JP2002239072A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which allows capable of performing the effective stop pressing exercises in the manner of actual fighting by using a real play stand. SOLUTION: When it is judged during the rotations of reels that a prescribed picture pattern is just under passing on a reel picture pattern display window, the first notice is performed for reporting this judged result to a player.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a game medium (medals, balls, etc.) which is loaded, a reel composed of a plurality of kinds of pictures is moved (rotated), and when the reel is stopped, the reel picture display window is displayed. The present invention relates to a gaming table (slot machine, pachinko machine, etc.) in which a winning is determined from a combination of stopped patterns and a player enjoys paying out predetermined gaming media.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Among conventional game consoles, for example, a slot machine has a plurality of rows of reels each having a plurality of pictures. When a medal is inserted and a start lever is operated, the reels start rotating and a game starts. .

A control unit provided inside the slot machine performs a lottery at the same time as the start of the game, and if a lottery is won as a result of the lottery, the inside of the prize is set.

In this internal winning state, when the player presses the stop button corresponding to each reel, the control unit determines the picture position (picture location) of the reel at the time of pressing, and
In accordance with the internal winning state, the reels are controlled by controlling the symbols (hereinafter referred to as “winning symbols”) constituting the winning combination that has won the internal lottery to stop on the pay line.

[0005] When all the reels stop, the control unit determines the combination of the pictures displayed on the reel picture display window,
When the winning symbol is stopped on the pay line, a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the winning combination, thereby ending one game.

Here, in general, there are the following types of winning combinations, and corresponding patterns are defined for each winning combination.

(1) Small role: Payout of 2 to 15 medals is performed according to the types of pictures arranged on the pay line.

(2) Replay combination: The game is played again with the same number of medals as in the previous game.

(3) Regular bonus (special game; hereinafter, referred to as RB): After paying out a predetermined number (usually 15) of medals, the game shifts to an RB game. In the RB game, during a predetermined number of games (normally, a maximum of 12 games, the game ends when 8 medals are paid out), even with a small number of medals, there is a high probability that a specific picture (usually a picture of a replay role) is displayed on the pay line. ) Are collected and the number of medals is paid out accordingly.

(4) Big bonus (special game; hereinafter,
BB): After paying out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of medals, the game shifts to a BB game. In BB games,
During the predetermined number of games (for example, 30 games), small wins are arranged with a high probability. During this time, if a predetermined pattern (for example, a replay pattern) is completed, the game shifts to the RB game.

In the following, the RB game during the BB game is referred to as a shift regular bonus (SRB) game. A game other than the RB game and the BB game is simply called a normal game (or a normal game), and a game other than the SRB game in the BB game is called a normal game in the BB game. As described above, the plurality of game states exist in the game of the slot machine.

[0012] Among the above-mentioned winning combinations, in a bonus game (RB or BB game), a privilege that many medals can be obtained is given to a player, and therefore, how many bonuses can be won for the player. Is the biggest factor that determines the interest of the game.

[0013]

In the case of the internal winning state, the control section determines whether the position of the winning pattern at the time when the player presses the stop button and the position of the pay line are shifted. The rotation of the reel is controlled so that the winning symbol is stopped on the pay line.

However, there is a limit to this control amount (for example, it is possible to send up to four frames), and the position of the winning pattern when the player presses the stop button is significantly away from the winning effective line. In such a case, control may not be performed, and the winning pattern may not be able to be stopped on the pay line.

Therefore, even if the player wins any winning combination by the internal lottery, the control unit needs to press the stop button at the timing when the winning pattern reaches the position range where the winning pattern can be stopped on the winning effective line. There is.

In other words, if the player can press the stop button at the timing of the position range where the winning pattern can be stopped on the pay line, the game can be advantageously advanced. Further, when a desired pattern comes to a desired position on the reel pattern display window, the stop button is pressed (so-called pressing).
Very good if you can.

However, it is very difficult for an inexperienced player to identify a desired pattern (a target pattern for pushing) during the rotation of the reel, so the timing of pressing the stop button is measured. And it cannot be easily pressed. Therefore, inexperienced players need to accumulate experience of the game and become accustomed to the rotation speed of the reels, and learn to push.

Also, recently, a slot machine game can be enjoyed by a so-called video game machine. However, even if an attempt is made to learn eye-catching by a game of a video game machine, an actual reel and a reel projected on a television screen are displayed. Then, it was not effective for the practice of eye-catching because the appearance and feeling of the pattern were different.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming table that makes it easy to identify a desired pattern, thereby facilitating eye-catching. And

It is another object of the present invention to provide a game console capable of performing practical and effective pushing practice using an actual game console.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a gaming table which does not extremely deteriorate the operating rate even when the player performs a pushing practice.

[0022]

In order to achieve the above object, a plurality of reels provided with a plurality of types of patterns including a specific pattern are provided, a game medium such as a medal or a ball is inserted, and a game start operation is performed. At the same time as starting the movement of the reels in the plurality of rows on the reel pattern display window, it is determined whether or not a winning is achieved by an internal lottery of the control unit. A reel combination control based on the result of the internal lottery including the reel stop control so that the combination is displayed on the reel pattern display window,
When the combination of the symbols on the stopped reel symbol display window is a prize, a gaming table for paying out a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the prize, the control unit, during the rotation of the reel, When it is determined that the predetermined picture is passing on the reel picture display window, a first notification for notifying a player of the result of the judgment is performed.

Further, the game console switches between a normal game mode in which the original game control is executed and a game practice mode in which practice of stopping the predetermined picture at a predetermined position on the reel picture display window is possible. A mode switching unit, wherein the control unit stores in advance a position range in which the predetermined pattern can be controlled and stopped at a predetermined position on the reel pattern display window when a reel stop operation is performed. In the case where the technical practice mode is selected by the mode switching means, the position of the predetermined pattern at the time when the player stops the reels is within the position range stored in advance. When it is determined, the control is performed to stop the predetermined pattern at the predetermined position.

Further, the control section stores in advance a position range in which the predetermined pattern can be controlled to a predetermined position on the reel pattern display window and stopped when a reel stop operation is performed, In the game invalid state, when it is determined that the position of the predetermined pattern at the time when a reel stop operation is performed by the player is within the position range stored in advance, the position at which the player can stop at the predetermined position is determined. A second notification for notifying a player that a reel stop operation has been performed is performed.

Further, the predetermined pattern is at least a first pattern constituting a winning pattern combination which shifts to a special game when a prize is won during a normal game, and shifts to a special game when a prize is won during a normal game. The second part of the winning picture combination
, A third pattern that constitutes a winning pattern combination that pays out a predetermined number of game media when a winning is made during a normal game, and a winning pattern combination that shifts to a special game when a winning is made during the special game. It is one of the fourth patterns.

Further, the predetermined position with respect to the first to third patterns constituting the winning pattern is a position where a winning pattern combination including the pattern can be aligned on a winning line regarded as valid. The predetermined position with respect to the fourth pattern constituting the winning pattern is a position where a winning pattern combination including the pattern cannot be aligned on a winning line regarded as valid.

[0027] Further, there is provided a selecting means for selecting any one of the first to fourth patterns by the player, and the control unit is configured to control at least the pattern selected by the selecting means. One of the first notification and the second notification is performed.

Further, one of the first to fourth patterns is selected by the control unit according to a game state,
By providing at least one of the first and second notifications for the selected picture, a game console is provided, whereby the problem to be solved by the present invention can be achieved. .

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a slot machine will be described as an example of a gaming table according to the present invention, and the embodiment and its accompanying drawings will be described in detail.

[First Embodiment] A. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. At the center of the slot machine main body 100 shown in FIG. 1, three reels (a left reel 101, a middle reel 102, and a right reel) on which a plurality of types of patterns including a specific pattern (for example, “7”) are arranged on each outer peripheral surface. The reel 103 is housed and configured to be rotatable inside the main body 100. Here, for the sake of simplicity, there are seven types of patterns, and these seven types of patterns are provided on one round of each reel.
It is assumed that they are arranged at equal intervals one by one.

The pattern of each of the reels 101 to 103 is
00, reel picture display windows 104 to 10 provided in front of
6, three patterns of upper, middle, and lower rows are displayed in the vertical direction for each reel, so that the player can see them. Therefore, when the reel is stopped, a total of nine (3 × 3) patterns are displayed to the player in the reel pattern display windows 104 to 106.

In the following, an area on the reel where one picture is drawn is referred to as a "frame". Accordingly, a total of nine frames are displayed on the reel picture display windows 104 to 106.

The notification lamp 107 informs the player of the internal winning state of the bonus (BB or RB) as internal information as a result of the internal lottery. The start lamp 108 notifies the player that the game has started. When the time from the start of the previous game to the start of the current game is equal to or less than a specified value, the weight lamp 109 notifies the player that the game is on standby.

The replay lamp 110 informs the player that the next game is a replay game when the combination of the patterns displayed in the reel pattern display windows 104 to 106 wins the replay combination. Medal insert lamp 11
Reference numeral 1 denotes a lamp for urging a player to insert a medal for starting a game. The credit indicator 112 displays to the player that the player has credited, for example, up to 50 medals obtained by the player.

A pay line display lamp 113 displays the number of pay lines corresponding to the number of inserted medals,
When all the reels have stopped, the pay line with the picture of the reels is displayed.

Here, reel picture display windows 104 to 106
In general, a winning line determined to have a winning pattern is a horizontal line in the middle when one medal is inserted, and a horizontal line in the middle when two medals are inserted. 3 horizontal lines plus 2 medals, and 5 additional medals when 3 medals are inserted, plus a diagonal line from upper left to lower right and a diagonal line from lower left to upper right Becomes

The number of pay-in effective lines is not limited to this, and the number of pay-in effective lines may be defined by the number of combinations of pictures displayed in the reel picture display windows 104 to 106. That is, in the slot machine shown in FIG. 1, three reels are displayed vertically for each reel. For example, in a case where the picture of each reel is displayed vertically for four frames, the number of payable lines is set to eight. Books (4 horizontal lines, right diagonal line 2
Book, two left diagonal lines).

The three-digit seven-segment display 114 displays the number of various games in BB or RB, and the situation at the time of pushing practice (the number of times of pushing practice and the number of times of successful pushing) which will be described later. The medal insertion slot 115 is where the player inserts medals when starting the game.

Credit bet buttons 116 to 118
Are buttons pressed when inserting medals from credits, respectively, 116 is a button for hanging one medal,
117 is a button for hanging up to two medals, and 118 is a button for hanging up to three medals. By pressing any one of these buttons, the player inserts one to three medals per game from the number of medals displayed on the credit indicator 112 into a gaming table (bet). can do.

A credit / payout button 119 is used to switch whether or not to store, for example, up to 50 medals obtained by the player for winning, and to pay out medals stored in the credit display 112. Also serves as a settlement button for discharging.

The stop buttons 120 to 122 are provided corresponding to the reels 101 to 103, respectively, and are buttons for stopping the reels 101 to 103.
That is, in FIG. 1, the left reel stop button 120
Corresponds to the left reel 101, the middle reel stop button 121 corresponds to the middle reel 102, and the right reel stop button 122 corresponds to the right reel 103.

The start lever 123 is a bar for starting a game. When the player operates this lever, a game is started, and the reels 101 to 103 start rotating at the same time, and at the same time, the inside of the slot machine 100 is started. A random number lottery is performed by a provided control unit (described later).

The sound hole 124 is for outputting a sound of a speaker (described later) installed inside the gaming table, and the speaker generates a sound effect corresponding to each game state (also called a game state). Is done.

At the medal payout port 125, when a prize is won, medals are paid out there, and are stored in a medal tray 126. The flicker display lamp 127 excites the game by turning on / off / flashing the internal lamp according to each game state (bonus game, replay game, etc.).

<Reel Mount> The three reels 101 to 103 housed inside the reel picture display windows 104 to 106 shown in FIG. 1 are incorporated in one reel mount 200 as shown in FIG. ing. Also, on the back side of each reel, substrates 210 to 209 are attached with backlights 201 to 209 for illuminating three pictures respectively displayed on the reel picture display windows 104 to 106 from the back side.
212 are provided.

Of these substrates, on the left substrate 210,
As backlights for the left reel 101, 201, 202, and 203 are provided in order from the top in the vertical direction in the figure. On the central substrate 211, 204, 205, 2
06 is installed. Further, on the right substrate 212,
As a backlight for the right reel 103, 2
07, 208, and 209 are installed. The above-described backlights 201 to 209 are configured to selectively illuminate the picture of each reel individually based on control by the control unit. In the slot machine according to the present embodiment,
Various effects based on the progress of the game are performed by the operation of turning on / off / flashing the backlights 201 to 209 described above.

<Structure of Control Unit> The structure of the control unit for controlling the above-described slot machine will be described with reference to FIG. In the control unit 300, 310 is a main microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as MainCPU) 310.
Performs the main control related to the game and
A control signal and data are exchanged with each unit of the control unit via the control unit 30. Reference numeral 311 denotes a random number generator for generating random numbers used for internal lottery and the like.
It is connected to U310.

The medal sensor 312 is connected to the medal slot 11
The game medal inserted from 5 is detected. The stop button sensor 313 detects that one of the stop buttons 120 to 122 has been operated. The stop lever sensor 314 detects that the start lever 123 has been operated. The credit bet button sensor 315 detects that one of the credit bet buttons 116 to 118 has been pressed. The overflow sensor 316
It detects that medals overflowing from the hopper (medal payout device; not shown) to the auxiliary tank exceed a specified amount.

These various sensors are connected to a main CPU via a bus 330 via an input interface 317.
310.

ROM (Read Only Memory) 31
8 stores a program for controlling the slot machine in the present embodiment, control data for performing stop control of the reels 101 to 103, and eye-pressing determination processing (described later), and the like. A RAM (random access memory) 319 has a work area for the program of the Main CPU 310,
Variable data generated by the process of 0 is temporarily stored. The memories of the ROM 318 and the RAM 319 are connected to the Main CPU 310 via the bus 330.

The motor control unit 320 includes reels 101 to 1
In order to rotate or stop 03, a stepping motor (not shown) provided for each reel is controlled. The hopper control unit 321 controls the hopper in order to pay out medals. These are connected via the input / output interface 322 via the bus 330 to the Main CPU.
310.

The lamp control unit 323 includes the notification lamp 107, the start lamp 108, the weight lamp 109, the replay lamp 110, and the insert lamp 11 shown in FIG.
1, the credit display 112, the pay line display lamp 113, the 3-digit 7-segment display 114, the flicker display lamp 127, and the backlights 201 to 209 shown in FIG. Control. The player can check the progress of the game by referring to the control states of these lamps. The lamp control unit 323 is connected to the Main 330 via the bus 330 and the output interface 324.
It is connected to the CPU 310.

The tone signal forming unit 325 is a MainCPU
A tone signal for forming a sound is formed based on the instruction at 310 and output to the speaker 326. The output from the speaker 326 is output from the sound hole 124 shown in FIG. 1 as a sound such as a sound effect or music. It goes without saying that the output of the sound is not limited to the output from the speaker but may be the output of a buzzer or a bell. In this case, the control unit can control the output of the sound by simply outputting the on / off signal,
Control becomes simple.

B. Outline of Operation of Slot Machine and Contents of Control Hereinafter, an outline of operation and contents of control of the slot machine according to the first embodiment will be described.

<Outline of Game Operation> First, a player inserts a medal through the medal insertion slot 115 and the start lever 1
By operating 23, the game starts. When the game starts, the three reels 101 to 103 start rotating simultaneously or at random, and after the rotation speed of each reel reaches a predetermined speed, stop buttons 120 to 103 provided corresponding to each reel are started. The operation of 122 is activated.
Thereby, the player sequentially presses a desired stop button to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel.

When each of the reels 101 to 103 stops,
If the combination of the symbols stopped on the winning line determined by the number of inserted medals corresponds to the predetermined combination of the winning symbols, the number of medals corresponding to each winning combination is received in the receiving tray 126.
, And this completes one game.

<Control Contents> Next, an example of control contents of the slot machine according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Game Control) First, a player inserts a desired number (1 to 3) of game medals from the medal insertion slot 115 or a credit bet button 116 to
One of the buttons 118 is pressed.

Accordingly, the Main CPU 310 proceeds to step S 1 in FIG. 4, and when a game medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 115, based on a signal from the medal sensor 312, whether or not the medal has been properly inserted is determined. to decide. When a medal is properly inserted, the pay line activated display lamp 113 corresponding to the number of inserted game medals is turned on via the lamp control unit 323, and at the same time,
The player is notified (displayed) that it is in a state in which a game can be played (game effective state).

On the other hand, credit bet buttons 116-1
When any one of the buttons 18 is pressed, the Main CPU 310
Determines which button has been pressed based on the signal from the credit bet button sensor 315, and according to the pressed button, displays the pay line display lamp 113
Lights up.

Next, when the player operates the start lever 123 and the start lever sensor 314 is turned on,
In step S2, the Main CPU 310 detects the reception of the start operation and starts the game.

When the game starts, the process first proceeds to step S 3, where the Main CPU 310 obtains a random number from the random number generator 311, performs an internal lottery as to whether or not any winning combination has been won, and stores the result in the RAM 319. Store.

Next, the control by the Main CPU 310 proceeds to step S4, where the reel picture display windows 104 to 10 are displayed.
6 instructs the motor control unit 320 to simultaneously or randomly rotate the reels 101 to 103 so that the picture displayed on the top moves from top to bottom.

In step S5, the Main CPU 310
Checks the output of the stop button sensor 313 to determine whether any stop button has been pressed. Here, when the stop button sensor 313 detects that any of the stop buttons has been pressed,
Proceeding to step S6, the stepping motor corresponding to the stop button is transmitted to the motor control unit 320.
An instruction is given to perform stop control according to the result of the internal lottery.

Next, the Main CPU 310 of the control unit 300
Control proceeds to step S7, and the reels 101 to 1
It is determined whether or not all of the stop buttons 03 have stopped, and if there are any reels still rotating, the process returns to step S5, and it is determined whether or not the stop buttons 120 to 122 have been operated again.

On the other hand, if the press of the stop button is not detected in step S5, the process proceeds to step S8, and it is determined whether or not any operation element other than the stop buttons 120 to 122 has been operated.

In the first embodiment, the stop button 120
Operators other than the operation buttons 122 to 122 include the credit bet buttons 116 to 118, the credit and settlement button 119, and the start lever 123 of the slot machine shown in FIG.

For example, taking the start lever sensor 314 as an example, there are a case where the start lever 123 is operated again after the reels 101 to 103 start rotating, or a state where the start lever is kept pressed. Further, it goes without saying that a dedicated switch different from the other switches shown in FIG. 1 may be provided.

Here, when an operator other than the above-mentioned stop button is operated, the controller 300 invalidates the original control based on the other operation. If another operation is performed in a state where the other operation is performed, the original control based on the another operation (this operation also includes the operation of the stop button) is invalidated. (Game invalid state).

To give a specific example, for example, during the rotation of the reel, the start lever 123 is pushed down (corresponding to the above "other operations"), and the start lever 123 is kept pushed down (this Start lever 12
3 may be stored.)
When any of the stop buttons 120 to 122 is pressed (corresponding to the above “another operation”), the control unit 300 performs stop control of the reel corresponding to the stop button (that is, the original control based on the operation of the stop button). Do not do).

When the slot machine according to the first embodiment enters the game invalid state, the process proceeds to step S9 to start the pushing practice process, which will be described in detail later.

When the pushing practice process in step S9 is completed, the control section 300 returns to step S5, returns to the game effective state again, and determines whether or not the stop buttons 120 to 122 have been operated. Until it is determined in step S that all reels have stopped, step S
Steps S5 to S9 are repeated.

If it is determined in step S7 that all the reels have stopped, the process proceeds to step S10, where MainCP
U310 determines the symbols displayed on the reel symbol display windows 104 to 106, and determines whether or not those symbols are winning on the pay line.

Here, reel picture display windows 104 to 106
The method of determining the picture displayed in the above will be described. In addition,
The pattern determination method described below is an example, and the pattern displayed on the reel pattern display windows 104 to 106 may be determined using another conventional method.

As a premise of the picture determination method described below,
In the slot machine of the first embodiment, it is assumed that a unique number (picture code) is given to each of 21 pictures drawn on each reel.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the picture code. FIG.
5A shows a pattern arrangement in a state where the reels are deployed, and FIG. 5B shows a pattern code assigned to each pattern.

Generally, the pattern arrangement of the left reel, the center reel, and the right reel is different from each other, but here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the pattern arrangement of all three reels is the same. Also, among the patterns shown in FIG.
"7" is a BB pattern (a pattern that becomes BB when aligned on the winning line, the same applies hereinafter), "B" is an RB pattern, "(white circle)"
Is a replay pattern, “(triangle)”, “(star)”, “(black circle)”, and “(square)” are small patterns corresponding to bell, cherry, watermelon, and plum, respectively, in a normal slot machine. I do.

Further, according to the rotation direction shown by the arrow in FIG.
The design of each reel moves from the top to the bottom of the reel design display window.

In the slot machine of the first embodiment, each of the reels 101 to 103 is provided with a detector (index) for detecting a reference position of the reel, and the detector is detected by a sensor or the like. By doing so, the reference position of the reel is recognized. Then, by counting the number of drive pulses (pulses for driving the stepping motor for rotating the reel) from the recognized reference position, each reel pattern display window 104 is counted.
To 106 are determined.

In the ROM 318 of the control unit 300, the number of drive pulses from the reference position is associated with a picture code displayed at a predetermined position on the reel picture display window (here, the lower row of the reel picture display window). Table (hereinafter referred to as a pattern position table), and the MainCP
U310 refers to the picture position table in accordance with the program, and determines the picture displayed on each reel picture display window from the count of the drive pulses when the reel is stopped.

For example, when the control unit 300 detects "(triangle)" of the picture code 3 in the lower row of the reel picture display window, "(white circle)" of the picture code 2 is displayed in the middle row of the reel picture display window. It is determined that “7” of the picture code 1 is displayed in the upper part of the reel picture display window.

The control unit 300 determines not only when the reel is stopped but also the pattern which moves on the reel pattern display window during the rotation of the reel based on the above-described pattern position table and the number of drive pulses from the reference position. are doing.

In step S10 of FIG. 4, the symbols displayed on the reel symbol display windows 104 to 106 are determined by the above-described method. The game is over and MainCPU
310 stands by until the next game medal is inserted or one of the credit bet buttons 116 to 118 is pressed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 in FIG. 4 that a winning has been achieved, the flow advances to step S11 to further determine whether or not the winning combination is a bonus game.

If the player has won the bonus game, Ma
The control by the inCPU 310 proceeds to step S12,
For example, depending on the type of the winning bonus, the RAM 31
A BB flag or RB flag (a flag indicating that the BB game state or the RB game state has been entered) is set in 9 and a game corresponding to the type of the bonus won from the next game is started. Various data are prepared so as to be executed, and the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the number of medals to be paid out when the player wins the bonus game is added to the number of credits displayed on the credit indicator 112 via the lamp controller 323 or the hopper controller 321 is instructed. Payout to the medal tray 126 from the payout port 125 shown in FIG. If it is determined in step S11 that the bonus game has not been won, the process directly proceeds to step S13 without performing step S12, and the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is added to the number displayed on the credit indicator 112. Or pay out to the medal tray 126.

When the above processing is completed, the game is over, and the Main CPU 310 determines whether the next game medal is inserted or the credit bet buttons 120 to 12
It is in a standby state until any one of the buttons 2 is pressed.

(Eye pressing practice process) Next, the first embodiment
The push training process (see step S9 in FIG. 4) that can be tried by the player when the slot machine in the slot machine is in the game invalid state will be described.

The main processing performed in the pressing practice processing is as follows.
(1) first notification processing for notifying a player that a picture to be pushed (hereinafter, referred to as a target picture) is moving on a reel picture display window; and (2) a stop button When the target pattern is at a position where it can be stopped at a predetermined position (described later) on the reel pattern front window when is pressed, there is a second notification process for notifying the player of this. Description of Position Range: Here, the “position range” used by the control unit 300 as a criterion for performing the above-described second notification will be described. (1) First Position Range The first position range means that when the stop button is pressed during the base game (timing), the control unit 300 stops the BB pattern at a predetermined position on the reel pattern display windows 104 to 106. This is a position range in which a prize can be made.

In the first position range, the "predetermined position on the reel picture display window" is any one of the winning lines on the reel picture display window for the BB picture of the reel to be stopped first. The BB pattern of the reel to be stopped after the second stop is on the pay line with a possibility of winning determined by the BB pattern of the other reels already stopped.

Hereinafter, the first position range will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, an area of 3 frames × 3 frames surrounded by a thick line represents a pattern display window of the left, middle, and right reels. In addition, the numbers shown next to each picture represent the corresponding picture code.

In the following description, when a BB is internally won during a normal game when three medals are inserted, the control unit 300
Means that the player can advance the BB pattern by a maximum of four frames after the player's stop operation (that is, the maximum number of frames that can be controlled to stop the reel is four frames), and control the reel stop so that the BB wins on the reel pattern display window. . Furthermore, the left reel 10
1, the pattern arrangement of the middle reel 102 and the right reel 103 has the contents shown in FIG. (1-a) First Position Range of Reel to be Stopped First During normal game, when all three reels are rotating, for example, considering that first left reel 101 is stopped, left reel 101 is considered. BB picture "7" has a possibility of winning even if stopped at any position (upper, middle, or lower) on the reel picture display window (see the crosses in FIGS. 6A and 6A).

Therefore, the farthest position where the BB picture "7" can be stopped on any of the pay line on the reel picture display windows 104 to 106 is four frames above the upper row of the reel picture display window ( Front). Therefore, at this time, on the reel pattern display windows 104 to 106,
"B" of the picture code 5, "(white circle)" of the picture code 6, and "(black circle)" of the picture code 7 are displayed from the upper row (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

If the player has pressed the stop button 120 in this state when the BB is internally won, the control unit 30
0 controls the BB pattern “7” to stop at the upper stage of the reel pattern display window 104.

The closest position where the BB picture "7" of the left reel 101 can be stopped on the reel picture display window is the lower row of the reel picture display window. At this time, "(triangle)" of the picture code 20, "(black circle)" of the picture code 21, and "7" of the picture code 1 are displayed on the reel picture display windows 102 to 104 from the top. (See FIGS. 6A and 6C).

As described above, the first position range of the reel to be stopped first is from the symbol code (“black circle”) of the symbol code 7 to the symbol code 1 in the lower part of the reel symbol display window.
Up to “7”. In other words, when the player presses the stop button 120 and the picture code detected in the lower part of the reel picture display window 104 is within the range of 7-1, the BB picture “7” is displayed on the reel picture display window 104. Will be stopped.

Note that this position range is, as described above,
In the case where the reel stop control amount by the control unit 300 is a maximum of four frames, the position range is narrowed when the reel stop control amount (the number of frames) is small, and the position control range is widened when the reel stop control amount is large. Needless to say. (1-b) First Position Range of Second Stopped Reel Next, the second stopped reel is the middle reel 102, and the BB pattern “7” on the left reel 101 is the reel pattern display window 104. While the upper reel is stopped,
The first position range in the case where the second stop is performed will be described.
In this case, for the middle reel 102, the predetermined position on the reel picture display window 105 (on a winning effective line with a possibility of winning) is the upper or middle row of the reel picture display window (FIG. 6B (A)). See crosses).

Accordingly, the farthest position where the BB picture “7” can be stopped at the upper or middle row of the reel picture display window is a position four frames (closer) than the upper row of the reel picture display window. Also, on the reel picture display window at this time, "B" of the picture code 5, "(white circle)" of the picture code 6, and "(black circle)" of the picture code 7 are displayed from above. FIG. 6 (b) (a)).

When the player has pressed the stop button 121 in this state when the BB is internally won, the control unit 300
Controls the BB pattern “7” to stop at the upper stage of the reel pattern display window 105.

The closest position where the BB pattern “7” of the middle reel 102 can be stopped in the upper part or the interruption of the reel pattern display window 105 is the BB pattern “7” located in the middle part of the reel pattern display window 105. It is time. At this time, "(black circle)" of the picture code 21, "7" of the picture code 1, and "(white circle)" of the picture code 2 are displayed on the reel picture display window from the top (FIG. 6). (B)
(C)).

From the above, when the BB pattern of the reel stopped first stops at the upper left of the reel pattern display window, the first position range of the next reel to be stopped next is determined by the reel pattern display window. In the lower stage, the period is from “(black circle)” of the picture code 7 to “(white circle)” of the picture code 2. That is, when the player presses the stop button 121 in the state where the BB is internally won, if the symbol code detected in the lower part of the reel symbol display window 105 is within the range of 7 to 2, the BB symbol “ "7" stops at the upper or middle stage of the reel picture display window 105. (1-c) First Position Range of Last Stopped Reel Next, the last stopped reel is the right reel, and the BB pattern “7” on the left reel 101 is the upper row of the reel pattern display window. A description will be given of a first position range related to the right reel when the right reel 103 is finally stopped with the middle reel 102 stopped at the middle stage. In this case, the predetermined position of the BB pattern of the right reel 103 on the reel pattern display window (on the pay line where there is a possibility of winning) is at the lower part of the reel pattern display window (FIG. 6 (c) (a)). See the seal).
The farthest position where the BB picture “7” can be stopped on the pay line where there is a possibility of winning is a position one frame (front) from the upper row of the reel picture display window (FIG. 6).
(C) (a)). The closest position is the lower position of the reel picture display window (see FIGS. 6C and 6C).

Therefore, the left reel 101 stopped first
When the BB pattern of the right reel 103 is stopped at the upper stage of the reel pattern display window 104 and the BB pattern of the next stopped second reel 102 is stopped at the middle stage of the reel pattern display window 105, the first position related to the right reel 103 to be stopped last The range is "(triangle)" of the picture code 4 in the lower part of the reel picture display window 104.
To the time when the picture code 1 “7” is displayed.

That is, when the player presses the right reel stop button 122 while the BB is internally won, the picture code detected in the lower row of the reel picture display window 106 falls within the range of 4-1. For example, B of the right reel 103
The B picture "7" stops at the lower stage of the reel picture display window 106.

As described in detail above, the first position range changes in accordance with the presence or absence of the BB pattern already stopped on the reel pattern display window and the stop position. First stop positions corresponding to various situations are stored in the ROM 318 in advance for each situation. (2) Second position range The second position range is a state in which a winning pattern (for example, a replay pattern) of the SRB is displayed in the reel pattern display windows 104 to 1 during the BB game.
06 is a position range in which no prize can be won at a predetermined position.

Therefore, the "predetermined position on the reel pattern display window" in the second position range is defined as a point on a pay line where a replay pattern of another reel has already stopped and there is a possibility of winning. Will be.

Hereinafter, the second position range will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, an area of 3 frames × 3 frames surrounded by a thick line is a picture display window 1 for left, middle, and right reels.
04 to 106 are shown. In addition, the numbers shown next to each pattern represent the pattern code of the corresponding pattern.

In the following description, the right reel picture display window 106
The state where the replay pattern is stopped in the middle stage of the middle reel pattern display window 105 will be described as an example.

In this example, if the player performs a stop operation in the order of the right reel, the middle reel, and the left reel when the SRB is internally won during the special game, the control unit 300 sets the right reel 1
The stop control of the reels 03 and the middle reel 102 is controlled so that the respective replay symbols stop on the same payout effective line (so-called tempering).

Further, at this time, with respect to the left reel 101, the control unit 300 determines, for the replay symbols "(white circle)" of the symbol codes 2, 6, 10, and 14, the winning effective lines for which two replay symbols have already been stopped. The control is performed so as to stop on the above, but the replay pattern of the pattern code 18 is controlled so as not to stop on the pay-in effective line (up to a maximum of four frames).

On the premise described above, for example, FIG.
As shown in (a), it is assumed that the replay symbols are stopped at the middle stage of the middle reel symbol display window 105 and the right reel symbol display window 106, respectively. In this case, the control unit 300
The second position range is a position range in which the replay pattern of the pattern code 18 of the left reel 101 can be stopped at the lower stage of the left reel pattern display window 104 (FIG. 7A, the position of the rice pad). In other words, a position range that cannot be won on the pay line on the reel pattern display window (in FIG. 7A, the middle pay line is called a predetermined position) is defined as a second position range. I do.

Therefore, the farthest position where the replay picture of the picture code 18 can be stopped at the lower part of the reel picture display window 104 is a position two frames above (closer to) the upper picture of the reel picture display window (FIG. 7 (a)). When the player presses the stop button 120 in this state, the control unit 300 controls the replay symbol “(white circle)” of the symbol code 18 to stop at the lower part of the reel symbol display window 104.

The closest position where the replay picture of the picture code 18 can be stopped at the lower part of the reel picture display window 104 is when the replay picture of the picture code 18 is located at the lower part of the reel picture display window (FIG. 6 (b) (c)
reference).

As described above, in the case of FIG. 7A, the second position range of the left reel 101 is from “7” of the picture code 1 to “(white circle) of the picture code 18 in the lower part of the reel picture display window. ) "Is detected. That is, when the player presses the stop button 120 and the pattern code detected in the lower part of the reel pattern display window 104 is within the range of 1, 21, 20, 19, and 18, the replay pattern of the pattern code 18 is displayed. It stops at the lower part of the reel pattern display window 104, and the replay removal is successful.

Therefore, the middle reel 1 is stored in the ROM 318.
02 and the respective replay symbols on the right reel 103 store the second position range when stopped at the middle stage, and the respective replay symbols on the middle reel 102 and the right reel 103 are
The second position range when both are stopped at the upper stage or the lower stage, or the middle stage and the upper stage, and the middle stage and the lower stage are also stored.

Processing procedure of eye-pressing practice: Next, the processing procedure of eye-pushing practice processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

Step S8 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
When the control unit 300 determines that an operation element other than the stop button has been operated, the process proceeds to step S9, and executes the pressing practice process shown in FIG.

The pushing practice process in FIG. 8 is performed in step Sa1.
, The three-digit seven-segment display 114 displays the pressing practice status via the lamp control unit 323. Here, it is assumed that the number of times of successful pressing and the number of times of performing the pressing are displayed as the pressing practice status. The three-digit seven-segment display 114 shown in FIG. Number of successful presses,
"-" Is displayed as a hyphen, and n is the number of times of practice of pushing. It is assumed that the initial values of m and n are 0, and step Sa1 displays "0-0" at this stage.

Next, at step Sa2, the state of the BB flag in the RAM 319 is checked. If the BB flag has been set (if it has been set), the target pattern for performing the first notification is set as the replay pattern of the pattern code 18.
It is determined that the BB game is in progress and the process proceeds to step Sa3,
The second position range related to the left reel 101 is read from the ROM 318. If the BB flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step Sa4, where the target pattern for performing the first notification is the BB pattern, and the reels 101 to 1 are read from the ROM 318.
Of the number 03, the first position range relating to the reel being rotated is read.

The above-mentioned first or second position range is read for the rotating reel, and the first or second position range at that time is already displayed on the reel picture display window. Those corresponding to the number of stopped target pictures and the stop position are read out.

When the first or second position range is read out, the control of the control section 300 proceeds to step Sa5, where the pattern code currently positioned at the lower stage of each reel pattern display window for the rotating reel is displayed. recognize. Next step Sa
In step Sa2, the currently rotating reel is read in step Sa2.
It is determined whether or not the target picture determined according to the result of the judgment is displayed on the reel picture display window.

This determination is made, for example, in the pattern arrangement shown in FIG. 5, when the target pattern is, for example, the replay pattern “(white circle)” of the pattern code 18, “(triangle)” of the pattern code 20 in the lower part of the reel pattern display window. "(Replay symbols are displayed in the upper row), 19 (displayed in the middle row), and 18 (displayed in the lower row) are detected, the replay symbol is displayed on the reel picture display window. I can judge. As described above, when it is determined that the target picture is displayed on the reel picture display window, the control of the control unit 300 proceeds to step Sa7, and the backlight 201 via the lamp control unit 323 shown in FIG. By turning on .about.203, the player is notified (first notification) that the target picture is moving on the reel picture display window, and step Sa8 is performed.
Proceed to.

In the first notification, while the target picture is passing through the reel picture display window, all three backlights corresponding to the target picture are turned on. That is, for example, for the target pattern on the left reel 101, the first
Is notified, the target picture is the reel picture display window 1.
The backlights 201 to 203 are turned on during the passage of the light from the backlight unit 04.

The first notification method is not limited to the notification in which all the backlights are turned on as described above. For example, only the upper backlight is turned on, and only the middle backlight is turned on when located in the middle. Turn on, and when located in the lower row, only the lower backlight is turned on,
The lighting position of the backlight may be sequentially moved with the movement of the target picture.

On the other hand, if it is determined from the picture code recognized at step Sa5 that the target picture is not present on the reel picture display window, the control section 300 proceeds to step Sa8 without performing the processing of step Sa7.

At step Sa8, the control section 300 determines whether or not the player has operated the stop button. If it is determined that any one of the stop buttons has been pressed by the player, the process proceeds to steps Sa12 to S12 in FIG.
By the process in a17, the process associated with the eye-press determination is performed for the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, and the process proceeds to step Sa9.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step Sa8 that the player has not pressed the stop button, the flow directly proceeds to step Sa9, where an operation on an operator other than the stop button determined in step S8 of FIG. 4 is performed. Determine if it is maintained.

In step Sa9, if the operation on the controls other than the stop button has not been maintained, the flow advances to step Sa11 to return the display contents of the three-digit seven-segment display 114 to the state before the execution of the eye-pressing practice processing. hand,
The display of the pressing practice status is ended, and the process returns to step S5 in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step Sa9 that the operation of the operator other than the stop button has been maintained, the process proceeds to step Sa10, where the number of times of pushing practice (displayed on the 3-digit 7-segment display 114) is performed. n value)
Is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (here, five times). If the number of times of the pushing practice is not equal to or more than the predetermined number, the process returns to step Sa5 to recognize the picture code at the lower part of the reel picture display window.

In step Sa10, if it is determined that the number of times of the pushing practice has exceeded the predetermined number, the flow advances to step Sa11 to change the display contents of the three-digit seven-segment display 114 to the state before the execution of the pushing practice process. Then, the display of the pressing practice status is ended, and the process returns to step S5 in FIG.

Next, referring to FIG. 9, step S in FIG.
The eye-press determination process performed when it is determined in step a8 that the player has pressed the stop button (Yes in step Sa8) will be described.

When it is determined in step Sa8 that the stop button has been pressed by the player, the control unit 300
Proceed to step Sa12.

In step Sa12, for the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, the picture code at the bottom of the reel picture display window at the time when the stop button is pressed is recognized, and the flow advances to step Sa13.

In step Sa13, of the display "mn" of the three-digit seven-segment display 114, the value of n (the number of times of pressing practice) is incremented by one, and the display of the pressing practice status is updated. Proceed to Sa14.

Next, at step Sa14, at step Sa
The picture code recognized in step 12 is determined in step Sa3 or S3.
It is determined whether or not it is included in the first or second position range read in a4. If it is not included in the first or second position range, the process proceeds to step Sa17 assuming that the eyesight has failed, and notifies the player that the eyesight failed. In the present embodiment, the buzzer sound is output as a sound from the speaker 326 as a method of notifying the pressing failure.

On the other hand, in step Sa14, if the picture code recognized in step Sa12 is included in the first or second position range, it is determined that the eye pressing has succeeded, and the process proceeds to step Sa15, where the eye pressing has succeeded. Is notified to the player (second notification). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a chime sound is output as a sound from the speaker 326 as a method of notifying the user of the success of eye pressing.

At this point, if, for example, the BB pattern is set as the target pattern and the possibility of winning the BB has already disappeared, the control section 300 does not perform any notification regarding the eye-opening and performs the processing shown in FIG. Is completed, and step S in FIG.
The process proceeds to a9.

As an example of the case where the possibility of winning the BB has already disappeared, for example, when the BB picture of the reel stopped first does not stop on the reel picture display window, or the first and second reels stop. In some cases, the BB pattern of the stopped reel does not stop on the same pay line.

After the completion of the eye-pressing success notification processing in step Sa15, the above-described three-digit seven-segment display 114 is displayed.
In the display “mn”, the value of m (the number of times of successful pressing) is incremented by one to update the display of the pressing practice status.

When the processing in step Sa16 or the processing in step Sa17 ends, the control section 300 proceeds to step Sa9 in FIG. 8, and thereafter executes the processing according to the above-described procedure.

As described in detail above, according to the pushing practice processing shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, after the reel is rotated, the operation of the controls other than the stop button is maintained (that is, the game is disabled). Is maintained), the pushing practice can be repeatedly executed within a predetermined number of times.

As described above, according to the slot machine of the present embodiment, it is possible to perform the pushing practice for favorably proceeding the game, and to set the target of the pushing practice in the game state (the normal game or the BB game). It is possible to perform more realistic eye-catching practice because it is changed according to.

In addition, since the number of times of pushing practice is limited for one transition to the game invalid state, the actual operating rate of the slot machine is not extremely deteriorated.

Further, when the operation of the controls other than the stop button (ie, the game invalid state) is released, the game returns to the game valid state, so that the actual game is continued while keeping the sense of the pushing practice. can do. [Second Embodiment] As another application example of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the second embodiment and the accompanying drawings.

A. Configuration of Slot Machine <External Configuration> FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the slot machine according to the second embodiment. In the description of FIG. 10, components having the same functions as those of the slot machine already described with reference to FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The payout number display 128 displays the number of medals to be paid out to a player when a prize is won. The effect lamp 129 is used for an effect to enhance the interest of the game. The sub reels 130 to 132
It is a reel used to display various internal information of the slot machine in the second embodiment, and to perform an effect of increasing the expectation of the special game or the internal winning of the special game by its movement.

The sub reels 130 to 132
In the second embodiment, the left sub-reel 130 is the left main reel 101 and the middle sub-reel 131 is the middle reel. On the main reel 102, the right sub reel 132 is the right main reel 1
03, respectively.

The main reel 1 is provided inside each sub reel.
Similarly to 01 to 103, a backlight (not shown) for illuminating a picture of one frame on the sub reel from the back side is provided.

Here, in FIG. 10, each sub-reel is installed above the corresponding main reel so that the correspondence between each sub-reel and the main reel is clear. If so, the installation position of the sub reel is not limited to this.

For example, each sub reel may be arranged below the reel picture display windows 104 to 106. Further, three sub-reels are vertically arranged, and the right side of the reel picture display window 106 (that is, the position where the effect lamp 129 is located) or the left side of the reel picture display window 104 (the position where the pay line activated line display lamp 113 is located). May be arranged.

When three sub-reels are arranged vertically, for example, the upper sub-reel is connected to the left main reel 101.
Then, the middle sub reel may be associated with the middle main reel 102, and the lower sub reel may be associated with the right main reel 103, for example.

The number of sub reels may be the same as the number of main reels, and is not limited to three.

Further, in the second embodiment, only one picture is displayed for each sub-reel, but for example, the diameter of the sub-reel is increased, and the picture display range of the sub-reel is increased in the vertical direction. Thus, a pattern for a plurality of frames may be displayed.

<Configuration of Control Unit> Next, the configuration of a control unit that controls the slot machine of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 11, components having the same functions as those of the control unit shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit according to the second embodiment includes a main control unit 400 for controlling the entire game, lamps (for example, backlights) for staging the game, sub-reels 130 to 132, and musical sounds. And a sub control unit 500 for controlling sound such as generation of sound.

Hereinafter, differences between the control unit shown in FIG. 11 and the control unit 300 shown in FIG. 3 will be described.

The ramp control unit 4 of the main control unit 400 shown in FIG.
10 has the same function as the lamp control unit 323 illustrated in FIG. 3, but includes the backlights 201 to 2 illustrated in FIG. 2.
The control of 09 is performed by a sub-control unit 500 described later.

The output interface 411 is
Based on an instruction from the CPU 310, a command for controlling the backlight of each main and sub reels and specifying a sound content such as a generated sound is transmitted to the input interface 513 of the sub control unit 500.

Further, a tone signal forming section 325, an amplifier 326, and a speaker 327 for forming a sound, which are provided in the control section 300 of FIG.

Configuration of sub-control unit 500: The microprocessor (hereinafter referred to as SubCPU) 510 in the sub-control unit 500 receives various commands from the main control unit 400 via the input interface 513 and the bus 530 and receives them. It controls the transfer of data such as control signals to the peripheral part according to the contents of the command.

The backlight control unit 511 has the SubCP
According to the instruction of U410, each backlight 2 shown in FIG.
01 to 209 and lighting / flashing / turning-off of backlights (not shown) provided corresponding to the sub reels 130 to 132 are performed. The effect lamp control unit 512
In accordance with an instruction from the CPU 510, lighting / extinguishing control of the effect lamp 129 shown in FIG. 10 is performed. The control units of the backlight control unit 511 and the effect lamp control unit 512 are connected to the Sub via the bus 530 via the output interface 513.
Connected to CPU 510.

The motor control unit 514 has a SubCPU5
In accordance with the instruction of No. 10, the motor for driving / stopping the rotation of each of the sub reels 130 to 132 is controlled. The motor control unit 514 is connected to the SubCPU 510 via the bus 530 via the input / output interface 515.

The ROM 517 stores the backlights 201 to 20 according to various commands received from the main control unit 400.
9 and a program and control data for controlling a backlight provided corresponding to the sub-reels 130 to 132, a sound effect or music sound such as BGM, and the like.

The RAM 518 has a work area for a program processed by the Sub CPU 510, and stores variable data and the like.

Also, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the sound output may be a buzzer or a bell output instead of the speaker output. Nor. In this case, the control unit can control the output of the sound by simply outputting the on / off signal, so that the control is simplified.

B. Outline of Operation of Slot Machine and Control Contents Next, control contents of the slot machine in the present embodiment will be described.

The basic game control in the second embodiment is performed by the main control section 400. In this control, the same control as the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment is performed. However, step S in FIG.
9 is slightly different in the control content of the eye-pressing training process (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

Therefore, the contents of the eye-pressing practice processing here will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. still,
The processing shown in these figures is executed by the main control unit 400. In FIGS. 12 and 13, the same processes as those in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The points of difference between the eye-pressing practice processing of Embodiment 2 and the eye-pressing practice processing of FIGS. 8 and 9 are as follows.

(1) In step Sa6 in FIG.
When it is determined that the target picture is displayed on the reel picture display window, the process of the main control unit 400 proceeds to step Sb1, and waits for transmission of a command to be transmitted to the sub control unit 500. The standby time is determined randomly, for example, by random number drawing. The standby command is a command for turning on the backlight corresponding to the reel in which the target picture is passing on the reel display window (that is, performing the first notification). The above-mentioned waiting time is, for example, 5
It shall be determined within the range of 0 to 100 ms.

(2) When the standby time determined in step Sb1 has elapsed, the flow advances to step Sb2 to transmit a command for performing the first notification. The sub control unit 500 interprets the received command by the SubCPU 510, and turns on the backlight corresponding to the main reel in which the target picture is passing on the reel display window via the backlight control unit 511.

For example, when the target picture on the left main reel 101 is passing through the reel picture display window, the backlights 201 to 203 are turned on.

As described above, by turning on the backlight, the player is notified that the target picture is moving on the reel picture display window.

As for the method of turning on the backlight,
For example, as in the first embodiment, the lighting state may be continued for a predetermined time, or the lighting position of the backlight may be sequentially moved to an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage.

(3) If the stop button is operated in step Sa9 in FIG. 12, the process proceeds to step Sa13 in FIG. 13 (A). In step Sa15 of FIG. 12, when the pattern position (pattern code) at the time of operating the stop button recognized in step Sa13 is included in the first or second position range, it is determined that the eye pressing is successful and the process proceeds to step Sb3. As in step Sb1, a standby time until a command to be transmitted to the sub control unit 500 is transmitted is determined at random, and transmission of the command is waited. Note that the second embodiment
Is a command for outputting a chime sound from the speaker 327 provided in the sub control unit 500 (that is, performing a second notification).

(4) After the elapse of the standby time determined in step Sb3, the flow advances to step Sb4 to transmit the above-described command. Thereby, in the sub control unit 500,
The sub CPU 510 interprets the received command and generates a tone signal forming unit 325 and an amplifier 3 for forming a sound.
The sound of the chime sound is output from the speaker 327 via 26, and the player recognizes that the pushing is successful.

(5) On the other hand, if the picture code recognized in step Sa13 is not included in the first or second position range, steps Sa15 to Sb5
Then, similarly to steps Sb1 and Sb3, a standby time until a command to be transmitted to the sub-control unit 500 is transmitted is determined at random, and a standby is performed. This command is a command for outputting a buzzer sound from the speaker 327.

(6) After the elapse of the standby time determined in step Sb5, the process proceeds to step Sb6, where the main control unit 400 transmits the above-described command to the sub control unit 500. The sub-control unit 500 interprets the received command, outputs a buzzer sound from the speaker 327 through the musical sound signal forming unit 325 and the amplifier 326 that form a sound, and recognizes that the player has failed in eye-catching. I do.

In the example described above, a chime sound is generated when the eye-catching succeeds, and a buzzer sound is generated when the eye-catching fails. For example, when the eye-catching is successful, It goes without saying that the backlight of the sub reel corresponding to the operated stop button may be illuminated in blue, and if it fails, the backlight may be illuminated in red.

In the above-described example, the backlight of the main reel is made to emit light when the target picture passes on the reel display window. For example, the backlight of the corresponding sub reel is made white for a predetermined time. You may do so.

Further, in addition to the above-described first and second embodiments, the present invention has the following aspects.

(1) In the above-mentioned slot machine, the situation of the eye-pressing practice is displayed on the three-digit seven-segment display 114. However, other displays such as a display in which LEDs are arranged in a dot matrix or It may be displayed on a liquid crystal display device or the like.

(2) In the above-mentioned slot machine, when the game is shifted to the game invalid state, the first and second notifications are made. For example, in the game valid state, the step S in FIG.
a2 to Sa7, or steps Sa2 to S in FIG.
Only the first notification may be performed by repeatedly performing the processes of only a6, Sb1, and Sb2.

(3) In the above-mentioned slot machine, the first notification is notified by the backlight, and the second notification is notified by the sound or the backlight of the sub-reel. Liquid crystal display, sub-reel display pattern and other visual or audible notification means, as long as it is perceived by the player,
The notification may be made using other notification means (for example, vibration of a specific portion of the slot machine).

(4) The processing of FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 12, and FIG. 13 is performed, for example, in a specific winning combination (for example, a small winning combination, RB, BB, or BB
It may be performed only when the internal prize is won in the SRB during the game).

(5) As the target picture, for example, a picture of a winning combination (including a small combination) which has been internally won may be selected. In this case, when a pattern in which a plurality of the same type are drawn on one reel, such as a small role pattern, is set as a target pattern, the control unit is configured to set a pattern at one position from among these patterns as the target pattern. May be selected by lottery.

When the above-described control is performed, the first and second position ranges relating to the target pattern are stored in the ROM.
Needless to say, it is stored in 318.

[0188] Further, each small role pattern is
In the vicinity of a generally noticeable pattern such as a BB pattern (for example,
If it is arranged in the range of about 2 to 3 frames before and after the BB pattern), these prominent patterns become marks,
It is easier to look.

(6) The target pattern selection lottery may be performed in the control section, and as a result, the winning pattern may be used as the target pattern.

(7) During a special game in which the difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of payouts (net number increase) exceeds a predetermined number, such as a so-called challenge time, the game is terminated, the net number increase is a predetermined number (for example, 190). In this case, the pattern of a specific winning combination (for example, a small combination of three payouts) may be set as the target pattern. Thus, when a game is played by inserting three medals per game, it is possible to perform a pushing practice for maintaining a net increase in the number of games.

(8) As shown in FIG. 14, in a slot machine with a liquid crystal display device, a cursor 141 and a cursor button 142 displayed on the liquid crystal display device 140,
An enter button 143 may be provided so that the player can select a target picture.

That is, a list of pictures to be selected as target picture patterns is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 140, and the cursor 141 displayed on the liquid crystal display device 140 is moved by operating the cursor button 142 so that the desired picture is selected. By pressing the enter button 143 when the cursor 141 comes to the display position, the target picture may be selected. Note that the liquid crystal display device 140, the cursor 141, the cursor button 142, and the enter button 143 correspond to a selection unit.

(9) At the time of pushing practice, a separate stop button (hereinafter, referred to as a pushing practice button) dedicated to pushing practice is provided for each main reel separately from the stop buttons 120 to 122. It may be. When the pushing practice button is pressed, the main reel is not stopped, and only the determination of whether or not the pushing is successful is performed. As a result, it is possible to perform eye-catching practice even when the game is not in a game invalid state.

In order to realize this method, in the case of the first embodiment, for example, when the pressing practice button is pressed, FIG.
It is sufficient to perform the processing of steps Sa12 to Sa17 to determine whether or not the pushing is successful.

Further, in the case of the second embodiment, for example, the pressing of the eye-pressing practice button is detected by the sub-control unit 500, and the main control unit 400 transmits a third pattern related to the target picture on each reel with the rotation of each main reel. The start and end timings of the first or second position range are transmitted to the sub control unit 500 by a command. In the sub control unit 500,
If the pressing practice button is pressed during the beginning and end of the period, the pressing success notification (second notification) is performed, and if the pressing practice button is pressed other than during this period, the pressing failure notification is performed. What should I do?

(10) In the slot machines described in the first and second embodiments, when the player performs the pressing practice a predetermined number of times, the pressing practice processing is terminated.
For example, the player may be able to set the number of times of practice in advance, or may end the process when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the pushing practice process, or may be able to select from these.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine as an embodiment, the present invention is not limited by this embodiment.
As will be understood from the embodiments of the present invention, the gaming table according to the present invention has the following features.

(1) By the control unit, during the rotation of the reel,
When a predetermined pattern passes over the reel pattern display window, the player is notified of the predetermined pattern ("first notification"), and when a reel stop operation is performed by the player, the predetermined pattern is displayed. If it is a position range that can stop on the winning line,
This is notified to the player ("second notification").

By performing such control, the player can determine the desired pattern (predetermined pattern) in any cycle.
Can be confirmed whether or not is rotated, and whether the timing of the stop operation of the reel has been successfully performed.

(2) When the main control unit detects a cause of notification ("first notification" or "second notification"), a command according to the notification factor is sent to the sub-control unit. Send,
The sub-control unit performs notification according to the command. As a result, the main control unit performs the main control of the game, and the sub-control unit can perform various effects including the above-described notification in a detailed manner, can perform distributed processing, and can reduce load imbalance as a device. it can.

(3) Examples of the patterns to be notified include the following patterns. (A) A prize pattern that shifts to a special game (BB) when a prize is made during a normal game (“first pattern”) (b) A prize pattern that shifts to a special game (RB) when a prize is made during a normal game (“Second pattern”) (c) A winning pattern (“third pattern”) in which a predetermined number of game media are paid out when a prize is made during a normal game, and a special game (SRB) when a prize is made during a special game ), The player can learn the rotation timing or the stop timing of the winning symbol by the notification.

(4) The player can perform the above-described “first pattern” to
A notification for aligning the “third pattern” as a winning pattern on the winning line and a notification for not aligning the “fourth pattern” on the winning line are performed.

Thus, the player wants, for example, to align the winnings on the pay line except during the BB game, and to perform control for removing the winning (control for removing entry to the SRB) during the BB game. You can learn these actions.

(5) Depending on the player, "first pattern"-
There is provided selecting means for selecting one of the "fourth patterns". (A display device for displaying a picture to be selected, a designating means for designating one picture from the pictures displayed on the display device, and a deciding means for deciding the designated picture are constituted.) It is possible to learn the state of rotation of the picture to be performed and the timing of stopping.

(6) The control unit selects one of the “first pattern” to “fourth pattern” according to the game state, and responds to the player's operation with “first notification”, Alternatively, “second notification” is performed. However, the game state includes the following states. (A) A state in which some kind of winning combination is internally won. (B) The game mode currently being played. (C) A state in which a specific winning combination is internally won during a specific game mode. (D) A state in which the difference between the number of game media inserted and the number of payouts exceeds a predetermined number during a game in a specific game mode.

In this way, the player is automatically notified of the passing state of each pattern or the success / failure of the stop operation, so that the game can be made more enjoyable.

Here, although the detailed description of the game mode currently being played is omitted, normal games, RB, BB,
Challenge time, assist time, replay time,
Stock time can be mentioned.

[0208] The "state in which a specific winning mode is internally won during the play of a specific game mode" may be, for example, an internal win for a BB during a normal game, or an internal win for an SRB during a BB. And when the BB is internally won during the stock time.

(7) The control unit displays the number of times the “second notification” has been performed.

That is, since the number of times that the stop operation has been performed with the desired pattern is displayed, it is possible to confirm how many times the stop at the desired pattern has succeeded, and the player can enjoy the game.

(8) While the “first notification” is being performed, the control unit determines the termination condition (for example, the number of times the “first notification” is performed, the number of times the “second notification” is performed, When a predetermined time from when the "first notification" is first performed is satisfied, the notification is ended.

[0212] By doing so, the time for the "first notification" does not need to be lengthened infinitely, and the operating rate of the game console does not extremely deteriorate.

(9) When the reel is spinning and the gaming table is in the game invalid state, "first notification" or "second notification" is performed. Here, the game invalid state is when a switch other than the stop button is operated after the reel rotation of the gaming table is started, or when a switch for setting the game invalid state is activated.

(10) The slot machine body has "mode switching means" for switching between a normal game mode in which the slot machine plays its own game and a pushing practice mode (equivalent to the game practice mode) in which the pushing practice can be performed. It may be provided so that the player can select either mode. An example of the processing when each mode is selected will be briefly described.
It looks like this:

When the normal game mode is selected: For example,
In the control unit shown in FIG. 2, the processing excluding steps S8 and S9 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is performed so that the original game is played.

When the eye-pressing mode is selected: For example, the first or second position range is obtained according to the picture selected by the player. When the player selects the replay pattern, the player obtains the second position range as a practice for removing the replay, and when selecting a pattern other than the replay pattern, performs a practice for winning the selected pattern. First, it is assumed that a first position range relating to the picture is acquired.

Next, a credit bet button (11 in FIG. 1)
Even if one of the buttons 6 to 118 is pressed, the winning line display lamp (113 in FIG. 1) corresponding to the pressed bet button is turned on without reducing the number of credited medals. Next, the start operation in step S2 in FIG. 4 is enabled, the rotation of the reel in step S4 is started without performing the random number lottery in step S3, and the same processing as steps Sa5 to Sa7 in FIG. The first notification is performed for the picture.

When the stop button is operated within the acquired position range, the selected pattern is stopped on the pay line or stopped at a position where replay patterns are not aligned according to the pattern. Further, when the stop button is operated outside the acquired position range, the stop is performed at a position other than the winning line or at a position where replay patterns are aligned according to the selected pattern.

By performing the above control, the player can determine whether or not the target symbol on the reel has been successfully pressed, which is useful for improving the skill of the pressing.

When all the reels have stopped, the state returns to the accepting state of the credit bet button again, and thereafter, the above-described game practice mode is repeated until the normal game mode is selected.

As a pattern for performing the pushing practice, for example, when the pushing practice mode is selected, the processing of step Sa2 in FIG.
The first or second position range may be obtained.

In the normal game mode, the processes shown in FIGS. 4, 8 and 9 may be performed so that the player can practice the pushing when the game is invalid.

Therefore, in both the game practice mode and the game invalid state, the player rotates the target picture (predetermined picture) at any cycle without consuming the game medium (medal). It is possible to confirm whether or not the timing of the reel stop operation has been successfully performed.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiment, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited by the present embodiment.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming table from which beginners to skilled players can participate in games with interest.

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the pushing is easy, and a practical and effective pushing practice can be performed using an actual gaming table. It is possible to provide a game console that does not extremely deteriorate the operating rate even when the eye-pushing practice is performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a view showing a reel mount in the slot machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a control unit of the slot machine.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a picture arrangement of reels used in the slot machine.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first position range that is used as a reference for eye-press determination by a control unit of the slot machine.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second position range that is used as a reference for determining whether or not eyes are pressed by the control unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a pressing practice process by the control unit.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a pressing practice process by the control unit.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a pressing practice process by the control unit.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a pressing practice process by the control unit.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine in which a target picture can be selected by a player in one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Slot Machine Main Unit 101 Left Reel 102 Middle Reel 103 Right Reel 104 Left Reel Picture Display Window 105 Middle Reel Picture Display Window 106 Right Reel Picture Display Window 107 Announcement Amplifier 108 Start Lamp 109 Weight Lamp 110 Replay Lamp 111 Insert Lamp 112 Credit Indicator 113 Prize-winning line display lamp 114 3-digit 7-segment display 115 Medal slot 116 Medal single button button 117 Maximum 2 medals button 118 Maximum 3 medals button 119 Credit and settlement button 120 Left reel stop button 121 Medium Reel stop button 122 Right reel stop button 123 Start lever 124 Sound hole 125 Medal payout port 126 Medal tray 127 Flicker indicator lamp 128 Display number 129 Production lamp 130 Left sub reel 131 Middle sub reel 132 Right sub reel 140 Liquid crystal display device 141 Cursor 142 Cursor button 143 Enter button 200 Reel mount 201-209 Backlight 210 Left backlight substrate 211 Medium backlight substrate 212 Right backlight Light board 300 Main controller 310 MainCPU 311 Random number generator 312 Medal sensor 313 Stop button switch sensor 314 Start lever sensor 315 Credit bet button sensor 316 Overflow sensor 317, 516 Input interface 318, 517 ROM 319, 518 RAM 320, 514 Motor control Unit 321 hopper control unit 322, 513, 515 I / O interface 323,410 lamp controller 324,411,513 output interface 325 tone signal forming section 326 amplifier 327 speakers 330, 530 buses 400 main control unit 500 sub-control unit 510 SubCPU 511 backlight control unit 512 produce the lamp

Claims (7)

[Claims] A plurality of reels provided with a plurality of types of patterns including a specific pattern are provided in a plurality of rows, game media such as medals or balls are inserted, and the plurality of rows of reels are displayed on a reel pattern display window by a game start operation. At the same time as starting the movement, the winning or non-winning of the winning is determined by the internal lottery of the control unit, and for the stop operation corresponding to the respective reels, each of the reels is changed to a pattern based on the result of the internal lottery including a loss. The reel stop control is performed so that the combination is displayed on the reel picture display window. If the combination of the pictures on the stopped reel picture display window is a winning, a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the winning is provided. When the control unit determines that a predetermined pattern is passing on the reel pattern display window during rotation of the reel, the control unit notifies the player of the result of the determination. 1 Amusement machine which is characterized in that the notification. 2. The game console switches between a normal game mode in which original game control is executed and a game practice mode in which practice of stopping the predetermined picture at a predetermined position on the reel picture display window is possible. A mode switching unit, wherein the control unit stores in advance a position range in which the predetermined pattern can be controlled and stopped at a predetermined position on the reel pattern display window when a reel stop operation is performed. , When the skill switching mode is selected by the mode switching unit, when the player stops the reels,
The game console according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the position of the predetermined pattern is within the position range stored in advance, control is performed to stop the predetermined pattern at the predetermined position. . 3. The control section stores in advance a position range in which the predetermined pattern can be controlled and stopped at a predetermined position on the reel pattern display window when a reel stop operation is performed, In the game invalid state, when it is determined that the position of the predetermined pattern at the time when a reel stop operation is performed by the player is within the position range stored in advance, the position at which the player can stop at the predetermined position is determined. The gaming table according to claim 1, wherein a second notification is provided to notify a player that a reel stop operation has been performed. 4. The first pattern constituting a winning pattern combination which shifts to a special game at least when a predetermined pattern is won during a normal game, and shifts to a special game when a predetermined pattern is won during a normal game. The second pattern that constitutes a winning pattern combination, the third pattern that constitutes a winning pattern combination that pays out a predetermined number of game media when a prize is made during a normal game, and the special game when a prize is made during the special game. The gaming table according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the gaming table is any one of a fourth pattern and a fourth pattern constituting a winning combination to be shifted. 5. The predetermined position with respect to the first to third patterns constituting the winning pattern is a position at which a winning pattern combination including the pattern can be aligned on a winning line regarded as valid. The said predetermined position with respect to the 4th pattern which comprises a winning pattern is a position which cannot align the winning pattern combination containing the said pattern on the winning line considered as effective, The claim 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. Gaming table. 6. A game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects one of the first to fourth patterns by the player, wherein the control unit determines at least the pattern selected by the selection unit. The game console according to claim 5, wherein any one of the first notification and the second notification is notified. 7. The control unit selects one of the first to fourth patterns according to a game state, and at least one of the first and second notifications for the selected pattern. The game console according to claim 4, wherein one notification is issued.