JP2002315868A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine superior in handling of play media such as medals. SOLUTION: Playing is advanced by rotating and stopping three reels 11, 12 and 13 provided on a slot machine 1 and that play is enabled by inserting medals. The medals can be directly inserted from a medal slot 31 and can be indirectly inserted by operating credit throw-in switches 32-34 as well. The settlement of accounts just for that credit and for bet can be performed by operating a changeover switch 36.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a kind of gaming machine, there is provided a variable display means for displaying a stopped symbol after variably displaying a symbol row formed by attaching a plurality of symbols (a type of identification information) to a reel at predetermined intervals. There are known slot machines and the like. In this type of gaming machine, a predetermined symbol (for example, a big bonus game) which is advantageous to a player, such as a big bonus game, is required on condition that a stop symbol displayed on an active line which is a predetermined region of the variable display means is a specific symbol. (A special game state) is provided.

In such slot machines, medals are generally used as game media. However, if such medals are always used, medals need to be inserted for each game, and the player becomes tired of the medal insertion operation. There is a problem that the interest of the game is spoiled.

Therefore, conventionally, the slot machine has a function of crediting 50 medals, and the number of credits is displayed on a credit display portion of the slot machine. As long as a credit medal is present, the player can proceed with the game only by operating the credit insertion switch.

[0005] For convenience in ending a game with a credit medal, a switch for settlement is provided, and when the switch is operated, a credited medal is paid out. .

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional slot machine, only the credited medals are paid out by operating the switch, so that the medals already bet cannot be settled. There is. In particular, in a situation where the start lever has not been operated even if a bet has been made, even though the game has not been played yet, the medals are not settled because the game is suddenly ended. It is terrible for a player who has lost the game.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a main object of the present invention is to make it possible to settle not only a credited memory but also an already betted input. It is to provide a gaming machine excellent in convenience.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to allow the player to settle both the credit and the bet as in the main purpose described above, and to reduce the operational burden on the player and the structure of the gaming machine. The goal is to minimize complexity.

[0009]

Means and effects for solving the problems Effective means and the like for solving the above problems will be described below. The operation, effects, and the like will be described as needed.

Means 1. A game which includes an input unit for inserting a game medium, an output unit for paying out a game medium, and a storage unit for storing a game medium, wherein a game of one game time can be executed by inserting a predetermined number of game media. In the machine, the settlement operation means operated to perform the settlement of the input game medium inserted by the input means, the settlement processing means for executing the settlement processing of the input game medium already inserted by the operation of the settlement operation means, A gaming machine comprising:

According to the means 1, if the payment operation means is operated with respect to the input game medium which has been inserted, the payment processing is performed by the payment processing means. As a result, it is possible to settle the input game medium that has already been inserted without performing the game of one game time associated therewith, and it is possible to cancel the game after the player once inserts the game medium, which is convenient. Excellent in nature.

Means 2. A game which includes an input unit for inserting a game medium, an output unit for paying out a game medium, and a storage unit for storing a game medium, wherein a game of one game time can be executed by inserting a predetermined number of game media. And a settlement operation means operated to perform settlement of the input game medium inserted by the input means and settlement of the storage game medium stored in the storage means, and the input game by the operation of the settlement operation means. A game machine comprising a settlement processing means for executing a settlement process for a medium and a storage game medium.

According to the means 2, if the payment operation means is operated with respect to the input game medium which has already been inserted and the storage game medium which is stored in the storage means, the payment processing means causes the input game medium and the storage game medium to be stored. Both are settled. As a result, not only the storage game medium but also the input game medium that has already been inserted can be settled without performing the game of one game time associated therewith, and the player cancels the game after once inserting the game medium. Because it becomes possible, it is excellent in convenience. In addition, since both the input game medium and the storage game medium can be settled by a single settlement operation means, the structural complexity can be minimized.

Means 3. A game machine according to claim 2, wherein the settlement processing means executes a settlement process of the input game medium and the storage game medium by one operation of the settlement operation means.

According to the means 3, since only one operation of the settlement operation means executes the settlement processing for both the input game medium and the storage game medium, the settlement processing can be performed with the simplest operation. .

Means 4. In the means 2, the settlement processing means executes the settlement processing of one of the input game medium or the storage game medium by the operation of the settlement operation means, and the settlement processing means performs the other settlement processing by re-operating the settlement operation means thereafter. A gaming machine characterized by executing.

According to the means (4), once the settlement operation means is operated, the settlement processing for one of the input game medium and the storage game medium is executed, and the settlement operation for the other is executed by the second operation. Thus, an operation for settlement can be performed while checking the settlement process.

Means 5. In the means 2, the settlement processing means executes the settlement processing of the input game medium by the operation of the settlement operation means, and the settlement processing means executes the settlement processing of the storage game medium by the subsequent operation of the settlement operation means. A gaming machine characterized by the following.

According to the means 5, when the settlement operation means is operated once, the settlement processing for the input game medium is executed, and
Since the settlement process for the storage game medium is executed by the second operation, the operation for settlement can be performed while checking the settlement process. Here, when performing the settlement of the input game medium, the settlement is performed only by temporarily converting the input game medium into the storage game medium, and the settlement of the storage game medium including the converted input game medium is performed by a subsequent operation. By doing so, the first operation is an operation of simply canceling the operation of inserting the game medium, and the game can be restarted from there.

Means 6 In the means 2, the settlement processing means executes the settlement processing of the storage game medium by the operation of the settlement operation means, and the settlement processing means executes the settlement processing of the input game medium by the subsequent operation of the settlement operation means. A gaming machine characterized by the following.

According to the means 6, when the settlement operation means is operated once, the settlement processing for the storage game medium is executed, and
Since the settlement process for the input game medium is executed by the second operation, the operation for settlement can be performed while checking the settlement process. Here, since the settlement of the storage game medium is performed first, it is possible to settle the storage game medium while performing the game of one game based on the input game medium that has already been inserted. It is possible to meet the needs of the player who wants to end the game while performing only one game time.

Means 7. In the means 2, a plurality of types of operation modes of the settlement operation means are set, and when the settlement operation means is operated in a predetermined operation form, the settlement processing means executes the settlement processing of the input game medium, and A gaming machine wherein the payment processing means executes the payment processing of the storage game medium when the payment operation means is operated in a different operation form.

According to the means 7, when the settlement operation means is operated in a predetermined operation form, the settlement processing for the input game medium is executed, and when the settlement operation means is operated in a different operation form, the settlement processing for the stored game medium is executed. From being
The settlement process can be performed by appropriately selecting a settlement mode according to the current playing situation of the player. For example, when only the payment processing for the input game medium is desired, the payment processing can be executed in such a manner that the payment operation means is operated in a predetermined operation mode. The operation mode of the settlement operation means can be classified based on whether the operation has been continued for a predetermined time or more, how many times the operation has been performed within the predetermined time, or the like. Also, the operation mode of the settlement operation means for settling both the input game medium and the storage game medium at once is set, and the operation causes the settlement processing means to execute the settlement processing of both media. It may be added.

Means 8. A game which includes an input unit for inserting a game medium, an output unit for paying out a game medium, and a storage unit for storing a game medium, wherein a game of one game time can be executed by inserting a predetermined number of game media. Machine, as the input means, a first input means for inputting a game medium from outside, and a second input means for inputting a storage game medium stored in the storage means, only the first input means is effective Switching operation means operated to selectively switch between the first state in which the game is performed and the second state in which at least the second input means is enabled, and in the second state, the game medium is output by the output means. The payout is executed by storing the game medium in the storage means under a predetermined condition. In the first state, the payout of the game medium by the output means is performed by outputting the game medium to the outside. When the second state is switched from the second state to the first state by the operation of the switching operation means, the settlement processing of the storage game medium stored in the storage means is executed, and the switching operation means is further operated. Then, the presence or absence of the input game medium inserted by the input means is determined, and if the input game medium is present as a result of the determination, the payment processing of the input game medium is executed, and the input game medium exists. A gaming machine characterized by executing processing for switching from the first state to the second state if not.

According to the means 8, the selection switching based on the operation of the switching operation means enables only the first input means for inserting a game medium from the outside or at least the second input means for inserting a storage game medium. Therefore, it is possible to select a game medium input mode according to the player's preference. Further, in this case, not only the above-mentioned switching but also the settlement processing of the input game medium and the storage game medium can be executed by operating the switching operation means.
This means has an advantage in that the operation for such processing can be executed only by a single switching operation means.

Means 9 A game which includes an input unit for inserting a game medium, an output unit for paying out a game medium, and a storage unit for storing a game medium, wherein a game of one game time can be executed by inserting a predetermined number of game media. Machine, as the input means, a first input means for inputting a game medium from outside, and a second input means for inputting a storage game medium stored in the storage means, only the first input means is effective Switching operation means operated to selectively switch between the first state in which the game is performed and the second state in which at least the second input means is enabled, and in the second state, the game medium is output by the output means. The payout is executed by storing the game medium in the storage means under a predetermined condition. In the first state, the payout of the game medium by the output means is performed by outputting the game medium to the outside. The operation of the switching operation means determines the presence or absence of the input game medium inserted first by the input means. If the determination result indicates that the input game medium exists, the input game A gaming machine, comprising: executing a media settlement process, and executing a switching process between the first state and the second state when the input game medium does not exist.

According to the means 9, by the selection switching based on the operation of the switching operation means, only the first input means for inputting the game medium from the outside or at least the second input means for inputting the storage game medium is enabled. Therefore, it is possible to select a game medium input mode according to the player's preference. Further, in this case, not only the above-mentioned switching but also the settlement processing of the input game medium and the storage game medium can be executed by operating the switching operation means.
This means has an advantage in that the operation for such processing can be executed only by a single switching operation means.

Means 10. In the means 9, when the input game medium is in the second state at the time of execution of the payment processing, the payment processing is executed by the conversion processing of the input game medium into the storage game medium, and the first state is established. In this case, the settlement process is performed by outputting the input game medium to a game medium outside the game machine.

According to the means (10), the most suitable settlement processing of the input game medium is executed according to the state of whether or not the second input means is activated, so that the convenience of the settlement processing is further improved. Will be.

Means 11 A gaming machine according to any one of the means 1 to 10, further comprising a storage number display means for displaying the number of storage game media stored in the storage means so that a player can visually recognize the number.

According to the means 11, since the player can know the number of game media currently stored from the displayed content, it is easy to determine how many games can be played based on the stored content. Can be recognized.

Means 12. A gaming machine according to any one of means 8 to 10, further comprising status display means for displaying a current state of the first state and the second state so that the player can visually recognize the current state.

According to the means 12, since the player can play the game while always recognizing the currently selected state, even if the player is changed, for example, the changed player is Can be played according to the selection situation of the player, and confusion of the player can be avoided.

Means 13. In any one of the means 8 to 10, there is provided a storage number display means for displaying the number of storage game media stored in the storage means so as to be visually recognizable to a player, and the storage number display means is provided in the second state. A gaming machine characterized by sometimes displaying even if there is no storage number and turning off the light in the first state.

According to the means 13, since the player can know the number of game media currently stored from the displayed contents, it is easy to determine how many games can be played based on the stored contents. Can be recognized. Moreover, even if the number of stored data does not exist, the lighting state is maintained by, for example, zero display or the like, whereby the second state can be recognized. By turning off the light, the first state can be recognized. Therefore, there is an advantage that confusion of the player can be avoided without providing a separate state display means.

Means 14. In any one of the means 1 to 13, the game of one game time is performed depending on the presence or absence of the output of the game medium obtained according to the result derived and displayed on the variable display means, and the variable display of the variable display means A gaming machine comprising: a start operation means for starting the operation; and a stop operation means for stopping the variable display.

According to the means 14, both start and stop of the variable display of the variable display means can be performed by the intervention of the player, and the feeling of actively participating in the game can be matched to the player. .

Means 15. A gaming machine according to claim 14, wherein said variable display means comprises a plurality of identification information strings for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of identification information in a predetermined order.

According to the means 15, since there are a plurality of identification information strings, it is possible to determine whether or not a profit state such as a special game state occurs based on a combination of the identification information strings.

Means 16. In the means 14 or 15, the variable display means is constituted by mechanical display means for displaying identification information.

As such mechanical display means, a reel is generally used, but a belt type is also possible. In addition, it is possible to attach an electric display to such display means. For example, light is emitted from the inside of the reel to the reel by a light emitting means, and the transmitted light changes the identification information.

Means 17. In the means 15 or 16, the identification information is a symbol.

As the identification information, it is preferable to use a symbol, a figure, a character, a symbol, or the like in terms of ease of judgment by the player. In addition, it is preferable to change the size and color of the different types of symbols in order to facilitate the identification of the changing symbol type.

[0044]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the following, a gaming machine is a spinning-type gaming machine,
More specifically, an embodiment applied to a slot machine will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 1
Has a box-shaped machine body 2 having an open front.
A front panel 3 as a front opening / closing door is attached to the front side of the machine body 2 so as to be freely opened and closed. When the front panel 3 is in the closed state, the front open side of the machine body 2 is closed by the front panel 3. When the front panel 3 is in the closed state, the front panel 3 is locked by a lock mechanism (not shown) so that the front panel 3 cannot be opened. It is configured to be released.

The front panel 3 is provided with three vertically long display windows 5, 6, and 7 arranged side by side. The display windows 5, 6, 7 are made of a transparent or translucent material, and the inside can be visually recognized through the display windows 5, 6, 7.

The machine main body 2 accommodates a left reel 11, a middle reel 12, and a right reel 13 which constitute variable display means. Each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape (annular shape), but may be at least annular. Each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is rotatably supported such that the center axis thereof is the rotation axis of the reels 11, 12, and 13. Each reel 11, 1
The rotation axes 2 and 13 are arranged on the same axis extending substantially in the horizontal direction, and the respective reels 11, 12, and 13 correspond to the display windows 5, 6, 7 on a one-to-one basis. Therefore, a part of the surface of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is visible through the corresponding display windows 5, 6, and 7, respectively.

When the reels 11, 12, and 13 rotate, the reels 11, 12, and 1 pass through the display windows 5, 6, and 7, respectively.
3 is projected as if moving from top to bottom. These reels 11, 12, 13 are respectively provided with reel motors 15, 16, 17, such as stepping motors.
(See FIG. 4), and each reel motor 15,
The reels 11, 12, and 13 can be driven to rotate individually, that is, independently, by the driving of the reels 16 and 17.

On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13,
Many symbols are provided as identification information.
Of these symbols, the number of symbols visible through the display windows 5, 6, 7 is limited to a predetermined number mainly determined by the length of the display windows 5, 6, 7 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the number of symbols that can be visually recognized as a whole for each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is three.

Here, the symbols attached to the reels 11, 12, 13 will be described. FIG. 3 shows the left reel 11,
A symbol arrangement for each of the center reel 12 and the right reel 13 is shown. The figure shows the reels 11, 12, 1
It can be considered as a development view of the three surfaces. As shown in the figure, each reel 11, 12, 13 is provided with 21 symbols in a row. Each reel 11, 12, 13
Are numbered from 1 to 21 corresponding to the numbers of the reels 11, 12, and 12.
13 is not actually added. However, the following description will be made using the numbers.

As a symbol, there is a "7" symbol as a first special symbol for shifting to a big bonus game.
The “7” symbol is a white symbol (for example, the left reel 2
0th. Hereinafter, it is appropriately referred to as a “white 7” symbol and a red one (for example, the 21st reel on the left reel.
Design). In addition, there is a “BAR” symbol (for example, the 19th left reel) as a second special symbol for shifting to a regular bonus game. In addition, there is a “replay symbol” (for example, the first left reel) as a third special symbol for shifting to a replay game. In addition, "watermelon" as a small role symbol where the small portion is paid out
There are a symbol (for example, the fourth on the left reel), a "bell" symbol (for example, the second on the left reel), and a "cherry" symbol (for example, the third on the left reel). Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the numbers and arrangement orders of the symbols in the reels 11, 12, and 13 are completely different.

The number of payouts for each symbol will be described. Regarding the small role design, if the "watermelon" symbol is aligned with the left, center and right on the activated line described later, 15 medals will be paid out, and the "bell" symbol will be aligned with the left, center and right on the activated line In this case, eight medals are paid out, and when the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 11 stops on the activated line, two medals are paid out. That is, the center reel 12 and the right reel 1
The "Cherry" symbol of No. 3 has nothing to do with medal payout,
It is a meaningless design. Also, in the case of the "Cherry" symbol only, medals are paid out irrespective of the combination with other symbols, so that a "(specifically, upper or lower) position where a plurality of valid lines of the left reel 11 overlap is displayed. If the "Cherry" symbol is stopped, medals will be paid out by multiplying the number of overlapping active lines,
As a result, in the present embodiment, four medals are paid out.

As for the other symbols, the "red 7" symbol or the "white 7" symbol, which is a combination of the first special symbol (big bonus symbol), has the same color on the active line as left, center, and left.
"BAR" which is a combination of 15 medal payouts and a second special symbol (regular bonus symbol) when aligned to the right
15 if the pattern is aligned with the left, center and right on the active line
One medal is paid out.

Further, when the "replay" symbol, which is the combination of the third special symbols, is aligned with the left, center and right on the payline, the medal is not paid out. In other cases, that is, the "cherry" symbol of the left reel 11 does not stop on the activated line,
If the same symbols are not aligned on the left, center and right, no medal will be paid out.

In the present embodiment, the left and right reels 1 on the payline are further combined as small combination symbols.
"White 7" symbol on 1, 13 and "BAR" on middle reel 12
When the symbols are aligned, 15 medals are paid out (hereinafter, referred to as a first small symbol), and a “white 7” symbol is displayed on the left and right reels 11 and 13 on the activated line, and a middle reel 1 is displayed.
When the "red 7" symbol is prepared in 2, 15 medals are paid out (hereinafter, this is referred to as a second small symbol symbol). However, the first small win symbol and the second small win symbol are set so as to be activated only during the big bonus game. In other cases, even if the first small win symbol or the second small win symbol is on the activated line. No medals are paid out even if they are aligned.

The reels 11, 12, and 13 are examples of variable display means for variably displaying identification information, and constitute a main display unit. However, the variable display means may have another configuration. For example, may be a other mechanical reels configuration such as a belt-type reel, also, instead of the mechanical reels configuration, or in addition, the liquid crystal display device, identified by electrical representation of such a dot matrix display device A device for variably displaying information may be provided, and in this case, a wide variety of display forms can be provided.

The front panel 3 has display windows 5, 6,
7, five lines are provided in total, three lines being parallel in the horizontal direction and two lines being crossed diagonally. Of course, the maximum number of valid lines may be set to 6 or more, or may be set to less than 5, and the maximum number of valid lines may be changed according to a predetermined condition. Effective line display sections 21, 22, and 23 are provided on the left side when viewed from the front of the display windows 5, 6, and 7 corresponding to each of these effective lines. When the center horizontal line (center line) is activated, the first activated line display unit 21 is notified by lighting or the like. When the upper and lower horizontal lines (upper line and lower line) are activated, the second activated line display unit 22 is informed by lighting or the like. When the pair of diagonal lines (lower right line and upper right line) is activated, the third active line display unit 23 is notified by lighting or the like.

The display windows 5 on the front panel 3
A start lever 25 operated to start rotation of the reels 11, 12, and 13 all at once (not necessarily simultaneously) is provided on the lower left side of 6, 7. The start lever 25 constitutes a start operation means operated to start the variable display. On the right side of the start lever 25, there are provided button-shaped stop switches 27, 28, 29 which are operated to individually stop the rotating reels 11, 12, 13 individually. Each stop switch 27, 28, 29 is a reel 11, 1 to be stopped.
The display windows 5, 6, and 7 corresponding to the display windows 2, 13 are respectively disposed immediately below. The stop switches 27, 28, and 29 constitute stop operation means operated to stop the variable display.

The display windows 5 on the front of the front panel 3
A medal insertion slot 31 for inserting a medal as an investment value is provided on the lower right side of 6, 7. The medal insertion slot 31 forms an input unit for inputting an investment value.
In addition, if attention is paid to the fact that the medal insertion slot 31 involves an operation of directly inserting medals by a player, it can be said that it constitutes a direct input means for directly inputting an investment value.

The display windows 5, 5 of the front panel 3
A button-like first credit insertion switch 32 for inserting three virtual medals (stored game media) credited as investment value at a time is provided on the lower left side of 6, 7. The first credit input switch 32
Below the switch 32, a second credit input switch 33 and a third credit input switch 34 are provided as button-shaped switches smaller than the switch 32. Second
The credit insertion switch 33 is for inserting two credited virtual medals at a time, and the third credit insertion switch 34 is for inserting virtual medals one by one. Each credit input switch 32 ~
Reference numeral 34 denotes an input unit for inputting an investment value together with the medal insertion slot 31. Also, paying attention to the fact that the medal insertion slot 31 involves an operation of directly inserting a medal by a player, whereas each of the credit insertion switches 32 to 34 merely involves an operation of inserting a virtual medal based on the storage memory. It can also be said to constitute an indirect input means for indirectly inputting the investment value.

The first credit input switch 32
In order to urge that the maximum number of medals that can be inserted per game (three) has not been reached, a lamp as a light emitting member (not shown) is built in. The lamp is lit when the switch operation of the first credit insertion switch 32 is valid to prompt the operation of the switch 32. However, when there is no virtual medal that has been credited, or when three medals have already been inserted. It is turned off in the situation where it is. Here, instead of the above-mentioned lighting, it may be made to blink so as to make it easier for the player to recognize the medal insertion.

A button-shaped changeover switch 36 is provided on the left side of the medal insertion slot 31 on the front surface of the front panel 3. The changeover switch 36 is operated to change the handling format of the inserted medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 31 in an amount larger than a required amount and the acquired medals returned to the player as a result of the predetermined game. That is, for example, when the power is turned on, a setting is made so that surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (for example, 50 medals) are stored and stored as credit medals, and acquired medals are stored and stored as credit medals. When the changeover switch 36 is operated and the changeover switch 36 is operated, if there is a credit medal, the corresponding medal is paid out as a real medal and the surplus inserted medals and acquired medals are paid out as a real medal. It should be possible to switch to "direct mode". And this changeover switch 3
If the mode is switched between the "credit mode" and the "direct mode" each time the player 6 is operated, the player can execute a game in a format according to his / her preference. The changeover switch 36 constitutes a changeover operation means for changing the handling mode of the input value and the game value. Also,
Focusing on the function of paying out credited virtual medals as real medals, the changeover switch 36 can be said to constitute a settlement operation means for actually paying out the stored and stored game value.

However, as described later, in the present embodiment,
The changeover switch 36 serving as the settlement operation means is used to switch the mode between the "credit mode" and the "direct mode", and also to a medal (input game medium) already inserted (hereinafter, also referred to as "bet"). (Hereinafter, also referred to as a "bet medal").

The front panel 3 has a remaining number display section 38 as a storage number display means or a state display means for displaying the number of medals that are activated and stored in the credit mode and stored.
And an acquired number display section 39 for displaying the number of acquired medals. These two display units 38 and 39 are constituted by 2-digit 7-segment displays.
It is of course possible to substitute a liquid crystal display or the like.
In the credit mode, even if the medal number stored and stored is zero, the remaining number display section 38 does not turn off the light by performing zero display, while turning off the light in the direct mode, The off state allows the player to visually recognize the mode.

In the lower part of the slot machine 1, a medal discharge port 42 for discharging medals from a hopper device 41 housed inside the machine main body 2 and actual medals discharged from the medal discharge port 42 are stored. Receiving tray 43 is provided. The hopper device 41 constitutes output means for returning a real medal as a game value.

At the top of the slot machine 1, a big notification unit 45, a regular notification unit 46, a replay notification unit 47,
Various notification units such as the small notification unit 48 are provided. The arrangement locations of these various notification units are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and a common notification unit may perform different types of notification.

The big notifying section 45 includes the reels 11 and 1
When the "red 7" symbol or the "white 7" symbol as the first special symbol is aligned on the activated line at the time of stopping the second and the 13th, a notification that the big bonus game has been obtained is displayed by lighting or blinking. The regular notifying unit 46 controls each reel 1
When the "BAR" symbol as the second special symbol is aligned on the activated line when the rotation of the wheels 1, 12, 13 is stopped, the fact that the regular bonus game has been obtained is indicated by lighting, blinking or the like. The replay notification unit 47 is provided for each reel 1
When the "replay" symbols are aligned on the activated line when the rotation of the wheels 1, 12, 13 is stopped, the fact that the replay game has been obtained is indicated by lighting, blinking, or the like. Small part notification section 48
The "watermelon" symbol or the "bell" symbol as a small combination symbol is aligned on the activated line when the rotation of each of the reels 11, 12, 13 is stopped, or the "cherry" symbol is the left reel 11
When the vehicle stops on the active line, the fact that a predetermined number of medals have been obtained is displayed by flashing or flashing.

Each of the notification units 45 to 48 notifies the user by display, but instead of or in addition to this, the speaker 50 provided in the slot machine 1 may be used.
May be notified by voice.

Although not shown, each reel 11, 1
Light-emitting members may be provided on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of 2, 13. The light emitting member on the inner peripheral side of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 irradiates light from the inside of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 so that the player can see the transmitted light from each of the reels 11, 12, and 13. On the other hand, the light emitting member on the outer peripheral side of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 emits light from the outside of each of the reels 11, 12, and 13, and the reflected light from each of the reels 11, 12, and 13 is shown to the player. . Various effects can be produced depending on the light emission degree, light emission timing, light emission time, and the like of each light emitting member.

As shown in FIG. 1, an auxiliary display section 49 is provided on the front panel 3 on the right side of the position where the reels 11 to 13 are arranged. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary display unit 49 is configured by a liquid crystal display for the purpose of diversifying the display content and increasing the display effect. However, the auxiliary display unit 49 may use another display such as a dot matrix display. Good.

The auxiliary display section 49 is for executing various display effects as the game progresses.
13 can be considered to be played by the main display unit, and thus is referred to as an auxiliary display unit 49 in the present embodiment. The auxiliary display unit 49 has a navigation function such as giving various information to a player. The contents displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 has a controller 51 for performing various controls related to the game.
Is provided. The control device 51 includes a CP that controls the control.
U, ROM storing a game program, RAM storing necessary data according to the progress of the game, a port for communicating with various devices, a random number generator used in various lotteries,
It has a control circuit board including a clock pulse generation circuit and the like used for time counting and synchronization, and is constituted by a control board box in which the control circuit board is housed in a box. The control device 51 functions as a main base built in the slot machine 1.

On the input side of the control device 51, a start detection sensor 61 for detecting the operation of the start lever 25, stop detection sensors 62, 63, 64 for individually detecting the operations of the respective stop switches 27, 28, 29, medals An inserted medal detection sensor 65 for detecting medals inserted from the insertion slot 31, and credit input detection sensors 66, 67, 68 individually corresponding to the switches 32 to 34 for detecting operations of the credit input switches 32 to 34. , A switching detection sensor 69 for detecting the operation of the changeover switch 36, reel position detection sensors 71, 72, 73 for individually detecting the rotational positions (origin positions) of the reels 11, 12, 13, and a medal paid out from the hopper device 41. And various sensors such as a hopper detection sensor 74 for detecting the

Incidentally, the inserted medal detection sensor 65 is actually composed of a plurality of sensors. That is, the medal passage from the medal insertion slot 31 to the hopper device 41 is configured so that medals can pass in one line. And
A first sensor is provided in the medal passage, and a second sensor and a third
The sensors are provided close to each other (at such a position that a state where the same medal is simultaneously detected at least at one time) is provided, and the inserted medal detection sensor 65 is provided by each of the first to third sensors. Control device 5
1 monitors the time from the first sensor to the second sensor,
If the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time, it is considered that a coin is jammed or illegal, and an error is generated. When an error occurs, an error is notified and the operation by the player until the error is canceled is invalidated. The control device 51 also monitors the order in which the second sensor and the third sensor are turned on and off.
When only the sensor is ON, both the second and third sensors are ON, only the third sensor is ON, and both the second and third sensors are OFF, and the time for shifting to each ON / OFF switching is within a predetermined time. Is determined that the coin has been normally taken in, and an error is assumed otherwise. The reason for this is to prevent medals from being jammed in the medal passage and from being misrecognized as inserted medals by reciprocating the medals near the inserted medal detection sensor 65.

On the output side of the control device 51, a motor drive circuit 81 for driving each of the reel motors 15, 16, 17 is provided.
Various display units 21 to 23, 38, 39, various notification units 45 to
Display drive circuit 82 for driving display 48, hopper device 4
1, a hopper drive circuit 83 for driving the speaker 1, a speaker drive circuit 84 for driving the speaker 50, a display control device 85 for driving and controlling the auxiliary display unit 49, and the like.

The display drive circuit 82 and the display control device 8
5 and the speaker drive circuit 84 are configured as an integrated board, and serve as a sub-board in relation to the control device 51 as a main board. That is, the burden on the main base is reduced by sub-bases for sounds and displays related to indirect games. The sub-base includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. Upon receiving a signal from the control device 51, the sub-base is independently configured with various notification units 45 to 48, an auxiliary display unit 49, and a speaker. 5
0 is notified and displayed.

As described above, the control device 51 serving as the main board and the display control device 85 serving as a part of the sub-board include a CPU,
Although a ROM, a RAM and the like are provided, in the following description, the control device 51 is described as a set of function realizing means without being restricted by the actual configuration itself. That is, the various functions described below are functions realized under the control of the CPU, and the control program is based on the stored contents of the ROM (in some cases, the RAM), and the necessary data at each time is stored in the RAM. Although the information is temporarily stored and held, the requirements and the like in the program can be made by those skilled in the art by adopting an appropriate table configuration or the like, and thus will not be individually described. However, when it is necessary to grasp the advantages of the present embodiment, a specific description will be given as appropriate.

The control device 51 is provided with "small winning combination lottery means". The small combination lottery means performs a lottery based on the timing at which the detection signal from the start detection sensor 61 is input to determine whether the small combination payout condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, since there are a plurality of types of small wins such as "watermelon", "bell", "cherry", etc., the small win lottery means performs a lottery to determine which type of small win payout condition is satisfied. It is determined whether or not the role flag is established. The other lotteries are also configured to change in accordance with the number of inserted medals, and generally, the greater the number of inserted medals, the more advantageous the lottery result for the player is obtained.

The control device 51 includes “replay game lottery means”. The replay game lottery means performs a lottery based on the timing at which the detection signal from the start detection sensor 61 is input to determine whether or not the replay game transition condition is satisfied, and thereby determines whether or not the replay flag is satisfied.

The control device 51 has "replay game control means". When the replay flag is established during the normal game, the replay game control means
At the time of stopping 1, 12, and 13, a certain pull-in stop control is applied and the replay symbol is stopped on the activated line semi-forcibly while referring to the contents of a replay establishment table described later. Then, on the condition that the replay symbol stops on the activated line, the next game can be performed free of charge. Of course, various lotteries are also executed when the replay game is played.

The control device 51 includes “regular bonus lottery means”. The regular bonus lottery means performs a lottery based on the timing at which the detection signal is input from the start detection sensor 61 to determine whether or not a regular bonus shift condition is satisfied, and thereby determines whether or not a regular bonus flag is satisfied.

The control device 51 has “regular bonus control means”. When the regular bonus flag is established during a normal game, the regular bonus control means performs a fixed pull-in stop control while stopping the reels 11, 12, and 13 while referring to the contents of the regular bonus establishment table. In addition, semi-forced second
Stop special symbols (regular bonus symbols) on the active line. Then, under the condition that the regular bonus symbol stops on the activated line, the predetermined number of games (12 times in this case) is set as an upper limit, and the normal gaming state, which is the current gaming state, is shifted to the regular bonus game. After that, it returns to the original gaming state. During the regular bonus game, there is only one activated line.

The control device 51 includes “a regular bonus lottery means”. The regular bonus lottery means is activated only during the regular bonus, and performs a lottery of a predetermined symbol (here, a replay symbol) at the timing when the detection signal from the start detection sensor 61 is input. Unlike the normal lottery, the lottery of the symbol is set so that a predetermined number of medals (for example, 15 medals) are paid out when the replay symbols are aligned on the activated line during the regular bonus, for example. The symbol is set as a medal payout symbol, and a lottery is performed to determine whether or not a condition for matching the medal payout symbol is satisfied. And
The regular bonus control means, as a result of the lottery,
If a replay flag is established (the replay flag is different from the regular game and is newly set for a regular bonus), a symbol other than the medal payout symbol is displayed on the activated line. The reels 11, 12, and 13 are controlled so as not to be aligned, and when the medal payout symbols are aligned a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times), the reels are regularly set even if the predetermined number of games (12 times) is not reached. End the bonus game.

The control device 51 has "big bonus lottery means". The big bonus lottery means performs a lottery based on the timing at which the detection signal from the start detection sensor 61 is input to determine whether or not the big bonus transition condition is satisfied, thereby determining whether or not a big bonus establishment flag is present.

The control device 51 has “big bonus control means”. When the big bonus flag is established during the normal game, when the reels 11, 12, and 13 are stopped, the big bonus control means applies a certain pull-in stop control while referring to the contents of a big bonus establishment table described later. To forcibly stop the first special symbol (big bonus symbol) on the activated line. Then, on condition that the big bonus symbol stops on the activated line, the game is shifted from the current game state, ie, the normal game, to the big bonus game, and then, in principle, returned to the original normal game state.

The control device 51 is provided with "lottery means during big bonus". The lottery means during the big bonus is activated only during the big bonus, and depending on the timing at which the detection signal from the start detection sensor 61 is input,
The lottery of the small combination symbol and the lottery of the jack-in are performed, and it is determined whether the small combination flag and the jack-in flag are established. Then, the big bonus control means refers to the small win establishment table so as to align a predetermined small win symbol on the activated line by the establishment of the small win flag, and the reel 11,
12 and 13 are semi-forced to be pulled in and stopped. Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the lottery of the first small combination symbol and the second small combination symbol is also performed by the lottery means during the big bonus. That is, during the big bonus game, the lottery means during the big bonus is used to select “white 7.
Lottery of the first small symbol as a combination of "Red 7 / White 7" symbol and second as a combination of "White 7 / BAR / White 7" symbol
Lottery of small symbol is also performed. In the present embodiment, the lottery of the first small combination symbol and the second small combination symbol is set to be established with a high probability in order to increase the number of medals obtained in the big bonus game. In addition, the lottery means during the big bonus sets the probability of establishment of the jack-in flag to 1/10.

Further, the big bonus control means semi-forcefully pulls in and stops the reels 11, 12, and 13 while referring to the contents of the replay establishment table so as to cause jack-in by establishment of the jack-in flag. . The jack-in is a state in which a game similar to the above-described regular bonus game is executed during the big bonus game, and specifically, occurs when “replay” symbols are arranged. Therefore, for executing the jack-in, the big bonus control means controls each reel 1 to align the jack-in symbol (replay symbol) on the activated line.
1, 12, and 13 are forcibly pulled in and stop controlled. When the player is jacked in, a game similar to the above-described regular bonus game is executed.

Here, in the case of a conventional slot machine, the big bonus game is to complete 30 small win games or to execute a predetermined number of jack-ins (for example, 3 times).
Times) digestion was to end. In this case, the jack-in game is calculated as one small win game. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a super big bonus game in which the upper limit of the small role game in the big bonus game is 50 games and a normal big bonus game in which the upper limit of the small role game is 20 games are set. These can be changed under predetermined conditions. Various conditions can be considered as the change condition, but in the present embodiment, the change condition is assigned with a probability of 1/2 before the start of the big bonus game.

The control related to the lottery and the progress of the super big bonus game and the normal big bonus game is performed by the above-mentioned big bonus control means. In other words, when the big bonus flag is established or when the big bonus symbol stops on the activated line, the big bonus control means performs the random drawing between the super big bonus game and the normal big bonus game by the internal lottery. The big bonus control means sets the maximum value of the small role game to 50 when the super big bonus game is drawn.
The small role game is advanced as a game, and when the jack-in game ends three times, the big bonus game is forcibly ended halfway. On the other hand, when the normal big bonus game is drawn, the big bonus control means advances the small role game by setting the maximum value of the number of small role games to 20 games, and forcibly terminates the game when the jack-in game ends three times. To end the big bonus game.

The control device 51 includes “reel control means” and “storage means”. The reel control means controls each of the reels 11 to 13 in accordance with the contents stored in the storage means, and in particular, controls the stop position of each of the reels 11 to 13 in accordance with the contents stored in various tables stored in the storage means. Is what you do.

Storage means (here, ROM, but RAM
It may be. The various tables stored in ()) are individually set according to the various flags that have been established. More specifically, for example, when no flag is established, a "missing table" for preventing any symbol from being aligned on the activated line, a small combination flag (a small combination flag is a bell symbol, a watermelon symbol) , A different flag corresponding to each small combination such as a cherry symbol is prepared.) A small combination formation table (hereinafter, in particular, the first small combination) for aligning a predetermined small combination symbol on the activated line corresponding to the small combination. When referring to a table of a small combination symbol or a second small combination symbol, it is referred to as a “first small combination formation table” or a “second small combination formation table”), and the replay symbol is displayed on the activated line in accordance with the replay flag. "Replay establishment table" to align, "Red 7" symbol or "White 7" corresponding to the big bonus flag
"Big formation table" for aligning symbols on activated lines, "BAR" corresponding to regular bonus flag
In addition to a “regular establishment table” for aligning the symbols on the activated line, a “line table” for determining on which activated line the established symbols are arranged, and the like.

Next, the display control device 85 will be described as a set of function realizing means without being restricted by the actual configuration itself. That is,
The various functions described below are realized under the control of the CPU, and the control program is based on the storage contents of the ROM (or the RAM in some cases), and the necessary data is temporarily stored in the RAM. However, since the program requirements and the like can be made by those skilled in the art by adopting an appropriate table configuration and the like, they will not be described individually. However, when it is necessary to grasp the advantages of the present embodiment, a specific description will be given as appropriate.

The display control device 85 has a "display storage means". The “display storage unit” is specifically realized by a ROM, a RAM, or the like.
9, various display data to be displayed are stored.

The display control device 85 has “auxiliary display control means”. The auxiliary display control means includes an auxiliary display unit 4
9 for display control, and realizes various auxiliary displays described below.

That is, first, the auxiliary display control means displays, on the auxiliary display unit 49, at least a "navigation display" for notifying the establishment of the small combination flag or the replay flag, and the small combination when the big bonus flag or the regular bonus flag is established. The display of the auxiliary display unit 49 is controlled so as to perform the “out-of-navigation display” for notifying that the flag or the like is established. It should be noted that the navigation display and the off-navigation display cannot be distinguished only from the display contents of the auxiliary display unit 49, and the respective reels 11 and
This is understood from the relationship with the contents of the stop of the steps 12 and 13.

That is, the auxiliary display control means, when the small combination flag or the replay flag is established as the "navigation display", displays the symbol corresponding to the small combination or the replay corresponding to the flag establishment by the auxiliary display unit before the end of the game. 49 to display a navigational function that prompts the player to stop the displayed symbol. On the other hand, when the big bonus flag or the regular bonus flag is established as the "out-of-navigation display", the small display or the replay symbol for which the flag is not originally established is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 before the end of the game. The navigational function that prompts the user to stop the symbols displayed on the screen is displayed, but since the displayed symbols are not originally flagged, the displayed symbols are actually aligned on the active line. The meaning is different from the above navigation display in that there is no.

The auxiliary display control means has a function of displaying on the auxiliary display unit 49 whether the above-mentioned super big bonus game or the normal big bonus game has been selected when the big bonus game is established. Here, the display as to whether the game is the super big bonus game or the normal big bonus game is made based on the information data on the bonus type from the big bonus control means of the control device 51.

During the super big bonus game, the auxiliary display control means sets the first small symbol, the second small symbol, other small symbol, and the replay symbol (jack-in symbol). In this case, a function of displaying the flag establishment on the auxiliary display unit 49 is provided so that the player can easily stop at the small combination or the like related to the flag establishment. On the other hand, the auxiliary display control means has a function of performing a display irrelevant to the flag establishment of each symbol during the normal big bonus game, but assists the display related to the establishment of various flags as in the super big bonus game. The display unit 49 may perform the operation.

Next, regarding the handling of medals, the relationship between the operation of the changeover switch 36 as the settlement operation means and the control of the control device 51 as the settlement processing means based on the operation will be described.

As described above, the "credit mode" and the "direct mode"
However, all of the processing resulting from the operation of the changeover switch 36 including this switching processing is realized by the control function of the control device 51.

In this embodiment, the changeover switch 36 is
In addition to the operation for switching the mode between the "credit mode" and the "direct mode", for returning a medal already inserted (hereinafter also referred to as "bet") (hereinafter also referred to as "bet medal"). It is also used for the operation.

That is, when the power is turned on, the credit mode is set under the control of the control device 51. In this credit mode, the changeover switch 3
6 is operated, an ON signal from the switching detection sensor 69 is input to the control device 51, and the control device 51 receives the ON signal, switches to the direct mode, and pays out credit medals as real medals. The hopper device 41 is driven and controlled via the hopper drive circuit 83 to execute medal payout.

When the changeover switch 36 is further operated in the direct mode, an ON signal from the changeover detection sensor 69 is input to the control device 51, and the control device 51 receives the ON signal and receives the bet medal. It is determined whether or not exists. That is, the control device 51 has a function as a judging means for judging the presence or absence of a bet. If it is determined that there is no bet medal, the control device 51 switches the mode from the direct mode to the credit mode. On the other hand, when it is determined that a bet medal exists, the control device 51 controls the hopper device 41 via the hopper drive circuit 83 to pay out the bet medal as a real medal while maintaining the credit mode.
Is driven to execute the medal payout.

When there is a bet in the direct mode and a bet exists, the changeover switch 36
Is operated, the control device 51 determines that there is a bet medal and does not switch the mode to the credit mode, but controls the drive of the hopper device 41 so as to pay out the bet medal as a real medal. Execute the medal payout.

Therefore, when there is no bet medal, the switching between the credit mode and the direct mode is performed every time the changeover switch 36 is operated.
If there is a bet medal, bet medal return processing is performed after the mode is switched from the credit mode to the direct mode by operating the changeover switch 36, and then the mode is switched to the credit mode only after a subsequent operation.

Next, the operation of the slot machine 1 having the above configuration will be described based on a game method.

At the start of the game, the player inserts medals from the medal insertion slot 31 or operates the credit insertion switches 32 to 34 to insert virtual medals based on the stored memory. The medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 31 is detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 65, and upon receiving the detection signal, the control device 51 determines that a medal has been inserted. On the other hand, the operation of the credit insertion switches 32 to 34 is performed by the credit insertion detection sensors 66 to
In response to the detection signal, the control device 51 determines that a predetermined number of virtual medals have been inserted.

In accordance with the number of inserted medals, the control unit 51 outputs information data on the number of inserted medals to the sub-board side, and the display drive circuit 82 controls the effective line display units 21, 22, 22
23 is turned on. Here, if one medal is inserted, only the valid line display section 21 is turned on and only the center horizontal line is activated. If two medals are inserted, the valid line display sections 21 and 22 are turned on. The center and upper and lower horizontal lines are activated, and if three medals are inserted, all activated line display sections 21, 22, and 23 are turned on to notify that all the lines have been activated. In the case of medal insertion by operating the credit insertion switches 32 to 34, the control device 51 subtracts the stored number of credited medals by that amount and displays a display corresponding to the subtracted value on the remaining number display section 38. Display control so that

When the player operates the start lever 25 when at least one line is activated, the operation is detected by the start detection sensor 61, and upon receiving the detection signal, the control device 51 causes the start lever 25 to operate. Determine that an operation has been performed. Then, the control device 51
In order to rotate all the reels 11, 12, and 13 all at once (or at the same time or with a predetermined time difference), each reel motor 15,
Drives 16 and 17 are controlled. As a result, each reel 11,
Reference numerals 12 and 13 rotate in one direction at such a speed that it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the symbols attached to the surface, and the symbols are moved from top to bottom through the display windows 5, 6, and 7. It is projected as if it were variably displayed toward.

At the timing when the detection signal based on the operation of the start lever 25 is input to the control device 51, during the normal game, the small-lot drawing means, the replay game drawing means,
Each lottery is performed by the regular bonus lottery means and the big bonus lottery means.

When the lottery result by the small lottery means means that the small role flag is established, the right to stop the appropriate small role symbol on the activated line is given only in the game. If the result of the lottery by the replay game lottery means that the replay flag is established, the right to shift to the replay game is given only in that game. When the result of the lottery by the regular bonus lottery means that the regular bonus flag is established, the right to shift to the regular bonus game is given, and the flag is held until the shift to the regular bonus game. If the result of the lottery by the big bonus lottery means that the big bonus flag is established, the right to shift to the big bonus game is given, and the flag is held until the shift to the big bonus game. Furthermore, when the lottery result of each lottery means does not mean that any condition is satisfied, none of the flags is set.

When the player operates the stop switches 27, 28, 29 in an arbitrary order after the lottery by the respective lottery means is completed, the operations are individually detected by the stop detection sensors 62, 63, 64, respectively. Upon receiving each detection signal, the control device 51 sets each stop switch 2
It is determined that operations 7, 28 and 29 have been performed. Then, the control unit 51, the stop switch 2 is operated
In order to individually stop the reels 11, 12, and 13 corresponding to 7, 28, and 29, the respective reel motors 15, 16, and 17 are controlled to stop via the motor drive circuit 81.

The stop positions of the reels 11, 12, and 13 are determined by referring to the tables stored in the storage unit of the control device 51 based on the establishment flags which are the lottery results of the lottery units. Is done. Therefore, if there is a symbol corresponding to the establishment flag from the activated line to four symbols in front of the reel rotation direction, in principle, control is performed such that the symbol is positively drawn on the activated line, If the reel stop timing is an error up to four symbols before, the error can be absorbed. As a result, even if the player is not skilled,
By means of 1, the symbol corresponding to the establishment flag can be stopped on the active line as much as possible.

When the reels 11, 12, and 13 are stopped, if the combination of symbols stopped on the activated line is a combination of predetermined symbols, that is, a combination of small symbol combinations, a combination of replay symbols, In the case of the combination of the first special symbol (big bonus symbol) and the combination of the second special symbol (regular bonus symbol), the control device 51 determines the combination of each stop symbol via the display driving circuit 82 on the sub-board side. The number of medals to be paid out is displayed on the acquired number display section 39.

The control device 51 performs payout control for paying out medals corresponding to the combinations of the stopped symbols as game values in parallel with the display on the acquired number display section 39 via the sub-base. As for the payout of such medals, the control device 51 drives the hopper device 41 via the hopper drive circuit 83, so that the medal is directly paid out from the medal discharge port 42 to the tray 43 as an actual medal. However, the operation of the changeover switch 36 is detected by the changeover detection sensor 69, and the control device 5
If the maximum value (50 sheets) that can be stored and stored has not been reached when it is determined that 1 is in the credit mode, that amount does not directly drive the hopper device 41,
It is stored and stored as a credit medal. In this case, the control device 51 adds the number of medals acquired this time to the number of stored medals that have been credited, via the sub-base so that the remaining number display unit 38 performs display according to the added value. Display control. Of course, even in this case, medals are directly paid out from the hopper device 41 for the number exceeding the maximum value of 50 cards that can be stored and stored.

If the symbols on the activated line are a small symbol combination or a combination of symbols with no payout, the normal game is continued. On the other hand, when the combination of the symbols arranged on the activated line is the combination of the replay symbols, the replay game control means executes the replay game in which the next game can be played free of charge. Also,
If the combination of symbols arranged on the activated line is a combination of regular bonus symbols, the regular bonus game is executed by the regular bonus control means.
When the combination of symbols arranged on the activated line is a combination of big bonus symbols, the big bonus game is executed by the big bonus control means.

When the small combination symbols are aligned on the activated line, the control device 51 controls the display of the small combination notification unit 48 via the display drive circuit 82 to display and inform the small combination formation and to drive the speaker. The drive of the speaker 50 is controlled via the circuit 84 to notify the completion of the small role by voice. Further, when the replay symbols are aligned on the activated line, the control device 51 controls the display of the replay notification unit 47 via the display drive circuit 82 to display and notify the transition to the replay game, and controls the speaker drive circuit 84. The drive of the speaker 50 is controlled via the speaker to notify the sound of the transition to the replay game.

If the regular bonus symbols are aligned on the active line, the control device 51
, The display of the transition to the regular bonus game is controlled by display control of the regular notification unit 46, and the speaker 50 is driven and controlled by the speaker drive circuit 84 to notify the transition to the regular bonus game by voice.

When the big bonus symbols are aligned on the activated line, the control device 51 controls the display of the big notifying section 45 via the display driving circuit 82 to display and notify the shift to the big bonus game. The drive of the speaker 50 is controlled via the speaker drive circuit 84, and the transition to the big bonus game is notified by voice.

The sound notification by the speakers 50 may be exaggerated (increase the volume, increase the tone, change the rhythm, etc.) as the profit from the return of the game value to the player increases. preferable. The same applies to the display mode of each of the notification units 45 to 48. For example, by changing the display mode such as blinking rapidly in a big bonus game, the magnitude of the obtained profit can be estimated by the player. .

Next, a part related to the navigation display effect and the off-navigation display effect of the auxiliary display unit 49 will be described.

First, the "navigation display" effect will be described. When the small combination flag or the replay flag is established, the auxiliary display control means extracts a symbol corresponding to the established flag based on the contents stored in the storage means, and displays the auxiliary display. Part 49
To be displayed. This display is performed in response to the detection of the operation of the start lever 25. That is, a predetermined symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 before the player operates the stop switches 27 to 29, and by referring to the symbol, the symbol which can be realized in the current game is displayed. You can figure out. For example, when the replay flag is established, a replay symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 as shown in FIG.

The state in which the replay symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the replay game control means refers to the replay establishment table in the storage means in response to the establishment of the replay flag. In response to the operation of the stop switches 27 to 29, the replay symbol is stopped at a predetermined effective line (the upward-sloping line in FIG. 5).

Therefore, the player can know that the contents displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 and the symbols actually formed on the activated lines when the reels 11, 12, and 13 are stopped correspond to each other.

Next, a description will be given of the effect of "display out of navigation". When the big bonus flag or the regular bonus flag is established, the auxiliary display control means sets the relative flag to the established flag based on the contents stored in the storage means of the display control device 85. Instead of extracting symbols to be played, a small role or a replay symbol different from these symbols is extracted and displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49. This display is performed in response to the detection of the operation of the start lever 25 as in the case of the “navigation display” effect. That is, before the player operates the stop switches 27 to 29, the auxiliary display unit 49
A predetermined symbol is displayed. For example, when the auxiliary display control unit has extracted a replay symbol, the auxiliary display unit 49 displays the replay symbol. Therefore, at the time when the symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49, the player cannot understand whether the display is the navigation display or the off-navigation display. It can be determined ex post fact that it was a display effect, and if the symbols such as the small role corresponding to the display symbol are not aligned on the activated line, it can be ex post fact that the display effect was out of navigation.

Here, when performing an off-navigation display effect, a process for forcibly tempering the symbol displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 is performed, and a big bonus symbol or the like that originally holds the flag is executed. It is preferable that they are not aligned. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
When, for example, a replay symbol is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49 in a state where the big bonus flag is established, the reel control means refers to the replay establishment table and activates the first and second reels 11 and 12. When the replay symbol is stopped on the line so as to stop, and the third or last reel 13 stops, by referring to a tempering-off table stored separately in the storage means, as shown in FIG. It is preferable that the right reel 13 that stops last does not stop the replay symbol on the line that rises to the right, so that the replay symbol becomes an out of line. In this way, in the situation where the two reels 11 and 12 are stopped, it is not clear whether the display effect is the navigation display effect or the off-navigation display effect. By being off, it can be understood for the first time that the display effect was out of navigation, and the fun of the out of navigation display effect can be emphasized to the player, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

In the above navigation display and off-navigation display effects, the relationship between the replay symbol and the big bonus flag has been described. However, other display symbols, for example, small role symbols, may be displayed on the auxiliary display unit 49. Needless to say, the same effect can be obtained even when the regular bonus flag is established.

Further, if the above-described off-navigation display effect is performed many times after the establishment of the big bonus flag, the fun of the display will be reduced by half. Therefore, a predetermined limit is imposed on the number of off-navigation display effects. Is preferred. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is performed only once when the big bonus flag is established and when the regular bonus flag is established. Since such a condition setting is effected only when these flags are established, the program design of the control device 51 is easy.

Next, the control of the big bonus game and the progress of the game in the present embodiment will be described.

After the big bonus flag is established, the reels 11 to 13 are operated based on the operation of the player or the lapse of a predetermined time.
Is stopped, and when the big bonus symbol is stopped on the activated line, the game enters the big bonus game.

In the present embodiment, when the big bonus flag is established (or when the big bonus symbol on the activated line is stopped), the big bonus control means performs the super big bonus game and the normal big bonus game by the internal lottery. A random lottery with the bonus game is performed. As described above, the lottery probabilities of the super big bonus game and the normal big bonus game are equal, and each lottery is performed with a probability of 1/2.

When the super big bonus game is drawn, the control device 51 outputs the game type information data to the sub board side, and the auxiliary display control means indicates to the auxiliary display section 49 that the super big bonus game has been acquired. Display. An example of this is shown in FIG. The super big bonus game is a game in which the number of small role games is set to 50 and the game value is very high. Therefore, in order to express the value, the auxiliary display unit 49 displays a character indicating joy and a specific display. The character display "SUPER" is displayed.

On the other hand, when the normal big bonus game is drawn, the control device 51 outputs the game type information data to the sub-board side, and the auxiliary display control means obtains the normal big bonus game on the auxiliary display section 49. Is displayed. An example of this is shown in FIG. In the normal big bonus game, the number of small role games is set to 20 and the game value is considerably lower than that of the super big bonus game.
9 displays a character indicating a disappointing state and a character display of "NORMAL" for specific clarification.

The auxiliary display unit 49 shown in FIGS.
Of the speaker 50 under the control of the sub-board together with the display of
It is preferable to generate a different voice depending on whether a super big bonus game or a normal big bonus game is obtained.

By the way, when the super big bonus game is acquired, the big bonus control means advances the small role game with the maximum value of the number of small role games as 50 games, and forcibly stops after the jack-in game is completed three times. End the big bonus game. On the other hand, when the normal big bonus game is acquired, the big bonus control means advances the small role game with the maximum value of the small role game being 20 games, and forcibly increases the big part in the middle of the jack-in game three times. End the bonus game.

As described above, during the big bonus, the lottery means sets the probability of establishment of the jack-in flag to 1/10. According to this setting, the jack-in flag is established at a rate of about once in 10 games. It is expected. Therefore, during the Super Big Bonus game, 50
Since the small win games are set, there is a great possibility that all of the preset three jack-in games can be acquired, whereas only 20 small win games are performed during the normal big bonus game. Since it is not set, there is a low possibility that all three preset jack-in games can be obtained. Further, in the super big bonus game, opportunities to acquire small roles other than the jack-in game are increased, whereas in the normal big bonus game, the opportunities are small.

As described above, by providing a plurality of large and small settings as the maximum value of the small role game in the big bonus game, it is possible to realize different modes of the game value of the super big bonus game and the normal big bonus game. As a result, it is possible to make the variation of the gaming property in the big bonus game abundant, and to enhance the interest of the game.

Now, during the course of the above-mentioned game, the player can operate the changeover switch 36 to select a medal handling form according to the player's preference.

That is, when there is no bet medal, every time the changeover switch 36 is operated, the alternate mode between the credit mode and the direct mode is performed. When the credit mode is set, and the virtual medal is credited and stored, the mode is switched to the direct mode so that the hopper device 4 is switched.
The virtual medals are paid out to the player via 1 as real medals. As a result, the player can play a game using a real medal or end the game.

On the other hand, when there is a bet medal,
After shifting from the credit mode to the direct mode by operating the changeover switch 36, a bet medal return process is performed, and further shifting to the credit mode is performed only by a subsequent operation. Therefore, even if the player once places a bet, the player can cancel the game based on the bet.

Since the above operation is only an operation of simply pressing one switch 36, the mode switching operation and the bet medal return operation can be realized by simple operations. In addition, since the slot machine 1 can be realized with only one changeover switch 36, the cost of the slot machine 1 can be suppressed without complicating the mechanism.

Hereinafter, another embodiment will be described.

(A) In the above embodiment, when there is no bet medal, the mode is switched between the credit mode and the direct mode by operating the changeover switch 36, and when there is a bet medal, the operation is directly changed from the credit mode by one operation. The mode is switched to the mode, and bet medals are returned in the next operation. However, the order may be changed. That is, when the changeover switch 36 is operated when there is a bet medal, a bet medal return process is executed first, and when there is no bet medal, a mode switch process may be executed. In this case, the return of the bet medals is a process prior to the mode switching.

(B) In the above embodiment, the changeover switch 3
Although the mode switching process and the bet medal return process are performed based on the simple operation of No. 6, the operation method of the changeover switch 36 may be changed. That is,
Short-time operation of the changeover switch 36 (for example, less than 0.5 seconds)
A mode switching process may be performed, and a bet medal return process may be performed by operating the changeover switch 36 for a long time (for example, keeping the switch pressed for 0.5 seconds or more). Of course, the bet medal return processing may be performed by a short-time operation of the changeover switch 36, while the mode switching processing may be performed by a long-time operation. The bet medal return process may be a return as a credit medal, in addition to a return as an actual medal. Whether the changeover switch 36 is operated for a short time or for a long time is determined by the controller 51 that the ON time of the changeover detection sensor 69 is 0.5 in the above example.
What is necessary is just to comprise so that it may judge by whether it exceeded second. According to this configuration, the player can freely operate bet medal return or mode switching by operating the changeover switch 36, and operations such as adjusting only bet medals without adjusting credit medals are also easy. Can be realized.

(C) The mode switching process is performed by a one-click operation of the changeover switch 36 (for example, one operation within one second), and a double-click operation of the changeover switch 36 (for example, two times or more within one second) ), The bet medal return processing may be performed. Of course, the bet medal return processing may be performed by a one-click operation of the changeover switch 36, while the mode switching processing may be performed by a double-click operation. The bet medal return process may be a return as a credit medal, in addition to a return as an actual medal. The control device 51 first determines whether the changeover switch 36 has been operated by one click or double click by the switch detection sensor 6.
It may be configured to determine whether or not the next on-state can be detected within a predetermined time (for example, one second) after the on-state of No. 9 is detected, and further the next on-state can be detected within a predetermined time (for example, one second). According to such a configuration, the player can freely operate bet medal return or mode switching by operating the changeover switch 36, and operations such as paying out only bet medals without paying out credit medals are also easy. Can be realized.

(D) Another switch may be used as the changeover switch 36. In this case, it is preferable to use a switch that is not used in the non-game state. For example, the stop switches 27 to 29 may be configured to have the function of the changeover switch 36 as appropriate. in this case,
For example, the stop switch 27 may function as the changeover switch 36 only when the start lever 25 is not operated (that is, before the game starts).

(E) The switch from the credit mode to the direct mode (and the settlement of the credit medals) and the settlement of the bet medals may be performed at once by operating the changeover switch 36 once. In this case, the convenience of the player is further improved.

(F) Although the display for executing the navigation display effect and the off-navigation display effect has been described on the auxiliary display unit 49, in addition to this, another display may be performed. Good. For example, in the situation where the player is not playing a game, a display explaining the game method is performed, a notification of the establishment of the big bonus flag is performed, and a display for character or the like is displayed to weight the display content. You may.

(G) The auxiliary display unit 49 such as a liquid crystal display or a dot matrix display is used for auxiliary display such as navigation.
A symbol similar to the symbol attached to 1, 12, 13 may be attached, and the symbol may be brightened by lighting a backlight or the like to be notified. Further, a mechanical display such as a navigation reel may be used instead of the above-described electric display. In addition, the "watermelon" pattern is green,
A configuration may be used in which a plurality of colors can be emitted so that the player can intuitively understand which symbol is displayed, such as a "bell" symbol such as yellow, and the navigation state is determined based on the color. . Furthermore, the notification may be made by voice instead of or in addition to the display notification exemplified above. In this case, the speaker 50 has the navigation function.

(H) The slot machine 1 having the big bonus game and the regular bonus game has been described. However, the present invention may be applied to a slot machine having no regular bonus game. In addition, the “red 7” symbol and the “white 7” symbol in the above embodiment may be used to determine whether the game is a normal big bonus game or a super big bonus game. Further, after the big bonus game, predetermined conditions are satisfied (the predetermined number of games have been completed,
Various additional values, such as a chance game function that can advance the game while suppressing the consumption of medals until a predetermined flag is established, may be provided.

(I) The design of each of the reels 11, 12, 13 is not limited to a picture, a number, a character, etc., but may be a geometric line, figure, or the like. Further, it is possible to compose a symbol by light, color, or the like, or to compose a symbol by a three-dimensional shape or the like, or to compose a symbol by combining them. That is, the symbol may be any as long as it has a function as information having identification (identification information).

(J) Although an example has been shown in which the gaming machine is embodied as a spinning-type gaming machine, particularly a slot machine 1, it may be embodied as a pachinko machine having a stop operation function such as a stop switch. Further, the present invention may be applied to a game machine of a type in which a slot machine and a pachinko machine are integrated. That is, among the slot machines, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions, a gaming machine having a ball insertion and ball payout function such as a pachinko machine may be used. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, only balls can be treated as a game value in a game hall, so it is a game value seen in a current game hall where pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed. It can eliminate the separate issues such as restriction of the burden and the gaming machine installation place on the equipment by the handling of a medal and a sphere.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the slot machine.

Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a symbol arrangement of the reel.

FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram of the slot machine.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a reel and an auxiliary display unit during a navigation display effect of a replay symbol.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display state of a reel and an auxiliary display unit in a display off-navigation display effect of a replay symbol.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a reel and an auxiliary display unit when a super big bonus game is obtained.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating display states of reels and an auxiliary display unit when a normal big bonus game is obtained.

[Explanation of symbols]

1. Slot machine as a spinning-type gaming machine as a gaming machine,
2 ... machine body, 3 ... front panel, 5, 6, 7 ... display window, 11 ... left reel constituting variable display means, 12 ...
Middle reel constituting variable display means, 13 right reel constituting variable display means, 15 left reel motor constituting variable display means, 16 medium reel motor constituting variable display means, 17 variable display means Constituting right reel motor, 21, 22, 23 ... effective line display section, 25 ... start lever as starting operation means, 27, 28, 29 ...
Stop switch as stop operation means, 31 ... Medal insertion slot as input means, 32, 33, 34 ... Credit input switch as input means, 36 ... Changeover switch as switching operation means or settlement operation means, 38 ... Number of storages The remaining number display section as display means or status display means, 39 ...
Acquisition number display unit, 41... Hopper device as output means, 4
5 Big notification unit as display notification means, 46 Regular notification unit as display notification means, 47 Replay notification unit as display notification means, 48 Small part notification unit as display notification means, 49 ... Notification means Auxiliary display unit, 51
... A control device that constitutes a settlement processing unit, various control units and a storage unit, 61... A start detection sensor as a start operation detection unit, 62, 63, 64. A stop detection sensor as a stop operation detection unit, 65. Inserted medal detection sensors, 66, 67, 68 ... credit insertion detection sensors as input detection means, 69 ... switching detection sensors, 71, 72, 73 ... reel position detection sensors as reel position detection means, 74 ... output detection A hopper detection sensor as means, 85 ... a display control device as display control means.

Claims (1)

[Claims] An input means for inserting a game medium, an output means for paying out a game medium, and a storage means for storing a game medium, wherein a predetermined number of game media are inserted to play one game time. In a gaming machine capable of executing, the settlement operation means operated to settle the input game medium inserted by the input means, and execute the settlement processing of the input game medium already inserted by the operation of the settlement operation means A gaming machine comprising: