JP2001310017A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine capable of surely notifying that it is a state with the possibility of constituting a special symbol combination which is the establishing condition of a special game state advantageous to a player. SOLUTION: This slot machine is provided with a variable display means provided with plural variable display areas capable of successively updating and displaying the plural kinds of symbols and a display fixing means for fixedly displaying display contents inside the variable display areas and is capable of shifting to the special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the special symbol combination determined beforehand is fixedly displayed in the plural variable display areas. It is provided with a display form varying means capable of changing a display form in at least a part of the variable display areas in a form different from updating in the state of displaying the ready-to-win form of the special symbol combination which is the establishing condition of the special game state in a stage before fixed display is performed in all the variable display areas.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is based on the condition that a predetermined combination of special symbols is fixedly displayed in a variable display area in which a plurality of types of symbols can be displayed while being continuously changed, and a prize is won. In addition, the present invention relates to a slot machine which shifts to a special game state advantageous to a player.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this kind of slot machine is constituted by, for example, three reels having a plurality of kinds of symbols on the outer periphery, and the symbols can be generally identified by operating a start lever or the like after inserting a medal. When the game is started by being rotated at about the speed and the player stops the rotation of each of the reels via the stop button, when a predetermined combination of symbols is aligned on the activated line and the winning condition is achieved. A predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player.

[0003] Each of these awards is, for example, a re-game (the next game can be played again under the same conditions without inserting medals).
Or a small prize in which a predetermined number of medals (for example, 10) are paid out, a so-called small hit, a so-called big bonus (hereinafter, referred to as BB), a regular bonus (hereinafter, RB)
Etc.), there is a special prize in which a larger number of medals can be obtained, so-called jackpots. In particular, when the special prize is won, a predetermined game corresponding to each prize is performed a plurality of times. It runs continuously.

In such a conventional slot machine, when such a special prize is won, a great profit is obtained for a player who continuously executes the predetermined game as described above a plurality of times. To be in a special game state,
For example, when the rotation of the other reels except one reel is stopped by the player and the combination of the special symbols corresponding to the special prize is arranged on a predetermined activated line, that is,
When the special symbol of the remaining one rotating reel stops on the activated line, when a special prize is awarded (a so-called reach mode), a predetermined notification sound, for example, a speaker or the like, is output to a predetermined notification sound. In some cases, the player's desire to play a special prize is enhanced by effectively outputting that there is a possibility of winning a special prize by increasing the expectation of the special prize.

[0005]

However, in the case of appealing to the possibility that a special prize may be given to a player by such a notification sound, for example, depending on a game hall, the notification sound is masked by noise in the game hall. In some cases, it was not possible to fully appeal to players.

The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and is in a state in which a combination of special symbols, which is a condition for establishing a special game state advantageous to a player, may be formed. An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that can surely appeal the fact.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, a slot machine according to the present invention comprises: a variable display means having a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying a plurality of types of symbols while continuously updating the symbols; Display fixing means for fixedly displaying the display content in the variable display area, provided that a predetermined combination of special symbols is fixedly displayed in the plurality of variable display areas. In a slot machine which can shift to a special game state advantageous to a player, a combination of special symbols which is a condition for establishing the special game state at a stage before all of the variable display areas are fixedly displayed. Display mode changing means capable of changing the display mode in at least a part of the variable display area in a mode different from the update mode in a state where the reach mode is displayed It is characterized by comprising. According to this feature, the variable display area surely appeals to the player that the special symbol combination, which is a condition for establishing a special game state advantageous to the player, may be formed. As a result, the degree of expectation of the player can be effectively increased.

In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the display mode changing means changes the display mode of the fixedly displayed variable display area without updating a symbol. By doing so, the display mode of the changing display area does not change, so that it is not difficult for the player to arrange special symbol combinations that are conditions for establishing a special game state.

[0009] In the slot machine of the present invention, the variable display means may display a specific display area which can form a combination of special symbols which is a condition for establishing the special game state in the variable display area fixedly displayed. , The symbols are preferably changed without updating. By doing so, the types of symbols to be aligned and their areas are clarified, so that the player can easily align special symbol combinations that are conditions for establishing a special gaming state.

[0010] In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the display mode changing means is decoration means for decorating the variable display area, and the display mode is changed by the decoration means. In this way, the display mode of the variable display area can be changed with an inexpensive device.

[0011] In the slot machine of the present invention, the variable display means is constituted by a reel rotatably provided by a drive means, and the decorating means comprises a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery of the reel on a back side. It is preferable that the backlight is provided so as to irradiate light from above. With this configuration, the change in the display mode can be easily expressed by changing the light-emitting mode, and the installed device is hidden in the reel, so that there is no hindrance.

In the slot machine of the present invention, the display mode changing means does not change the display mode of the variable display area in a state in which a reach mode of a combination of special symbols, which is a condition for establishing the special game state, is displayed. Is preferred. In this way, even if the display mode of the variable display area does not change, the player can expect the establishment of the special game state, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that there are a plurality of display mode change patterns by the display mode changing means. In this way, the interest in the game can be effectively improved.

In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the occurrence probabilities of the change patterns of the respective display modes are different from each other. With this configuration, since the predetermined change patterns of the display mode are different from each other, for example, the player expects the establishment of the special game state by the appearance of the change pattern having a low occurrence probability, so that the interest is continuously maintained. Can be attracted.

In the slot machine of the present invention, at a stage before the variable display areas are all displayed in a fixed manner, a pre-determining means for determining whether or not it is possible to make a winning, and Display control means for controlling so as to display a combination of special symbols, which is a condition for establishing the special game condition, on condition that it is determined that a special winning is enabled, and The means updates the display mode of the variable display area with a higher probability than when at least it is determined that the special prize is not enabled, when it is determined that the special prize is enabled by the predetermined means. It is preferable to change it in a mode different from the above. With this configuration, the change in the display mode of the variable display area increases the expectation of the special prize, and the interest in the game can be effectively improved.

In the slot machine of the present invention, the display mode changing means may update the display mode of the specific variable display area in a case where it is determined that the special prize is not enabled by the pre-determining means. It is preferred that they be varied in different ways. By doing so, the interest of the game can be further improved.

According to the slot machine of the present invention, the probability of occurrence of a plurality of change patterns of the display mode is determined for each pattern and when the special prize is enabled or disabled by the predetermined means. It is preferable that the values are set differently. In this way, for example, when it is determined that the special prize is possible, the occurrence probability of the change pattern of the predetermined display mode is higher than other patterns, and it is determined that the special prize is not enabled. In this case, the degree of reliability of the special winning determination can be set for each rank according to each pattern, such as making it lower than other patterns, so that the interest of the game can be effectively improved Can be done.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 shows a front view of a slot machine 1 as an example of the slot machine according to the present invention. A left variable display for allowing a player to visually recognize identification information such as symbols variably displayed by a variable display device 70 (see FIG. 2) provided as a variable display means provided in a predetermined location on the front surface of the slot machine 1. A variable display section 71 (variable display area) including a window 5L, a middle variable display window 5C, and a right variable display window 5R is provided.

When a player plays a game, the player inserts a coin as an example of a value object from the coin insertion slot 18 when the insertion instruction lamp 19 is lit or blinking. The insertion instruction lamp 19 turns off when three coins are inserted. However, in a regular bonus game to be described later (hereinafter, simply referred to as a bonus game), the light is turned off when one coin is inserted. When one or more coins are inserted, the start lamp 72 is turned on, thereby indicating that the start lever 12 can be pressed and the game can be started.

When the player inserts a coin and presses the start lever 12 while the start lamp 72 is lit, the variable display device 70 is activated and each variable display window 5L,
5C and 5R, a plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed, and the player can use the stop buttons 9L (also referred to as left stop buttons) and 9C (middle) provided below the variable display windows 5L, 5C and 5R, respectively. Stop button), 9R
By pressing (also called right stop button), predetermined symbols are fixedly displayed in the upper and lower three stages in the corresponding variable display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R, respectively. Also, when the player stops the buttons 9L, 9C,
If the user does not press the 9R, the display contents displayed in the respective variable display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R automatically stop sequentially in the priority order of, for example, 5L, 5C, and 5R after a predetermined variable display time elapses. . Therefore, in the case where it is expected that the game result will be a loss result from the stop result of some of the variable display units, the variable based on the predetermined stop timer can be performed without depressing the stop button 9R or the like. Since the variable display of all the variable display units is automatically terminated when the display time elapses, it is possible to prevent the player from imposing an extra game operation burden.

The slot machine 1 includes a normal game (coin game) in which a player inserts a coin and plays a game,
It is also possible to play a credit game using credits described later. In the case of a coin game, when a player inserts one coin from the coin insertion slot 18 and presses the start lever 12, the effective lines in the middle horizontal row in the variable display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R ( Only the hit line) is valid, and the valid line display lamp 21 is lit to notify the player that the line is valid. A game played by betting the value of one coin is called a one-bet game. For example, in the case of a single betting game, when the symbols fixedly displayed on the middle horizontal horizontal one effective line in each of the variable display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R have a predetermined display mode. A prize is won, and a predetermined value such as a predetermined number of coins is paid out. In particular, when a predetermined special display mode is set, coins are paid out and BB as a special game state advantageous to the player is provided.
(Big Bonus Game) and RB (Bonus Game) are started.

On the other hand, if the player presses the start lever 12 with two coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 18, the three horizontal lines in the variable display windows 5L, 5C and 5R become effective. Effective line display lamps 21, 2
2 lights up, and when the display result when the variable display device 70 is stopped has a predetermined display mode on any of the three effective lines, a predetermined value is given. You.

Further, when the player presses the start lever 12 with three coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 18, three horizontal rows and two diagonally diagonal rows in the variable display windows 5L, 5C and 5R can be obtained. A total of five valid lines are valid, and the valid line display lamps 21, 22, 23 are turned on.
When a predetermined specific display mode is set on any one of the five valid lines, a predetermined value is given. A game played by betting the value of three coins is called a three-bet game.

That is, if the player inserts one coin and presses the start lever 12, the game becomes a so-called one-bet game, one activated line is activated, and two coins are inserted. When the start lever 12 is pressed, the game becomes a so-called two-betting game, and three activated lines are activated. When three coins are inserted, the start lever 1 is activated.
Pressing 2 will be a so-called 3 betting game 5
All activated lines of the book are activated.

Next, a credit game will be described.
In the credit game, coins are inserted in advance and accumulated in the slot machine 1 or the like as credits as an example of a value owned by the player, or coins given as prizes are accumulated in the slot machine 1 or the like as credits. This is a game in which a game is played using credits stored in advance without inserting coins. The player can switch from the coin game to the credit game by pressing the game switching button 16 once, and can switch from the credit game to the coin game by pressing the game switching button 16 again. For credit games,
The value of 50 coins can be stored in advance as a credit. The stored number of credits (the number of coins) is displayed on the credit display 26.

In the credit game, when the credit operation button 14a for three betting is pressed once, the number of credits is subtracted and displayed by "3" from the credit display 26, and a three-bet game similar to the coin game is performed. By pressing the one-bet credit operation button 14b, the number of credits is subtracted and displayed by "1" from the credit display 26, and a single-bet game similar to the coin game is performed. If there is a credit operation button 14a for three-betting, the player does not need to press the credit operation button many times when he wants to play the maximum three betting game. Can be reduced. In particular, this configuration has a greater effect as the maximum bet amount is set larger.

Numeral 73 denotes a settlement button for operating the case where the credited value is refunded to the player. When the settlement button 73 is pressed, the number of coins displayed on the credit display 26 is reduced. It is to be returned to the player.

Next, the relationship between the operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R and the operation of the slot machine 1 will be described.
After the variable display is started on the variable display device 70 by operating the start lever 12 and the game is started, if the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are pressed, the reel corresponding to the button is stopped. Each stop button 9L, 9C, 9
Inside R, left operation enable lamp 11L, middle operation enable lamp 1
1C and a right operation enable lamp 11R are provided, respectively, to light or blink to indicate that the pressing operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C and 9R is effectively received, and to press the stop buttons 9L, 9C and 9R. It is designed to turn off in response to.

The order in which the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are pressed is indefinite, and can be arbitrarily selected by the player. For example, when the left stop button 9L is pressed first, the left operation enable lamp 11L turns off. When the variable display section 5L is stopped and the middle stop button 9C is pressed, the middle operation effective lamp 1 is pressed.
1C is turned off, and the variable display unit 5C stops.
Note that, as described above, two of the three left variable display windows 5L,
If the same type of symbols are stopped and displayed on predetermined effective lines in both variable display windows 5L and 5C at the stage where the display contents displayed in middle variable display window 5C are stopped, reach is established. .

Further, if the stop button 9C is pressed within the time of the stop timer while the left variable display window 5L and the middle variable display window 5C are stopped, the right operation valid lamp 11R is turned off and the variable display section 5R is turned off. Stops, and the final display result is derived and displayed.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 25 denotes a game number display, which is configured to be able to switch and display the number of executed big bonus games and bonus games. Reference numeral 27 denotes a number-of-payouts display for displaying the number of coins to be awarded when a winning of a predetermined content is achieved. When a prize is established in the coin game, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of coins set in advance corresponding to the content of the prize are paid out from the coin payout port 29 to the coin storage plate 30, and the credit is paid. In the case of a game, the number of coins provided within a range not exceeding the upper limit of storage (50) is stored. If the storage exceeds the upper limit (50), coins exceeding the upper limit are paid out into the coin storage tray 30.

The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a box-shaped main body 2a (see FIG. 2) having an open front, and a front panel 2b (FIG. 3) rotatably supported by the side end of the main body 2a. When a predetermined key is inserted into the locking device 3 and rotated clockwise, the lock is released, and the front panel 2b can be opened. Further, when a big bonus game to be described later is ended, an error occurs during the game, or the like, the game cannot be continued again unless a reset operation is performed. This is performed by inserting a predetermined key and operating in a counterclockwise direction. The operation of the locking device 3 in the counterclockwise direction is performed by the reset switch 4.
(See FIG. 4), the slot machine 1 is reset based on the detection output, and the game can be played again.

A plurality of game effect lamps 24 are provided above the variable display section 71, and are lit or blinked when a big bonus game or a bonus game occurs. 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes a game over lamp, which is lit or blinked when the slot machine is stopped (game over).

FIG. 2 shows an internal structure of the slot machine main body 2a. At a substantially central portion in the main body 2a, a plurality of light transmitting sheet members (3 in this embodiment).
), A variable display device 70 having a reel 6L, a reel 6C, and a reel 6R. Each reel 6
L, 6C, and 6R are reel drive motors 7L, 7C, and 7R each including a stepping motor provided corresponding to each of them.
, So as to rotate and stop independently of each other. FIG. 5 shows the outer periphery of each of the reels 6L, 6C and 6R.
The identification information is composed of a plurality of types of symbols as shown in FIG. 5, and the symbols are variably displayed in the respective variable display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R constituting the variable display area. 8L, 8C and 8R are reel position detection sensors for detecting the reference position of each reel,
Stop positions of predetermined symbols can be derived by the reel position detection sensors 8L to 8R.

In each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R,
A plurality of irradiation lamps 1 constituting a light emitting device as a decoration device for decorating a specific area on the reels 6L, 6C, 6R
00 to 102 (left irradiation lamps 100a to 100c, middle irradiation lamps 101a to 101c, right irradiation lamps 102a to 102c)
102c) are provided three each in the vertical direction, and these irradiation lamps 100a to 100c, 101a
Reels 6L, 6
A predetermined area in C and 6R is irradiated from the back surface.

The irradiating lamps 100 to 102 normally illuminate the variable display area by illuminating the respective reels 6L, 6C, 6R from the back surface, and illuminate the variable display area as described later. (In this embodiment, BB is black 7-black 7-black 7 or white 7-white 7-white 7, and RB is BA
(R, BAR, BAR) are located on the back of the special symbol stopped on the activated line, as will be described later, immediately before the activated symbol is aligned with the activated activated line, that is, when reach is established. The irradiation lamp emits light in a predetermined light emission mode.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the light emission modes of the irradiation lamps 100 to 102 are as follows. 1. No flashing (normally lit) 2. Flashing slow, Flashing high,
4. Four types of patterns of blinking high (other illumination lamps are turned off) are registered in advance, and a light emission mode during a special bonus game state, a big bonus game or a regular bonus game, or a light emission mode when a predetermined content is won. Etc. are registered.

Below the variable display device 70, a coin storage tank 37 for storing coins inserted through the coin insertion slot 18 is provided via a guide rail 80 fixed to the upper surface of a lower plate constituting the main body 2a. It is arranged so that it can be pulled out forward. A coin payout motor 38 is provided at a lower portion of the coin storage tank 37, and the coin in the coin storage tank 37 is rotated by the rotation of the coin payout motor 38 so that the coins in the coin storage tray 30 are transferred from the coin payout opening 29 to the coin storage tray 30. Is discharged. The ejected coins are transferred to the coin payout exit 29.
The coin payout motor 38 is detected by a payout coin sensor 39 provided in the vicinity of and the coin payout motor 38 is stopped when a predetermined number of payout coins are detected.

On the side of the coin storage tank 37, a probability setting switch 44 for changing the winning probability is provided on the front, a power switch 81, and the game is restarted when an error occurs during the end of the big bonus game or during the game. A power supply unit 83 provided with a reset switch 82 and the like for resetting the state to a state where the operation can be continued. Each of these switches can be operated by inserting a specific key possessed by the manager of the game arcade into a key slot 84 provided at the upper front of the power supply unit 83 and performing a predetermined key operation. Is configured. In addition, 45 is a control unit for performing game control of the slot machine in the present embodiment,
Includes microcomputers and the like.

FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of the back surface of the front panel 2b. In the figure, a coin insertion selector 35 is provided, and coins inserted through the coin insertion slot 18 flow down the insertion coin selector 35. An illegal coin discharge unit 94 is provided on the upstream side of the inserted coin selector 35. An illegal coin having a different size and thickness from an appropriate coin is inserted into an upper insertion port of a return coin flow path 95 provided below the inserted coin selector 35. , And returned to the coin storage tray 30 through the coin payout port 29.

A flow path switching solenoid 33 is provided downstream of the unauthorized coin discharge section 94 so as to be able to selectively switch the flowing coin flow path. At normal time, the flow path switching solenoid 33 is excited, and the flowing-down coin flows down without switching the flow path. After being detected by the inserted coin sensor 36 provided on the downstream side, the coin is stored through the storage path. It is stored in a tank 37. When more than three coins are inserted in the coin game, or when the number of credits reaches 50 in the credit game, the excitation of the flow path switching solenoid 33 is released and the flow path is switched. Thereafter, coins to be inserted are guided to the return coin flow path 95 via the return flow path.

A speaker 28 is provided on the side of the coin payout exit 29 to notify the player of a prize, a big bonus game, a sound effect at the time of a bonus game, a warning sound at the time of an abnormality, and the like. ing.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit used in the slot machine 1. The control circuit includes a control unit 45 as a control center, and the control unit 45 has a function of controlling the operation of the slot machine 1 as described below. The control unit 45 is composed of, for example, an LSI of several chips, and includes a CPU 46 capable of executing a control operation in a predetermined procedure, a ROM 47 storing an operation program of the CPU 46, and a ROM for storing necessary data. And a read / write RAM 48. Further, an I / O port 49 for ensuring signal consistency between the CPU 46 and an external circuit, and a CPU
Initial reset circuit 51 for applying a reset pulse to 46
A clock generation circuit 52 that supplies a clock signal to the CPU 46; a pulse frequency division circuit (interrupt pulse generation circuit) 53 that frequency-divides the clock signal from the clock generation circuit 52 and periodically supplies an interrupt pulse to the CPU 46; , CPU 46
And an address decoding circuit 54 for decoding address data from the server, and a random number used to determine a predetermined winning a prize at the same time as the start of the game,
Irradiation lamp 1 corresponding to the winning content determined by this
A random number generation circuit 103 for generating a random number used to determine the lighting mode of 00 to 102, and a random number value sampling circuit 104 for sampling the generated random number value
And

The CPU 46 can execute the operation of the interrupt control routine according to the interrupt pulse periodically given from the pulse dividing circuit 53. The address decode circuit 54 decodes address data from the CPU 46, and stores the read data in the ROM 47, the RAM 48, the I / O port 4
9. A chip select signal is given to the sound generator 50, respectively.

In this embodiment, a programmable ROM 47 is used as the ROM 47 so that its contents can be rewritten, that is, the program for the CPU 46 stored therein can be changed when necessary. ing. Then, the CPU 46 provides control signals to various devices such as the above-described reel drive motor and irradiation lamp in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 47 and in response to input of each control signal described below.

First, a coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 is detected by the inserted coin sensor 36, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. When a coin is paid out from the coin payout motor 38, the payout coin is detected by the payout coin sensor 39, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The pressing operation of the start lever 12 is detected by the start switch 13, and the detection output is output from the switch / sensor circuit 5.
5 to the I / O port 49. The operation of the settlement button 73 is detected by the settlement switch 76, and an operation signal is given to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. When the reset switch 4 of the locking device 3 is operated by a predetermined key operation, the operation signal is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The operation of the credit operation button 14 is detected by the credit switch 15, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The pressing operation of the game switching button 16 is detected by the game switching switch 17, and the detection signal is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55.
When a predetermined key is inserted into the key slot 84 and the key switch 43 is operated, an operation signal is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. The key switch 43 receives inputs from the probability setting switch 44, the power switch 81, and the reset switch 82. Left stop button 9L, middle stop button 9
C and the right stop button 9R are detected by the left stop switch 10L, the middle stop switch 10C, and the right stop switch 10R, respectively, and the respective detection signals are transmitted to the I / O port 4 via the switch / sensor circuit 55.
9 is input. When the coin storage tank 37 becomes full with the stored coins, the fact is detected by the full tank sensor 42, and the detection output is input to the I / O port 49 via the switch / sensor circuit 55. Reel 6L, 6
C, 6R are rotated and the reference values (notches and the like are formed) of the respective reels are left, center, and right reel position sensors 8
L, 8C, and 8R, the respective detection signals are sent to the I / O port 4 via the switch / sensor circuit 55.
9 is input.

The control unit 45 outputs a control signal to the following various devices. First, through the motor circuit 56, left, middle,
A reel drive control signal (step signal for a stepping motor) is output to each of the right reel drive motors 7L, 7C, and 7R. A coin payout control signal is output to the coin payout motor 38 via the motor circuit 57. A solenoid excitation control signal is output to the flow path switching solenoid 33 via the solenoid circuit 58. A display control signal is output to the number-of-games display 25, the credit display 26, and the number-of-payouts display 27 via the LED circuit 59. Through the lamp circuit 60, the game effect lamp 24, the insertion instruction lamp 19, the effective line display lamps 21, 22, 23, the left operation effective lamp 11L, the middle operation effective lamp 11C, the right operation effective lamp 11R, the game over lamp 20, the start Lamp 72, irradiation lamps 100a to 100c, 101a
To 101c and 102 to 102c, respectively. Sound generator 50, amplifier 6
1 to output a sound generation control signal to the speaker 28. The above-described various devices and control circuits include a power supply circuit 6.
2 supplies a predetermined direct current. Also, the RAM 48
Is configured to be supplied with a current for storing data from the backup power supply 63. Even if the supply of current from the power supply circuit 62 is stopped due to a power failure, the probability set value and the game state are maintained for a predetermined period. It is configured so that it can be stored.

In this embodiment, a communication unit 92 for performing data communication with a management computer 96 installed in the hall via a communication cable 93 is connected to the CPU 46 so that an abnormal signal or the like is output. The game information and the like can be transmitted to the management computer 96 as appropriate.

FIG. 5 is a developed view showing symbols as identification information drawn on the outer periphery of each of the reel 6L (left reel), reel 6C (middle reel), and reel 6R (right reel). The numbers shown on the left side of the figure are symbol numbers,
"Black 7", "white 7", "BAR", "watermelon", "bell", "black 7", "white 7" corresponding to each symbol number of "1" to "21".
Twenty-one symbols including symbols such as "cherry" and "plum (hereinafter referred to as JAC)" are drawn on the outer periphery of each reel. "Left" in FIG. 5 is a diagram showing symbols drawn on the outer periphery of the left reel 6L, and "middle" is a middle reel 6C.
Is a diagram showing symbols drawn on the outer periphery of the right reel 6R, and "right" is a diagram showing symbols drawn on the outer periphery of the right reel 6R.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the variable display device 70 is stopped, for example, "BAR-BAR"
-BAR "means that the player has won the above-mentioned RB (regular bonus), pays out 15 coins, and plays a big bonus game in which the gaming state is part of a special gaming state advantageous to the player. Become. In the big bonus game, a maximum of 12 games are bonus games. In the bonus game, the active line is forcibly limited to only one horizontal row in the middle of the variable display section, and the winning symbol is limited to "JAC". However, in the bonus game, a prize is generated with a very high probability (for example, about 1 / 1.1) (a “JAC” assortment is stopped and displayed on the variable display device 70. Hereinafter, this is also referred to as a JAC prize). ) Can be expected, and 15 coins are paid out with the occurrence of a prize. This big bonus game continues until a maximum of 12 bonus games are completed,
If a prize is generated eight times before the number of bonus games reaches twelve, the bonus game of that time ends. Therefore, the player can obtain a winning prize up to eight times during the big bonus game.

On the other hand, if, for example, "white 7-white 7-white 7" or "black 7-black 7-black 7" is arranged on the activated activated line, the above-mentioned BB (big bonus) is won. , And 15 coins are paid out, and the gaming state becomes a regular bonus game which is a part of a special gaming state advantageous to the player. In the big bonus game, for example, a maximum of 30 games thereafter are the big bonus game. In each big bonus game, "JAC-JAC-JAC" is available on the active line at an extremely high probability unless the player fails to push the eye. When the “JAC” assortment is stopped and displayed in the big bonus as described above, the gaming state becomes the above-mentioned big bonus game, and a maximum of 12 bonus games are provided. Then, after the end of the big bonus game, the process returns to the RB game again to provide the next big bonus game.

For example, in the first big bonus game after the big bonus game, "JA"
If "C-JAC-JAC" is available, the gaming state becomes a big bonus game, and after a maximum of 12 bonus games are provided, the game returns to the regular bonus game again and the second big bonus game is provided. is there. In this way, the game state becomes a regular bonus game until the maximum of 30 big bonus games are completed, but before the number of big bonus games reaches 30, three "JAC-JAC-JAC" winning prizes occur. When the game state is changed to the first special game state three times, the regular bonus game ends in the current big bonus game. Therefore, the player can perform a regular bonus game period, that is, a maximum of 12 times × 3 =
You can play the bonus game only 36 times, out of which 8 times x 3 = 24 times the bonus game JA
You can get the C prize.

When the gaming state is a normal state other than the big bonus game or the regular bonus game, if the symbols other than "7" and "BAR" are aligned on the activated activated line, a small role is played. Is established, and when a combination of the symbols of the small combination is established on one activated line, the predetermined number (for example, 15, 8, or 4) according to the type of the small combination symbol is obtained. Coins are awarded to the player. Also, each reel 6L, 6C,
The symbol of "Cherry" drawn on 6R is a mark called a single symbol, and when this single symbol is stopped and displayed on one valid pay line, two coins are given to the player. . In the case where there are a plurality of activated lines activated according to the bet amount, as described above, if a combination of symbols for paying out coins is simultaneously established on the plurality of activated lines, each activated line is activated. In principle, coins corresponding to the total number of coins provided by the combination of symbols on the line are provided. However, since the upper limit of the number of coins to be awarded in one game is determined to be fifteen, if the number of coins exceeds fifteen, the sixteenth and subsequent coins become invalid.

Further, in this embodiment, a combination of symbols consisting of black 7, white 7, and BAR, which is a prize having a large profit for a player, or cherry, bell, watermelon or a prize having a small profit for a player. All prizes, such as a combination of symbols consisting of plums (re-game), are prizes to be awarded as prizes described later. Of these, a combination of BB and BAR symbols consisting of the same black 7 or white 7 combination Only the following RBs are awarded special prizes. The combination of symbols corresponding to each prize, the number of coins to be paid out corresponding to the combination of symbols, and the like are determined in advance, and are registered in the ROM 47.

Further, the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment
In the above, at the start of the game, a lottery is performed by the control unit 45 as a pre-determining means to determine whether or not any of the prizes can be won, and only when one of the prizes is won by the lottery The display is controlled so that the combination of the symbols corresponding to the selected prize can be completed, and the winning can be achieved. When the combination of the symbols corresponding to the winning prize is completed, the winning is achieved.

Specifically, based on the result of the winning lottery, the control unit 45 executes the rotation stop control of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R, for example, when it is determined that a predetermined prize can be won. In this case, the control is performed so that the combination of the symbols corresponding to the award can be arranged on a predetermined effective line. In addition, for example, even if it is determined that the special prize can be won, the player may not be able to arrange the combination of the special symbols corresponding to the BB prize on the activated line during the game. The special prize will be continued over a plurality of games until the combination of the special symbols is aligned on the activated line. However, if the prize determined to be possible to win is a prize other than the BB prize, the prize may disappear with the end of the game.

If it is determined that it is not possible to win any of the prizes, the player performs a push to reach a symbol combination one symbol before the symbol combination corresponding to each prize. May be established, but control is performed so that combinations of symbols corresponding to the respective awards are not finally completed. That is, a predetermined prize is not won unless a prize is won by a lottery performed at the start of the game, so that each prize is generated on average during a repeated game. .

Next, based on the flowchart of FIG.
The control content of the game start process performed by the control unit 45 will be described below.

First, in S1, the control unit 45 determines whether or not a medal has been inserted, and a medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot 18 or the credit operation unit 14a or 1
When a predetermined number (1 to 3) of medals have been inserted by the operation of 4b, the process proceeds to S2, and the start lamp 72 is turned on.

Next, in S3, it is determined whether or not the start lever 12 is pressed. If the start lever 12 is pressed, the start lamp 7 is pressed in S4.
2 and the three reels 6 in S5.
L, 6C and 6R are simultaneously rotated. Further, in S6, BB, RB, and other prizes of small profit for the player, such as cherry, bell, watermelon, or plum (replay)
About the lottery of whether or not to win in advance, and each irradiation lamp 1
A lottery for determining the light emission mode patterns of 00 to 102 is executed.

The lottery of the winning and the lottery of the light emission pattern are executed separately, and the random number sampling circuit 104 samples random numbers from the circulated random number sequence generated by the random number generating circuit 103 at regular intervals. At the same time, by comparing the obtained sampling value with predetermined data previously written in the ROM, it is determined whether or not a winning has been won and the type of the prize in the winning lottery.

When one of the prizes is won by lottery,
The flag corresponding to the winning prize is set. If the BB prize, which is a special prize, is won here, the BB flag is set in S8, and the lottery of the light emission mode pattern executed in S6 is performed in S9. Are compared with the range values in the flag establishment column in the emission mode occurrence probability table of each of the irradiation lamps 100 to 102 shown in FIG.

As described above, the irradiation lamps 100 to 10
The two light emission modes are: 1. No flashing (normally lit) 2. Flashing slow, 3. High blinking There are four types of flashing high (the other irradiation lamps are turned off).
The allocation range of the sampling values extracted in step 6 is determined separately when the BB flag is established and when the BB flag is not established, and a predetermined light emission mode corresponding to the extracted sampling values is determined. .

When the BB flag is not established in S7, that is, when a prize other than BB and RB is won, or when neither prize is won, S
At 11, the sampled value extracted at S6 is compared with the range value in the flag non-established column in the emission mode occurrence probability table of each of the irradiation lamps 100 to 102 shown in FIG. 7, and then the process proceeds to S10.

Here, the allocation range of the sampling values in the light emission mode occurrence probability table shown in FIG. 7 is set so as to become wider from light emission mode 1 to light emission mode 4 when the BB flag is established, for example. , When the BB flag is not established, the width is set so as to decrease from the light emission mode 1 to the light emission mode 4.

That is, when the BB flag is established,
4. The light emission mode of blinking high (lights other than the target irradiation lamp are turned off) occurs with a relatively high probability as compared with the other lower light emission modes, and when the BB flag is not established, 1. Non-blinking (maintaining normal lighting, that is, no change in the display mode) occurs with a relatively high probability as compared with other higher-level light-emitting modes. In other words, 1. 3. When the light emission mode without blinking occurs, it is highly likely that the BB flag is not established. If the light emission mode of the blinking high (other illumination lamps are turned off) occurs, it is highly likely that the BB flag is established.

As described above, by setting the occurrence probabilities of the change patterns of the plurality of display modes for each pattern and in accordance with the determination of the special prize by lottery or not, each light emitting mode is set. Since the degree of reliability of the special prize determination can be set for each rank according to the pattern, it is possible to effectively excite the interest of the game.

Further, even when the BB flag is established, 1.
Since the non-blinking mode is set, although the probability is extremely low, when the BB flag is established, the lighting may not be performed when the reach by the special symbol occurs. vice versa,
3. Even when BB flag is not established Since the flashing high (light off other irradiation lamps) lighting mode is set,
Although the probability is extremely low, when the special symbol is reached when the BB flag is not established, the light emission mode of 4 may occur, so that the interest of the player can be continuously attracted.

After determining the light emission mode at the time of reaching the special symbol in S10, it is determined in S12 whether all reels 6L, 6C, 6R have stopped, and all reels 6L, 6C, 6R are stopped. If there is S1
S3, if all the reels 6L, 6C, 6R are not stopped, that is, if at least one of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is rotating, S14.
To determine whether or not the reach by the special symbol has occurred.

Here, the reach mode by the special symbol means a combination of the symbols corresponding to the BB winning (black 7-black 7-black 7 or white 7- as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) to 8 (c)). A state in which a combination of the special symbols immediately before white 7-white 7) is formed, that is, one of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R displayed on any of the variable display windows 5L, 5C, 5R rotates. In the middle state, in the area on the activated line activated by medal insertion,
Black 7-Black 7 (or White 7-White 7) which is the same symbol
Indicates a state in which the display is stopped.

At S14, when it is determined that such a reach mode is displayed, the control unit 45 determines the stop position of the special symbol stopped on the line activated at the time when the reach is established at S15. After the detection or the like is performed, each of the irradiation lamps 100 to 102 is turned on in a light emitting mode based on the display contents and the result of the comparison in S9 (or S11).

Specifically, various light emission mode patterns as shown below are generated. For example, in a state where the reach mode shown in FIG.
In the state where 00a, 100b, and 101b (see FIG. 2) are illuminated in the second light emission mode (blinking slow) (the other irradiation lamps are normally lit), and the reach mode shown in FIG. When the lamps 100c and 102a are turned on in the three light emission modes (blinking high) and the reach mode shown in FIG.
102b is blinking high, irradiation lamps 101a to 101c are normally lit, and other irradiation lamps 100a,
0c, all are turned off.

As described above, at the time when the reach mode by the special symbol is displayed, the display mode of at least a part of each variable display area changes. That is, according to FIG. 8, the irradiation lamps 100 to 102 located on the back of the special symbol stopped and displayed on the activated line.
Blinks, and the light emission mode of the stopped special symbol and its surrounding area changes, so that there is a possibility that a combination of special symbols corresponding to the BB winning, which is a special game state advantageous to the player, may be formed. The fact that the mode has been achieved is definitely appealed to the player, so that the degree of expectation of the player can be effectively increased.

As described above, the display area fixedly displayed when the reach mode is established (FIG. 8A)
, The display mode is changed in the variable display windows 5L and 5C, and the variable display windows 5L and 5R in FIGS. 8B and 8C. 8 (a), the variable display window 5R, FIG. 8 (b)
In (c), the display mode of the variable display window 5C) does not change, so that it is not difficult for the player to arrange special symbol combinations that are conditions for establishing a special game state.

Further, when the reach mode is established, it is fixed.
Special game letters,
Form a combination of special symbols,
Specific display area to get, ie activated by coin insertion
Special thin line corresponding to the BB prize among the activated lines
A line that can constitute a combination of bolts (the thick dotted line in FIG. 8)
(Shown in FIG. 8A).
Area around special symbol in display windows 5L and 5C, figure
8 (b) and (c) in the variable display windows 5L and 5R
Area around the special symbol).
That when the reach mode is established,
Lines that have been activated to constitute a BB prize
The player has to align
To the reel types 6L, 6C, and 6R that are changing.
Where should the symbol be stopped?
Can be easily determined.

When it is determined that the reach is not established in S14, and after the predetermined irradiation lamps 100 to 102 are turned on in S16, the process returns to S12, and the rotation of all the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is started again. It is determined whether or not the operation is stopped. If it is determined that the operation is stopped, S13 is performed.
The light emission mode of all the irradiation lamps 100 to 102 is turned on normally at this point, the game is ended, and the process returns to S1.

At the end of the game, the light emission mode pattern won in the game is reset once, and the lottery is performed again in the next game. For example, when the game in which the BB flag is established is repeated. In such a case, the same light emission mode may be repeated until a special symbol combination is displayed by the player and a BB prize is made.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the symbols stopped and displayed in the variable display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R, which are variable display areas, are advantageous to the player. B that is in a special game state
The variable display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R are displayed when the reach mode of the combination of the special symbols, which is the condition for establishing B, is displayed.
, The display mode of the predetermined variable display area changes in a mode different from the update mode (a state in which a plurality of kinds of symbols move continuously due to the rotation of the reels), so that a special game state that is advantageous to the player is achieved. The fact that the special symbol combination corresponding to the condition may be formed is surely appealed to the player.

In this embodiment, the irradiation lamps 100 to 10 are used as decoration devices for irradiating the reel from the back surface.
2 (backlight), the display mode of the variable display area is configured to be changed.
It can be easily expressed by changing the lighting mode (blinking, lighting, etc.) of the irradiation lamp or changing the emission color.
In addition, the present invention is not limited to expressing the change of the light emitting mode by the light emitting pattern by such a light emitting device, and may be configured to express the change of the display mode by changing the decorative pattern by another decorative device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display mode of the display area around the special symbol which is fixedly displayed is changed. For example, the display means forming the variable display area is a liquid crystal display. In the case of an image-type slot machine including devices and the like, at the time when the above-described reach mode occurs, the form (size and shape) of the special symbol that is fixedly displayed is changed by itself. Is also possible.

In the present embodiment, the change of the display mode of the specific display area occurs when the reach of the special symbol (black 7 or white 7) corresponding to the BB prize in the special game state is established. Needless to say, it may be generated when the reach of the special symbol (BAR) corresponding to the RB winning in the special game state is established.

In the case where the above-described reach mode is displayed, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the irradiation lamps of the reels other than the changing reel, that is, the stopped reels (for example, By flashing the irradiation lamps 102a to 102c in FIG. 8A and the irradiation lamps 101a to 101c in FIG. 8B so that the display mode does not change, it becomes difficult for the player to press. There is no.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, by setting a plurality of light emission mode patterns of the irradiation lamps 100 to 102, the interest of the game is improved, and the generation of each of these light emission mode patterns is also improved. Since the probabilities are different from each other, the game performance is improved.

Furthermore, since the plurality of types of light emission patterns that can be extracted include a light emission pattern that maintains normal lighting, the display pattern does not change even when the reach by the special symbol is established. By doing so, even if the display mode of the variable display area does not change, the player can expect the establishment of the special game state.

The reliability of the special prize determination is set by setting the occurrence probabilities of the change patterns of the plurality of display modes to be different for each pattern and according to whether or not the special prize is determined in advance. Can be ranked according to each pattern, so that the interest of the game can be effectively improved.

Furthermore, if the change in the light emission mode is set so as to occur with a higher probability when the pre-winning is determined than when the BB pre-winning or the RB pre-winning is not determined, the light emitting mode is set. , The degree of expectation of the player for winning a special game state is effectively increased.

Each element in each of the above embodiments corresponds to the present invention as follows.

A first aspect of the present invention is a variable display means (variable display device 7) having a plurality of variable display areas (variable display sections 71) capable of displaying a plurality of types of symbols while continuously updating them.
0) and display fixing means (stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9) for fixedly displaying the display contents in the variable display area.
R), and on the condition that a combination of predetermined special symbols is fixedly displayed in the plurality of variable display areas, a special game state (big bonus game or bonus) advantageous to the player. A slot machine (1) that can be shifted to a game), wherein a reach mode of a combination of special symbols, which is a condition for establishing the special game state, is displayed before all of the variable display areas are fixedly displayed. Display state changing means (irradiation lamp 10) capable of changing the display state in at least a part of the variable display area in a state different from the update in the state in which the update is performed.
0 to 102).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the display mode changing means changes the display mode of the fixedly displayed variable display area without updating a symbol.

A third aspect of the present invention is that the variable display means displays a specific display area which can form a combination of special symbols which are conditions for establishing the special game state in the variable display area fixedly displayed. Is changed without updating the symbol.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the display mode changing unit is a decoration unit (irradiation lamps 100 to 102) for decorating the variable display area, and the display mode is changed by the decoration unit.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the reel (6L, 6C, 6R) in which the variable display means is rotatably provided by drive means (reel drive motors 7L, 7C, 7R).
The decoration means includes a backlight (irradiation lamps 100 to 10) provided to irradiate a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery of the reel from the back surface.
2).

A sixth aspect of the present invention is directed to the display mode changing means, wherein the display mode of a special symbol combination reach condition, which is a condition for establishing the special game state, is displayed.
The display mode of the variable display area may not be changed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there are a plurality of display mode change patterns by the display mode changing means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the occurrence probabilities of the change patterns of the respective display modes are set to be different from each other.

In a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pre-determining means (control unit 45) for determining whether or not it is possible to win a prize at a stage before all of the variable display areas are fixedly displayed. On the condition that it is determined that the special winning (BB winning, RB winning) is enabled by the predetermined means, control is performed so that a combination of special symbols, which is a condition for establishing the special game state, can be displayed. A display control unit (control unit 45), wherein the display mode changing unit includes:
In the case where the special prize is determined to be enabled by the predetermined means, the display mode of the variable display area is updated with a higher probability than at least when it is determined that the special prize is not enabled. Vary in a manner.

[0097] In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the display mode changing means updates the display mode of the specific variable display area in a case where it is determined that the special winning is not enabled by the pre-determining means. May be varied in different ways.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is directed to a case where the probability of occurrence of a plurality of change patterns of the display mode is determined for each pattern and when the special prize is enabled or disabled by the predetermined means. They are set to be different according to each.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and even if there are changes and additions without departing from the gist of the present invention. Included in the invention.

For example, coins have been used as game media, but the game media is not limited to such small piece media, and spherical pachinko balls or the like may be used.

[0101]

The present invention has the following effects.

(A) According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is variably displayed that there is a possibility that a combination of special symbols, which is a condition for establishing a special game state advantageous to the player, may be formed. Since the region can be surely appealed to the player, the degree of expectation of the player can be effectively increased.

(B) According to the second aspect of the invention, the display mode of the changing display area does not change, so that it is difficult for the player to arrange the special symbol combinations that are the conditions for establishing the special game state. Never be.

(C) According to the third aspect of the present invention, the types of symbols to be aligned and their areas are clarified, so that the player can easily align special symbol combinations which are conditions for establishing a special game state. I can do it.

(D) According to the invention of claim 4, the display mode of the specific variable display area can be changed with an inexpensive device.

(E) According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the change of the display mode can be easily expressed by changing the light emitting mode, and the installed apparatus is hidden in the reel, so that it does not become an obstacle. .

(F) According to the invention of claim 6, even if the display mode of the variable display area does not change, the player can expect the establishment of the special game state. Can be improved.

(G) According to the invention of claim 7, it is possible to effectively improve the interest of the game.

(H) According to the invention of claim 8, since the predetermined change patterns of the display mode are different from each other, for example, the player expects the establishment of the special game state by the appearance of the change pattern with low occurrence probability. That's why you can keep attracting interest.

(I) According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, a change in the display mode of the variable display area increases the expectation of a special prize, thereby effectively improving the interest of the game. Can be done.

(J) According to the tenth aspect, the interest of the game can be further improved.

(K) According to the eleventh aspect, for example, the probability of occurrence of a change pattern of a predetermined display mode is higher than that of other patterns when it is determined that a special prize can be achieved. If it is determined that the special prize is not possible, it is possible to set the degree of reliability of the special prize determination according to each pattern according to the rank, such as lowering it than other patterns, The fun of the game can be effectively improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a slot machine to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a pre-structure diagram of the slot machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a front panel of the slot machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the slot machine of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a development view showing symbols drawn on the outer periphery of the reel.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a game start processing.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a state of reaching by a symbol which is a condition for establishing a big bonus prize.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an occurrence probability table of a light emission mode pattern of an irradiation lamp.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 slot machine 2 coin 2a main body 2b front panel 3 locking device 4 reset switch 5R right variable display 5L variable display 5C variable display 6L reel 6C reel 6R reel 7L, 7C, 7R reel drive motor 8L, 8C, 8R reel Position detection sensor 9R Right stop button 9L Left stop button 9C Middle stop button 10R Right stop switch 10L Left stop switch 10C Middle stop switch 11R Right operation valid lamp 11L Left operation valid lamp 11C Medium operation valid lamp 12 Start lever 13 Start switch 14a Credit Operation buttons 14b Credit operation buttons 15 Credit switch 16 Game switching button 17 Game switching switch 18 Coin slot 19 Insertion instruction lamp 20 Game over lamp 21, 2 , 23 Active line display lamp 24 Game effect lamp 25 Number of games display 26 Credit display 27 Number of payouts display 28 Speaker 29 Coin payout exit 30 Coin storage plate 33 Flow path switching solenoid 35 Insert coin selector 36 Insert coin sensor 37 Coin storage Tank 38 Coin payout motor 39 Payout coin sensor 42 Full tank sensor 43 Key switch 21, 22 Effective line display lamp 44 Probability setting switch 45 Control unit 49 I / O port 50 Sound generator 51 Initial reset circuit 52 Clock generation circuit 53 Pulse dividing circuit 54 Address decode circuit 55 Switch / sensor circuit 56, 57 Motor circuit 58 Solenoid circuit 59 LED circuit 60 Lamp circuit 61 Amplifier 62 Power supply circuit 63 Backup power supply 70 Possible Display device 71 Variable display unit 72 Start lamp 73 Settlement button 76 Settlement switch 80 Guide rail 81 Power switch 82 Reset switch 83 Power supply unit 84 Key slot 92 Communication unit 93 Communication cable 94 Illegal coin discharge unit 95 Return coin flow path 96 Management Computer 100-102 Irradiation lamp 100a-100c Left illumination lamp 101a-101c Medium illumination lamp 102a-102c Right illumination lamp 103 Random number generation circuit 104 Random number sampling circuit

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] May 9, 2000 (200.5.9)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0075

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, in the display area fixedly displayed when the reach mode is established, a specific display area in which a combination of special symbols, which is a condition for establishing a special game state, can be formed, that is, activated by coin insertion. Among the activated lines, a display area (shown by a bold dotted line in FIG. 8) that can constitute a combination of special symbols corresponding to the BB prize (in FIG. 8A, the variable display windows 5L and 5C). The display mode of the area around the special symbol, that is, the area around the special symbol in the variable display windows 5L and 5R in FIGS. 8B and 8C is changed, so that BB is established when the reach mode is established. Since the lines that are activated to constitute a prize are clarified, the player can determine the types of symbols to be aligned in order to win, Reel 6L in dynamic, 6C, will be easily determined be whether it is sufficient to stop the symbols on any point in 6R.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. Variable display means having a plurality of variable display areas capable of displaying a plurality of types of symbols while continuously updating the symbols, and display fixing means for fixedly displaying display contents in the variable display area. A slot machine capable of shifting to a special gaming state advantageous to a player on condition that a combination of predetermined special symbols is fixedly displayed in the plurality of variable display areas. At a stage before all of the variable display areas are fixedly displayed, in a state where a reach mode of a combination of special symbols that is a condition for establishing the special game state is displayed, at least a part of the variable display areas A slot machine comprising a display mode changing unit capable of changing a display mode in a mode different from the updating mode. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the display mode changing means changes a display mode of the fixedly displayed variable display area without updating a symbol. 3. The variable display means updates a symbol in a display mode of a specific display area that can constitute a combination of special symbols, which is a condition for establishing the special game state, in a variable display area fixedly displayed. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the change is performed without any change. 4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the display mode changing unit is a decoration unit for decorating the variable display area, and the display mode is changed by the decoration unit. 5. The variable display means is constituted by a reel rotatably provided by a drive means, and the decoration means irradiates a plurality of symbols arranged on an outer periphery of the reel from a back surface. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein the slot machine is a provided backlight. 6. The display mode changing means may not change the display mode of the variable display area in a state where a reach mode of a combination of special symbols which is a condition for establishing the special game state is displayed. 6. The slot machine according to any one of 1 to 5. 7. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of change patterns of a display mode by said display mode variable unit. 8. The slot machine according to claim 7, wherein the occurrence probabilities of the change patterns of the respective display modes are set to be different from each other. 9. At a stage before all of the variable display areas are fixedly displayed, a pre-determining means for deciding whether or not it is possible to make a prize winning, and a special prize being made possible by the pre-determining means. Subject to the decision to do so,
Display control means for controlling display of a combination of special symbols, which is a condition for establishing the special game state, wherein the display mode changing means enables a special prize by the predetermined means. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when the determination is made, the display mode of the variable display area is changed with a higher probability than in the case where it is determined that the special prize is not enabled. The slot machine described. 10. The display mode changing unit changes the display mode of the specific variable display area in a mode different from the update mode when the special prize is not enabled by the pre-determining unit. 10. The slot machine according to claim 9, wherein the slot machine may be used. 11. The occurrence probabilities of the change patterns of a plurality of display modes are different for each pattern, and when a special prize is made possible by the predetermined means and when it is not made possible. The slot machine according to claim 9, wherein the slot machine is set.