  Further, it is determined whether or not all the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R are stopped (step S17). The motor 86a for driving the reel 30L, the motor 86b for driving the reel 30C, and the motor 86c for driving the reel 30R excite all phases of these motors, Can be stopped. For example, when each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c is driven by three-phase excitation, the motors can be stopped by exciting all three phases of each motor simultaneously. The determination process of step S17 described above is a process of determining whether or not the excitation control for stopping such a motor has been performed for all of the three motors 86a, 86b, and 86c.

  When it is determined that all the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are not stopped in the determination process in step S17 described above, that is, at least one of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is stopped. If it is determined that it is not (NO), the process returns to step S15 described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped (YES), a winning process is executed (step S18). For example, when winning a RB role, the winning process is shifted to the RB gaming state, and when winning a small role such as a watermelon role, processing such as paying out the number of game media corresponding to the role is performed. If the winning combination is not won, no processing related to winning is performed. Next, a signal indicating the game state of the unit game, a signal indicating the winning result of the unit game, and a signal indicating the number of game media paid out after entering the game state are transmitted to the sub-control means 200 (step S19), this subroutine is terminated.

<Control in sub-control means 200>
As described above, FIGS. 5 to 7 are subroutines for executing control processing in the sub-control means 200.

  Note that FIG. 5 is a subroutine for performing a first process for determining an effect gaming state, and FIG. 6 is a second process for determining a second effect gaming state. This subroutine. The first process changes the value of the flag F_BB_finish depending on whether or not a small role is won, and the second process changes the value of the flag F_BB_finish depending on whether or not the number of games has reached a predetermined number. . The flag F_BB_finish will be described later.

  The sub-control unit 200 may be configured such that only one of the first process and the second process is executed, or the first process can be performed by performing a selection process such as a lottery process. The sub-control means 200 may be configured such that one of the process and the second process is selected and executed.

<First Production Game State Determination Process>
FIG. 5 is a subroutine of a process for determining a first effect gaming state performed in the effect means 300. This subroutine is called and executed by the sub-control means 200 at every predetermined timing.

  First, a signal indicating a gaming state of a unit game and a signal indicating a winning result in the unit game are received from the main control unit 100 (step S21). This process corresponds to the process in step S19 in FIG.

  From the signal indicating the gaming state of the unit game received in step S21, it is determined whether or not the first type BB gaming state has ended or the second type BB gaming state has ended in the currently played unit game. (Step S22). Specifically, in the process of step S22, it is determined whether the previous unit game is the first type BB game state or the second type BB game state, and whether or not another game state has been entered in the current unit game. It is a process to judge.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S22 that the first type BB gaming state has ended or the second type BB gaming state has ended (YES), the value of the flag F_BB_finish is set to 1 (step S23). . Even after the first type BB gaming state ends, this flag continues the performance that was performed in the first type BB gaming state, or after the second type BB gaming state ends. This is a flag for determining whether or not the performance performed in the second type BB gaming state is continued as it is. When the value of the flag F_BB_finish is 1, the game state of the unit game indicates that the performance will continue as it is even if the first type BB game state or the second type BB game state ends, and the value is 0. In some cases, it means that the performance that has been continuously performed is ended. As will be described later, even after the first type BB gaming state ends or after the second type BB gaming state ends, the value of the flag F_BB_finish is 1 until the winning of a small role after that. Maintained.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S22 described above that the first type BB gaming state has not ended and the second type BB gaming state has not ended (NO), the value of the flag F_BB_finish is set as follows. It is determined whether or not 1 (step S24). When it is determined that the value of the flag F_BB_finish is 1 (YES), it is determined whether or not the scheduled number of performances has been reached based on the winning result received in step S21 (step S25).

  As described above, the first-type BB gaming state and the second-type BB gaming state are ended when the number of medals paid out reaches a predetermined number. Based on this predetermined number, the number of medals that can be actually paid out in the future in the gaming state at that time can be calculated from the number of medals paid out so far. The number of medals that are actually scheduled to be paid out is referred to as “actual scheduled number”. A value obtained by adding a predetermined number of sheets, for example, 20 sheets, to the “actual scheduled number of sheets” is set as the “designated number of effects”. In the determination process in step S25, whether the game state has reached this “scheduled number of performances” based on the number of medals actually paid out after the first type BB game state or the second type BB game state is reached. This is a process for determining whether or not.

  For example, when the “actual scheduled number” is 120, that is, when the game state is to be terminated when the 120 medals are paid out in the future, the predetermined number is set to “120” of the actual scheduled number. “20” is added, and the scheduled number of performances is set to “140”. The sub-control means 200 can obtain a winning result through the processing in step S21 described above. When winning a small role, the number of medals to be paid out is determined in advance depending on the type of the small role, so it is determined in step S25 whether or not the planned number of productions “140” has been reached. Can do.

  By doing in this way, after the first type BB gaming state and the second type BB gaming state are finished, it is possible to continue the performance until winning a small role at least once.

  The “predetermined number of game media” for ending the first type BB gaming state and the second type BB gaming state corresponds to the “predetermined end progress”. The “actual scheduled number” corresponds to “the current special gaming state progress with respect to the predetermined end progress”. Furthermore, the “scheduled number of performances” corresponds to “progress information regarding the current special gaming state progress with respect to the predetermined end progress”.

  When it is determined in step S25 that the scheduled number of effects has been reached (YSE), the value of the flag F_BB_finish is set to 0 (step S26).

  After performing the process of step S23 or S26 described above, or when determining that the value of the flag F_BB_finish is not 1 (NO) in the determination process of step S24 described above, or in the determination process of step S25 When it is determined that the planned number has not been reached (NO), this subroutine is terminated.

  By executing the processing of FIG. 5, after the first type BB gaming state ends or after the second type BB gaming state ends, until the winning of a small role in the unit game performed thereafter The value of the flag F_BB_finish can be maintained at 1.

<Second effect game state determination process>
FIG. 6 is a subroutine of processing for determining the second effect gaming state performed in the effect means 300. This subroutine is also called and executed by the sub-control means 200 at every predetermined timing. In the process of FIG. 6, the same reference numerals are assigned to steps that perform the same process as in FIG.

  First, a signal indicating the gaming state of a unit game is received from the main control means 100 (step S31). This process corresponds to the process in step S19 in FIG. Next, after executing the same processing as steps S22 to S23 of FIG. 5 described above, the value of the variable N_game is set to 0 (step S32). The variable N_game indicates the number of unit games that have been performed after the first type BB game state has ended or after the second type BB game state has ended.

  When it is determined in step S22 that the first type BB gaming state has not ended and the second type BB gaming state has not ended (NO), the value of the flag F_BB_finish is 1. It is determined whether or not there is (step S24). This flag continues the effect performed in the first type BB game state as it is even after the first type BB game state ends, as in the process for determining the first effect game state. It is a flag for determining whether or not the performance performed in the second type BB gaming state is continued as it is even after the second type BB gaming state ends. When the value of the flag F_BB_finish is 1, the game state of the unit game indicates that the performance will continue as it is even if the first type BB game state or the second type BB game state ends, and the value is 0. In some cases, it means that the performance that has been continuously performed is ended. As will be described later, even after the first type BB gaming state has ended, or even after the second type BB gaming state has ended, until the number of unit games performed thereafter reaches a predetermined number of times, The value of the flag F_BB_finish is maintained at 1.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S24 that the value of the flag F_BB_finish is 1 (YES), the value of the variable N_game is increased by 1 (step S33), and whether or not the value of the variable N_game is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times. Is determined (step S34).

  If it is determined in step S34 that the value of the variable N_game is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (YES), the value of the flag F_BB_finish is set to 0 (step S26).

  After executing the process of step S32 or S26 described above, or when determining that the value of the flag F_BB_finish is not 1 (NO) in the determination process of step S24 described above, or in the determination process of step S34, When it is determined that the value of N_game is not equal to or greater than the predetermined number (NO), this subroutine is terminated.

  By executing the process of FIG. 6, even after the first type BB gaming state ends or after the second type BB gaming state ends, the number of unit games played after that becomes the predetermined number of times. Until then, the value of the flag F_BB_finish can be maintained at 1.

<Direction selection process>
FIG. 7 is a subroutine for executing a process of selecting an effect to be performed after the above-described effect game state determination process of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 is executed.

  First, it is determined whether the gaming state of the unit game is the first type BB gaming state or the second type BB gaming state (step S41). When it is determined that the state is the first type BB gaming state or the second type BB gaming state (YES), an effect corresponding to the BB gaming state is selected (step S42). Next, in order to display it as an effect, the number of displays is calculated according to the number of game media transmitted from the main control means 100 in the process of step S19 of FIG. 4 (step S43). The process of step S43 will be described in detail later.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S41 described above that the gaming state of the unit game is neither the first type BB gaming state nor the second type BB gaming state (NO), the value of the flag F_BB_finish is set. It is determined whether or not 1 (step S44). When it is determined that the value of the flag F_BB_finish is 1 (YES), the processes of steps S42 and S43 described above are executed.

  The process of step S43 described above is a process of calculating the display number according to the number of game media transmitted from the main control unit 100 in the process of step S19 of FIG. As described above, the first type BB gaming state ends when the number of medals paid out in the first type BB gaming state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 465). In addition, the second type BB gaming state ends when the number of medals paid out in the second type BB gaming state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 286). Thus, in both the first type BB gaming state and the second type BB gaming state, the ending condition is that the number of medals paid out has reached a predetermined number. As described above, the number of game media transmitted from the main control means 100 is the actual number of game media paid out after entering the first type BB game state or the second type BB game state. In the process of step S43, the number of displays for display that is different from the actual number of game media is calculated according to whether the game is in the first type BB game state or the second type BB game state. For example, the first type BB gaming state actually ends when the number of paid out game media reaches 465. Even in such a case, as long as the value of the flag F_BB_finish is 1, the number of displays is calculated to be less than 465 by the process of step S43 described above. In this way, even after the first type BB gaming state has ended, the number of game media can be displayed as if it has not reached 465, which is the end condition. It is possible to produce an effect that the seed BB gaming state has not ended.

  It should be noted that in the process of step S43, the effect based on the obtained number of displays is not performed from the beginning when the gaming state becomes the first type BB gaming state or the second type BB gaming state, but a plurality of unit games are provided. It is preferable to carry out after the first time. By doing so, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to understand that the actual number and the number for display are different, and the approximate timing at which the first type BB gaming state and the second type BB gaming state end. Notification can also be made.

  When it is determined that the value of the flag F_BB_finish is not 1 in the determination process in step S44 described above (NO), an effect corresponding to the gaming state at that time is selected (step S45).

  After executing the processing of step S42 or S45 described above, this subroutine is terminated.

  By executing the processing of FIG. 7, when the gaming state of the unit game is the first type BB gaming state or the second type BB gaming state, the rendering means 300 responds to the BB gaming state. Production is performed. In addition, when the gaming state of the unit game is neither the first type BB gaming state nor the second type BB gaming state, the rendering unit 300 performs the rendering according to the gaming state. On the other hand, when the value of the flag F_BB_finish is maintained at 1 even when the first type BB gaming state ends or when the second type BB gaming state ends, the rendering means 300 An effect corresponding to the BB gaming state is performed. By doing in this way, even after the first type BB gaming state is ended or after the second type BB gaming state is ended, the effect according to the BB gaming state can be continuously performed.

  In addition, even if the first type BB gaming state and the second type BB gaming state are actually ended, the production is continuously performed, so the player can play the first type BB gaming state and the second type BB. The game is continued as if it is still in the gaming state, and in the meantime, the first type BB combination or the second type BB combination may be won. In such a case, when the first-type BB combination or the second-type BB combination can be won after the continuous performance is completed, the gaming state is newly set to the first-type BB gaming state. Or transition to the second type BB gaming state. By doing in this way, even if the previous first type BB gaming state or the second type BB gaming state ends, the first type BB gaming state or the second type BB gaming state immediately shifts, so the first type It is possible to make the player think that the BB combination or the second type BB combination has been won multiple times. In addition, when processing in this way, you may end the effect currently performed when a 1st type BB combination and a 2nd type BB combination are newly won. Further, when the effect is ended in this way, it is preferable to perform an effect that means the end of the previous first type BB gaming state or the second type BB gaming state.

2 is a front view showing a front surface of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 shows an internal structure of the slot machine 10. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main control functions in the slot machine 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control in main control means 100. 24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing for determining a first effect gaming state performed in effect means 300. FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing for determining a second effect gaming state performed in effect means 300. FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for executing a process of selecting an effect to be performed after the effect game state determination process of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 is executed.

Explanation of symbols

10 slot machine 30L, 30C, 30R reel 42 start switch 44a, 44b, 44c stop switch 100 main control means (game control means)
120 Role lottery means 122 Random number generation means 124 Random number extraction means 126 Random number determination means 128 Probability table storage means 130 Reel drive control means 132 Reel rotation control means 134 Reel stop control means 160 Game medium counting means 200 Sub control means (effect control means)
300 Direction means 700 Game media payout means

Claims (5)

A slot machine having a rotatable reel with a plurality of symbols, and a unit game in which a single process is performed until processing based on the fact that the reel has stopped,
Game control means for determining one gaming state from a plurality of gaming states that may give different benefits to the player and controlling the progress of the unit game in the one gaming state;
Production means for producing an effect for notifying information related to the unit game;
Production control means for controlling the production performed by the production means based on the gaming state,
The plurality of gaming states include a general gaming state and a special gaming state that can be more advantageous to the player than the general gaming state,
The effects include special game effects performed based on the gaming state being the special gaming state,
When the game control means is controlling to advance the unit game in the special game state, the effect control means is controlled so that the special game effect is performed by the effect means,
The slot machine, wherein after the special game state is ended, the effect control means controls the effect means to continue the special game effect. Including a lottery means for performing a lottery process
The role includes a small role for paying out game media,
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect control means performs control so that the special game effect is performed by the effect means from the end of the special game state to winning the small role.   2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect control means performs control so that the special game effect is performed by the effect means until the unit game is performed a predetermined number of times after the special game state ends. The special gaming state is a gaming state that ends on the condition that the special gaming state progress after becoming the special gaming state has reached a predetermined end progress,
The effect control means notifies the progress information about the current special game state progress with respect to the predetermined end progress from the effect means as the special game effect,
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the progress information is information different from the current special gaming state progress for the predetermined end progress. A game medium payout means for paying out game media to a player;
Game medium counting means for counting the number of game media paid out by the game medium payout means,
The special game state progress is the number of game media counted by the game media counting means,
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined end progress is a predetermined number of game media.

Images