JP2002143379A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a game player to easily cope with complication of a game by outputting an explanation of the game without requiring an exclusive switch and without feeling troublesomeness by the game player. SOLUTION: In this game machine for allowing the game player to play the game via a variable display of plural pattern rows and stoppage of the variable display when operating operation buttons 27a, 27b and 27c on condition of inputting a game medium, the game machine is provided with a storage means 47 for prestoring game guide information for explaining the game, and an output means 46 for outputting the game guide information in the storage means 47 to the game player when operating the operation buttons 27a, 27b and 27c in a state of not inputting the game medium.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a slot machine, a pachislot machine and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, gaming machines such as slot machines and pachislot machines have been developed in order to further enhance the interest of players.
Games tend to be complicated. For example, in the case of a pachislot machine, a special game called a “bonus game” which is advantageous to a player in a specific case is executed.
Therefore, some players may not be able to fully understand the content and method (operation procedure) of the game.

[0003] For this reason, a pamphlet containing a description of a game is distributed to a player at a game place where a gaming machine is installed, or a sticker containing a description of the game is attached to the front of the gaming machine or in the vicinity thereof. By doing so, there is a place where the player can cope with the complexity of the game.

[0004] Some gaming machines are provided with a dedicated switch on the front face, as described in Utility Model Registration Publication No. 2522393, for example. Some of the methods respond to the complexity of the game by outputting the method by voice.

[0005]

However, according to the conventional measures described above, it is not always possible for the player to easily cope with the complexity of the game, and the player may rather feel troublesome. is there.

For example, in the case of distributing a pamphlet, the player must go to the location where the pamphlet is distributed, and the player will continue to play while watching the pamphlet even after the distribution. Would be very annoying for the person. Also, in the case of sticking a sticker, the amount of information for explaining the game is limited due to the space for the sticker, so that the player cannot always fully understand the content and method of the game.

On the other hand, when the gaming machine outputs the content and method of the game by voice, the ease of playing the game is not hindered, and the information amount of the game description is not restricted. In addition, it is necessary to provide a dedicated switch for outputting sound in the gaming machine. Therefore, the provision of the dedicated switch may cause the configuration of the gaming machine to be complicated or large. Furthermore, since it is very difficult to apply to a gaming machine having no dedicated switch, there is a problem in terms of versatility.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention requires a dedicated switch as in the related art or makes the player feel troublesome even if the player can easily cope with the complexity of the game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that does not need to play.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a gaming machine devised to achieve the above object, comprising variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows and operation buttons operated by a player. A game machine that allows the player to play a game through the start of a variable display on the variable display means and the stop of the variable display when the operation button is operated on condition that a game medium is inserted; A storage means for preliminarily storing game guide information for explaining a game, and when the operation button is operated in a state where no game medium is inserted, the game guide information in the storage means is transmitted to the player. And output means for outputting the output.

According to the gaming machine having the above structure, when the operation button is operated in a state where the game medium is not inserted, that is, when the game is not being played and the game cannot be started, the output means stores the storage means. The game guide information in the inside is output. The game guide information output at this time may be, for example, information for explaining the content and method of the game. Therefore, based on the output of the game guide information by the output means, the player can understand the contents and method of the game without feeling troublesome. Moreover, since the operation button for outputting the game guide information is also used as the operation button operated when the player plays the game, there is no need to provide a dedicated switch or the like for outputting the game guide information.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, here, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot machine will be described as an example.

First, the configuration of a standard pachislot machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of an example of a pachislot machine. As shown in the figure, the pachislot machine 1 includes a front panel unit 2 and a box-shaped cabinet unit 3 that supports the front panel unit 2 so that it can be opened and closed.

On the front panel 2, 3 symbols are displayed on each reel.
A symbol display window 21 capable of displaying each frame, a medal slot 22 for inserting a medal as a game medium, and a lamp unit 23 (one bet lamp unit 23a, two A bet ramp 23b, a three bet ramp 23c) and a ramp 24 (an insert medal ramp 24a, a win ramp 24b, a bonus game ramp 24c, a big bonus game ramp 24d) located on the right side of the symbol display window 21. , A game over lamp unit 24e, a replay lamp unit 24f) and a symbol display window 21.
Display 25 (credit display 25
a, a payout display section 25b, a bonus game number display section 25c), a liquid crystal panel section 26 located above the symbol display window 21, and operation buttons (one bet button 27a, two bet buttons 27b) operated by the player. , A MAX bet button 27c, a start lever 27d, a stop button 27e provided for each reel, a medal payout port 28 for discharging medals, and a medal tray 29 for discharging the medals. . Also, on the back side of the front panel unit 2, a medal insertion slot 22 is connected,
A medal determination device (not shown) for determining the authenticity and the number of inserted medals is provided.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of an example of a pachislot machine. Inside the cabinet part 3, three reels 31a to 31a to which a plurality of symbols are printed on the outer peripheral surface are provided.
31c, a circuit board 32 necessary for various controls including rotation control of the reels 31a to 31c, a medal payout device 34 having a hopper 33 capable of storing a large number (for example, 200) of medals, and various effects. A speaker 35 for outputting sound and a power supply box 36 for supplying power to each unit
And is built.

Here, a game procedure using the pachislot machine 1 configured as described above and the pachislot machine 1 at that time.
The outline of the operation in will be described. When playing a game using the pachislot machine 1, the player first enters the medal slot 22.
Put a medal in. At this time, the front panel 2
The insert medal lamp section 24a is lit to urge the player to insert medals.

When a medal is inserted, a medal insertion slot 22
The medal discriminating device connected to the device judges whether or not the inserted medal is valid. Then, medals determined to be acceptable in the medal determination device according to predetermined conditions are counted as valid medals and sent to the hopper 33. On the other hand, failed medals are returned from the medal payout opening 28 without being counted.

When the number of valid medals is counted, the front panel 2 displays a ramp 23 according to the counted number.
Lights up. For example, if the counted number is one, 1
The bet lamp unit 23a is turned on to notify the player that the number of bets has been set to one. If the counted number is two, the one bet ramp part 23a and the two bet ramp part 2
3b lights up to notify the player that the number of bets has been set to two. If the counted number is three, the one-betting ramp part 23a, the two-betting ramp part 23b and the three-betting ramp part 23c are all turned on to notify the player that the number of bets has been set to three. . Thus, the lamp unit 23
It also has a role of displaying the effective lines on the three reels 31a to 31c.

If the counted number is four or more,
In the front panel unit 2, the credit display unit 25a digitally displays the number exceeding three. Credit display part 2
The display by 5a (credit display) is incremented and updated by one each time a medal is inserted. If a medal is inserted while the insert medal lamp unit 24a is turned off due to a reason that the number of credits reaches a preset limit number (for example, 50), the medal is paid out without being counted. It is returned from the mouth 28.

By the way, if the display of the credit display section 25a is already 1 or more, the player can use the single bet button 27a,
Sheet bet button 27b or MAX bet button 27c
By pressing, it is possible to play a game using the pachislot machine 1. That is, the credit display unit 2
If the single bet button 27a is pressed while the display of 5a is 1 or more, the credit display is decremented and updated by one, and the single bet lamp unit 23a is turned on.
Furthermore, if the credit display after the subtraction update is not 0,
Each time the one bet button 27a is pressed, the two-betting lamp unit 23b and the three-betting lamp unit 23c are sequentially turned on.
In addition, when the display on the credit display section 25a is 2 or more, if the two-bet button 27b is pressed once, the credit display is updated by subtracting two, and the two-bet lamp section 23b is turned on. If the display on the credit display section 25a is 3 or more, pressing the MAX bet button 27c once causes all the lamp sections 23 to light up and sets the bet number to 3. In this way, the setting of the number of bets is not limited to the insertion of medals, but also the single bet button 27a,
Two bet button 27b or MAX bet button 27
It is also possible to perform this by pressing c.

After the bet amount is set, when the player operates the start lever 27d to request the start of the game, the three reels 31a to 31c are rotated by driving a reel driving motor (stepping motor) to be described later. Start variable display of. Then, the player presses the stop button 27e.
Is pressed, the reels 31a to 31c corresponding to the respective stop buttons 27e are individually stopped. However,
If the player does not press the stop button 27e,
After a lapse of a predetermined time, each of the reels 31a to 31c automatically stops.

When all the reels 31a to 31c stop,
At the end of one game, the symbol display window 21 at that time
Are compared with a predetermined "winning combination", and the result of the game, that is, the presence or absence of a prize is determined. At this time, if the number of bets is one, one horizontal row in the middle row displayed on the symbol display window 21 is a winning determination line. If the number of bets is two, the upper, middle, and lower three horizontal rows displayed in the symbol display window 21 are the winning determination lines. If the number of bets is three, a total of five rows of three horizontal rows and two diagonally opposite rows displayed in the symbol display window 21 are the winning determination lines. The comparison and determination of the symbols are performed by a control function described later realized on the circuit board 32.

The game results are roughly classified into "hit", "losing", and "re-game". Examples of the "hit" include "small hit (small win)", "medium hit (regular bonus)", and "big hit (big bonus)".

For example, when small symbols, which are symbols other than those described later, are aligned on the winning determination line, the game result is “small winning” in “winning”, and is determined in advance according to the type of the aligned symbols. The medals are paid out for the given number (for example, 2 to 15), and the credit display is added or returned from the medal payout opening 28. In this case, the player is informed that the game result is a small win by the lighting of the win lamp portion 24b of the front panel portion 2. Further, the payout number of medals is notified by digital display by the payout display section 25b.

When the regular bonus symbols (for example, “BAR”) are aligned on the winning determination line, the game result becomes “Regular Bonus” in “Win”,
In addition to paying out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of medals,
It is possible to play a game called a "regular bonus game" for a predetermined number of games. In this case, the player is notified that the game result is a regular bonus prize by lighting of the bonus game lamp section 24c of the front panel section 2.

At the time of the regular bonus game, the game state advantageous to the player is a predetermined number of games (for example, up to 12
Times). In the regular bonus game, only one bet is allowed per game, but by arranging a predetermined symbol (for example, “JAC”) on a prize determination line (hereinafter, this is referred to as “JAC prize”), (For example, 15) medals are paid out. Then, when the predetermined number of games ends or a predetermined number of JAC winnings occur (for example, eight times), the regular bonus game ends and returns to the normal game state.

When the big bonus symbols (for example, “7”) are aligned on the winning determination line, the game result is “big bonus” in “winning”, and a predetermined number of (for example, 15) medals are paid out. In addition, a game called a “big bonus game” can be played for a predetermined number of games. In this case, the player is informed that the game result is a big bonus prize by lighting of the big bonus game lamp section 24d of the front panel section 2.

At the time of the big bonus game, a game state more advantageous to the player than at the time of the regular bonus game continues for a predetermined number of games (for example, up to 30 times). In the big bonus game, the medal payout is obtained by the occurrence of the small portion prize or the regular bonus prize, as in the case of the normal game, but the prize probability becomes higher than usual. Then, when the predetermined number of games ends or a regular bonus prize occurs a predetermined number of times (for example, three times), the big bonus game ends and returns to the normal game state.

The number of times the regular bonus game and the big bonus game have been consumed is notified to the player through a display on the bonus game frequency display section 25c of the front panel section 2. Also, in the regular bonus game and the big bonus game, the payout number of medals is digitally displayed on the payout display section 25b in the same manner as in the case of the small winning combination.

If the same symbols are not aligned at all on the winning determination line, the game result is "losing", and no gaming privilege is given to the player.

If the symbols aligned on the winning determination line are re-game symbols, the game result is a "re-game" corresponding to a so-called draw, and medals are not paid out, but a new game is performed. It is possible to play the game again without inserting medals or betting. In this case, the fact that the game result is “re-game” is notified to the player by lighting of the replay lamp unit 24f of the front panel unit 2.

In this way, when one game ends, the game result is determined, and when the game result is notified, the player:
The next game will be performed continuously while corresponding to the notified game result. The notification of the game result may be performed in combination with the blinking of the lamp unit 24, the output of the sound effect from the speaker 35, or the like, instead of the lighting of the lamp unit 24 as described above.

Next, the functional configuration of the pachislot machine 1 required for performing various operation controls including the determination of the game result as described above will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an example of the pachislot machine. On the circuit board 32 of the pachislot machine 1, a CPU (Central Processi
ng Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Ran
Central control unit (microcomputer) by combining dom Access Memory) and various interfaces
4 are configured. The central control unit 4 executes a predetermined program stored in the ROM by the CPU,
The functions as the game condition control unit 41, the internal winning lottery unit 42, the reel drive control unit 43, the winning management unit 44, the game result notification unit 45, and the information output control unit 46 are realized. Also,
The central control device 4 realizes a function as the information storage unit 47 by a storage device such as a ROM or a RAM.

The game condition control section 41 is for managing a game start condition, and receives a medal count notification from a medal discriminating device, a one-bet button 27a, a two-bet button 27b or a press of the MAX bet button 27c. Or, if there is a winning notification of "re-game", it is determined that the game can be started, and in response to this, lighting of the lamp unit 23 of the front panel unit 2, output of a sound effect from the speaker 35, and the like are performed. It has become. This gives the player:
Conditions of the game to be started (wagers and active lines)
Will be notified.

The internal winning lottery section 42 includes a game condition control section 4
After the process of notifying the game condition by the player 1, when the player operates the start lever 27d, a so-called internal lottery is performed for the game started by the operation. The internal lottery means that a lottery is performed inside the pachi-slot machine 1 prior to the end of the game, in order to determine the outcome of the game, that is, to determine the winning combination of the game.

The internal lottery section 42 performs such an internal lottery using random numbers. That is, when the start lever 27d is operated (start of a game), the internal winning lottery unit 42 generates a random number using a random number generator or the like (hereinafter, referred to as a random number generator).
This random number is referred to as “winning determination random number”). Then, based on a winning determination table in which the correspondence between the value of the random number for winning determination and the numerical range of the winning combination is described, it is determined to which numerical range the value of the generated random number for winning determination belongs.
In this way, the internal winning lottery unit 42 specifies a winning combination derived from the generated random numbers for the winning determination.

At this time, the winning determination table, which is the basis for determining the winning combination, defines a numerical range for each of the plurality of winning combinations, but the size of the numerical range differs for each winning combination. As a result, a difference occurs in the winning probability for each winning combination. For example, the winning range is low because the numerical range for “Big Bonus” is small, but the winning probability is high because the numerical range for “outside” is large.

That is, the internal lottery is determined by the value range of the random number for determination of the winning to which numerical range in the winning determination table belongs, and is represented by a plurality of types of the winning flags including “losing” and “replay”. You. Which winning combination will be hit is determined based on the probability according to the data setting of such a winning determination table, and therefore is not greatly influenced by the skill of the player. The total medal payment rate within the game is maintained substantially constant. The winning probability determined by the winning determination table can be changed by switching a dedicated switch provided inside the pachi-slot machine 1.

The reel drive control section 43 controls each reel 31a.
To 31c. That is,
When the player operates the start lever 27d, the reel drive control unit 43 gives a drive instruction to the reel drive motor to rotate each of the reels 31a to 31c, and when the player presses the stop button 27e, or When a predetermined time elapses after the operation of the start lever 27d, a stop instruction is given to the reel drive motor and the reels 31a to 31c
To stop.

However, when stopping the reels 31a to 31c, the reel drive control unit 43 controls the pull-in of the reels 31a to 31c. The pull-in control refers to controlling the stop timing of each of the reels 31a to 31c so as to follow the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery unit 42.

For example, when the reels 31a to 31c are stopped in response to the pressing of the stop button 27e, the reel drive control unit 43
The respective reels 31a to 31c are stopped within a predetermined time (e.g., 190 msec) from the pressing of e, but the time until the stop is not necessarily uniform, and the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery unit 42 within the predetermined time. Adjust the stop symbol so that it follows. As a result, for example, the stop position of each of the reels 31a to 31c can be adjusted by a maximum of four frames, and if the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery section 42 is "losing", the player generates a "hit". Even if the stop button 27e is pressed at the timing to make it, the symbols are not aligned on the winning determination line. On the other hand, if the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery section 42 is “winning”, each reel 3 is set so that the corresponding symbols are aligned on the winning determination line.
1a to 31c are stopped.

Such a pull-in control is performed for each reel 31.
This can be realized because the reel drive motors for driving a to 31c are composed of stepping motors. That is, the reel drive control unit 43 can always grasp the symbols displayed on the winning determination line of each of the reels 31a to 31c through the pulse control of the reel drive motor.
The pull-in control as described above can be performed.

The winning management section 44 includes a reel drive control section 43
Is to compare the symbols displayed on the winning determination line of the stopped reels 31a to 31c with a predetermined "winning combination" to determine the result of the game, that is, whether or not there is a winning in the game. Specifically, since the adjustment width of the stop symbol by the pull-in control in the reel drive control unit 43 is limited, the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery unit 42 is “winning” or “replay”, and If the display symbol on the winning determination line of each of the reels 31a to 31c stopped by the reel drive control unit 43 is "win" or "replay", the game result is "win" or "replay". It is determined, and in all other cases, it is determined that the game result is “missing”. Then, in accordance with the determination result, the winning management unit 44 gives an instruction to the credit display unit 25a of the front panel unit 2 or the medal payout device 34 so as to pay out medals to the player.

The game result notifying section 45 turns on (or blinks) the lamp section 24 of the front panel section 2 or outputs a sound effect from the speaker 35 according to the game result determined by the winning managing section 44. The game result is notified to the player.

The information output control section 46 manages information output to the player. Specifically, based on the result of the internal lottery in the internal lottery unit 42, the output mode of the so-called “reach eye” and “liquid crystal effect” is managed, and in response to the operation of the operation buttons by the player, The output of a "game guide", which will be described in detail later, is managed.

Here, "reach eyes" and "liquid crystal effects"
"Information" means to notify the result of the internal lottery in the internal lottery unit 42 to the player. For example, as a result of the internal lottery in the internal lottery lottery unit 42, the information output control unit 46 sets the reel 3
When the symbols 1a to 31c are not aligned, an instruction is given to the reel drive control unit 43 so that the stopped symbols of the reels 31a to 31c are set in a mode different from the normal mode. The display mode controlled to be stopped in this way is referred to as a “reach eye”. More specifically, the “reach eye” indicates that each reel 3 can be used when a player cannot win a prize even if the player has won internally but can continue the internal winning state after the next game.
Stop display is performed by 1a to 31c. However, when the result of the internal winning is only one game, such as a small role, there is no point in displaying the result, so the “reach eye” is not displayed. On the other hand, "LCD production" is the internal lottery section 4
The information output control unit 46 is based on the result of the internal lottery in
The display mode (production effect) is determined by this, and refers to an image displayed by the liquid crystal panel unit 26.

The "game guide" is for explaining the contents and method (operation procedure) of the game. Specifically, it is composed of an image (eg, explanatory text) for explaining a game and audio guidance. The information output control section 46 outputs a “game guide” to the player through image display on the liquid crystal panel section 26 and audio output from the speaker 35.

The information storage unit 47 previously stores data necessary for the information output control unit 46 to output a “reach eye”, a “game guide”, and the like. Here, of the data held and stored in the information storage unit 47, image data and audio data necessary for the information output control unit 46 to output the “game guide” to the liquid crystal panel unit 26 and the speaker 35 are described. Especially, it is referred to as “game guide information”.

Next, an example of a control operation performed by the central control device 4 realizing the above-described functional configuration at the time of a game at the gaming machine 1 will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an outline of a control operation example by the central control device, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing a specific example of a display image by the liquid crystal panel unit.

When the gaming machine 1 is started or when one game in the gaming machine 1 is completed, the gaming machine 1 is in a standby state until the next game is started. At this time, in the central control device 4, as shown in FIG.
First displays a “demo screen” on the liquid crystal panel unit 26 (Step 101; hereinafter, the steps are abbreviated as “S”).
Subsequently, the “initial screen” of the “guide screen” is displayed (S102).

The "demo screen" is, for example, a screen displaying an image for showing the features of the gaming machine 1 (differentiating from others) while attracting the interest of the player, as shown in FIG.
The “guide screen” is a screen displaying an image portion of the “game guide”, that is, an image for explaining the content and method of the game. Further, the “initial screen” corresponds to the first page of a “guide screen” composed of a plurality of images (pages). For example, as shown in FIG. The purpose of this is to guide the corresponding relationship with. Switching from the “demo screen” to the “initial screen” may be performed based on the result of timer measurement and the like. In addition, any of the screens may be displayed in combination with an image (still image or moving image) as well as text as in the illustrated example.

Thereafter, if there is a bet operation by the player, that is, if the one-bet button 27a, the two-bet button 27b or the MAX bet button 27c is pressed (S10)
3), the game condition control unit 41 determines whether or not there is medal storage, that is, whether or not the display of the credit display unit 25a is already 1 or more (S105). Also,
If there is no bet operation, the game condition control unit 41 determines whether or not there is a medal insertion by the player, that is, whether there is a valid medal count by the medal determination device (S10).
4).

As a result of these determinations, there is no medal insertion,
In addition, if there is no medal storage (the display of the credit display unit 25a is 0) and there is a bet operation, the game condition control unit 41 determines that there is no medal insertion, that is, the game is not being played and Since the betting operation has been performed in a state where the game cannot be started, the player recognizes that the player wants to refer to the “game guide” instead of starting the game, and notifies the information output control unit 46 to that effect. . In response to this, the information output control unit 46 performs a game description screen display process as described in detail below (S200).

On the other hand, when there is a bet operation in a state where medals are inserted or medals are stored, the game condition control unit 41 satisfies the game start condition of medal insertion, so that the player starts the game. Recognize that it is desired.
Then, if the player operates the start lever 27d after receiving the recognition result (S106),
The internal lottery unit 42 performs an internal lottery process (S10).
7). Further, the reel drive control unit 43 controls each reel 31
The rotation operation of a to 31c is started (S108). At this time, the information output control unit 46 receives the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery unit 42 and appropriately changes the display mode of the image on the liquid crystal panel unit 26 (“liquid crystal effect”). An effect process is performed (S109).

Thereafter, when the player presses the stop button 27e or when a predetermined time elapses, the reel drive control unit 43 determines the reels 31a to 31c based on the result of the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery unit 42. The rotation of each of the reels 31a to 31c is stopped while performing the pull-in control (S110). At this time, for example, if the player cannot win a prize despite the internal winning of the bonus combination, the information output control unit 46 changes the display mode of the stop symbols on the reels 31a to 31c to provide a post-game effect for the player. Processing (display of “reach eyes”) is performed (S111).

The reel drive control section 43 controls each of the reels 31a to 31a.
After stopping 31c, as shown in FIG. 5, the winning management unit 44 determines whether there is a winning in the game (S11).
2) If the determination result is "hit", an instruction is given to the credit display unit 25a of the front panel unit 2 or the medal payout device 34 to perform a medal payout process for the player (S113).

Further, the winning management section 44 controls each reel 31
It is determined whether or not the game ended by the stop of a to 31c is in the "regular bonus (RB) game" (S114). If so, the ending condition of the "RB" (for example, the end of the specified number) is determined. A process is performed to determine whether the condition is satisfied (S115). If the type is not “RB”, the winning management unit 44 subsequently determines whether the type of “hit” is “RB” (S116). A start process is performed (S117). further,
The winning management unit 44 also determines that the type of “win” is “RB” in the “Big Bonus (BB) game” (S
118) Similarly, an “RB” start process is performed (S11).
9).

If the type of "hit" is not "RB", the winning management section 44 determines whether or not the game ended by stopping each of the reels 31a to 31c is "BB" (see FIG. 4). (S120) If yes, a process is performed to determine whether the end condition of “BB” (for example, the end of the specified number of times) is satisfied (S121). If the type is not “BB”, the winning management unit 44 subsequently determines whether the type of “hit” is “BB” (S122). A start process is performed (S123).

If the result of the game prize determination is not a "win" but a "re-game" corresponding to a draw (S124), the winning management unit 44 informs the game condition control unit 41 of that fact. Notify to In response to this, the game condition control unit 41 notifies the medal insertion condition at the time of the re-game establishment, that is, the medal insertion condition in the “re-game” to be started next. Specifically, a pseudo medal insertion sound is output from the speaker 35 by the same number as the number of inserted medals when the replay is established, and the lamp unit 23 of the front panel unit 2 is further turned on by the number of inserted medals. . And
The game condition control unit 41 enables the player to play the game again without inserting a new medal or making a bet.

Next, an example of the processing operation in the case where the information output control section 46 performs the game explanation screen display processing (S200) in the above procedure will be described in further detail.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of information output management by the information output control unit, and FIGS. 9 to 11 are explanatory diagrams illustrating a specific example of a display image by the liquid crystal panel unit.

As described above, if there is a bet operation by the player in a state where no medal is inserted, the information output control section 46 starts a game explanation screen display process (S20).
0). In the game explanation screen display process, the information output control unit 46
Perform a processing operation as shown in FIG. First, the information output control unit 46 determines that MAX has been pressed by the betting operation.
It is determined whether or not the button is the bet button 27c (S20).
1) If the MAX bet button 27c, the display image on the liquid crystal panel unit 26 is switched from the "initial screen" to the "normal game guide screen" of the "guide screen" (S).
202). That is, the information output control unit 46 takes out “game guide information” for displaying and outputting the “normal game guide screen” from the information storage unit 47 and causes the liquid crystal panel unit 26 to display this.

The “regular game guide screen” is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the screen describes the contents and method (game procedure) of a normal game. However, the “regular game guide screen” describes a “reach eye guide screen” for explaining the display mode of “reach eyes” as shown in FIG. 9A, and the effect of a liquid crystal character as shown in FIG. 9B. It covers a plurality of pages, such as a "liquid crystal effect guide screen" and a "screen color guide screen" for explaining display colors on the liquid crystal panel section 26 as shown in FIG. 9C.

Therefore, the information output control unit 46 is configured to
As shown in (2), the display page of the "normal game guide screen" is sequentially incremented according to the number of presses of the MAX bet button 27c (S203). Further, the information output control unit 46 outputs the “game guide information” for outputting the guidance sound for explaining the content of the normal game and the like in addition to the display of the “normal game guide screen” on the liquid crystal panel unit 26. It is taken out of the storage unit 47 and output to the speaker 35.

If the button pressed by the bet operation is not the MAX bet button 27 c, the information output control unit 46 subsequently proceeds to the
b is determined (S204), and if it is a two-bet button 27b, the display image on the liquid crystal panel unit 26 is
The screen is switched from the “initial screen” to the “RB guide screen” of the “guide screen” (S205). That is, the information output control unit 46 takes out “gaming guide information” for displaying and outputting the “RB guide screen” from the information storage unit 47, and causes the liquid crystal panel unit 26 to display this.

The "RB guide screen" refers to a screen for explaining the contents and method (game procedure) of "RB" as shown in FIG. 10, for example. However, since the content of “RB” and the like can be sufficiently explained by one page of the display screen, it is conceivable that only one page of the “RB guide screen” exists.

Therefore, when the “RB guide screen” is only for one page, as shown in FIG. 8, even if the two-bet button 27b is pressed a plurality of times, the information output control unit 46 keeps the “RB guide screen”. The screen is kept displayed, or the screen is returned to the initial screen (S206). At this time, the information output control unit 46 also displays the “RB guide screen” on the liquid crystal panel unit 26,
"Game guide information" for outputting a guidance voice explaining the content of the game is extracted from the information storage unit 47 and is output to the speaker 35.

If neither the two-bet button 27b was pressed by the bet operation, the information output control unit 46 subsequently sets the one-bet button 27
(S207), and if the single bet button 27a, the display image on the liquid crystal panel unit 26 is
The screen is switched from the “initial screen” to the “BB guide screen” of the “guide screen” (S208).

The "BB guide screen" is a screen for explaining the contents and method (game procedure) of "BB" as shown in FIG. 11, for example. This “BB guide screen” is also shown in FIG.
"Small role game guide screen" for explaining a game (small role game) with three medals inserted as in 1 (a), FIG.
It may be possible to cover a plurality of pages, such as a "jack game guide screen" for explaining a game (jack game) with one medal insertion as shown in (b).

Therefore, the information output control unit 46 is configured to
As shown in the figure, according to the number of presses of the single bet button 27a, as in the case of displaying the “normal game guide screen”,
The pages of the “BB guide screen” are sequentially incremented (S209). Further, also at this time, the information output control unit 4
6 causes the speaker 35 to output a guidance voice explaining the content of “BB” and the like in conjunction with the display of the “BB guide screen”.

The "regular game guide screen", "RB guide screen", and "BB guide screen" are displayed in combination with an image (still image or moving image) as well as text as shown in the figure. You may do so.

After that, the information output control section 46 returns the display image on the liquid crystal panel section 26 to the “initial screen” in accordance with the further bet operation, or displays the above-described game explanation screen again (S201 to S209). And so on.

After the above-described game explanation screen display processing or during the game explanation screen display processing, when the player inserts medals into the medal insertion slot 22 and is counted as valid medals by the medal discriminating device, The information output control unit 46 ends the game explanation screen display process, and shifts to a normal game state. That is, after the game explanation screen display process ends, the information output control unit 46 operates the start lever 27d by the player, the internal lottery in the internal winning lottery unit 42, and the rotation of each of the reels 31a to 31c by the reel drive control unit 43. After the operation and the like, the in-game effect processing is started.

As described above, the pachislot machine 1 of the present embodiment
In the case where there is no medal insertion and there is no medal accumulation, if there is a bet operation, the information output control unit 46 outputs the “game guide information” in the information storage unit 47. Therefore, by referring to the "game guide" which is the output result of the "game guide information", the player can play the game with a large amount of information without feeling troublesome, for example, when playing a game while watching a pamphlet. Of the game, the content and method of the game can be fully understood, and as a result, the complexity of the game can be easily dealt with.

Further, in the pachislot machine 1 of the present embodiment,
A "game guide" is output according to a bet operation in a state where no medal is inserted. That is, the operation button for outputting the "game guide" is also used as the one-bet button 27a, the two-bet button 27b, and the MAX bet button 27c for setting the number of medals bet. Therefore, there is no need to provide a dedicated switch or the like for outputting the “game guide”, so that the configuration of the pachislot machine 1 does not become complicated or large. Furthermore, application to existing pachislot machines becomes very easy, so that there is a great advantage in terms of versatility as compared with the related art.

In the present embodiment, the case where the "game guide" is output in response to the pressing of the one-bet button 27a, the two-bet button 27b or the MAX bet button 27c has been described as an example. Is not limited to this. In other words, any existing operation buttons that can be operated by the player may also be used as other operation buttons such as the start lever 27d and the stop button 27e.

In the pachislot machine 1 of the present embodiment, 1
Depending on the type of operation button pressed, such as the sheet bet button 27a, the two-sheet bet button 27b, or the MAX bet button 27c, the information output control unit 46 sets the “BB guide screen”, “RB guide screen”, or “normal game guide”. The type of "game guide" to be output, such as "screen", is switched. Therefore, for the player, by selecting the operation button to be pressed, only the "game guide" to be referred to can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel section 26, which is very convenient.
That is, since it is not necessary to refer to an unnecessary “game guide”, the player can quickly and comfortably shift to the game. This point is very important in the pachislot machine 1 in which a sense of speed is important.

In the pachislot machine 1 of this embodiment, information is output in accordance with the number of times the operation button is pressed, for example, the display page of the "normal game guide screen" is sequentially incremented by the number of times the MAX bet button 27c is pressed. The type of the “game guide” output by the control unit 46 is switched. Therefore, even if the "game guide" to be output exists for a plurality of pages, that is, even if the amount of information to be output as the "game guide" is large,
This can be properly dealt with, and as a result, the player can fully understand the content and method of the game.

In this embodiment, a plurality of "game guide screens" are sequentially switched by pressing the operation button. However, regardless of the pressing operation, automatically after a predetermined time has elapsed from one screen display. Screen switching may be performed. Further, even when the screen is automatically switched after the lapse of a predetermined time, the screen may be switched to the next screen if there is a pressing operation of the operation button before the predetermined time. In addition, during the display of the “game guide” over a plurality of pages selected by a certain operation button, if another operation button other than the certain operation button is pressed on the way to the final screen, another type of “game A “guide” may be displayed.

That is, the correspondence between the type of “game guide”, the type of operation button, and the number of times of operation may be set arbitrarily in advance, and is not limited to the mode described in the present embodiment. Absent. In other embodiments, for example,
It is also conceivable that a certain operation button is used for switching the type of the “game guide” and another operation button is used for turning the page of the “game guide”.

In the pachislot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a "game guide" is output by images and sounds. That is, the information storage unit 47 previously holds and stores both image data and audio data as “game guide information”, and the information output control unit 46 causes the liquid crystal panel unit 26 and the speaker 35 to output these. ing. Therefore, since the player can obtain the “game guide” both visually and audibly, it becomes very easy to understand the content and method of the game.

However, the output of the “game guide” may be performed by only one of the image and the sound. For example, a pachislot machine without a liquid crystal panel unit may output a “game guide” only by voice. In that case, the symbol display window 21
Display section 25 (credit display section 25a, payout display section 25b, bonus game number display section 25c)
Etc.) to support the output of the “game guide”.

In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot machine has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention can be applied to other amusement machines such as slot machines for playing coins by playing, in addition to the pachislot machines. Therefore, the variable display means according to the present invention is not limited to the rotary type using the three reels 31a to 31c described in the present embodiment.
A video display type such as an RT (Cathode Ray Tube) may be used.

[0082]

As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, when the operation button is operated in a state where the game medium is not inserted, the output means outputs the game guide information in the storage means. Therefore, the output result allows the player to understand the content and method of the game without feeling troublesome, and as a result, it is possible to easily cope with the complexity of the game. In addition, since the operation button for outputting the game guide information is also used as the operation button operated when the player plays the game, there is no need to provide a dedicated switch for outputting the game guide information or the like. In addition to avoiding a complicated or large-sized configuration, versatility such as application to existing devices can be ensured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an outline of a control operation example by a central control device included in an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an outline of a control operation example by the central control device included in an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example (demo screen) of a display image on a liquid crystal panel unit included in an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example (initial screen of a guide screen) of a display image on a liquid crystal panel unit included in an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation of information output management by an information output control unit provided in an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a display image on a liquid crystal panel unit included in an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention;
(A) is a reach eye guide screen of the guide screen,
(B) is a liquid crystal effect guide screen of the guide screen,
(C) is a diagram showing a screen color guide screen of the guide screen.

FIG. 10 shows a specific example of an image displayed on a liquid crystal panel unit included in an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention (R in the guide screen).
It is an explanatory view showing (B guide screen).

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a display image on a liquid crystal panel unit included in an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention;
(A) is a small role game guide screen of the guide screen,
(B) is a diagram showing a jack game guide screen of the guide screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachislot machine, 22 ... Medal slot, 26 ... Liquid crystal panel part, 27a ... 1 bet button, 27b ... 2 bet buttons, 27c ... MAX bet button, 27d ... Start lever, 27e ... Stop button, 31a, 31b ,
31c: reel, 32: circuit board, 35: speaker, 4
0: Central control unit, 41: Game condition control unit, 42: Internal winning lottery unit, 43: Reel drive control unit, 44: Winning management unit, 45: Game result notification unit, 46: Information output control unit, 4
7 Information storage unit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows, and an operation button operated by a player, wherein when the operation button is operated on condition that a game medium is inserted, the variable In a gaming machine for allowing the player to play a game by starting variable display on the display means and stopping the variable display, a storage means for storing game guide information for explaining the game in advance, and a game medium. A game machine comprising: output means for outputting game guide information in the storage means to the player when the operation button is operated in a state where no player is turned on. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation button for causing the output means to output the game guide information is a bet button for setting a bet amount of a game medium. 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein when there are a plurality of bet buttons, the output means switches the type of game guide information to be output according to the type of bet button operated. Gaming machine. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the output means switches the type of game guide information to be output in accordance with the number of times the bet button has been operated. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said output means outputs game guide information by image and sound.