JP2002315869A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine superior in handling of play media such as medals. SOLUTION: Playing is advanced by rotating and stopping three reels 11, 12 and 13 provided on a slot machine 1 and that play is enabled by inserting medals. The medals can be directly inserted from a medal slot 31 and can be indirectly inserted by operating credit throw-in switches 32-34 as well. The settlement of accounts just for that credit and for bet can be performed by operating a changeover switch 36.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a kind of gaming machine, there is provided a variable display means for displaying a stopped symbol after variably displaying a symbol row formed by attaching a plurality of symbols (a type of identification information) to a reel at predetermined intervals. There are known slot machines and the like. In this type of gaming machine, a predetermined symbol (for example, a big bonus game) which is advantageous to a player, such as a big bonus game, is required on condition that a stop symbol displayed on an active line which is a predetermined region of the variable display means is a specific symbol. (A special game state) is provided.

In such slot machines, medals are generally used as game media. However, if such medals are always used, medals need to be inserted for each game, and the player becomes tired of the medal insertion operation. There is a problem that the interest of the game is spoiled.

Therefore, conventionally, the slot machine has a function of crediting 50 medals, and the number of credits is displayed on a credit display portion of the slot machine. As long as a credit medal is present, the player can proceed with the game only by operating the credit insertion switch.

[0005] For convenience in ending a game with a credit medal, a switch for settlement is provided, and when the switch is operated, a credited medal is paid out. .

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional slot machine, only the credited medals are paid out by operating the switch, so that the medals already bet cannot be settled. There is. In particular, in a situation where the start lever has not been operated even if a bet has been made, even though the game has not been played yet, the medals are not settled because the game is suddenly ended. It is terrible for a player who has lost the game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to make it possible to settle not only a credited one but also an already betted one, thereby providing a highly convenient game. To provide machines.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to allow the player to settle both the credit and the bet as in the main purpose described above, and to reduce the operational burden on the player and the structure of the gaming machine. The goal is to minimize complexity.

[0009]

Means and effects for solving the problems Effective means and the like for solving the above problems will be described below. The operation, effects, and the like will be described as needed.

Means 1. A game which includes an input unit for inserting a game medium, an output unit for paying out a game medium, and a storage unit for storing a game medium, wherein a game of one game time can be executed by inserting a predetermined number of game media. A first settlement operation unit operated to settle the input game medium inserted by the input unit, and a second operation unit operated to settle the storage game medium stored in the storage unit.
A settlement operation means, and a settlement processing means for executing settlement processing of the input game medium by operation of the first settlement operation means, and executing settlement processing of the storage game medium by operation of the second settlement operation means. A gaming machine characterized by the following.

According to the means 1, when the first settlement operation means is operated, the settlement processing for the input game medium is executed, and when the second settlement operation means is operated, the settlement processing for the storage game medium is executed. The settlement process for the input game medium and the settlement process for the storage game medium can be performed by independent operations, and the operation for the settlement process becomes clear. In particular, input game media that have already been inserted can be settled without having to play the game for one game round, and the player can cancel the game once they have inserted the game media. Excellent.

Means 2. In the means 1, in the settlement processing of the input game medium of the settlement processing means based on the operation of the first settlement operation means, the storage of the input game medium is enabled when the storage of the game medium by the storage means is enabled. A gaming machine characterized by being executed by converting to a medium.

According to the means 2, when the storage of the game medium by the storage means is enabled, the settlement processing of the input game medium is executed by the conversion processing to the storage game medium. In a situation where is activated, the situation can be preferentially applied to prevent payout to the outside when the input game medium is settled, thereby further improving convenience.

Means 3. A game which includes an input unit for inserting a game medium, an output unit for paying out a game medium, and a storage unit for storing a game medium, wherein a game of one game time can be executed by inserting a predetermined number of game media. Machine, as the input means, a first input means for inputting a game medium from outside, and a second input means for inputting a storage game medium stored in the storage means, only the first input means is effective Switching operation means operated to selectively switch between the first state in which the game is performed and the second state in which at least the second input means is enabled, and in the second state, the game medium is output by the output means. The payout is executed by storing the game medium in the storage means under a predetermined condition. In the first state, the payout of the game medium by the output means is performed by outputting the game medium to the outside. And a payment operation means operated to perform payment of the game medium, and outputting the input game medium to the outside when the payment operation means is operated in the first state. In the second state, when the settlement operation means is operated in the second state, the input game medium is stored in the storage means as a storage game medium, and the settlement processing means for executing the settlement processing is provided. A gaming machine characterized by:

[0015] According to the means 3, by the selection switching based on the operation of the switching operation means, only the first input means for inserting the game medium from the outside or at least the second input means for inserting the storage game medium is enabled. Therefore, it is possible to select a game medium input mode according to the player's preference. When the player operates the settlement operation means in the first state, the input game medium is output to the outside to execute the settlement processing, and when the settlement operation means is operated in the second state, the input game medium is used as the storage game medium. Since the payment process is executed by storing it in the storage means,
It is possible to realize a settlement mode suitable for each situation.

Means 4. In the means 3, when the switching operation means is operated to switch from the second state to the first state, the settlement processing means further stores the storage game medium stored in the storage means. A game machine for executing a settlement process for a storage game medium by outputting the same to the outside.

According to the means 4, since the settlement processing means is switched from the second state to the first state by the operation of the switching operation means, the settlement processing means executes the settlement processing of the storage game medium together with the state switching. It is possible to provide an optimal handling mode of the game medium in any state selected by the player while distinguishing from the settlement of the storage medium.

Means 5. A game which includes an input unit for inserting a game medium, an output unit for paying out a game medium, and a storage unit for storing a game medium, wherein a game of one game time can be executed by inserting a predetermined number of game media. Machine, as the input means, a first input means for inputting a game medium from outside, and a second input means for inputting a storage game medium stored in the storage means, only the first input means is effective Switching operation means operated to selectively switch between the first state in which the game is performed and the second state in which at least the second input means is enabled, and in the second state, the game medium is output by the output means. The payout is executed by storing the game medium in the storage means under a predetermined condition. In the first state, the payout of the game medium by the output means is performed by outputting the game medium to the outside. A settlement operation means for operating the settlement of the game medium separately from the switching operation means, and executing the settlement processing of the game medium by the operation of the settlement operation means. A gaming machine comprising means.

According to the means (5), only the first input means for inputting game media from the outside or at least the second input means for inputting storage game media is enabled by selection switching based on the operation of the switching operation means. Therefore, it is possible to select a game medium input mode according to the player's preference. In this case, the player can execute the settlement processing of the game medium regardless of the first state or the second state by operating the settlement operation means.

Means 6 The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the settlement processing means executes settlement processing of both the input game medium input by the input means and the storage game medium stored in the storage means.

According to the means 6, regardless of the first state or the second state, when the settlement operation means is operated, all of the input game medium and the storage game medium are settled.
The settlement process can be performed collectively only by the operation of a single settlement operation means.

Means 7. In the means 5, the settlement processing means executes the settlement processing of the input game medium inserted by the input means by the first operation of the settlement operation means, and stores it in the storage means by the second operation of the settlement operation means. A gaming machine for executing a payment process for a stored storage game medium.

According to the means 7, since only the first operation of the settlement operation means only executes the settlement processing of the input game medium, it is also possible to perform only the settlement processing of the input game medium. Particularly, in the second state, if the conversion as the stored game medium to the storage means is performed as the settlement processing of the input game medium, the convenience of the player is further increased.

Means 8. A gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 7, further comprising a storage number display means for displaying the number of storage game media stored in the storage means so that a player can visually recognize the number.

According to the means 8, since the player can know the number of game media currently stored from the displayed content, the player can easily determine how many games can be played based on the stored content. Can be recognized.

Means 9 A gaming machine according to any one of means 3 to 7, further comprising status display means for displaying a current state of the first state and the second state so that the player can visually recognize the current state.

According to the means 9, the player can play the game while always recognizing the currently selected state. For example, even if the player is changed, the changed player is currently Can be played according to the selection situation of the player, and confusion of the player can be avoided.

Means 10. In any one of the means 3 to 7, there is provided a storage number display means for displaying the number of storage game media stored in the storage means so that a player can visually recognize the number, and the storage number display means is provided in the second state. A gaming machine characterized by sometimes displaying even if there is no storage number and turning off the light in the first state.

According to the means 10, since the player can grasp the number of game media currently stored from the displayed content, the player can easily determine how many games can be played based on the stored contents. Can be recognized. Moreover, even if the number of stored data does not exist, the lighting state is maintained by, for example, zero display or the like, whereby the second state can be recognized. By turning off the light, the first state can be recognized. Therefore, there is an advantage that confusion of the player can be avoided without providing a separate state display means.

Means 11 In any one of the means 1 to 10, the game of one game time is performed depending on the presence or absence of the output of the game medium obtained according to the result derived and displayed on the variable display means, and the variable display of the variable display means A gaming machine comprising: a start operation means for starting the operation; and a stop operation means for stopping the variable display.

According to the means 11, both start and stop of the variable display of the variable display means can be performed by the intervention of the player, and the feeling of actively participating in the game can be matched to the player. .

Means 12. The gaming machine according to claim 11, wherein the variable display means includes a plurality of identification information strings for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of identification information in a predetermined order.

According to the means 12, since there are a plurality of identification information strings, it is possible to determine whether or not a profit state such as a special game state occurs based on a combination of the identification information strings.

Means 13. In the means 12, the gaming machine is characterized in that the variable display means is constituted by mechanical display means.

As such a mechanical display means, a reel is generally used, but a belt type is also possible. In addition, it is possible to attach an electric display to such display means. For example, light is emitted from the inside of the reel to the reel by a light emitting means, and the transmitted light changes the identification information.

Means 14. In the means 12 or 13, the gaming machine is characterized in that the identification information is a symbol.

As the identification information, it is preferable to use a symbol, a figure, a character, a symbol, or the like in terms of ease of determination by the player. In addition, it is preferable to change the size and color of the different types of symbols in order to facilitate the identification of the changing symbol type.

[0038]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the following, a gaming machine is a spinning-type gaming machine,
More specifically, an embodiment applied to a slot machine will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 1
Has a box-shaped machine body 2 having an open front.
A front panel 3 as a front opening / closing door is attached to the front side of the machine body 2 so as to be freely opened and closed. When the front panel 3 is in the closed state, the front open side of the machine body 2 is closed by the front panel 3. When the front panel 3 is in the closed state, the front panel 3 is locked by a lock mechanism (not shown) so that the front panel 3 cannot be opened. It is configured to be released.

The front panel 3 is provided with three vertically long display windows 5, 6, and 7 arranged side by side. The display windows 5, 6, 7 are made of a transparent or translucent material, and the inside can be visually recognized through the display windows 5, 6, 7.

The machine main body 2 accommodates a left reel 11, a middle reel 12, and a right reel 13 constituting variable display means. Each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape), but may be at least annular. Each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is rotatably supported such that the center axis thereof is the rotation axis of the reels 11, 12, and 13. Each reel 11, 1
The rotation axes 2 and 13 are arranged on the same axis extending substantially in the horizontal direction, and the respective reels 11, 12, and 13 correspond to the display windows 5, 6, 7 on a one-to-one basis. Therefore, a part of the surface of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is visible through the corresponding display windows 5, 6, and 7, respectively.

When the reels 11, 12, and 13 rotate, the reels 11, 12, and 1 pass through the display windows 5, 6, and 7, respectively.
3 is projected as if moving from top to bottom. These reels 11, 12, 13 are respectively provided with reel motors 15, 16, 17, such as stepping motors.
(See FIG. 4), and each reel motor 15,
The reels 11, 12, and 13 can be driven to rotate individually, that is, independently, by the driving of the reels 16 and 17.

On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13,
Many symbols are provided as identification information.
Of these symbols, the number of symbols visible through the display windows 5, 6, 7 is limited to a predetermined number mainly determined by the length of the display windows 5, 6, 7 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the number of symbols that can be visually recognized as a whole for each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is three.

Here, the symbols attached to the reels 11, 12, 13 will be described. FIG. 3 shows the left reel 11,
A symbol arrangement for each of the center reel 12 and the right reel 13 is shown. The figure shows the reels 11, 12, 1
It can be considered as a development view of the three surfaces. As shown in the figure, each reel 11, 12, 13 is provided with 21 symbols in a row. Each reel 11, 12, 13
Are numbered from 1 to 21 corresponding to the numbers of the reels 11, 12, and 12.
13 is not actually added. However, the following description will be made using the numbers.

As a symbol, there is a "7" symbol as a first special symbol for shifting to a big bonus game.
The “7” symbol is a white symbol (for example, the left reel 2
0th. Hereinafter, it is appropriately referred to as a “white 7” symbol and a red one (for example, the 21st reel on the left reel.
Design). In addition, there is a “BAR” symbol (for example, the 19th left reel) as a second special symbol for shifting to a regular bonus game. In addition, there is a “replay symbol” (for example, the first left reel) as a third special symbol for shifting to a replay game. In addition, "watermelon" as a small role symbol where the small portion is paid out
There are a symbol (for example, the fourth on the left reel), a "bell" symbol (for example, the second on the left reel), and a "cherry" symbol (for example, the third on the left reel). Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the numbers and arrangement orders of the symbols in the reels 11, 12, and 13 are completely different.

The number of payouts for each symbol will be described. Regarding the small role design, if the "watermelon" symbol is aligned with the left, center and right on the activated line described later, 15 medals will be paid out, and the "bell" symbol will be aligned with the left, center and right on the activated line In this case, eight medals are paid out, and when the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 11 stops on the activated line, two medals are paid out. That is, the center reel 12 and the right reel 1
The "Cherry" symbol of No. 3 has nothing to do with medal payout,
It is a meaningless design. Also, in the case of the "Cherry" symbol only, medals are paid out irrespective of the combination with other symbols, so that a "(specifically, upper or lower) position where a plurality of valid lines of the left reel 11 overlap is displayed. If the "Cherry" symbol is stopped, medals will be paid out by multiplying the number of overlapping active lines,
As a result, in the present embodiment, four medals are paid out.

As for the other symbols, the "red 7" symbol or the "white 7" symbol, which is a combination of the first special symbol (big bonus symbol), has the same color on the active line as the left, center, and left.
"BAR" which is a combination of 15 medal payouts and a second special symbol (regular bonus symbol) when aligned to the right
15 if the pattern is aligned with the left, center and right on the active line
One medal is paid out.

Further, if the "replay" symbol, which is the combination of the third special symbols, is aligned with the left, center and right on the payline, no medal is paid out. In other cases, that is, the "cherry" symbol of the left reel 11 does not stop on the activated line,
If the same symbols are not aligned on the left, center and right, no medal will be paid out.

Further, in the present embodiment, the left and right reels 1
"White 7" symbol on 1, 13 and "BAR" on middle reel 12
When the symbols are aligned, 15 medals are paid out (hereinafter, referred to as a first small symbol), and a “white 7” symbol is displayed on the left and right reels 11 and 13 on the activated line, and a middle reel 1 is displayed.
When the "red 7" symbol is prepared in 2, 15 medals are paid out (hereinafter, this is referred to as a second small symbol symbol). However, the first small win symbol and the second small win symbol are set so as to be activated only during the big bonus game. In other cases, even if the first small win symbol or the second small win symbol is on the activated line. No medals are paid out even if they are aligned.

The reels 11, 12, and 13 are examples of variable display means for variably displaying identification information, and constitute a main display unit. However, the variable display means may have another configuration. For example, may be a other mechanical reels configuration such as a belt-type reel, also, instead of the mechanical reels configuration, or in addition, the liquid crystal display device, identified by electrical representation of such a dot matrix display device A device for variably displaying information may be provided, and in this case, a wide variety of display forms can be provided.

The front panel 3 has display windows 5, 6,
7, five lines are provided in total, three lines being parallel in the horizontal direction and two lines being crossed diagonally. Of course, the maximum number of valid lines may be set to 6 or more, or may be set to less than 5, and the maximum number of valid lines may be changed according to a predetermined condition. Effective line display sections 21, 22, and 23 are provided on the left side when viewed from the front of the display windows 5, 6, and 7 corresponding to each of these effective lines. When the center horizontal line (center line) is activated, the first activated line display unit 21 is notified by lighting or the like. When the upper and lower horizontal lines (upper line and lower line) are activated, the second activated line display unit 22 is informed by lighting or the like. When the pair of diagonal lines (lower right line and upper right line) is activated, the third active line display unit 23 is notified by lighting or the like.

The display windows 5 on the front panel 3
A start lever 25 operated to start rotation of the reels 11, 12, and 13 all at once (not necessarily simultaneously) is provided on the lower left side of 6, 7. The start lever 25 constitutes a start operation means operated to start the variable display. On the right side of the start lever 25, there are provided button-shaped stop switches 27, 28, 29 which are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 11, 12, 13 individually. Each stop switch 27, 28, 29 is a reel 11, 1 to be stopped.
The display windows 5, 6, and 7 corresponding to the display windows 2, 13 are respectively disposed immediately below. The stop switches 27, 28, and 29 constitute stop operation means operated to stop the variable display.

The display windows 5 on the front of the front panel 3
A medal insertion slot 31 for inserting a medal as an investment value is provided on the lower right side of 6, 7. The medal insertion slot 31 forms an input unit for inputting an investment value.
In addition, if attention is paid to the fact that the medal insertion slot 31 involves an operation of directly inserting medals by a player, it can be said that it constitutes a direct input means for directly inputting an investment value.

The display windows 5 and 5 on the front panel 3
A button-like first credit insertion switch 32 for inserting three virtual medals (stored game media) credited as investment value at a time is provided on the lower left side of 6, 7. The first credit input switch 32
Below the switch 32, a second credit input switch 33 and a third credit input switch 34 are provided as button-shaped switches smaller than the switch 32. Second
The credit insertion switch 33 is for inserting two credited virtual medals at a time, and the third credit insertion switch 34 is for inserting virtual medals one by one. Each credit input switch 32 ~
Reference numeral 34 denotes an input unit for inputting an investment value together with the medal insertion slot 31. Also, paying attention to the fact that the medal insertion slot 31 involves an operation of directly inserting a medal by a player, whereas each of the credit insertion switches 32 to 34 merely involves an operation of inserting a virtual medal based on the storage memory. It can also be said to constitute an indirect input means for indirectly inputting the investment value.

The first credit input switch 32
In order to urge that the maximum number of medals that can be inserted per game (three) has not been reached, a lamp as a light emitting member (not shown) is built in. The lamp is lit when the switch operation of the first credit insertion switch 32 is valid to prompt the operation of the switch 32. However, when there is no virtual medal that has been credited, or when three medals have already been inserted. It is turned off in the situation where it is. Here, instead of the above-mentioned lighting, it may be made to blink so as to make it easier for the player to recognize the medal insertion.

On the left side of the medal slot 31 on the front surface of the front panel 3, a first switch 36 and a second switch 37 in the form of buttons are provided.

The first changeover switch 36 is connected to the medal slot 3
It is operated to change the handling format of the inserted medals that have been inserted more than the required amount in 1 and the acquired medals that are returned to the player as a result of the predetermined game. That is, for example, when the power is turned on, a setting is made so that surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (for example, 50 medals) are stored and stored as credit medals, and acquired medals are stored and stored as credit medals. When the first changeover switch 36 is operated and the first changeover switch 36 is operated, if there is a credit medal, the corresponding payout is paid out as a real medal, and the surplus inserted medals and acquired medals are paid out as a real medal. To be switched to the "direct mode". If the mode is switched between the "credit mode" and the "direct mode" each time the first changeover switch 36 is operated, the player can execute a game in a format according to his / her preference. . The first changeover switch 36 constitutes a changeover operation means for changing the handling mode of the input value and the game value. Focusing on the function of paying out credited virtual medals as real medals,
The changeover switch 36 can be said to constitute a settlement operation means for actually paying out the game value stored and stored.

The second changeover switch 37 is used for an operation for returning a medal (input game medium; hereinafter, also referred to as "bet medal") already inserted (hereinafter, also referred to as "bet"). That is, when the second changeover switch 37 is operated when a bet medal exists, if the current mode is the credit mode, the medal is returned as a credit medal, and if the current mode is the direct mode, the medal is paid out as a real medal. It has become. That is, the second
The changeover switch 37 can be operated completely independently of the first changeover switch 36.

The front panel 3 has a remaining number display section 38 as storage number display means or status display means for displaying the number of medals that have been activated and stored in the credit mode and stored.
And an acquired number display section 39 for displaying the number of acquired medals. These two display units 38 and 39 are constituted by 2-digit 7-segment displays.
It is of course possible to substitute a liquid crystal display or the like.
In the credit mode, even if the medal number stored and stored is zero, the remaining number display section 38 does not turn off the light by performing zero display, while turning off the light in the direct mode, The off state allows the player to visually recognize the mode.

In the lower part of the slot machine 1, a medal discharge port 42 for discharging medals from a hopper device 41 housed inside the machine main body 2 and actual medals discharged from the medal discharge port 42 are stored. Receiving tray 43 is provided. The hopper device 41 constitutes output means for returning a real medal as a game value.

At the top of the slot machine 1, a big notification unit 45, a regular notification unit 46, a replay notification unit 47,
Various notification units such as the small notification unit 48 are provided. The arrangement locations of these various notification units are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and a common notification unit may perform different types of notification.

The big notifying section 45 is provided for each reel 11, 1
When the "red 7" symbol or the "white 7" symbol as the first special symbol is aligned on the activated line at the time of stopping the second and the 13th, a notification that the big bonus game has been obtained is displayed by lighting or blinking. The regular notifying unit 46 controls each reel 1
When the "BAR" symbol as the second special symbol is aligned on the activated line when the rotation of the wheels 1, 12, 13 is stopped, the fact that the regular bonus game has been obtained is indicated by lighting, blinking or the like. The replay notification unit 47 is provided for each reel 1
When the "replay" symbols are aligned on the activated line when the rotation of the wheels 1, 12, 13 is stopped, the fact that the replay game has been obtained is indicated by lighting, blinking, or the like. Small part notification section 48
The "watermelon" symbol or the "bell" symbol as a small combination symbol is aligned on the activated line when the rotation of each of the reels 11, 12, 13 is stopped, or the "cherry" symbol is the left reel 11
When the vehicle stops on the active line, the fact that a predetermined number of medals have been obtained is displayed by flashing or flashing.

Each of the notification units 45 to 48 notifies the user by display, but instead of or in addition to this, the speaker 50 provided in the slot machine 1 may be used.
May be notified by voice.

Although not shown, each reel 11, 1
Light-emitting members may be provided on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of 2, 13. The light emitting member on the inner peripheral side of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 irradiates light from the inside of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 so that the player can see the transmitted light from each of the reels 11, 12, and 13. On the other hand, the light emitting member on the outer peripheral side of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 emits light from the outside of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13, and the reflected light from each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is shown to the player. . Various effects can be produced depending on the light emission degree, light emission timing, light emission time, and the like of each light emitting member.

As shown in FIG. 1, an auxiliary display section 49 is provided on the front panel 3 on the right side of the arrangement position of each of the reels 11 to 13. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary display unit 49 is configured by a liquid crystal display for the purpose of diversifying the display content and increasing the display effect. However, the auxiliary display unit 49 may use another display such as a dot matrix display. Good.

The auxiliary display section 49 is used to execute various display effects as the game progresses.
13 can be considered to be played by the main display unit, and thus is referred to as an auxiliary display unit 49 in the present embodiment. The auxiliary display unit 49 has a navigation function such as giving various information to a player. The contents displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 has a controller 51 for performing various controls related to the game.
Is provided. The control device 51 includes a CP that controls the control.
U, ROM storing a game program, RAM storing necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries,
It has a control circuit board including a clock pulse generation circuit and the like used for time counting and synchronization, and is constituted by a control board box in which the control circuit board is housed in a box. The control device 51 functions as a main base built in the slot machine 1.

On the input side of the control device 51, a start detection sensor 61 for detecting the operation of the start lever 25, stop detection sensors 62, 63, 64 for individually detecting the operations of the respective stop switches 27, 28, 29, a medal An inserted medal detection sensor 65 for detecting medals inserted from the insertion slot 31, and credit input detection sensors 66, 67, 68 individually corresponding to the switches 32 to 34 for detecting operations of the credit input switches 32 to 34. , The first switch detection sensor 6 for detecting the operation of the first switch 36
9, a second changeover detection sensor 70 for detecting the operation of the second changeover switch 37, a reel position detection sensor 7 for individually detecting the rotational position (origin position) of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13
1, 72, 73, and various sensors such as a hopper detection sensor 74 for detecting medals paid out from the hopper device 41 are connected.

The inserted medal detection sensor 65 is actually composed of a plurality of sensors. That is, the medal passage from the medal insertion slot 31 to the hopper device 41 is configured so that medals can pass in one line. And
A first sensor is provided in the medal passage, and a second sensor and a third
The sensors are provided close to each other (at such a position that a state where the same medal is simultaneously detected at least at one time) is provided, and the inserted medal detection sensor 65 is provided by each of the first to third sensors. Control device 5
1 monitors the time from the first sensor to the second sensor,
If the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, it is considered that a coin is jammed or illegal, and an error is generated. When an error occurs, an error is notified and the operation by the player until the error is canceled is invalidated. The control device 51 also monitors the order in which the second sensor and the third sensor are turned on and off.
When only the sensor is ON, both the second and third sensors are ON, only the third sensor is ON, and both the second and third sensors are OFF, and the time for shifting to each ON / OFF switching is within a predetermined time. Is determined that the coin has been normally taken in, and an error is assumed otherwise. The reason for this is to prevent medals from being jammed in the medal passage and from being misrecognized as inserted medals by reciprocating the medals near the inserted medal detection sensor 65.

On the output side of the control device 51, a motor drive circuit 81 for driving each of the reel motors 15, 16, 17 is provided.
Various display units 21 to 23, 38, 39, various notification units 45 to
Display drive circuit 82 for driving display 48, hopper device 4
1, a hopper drive circuit 83 for driving the speaker 1, a speaker drive circuit 84 for driving the speaker 50, a display control device 85 for driving and controlling the auxiliary display unit 49, and the like.

The display drive circuit 82 and the display control device 8
5 and the speaker drive circuit 84 are configured as an integrated board, and serve as a sub-board in relation to the control device 51 as a main board. That is, the burden on the main base is reduced by sub-bases for sounds and displays related to indirect games. The sub-base includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. Upon receiving a signal from the control device 51, the sub-base is independently configured with various notification units 45 to 48, an auxiliary display unit 49, and a speaker. 5
0 is notified and displayed.

The control device 51 as the main base and the display control device 85 as a part of the sub-base include a CPU,
Although a ROM, a RAM and the like are provided, in the following description, the control device 51 is described as a set of function realizing means without being restricted by the actual configuration itself. That is, the various functions described below are functions realized under the control of the CPU, and the control program is based on the stored contents of the ROM (in some cases, the RAM), and the necessary data at each time is stored in the RAM. Although the information is temporarily stored and held, the requirements and the like in the program can be made by those skilled in the art by adopting an appropriate table configuration or the like, and thus will not be individually described. However, when it is necessary to grasp the advantages of the present embodiment, a specific description will be given as appropriate.

The control device 51 is provided with “small winning combination lottery means”. The small combination lottery means performs a lottery based on the timing at which the detection signal from the start detection sensor 61 is input to determine whether the small combination payout condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, since there are a plurality of types of small wins such as "watermelon", "bell", "cherry", etc., the small win lottery means performs a lottery to determine which type of small win payout condition is satisfied. It is determined whether or not the role flag is established. The other lotteries are also configured to change in accordance with the number of inserted medals, and generally, the greater the number of inserted medals, the more advantageous the lottery result for the player is obtained.

The control device 51 includes “replay game lottery means”. The replay game lottery means performs a lottery based on the timing at which the detection signal from the start detection sensor 61 is input to determine whether or not the replay game transition condition is satisfied, and thereby determines whether or not the replay flag is satisfied.

The control device 51 has "replay game control means". When the replay flag is established during the normal game, the replay game control means
At the time of stopping 1, 12, and 13, a certain pull-in stop control is applied and the replay symbol is stopped on the activated line semi-forcibly while referring to the contents of a replay establishment table described later. Then, on the condition that the replay symbol stops on the activated line, the next game can be performed free of charge. Of course, various lotteries are also executed when the replay game is played.

The control device 51 has “regular bonus lottery means”. The regular bonus lottery means performs a lottery based on the timing at which the detection signal is input from the start detection sensor 61 to determine whether or not a regular bonus shift condition is satisfied, and thereby determines whether or not a regular bonus flag is satisfied.

The control device 51 has “regular bonus control means”. When the regular bonus flag is established during a normal game, the regular bonus control means performs a fixed pull-in stop control while stopping the reels 11, 12, and 13 while referring to the contents of the regular bonus establishment table. In addition, semi-forced second
Stop special symbols (regular bonus symbols) on the active line. Then, under the condition that the regular bonus symbol stops on the activated line, the predetermined number of games (12 times in this case) is set as an upper limit, and the normal gaming state, which is the current gaming state, is shifted to the regular bonus game. After that, it returns to the original gaming state. During the regular bonus game, there is only one activated line.

The control device 51 includes “a regular bonus lottery means”. The regular bonus lottery means is activated only during the regular bonus, and performs a lottery of a predetermined symbol (here, a replay symbol) at the timing when the detection signal from the start detection sensor 61 is input. Unlike the normal lottery, the lottery of the symbol is set so that a predetermined number of medals (for example, 15 medals) are paid out when the replay symbols are aligned on the activated line during the regular bonus, for example. The symbol is set as a medal payout symbol, and a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a condition for matching the medal payout symbol is satisfied. And
The regular bonus control means, as a result of the lottery,
If a replay flag is established (the replay flag is different from the regular game and is newly set for a regular bonus), a symbol other than the medal payout symbol is displayed on the activated line. The reels 11, 12, and 13 are controlled so as not to be aligned, and when the medal payout symbols are aligned a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times), the reels are regularly set even if the predetermined number of games (12 times) is not reached. End the bonus game.

The control device 51 has “big bonus lottery means”. The big bonus lottery means performs a lottery based on the timing at which the detection signal from the start detection sensor 61 is input to determine whether or not the big bonus transition condition is satisfied, thereby determining whether or not a big bonus establishment flag is present.

The control device 51 has “big bonus control means”. When the big bonus flag is established during the normal game, when the reels 11, 12, and 13 are stopped, the big bonus control means applies a certain pull-in stop control while referring to the contents of a big bonus establishment table described later. To forcibly stop the first special symbol (big bonus symbol) on the activated line. Then, on condition that the big bonus symbol stops on the activated line, the game is shifted from the current game state, ie, the normal game, to the big bonus game, and then, in principle, returned to the original normal game state.

The control device 51 has "lottery means during big bonus". The lottery means during the big bonus is activated only during the big bonus, and depending on the timing at which the detection signal from the start detection sensor 61 is input,
The lottery of the small combination symbol and the lottery of the jack-in are performed, and it is determined whether the small combination flag and the jack-in flag are established. Then, the big bonus control means refers to the small win establishment table so as to align a predetermined small win symbol on the activated line by the establishment of the small win flag, and the reel 11,
12 and 13 are semi-forced to be pulled in and stopped. Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the lottery of the first small combination symbol and the second small combination symbol is also performed by the lottery means during the big bonus. That is, during the big bonus game, the lottery means during the big bonus is used to select “white 7.
Lottery of the first small symbol as a combination of "Red 7 / White 7" symbol and second as a combination of "White 7 / BAR / White 7" symbol
Lottery of small symbol is also performed. In the present embodiment, the lottery of the first small combination symbol and the second small combination symbol is set to be established with a high probability in order to increase the number of medals obtained in the big bonus game. In addition, the lottery means during the big bonus sets the probability of establishment of the jack-in flag to 1/10.

Further, the big bonus control means semi-forcefully pulls in and stops the reels 11, 12, and 13 while referring to the contents of the replay establishment table in order to cause jack-in by establishment of the jack-in flag. . The jack-in is a state in which a game similar to the above-described regular bonus game is executed during the big bonus game, and specifically, occurs when “replay” symbols are arranged. Therefore, for executing the jack-in, the big bonus control means controls each reel 1 to align the jack-in symbol (replay symbol) on the activated line.
1, 12, and 13 are forcibly pulled in and stop controlled. When the player is jacked in, a game similar to the above-described regular bonus game is executed.

Here, in the case of the conventional slot machine, the big bonus game is to complete 30 small win games or to execute a predetermined number of jack-ins (for example, 3 times).
Times) digestion was to end. In this case, the jack-in game is calculated as one small win game. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a super big bonus game in which the upper limit of the small role game in the big bonus game is 50 games and a normal big bonus game in which the upper limit of the small role game is 20 games are set. These can be changed under predetermined conditions. Various conditions can be considered as the change condition, but in the present embodiment, the change condition is assigned with a probability of 1/2 before the start of the big bonus game.

The control related to the lottery and the progress of the super big bonus game and the normal big bonus game is performed by the above-mentioned big bonus control means. In other words, when the big bonus flag is established or when the big bonus symbol stops on the activated line, the big bonus control means performs the random drawing between the super big bonus game and the normal big bonus game by the internal lottery. The big bonus control means sets the maximum value of the small role game to 50 when the super big bonus game is drawn.
The small role game is advanced as a game, and when the jack-in game ends three times, the big bonus game is forcibly ended halfway. On the other hand, when the normal big bonus game is drawn, the big bonus control means advances the small role game by setting the maximum value of the number of small role games to 20 games, and forcibly terminates the game when the jack-in game ends three times. To end the big bonus game.

The control device 51 includes “reel control means” and “storage means”. The reel control means controls each of the reels 11 to 13 in accordance with the contents stored in the storage means, and in particular, controls the stop position of each of the reels 11 to 13 in accordance with the contents stored in various tables stored in the storage means. Is what you do.

Storage means (here, ROM, but RAM
It may be. The various tables stored in ()) are individually set according to the various flags that have been established. More specifically, for example, when no flag is established, a "missing table" for preventing any symbol from being aligned on the activated line, a small combination flag (a small combination flag is a bell symbol, a watermelon symbol) , A different flag corresponding to each small combination such as a cherry symbol is prepared.) A small combination formation table (hereinafter, in particular, the first small combination) for aligning a predetermined small combination symbol on the activated line corresponding to the small combination. When referring to a table of a small combination symbol or a second small combination symbol, it is referred to as a “first small combination formation table” or a “second small combination formation table”), and the replay symbol is displayed on the activated line in accordance with the replay flag. "Replay establishment table" to align, "Red 7" symbol or "White 7" corresponding to the big bonus flag
"Big formation table" for aligning symbols on activated lines, "BAR" corresponding to regular bonus flag
In addition to a “regular establishment table” for aligning the symbols on the activated line, a “line table” for determining on which activated line the established symbols are arranged, and the like.

Next, the display control device 85 will be described as a set of function realizing means without being restricted by the actual configuration itself. That is,
The various functions described below are realized under the control of the CPU, and the control program is based on the storage contents of the ROM (or the RAM in some cases), and the necessary data is temporarily stored in the RAM. However, since the program requirements and the like can be made by those skilled in the art by adopting an appropriate table configuration and the like, they will not be described individually. However, when it is necessary to grasp the advantages of the present embodiment, a specific description will be given as appropriate.

The display control device 85 has “display storage means”. The “display storage unit” is specifically realized by a ROM, a RAM, or the like.
9, various display data to be displayed are stored.

The display control device 85 includes “auxiliary display control means”. The auxiliary display control means includes an auxiliary display unit 4
9 for display control, and realizes various auxiliary displays described below.

That is, first, the auxiliary display control means displays, on the auxiliary display unit 49, at least a "navigation display" for notifying the establishment of the small combination flag or the replay flag, and the small combination when the big bonus flag or the regular bonus flag is established. The display of the auxiliary display unit 49 is controlled so as to perform the “out-of-navigation display” for notifying that the flag or the like is established. It should be noted that the navigation display and the off-navigation display cannot be distinguished only from the display contents of the auxiliary display unit 49, and the respective reels 11 and
This is understood from the relationship with the contents of the stop of the steps 12 and 13.

That is, when the small combination flag or the replay flag is established as the "navigation display", the auxiliary display control means displays the symbol corresponding to the small combination or the replay corresponding to the flag establishment by the auxiliary display unit before the end of the game. 49 to display a navigational function that prompts the player to stop the displayed symbol. On the other hand, when the big bonus flag or the regular bonus flag is established as the "out-of-navigation display", the small display or the replay symbol for which the flag is not originally established is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 before the end of the game. The navigational function that prompts the user to stop the symbols displayed on the screen is displayed, but since the displayed symbols are not originally flagged, the displayed symbols are actually aligned on the active line. The meaning is different from the above navigation display in that there is no.

The auxiliary display control means has a function of displaying on the auxiliary display section 49 whether the above-mentioned super big bonus game or the normal big bonus game is selected when the big bonus game is established. Here, the display as to whether the game is the super big bonus game or the normal big bonus game is made based on the information data on the bonus type from the big bonus control means of the control device 51.

[0093] During the super big bonus game, the auxiliary display control means sets the first small symbol, the second small symbol, other small symbol, and the replay symbol (jack-in symbol). In this case, a function of displaying the flag establishment on the auxiliary display unit 49 is provided so that the player can easily stop at the small combination or the like related to the flag establishment. On the other hand, the auxiliary display control means has a function of performing a display irrelevant to the flag establishment of each symbol during the normal big bonus game, but assists the display related to the establishment of various flags as in the super big bonus game. The display unit 49 may perform the operation.

Next, regarding the handling of medals, the first changeover switch 36 and the second changeover switch 3 serving as the settlement operation means are provided.
The relationship between the operation of No. 7 and the control of the control device 51 as the settlement processing means based on the operation will be described.

As described above, the operation is switched between the "credit mode" and the "direct mode" by operating the first changeover switch 36. Also, the second changeover switch 37
Is executed, the bet return processing is executed. All of these switching processes are realized by the control function of the control device 51.

That is, when the power is turned on, the credit mode is set under the control of the control device 51. When the first changeover switch 36 is operated in the credit mode, an ON signal from the first changeover detection sensor 69 is output to the control device 51, and the control device 51 receives the ON signal and switches to the direct mode. In order to pay out the credit medals as real medals, the hopper device 41 is driven and controlled via the hopper driving circuit 83 to execute the medal payout.

When the first changeover switch 36 is further operated in the direct mode, an ON signal from the first changeover detection sensor 69 is output to the control device 51, and the control device 51 outputs the ON signal. In response, the mode is switched to the credit mode, and a medal to be inserted or paid out thereafter is controlled so as to store and hold a maximum of 50 medals as credit medals. That is, every time the first switch 36 is operated, the credit mode and the direct mode are alternately switched.

On the other hand, when the second changeover switch 37 is operated, an ON signal from the second changeover detection sensor 70 is output to the control device 51, and the control device 51 receives the ON signal and changes the current mode to the credit mode. Mode or direct mode is determined. That is, the control device 51
It has a function as a judging means for judging the current mode. If the current mode is the credit mode, the bet medals are returned as credit medals, and if the current mode is the direct mode, the medals are paid out as actual medals, that is, the hopper device 41 is drive-controlled. That is, the control based on the operation of the second changeover switch 37 differs depending on the current mode.

Next, the operation of the slot machine 1 having the above configuration will be described based on a game method.

At the start of the game, the player inserts a medal through the medal insertion slot 31 or operates a credit insertion switch 32 to 34 to insert a virtual medal based on the stored memory. The medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 31 is detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 65, and upon receiving the detection signal, the control device 51 determines that a medal has been inserted. On the other hand, the operation of the credit insertion switches 32 to 34 is performed by the credit insertion detection sensors 66 to
In response to the detection signal, the control device 51 determines that a predetermined number of virtual medals have been inserted.

In accordance with the number of inserted medals, the control device 51 outputs data on the number of inserted medals to the sub-board side, and the display drive circuit 82 controls the effective line display sections 21, 22,
23 is turned on. Here, if one medal is inserted, only the valid line display section 21 is turned on and only the center horizontal line is activated. If two medals are inserted, the valid line display sections 21 and 22 are turned on. The center and upper and lower horizontal lines are activated, and if three medals are inserted, all activated line display sections 21, 22, and 23 are turned on to notify that all the lines have been activated. In the case of medal insertion by operating the credit insertion switches 32 to 34, the control device 51 subtracts the stored number of credited medals by that amount and displays a display corresponding to the subtracted value on the remaining number display section 38. Display control so that

When the player operates the start lever 25 while at least one line is activated, the operation is detected by the start detection sensor 61, and upon receiving the detection signal, the control device 51 causes the start lever 25 to operate. Determine that an operation has been performed. Then, the control device 51
In order to rotate all the reels 11, 12, and 13 all at once (or at the same time or with a predetermined time difference), each reel motor 15,
Drives 16 and 17 are controlled. As a result, each reel 11,
Reference numerals 12 and 13 rotate in one direction at such a speed that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the symbols attached to the surface, and the symbols are moved from top to bottom through the display windows 5, 6, and 7. It is projected as if it were variably displayed toward.

At the timing when the detection signal based on the operation of the start lever 25 is input to the control device 51, during the normal game, the small-lot drawing means, the replay game drawing means,
Each lottery is performed by the regular bonus lottery means and the big bonus lottery means.

If the lottery result by the small role lottery means indicates that the small role flag is established, the right to stop the appropriate small role symbol on the activated line is given only in that game. If the result of the lottery by the replay game lottery means that the replay flag is established, the right to shift to the replay game is given only in that game. When the result of the lottery by the regular bonus lottery means that the regular bonus flag is established, the right to shift to the regular bonus game is given, and the flag is held until the shift to the regular bonus game. If the result of the lottery by the big bonus lottery means that the big bonus flag is established, the right to shift to the big bonus game is given, and the flag is held until the shift to the big bonus game. Furthermore, when the lottery result of each lottery means does not mean that any condition is satisfied, none of the flags is set.

When the player operates the stop switches 27, 28, 29 in an arbitrary order after the lottery by the respective lottery means is completed, the operations are individually detected by the stop detection sensors 62, 63, 64, respectively. Upon receiving each detection signal, the control device 51 sets each stop switch 2
It is determined that operations 7, 28 and 29 have been performed. Then, the control unit 51, the stop switch 2 is operated
In order to individually stop the reels 11, 12, and 13 corresponding to 7, 28, and 29, the respective reel motors 15, 16, and 17 are controlled to stop via the motor drive circuit 81.

The stop positions of the reels 11, 12, and 13 are determined by referring to the tables stored in the storage means of the control device 51 based on the establishment flags which are the lottery results of the respective lottery means. Is done. Therefore, if there is a symbol corresponding to the establishment flag from the activated line to four symbols in front of the reel rotation direction, in principle, control is performed such that the symbol is positively drawn on the activated line, If the reel stop timing is an error up to four symbols before, the error can be absorbed. As a result, even if the player is not skilled,
By means of 1, the symbol corresponding to the establishment flag can be stopped on the active line as much as possible.

When each of the reels 11, 12, 13 is stopped, the combination of stopped symbols on the activated line is a predetermined combination of symbols, that is, a combination of small symbol combinations, a combination of replay symbols, In the case of the combination of the first special symbol (big bonus symbol) and the combination of the second special symbol (regular bonus symbol), the control device 51 determines the combination of each stop symbol via the display driving circuit 82 on the sub-board side. The number of medals to be paid out is displayed on the acquired number display section 39.

The control device 51 performs payout control for paying out a number of medals corresponding to each combination of stopped symbols as a game value in parallel with the display on the acquired number display section 39 via the sub-base. As for the payout of such medals, the control device 51 drives the hopper device 41 via the hopper drive circuit 83, so that the medal is directly paid out from the medal discharge port 42 to the tray 43 as an actual medal. However, if the operation of the first changeover switch 36 is detected by the first changeover detection sensor 69 and the control device 51 determines that the credit mode is set, the maximum value (for 50 sheets) that can be stored and stored is not reached. That amount is stored and stored as a credit medal without directly driving the hopper device 41. In this case, the control device 51 adds the number of medals acquired this time to the number of stored medals that have been credited, via the sub-base so that the remaining number display unit 38 performs display according to the added value. Display control. Of course, even in this case, medals are directly paid out from the hopper device 41 for the number exceeding the maximum value of 50 cards that can be stored and stored.

If the symbols arranged on the activated line are a small symbol combination or a combination of symbols with no payout, the normal game is continued. On the other hand, when the combination of the symbols arranged on the activated line is the combination of the replay symbols, the replay game control means executes the replay game in which the next game can be played free of charge. Also,
If the combination of symbols arranged on the activated line is a combination of regular bonus symbols, the regular bonus game is executed by the regular bonus control means.
When the combination of symbols arranged on the activated line is a combination of big bonus symbols, the big bonus game is executed by the big bonus control means.

When the small combination symbols are aligned on the activated line, the control device 51 controls the display of the small combination notifying section 48 through the display drive circuit 82 to notify the small combination is displayed and to drive the speaker. The drive of the speaker 50 is controlled via the circuit 84 to notify the completion of the small role by voice. Further, when the replay symbols are aligned on the activated line, the control device 51 controls the display of the replay notification unit 47 via the display drive circuit 82 to display and notify the transition to the replay game, and controls the speaker drive circuit 84. The drive of the speaker 50 is controlled via the speaker to notify the sound of the transition to the replay game.

If the regular bonus symbols are aligned on the activated line, the control device 51
, The display of the transition to the regular bonus game is controlled by display control of the regular notification unit 46, and the speaker 50 is driven and controlled by the speaker drive circuit 84 to notify the transition to the regular bonus game by voice.

When the big bonus symbols are aligned on the activated line, the control device 51 controls the display of the big notifying section 45 via the display drive circuit 82 to display and notify the shift to the big bonus game. The drive of the speaker 50 is controlled via the speaker drive circuit 84, and the transition to the big bonus game is notified by voice.

The sound notification by the speakers 50 may be exaggerated (increase the volume, increase the tone, change the rhythm, etc.) as the profit from the return of the game value to the player increases. preferable. The same applies to the display mode of each of the notification units 45 to 48. For example, by changing the display mode such as blinking rapidly in a big bonus game, the magnitude of the obtained profit can be estimated by the player. .

Next, a part related to the navigation display effect and the off-navigation display effect of the auxiliary display unit 49 will be described.

First, the "navigation display" effect will be described. When the small combination flag or the replay flag is established, the auxiliary display control means extracts a symbol corresponding to the established flag based on the contents stored in the storage means, and displays the auxiliary display. Part 49
To be displayed. This display is performed in response to the detection of the operation of the start lever 25. That is, a predetermined symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 before the player operates the stop switches 27 to 29, and by referring to the symbol, the symbol which can be realized in the current game is displayed. You can figure out. For example, when the replay flag is established, a replay symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 as shown in FIG.

The state in which the replay symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display section 49 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the replay game control means refers to the replay establishment table of the storage means in response to the establishment of the replay flag. In response to the operation of the stop switches 27 to 29, the replay symbol is stopped at a predetermined effective line (the upward-sloping line in FIG. 5).

Therefore, the player can know that the contents displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 and the symbols actually formed on the activated lines when the reels 11, 12, and 13 are stopped correspond to each other.

Next, a description will be given of the effect of "display off-navigation". When the big bonus flag or the regular bonus flag is established, the auxiliary display control means sets the relative flag based on the contents stored in the storage means of the display control device 85. Instead of extracting symbols to be played, a small role or replay symbol different from these symbols is extracted and displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49. This display is performed in response to the detection of the operation of the start lever 25 as in the case of the “navigation display” effect. That is, before the player operates the stop switches 27 to 29, the auxiliary display unit 49
A predetermined symbol is displayed. For example, when the auxiliary display control unit has extracted a replay symbol, the auxiliary display unit 49 displays the replay symbol. Therefore, at the time when the symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49, the player cannot understand whether the display is the navigation display or the off-navigation display. It can be determined ex post fact that it was a display effect, and if the symbols such as the small role corresponding to the display symbol are not aligned on the activated line, it can be ex post fact that the display effect was out of navigation.

Here, when performing an off-navigation display effect, a process for forcibly tempering the symbol displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 is performed, and a big bonus symbol or the like which originally has a flag is set. It is preferable that they are not aligned. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
When, for example, a replay symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 in a state where the big bonus flag is established, the reel control means refers to the replay establishment table and activates the first and second reels 11 and 12. When the replay symbol is stopped on the line so as to stop, and the third or last reel 13 stops, by referring to a tempering-off table stored separately in the storage means, as shown in FIG. It is preferable that the right reel 13 that stops last does not stop the replay symbol on the line that rises to the right, so that the replay symbol becomes an out of line. In this way, in the situation where the two reels 11 and 12 are stopped, it is not clear whether the display effect is the navigation display effect or the off-navigation display effect. By being off, it can be understood for the first time that the display effect was out of navigation, and the fun of the out of navigation display effect can be emphasized to the player, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

In the above navigation display and off-navigation display effects, the relationship between the replay symbol and the big bonus flag has been described. However, another display symbol, for example, a small symbol symbol may be displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49. Needless to say, the same effect can be obtained even when the regular bonus flag is established.

Further, if the off-navigation display effect as described above is performed many times after the establishment of the big bonus flag, the interestingness is reduced by half. Therefore, a predetermined limit is imposed on the number of off-navigation display effects and the like. Is preferred. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is performed only once when the big bonus flag is established and when the regular bonus flag is established. Since such a condition setting is effected only when these flags are established, the program design of the control device 51 is easy.

Next, the control of the big bonus game and the progress of the game in the present embodiment will be described.

After the big bonus flag is established, each of the reels 11 to 13 is operated based on the operation of the player or the lapse of a predetermined time.
Is stopped, and when the big bonus symbol is stopped on the activated line, the game enters the big bonus game.

Here, in this embodiment, when the big bonus flag is established (or the big bonus symbol may be stopped on the activated line), the big bonus control means performs the super big bonus game and the normal big bonus by the internal lottery. A random lottery with the bonus game is performed. As described above, the lottery probabilities of the super big bonus game and the normal big bonus game are equal, and each lottery is performed with a probability of 1/2.

When the super big bonus game is drawn, the control device 51 outputs the game type information data to the sub board side, and the auxiliary display control means displays on the auxiliary display section 49 that the super big bonus game has been acquired. Display. An example of this is shown in FIG. The super big bonus game is a game in which the number of small role games is set to 50 and the game value is very high. Therefore, in order to express the value, the auxiliary display unit 49 displays a character indicating joy and a specific display. The character display "SUPER" is displayed.

On the other hand, when the normal big bonus game is drawn, the control device 51 outputs the game type information data to the sub-board side, and the auxiliary display control means obtains the normal big bonus game on the auxiliary display section 49. Is displayed. An example of this is shown in FIG. In the normal big bonus game, the number of small role games is set to 20 and the game value is considerably lower than that of the super big bonus game.
9 displays a character indicating a disappointing state and a character display of "NORMAL" for specific clarification.

Auxiliary display unit 49 shown in FIGS.
Of the speaker 50 under the control of the sub-board together with the display of
It is preferable to generate a different voice depending on whether a super big bonus game or a normal big bonus game is obtained.

By the way, when the super big bonus game is acquired, the big bonus control means advances the small role game with the maximum value of the number of small role games as 50 games, and forcibly stops when the jack-in game is completed three times. End the big bonus game. On the other hand, when the normal big bonus game is acquired, the big bonus control means advances the small role game with the maximum value of the small role game being 20 games, and forcibly increases the big part in the middle of the jack-in game three times. End the bonus game.

As described above, during the big bonus, the lottery means sets the probability of establishment of the jack-in flag to 1/10. According to this setting, the jack-in flag is established at a rate of about once in 10 games. It is expected. Therefore, during the Super Big Bonus game, 50
Since the small win games are set, there is a great possibility that all of the preset three jack-in games can be acquired, whereas only 20 small win games are performed during the normal big bonus game. Since it is not set, there is a low possibility that all three preset jack-in games can be obtained. Further, in the super big bonus game, opportunities to acquire small roles other than the jack-in game are increased, whereas in the normal big bonus game, the opportunities are small.

As described above, by providing a plurality of large and small settings as the maximum value of the small role game in the big bonus game, it is possible to realize the super big bonus game and the normal big bonus game having different game values. As a result, it is possible to make the variation of the gaming property in the big bonus game abundant, and to enhance the interest of the game.

In the course of the above-mentioned game, the player can operate the first changeover switch 36 and the second changeover switch 37 to select a medal handling form according to the player's preference. .

That is, every time the first changeover switch 36 is operated, the alternate mode between the credit mode and the direct mode is performed. Therefore, when virtual medals are credited and stored in the credit mode, the game can be advanced up to the credited medals, and medals can be inserted also in this case. On the other hand, by switching to the direct mode, the virtual medals are paid out to the player via the hopper device 41 as real medals. As a result, the player can play a game using a real medal or end the game.

On the other hand, when there is a bet medal,
By operating the second switch 37, a bet medal return process is performed. Here, when detecting the operation of the second changeover switch 37, the control device 51 performs a process of determining the current mode. If the current mode is the credit mode, the bet medals are returned as credit medals, and if the current mode is the direct mode, the medals are paid out as actual medals, that is, the hopper device 41 is drive-controlled. Therefore, even if the player once places a bet, the player can cancel the game based on the bet.

For the bet medals, after the start lever 25 has already been operated and the ON signal from the start detection sensor 61 has been output to the control device 51, even if the second changeover switch 37 is operated, the game is started. The prohibition process is performed in the control device 51 so that the bet medals of the times are not returned. Therefore, it is possible to prohibit canceling a bet in the middle of the game once started, thereby avoiding an unexpected disadvantage of the game hall.

As described above, the player can easily perform a desired settlement process by appropriately operating one of the changeover switches 36 and 37 depending on whether the settlement of the credit or the settlement of the bet is performed. In addition, at the time of bet settlement, since the settlement mode according to the current mode is executed, medals are paid out from the hopper device 41 at the time of bet settlement in the credit mode, or at the time of bet settlement even in the direct mode. There is also an advantage that inconvenience such as credit storage can be avoided.

Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described.

(A) In the above embodiment, the bet settlement process according to the mode is performed by operating the second changeover switch 37. However, instead of this, when there is a bet medal, the credit medal is always provided. May be settled, or the hopper device 41 may always pay out actual medals.

(B) Only the mode switching between the credit mode and the direct mode is performed by operating the first changeover switch 36, and the settlement of the credit medals is not performed only by the mode changeover. All virtual medals of medals and credit medals may be paid out from the hopper device 41.

(C) Only the mode switching between the credit mode and the direct mode is performed by operating the first changeover switch 36, and the settlement of the credit medal is not performed only by the mode changeover, and the first changeover of the second changeover switch 37 is performed. The bet medals may be switched to the credit medals by the operation, and the credit medals may be paid out from the hopper device 41 by the second operation.

(D) Both or one of the first switch 36 and the second switch 37 may be used as another switch. In this case, it is preferable to use a switch that is not used in the non-game state. For example, the stop switches 27 to 29 may be configured to appropriately have the function of the first changeover switch 36 or the second changeover switch 37. In this case, for example, stop switch 2
7 functions as the first switch 36 only when the start lever 25 is not operated (that is, before the game starts),
Only when the stop switch 29 is not operated by the start lever 25 (that is, before the game starts), the second changeover switch 3
7 may function.

(E) The auxiliary display unit 49 has been described as displaying a display for executing a navigation display effect and an off-navigation display effect. In addition to this, another display may be performed. Good. For example, in the situation where the player is not playing a game, a display explaining the game method is performed, a notification of the establishment of the big bonus flag is performed, and a display for character or the like is displayed to weight the display content. You may.

(F) The auxiliary display unit 49 such as a liquid crystal display or a dot matrix display is used for auxiliary display such as navigation.
A symbol similar to the symbol attached to 1, 12, 13 may be attached, and the symbol may be brightened by lighting a backlight or the like to be notified. Further, a mechanical display such as a navigation reel may be used instead of the above-described electric display. In addition, the "watermelon" pattern is green,
A configuration may be used in which a plurality of colors can be emitted so that the player can intuitively understand which symbol is displayed, such as a "bell" symbol such as yellow, and the navigation state is determined based on the color. . Furthermore, the notification may be made by voice instead of or in addition to the display notification exemplified above. In this case, the speaker 50 has the navigation function.

(G) The slot machine 1 having the big bonus game and the regular bonus game has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to a slot machine having no regular bonus game. In addition, the “red 7” symbol and the “white 7” symbol in the above embodiment may be used to determine whether the game is a normal big bonus game or a super big bonus game. Further, after the big bonus game, predetermined conditions are satisfied (the predetermined number of games have been completed,
Various additional values, such as a chance game function that can advance the game while suppressing the consumption of medals until a predetermined flag is established, may be provided.

(H) The design of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is not limited to pictures, numbers, characters, and the like, but may be geometric lines and figures. Further, it is possible to compose a symbol by light, color, or the like, or to compose a symbol by a three-dimensional shape or the like, or to compose a symbol by combining them. That is, the symbol may be any as long as it has a function as information having identification (identification information).

(I) Although an example in which the gaming machine is embodied as a spinning-type gaming machine, particularly a slot machine 1, has been described, it may be embodied as a pachinko machine having a stop operation function such as a stop switch. Further, the present invention may be applied to a game machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are integrated. That is, among the slot machines, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions, a gaming machine having a ball insertion and ball payout function such as a pachinko machine may be used. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, only balls can be treated as a game value in a game hall, so it is a game value seen in a current game hall where pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed. It can eliminate the separate issues such as restriction of the burden and the gaming machine installation place on the equipment by the handling of a medal and a sphere.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the slot machine.

Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a symbol arrangement of the reel.

FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram of the slot machine.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a reel and an auxiliary display unit during a navigation display effect of a replay symbol.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display state of a reel and an auxiliary display unit in a display off-navigation display effect of a replay symbol.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a reel and an auxiliary display unit when a super big bonus game is obtained.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating display states of reels and an auxiliary display unit when a normal big bonus game is obtained.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Slot machine as a spinning-type gaming machine as a gaming machine,
2 ... machine body, 3 ... front panel, 5, 6, 7 ... display window, 11 ... left reel constituting variable display means, 12 ...
Middle reel constituting variable display means, 13 right reel constituting variable display means, 15 left reel motor constituting variable display means, 16 medium reel motor constituting variable display means, 17 variable display means Constituting right reel motor, 21, 22, 23 ... effective line display section, 25 ... start lever as starting operation means, 27, 28, 29 ...
A stop switch as a stop operation means, 31 a medal slot as an input means, 32, 33, 34 a credit insertion switch as an input means, 36 a first changeover switch as a switching operation means or a settlement operation means, 37 ... A second changeover switch as a switching operation means or a settlement operation means; 38, a remaining number display section as a storage number display means or a state display means; 39, an acquired number display section; 41, a hopper device as an output means; Big notifying section as notifying means, 46... Regular notifying section as display notifying means, 4
7: Replay informing unit as display informing means, 48: Small part informing unit as display informing means, 49 ... Auxiliary display unit as informing means, 51: Settlement processing means, various control means, and control device constituting storage means 61, a start detection sensor as start operation detection means; 62, 63, 64 ... a stop detection sensor as stop operation detection means; 65, a inserted medal detection sensor as input detection means; 66, 67, 6
8. Credit input detection sensor as input detection means,
69: first switching detection sensor, 70: second switching detection sensor, 71, 72, 73 ... reel position detection sensor as reel position detection means, 74 ... hopper detection sensor as output detection means, 85 ... display control means Display control device.

Claims (1)

[Claims] An input means for inserting a game medium, an output means for paying out a game medium, and a storage means for storing a game medium, wherein a predetermined number of game media are inserted to play one game time. A first settlement operation unit operated to settle the input game medium input by the input unit; and a first settlement operation unit operated to settle the storage game medium stored in the storage unit. Payment processing means for executing payment processing of the input game medium by operation of the first payment operation means, and payment processing of the storage game medium by operation of the second payment operation means. A gaming machine comprising: