JP2002153587A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine enabling even a player unfamiliar with the properties of a game to reliably get a chance to be in an advantageous position without missing the chance during the game. SOLUTION: This slot machine 1 is provided with a variable display means 70 having variable display areas 5L, 5C and 5R capable of variably displaying plural types of symbols and a display control means capable of controlling the display of the display areas 5L, 5C and 5R. A display result is derived and displayed in the display areas 5L, 5C and 5R for the purpose of enabling one game to come to an end and permitting a prescribed game value to be imparted to the player according to the display result. The slot machine 1 is also provided with a game control means capable of controlling the progress of the game and game procedure announcing means 22' and 23' capable of announcing a game procedure advantageous to the player.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to a slot machine capable of notifying a player of a game procedure.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a slot machine of this type is constituted by, for example, three reels having a plurality of types of symbols on the outer periphery, and has such a speed that the symbols can be generally identified by operating a start lever or the like after inserting a coin. The game is started by the rotation of the reels, and when the player stops the rotation of each of the reels via the stop button, when a predetermined combination of symbols are aligned on the activated line and the winning condition is established. , A predetermined number of coins are paid out to the player.

The winning contents include, for example, a replay (the next game can be played again without coin insertion under the same conditions), a small number of coins to be paid out (for example, 10), a so-called big bonus ( There are jackpots, such as BB) and regular bonuses (hereinafter, RB), which are conditions for establishing a game state in which a large number of coins can be obtained.

Thus, a player can acquire a large amount of coins by generating a special game state such as the above-mentioned BB or RB. In the case of a certain state inside, by playing a game with a specific game procedure, it is possible to obtain more coins than playing a game with the same game procedure as usual Has been developed.

[0005]

However, when a player who does not know such an unusual game procedure and when to perform the game procedure in detail plays a game, there is an opportunity to obtain a large amount of coins. Nevertheless, there is often a disadvantage that the player misses this opportunity and suffers disadvantages, thereby reducing the desire to play the game.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and it is possible to ensure that even a player who is not familiar with game characteristics does not miss an opportunity that is advantageous to the player during the game. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a slot machine capable of performing the following.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a slot machine according to the present invention comprises a variable display means having a variable display area capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and a display control of the variable display area. And a display control means capable of providing a predetermined game value to the player in accordance with the display result, wherein the display result is derived and displayed in the variable display area. A slot machine capable of controlling a game progress, comprising: a game control means capable of controlling a game progress; and a game procedure notifying means capable of notifying a game procedure that is advantageous to a player among a plurality of game procedures. And According to this feature, since a game procedure that is advantageous to the player is notified to the player by the game procedure notifying means during the game, the player simply performs the game in accordance with the notified game procedure and has an advantage. You can definitely get it without missing an opportunity.

In the slot machine of the present invention, the slot machine includes a plurality of the variable display areas, and a game procedure which is advantageous to the player is an order in which symbols variably displayed in the respective variable display areas are stopped and displayed. It is preferred that In this way, the notification of the game procedure can be easily performed simply by indicating the order in which the symbols variably displayed in the variable display area are stopped, so that the notification of the game procedure can be prevented from becoming complicated.

In the slot machine of the present invention, the slot machine is provided with stop operation means capable of stopping and displaying symbols variably displayed in the variable display area so as to correspond to each of the variable display areas. And
The game procedure that is advantageous to the player is preferably the order in which the stop operation means is operated. With this configuration, the notification of the game procedure can be easily performed only by indicating the order in which the stop operation means is operated, so that the notification of the game procedure can be prevented from becoming complicated.

In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the notification of the game procedure which is advantageous for the player by the game procedure notification means is executed within a predetermined period.
As described above, by notifying the game procedure only within the predetermined period, the interest in the game can be effectively increased, and the player's willingness to play the game can be effectively excited.

[0011] The slot machine of the present invention allows the slot machine to display a predetermined display mode in the variable display area at a stage before symbols variably displayed in the variable display area are stopped and displayed. A determination unit that determines whether or not to display the special display mode determined in advance by the predetermined determination unit. It is possible to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player on condition that the special display mode is displayed,
Preferably, the predetermined period is during the special game state. In this way, by notifying the game procedure during the special game state, the interest in the game can be effectively increased, and the player's willingness to play the game can be effectively excited.

[0012] In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of timings at which the game procedure notifying means can execute notification of a game procedure which is advantageous to the player during the one game are provided. In this way, a notification of a game procedure that is advantageous to the player can be executed at a desired timing suitable for the content of the game procedure.

In the slot machine of the present invention, the slot machine allows a predetermined display mode to be displayed in the variable display area at a stage before symbols variably displayed in the variable display area are stopped and displayed. It is preferable that the game apparatus further comprises a pre-determining means for determining whether or not the game procedure notifying means notifies the player of a game procedure which is advantageous to the player at a timing related to the determination of the pre-determining means. . In this way, it is possible to reliably notify even when a game procedure advantageous to the player changes according to the result determined by the pre-determination means.

In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the notification of the game procedure which is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notification means is executed at a stage before the stop operation of the stop operation means becomes effective. In this way, it is possible to reliably prevent the player from performing the stop operation before confirming the notified game procedure.

In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the notification of the game procedure which is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notification means is executed at a timing related to the switching of the game. With this configuration, when a game procedure that is advantageous to the player in the predetermined game is determined in the previous game or the like, the game procedure can be notified earlier, so that the player can check the notification content with plenty of time. I can do it.

According to the slot machine of the present invention, the slot machine can play a game by setting a bet amount for the one game, and a game procedure which is advantageous to a player by the game procedure notifying means is provided. The announcement of
It is preferable that the process is executed at a stage before the bet amount is set for the one game. If you do this,
In a case where a game procedure advantageous to the player in the predetermined game is determined in the previous game, for example, the player can be notified of the game procedure at an early stage before the game is started. Can check the contents of the notification with plenty of time.

The slot machine of the present invention allows the slot machine to display a predetermined display mode in the variable display area at a stage before symbols variably displayed in the variable display area are stopped and displayed. Executing a control for changing a game procedure which is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notifying means in accordance with the content of the result of the determination by the pre-determining means. Is preferably possible. In this way, the interest of the game is effectively improved.

In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the game procedure notification by the game procedure notification means is performed by light irradiation by light irradiation means. If you do this,
Not only can the notification of the game procedure be executed effectively and easily, but also the game procedure of various patterns can be notified simply by changing the light emission mode.

[0019] In the slot machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the game procedure notifying means is also used as another notifying means. With this configuration, the game procedure can be notified by using the notifying means provided in advance without newly providing the game procedure notifying means, and thus cost can be reduced.

[0020] In the slot machine of the present invention, the slot machine can play a game by setting a bet amount for the one game, and displays a set bet amount. It is preferable that the game procedure notification means is also used as the bet amount display means. With this configuration, the game procedure can be notified in combination with the bet amount setting display means provided in advance without newly providing a game procedure notification means, so that cost can be reduced.

In the slot machine of the present invention, the slot machine may include game number display means capable of displaying the number of games, and the game procedure notifying means may also be used as the game number display means. preferable. With this configuration, the game procedure can be notified in combination with the game number display means provided in advance without newly providing a game procedure notification means, so that the cost can be reduced.

[0022]

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. At a predetermined position on the front surface of the slot machine 1, the player visually recognizes identification information such as symbols (see FIG. 5) variably displayed by a variable display device 70 (see FIG. 2) as variable display means provided inside. Display unit 71 including a display window 5L, a display window 5C, and a display window 5R is provided.

When a player plays a game, when the insertion instruction lamp 19 is lit or blinking, the player uses a coin or a credit, which is an example of the value, to obtain a value of a desired size. Bet.

This slot machine 1 has a coin slot 1
8 and coins given as prizes can be stored as credits in a RAM 48 (see FIG. 4) as a storage unit provided inside the slot machine 1 and the like, and the game Is started, coins are inserted through the coin insertion slot 18 or credits are used to bet a valuable value of a desired size.

In the RAM 48 (see FIG. 4), a predetermined value of valuable value (in this embodiment, a value corresponding to 50 coins) can be stored in advance as a credit. The number (the number of coins) is displayed on the credit indicator 26. When using a credit, the credit operation button 14a for three betting or the credit operation button 14b for one betting only needs to be pressed, and the credit operation button 14a for three betting is pressed. The number of credits is subtracted and displayed by "3" from the display 26 to set a bet amount for three coins. When the credit operation button 14b for one bet is pressed, the credit amount is displayed from the credit display 26. The bet amount for one coin is set by subtracting and displaying “1”. A payment button 73 is operated to refund the credited value to the player. By pressing the payment button 73, the number of coins displayed on the credit display 26 is reduced to a value of the game. Is returned to the person.

When a player inserts, for example, one coin from the coin insertion slot 18, the start lamp 72 is turned on to indicate that the start lever 12 is operable and the game can be started. At the same time, one horizontal line of effective lines L in the display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R.
The display lamp 21 corresponding to 1 (hit line) is turned on to indicate that the valid line L1 is valid.

When two coins are inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 by the player, the display windows 5L, 5C,
5R, upper, middle, lower three horizontal lines of effective lines L1,
Active line display lamps 21 and 2 corresponding to L2 and L2 '
2 and 22 'are turned on and a total of three effective lines L1 and L
2, L2 'becomes valid, and when three coins are inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 by the player, the upper, middle, and lower rows of three lines of effective lines L1 in the display windows 5L, 5C, 5R are displayed. , L2, L2 ′ and two lines on the diagonal diagonal line, corresponding to the effective lines L3, L3 ′.
1, 22, 22 ', 23 and 23' are turned on, and a total of five valid lines L1, L2, L2 ', L3 and L3' are valid.

The number of activated lines activated according to the number of bets such as coins and credits, and the shape and the like can be arbitrarily changed, and are not limited to the embodiment. Absent. The number of activated lines activated according to the bet amount can also be arbitrarily changed. For example, when one coin is inserted, all five activated lines L are activated.
1, L2, L2 ', L3, L3' may be validated.

It should be noted that all the display lamps 21, 22, 2,
Numerals (1 to 3) indicating the number of bets for which the corresponding active line is valid are displayed at 2 ', 23 and 23', which function as bet number display means and, in particular, display lamp 2
Arrows indicating the pressing order of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, which are a game procedure that is advantageous to the player described later, are indicated by 2 'and 23' (the display lamp 22 'is rightward, the display lamp 2
3 'is directed leftward), and these display lamps 22' and 23 'also function as game procedure notification means. The right-pointing arrows indicate the stop buttons 9L, 9C, and 9R as the left stop button 9L and the middle stop button 9
C, the right stop button 9R is pressed in this order (hereinafter referred to as forward pressing), and the left-pointing arrow indicates the stop buttons 9L, 9C,
9R is pressed in the order of the right stop button 9R, the middle stop button 9C, and the left stop button 9L (hereinafter, referred to as reverse pressing).

Next, when the start lever 12 is pressed while the start lamp 72 is lit, the variable display device 70 is operated, and a plurality of types of symbols are continuously changed in each of the display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R. Is displayed as follows.
Then, the player operates the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9 provided below the display windows 5L, 5C, 5R, respectively.
By pressing R, each display window 5 corresponding to each of them can be operated.
Each symbol is stopped in the upper, middle, and lower display areas of L, 5C, and 5R.

In each of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11R for lighting or blinking to indicate that the press operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are effectively received are respectively provided. Is provided,
The light is turned off in response to a pressing operation of each of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R. In addition, these stop buttons 9L,
Display lamps 105 are provided around 9C and 9R, for example, to notify the player that BB has been won by a winning lottery described later.

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 corresponding operation enable lamp 11L Is turned off, and the symbol is stopped and displayed in the display window 5L.
When C is pressed, the operation valid lamp 11C is turned off and the symbol is stopped and displayed in the display window 5C. Thus, any two of the three display windows (for example, the display window 5
(L, 5C), when the symbols are stopped and displayed on the same activated line in both display windows at the stage where the symbols are stopped and displayed, the reach is established. In addition,
When the player does not press the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, each display window 5 is set after a predetermined variable display time elapses.
The display contents displayed on L, 5C, and 5R automatically and sequentially stop, for example, in the priority order of the display window 5L, the display window 5C, and the display window 5R.

At the time when the variable display device 70 is stopped, a predetermined combination of specific symbols is displayed on any of the activated lines activated according to the bet amount. Is a prize, and a predetermined value is given to the player by paying out a predetermined number of coins. In particular, when a predetermined combination of special symbols is displayed and a jackpot is won, coins are paid out and a BB (Big Bonus) as a special game state advantageous to the player is provided. A predetermined game value is provided by providing a RB (regular bonus) or the like.

The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has a main body 2a (see FIG. 2) having an open front, and a main body 2a.
a front panel 2b (FIG. 3)
The lock is released by inserting a predetermined key into the locking device 3 and rotating it clockwise to open the front panel 2b. Further, when BB to be described later is ended, an error occurs during the game, or the like, the game does not return to a state where the game can be continued again unless a reset operation is performed. This is done by inserting a key and operating it counterclockwise.

As shown in FIG. 1, on the front surface of the front panel 2b, a display panel 77 for displaying the various prize contents described above, the number of coins to be paid out set corresponding to the various prize contents, the game contents, and the like. Are provided, and sound emitting portions 78a and 78b from which various game effect sounds described later are emitted are provided on the left and right sides, respectively. Further, a plurality of gaming effect lamps 24 are provided above the display panel 77, and are lit in various light emitting modes in various states such as during BB and RB and when paying out coins. In the vicinity of the coin storage tray 30 protruding from the lower part of the front surface of the front panel 2b, a sound emitting section 79 for emitting various game effect sounds is provided. In addition, reference numeral 20 denotes a game over lamp, and the slot machine is stopped (game over).
Lights up or flashes when becomes.

On the front face of the front panel 2b, a coin return button 16 used for clearing a jam of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 and the number of executed big bonus games and bonus games. , A number-of-payouts display 27 that displays the number of coins awarded when a winning of a predetermined content is established, and a JacIn during a small win game during BB as described later. There are provided JacIn notification lamps 31 which are displayed when a winning flag is established. It should be noted that the number of coins to be awarded to the player when the winning of the predetermined content is established is set in advance corresponding to each winning content, and usually does not exceed the storage upper limit (50) of the storage unit. The value provided within the range is stored as a credit, and if the stored value exceeds the upper limit (50), the number of coins exceeding the upper limit is paid out from the coin payout exit 29 to the coin storage tray 30. Is configured.

FIG. 2 shows an internal structure of the main body 2a. Three reels 6L, 6C, and 6R, around which belt-shaped reel sheets (see FIG. 5) on which a plurality of types of symbols are printed are wound around the center of the main body 2a.
Is provided. Each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is provided with a reel driving motor 7L,
7C and 7R so that the reels 6L, 6C and 6R rotate independently, so that the various symbols continuously change in the display windows 5L, 5C and 5R. It is displayed while doing.

In each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R, a reel position detecting sensor 8L, 8 for detecting a reference position of each reel.
C, 8R are provided, and the reel position detection sensors 8L, 8C, 8R can derive the stop position of a predetermined symbol, and each reel 6L, 6R
C, a plurality of irradiation lamps 1 capable of individually irradiating specific display areas (upper, middle, and lower display areas) in the 6R from the back surface
Reference numerals 00 to 102 are provided at the upper, middle, and lower stages, respectively, and mainly function as a backlight.

Below the variable display device 70, a coin storage tank 37 for storing coins inserted from 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 below the coin storage tank 37, and the coins in the coin storage tank 37 are discharged from the coin outlet 40 by rotating the coin payout motor 38. The discharged coin is detected by a payout coin sensor 39 provided in the vicinity of the coin discharge port 40, and then discharged from the coin payout port 29 to the coin storage tray 30 through a return coin flow path 95 described later. The coin payout motor 38 is controlled so as to stop when the payout coin sensor 39 detects a predetermined number of payout coins.

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 played again at the end of the big bonus or when an error occurs during the game. A power supply unit 83 provided with a reset switch 82 and the like for resetting to a state where it can be continued is provided. The probability setting switch 44 is used to connect a specific key possessed by the manager of the game arcade or the like to the key slot 8 provided on the upper front of the power supply unit 83.
4 to perform an operation by performing a predetermined key operation. Reference numeral 45 denotes a control unit for performing game control of the slot machine in the present embodiment, and includes a microcomputer and the like.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the front panel 2b. A coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 is inserted into a coin storage tank 37 substantially at the center of the rear surface of the front panel 2b. A coin selector 35 is fixedly provided. On the upstream side of the inserted coin selector 35, there is provided an illegal coin discharging section 94. An illegal coin having a size and a thickness different from those of an appropriate coin is located above the return coin flow path 95 provided below the inserted coin selector 35. The coin is discharged to the insertion slot 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 selectively switch a 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, and is detected by the inserted coin sensor 36 provided on the downstream side. It is being stored. For example, when the number of credits has reached 50 and coins are inserted through the coin insertion slot 18 or coins are paid out to the player, the flow path switching solenoid 33 is used.
Is released, the flow path is switched, and the coin is guided to the return coin flow path 95 via the return flow path.

As described above, the sound emitting sections 78a provided on the upper left and right sides of the front panel 2b,
On the back side of the front panel 78b, loudspeakers 110 and 111 for high sound as an audio output device are fixed, and a sound emitting section 7 formed at a predetermined lower portion of the front panel 2b.
A speaker 28 for a low sound as a sound output device is fixed to the back side of the screw 9 by screws, for example, inserting a coin into the coin slot 18, operating the start lever 12,
When various operations are performed during the game, such as operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, etc., or when a combination of specific symbols is displayed together on an activated activated line, and a predetermined winning condition is satisfied. Alternatively, in various game states such as when BB or RB is being executed, a predetermined game effect sound or the like corresponding to the game state is output to each speaker 28,
The data is output from 110 and 111.

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
An address decoding circuit 54 for decoding address data from the CPU, a random number generating circuit 103 for generating random numbers used for predetermining winning of predetermined contents at the same time as the start of the game, and a random number for sampling the generated random value. A numerical sampling circuit 104.

The CPU 46 can execute the operation of the interrupt control routine in accordance with 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 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, if necessary, the program for the CPU 46 stored therein can be changed. ing. Then, the CPU 46 responds to input of control signals from various devices according to a program stored in the ROM 47, and provides control signals to the various devices.

The I / O port 49 detects a coin inserted through the coin insertion slot 18 through a switch sensor circuit 55 and detects a coin to be paid out by a coin payout motor 38. Payout coin sensor 39, a start switch 13 for detecting a pressing operation of the start lever 12, a settlement switch 76 for detecting an operation of a settlement button 73, a reset switch 4 for detecting a key operation of the locking device 3, and a credit operation. Credit switch 15 for detecting operation of button 14
A key switch 43 for detecting a predetermined key operation in the key slot 84; a probability setting switch 44 enabling input reception by the key switch 43; a power switch 81; a reset switch 82; and stop buttons 9L and 9
Stop switch 10 for detecting pressing operation of C and 9R
L, 10C, 10R, a full tank sensor 42 for detecting the amount of coins in the coin storage tank 37, and reels 6L, 6R.
Reel position sensors 8L and 8 for detecting the positions of C and 6R
C and 8R are connected.

The I / O port 49 is connected to reel driving motors 7L, 7C, 7R via a motor circuit 56, the coin payout motor 38 via a motor circuit 57, and a solenoid. The flow path switching solenoid 33 is connected via a circuit 58 and L
The game number display 25, the credit display 26, and the number-of-payouts display 27 are connected to each other via the ED circuit 59. Also, through the lamp circuit 60, the game effect lamp 24, the insertion instruction lamp 19, the display lamps 21, 22,
23, operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11R, game over lamp 20, start lamp 72, display lamp 1
05, irradiation lamps 100 to 102 are respectively connected.

The speakers 28, 110 and 111 are connected to the address decode circuit 54 via a sound generator 50 and an amplifier 61, respectively. The above-described various devices and control circuits include a power supply circuit 6.
2 supplies a predetermined current. 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 the current from the power supply 2 is stopped, the probability set value and the game state can be stored for a predetermined period.

The CPU 46 in the present embodiment includes:
A communication unit 92 for performing data communication with a management computer 91 installed in the hall via a communication cable 93
Is connected, and an abnormal signal, game information, and the like can be transmitted to the management computer 91 as appropriate.

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

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the variable display device 70 is stopped, any of the activated lines L1, L2, L activated according to the bet amount.
If, for example, the symbol “BAR-BAR-BAR” as a special display mode is arranged on 2 ′, L3, L3 ′, it means that the above-mentioned RB (regular bonus) has been won, and 15 coins are paid out. At the same time, the gaming state becomes a regular bonus which is a part of the special gaming state advantageous to the player, and a maximum of 12 bonus games are provided. This bonus game is continued until a maximum of 12 bonus games are completed. However, before the bonus game reaches 12 times, a Jac prize (“Jac symbol (plum)” is stopped and displayed). If the game has occurred eight times, the bonus game for that time ends. Therefore, the player can obtain a maximum of eight winning awards during the twelve bonus games.

On the other hand, the activated activated lines L1, L
If, for example, "black 7-black 7-black 7" or "white 7-white 7-white 7" as a special display mode is arranged on 2, L2 ', L3, L3', the above-described BB (Big Bonus) ), And 15 coins are paid out,
The game state is a big bonus (BB) which is a part of the special game state advantageous to the player. In the big bonus, for example, a maximum of 30 small role games, or a series of “Jac symbols (plums)” on the active line until the 30 small role games are completed, and Ja
With cIn, a maximum of 12 bonus games can be provided up to 3 times, and 3 bonus games can be provided when the 30th small role game is completed or until the 30 small role games are completed. B when you finish the second bonus game
B ends.

That is, the control unit 45 sets the
1. Only 30 small role games. 2. One bonus game while completing 30 small role games. 3. Small role game 30
Play two bonus games while you finish the game. 4. 3 bonus games while completing 30 small role games. The game progress control based on the game patterns 1 to 4 is enabled, and the player can proceed with the game in a desired game pattern by performing the game based on a predetermined game procedure (however, However, it is not always possible to progress the game in a desired game pattern).

As described above, the player can progress the game in a desired game pattern from a plurality of game patterns, but in a small-game in which a maximum of 30 small-games are provided, the small-game is established with a high probability. Is set to B.
If you want to acquire a large number of coins during B, even if the third JacIn winning flag is established before completing the 30 small win games provided by the occurrence of BB, Jac
While avoiding In (does not align the plums) and acquiring other small roles, digest as many small role games as possible, and in the game near the 30th small role game as much as possible, JacI
It is preferable that the third bonus game is digested by n.

More specifically, during the BB, for example, the game progresses in the pattern of “1. 30 small win games” and the small wins are obtained without missing any small wins in all 30 small win games (one piece). Get a small role of paying out 15 cards in the hanging game)
In this case, the number of acquired coins is 14 (sheets) × 30 (games) = 420, and the game progresses in the pattern of “3. 3 bonus games while completing 30 small role games”. In all small role games, a small role is acquired without being missed (a small game with a payout of 15 in a single game) and a payout of 15 in a single game.
When three sets of bonus games are executed, the number of coins obtained is 14 out of 420 obtained in the small role game.
That is because (sheet) × 8 (times) × 3 (times) = 336 (sheets) are added, resulting in 756 sheets.

However, if the game proceeds in the pattern of “4. 3 bonus games while the 30 small role games are consumed”, the third JacIn win before the 30th small role game is reached. A flag may be set. In such a case, the remaining small win games of the small win games provided up to 30 times are wasted, so
It is necessary to digest as many small role games as possible while avoiding the winning flag of acIn.

As described above, during the BB, it is advantageous for the player to acquire the small role while completing the 30 small role games as much as possible and to complete the three bonus games. Control unit 45 in the example
Notifies the player of the operation order (forward push or reverse push) of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R by blinking the display lamp 22 'or the display lamp 23' during BB as described later. In the case where the player operates the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R based on the notified operation order, for example, even if the third JacIn winning flag is set before the 30th small win game is completed, The game progress control is performed so that the small win can be obtained in the small win game while reliably avoiding JacIn even if the player does not press the eye.

That is, the player can select the stop buttons 9L, 9C, and 9R based on the operation sequence of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, and 9R that are notified by the blinking of the display lamps 22 'and 23' as a game procedure that is advantageous to the player. When 9R is operated, a large amount of coins can be reliably obtained during BB. Conversely, if the player does not execute the game in accordance with the game procedure notified by the display lamp 22 'or the display lamp 23', control is performed so that the number of coins acquired by the player becomes extremely small, and disadvantages are caused. May occur.

Further, the normal game state (normal game) in which the game state is other than the big bonus or the regular bonus
In the case of, when a predetermined prize is established in a predetermined display mode on one activated line in which the same kind of symbols are activated, a predetermined number of predetermined symbols are set according to the type of the symbol. Coins are awarded to the player. The "cherry" symbol drawn on each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is a mark called a single symbol, and when the single symbol is stopped and displayed as a predetermined display mode on one valid line. Is given two coins 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 coins awarded to the player in one game is determined to be fifteen, if the number of coins exceeds fifteen, the sixteenth and subsequent coins become invalid.

In the present embodiment, black 7, white 7, BAR, cherry, bell, watermelon or plum, etc. are to be awarded in the normal game state.
Alternatively, only the symbol of white 7 and the symbol of BAR are jackpots (BB, R
Cherry, bell, watermelon, or plum (replay) is a special symbol that is a target symbol of B), and a small symbol that is a small prize for the player.

The combination of the symbols to be awarded for each prize, the number of coins to be paid out corresponding to the combination of the symbols, the probability of winning, and the like are respectively set in the base game, BB, and RB. These are predetermined, and these are winning probability occurrence tables (not shown).
Is registered in the ROM 47. In particular, in this embodiment, the probability of occurrence of the bell in the small role game during BB is set to be relatively high (about 1 / 1.2), and the number of coins to be paid out at the time of winning is set to the maximum of 15 coins. Have been.

Here, the control unit 45 in this embodiment is
Various control contents to be executed along with the execution of the game will be described below based on the flowchart of FIG.

First, in Sa1, an initial process for preparing for a game start is executed. Specifically, the insertion instruction lamp 19 is turned on, and the apparatus stands by in a state where coins and credits can be accepted. In particular, when the power is turned on, the connection and operation status of the various devices described above are checked, and for example, the winning probability is set based on the setting status of the probability setting switch 44, and the initial positions of the reels 6L, 6C, and 6R are set. After performing various settings such as setting, the instructing lamp 19 is turned on.
Lights up, and waits in a state where coins and credits can be accepted.

In Sa2, a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 or the credit operation button 16a,
The BET process is executed when the operation of 16b is performed.
Specifically, predetermined display lamps 21, 22, and 23 are sequentially turned on in accordance with the number of inserted coins or the number of credits by pressing the credit operation buttons 16a and 16b, and one or more coins are inserted. At the time, or by pressing the credit operation buttons 16a, 16b, 1
Start lamp 7 when the above credits are used
2 is turned on, the start lever 12 can be pressed, and the game is ready to start.

Until the start lever 12 is pressed, all the display lamps 21, 2
When coins are further inserted from the state in which the numbers 2 and 23 are lit, a value corresponding to the number of inserted coins is stored in the RAM 48 as a credit, and this is displayed on the credit display 26.

In Sa3, it is determined whether or not any of the above-mentioned prizes (BB, RB, and other small prizes having a small profit for the player) is allowed in accordance with the game start by the pressing operation of the start lever 12. The winning lottery is executed. This winning lottery means that all reels 6L,
At the stage before 6C and 6R are stopped, it is executed to determine whether or not to accept any prize. That is, winning is permitted only when a winning flag corresponding to any of the awards won by the lottery is set. That is, the control unit 45 has a function as a pre-determination unit that determines whether or not to allow any prize to be won.

The winning lottery is performed by the random number generation circuit 103
The random number sampling circuit 104 samples random numbers from the circulated random number sequence generated at a predetermined interval, and stores the obtained sampling values in predetermined data (a prize occurrence probability table (illustrated in FIG. By comparing with (omitted)), it is determined whether or not the game is won, and if the game is won, the type of the prize is determined, and a winning flag corresponding to the won prize is set. In the prize occurrence probability table (not shown), the prize probability of each prize is set corresponding to the bet amount and the game state (base game or BB, RB) in each game.

Further, in this step, with the lottery of the prize, the lighting control of the display lamps 22 'and 23' indicating the game procedure which is advantageous to the player, and the JacI
Lighting control of the n notification lamp is executed.

At Sa4, the game is started by rotating the reels 6L, 6C, 6R in accordance with the pressing operation of the start lever 12. The initial position and error check during the rotation of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R are checked at any time by a timer interrupt every predetermined time. With the pressing operation of the start lever 12, the start lamp 72 is turned off,
When all the reels 6L, 6C, 6R rotate, the pressing operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R is validated, and the operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11R are turned on.

In Sa5, based on the pressing operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R by the player, the operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11R corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are turned off. At the same time, rotation stop control of the corresponding reels 6L, 6C, 6R is executed.

More specifically, only when a winning flag corresponding to any one of the prizes is set by the lottery of the winning described above, the combination of symbols corresponding to the prize is stopped so as to be aligned on a predetermined effective line. If the winning flag corresponding to any of the prizes is not set, the reach mode which is a combination of the symbols immediately before the combination of the symbols corresponding to each prize by the player performing the pressing. (2 reels out of 3 reels are stopped and 1 reel is rotating). However, finally, the combination of the symbols corresponding to the prize is activated. Stop control so that they are not aligned on the active line. That is, unless one of the prizes is won by lottery, the above prizes are not won, and the prizes are averagely generated during a game that is repeatedly performed.

More specifically, when a winning flag corresponding to a predetermined prize won by lottery is set, first, when the player presses the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, the winning is started. The pull-in control for drawing the symbol to the specific position and stopping the symbol is provided on the condition that the deviation until the symbol constituting at least a part of the combination of the symbols corresponding to the given prize is displayed at the specific position is within a predetermined range. May run. As a result, when the stop button 9L, 9C, 9R is pressed, the symbol corresponding to the winning is within a predetermined pull-in range (for example, based on the rotation direction of the reel) from the position required for the winning. If the symbol is located in a range from the position required for winning to the symbol four positions before), the symbol is automatically drawn into the specific position, and the player It will be easier to align. Note that such a pull-in range is arbitrary, and various settings can be changed.

Further, in a predetermined game, a winning flag corresponding to any of the above-mentioned prizes is set by lottery,
In addition, at the time when all the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are pressed, if the target symbol of the winning prize is located in the retractable range, a lottery to determine whether or not the symbol is to be drawn and displayed is performed. Execute, when it is determined to pull in and display this, if the player can perform a stop operation with good timing, the symbol is displayed, and conversely, if it is determined that the symbol is not drawn in and displayed, Even if the player can perform a stop operation with good timing, reel stop control is performed so that the symbols are not drawn in and displayed.

For example, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, if the player operates the stop buttons 9L, 9C, and 9R by pressing the stop buttons 9L, 9C, and 9R in a state where the winning flag of JacIn is established during the BB, the probability of the plum is high. JacIn is performed by controlling the display so that the loops are aligned, and in particular, when the player presses the stop button backward (in the order of 9R, 9C, and 9L) in a state where the winning flag of the third JacIn is established, a 100% probability is obtained. Then, the display control is performed so that the eyes of the plum are not aligned, thereby avoiding JacIn.

Further, together with such reel stop control, control for outputting a stop sound as a game effect sound via the speakers 110 and 111 in response to a pressing operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C and 9R is executed.

At Sa6, when it is determined that the rotation of all the reels 6L, 6C, 6R has been stopped at Sa5, the display contents displayed on the variable display section 71 and Sa
In step 3, the winning is determined by comparing the content of the winning flag with the set winning flag. In addition, when it is determined that any of the prizes has been won, various settings corresponding to the winning content are performed. Execute The setting contents include, for example, the setting of the number of coins to be paid out, a game state, a re-game, and the like corresponding to the winning contents.

In Sa7, a process is executed based on the set contents corresponding to the winning contents determined in Sa6. Specifically, coin payout processing for the set number of payout coins, change of the game state (change from the normal game state to the special game state, or change from the special game state to the normal game state), and the game BET processing (setting processing of re-game) of the same bet number as the bet number in the above is executed.

In this step, prizes other than BB and RB (cherry, bell,
If a winning flag corresponding to watermelon or plum (replay) has been set, this is cleared and the game ends. It should be noted that the winning flag corresponding to any of the awards set in this way can be set to be released at the end of one game, or set to continue until the winning award is won. For example, as in the present embodiment, when a winning flag corresponding to BB or RB is set, or when a winning flag corresponding to the third JacIn in BB is set, Jac
The winning flag can be continued until In (or when a JacIn winning flag is set, until a prize is won or BB ends). Further, even when the winning flag corresponding to the small combination described above is set, it is possible to set the winning flag to be continued over a plurality of games or to be canceled in one game. It is assumed that two types of winning flags are not simultaneously established and set at the same time by a lottery in one game.

Next, the contents of the notification control of the game procedure which is advantageous for the player will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in Sb1, the start lever 12
It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed. Only when it is determined that the operation has been performed, the process proceeds to Sb2, where the random number value for winning determination is extracted, and the extracted sampling value is set as Sb.
At b3, comparison is made with the winning occurrence probability table (not shown).

At Sb4, it is determined whether or not any of the prizes has been won. If any of the prizes has been won, the process proceeds to Sb5. move on. If no prize is won in Sb4, the process is terminated.

Next, in Sb6, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is BB, and the process proceeds to Sb7 only when it is determined that BB is playing, and the display lamp 23 'and the JacIn notification lamp 31 are blinking. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the display lamp 23 'and the JacIn notification lamp 31 are blinking, the process proceeds to Sb8, where the display lamp 2
If it is determined that the 3 'and JacIn notification lamps 31 are not blinking, the process proceeds to Sb10. In Sb8, it is determined whether or not the small win game is the 30th time. Only when it is determined that the small win game is the 30th time, the process proceeds to Sb9 to display the display lamp 22 'and Ja.
Blink the cIn notification lamp 31 and push it forward (J
acIn) is notified to the player that it is advantageous. If it is determined that the small win game is not the 30th play, the player is continuously informed that it is advantageous to keep pushing backward (acquiring the small win while avoiding JacIn). Notify.

In Sb10, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is JacIn. If it is determined that the winning flag is JacIn, the process proceeds to Sb11, and the winning flag is set to JacI.
If it is determined that n is not n, the process proceeds to Sb13, where the display lamp 22 'is made to blink, and it is notified to the player that pushing forward (acquiring a small combination) is advantageous to the player, and the process is terminated. When it is determined in Sb10 that the set winning flag is JacIn, it is determined in Sb11 whether or not the winning flag of the third JacIn in the BB is set, and it is determined that it is the third time. If so, the process proceeds to Sb12 and the display lamp 23 'and Jac
Blink the In notification lamp 31 and push it backward (Jac
Acquiring the small role while avoiding In) is advantageous to the player, and the process is terminated,
If it is determined that it is not the third time (the first or second time JacIn), the process proceeds to Sb9 and the display lamp 22 '
And the JacIn notification lamp 31 is made to blink, and it is notified to the player that it is advantageous to push forward (perform JacIn), and the process is ended.

Next, an example of a game progress pattern advantageous to the player during the BB will be described, and a JacIn notification lamp 31, a display lamp 22 'indicating forward push and a display lamp 23 indicating reverse push in this game progress pattern. The blinking and extinguishing timings of ′ and the lighting modes of the JacIn notification lamp 31, the display lamp 22 ′, and the display lamp 23 ′ will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9A to 9C.

First, when the player wins the BB and starts the BB game (“BB start” in FIG. 8), the game number display 2
In 5, the number of remaining games out of the 30 small win games (“30” at first) is displayed (not shown), and the player presses the credit buttons 14 a and 14 b or inserts coins. When inserted through the mouth 18, the display lamp 21 is turned on (not shown), and the small win game can be started. In the present embodiment, it is set in advance so that a single game is played during BB, and no activated line other than the activated line L1 is activated. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 (a), the display lamp 22 'indicating forward pressing blinks, and it is indicated that the pressing order of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R which is advantageous for the player is the forward pressing. Will be notified. Therefore, the player can obtain a predetermined small win with high probability by completing the small win game by pushing forward.

In the present embodiment, the start lever 12 is operated in a forward push game or a reverse push game, and the operation valid lamps 11L and 11L are operated.
The display lamp 22 'or the display lamp 23' blinks before the lights C and 11R are turned on. The blink timing is determined by the operation valid lamps 11L, 11C and 11R.
It is not limited until R lights up. The details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

After the digestion of several games, the first JacI
n winning flag is established (see FIG. 8 "First Jac
In winning flag is established "), and the JacIn notification lamp 31 blinks as shown in FIG. 9B. At this time, since the display lamp 22 'is still blinking, the player will JacIn with a high probability by executing the forward push. J
When the first bonus game is started by acIn, the display lamp 22 'and the JacIn notification lamp 3
1 is turned off ("First Bonus Game Start" in FIG. 8). The JacIn notification lamp 31 is turned off as described above because the set JacIn winning flag is set to JacIn.
In order to clear by In
2 ′ is turned off because during the bonus game, no matter what order the player operates the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, the plum ascendancy is high on the activated activated line L1. This is because the payout of 15 coins will be executed at the same probability.

Then, when the first bonus game is completed by obtaining eight Jac (plum) prizes until the 12 bonus games are completed or during that time, the display as shown in FIG. 9A is made. The lamp 22 'flashes (FIG. 8 "End of first bonus game"), and the small win game is started again.

If the second JacIn winning flag is established after the completion of several games ("Second JacIn winning flag is established" in FIG. 8), JacIn is executed as shown in FIG. 9B.
The In notification lamp 31 flashes, and the player performs JacIn (second time) with a high probability by executing the forward pressing in accordance with the flashing of the display lamp 22 '. When the second bonus game is started by JacIn, the display lamp 22 'and the JacIn notification lamp 31 are turned off in the same manner as at the start of the first bonus game (FIG. 8 "Start of the second bonus game"). ). When the second bonus game is over, the display lamp 22 'flashes (FIG. 8 "End of the second bonus game"), and the small win game is started again.

If the third JacIn winning flag is established before the 30th small win game is completed (for example, the 20th small win game, etc.), as shown in FIG. 9C. The JacIn notification lamp 31 flashes, the display lamp 22 'indicating forward pressing is turned off and the display lamp 23' indicating reverse pressing flashes, and the pressing order of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R which is advantageous for the player is changed. The player is notified of the reverse push (see FIG. 8, "3rd JacI
n winning flag established "). Here, the player has the display lamp 2
When a reverse push is performed according to the blinking of 3 ', display control is performed so that the plums are not aligned, and the third Jac is performed.
In is avoided with a probability of 100%, and the remaining small win games continue. By avoiding JacIn in this way, the next game can continue the small role game, and in particular, the small role "Bell", which has a large number of coins to be paid out, wins with a high probability as described above. A certain "bell"
Can be continuously obtained, and as a result, the number of coins to be obtained increases.

Here, in the BB in this embodiment, the JacIn winning flag set during the small win game is
JacIn is set in advance to continue until cleared by JacIn.
If you avoid the JacIn while continuing the small role game
The notification lamp 31 remains blinking. If the player presses the stop button in a pressing order other than reverse (left, middle, right or left, right, middle or right, left, middle or middle, right, left or middle, left, right), a high probability In this case, the third bonus game is executed before the 30 small role games are completely consumed, and the BB ends at the end of the bonus game. Follow the blinking and press backward to JacIn
It is possible to obtain a larger amount of coins by completing the small role game while acquiring the small role while avoiding the problem.

At the time of the last 30th small role game, the display lamp 23 'turns off and the display lamp 22' flashes again with the JacIn notification lamp 31 flashing, and a stop button which is advantageous for the player. 9L, 9C, 9R
Is notified to the player that the pressing order is the forward pressing (FIG. 8).
"30th small role game"). Then, the player performs the forward push in accordance with the blinking of the display lamp 22 ′ to JacIn with a high probability. At the same time as the third bonus game is started, the JacIn notification lamp 31 and the display lamp 22 ′ indicating the forward push are turned off. ("Start of the third bonus game" in FIG. 8).

As described above, for example, in the 30th small win game, the display lamp 22 'flashes and Ja is pressed in order.
The fact that it is advantageous for the player to perform cIn is notified, for example, in the 30th small role game after the player has completed the two bonus games, the JacIn winning flag is set and the If the player presses the key backwards despite the possibility of the second JacIn, the player may get the "bell" which is the winning small part in the game, but before the third bonus game is executed, 30
This is because the BB ends when the second small win game ends, and it becomes impossible to obtain a larger amount of coins.

In this embodiment, the JacIn winning flag set during the BB small win game is
Although it is set in advance to continue until it is cleared by acIn, the present invention is not limited to this.
The cIn winning flag may be cleared for each game regardless of the presence or absence of JacIn.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the pressing order of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, which is a game procedure in which the player can acquire a larger amount of coins during the BB. But the indicator lamp 22 ',
Since the player is notified by the blinking of 23 ', the player proceeds with the game in the pressing order indicated by the blinking of the display lamps 22' and 23 ', thereby ensuring a large amount of coins. Can be acquired.

In this embodiment, the game state (J
stop button 9L, 9C, 9R
Is changed, but the present invention is not limited to this. The game can be changed by changing the pressing order in relation to the arrangement of the symbols on the reels 6L, 6C, 6R and the pull-in control described above. And the like, which notify the game procedure (the pressing order of the stop button) in a slot machine having a game property such that the degree of advantage of the game changes.

Also, since the game procedure that is advantageous to the player is the stop sequence of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R by pressing the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, the stop button 9
Since the game procedure can be easily notified to the player only by indicating the operation order of L, 9C, and 9R, complication of the game procedure notification can be avoided.

The stop order of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is, as described in the above embodiment, 6L by forward pressing.
It is not limited to 6C → 6R and 6R → 6C → 6L by reverse pressing, but includes various stop orders such as 6C → 6L → 6R. In addition, the number of variable display areas (number of reels)
Is not limited to three as in the above embodiment.

The order in which the reels 6L, 6C, 6R are stopped is not limited to that performed by operating the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R.
If a switch such as a push order switch that can set the stop order of C and 6R is provided, the player can set the stop buttons 9L and 9R.
Reel 6L, 6C, 6R without operating C, 9R
Can be automatically stopped in an order that is advantageous to the player.

Further, according to the present invention, the game procedure which is advantageous for the player is set in the reel 6 as in the above embodiment.
The order of stopping the L, 6C, and 6R is not limited to the stop order, and includes various game procedures. For example, a game procedure that is advantageous for the player is determined by the number of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 18 and the credit operation buttons 14a, 14a.
The bet amount in one game set by the operation b or the like may be set, and the advantageous bet amount may be notified by a predetermined notifying unit. To briefly explain an example, for example, BB
In the case where the number of bets in the game is limited to one or three, the player, if notified that the game procedure which is advantageous to the player is one, is to play the game by one. If it is informed that the game is a three-piece game, a large number of coins can be obtained by playing the game with the three-sheet game. If you play a game with three cards,
If it is informed that the game is to be played, it is disadvantageous to play the game with one piece.

For example, in the case where each of the reels 6L, 6C and 6R rotates forward and backward, a game procedure which is advantageous to the player is performed by stopping the reels corresponding to the reels rotating reversely when the reels rotate. In the case where the reel can be stopped by pressing from the button or the rotation start order of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R can be changed when the start lever 12 is operated, a game procedure advantageous to the player is described as follows. It is also possible to stop the reel by pressing the stop button corresponding to the reel whose rotation has started first. Further, when the start lever 12 can be operated in multiple directions (for example, downward, upward, right, and left directions), a game procedure that is advantageous to the player may be performed by pushing the start lever 12 in a predetermined direction. Good.

In this embodiment, the pressing order of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, which is a game procedure, is determined by the blinking of the display lamp 22 'displaying a right-pointing arrow or the display lamp 23' displaying a left-pointing arrow. The pressing order of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, and 9R is determined by, for example, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Operation valid lamp 11
Irradiation lamps 100 to 102 capable of irradiating L, 11C, 11R and variable display areas in display windows 5L, 5C, 5R.
(See FIG. 2) or the number of games display 25 (7-segment display) can be used for notification, and is not limited to the notification method of the above embodiment.

More specifically, FIG. 10A shows a mode in which forward pressing is performed, and FIG. 10B shows a mode in which reverse pressing is performed. First, the stop buttons 9L, 9
When notifying the pressing order of C and 9R by the light emission of the irradiation lamps 100 to 102, for example, only the irradiation lamp 100 in the left display window 5L is turned on (other display windows 5C,
The irradiation lamps 101 and 102 in the 5R are turned off), and the shift may be sequentially performed according to the shift of the stop button for operating the light emitting area.

When the pressing order of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R is notified by the lighting mode of the operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11R, these are indicated by the reels 6L, 6C, 6R.
Since the light is turned on during the rotation of, for example, a portion to be operated first may be blinked, and the transition may be sequentially performed according to the transition of the stop button for operating the blinking portion. In such a case, using the game effect lamp 24 provided so as to surround the periphery of the variable display unit 71, for example, from the right to the left in the case of reverse pressing, and from the left to the right in the case of forward pressing. It is also possible to notify by blinking in a flowing manner.

Further, when the game procedure is notified by the light emission mode of the light irradiation means such as the irradiation lamps 100 to 102 and the operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11R, for example, the position to be operated first flashes or flashes as described above. In addition to sequentially turning on or off the blinking or the lighting location by turning on the lighting or the like, use of the light emitting mode, that is, the difference in the lighting mode (lighting / flashing / extinguishing), the light emission color, the light emission illuminance, etc. Thus, various game procedures can be easily expressed. For example, in the case of expressing by light emission color, if the pressing order is set in advance from red to blue to yellow, the display areas and the operation effective lamps and the like may be made to emit light in light emission colors corresponding to the respective order. .

When the pressing order of the stop buttons 9L, 9C and 9R is notified by the game number display 25 (7-segment display), for example, the left 7-segment of the 3-digit 7-segment is displayed on the left stop button 9L, 7-segment in the center to stop button 9 in the center
C, 7 segment on the right side correspond to the stop button 9R on the left side,
The pressing order of each stop button 9L, 9C, 9R is 1
You may make it notify by the number of -3. In this case, "1/2/3" for forward pressing and "3/3" for reverse pressing.
2/1 "will be displayed. By expressing the pressing order by a number or the like, it is possible to easily notify even a complicated pressing order. The method of expressing such a notification is not limited to those described in the embodiment. In addition to these, for example, other notification means may be provided in the housing 2 in advance as described in the above-described embodiment. Using the two speakers 110 and 111 that are present, a sound such as “left !, middle !, right!” Is output. In the case of a push, the sound effect is output by flowing from left to right to notify the user, or, for example, each display window 5
L, 5C, and 5R, the order of appearance of structures (for example, character dolls) that are provided so as to be able to appear and disappear, or one character doll operably provided above display windows 5L, 5C, and 5R. The present invention includes a game procedure that is notified by the direction and the pointing direction, and an image display or the like (for example, a liquid crystal display or the like) that is newly provided and notified by an image or the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, the notification of the game procedure which is advantageous to the player is a special game state B which is an opportunity to acquire a larger number of coins than in the normal game.
In the present invention, the period during which the notification of the game procedure that is advantageous to the player is executed is not limited to the above-described special game state. During the period of no control (challenge time), during the period in which the type of the winning small role is notified (assist time), and during the period in which the replay has a high probability (replay time), the type of the winning small role is notified. In addition, during the period during which the replay (replay) winning is highly probable (special time), during the period during which the winning of a single bonus or small role that is a bonus game only once is highly probable (concentration), or during normal It may be executed during a game or the like.

Next, based on FIGS. 11 and 12, the detailed blinking of the display lamps 22 'and 23' as the game procedure notifying means in the BB described with reference to FIGS.
The extinguishing timing will be described.

First, the blinking and extinguishing states of the display lamps 22 ′ and 23 ′ during the above-mentioned predetermined period during BB will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, the period from T0 to T2 is the 1st to 19th small win game and the first and second bonus game periods, and the period from T3 to T4 is the 20th small win game period, T4
The period from T5 to T5 is the 21st to 28th small role game period, T5 to T
The 6th period is the 29th small role game period, and the period from T6 to T9 is 30
The third small bonus game period and the period between T9 and T10 indicate the third bonus game period.

Incidentally, in actuality, the player inserts coins to start the game, or
A predetermined period of time may elapse from the time when the insertion instruction lamp 19 is turned off by operating the a and 14b to the time when the start lever 12 is operated. For example, in FIG. It is assumed that the start lever 12 is operated almost simultaneously with turning off the light, and a winning lottery is executed.

Further, in practice, after a predetermined time from the point when the start lever 12 is operated, all the reels 6L, 6L
The reels C, 6R rotate simultaneously or sequentially, and the rotating reels 6L, 6C, 6R are sequentially stopped in response to a stop operation by the player. The operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, In 11R, the lamps are turned on in accordance with the rotation of each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R, and the corresponding operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11R when the rotation of each of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is stopped.
R turns off sequentially, but in the figure, for convenience, the ON state of the reel 6 indicates a state in which one of the reels 6L, 6C, and 6R is rotating, and the OFF state indicates all the reels 6L, A state in which the rotation of 6C and 6R is stopped indicates a state in which any one of the operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, and 11R is lit when the operation valid lamp 11 is in an ON state, and a state in which the operation valid lamp 11 is OFF is in the OFF state. It is assumed that each of the operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, 11R indicates a state in which the lamps are turned off.

Also, in practice, all the reels 6L, 6C,
After the rotation of the 6R is stopped and a prize is determined, the number of coins to be paid out and the like are determined in accordance with the prize content.
The coin payout motor 38 may not be driven when the rotation of L, 6C, and 6R stops, but it is assumed that a prize accompanied by coin payout has occurred in the predetermined game shown in the figure.

At the time T3 in the twentieth small win game (between T2 and T4), for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the third JacIn winning flag is set along with the execution of the winning lottery, and the JacIn notification lamp is set. When 31 blinks, it is more advantageous for the player to avoid the set JacIn and complete the remaining small role games (from the current 20th small role game to the 29th small role game). Then, the display lamp 22 'indicating the forward push is turned off, and the display lamp 23' indicating the reverse push, which is a game procedure advantageous to the player, blinks. That is, the display lamp 23 ′
Almost simultaneously with the operation of the start lever 12, before the stop operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R by the player becomes effective, and in accordance with the content of the winning lottery result (the winning flag of JacIn is established). Will do.

Further, for example, the 30th small role game (T6
In the period from T9 to T9), as described above, if the 30th small role game is digested without JacIn, all 30 small role games are consumed without completing the third bonus game. Since BB ends, it is more advantageous for the player to perform JacIn to shift to the bonus game. That is, in the 30th small win game, the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R by the player are almost simultaneously operated with the start lever 12.
In a stage (T7) before the stop operation is effective, the display lamp 23 'indicating the reverse push is turned off, and the display lamp 2 indicating the forward push, which is a game procedure which is advantageous for the player.
2 'will blink.

[0116] Thereafter, the player operates the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R in accordance with the instruction of the blinking display lamp 22 '.
When JacIn is performed by sequentially pressing, the blinking display lamp 22 ′ and the JacIn notification lamp 31
At the time when the rotation of the reels 6L, 6C, 6R is stopped,
That is, the point in time when the JacIn winning determination is made (T
The light turns off in 8), and the process shifts to the third bonus game. In such a case, the timing of turning off the display lamps 22 '(23') is determined by the reels 6L and 6L.
It is not limited to the time when the rotation of C and 6R is stopped, but the time when the driven coin payout motor 38 is stopped and the operation valid lamps 11L, 11C and 11R in the first game of the third bonus game. The light may be turned off at any time as long as is turned on.

As described above, when the game procedure which is advantageous to the player is the pressing order of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, the advantageous procedure is indicated by the display lamps 22 ', 23' which are the game procedure informing means. Is notified before the stop operation of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R by the player becomes effective (operation effective lamps 11L, 1L, 1E).
Any time as long as 1C, 11R blinks)
In this way, it is possible to reliably prevent the player from performing the stop operation before confirming the notified game procedure. For example, as in the case of T3 in FIG. 11, when the game procedure changes according to the content of the winning lottery result (for example, whether or not the winning flag of JacIn has been established), the operation is almost simultaneous with the operation of the start lever 12. Then, it is possible to reliably notify the player before the operation valid lamps 11L, 11C, and 11R blink.

Alternatively, the game procedure that is advantageous to the player may be determined, for example, by the above-mentioned “30” regardless of the winning lottery result.
Push forward in the second small role game "
In a case where an advantageous game procedure in a predetermined game can be determined before the start of the game according to the content of the game or the like, the start lever 12 shown in FIG.
The operation is not limited to the time when the coin payout motor 38 driven in the 29th small win game is stopped as shown in FIG. 12 (T
6), coin insertion and credit operation button 14
a when the bet amount for one game is set by the operations of a and 14b (see T1), or at any time from when the coin payout motor 38 stops to when the bet amount for one game is set. Is also good. This allows the player to be notified early, so that the player can check the contents of the notification with plenty of time and play the game.

That is, the timing at which a procedure advantageous to the player is notified by the display lamps 22 'and 23' as the game procedure notifying means is not limited to a predetermined point in time, but may be any suitable for the contents of the game procedure. Can be notified at the time of.

Further, in this embodiment, the game procedure which is advantageous to the player is the pressing order of the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, and this pressing order is already at the stage where the operation of these stop buttons becomes effective. Although it has been determined and notified, for example, when the pressing order of the remaining two stop buttons (9C, 9R) is changed at the stage when one of the stop buttons (for example, 9L) is stopped, etc. In the above, every time a stop operation of any of the stop buttons is performed, the pressing order of the stop buttons that have not been stopped may be notified, and the notification of the game procedure that is advantageous to the player in this way may be performed. It may be executed a plurality of times during one game.

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

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a variable display means (variable display device 70) having a variable display area (variable display section 71) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and display control of the variable display area is provided. Possible display control means (control unit 45);
A slot machine (1) that, when a display result is derived and displayed in the variable display area, one game ends, and a predetermined game value can be given to a player according to the display result. A game control means (control unit 4) capable of controlling game progress among a plurality of game procedures.
5) and game procedure notifying means (display lamps 22 'and 23') capable of notifying a game procedure that is advantageous to the player;
Is provided.

A second aspect of the present invention is that the slot machine (1) includes a plurality of the variable display areas (display windows 5L, 5
C, 5R), the game procedure that is advantageous to the player is the order in which symbols variably displayed in the respective variable display areas are stopped and displayed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine (1), stop operation means (stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R) capable of stopping and displaying symbols variably displayed in the variable display area are provided. Each of the variable display areas (display window 5
L, 5C, and 5R), and the game procedure that is advantageous to the player is the order in which the stop operation means is operated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the notification of the game procedure which is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notification means (display lamps 22 ', 23') is executed within a predetermined period.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine (1), the symbols displayed variably in the variable display area (variable display section 71) are displayed in the variable display area at a stage before the symbols are stopped and displayed. Is provided with a pre-determining means (control section 45) for deciding whether or not to display the display mode, and it is determined that the predetermined display mode is permitted to be displayed by the pre-determining section. In this case, it is possible to shift to a special game state (big bonus, regular bonus) advantageous to the player on condition that the predetermined special display mode is displayed in the variable display area, and the predetermined period Is in the special game state (big bonus).

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the timing at which the game procedure notifying means (display lamps 22 'and 23') can execute the notification of the game procedure which is advantageous to the player is during the one game. There are a plurality.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine (1), predetermined symbols are displayed in the variable display area at a stage before symbols variably displayed in the variable display area (variable display section 71) are stopped and displayed. Is provided with a pre-determining means (control section 45) for deciding whether or not to display the display mode of the game procedure.
The notification of the game procedure that is advantageous to the player according to 2 ′, 23 ′) is executed at a timing related to the determination by the above-mentioned predetermined means.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is directed to a game procedure notifying means (display lamps 22 ', 23') for notifying a player of a game procedure which is advantageous to the player by the stop operation means (stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R). ) Is executed at a stage before the stop operation becomes effective.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the notification of the game procedure which is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notification means (display lamps 22 'and 23') is executed at a timing related to the switching of the game. .

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the slot machine (1) can play a game by setting a bet amount for the one game, and the game procedure informing means (display lamp 22 '). , 23 ′) is notified at a stage before the setting of the bet amount for the one game is performed.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine, a predetermined display mode is provided in the variable display area before the symbols variably displayed in the variable display area (variable display section 71) are stopped and displayed. Is provided with a pre-determining means (control unit 45) for determining whether or not display of the game procedure is permitted.
It is possible to execute control for changing the game procedure advantageous to the player according to 3 ′) according to the content of the result of the determination by the above-mentioned pre-determination means.

[0133] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the game procedure notification by the game procedure notification means, wherein the game procedure notification means includes a light irradiation means (display lamp 2).
2 ', 23').

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the game procedure notifying means is also used as other notifying means (display lamps 22 'and 23', game number display 25, irradiation lamps 100 to 102, speakers 110 and 111). Have been.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the slot machine (1) can play a game by setting a bet amount for the one game and can display the set bet amount. Display means (display lamps 21 to 2)
3 '), wherein the game procedure notifying means is also used as the bet amount displaying means.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the slot machine (1) is provided with game number display means (game number display device 25) capable of displaying the number of games, and the game procedure notification means is provided with the game procedure notification means. Also used as game number display means.

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.

[0139] The "game value" described in the claims of the present invention is not limited to coins and credits as one example of the valuable value given to the player as described in the above embodiment, It includes all benefits related to the game, such as a big bonus and a regular bonus, which are advantageous game states for the player.

[0140]

The present invention has the following effects.

(A) According to the first aspect of the present invention, since a game procedure which is advantageous to the player is notified to the player by the game procedure notifying means during the game, the player is notified of the notified game. By simply playing the game according to the procedure, it is possible to obtain an advantageous opportunity without fail.

(B) According to the second aspect of the present invention, the notification of the game procedure can be easily performed only by indicating the order in which the symbols variably displayed in the variable display area are stopped. Can be avoided.

(C) According to the third aspect of the invention, the notification of the game procedure can be easily performed only by indicating the order in which the stop operation means is operated, so that the notification of the game procedure can be prevented from becoming complicated.

(D) According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the notification of the game procedure is performed only within a predetermined period, so that the interest of the game can be effectively increased and the player's desire to play the game can be improved. It can be excited effectively.

(E) According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, notifying the game procedure during the special game state not only effectively enhances the interest of the game but also reduces the player's willingness to play the game. It can be lively.

(F) According to the invention of claim 6, notification of a game procedure which is advantageous to the player can be executed at a desired timing suitable for the contents of the game procedure.

(G) According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reliably notify even when a game procedure advantageous to the player changes according to the result determined by the pre-determining means. .

(H) According to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to reliably prevent the player from performing a stop operation before confirming the notified game procedure.

(I) According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when a game procedure advantageous to a player in a predetermined game is determined in the previous game, the game procedure can be notified earlier. The player can check the contents of the notification with a margin.

(J) According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, when a game procedure advantageous to a player in a predetermined game is determined in the previous game, for example, the player starts the game. Since the game procedure can be notified at an earlier stage in the previous stage, the player can check the contents of the notification with plenty of time.

(K) According to the invention of claim 11, the interest of the game is effectively improved.

(L) According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the game procedure can be effectively and easily notified, and the game procedure of various patterns can be performed simply by changing the light emission mode. Can be reported.

(M) According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the game procedure can be notified together with the other notification means provided in advance without newly providing a game procedure notification means, thereby reducing costs. Can be achieved.

(N) According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the game procedure can be notified together with the bet amount setting display means provided in advance without newly providing a game procedure notification means, so that the cost can be reduced. Reduction can be achieved.

(O) According to the invention of claim 15, the game procedure can be notified in combination with the game number display means provided in advance without newly providing a game procedure notification means, thereby reducing costs. Can be achieved.

[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 an internal structural diagram of the slot machine of FIG.

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 various processing procedures in the game.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a lottery process.

FIG. 8 is a chart showing blinking and extinguishing timings of the display lamps 22 ′ and 23 ′ and the JacIn notification lamp 31 during BB.

FIGS. 9A to 9C show display lamps 22 ′ and 23 ′.
3 is a schematic diagram showing a blinking and extinguishing mode of a JacIn notification lamp 31. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment of a game procedure notifying means advantageous to a player.

FIG. 11 is a chart showing an example of timings of turning on and off a display lamp during BB.

FIG. 12 is a chart showing timings of blinking and extinguishing of other display lamps during BB.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 slot machine 2 housing 2 a main body 2 b front panel 3 locking device 4 reset switch 5 L, 5 C, 5 R display window 6 L, 6 C, 6 R reel 7 L, 7 C, 7 R reel drive motor 8 L, 8 C, 8 R reel position detection sensor 9 L, 9C, 9R Stop button 10L, 10C, 10R Stop switch 11L, 11C, 11R Operation valid lamp 12 Start lever 13 Start switch 14a Credit operation button 14b Credit operation button 15 Credit switch 16 Game switching button 17 Game switching switch 18 Coin slot 19 Insertion instruction lamp 20 Game over lamp 21, 22, 22 ', 23, 23' Display lamp 24 Game effect lamp 25 Number of games display 26 Credit display 27 Number of payouts display 28 Speaker 2 9 Coin payout exit 30 Coin storage tray 31 JacIn notification lamp 33 Channel 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 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 decoding 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 Variable display device 71 Variable display section 72 Start lamp 73 Settlement button 76 Settlement switch 80 Guide rail 81 Power switch 82 Reset switch C 83 Power supply unit 84 Key insertion port 92 Communication unit 93 Communication cable 94 Illegal coin discharge unit 95 Return coin flow path 96 Management computer 100-102 Irradiation lamp 103 Random number generation circuit 104 Random number sampling circuit 105 Display lamp 110, 111 Speaker L1 valid line L2, L2 'valid line L3, L3' valid line

Claims (15)

[Claims] A variable display unit having a variable display area capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols; and a display control unit capable of controlling display of the variable display area, wherein a display result is displayed in the variable display area. A slot machine which is capable of giving a predetermined game value to a player in accordance with the display result as well as ending one game by being derived and displayed, the game control means being capable of controlling the progress of a game; And a game procedure notifying means capable of notifying a player of a plurality of game procedures that is advantageous to the player. 2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the slot machine includes a plurality of variable display areas, and a game procedure which is advantageous to the player is an order in which symbols variably displayed in the respective variable display areas are stopped and displayed. The slot machine described in. 3. The game machine according to claim 3, wherein said slot machine is provided with stop operation means capable of stopping and displaying symbols variably displayed in said variable display area so as to correspond to each of said variable display areas. 3. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein the game procedure that is advantageous to the player is an order of operating the stop operation means. 4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification of the game procedure which is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notification means is executed within a predetermined period. 5. The slot machine determines whether or not to allow a predetermined display mode to be displayed in the variable display area at a stage before symbols variably displayed in the variable display area are stopped and displayed. Equipped with a predetermined means to
When it is determined that the predetermined special display mode is allowed to be displayed by the predetermined means, the condition is that the predetermined special display mode is displayed in the variable display area. 5. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein a transition can be made to a special game state advantageous to a player, and the predetermined period is in the special game state. 6. 6. The slot according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a plurality of timings at which the game procedure notifying means can execute notification of a game procedure which is advantageous to a player during the one game are provided. Machine. 7. The slot machine determines whether or not to allow a predetermined display mode to be displayed in the variable display area at a stage before symbols variably displayed in the variable display area are stopped and displayed. 7. The game procedure notifying means is provided, and the notification of the game procedure which is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notifying means is executed at a timing related to the determination of the predetermined means. The slot machine described in. 8. The notification of a game procedure which is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notification means is executed at a stage before the stop operation of the stop operation means becomes effective. The described slot machine. 9. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification of the game procedure that is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notification means is executed at a timing related to the switching of the game. 10. The slot machine can play a game by setting the number of bets for the one game, and the game procedure notifying means informs the player of the game procedure by the game procedure informing means. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is executed at a stage before a bet amount is set for one game. 11. The slot machine determines whether or not to allow a predetermined display mode to be displayed in the variable display area at a stage before symbols variably displayed in the variable display area are stopped and displayed. A control unit that changes a game procedure that is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notification unit in accordance with the content of the determination result by the predetermined determination unit. Item 13. The slot machine according to any one of Items 1 to 10. 12. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification of the game procedure which is advantageous to the player by the game procedure notification means is performed by light irradiation by light irradiation means. 13. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said game procedure notifying means is also used as another notifying means. 14. The slot machine is capable of playing a game by setting a bet amount for the one game, and includes bet amount display means capable of displaying the set bet amount. 14. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein said game procedure notifying means is also used as said bet amount displaying means. 15. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein said slot machine includes game number display means capable of displaying the number of games, and said game procedure notifying means is also used as said game number display means. The slot machine described in Crab.