JP2000000354A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine wherein if a winning generator such as BB or RB is hit in internal drawing in CT, this information is somehow notified to a player, and the player given such information easily determines the progress of a game thereafter according to the level of his skill. SOLUTION: A game machine is provided with variable displaying means 4L, 4C and 4R for variably displaying a plurality of picture designs necessary for a game, and a control means for deciding winning where a game state is set for giving a profit to a player according to a display mode when the variable displaying thereof is stopped and controlling the variable displaying based on the decision, and if the control means decides winning during a specified period, the decision is notified.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of symbols required for a game, and control means such as a microcomputer for controlling variable display of the variable display device. And a gaming machine such as a slot machine and a pachinko gaming machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a gaming machine called a slot machine or a pachislot machine is a variable display device or reel mechanically constructed by arranging a plurality of rotating reels representing a plurality of symbols in a front display window. It has a variable display device electrically configured by displaying the upper symbol on the screen. In response to the player's start operation, the control means drives the variable display device to rotate each reel, and after a certain period of time, automatically stops the rotation of each reel automatically or by the player's stop operation. At this time, if the symbols of the reels appearing in the display window have a specific combination (winning symbol), the player is paid out by paying out game media such as medals and coins.

At present, there are a plurality of types of prizes in mainstream models. In particular, when a specific winning symbol is reached, 1
The game state is converted to a special state without ending the coin payout of the number of times, and "regular game" which is normally performed for a predetermined period
A prize is provided to give the player a benefit of enjoying the “specific game” with better conditions. As such a prize,
A special increase prize (hereinafter, referred to as BB), which is a gaming state that provides a relatively large profit to the player, and a special prize (hereinafter, referred to as an RB), which is a gaming state that provides a relatively small profit to the player. included. When a winning symbol of BB or RB is obtained, a special game state defined as “BB game” or “RB game” can be performed for a predetermined period.

In current mainstream models, when the spinning reels stop, the winning symbols are aligned on the active line of the display unit when a winning is achieved in the internal lottery of the gaming machine (specifically, , When a lottery is won by random number extraction by the microcomputer). This is because if the symbol at the time of stop is determined only by the stop operation (timing) of the player, the result of the game (win / loss) is determined by the skill of the player, and only the skill of the player is emphasized, and the soundness of the game is enhanced. This is intended to solve the problem that the management of the coin payout rate and the like from the gaming machine becomes difficult for the gaming machine as well as for the gaming machine.

Accordingly, a gaming machine of a type that allows a player to perform a stop operation (for example, a slot machine having a stop button)
However, if the player does not win the winning combination in the internal lottery, no matter how the player performs the stop operation, the winning symbols cannot be aligned on the activated line. That is, it is a gaming machine in which the skill of the player is unlikely to appear in the result of the game.

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, even if the skill level of the player increases, the skill cannot be reflected on the game result at all, and the attractiveness of the game is lost.

[0007] Therefore, a gaming machine has been developed which can obtain a game result in accordance with a player's stop operation under certain conditions. One example is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-74391. In a slot machine (including a so-called pachi-slot machine) as described above, when a specific condition is achieved during a game, stop control by internal lottery is performed for a part or all of a plurality of reels for a predetermined number of games. Is to be stopped. During this suspension period (this is referred to as “challenge time”, hereinafter abbreviated as “CT”), the display mode (combination of symbols) when the reels are stopped is determined at the timing of the stop operation of the player.
The game result reflects the skill of the player.

[0008] Further, during the period other than the CT period, the stop control by the internal lottery is performed as before, so that even a player with poor skill can secure a certain amount of winning. As a result, the slot machine has become a gaming machine that balances playability and equality. Hereinafter, the game during the “CT” period is referred to as “CT game”.

More specifically, "CT" is a period during which variable symbols can be aligned when variable display is stopped in response to a player's stop operation, regardless of whether or not an internal lottery is determined. The “CT” starts when a predetermined generation condition is satisfied and ends when a predetermined release condition is satisfied.

[0010] Further, even during the CT period, a lottery for a winning combination (for example, BB and RB described above) accompanied by a change in the game state that gives a great profit to the player is performed, and based on the result of the lottery, a variable display is performed. There is also a method in which the lottery of the winning combination which does not change the game state and ends with one payout of the game medium is not performed.

[0011]

In the above system,
BB or RB may occur during the CT period.

Here, for example, if the player wins the BB during the CT period, the unextracted portion of the CT game at that time (the remaining number of the predetermined number of possible games) is erased. Also, C
If you win RB during T period, after playing RB game,
There is a case where the CT game is revived so that the unextracted portion of the CT game at the time of winning the RB can be played.

In this case, suddenly winning a BB during the CT period is an undesirable result for a skilled player who wishes to finish the CT period to the end, and conversely, a player with poor skill is required to enter the CT game. Since you ca n’t expect much profit,
Expect BB winning by internal lottery.

An object of the present invention is to provide a winning combination such as BB or RB which is won by an internal lottery during the CT period.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which a player who recognizes the notification can easily make a determination according to the skill level of the player by giving the player some notification.

[0015]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided:
Variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols required for the game, and determining whether or not a prize is in a gaming state that provides a player with a profit according to a display mode when the variable display is stopped,
Control means for controlling the variable display based on the determination, and when the control means determines a winning during a predetermined period, the determination is notified.

In the second mode, the control means determines a winning during a predetermined period and starts notification when variable display is stopped in a display mode not corresponding to the winning, and the variable display corresponds to the winning. The process is terminated when the display is stopped.

In a third mode, a period from when a predetermined occurrence condition is satisfied during a game to when a predetermined release condition is satisfied is set as a predetermined period, during which the control means determines a winning or a loss. In the case where it is determined that the player has deviated, the stop control of the variable display according to the timing of the stop operation of the player is enabled.

According to a fourth aspect, a prize determined by the control means during a predetermined period is a special increase prize in which the player enters a game state in which a relatively large profit is provided, and a relatively large profit is provided to the player. It is one of a special increase prize with a predetermined period, which is a combination of the game state and the predetermined period, and a special prize, which is a game state in which a relatively small profit is provided to the player.

In a fifth mode, a special increase prize is determined during a predetermined period, and when the variable display is stopped in a display mode corresponding to the special increase prize, the predetermined period is ended and the special increase prize is completed. When the variable play is stopped in the display mode corresponding to the special increase prize during the predetermined period and the variable increase is determined to be a special increase prize, the predetermined period is over and the special increase prize is determined. The corresponding game state is set, and the predetermined period is started again after the end of the special increase winning game state, while the special prize is determined during the predetermined period, and the variable display is stopped in a display mode corresponding to the special prize. At times, a predetermined period is interrupted to enter a gaming state corresponding to a special winning, and the interrupted predetermined period is resumed after the end of the gaming state.

The sixth mode is characterized in that the mode of notification differs depending on the type of each of the special prize, a special prize with a predetermined period, and a special prize determined during a predetermined period.

According to a seventh aspect, a notification that the control means has determined a winning during a predetermined period is provided by lighting and blinking of a lamp provided on the front of the gaming machine, and the symbol itself displayed on the variable display section. Blinking, blinking of the background portion excluding the symbol portion, display image of a display means capable of displaying an arbitrary image provided in the gaming machine, and at least sound generated from a speaker provided in the gaming machine It is characterized by being performed by one.

[0022]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of symbols required for a game are variably displayed, and a game state that provides a benefit to the player according to the display mode when the variable display is stopped. Whether or not a winning is determined is determined by the control means. And
If the control means determines a prize during the predetermined period, the player is notified of the determination, so that the player can easily recognize the prize determination during the predetermined period.

According to the second aspect, the control means determines a prize during a predetermined period and starts the notification when the variable display is stopped in a display mode not corresponding to the prize. The player can recognize that some prize has been decided and proceed to the next game. In addition, the notification
Since the variable display ends when the variable display stops in the display mode corresponding to the winning, the player can easily recognize that the predetermined period ends and the gaming state according to the winning starts.

According to the third aspect, a period from when a predetermined occurrence condition is satisfied during a game to when a predetermined release condition is satisfied is set as a predetermined period, and during that period, the control means determines whether a winning or a loss has occurred. Is performed, and when it is determined to be off, variable display stop control according to the timing of the stop operation of the player is enabled. This period is the CT described above. Therefore,
If the skilled player recognizes the information indicating that a prize has been determined during this period, the variable display corresponds to the prize in order to obtain as much profit as possible during this period. Attempts to stop so as not to stop at. That is, the notification indicating that the winning is determined during the predetermined period is an advantageous means for a skilled player to develop a game in order to increase profits.

According to the fourth aspect, the prize determined by the control means during the predetermined period is a special increase prize in which the player enters a gaming state in which a relatively large profit is provided, and the player has a relatively large profit. Is a special increase prize with a predetermined period, which is a combination of the game state giving the above-mentioned predetermined period, and a special prize, which is a game state giving a relatively small profit to the player, and for the player, It is a very advantageous prize. Unskilled players cannot expect much profits during the predetermined period, so if they recognize the notification indicating that they have decided to win during the predetermined period, the variable display will be the display corresponding to the winning. A stop operation is attempted to stop in a manner.

According to the fifth aspect, when a special increase prize is determined during a predetermined period, and the variable display is stopped in a display mode corresponding to the special increase prize, the predetermined period is terminated and the special display is terminated. A game state corresponding to the increased winning is achieved. When a special increase prize with a predetermined period is determined during a predetermined period and the variable display is stopped in a display mode corresponding to the special increase prize, the predetermined period is ended and a game state corresponding to the special increase prize is entered. After the end of the special increase winning game state, the predetermined period is started again. When a special prize is determined during a predetermined period and the variable display is stopped in a display mode corresponding to the special prize, the predetermined period is interrupted to enter a gaming state corresponding to the special prize, and the gaming state is set. Restarts the interrupted predetermined period after the end of. As described above, even if the notification indicating that the winning is determined during the predetermined period is performed, the predetermined period does not necessarily end depending on the type of the display mode of the stop display after that. Interest to stop operation of the person increases.

According to the sixth aspect, the mode of notification differs according to the type of each of the special increase prize determined during the predetermined period, the special increase prize with the predetermined period, and the special prize. At the time of the notification, the determined winning mode can be easily recognized, and the game can be advanced in order to obtain as much profit as possible. In addition, if the special increase prize with a predetermined period and the decision of the special prize are recognized from the notification, the predetermined period in which the respective game states are terminated and then interrupted again starts. It is not necessary to forcibly extend the predetermined period by stopping operation so as not to provide a corresponding display mode, and it is possible to start the game with a margin.

According to the seventh aspect, the notification that the control means has determined the winning during the predetermined period is displayed on the variable display section by turning on and off a lamp provided on the front of the gaming machine. Of the blinking of the symbol itself, the blinking of the background portion excluding the portion of the symbol, the display image of the display means capable of displaying an arbitrary image provided in the gaming machine, and the sound generated from the speaker provided in the gaming machine Is performed at least one of the above, so that a notification sufficient to draw the player's attention is possible.

[0029]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described as an embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This slot machine 1
Is a gaming machine that plays a game using a coin, a medal, a token, or the like as a game medium, but the following description will be made assuming that a coin is used.

At the front of the cabinet 2 forming the whole of the slot machine 1, a horizontally long rectangular display window 3 formed as a substantially vertical plane is provided.
Two winning lines 15 are provided diagonally and diagonally. These winning lines are activated lines for displaying numbers (3, 2, 1, 2, 3 in order from the top) provided on the left and right of the display window 3. They are connected by a display lamp 21. These winning lines are operated by operating a 1-BET switch 9, a 2-BET switch 10, and a maximum BET switch 11, which will be described later.
One, three, and five lines are activated, respectively, and the activated pay lines are displayed by turning on an activated line display lamp 21.

Inside the cabinet 2, three reels 4L, 4C and 4R, each of which has a symbol row composed of a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter referred to as symbols) on its outer peripheral surface, are rotatably provided, and are variable. A display is formed. The symbols on each of the reels 4L, 4C, 4R can be observed through the display window 3.

A pedestal portion 5 having a substantially horizontal surface is formed below the display window 3 of the cabinet 2, and a liquid crystal display screen 6 formed as an upwardly inclined surface is provided at the center thereof.
On the liquid crystal display screen 6, information relating to variable display control of the variable display unit by the control means described later is displayed.

On the right side of the liquid crystal display screen 6, there is provided a bucket type coin insertion slot 7 into which a large amount of coins can be inserted at a time.
Between the liquid crystal display screen 6 and the coin insertion slot 7, a changeover switch 8 for automatically replenishing coins to a credit unit (not shown) is provided. When coins larger than the number of coins that can be credited as game media are inserted into the coin slot 7 and the changeover switch 8 is operated, the coins inside the bucket of the coin slot 7 are automatically credited, and the number of coin credits is set to a predetermined value. It can be maintained so that it does not become less than the number.

On the left side of the liquid crystal display screen 6, one push button operation causes one of the credited coins to be displayed.
1-BET switch 9 for betting only cards on the game
And a 2-BET switch 10 for betting only two coins on the game, and a maximum BET switch 11 for betting the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game. By operating these BET switches, the predetermined activation line 15 is activated as described above.

To the left of the front of the pedestal portion 5, a start lever 1 for rotating the reels 4L, 4C and 4R by the operation of the player and starting the movement of the symbols on the display window 3 is provided.
2 is attached so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range.

Three stop buttons operated by the player to stop three rows of symbols moving in the display window 3 at the center of the front portion of the pedestal portion 5 and below the liquid crystal display screen 6 respectively. 14L, 14C, and 14R are provided.

On the left side of the start lever 12, there is provided a C / P switch 16 for switching the credit / payout of coins obtained by the player by a push button operation. By the switching of the C / P switch 16, coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 17 at the lower front, and the paid out coins are stored in the coin receiving portion 18. Behind the coin receiving portion 18, there is provided a sound transmission opening 19 for outputting a sound generated from a speaker 43 (FIG. 4) housed therein as a sound generating means to the outside.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display windows of the three reels 4L, 4C, and 4R when the variable display is stopped are provided inside the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R installed inside the display window 3 of the slot machine 1. The substrate 42 on which the three reel lamps 41 are arranged in the vertical direction is installed such that the reel lamps 41 are located on the back side of each of the three columns of symbols appearing in FIG. Hereinafter, among the total of nine lamps 41, the lamps in the upper row are W1, W2, and W3 in order from the left, the lamps in the center row are in order from the left, W4, W5, W6, and the lamps in the lower row are left. W7, W8, and W9 in this order. These lamps W1 to W9 are, when a BB or RB is won by a lottery process (ST6 in FIG. 6 described later) based on random number sampling described later (hereinafter, referred to as “internal winning” of BB or RB) during the CT period. In accordance with the winning combination, it functions as a notifying unit for executing a demonstration shown in FIGS.

On each of the reels 4L, 4C and 4R, 21 symbols of a plurality of types as shown in FIG. 3 are arranged to form a symbol row. Each symbol is “1” to “2”
The reels 4L, 4C, and 4R are rotationally driven so that the symbol row moves in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. You.

The cabinet 2 of the slot machine 1
The display lamps 20A to
20H are arranged. Each indicator lamp 20A-20H
Is composed of a large number of LEDs, and can perform various effects and display information by operations such as lighting, blinking, and turning off. The operation of the display lamps 20A to 20H can also be used as a notification means in the slot machine 1. For example, CT,
When BB or RB occurs (ST11 in FIG. 7 described later)
May be flickered in a pattern as shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later, as a demonstration for notifying each gaming state.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit configuration including control means for controlling a game processing operation in the slot machine 1 and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected thereto.

In this case, the control means is constituted by using the microcomputer 30 as a main component, and adding a circuit for random number sampling to this. The microcomputer 30 performs a control operation according to a preset program.
And a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 as storage means,
The CPU 31 is connected to a clock pulse generating circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 36 and a random number sampling circuit 37 for generating random numbers to be sampled. As a means for random number sampling, the microcomputer 30 has
The random number sampling may be executed on the operation program of the PU 31. In that case, the random number generator 36
The random number sampling circuit 37 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

The ROM 32 of the microcomputer 30 stores data used for determination of random number sampling performed each time the start lever 12 is operated.

The ROM 32 further stores data of a plurality of types of operation patterns of the reel lamp 41 and the display lamps 20A to 20H, data of sound generated from the speaker 43, and image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6. Have been.

In the circuit of FIG. 4, the main actuators whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 30 include stepping motors 22L, 22C, 22R for rotating the reels 4L, 4C, 4R, respectively.
And a liquid crystal display 6 'having the above-mentioned activated line display lamp 21, reel lamp 41, display lamps 20A to 20H, liquid crystal display screen 6, and a hopper (a driving unit for paying out) for storing coins of game media. ) And a speaker 43. Further, a motor drive circuit 44, each lamp drive circuit 45, a liquid crystal drive circuit 46, a hopper drive circuit 47, and a speaker drive circuit 48 are connected to an output unit of the CPU 31 via an I / O port. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 31 and controls the operation of each actuator.

A main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control signal includes a coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 7 or a credit switch by pressing the changeover switch 8. Sensor 7S that detects coins inserted from the
, A reel stop signal circuit 49 for generating a stop signal in response to the operation of each of the stop buttons 14L, 14C, 14R.
A reel position detection circuit (not shown) for supplying a signal for detecting the position of each reel to the CPU 31 in response to a pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor, a count value of the coin detection unit 40S (coin paid out from the hopper 40) Payout completion signal circuit (not shown) for generating a signal for detecting the completion of coin payout when the number of coins reaches the designated number data. These are also transmitted to the CPU 3 via the I / O port.
1 connected.

In the circuit of FIG. 4, the random number generator 36
The sampling circuit 37 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 11 is operated. In the winning probability table stored in the ROM 32, it is determined which random number thus sampled belongs to which winning group. Reel 4L-4R
Are started, the stepping motors 22L to 22L
The number of drive pulses supplied to each of the 2Rs is counted, and the counted value is written to a predetermined area of the RAM 33. A reset pulse is obtained from each of the reels 4L to 4R for each rotation, and these pulses are supplied to the CP via the reel position detection circuit.
It is input to U31. With the reset pulse thus obtained, the count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 33 is cleared to “0”. As a result, the RAM 33 stores the count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 4L to 4R.

A symbol table is stored in the ROM 32 for associating the rotational positions of the reels 4L to 4R with the symbols. In this symbol table, as shown in FIG. 3, a code number sequentially assigned at a constant rotation pitch of each reel and a code number corresponding to each code number are set based on the rotation position at which the reset pulse is generated. And a symbol code indicating a symbol provided.

Further, in the ROM 32, a winning symbol combination table is stored. In the winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning coin payout number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other.

The winning symbol combination table is referred to when the first reel 4L, the second reel 4C, and the third reel 4R are stopped, and when a winning is confirmed after all the reels are stopped. A winning line that is treated as valid by the user is predetermined. That is, when three medals are inserted, all five pay lines are activated. However, depending on the type of the prize, even if the combination of the symbols is obtained other than the predetermined pay line, it is invalid. Become.

When the internal winning is performed by the lottery process based on the random number sampling, the CPU 31 responds to the operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 49 when the player operates the stop buttons 14L, 14C, 14R. A signal to stop and control the reels 4L, 4C, 4R is sent to the motor drive circuit 44 at the symbol display position corresponding to the type of the winning combination, and a payout command signal is supplied to the hopper drive circuit 47 to send predetermined signals from the hopper 40. Pay out the number of coins. At that time, the coin detection unit 40S
Counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 40, and when the counted value reaches the designated number data,
A coin payout completion signal is input to the CPU 31. As a result, the CPU 31 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper driving circuit 47, and ends the coin payout process.

The lottery process includes the most advantageous combinations of BB and CT (hereinafter referred to as “BB with CT”), BB, RB,
Judgment of winning or loss of any of the CT and the small role is performed.

As a condition for generating CT, "BB with CT" is not determined in advance as a winning combination as described above.
A lottery may be performed to determine whether to generate a separate CT for each game of a general game, each time a BB game is generated or completed, and each time a RB game is generated or completed.

The BB game is the most advantageous game state for the player generated by the winning symbol "7 (symbol 50 in FIG. 3) -7-7", and three RB games described below can be performed three times. In addition to the above, a game state in which a large number of coins can be obtained by winning a small role continuously for a maximum of 30 times.
During the BB game, the lottery process of BB, RB and CT is not performed.

The RB game is generated by a stop symbol "BAR (symbol 51 in FIG. 3) -BAR-BAR", and a predetermined symbol combination "JAC (symbol 53 in FIG. 3) -J
If the "AC-JAC" is aligned, a bonus game (called a JAC game) in which 15 coins can be obtained is easily achieved. During the RB game, a maximum of eight JAC games can be played. During the RB game Also, the lottery process of BB, RB and CT is not performed as in the BB game.

"BB with CT" is a winning symbol "7 with ribbon"
(Symbol 52 in FIG. 3)-with ribbon 7-with ribbon 7 ", CT occurs after the end of the BB game.
Further, “RB with CT” may be provided.

In the CT game, the player's stop button 14
Reel 4L, 4 based on stop operation of L, 14C, 14R
C and 4R are stopped, but each time the start lever 12 is operated, a lottery process by random number sampling is performed.
If BB and RB are internally won, the microcomputer 30 performs stop control according to the winning combination. Therefore, during the CT, the lottery process of the CT and the small win is invalidated.

In the slot machine 1, if a player wins a BB, RB or CT during a general game, the respective games are started. When the BB game, the RB game, or the CT ends, the process returns to the normal game. When "BB with CT" is won, the player wins the BB afterwards, plays the BB game, and starts the CT.

CT ends when a predetermined release condition is achieved. The condition for canceling the CT is when the game has reached a predetermined number of games, or when the “net increase” obtained by subtracting the number of coins consumed for the game from the number of coins obtained by the player has reached a predetermined number. is there. However, if the BB game is started by internally winning the BB during the CT, the CT ends even if the release condition has not been reached. Also, when the RB is internally won and the RB game is started during the CT, the CT
Is interrupted, and the CT is restarted after the end of the RB game. That is, the release condition at the time when the CT is interrupted is held until the CT is restarted. For example, as the release condition, the upper limit of the number of games is 5
If the number of games is 0 and the net increase is the upper limit of 200, the number of games at the time of CT interruption is 10 and if the net increase is 50, the number of possible games until the restart of CT is 40 and the number of obtainable games is 150
Sheets are held. This is because the number of games played during the RB game and the number of coins acquired during the interruption of the CT are not included in the conditions for canceling the CT. (However, the number of games as a whole of the RB game and the number of coins acquired at the start of the SB game are excluded).

The CT ends when a predetermined number of games have been played. Further, the CT game is also ended when the “net increase number” obtained by subtracting the number of coins consumed for the game from the number of coins obtained by the player reaches a predetermined number.

FIG. 5 shows the demonstration using the reel lamp 41 described above in detail. W1 to W9
Shows the lamps W1 to W9 in FIG.

The demonstration by the reel lamp 41 is for notifying the internal winning of the BB or RB during the CT, and the demonstration is performed in a different blinking pattern according to the winning combination that has been won. The data of the demonstration pattern (hereinafter, referred to as “demo pattern”) is stored in the ROM 32 described above.

FIG. 5 (I) shows a demonstration pattern when RB is internally won during CT. The blinking patterns of steps 1 to 4 are sequentially performed for a predetermined lighting time, and the stop symbol of the reel is changed to R by the operation of the stop buttons 14L to 14R by the player.
The demonstration is repeated until the B prize is won.

The demonstration pattern shown in FIG. 5 (II) reports that the internal “CT no BB” was won during CT, and FIG.
The demonstration pattern of (I) informs that the “BB with CT” was internally won during CT. These operations are repeatedly performed by the operation of the stop buttons 14L to 14R by the player until the stop symbol of the reel becomes a BB winning.

Here, “CT-free BB” means a normal BB
Means If the player wins the "CT no BB" during CT, the CT ends even if the CT release condition has not yet been reached at that time. In other words, the unresolved portion of the number of games that can be played and the number of cards that can be acquired during CT disappears when the player wins the “CT no BB”. Even if the player wins the "BB with CT" during the CT, the unextracted portion of the CT at the time of the winning disappears. However, after the BB game, a new CT in which the condition for canceling the CT is counted from "0" is started. Is provided, and a “CT game” can be performed.

In the above demonstration, FIG.
The sound may be generated by the speaker 43 at each stage as shown in the scales (de, re, mi,...) Shown in FIG.

As means for notifying the internal winning of the BB or RB during the CT period as described above, in addition to the reel lamp 41, the display lamps 20A to 20H, the liquid crystal display screen 6, or the like is used. A lamp may be provided.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine controlled by the microcomputer 30 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In FIG. 6, the CPU 31 first determines whether or not there is a request for automatic insertion of coins (step [hereinafter, ST] 1). When a winning is made and a request for automatic insertion of coins is set, coins corresponding to the insertion request are automatically inserted (ST2). If “NO”, coin slot 5
Insert a coin into the or BET switch (1-BE
T switch 9, 2-BET switch 10, or maximum BE
T switch 11) (ST).
3) If there is a detection signal input from the coin sensor 7S, the process can proceed to the next step. Here, the number of coins that can be inserted is up to three during a general game (including a CT game) and up to one during an RB operation.

Automatic coin insertion or coin sensor 7S
If there is an input of a detection signal from the start switch 12, it is determined whether or not there is an input (start signal) from the start switch 12S by operating the start lever (ST4). If this determination is "YES", the CPU 31 sends a drive signal to the motor drive circuit 44 via the I / O port 38 to rotate and drive all the reels 4L, 4C, 4R (ST5). Thereafter, a lottery process based on random number sampling is performed (ST
6). In this lottery process, it is determined which of the winning groups belongs to the winning probability table stored in the ROM 32, the random number sampled as described above. That is, BB with CT, B without CT
It is determined whether or not any of the winning combinations of B, RB, CT, and small role has been won.

Stop buttons 14L, 14 by the player
It is determined whether or not C, 14R has been operated (ST
7) If "YES", stop control of the reels 4L, 4C, 4R is performed (ST9). In ST7, "NO"
If so, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop timer has reached 0 (ST8), and if "YES", the process proceeds to ST9.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, all the reels 4L, 4L
It is determined whether or not C and 4R have stopped (ST10).
ES ”, it is determined whether or not the stopped symbol is a winning symbol, and coins are paid out according to the winning (S
T11).

Next, it is determined whether or not the game up to this time was "CT in progress" (ST12). If "YES", control is passed to "CT in progress" shown in FIG.
If "O", it is determined whether or not the game up to this time is "RB game in progress" (ST13). And “YES”
In the case of, the control operation shifts to the control operation in the "RB game" shown in FIG. 9. On the other hand, in the case of "NO", it is determined whether or not the game up to this time is "BB game" (ST1)
4). When "YES", "B" shown in FIG.
The control operation shifts to the "B game". On the other hand, if "NO", it is determined whether or not the stop symbol of the reel is "BB winning" (ST15). If "YES", the notification performed by the reel lamp 41 regarding the BB internal winning during CT, which will be described later, is terminated (ST16), and the BB game is set in the next game (ST17). Then, one game is ended (ST24). If the “BB prize” is a prize during CT, the unextracted portion of the CT cancellation condition at the time of the prize is erased, and the CT is terminated.

In the above ST15, if "NO", it is determined whether or not the determination in ST11 is "RB winning" (ST18), and if "YES", reels are determined for RB internal winning during CT, which will be described later. The notification performed by the lamp 41 is ended (ST19), and the RB game is set in the next game (ST2).
0) One game is ended (ST24). If the “RB prize” is a prize during CT, an unextracted portion of the CT cancellation condition at the time of the prize is held so that it can be performed after the end of the RB game, and the CT is temporarily suspended. In the above ST18, “N
If O ", the determination in ST11 is" replay winning "
Is determined (ST21), and if "YES", it is set so that replay can be performed (ST22), a request for automatic insertion of coins is set (ST23), and one game is ended (ST21). ST24).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control means during "CT".

In ST25, the number of possible games during CT is subtracted. In ST26, it is determined whether the number of possible games during CT is "0". If "YES", the process proceeds to ST15 in FIG. However, in the case of "NO", it is determined whether or not the net increase number during CT has reached the upper limit (ST2).
7). Then, in the case of “YES”, the above-mentioned ST of FIG.
The process proceeds to 15 and, if “NO”, it is determined whether or not “CT no BB” has been internally won (ST28). Then, in the case of "YES", notification of the reel lamp 41 by the pattern of (II) in FIG. 5 is started (ST29),
The process proceeds to ST15 in FIG. 7 described above, and if “NO”,
It is determined whether or not the “BB with CT” has been internally won (ST30). Then, in the case of “YES”, the notification of the reel lamp 41 by the pattern of (III) in FIG. 5 is started (ST31), and the process proceeds to ST15 in FIG.
If "NO", it is determined whether or not "RB" has been internally won (ST32). If “NO”, the process proceeds to ST15 in FIG. 7 described above, and if “YES”, the reel lamp 41 starts to be notified by the pattern (I) in FIG. 5 (ST33), and The process proceeds to ST15 in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control means during the "RB game".

In ST34, “JA”
It is determined whether or not the player has won the "C game". If "YES", the number of possible JAC game winnings during the RB game is subtracted (ST35), and whether or not the number of possible JAC game winnings is "0" (ST36). If "NO" in ()), one game is ended and the game is repeated until the number of possible JAC game winnings in the RB game becomes "0" again. Here, the number of possible JAC game winnings during the RB game is up to eight. If "YES" is determined in the above-described ST36, the processing operation of "ending the RB game" is performed (ST37). The processing operations performed here include erasing data in the writable area of the RAM used for the current game, writing parameters necessary for the next game in the writable area of the RAM, and executing a sequence program for the next game. Or the start address of the file.

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the game up to this time is "BB game" (ST38), and "YES"
In the case of, the possible number of RB games is subtracted (ST39),
Judgment as to whether the number of possible RB games is “0” (ST4)
0), in the case of “YES”, a “BB game end” processing operation of FIG. 10 described later is performed (ST47). If “NO”, it is determined whether the number of possible BB games is “0” (ST41), and if “NO”, one game is ended,
In the case of “YES”, “BB game end” in FIG. 10 described later.
(ST47), and one game is ended. Here, during the BB game, up to 30 general games, R
The B game can be performed up to three times.

In the above-mentioned ST38, if "NO", it is determined whether or not the number of CT games that can be played remains at the time of winning the RB (ST42), and if so, the CT is restarted (ST42). ST43). In ST42, CT
If it is determined that the number of available games has not been left,
End the game.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control means during the "BB game".

First, the number of possible regular games during the BB game is subtracted (ST44). Next, in the determination of whether or not a RB has been won (ST45), if “YES”, the process proceeds to ST19 in FIG. 10, and if “NO”, it is determined whether or not the BB game is completed (ST46). . "NO" in this judgment
In the case of, the game proceeds to ST24 in FIG. 7 and the game is played again. However, in the case of "YES", the processing operation of "BB game end" is performed (ST47).

At the time of winning the BB, it is determined whether or not the number of possible CT games has been left (ST48), and if so, the CT game is extinguished (ST49). S
In T48, when it is determined that the number of CT games that can be played is not left, it is determined whether the current BB game is “BB with CT” (ST50), and if “YES”, CT is started. It is set so that it can be done (ST51).

As described above, the condition for canceling the CT is when the predetermined number of games have been played or when the “net increase number” has reached the predetermined number. If the BB or RB internal winning is notified during the period, the player who has recognized the
B is notified of the internal election, and even after "RB game", "CT
Recognizing that a "game" can be performed, the user can start the game.

If the player is a skilled player, "BB"
BB that CT disappears in order to win as much as possible of small role prize and increase profit by notification of internal winning
Can be operated to avoid the winning of the game and to exhaust all of the possible number of games during CT.

Further, if the player has poor skill, no profit can be expected no matter how much the CT game can be performed.
If the BB or RB internal election is announced during the CT period,
You will operate them aiming for those winnings.

As described above, the notification by the reel lamp 41 facilitates the judgment on how to proceed the game according to the skill of the player.

Although the operation of the reel lamp 41 corresponding to the gaming state of the slot machine 1 has been described above, the display lamps 20A to 20H and the liquid crystal display screen 6 are also described.
By operating according to the gaming state of the slot machine 1, various notifications can be given to the player.

FIG. 11 shows the reel lamp 41 and the display lamps 20A to 20 corresponding to the gaming state of the slot machine 1.
H and the display state of the liquid crystal display screen 6 are shown. The top row shows the gaming state, and arrows indicate the respective periods of “during normal game”, “during BB operation”, “during RB operation”, and “during CT”. Below that, the internal winning of the winning combination is shown, and the respective periods of “being internally won with BB with CT”, “being internally won with BB without CT”, and “being internally won” with RB are indicated by arrows.

[0091] As described above, the reel lamp 41
During the period, if a BB (BB with CT, BB without CT) or RB is internally won, it will be notified by any of the demonstration patterns (I) to (III). After that, the reels 4L to 4R stop and
If the player wins B or RB, the demonstration ends, but the display lamps 20A to 20H start a demonstration corresponding to the winning mode. Since the demonstration using the display lamps 20A to 20H informs not only the winning of the BB or RB but also the fact that the CT is being performed, the player can easily recognize the gaming state.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a demonstration using the display lamps 20A to 20H. Indicator lamps 20A-2
Demonstration at 0H, "During CT"
In the demonstration pattern of “, during the BB game”, the demonstration pattern in FIG. 12 is performed, and “in the RB game”, the demo pattern in FIG. 12 is performed. The blinking patterns of steps 1 to 4 are sequentially changed for a predetermined moving time by “CT”, “BB game”, and “RB”.
Until each "game" ends, the demo pattern corresponding to each game state is repeated. 20A-20 of FIG.
H indicates the display lamps 20A to 20H.

The liquid crystal display screen 6 can be displayed in various effects depending on the game state.
As shown in FIG. 1, the notification contents of the reel lamp 41 and the display lamps 20A to 20H can be comprehensively represented.

For example, as shown in FIG.
When B is internally won, "something has been won" is displayed to notify that some internal winning has been achieved. By viewing the demonstration pattern of the reel lamp 41, the player can recognize the internally won winning combination.

Thereafter, if the player wins the BB, "Big bonus win!" Is displayed as shown in FIG. 14, and if the player wins the RB, "Regular bonus win!" Is displayed as shown in FIG. During the CT period, as shown in FIG. 16, "during challenge time" is displayed.

As described above, if the notification by the display on the liquid crystal display screen 6 is performed, for example, for a player who does not know the meaning of the notification of the reel lamp 41 and the display lamps 20A to 20H, the role of assisting the recognition of the game state is provided. Fulfill. In addition to the character information shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, if various images are displayed, such as causing a character to appear and performing a predetermined action, changing the color tone of the entire screen, etc. Can enhance the interest of the people.

In addition, the notification of the internal winning of the RB and BB during the CT is such that in the game at the time of the internal winning, when all the reels are stopped, the winning pattern for starting the internally won winning combination is not obtained. May be started at the moment when the user removes.

With the above-described notification, if the player effectively uses the obtained information, the player can enjoy an advantageous game according to his skill.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a reel mechanism in which a lamp is installed inside each reel.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of symbol arrays arranged on three reels.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration used in the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a blinking pattern and generated sound of a reel lamp.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a game control operation in the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart following FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control means during “CT”.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control means during the “RB game”.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit during “BB game”.

FIG. 11 is a time chart showing a display state of each notification means corresponding to a gaming state of the slot machine.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a blinking pattern of a display lamp.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a display on a liquid crystal display screen when a BB or RB is internally won.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a display on a liquid crystal display screen during a BB game.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a display on a liquid crystal display screen during an RB game.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display on a liquid crystal display screen during CT.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Slot machine, 2. Cabinet, 3. Display window,
4L, 4C, 4R: reel, 5: pedestal, 6: liquid crystal display screen, 7: coin slot, 8: changeover switch, 9: 1-
BET switch, 10 ... 2-BET switch, 11 ... Maximum BET switch, 12 ... Start lever, 14L, 1
4C, 14R: stop button, 15: winning line, 1
6 C / P switch, 17 Coin payout slot, 18 Coin receiving section, 19 Sound transmission port, 20 Display lamp, 21 Activation line display lamp.

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. Variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols required for a game, and determining whether or not a prize has entered a gaming state in which a profit is provided to a player according to a display mode when the variable display is stopped. And a control unit for controlling the variable display based on the determination, and when the control unit determines the winning in a predetermined period, the gaming machine notifies the determination. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification is:
The control means determines the winning during the predetermined period, starts when the variable display is stopped in a display mode not corresponding to the winning, and starts in a display mode corresponding to the winning determined by the variable displaying. A gaming machine characterized by ending when stopped. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period is from a time when a predetermined occurrence condition is satisfied during a game to a time when a predetermined release condition is satisfied. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said winning or losing is determined, and when the losing is determined, stop control of said variable display is enabled according to a timing of a stop operation of a player. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the prize is:
A special increase prize in a gaming state that gives a relatively large profit to the player, a special increase prize with a predetermined period that is a combination of the game state that provides a relatively large profit to the player and the predetermined period, and a player A gaming machine, which is one of special prizes in a gaming state that gives a relatively small profit to the gaming machine. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the special increase prize is determined during the predetermined period, and when the variable display is stopped in a display mode corresponding to the special increase prize, the predetermined increase is determined. After the period is over, the game state corresponding to the special increase prize is set, and during the predetermined period, the special increase prize with the predetermined period is determined, and the variable display is stopped in a display mode corresponding to the special increase prize. When the predetermined period is over, the predetermined period is ended to set the gaming state corresponding to the special increase winning, and the predetermined period is started again after the gaming state of the special increasing winning is completed. On the other hand, the special period is started during the predetermined period. When a prize is determined and the variable display is stopped in a display mode corresponding to the special prize, the predetermined period is interrupted to set a game state corresponding to the special prize, and after the game state ends, Gaming machine, characterized in that to resume the predetermined period is. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the mode of notification is determined according to a type of each of the special increase prize determined during the predetermined period, the special increase prize with the predetermined period, and the special prize. A gaming machine characterized by being different. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the notification is:
Lighting and blinking of a lamp provided on the front of the gaming machine, blinking of the symbol itself displayed on the variable display portion, blinking of the background portion excluding the symbol portion, display of any image provided on the gaming machine can be displayed A game machine characterized by performing at least one of a display image of a simple display means and a sound generated from a speaker provided in the game machine.