JP2004350706A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To indicate the setting of a betting number easily understandably to a player without making him/her feel troublesome by lighting control of a light emitting means for irradiating a variable display device with light. <P>SOLUTION: In the variable display device constituted of three reels, nine reel lamps are provided corresponding to the total of nine patterns in three upper, middle and lower stages. When the betting number is set in each game, a BET command indicating the betting number is sent to a performance control board. According to the BET command, three reel lamps in the middle stage are lighted darkly when the betting number 1 is set newly from an existing betting number 0, and all nine reel lamps are lighted darkly when a new betting number 1 is set in addition to the existing betting number 1. In the BET command other than that, the betting number is 3, which is maximum, and all nine reel lamps are lighted brightly. When a start command is sent by the operation of a start lever, all nine reel lamps are lighted brightly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to a slot machine that controls lighting of a light emitting unit that emits light to a variable display device in accordance with a setting of a bet amount.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on an outer peripheral portion, and a prize is generated according to a display mode when rotation of each reel is stopped. Then, depending on the type of winning that has occurred, the payout of medals as valuable value is performed. Here, in order to start the game by rotating each reel, it is necessary to set the number of bets in advance.
[0003]
There are various types of bet numbers that can be set in each game in the slot machine. For example, there are a type in which a game can be started with an arbitrary number of bets of 1 to 3, and a type called a dedicated three-bet machine in which a game can be started only when the number of bets is three. In a normal game, the game is performed with the bet number set to one of 1 to 3 or 3, but only in the bonus game (including the JAC game during the regular bonus), the game is performed only with the bet number set to 1. Some do it.
[0004]
The bet amount in each game is set according to the bet amount setting operation of the player, except when automatically set in the game following the replay winning game.
Here, the maximum number of bets that can be set in each game is set in advance by the player, and when the number of bets set in the game is less than the maximum number of bets, the player is notified of that fact. There has been proposed a slot machine provided with means for notifying a user (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
By the way, the slot machine is for playing a game by rotating / stopping a plurality of reels on which symbols are drawn, and is provided with a reel lamp for emitting light from the back side of the reels. Irradiation of light by the reel lamp has a purpose of making it easy to see a design drawn on the reel, but also has a purpose of performing various effects by changing a lighting mode of the reel lamp (for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). reference).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent No. 2657354
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-10346
[Patent Document 3]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-80038
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the slot machine of Patent Literature 1, the notification that the bet amount set in the game is less than the maximum bet amount is performed using a dedicated display. However, this notification is not essential for playing the game in the slot machine. If attention is paid to a display for giving a notification that is not essential to the game, there is a fear that the player may feel troublesome.
[0008]
In addition, in the effects by the change of the lighting mode of the reel lamp in the conventional slot machine including the ones of Patent Documents 2 and 3, the scenes used for the purpose of the effect are limited. Since the player must always look at the reels constituting the variable display device in order to proceed with the game, the effect due to the change in the lighting mode of the reel lamp does not make the player feel much troublesome. This was not fully utilized as a production.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that can show the setting of the number of bets to a player in an easy-to-understand manner, without making the player feel annoying, by controlling lighting of a light emitting unit that irradiates the variable display device with light. I do.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention
By setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, the game can be started, and a variable display device (variable display device 2) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified is displayed. In the slot machine in which one game is completed by the derived display of the result and a predetermined prize can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
A light emitting unit (reel lamp 3LP) capable of irradiating light to a display area of the variable display device by a plurality of types of lighting modes;
A lighting control means (effect control board 102) for controlling a lighting mode of the light emitting means; and a setting state of the number of bets, at least a maximum setting state in which a settable maximum number of bets is set, according to an operation of a player. Bet number setting means (single BET button 14, MAX BET button 15, medal slot 13, steps S105, S108, S112) that can be set to a plurality of setting states, including:
The lighting control means,
When the game is not being executed, a specific lighting mode corresponding to the maximum setting state (FIG. 10D) and a specification corresponding to a setting state other than the maximum setting state according to the setting state of the bet amount. Lighting control means (steps S205, S207, S208) for controlling the lighting of the light-emitting means, in a lighting mode different from the lighting mode (FIGS. 10B and 10C);
During the execution of the game, a lighting control means (step S209) for controlling the lighting of the light emitting means in the specific lighting mode (FIG. 10E) is provided.
[0011]
In the above-mentioned slot machine, the lighting mode of the light emitting means changes according to the setting state of the betting number, so that the set betting number can be easily understood by the difference in the lighting mode. When the setting state of the number of bets becomes the maximum setting state, a specific type of lighting mode is used, thereby making it easier to understand that the maximum number of bets has been set. On the other hand, since it is the light emitted to the variable display device by the light emitting means that changes due to the difference in the setting state of the bet amount, the player does not need to pay attention to a place that is not essential for the progress of the game, which is annoying. There is no.
[0012]
Note that the plurality of lighting modes of the light emitting means can be distinguished by any one of light emission luminance, light emission color, light emission position, or an arbitrary combination of two or more thereof.
[0013]
In the above slot machine,
The bet amount setting means may include a maximum bet number setting means (MAXBET button 15) capable of setting the bet number setting state to the maximum setting state by one operation. In this case,
The non-game lighting control means, when the lighting mode of the light emitting means is the specific lighting mode, when the maximum betting number setting means sets the betting number setting state to the maximum setting state, The specific lighting mode can be continued (steps S209 and S208).
[0014]
In this case, the number of times that the lighting mode of the light emitting means needs to be changed can be reduced, and the control becomes easy. Further, in general, the life is shortened when the number of times of changing the lighting mode of the light emitting means is increased. However, since the number of times of the change is small, the life of the light emitting means can be extended.
[0015]
In this case, the non-game lighting control means turns on the light emitting means in the specific type of lighting mode from the end of the game to the time when the bet number is set for the next game, and sets the bet number for the next game. When the setting state is set to a setting state other than the maximum setting state, the light emitting unit can be turned on in a lighting mode other than the specific type of lighting mode (steps S209, S205, and S207).
[0016]
Here, since the light-emitting means is turned on in a lighting mode other than the specific type of lighting mode, the setting state of the bet number is other than the maximum setting state, that is, the bet number smaller than the maximum bet number is reduced. The user can easily recognize the set item.
[0017]
Here, the non-game lighting control means may turn off the light emitting means once and then turn on the light in a lighting mode other than the specific type of lighting mode.
[0018]
Alternatively, the non-game lighting control means changes the lighting mode in a stepwise manner until the specific type of lighting mode is achieved when the maximum betting number setting state is set to the maximum setting state by the maximum betting number setting means. As described above, the lighting of the light emitting means may be controlled.
[0019]
Further, the non-game lighting control means sets the bet amount by the betting number setting means after turning off the light emitting means once (or changing the lighting mode from that during the game) when the game is over. When it is done, the lighting of the light emitting means may be controlled in a lighting mode according to the setting state of the bet amount.
[0020]
In the above slot machine,
The setting states other than the maximum setting state (3) may include a plurality of setting states (1 or 2). In this case,
The non-game lighting control means, when in a setting state other than the maximum setting state, regardless of which of the plurality of setting states, to the same lighting mode different from the specific lighting mode The lighting of the light emitting means can be controlled.
[0021]
In this case, it can be easily distinguished whether or not the maximum bet amount. In addition, the number of times that the lighting mode of the light emitting means needs to be changed can be reduced, the control becomes easy, and the life of the light emitting means can be prolonged.
[0022]
In the above slot machine,
The display area of the variable display device may include a plurality of variable display units (reels 3L, 3C, 3R) of the same number as the maximum bet (3). In this case,
The light emitting means may be capable of emitting light to each of the plurality of variable display units,
The non-game lighting control means controls the lighting of the light emitting means so that the lighting mode formed by the combination of the variable display units to which light is illuminated has a different lighting mode corresponding to the setting state of the bet amount. can do.
[0023]
In this case, the set number of bets can be easily understood depending on the combination of the variable display units irradiated with light.
[0024]
In the above slot machine,
The variable display device may set an effective line as a reference for determining the occurrence of a prize according to the setting state of the bet amount (1 to 3 bet lamps 54 to 58). In this case,
The non-game lighting control means may control the lighting of the light emitting means so as to irradiate light to an effective line set according to the setting state of the bet amount.
[0025]
In this case, the effective line set according to the setting state of the bet number is easily understood by the light emitted from the light emitting means to the variable display device.
[0026]
In the above slot machine,
The predetermined number of bets may be the number of bets in the maximum setting state (step S110).
[0027]
In this case, a predetermined number of bets that can start the game (the number of bets in the maximum setting state) is set depending on whether the lighting mode of the light emitting unit is a specific type of lighting mode. It becomes easy to understand whether or not.
[0028]
However, the predetermined number of bets may be a setting state (1 or 2) other than the maximum setting state (3) in which the setting state of the bet number is set.
[0029]
The above slot machine
When a predetermined condition is satisfied (during a regular bonus), a special game (JAC game) in which the game is started only in a specific setting state (1) other than the maximum setting state is set. A special game control means (step S6) for causing the game to be executed may further be provided. In this case,
When the special game is executed, the betting amount setting state is set to the specific setting state (steps S112, S203 and S204), and the lighting control means performs the specific type of lighting mode. The lighting of the light emitting means can be controlled (step S209).
[0030]
In this case, the player can recognize that the number of bets required for playing the special game has been set according to the lighting mode of the light emitting means.
[0031]
In the above slot machine,
The bet amount setting means, when a replay win among the predetermined wins occurs according to the display result of the variable display device in the previous game, changes the bet amount setting state regardless of the operation of the player. A bet amount resetting means (step S113) for setting the same state as the previous game may be included. In this case,
The lighting control means can control the lighting of the light emitting means in the specific type of lighting mode when the betting number resetting means sets the same betting number as in the previous game (step S114). , S209).
[0032]
In this case, the player can recognize that the number of bets has been automatically set based on the replay winning of the previous game according to the lighting mode of the light emitting means.
[0033]
The above slot machine
It is possible to determine in advance whether or not to allow the occurrence of a special prize among the predetermined prizes, and to carry over the determination information indicating that the occurrence of the special prize is allowed until the occurrence of the special prize. Possible pre-determination means (step S3) may be further provided. In this case,
The lighting control means is capable of generating the special prize by carrying over the determination information, and is different from the specific lighting mode when the setting state of the bet number is the maximum setting state. The lighting mode may further include a carry-on lighting control unit that controls lighting of the light emitting unit.
[0034]
Here, the carry-on lighting control means can execute the game when the setting of the bet amount is the maximum setting state because the special prize can be generated by the carry-over of the determination information. Only when the vehicle is not in the middle, the lighting control of the light emitting means is controlled to a lighting mode different from the specific lighting mode, and even when a game is being executed, the light emitting means is controlled to a lighting mode different from the specific lighting mode. Lighting control of the means may be performed.
[0035]
Further, the carry-on lighting control means can generate the special prize by the carry-over of the decision information, even when the setting state of the number of bets is the maximum setting state, The lighting of the light emitting means may be controlled to a lighting mode different from the specific lighting mode on condition that a predetermined condition is satisfied.
[0036]
The carry-on lighting control means, when the setting state of the bet amount is the maximum setting state, differs depending on whether the special prize can be generated or not due to the determination information being carried over. The lighting of the light emitting means may be controlled to a lighting mode different from the specific lighting mode with a probability.
[0037]
Here, as a lighting mode different from the specific lighting mode, there may be a plurality of types of lighting modes. In this case,
The carry-on lighting control means, when the setting state of the bet amount is the maximum setting state, differs depending on whether the special prize can be generated or not due to the determination information being carried over. The lighting of the light emitting means can be controlled with a probability and with a probability according to the type of the predetermined lighting mode, in any one of the lighting modes different from the specific lighting mode.
[0038]
In such a case, it is determined whether a special prize can be generated due to the carryover of the decision information, or that there is a possibility that the special prize can be generated, and to what extent the possibility is possible. Can be recognized by the player according to the lighting mode of.
[0039]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0040]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the entire structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal structure visually recognized when the front door of the slot machine in FIG. 1 is opened. FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of the back side of the front door of the slot machine of FIG. The front door of the slot machine 1 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 (FIG. 1) and rotating it clockwise.
[0041]
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a variable display device 2 is provided on the upper front side of the slot machine 1. Inside the variable display device 2, a reel unit 3 including three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR, respectively.
[0042]
On the outer peripheral portions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, symbols such as "no color 7", "colored 7", "BAR", "JAC", "watermelon", "cherry", and "bell" are arranged in a predetermined order. It is drawn in. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are displayed in upper, lower, middle and lower tiers in a display area provided in the opening on the front side of the variable display device 2. Further, in the reel unit 3, a reel sensor 3SL, 3SC, 3SR for detecting a reference position of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and a reel lamp 3LP for irradiating light from the back are provided. I have. Details of the reel lamp 3LP will be described later.
[0043]
Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display section 21, a credit display section 22, and a payout display section 23 are provided. The number-of-games display section 21 is constituted by a number-of-games display 51 using a seven-segment display, and displays a value of a counter for counting the number of games and the number of winnings at the time of a big bonus or a regular bonus described later.
[0044]
The credit display unit 22 is configured by a credit display unit 52 of a seven-segment display, and displays the number of credits stored as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid out medals as described later. The payout display unit 23 is configured by a payout display 53 using a seven-segment display, and displays the number of medals to be paid out when a winning is achieved.
[0045]
On the left side of the variable display device 2, a single bet display unit 24, a two bet display unit 25, 26, and a three bet display unit 27, 28 are provided. The one, two, and three bet display units 24-28 respectively display one, two, and three bet lamps 54 through corresponding to lines activated according to the number of bets (hereinafter, referred to as valid lines). When 58 is turned on, the player is shown an active line in each game. The one-, two-, and three-betting bet display units 24-28 display that the one-, two-, and three-betting lamps 54-58 blink when a prize is won for a role described later. The activated lines that have won the combination described later are shown to the player.
[0046]
On the right side of the variable display device 2, an insertion instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, a weight display unit 31, a replay display unit 32, and a game over display unit 33 are provided. The insertion instruction display section 29 indicates that medals can be inserted when the insertion instruction lamp 59 is turned on. The start display unit 30 indicates that the start is possible, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted when the start lamp 60 is turned on. The weight display section 31 indicates that a weight described later is being applied by turning on the weight lamp 61. When the replay lamp 62 is turned on, the replay display section 32 indicates that a replay prize, described later, has been won. The game over display section 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped by turning on the game over lamp 63.
[0047]
On the upper side of the variable display device 2, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as presentation means. The liquid crystal display 4 displays various effects images according to the game state. The effect image is composed of, for example, a series of moving images, and is notified by the process of the effect or the final screen that an internal lottery, which will be described later, has been won or that there is a possibility of the internal lottery (the internal lottery A notification that the winning probability is 100%) or a notice (a notification that there is a possibility that the internal lottery has been won) is given.
[0048]
A medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a settlement button 16 are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2. BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 4) that light up when the bet amount can be set from the credits (maximum 50) stored as data are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAXBET button 15. Have been.
[0049]
The medal insertion slot 13 is for the player to insert a medal from here, and when the insertion of the medal is detected by the inserted medal sensor 44 while the insertion instruction section 29 is turned on, the number of bets is set, Alternatively, credits are stored as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When the bet amount is detected by the single BET switch 45 (see FIG. 4) or the MAX BET switch 46 (see FIG. 4), the bet amount from credit is set. The payment button 16 is a button for instructing payment of credits. When an operation is detected by the payment switch 47 (see FIG. 4), medals corresponding to the credits accumulated as data are paid out.
[0050]
A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are provided on a vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 4), the drive of the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR is started, and the reel is started. 3L, 3C and 3R start rotating. However, the operation of the start lever 11 is not effective unless the set bet amount is 3 (1 only during a regular bonus described later), and even if the physical operation is matched, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R Does not start to rotate.
[0051]
The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons operated by the player to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at desired timing, and the operation is performed by the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 4). , The rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. The fact that the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R can be operated is indicated to the player by turning on the operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, 63R (see FIG. 4) provided therein.
[0052]
Further, a panel covering the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is applied as the bonus notification unit 36. When the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 4) is turned on, the bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that a big bonus winning flag or a regular bonus winning flag described later is set with a probability of 100%. I do. On the right side of the stop button 12R, there is provided a medal jam clearing button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.
[0053]
On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout opening 71 and a medal storage plate 72 are provided. The medal payout opening 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 to the outside. The hopper 80 includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation, and a payout sensor 81 that detects the payout of medals. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 4) installed inside. Inside the overflow tank 95 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper 80, a full tank sensor 90 for detecting that the stored medals are full is provided.
[0054]
Loudspeakers 7U, 7L, and 7R as effect means are provided on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. The speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of a prize, a big bonus, and a regular bonus, and output an alarm sound at the time of an abnormality, and output various sound for an effect according to a game state. Do.
[0055]
Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, a game effect display section 5A that performs a light effect by emitting light from the game effect lamps 75A to 75M as effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. Ｍ5M are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5M perform effects with light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. The emission colors of the game effect display sections 5A to 5M may be a single color or a plurality of colors.
[0056]
A setting switch for setting a winning probability for an internal lottery described later and changing a set value (setting 1 to setting 6) of a payout rate of medals calculated based on the probability of winning in an internal lottery described below. A power supply unit including a setting key switch 92 for enabling operation of the setting switch 91, a second reset switch 93 for resetting an internal state (RAM 112 (see FIG. 5)), and a main switch 94 for switching power ON / OFF. 9 are provided.
[0057]
As a control board for controlling each of the above components, a power supply board 100 disposed on the lower side inside, a game control board 101 disposed on the upper side inside, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, and an external output board 105, and An effect control board 102 arranged behind the front door is provided. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine 1 including the control boards 100 to 105. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wiring mounted on the game control board 101 and the effect control board 102.
[0058]
The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 4, only the game control board 101 and the hopper 80 are connected, but power is also supplied to other units. A setting switch 91, a setting key switch 92, a second reset switch 93, and a main switch 94 are connected to the power supply board 100, and the detection signals of these switches are sent to the game control board 101.
[0059]
The game control board 101 is a main-side control board that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1. The game control board 101 includes a control unit 110 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. Yes. Further, a random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, a buffer circuit 117, a switch circuit 118, a motor circuit 119, and other circuits are mounted.
[0060]
The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113, performs processing relating to the progress of the game, and controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1 directly or indirectly. To control. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.
[0061]
The random number generation circuit 115 is configured by a counter that counts at predetermined time intervals according to a system clock or the like, and the sampling circuit 116 obtains a numerical value generated by the random number generation circuit 115. The CPU 111 obtains the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number by sending an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 in accordance with the processing. The CPU 111 transmits various commands (control information) described later to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114 and the buffer circuit 117. Information is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 in only one direction, and information is not sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101.
[0062]
The game control board 101 is connected to a single BET switch 45, a MAX BET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a inserted medal sensor 44. Of the switches / sensors are input. Further, detection signals of the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR are input via the reel relay board 103. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of the various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.
[0063]
The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a game count indicator 51, a credit indicator 52, a payout indicator 53, an insertion instruction lamp 59, a one bet lamp 54, a two bet lamp 55, 56, The three betting lamps 57 and 58, the game over lamp 63, the start lamp 60, the replay lamp 62, the BET button lamps 70a and 70b, and the operation valid lamps 63L, 63C and 63R are connected, and the CPU 111 determines according to the progress of the game. These operations are controlled.
[0064]
In addition, reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are connected to the game control board 101 via a reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 controls the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR via the motor circuit 119 and the reel relay board 103 with reference to the reel control table corresponding to the game state in the ROM 113 to stop the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Let it.
[0065]
The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of the effect in the slot machine 1, and has a control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124 mounted thereon. I have. Further, a random number generation circuit 125 and a sampling circuit 126 are provided, and the CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126 as a random number.
[0066]
The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform a process relating to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The effect is performed based on a command received from the game control board 101 via the buffer circuit 127 and the I / O port 124. The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs a control signal to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.
[0067]
The effect control board 102 is connected with gaming effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, a speaker 7, a fluorescent lamp 6, a weight lamp 61, and a bonus notification lamp 66, and a speaker drive circuit 131 for driving these. , A display drive circuit 132, a lamp drive circuit 133, and the like. The reel lamp 3LP is connected via the reel lamp relay board 104. The control unit of the effect control board 102 controls each of these units to perform the effect.
[0068]
The reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105, and the reel unit 3. A full tank sensor 90 is also connected to the reel relay board 103, and a detection signal thereof is input. The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer, and receives a signal during the big bonus, a signal during the regular bonus, a reel control signal, and a stop signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. A switch signal, a medal IN signal, and a medal OUT signal are output to the external device.
[0069]
In the slot machine 1, when the winning symbols are arranged on the activated line set according to the bet number of the variable display device 2, a winning is achieved. When a prize is generated, the gaming state is shifted according to the type of the winning combination, and medals are paid out. In order for a prize to be generated, the internal winning flag of the combination must be set, and details thereof will be described later.
[0070]
In the normal gaming state, if, for example, three "BARs" are aligned on any of the activated lines, the gaming state shifts to the regular bonus. During the regular bonus, a special game called a JAC game played with one bet is provided.
The regular bonus is ended by playing the JAC game only a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) or winning a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) ("JAC" is aligned on the active line: JAC winning). The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of JAC games and the number of winnings. It should be noted that the state in which the regular bonus has been transferred, that is, the game state in which the JAC game is being provided is referred to as a first special game state, and a regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101.
[0071]
If, for example, three “colored 7” or three “colorless 7” are aligned on the activated line according to the bet number, the gaming state shifts to the big bonus. In the big bonus, a maximum of 30 games called small combination games can be played. In this small win game, “JAC” is aligned on the active line with a relatively high probability (JACIN), and when JACIN is performed, the above-described regular bonus is provided (up to three times).
[0072]
The big bonus ends when the 30 small role games end or when the regular bonus based on the third JACIN ends. When the end condition is satisfied, a big bonus end command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. The game control board 101 is provided with a counter that counts the number of small role games, the number of JACINs, the number of JAC games and their winnings, and the number of medals acquired during the big bonus. The state in which the game has shifted to the big bonus is referred to as a second special game state, and a big bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101.
[0073]
In addition, when "watermelon" or "bell" is aligned on the activated line, or when "cherry" appears on the left reel 3L, a small win is made. In the normal game state, if "JAC" is aligned on the activated line, a replay winning is achieved. The replay is not a small role in a strict sense, but is common in that it does not involve a transition of the gaming state. Therefore, simply referring to “small role” includes a replay winning, a JACIN, and a JAC winning. In addition, a simple “bonus” includes both a big bonus and a regular bonus.
[0074]
Next, the internal lottery will be described. The internal lottery is for determining in advance whether or not the winning of each of the above-mentioned roles is permitted. The internal lottery random number obtained by using the hardware random number function, the setting by the setting switch 91, and the current game state By referring to the winning determination table prepared in the ROM 113 based on the above, the CPU 111 performs such means for such a pre-determination. When the internal lottery is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the RAM 112 of the game control board 101.
[0075]
According to the result of the above internal lottery, a big bonus winning flag, a regular bonus winning flag, and a small winning combination flag (a plurality of small winning combinations are provided depending on the type of small winning) are set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101. Only one new winning flag is set in one game. The small role winning flag is not carried over to the next game transition, but only the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag are carried over after the next game until an actual prize is won.
[0076]
Next, lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the number of reels 3L, 3C, and 3R constituting the variable display device 2 is 3, the number of display stages of the symbols is 3 in the upper, middle, and lower stages. Nine symbols are displayed. Nine reel lamps 3LP are provided corresponding to nine symbols displayed in the display area of the variable display device 2, and irradiate light to each of them. The lighting of the nine reel lamps 3LP is independently controlled by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 into one of the brightly lit state, the darkly lit state, and the unlit state. When the CPU 121 instructs any one of the states, the lighting state is maintained until the next instruction is given.
[0077]
During the progress of the game from the operation of the start lever 11 to the stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, all nine reel lamps 3LP are lit brightly. The start of the game can be recognized by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 by a start command transmitted from the game control board 101 by operating the start lever 11. Even after the game is over, the lighting state of the reel lamp 3LP is kept the same as that during the game, but when the bet amount is set for the next game (broadly defined: described later), the set bet amount , The state of the nine reel lamps 3LP is controlled.
[0078]
When the number of bets is set to 1 by operating the single BET button 14 or inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot 13, the three reel lamps 3LP in the middle stage are lit darkly. This corresponds to one active line in the middle stage set when the number of bets is one. Further, when the bet amount is set to 2 by operating the single BET button 14 or inserting a medal, all nine reel lamps 3LP are lit darkly. This corresponds to the upper, middle, and lower three effective lines set when the number of bets is two.
[0079]
Further, when the number of bets is set to 3 by operating the single BET button 14 or inserting a medal, or by operating the MAXBET button 15, all nine reel lamps 3LP are lit brightly. This corresponds to a total of five active lines, which are three upper and lower middle rows and two diagonal lines set when the number of bets is three.
[0080]
Here, the control related to the setting of the number of bets is performed in the game control board 101. However, since the lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP is performed in the effect control board 102, the information related to the setting of the number of bets is transmitted from the game control board 101. It is necessary to send to the effect control board 102. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a format of a BET command for this purpose.
[0081]
As shown, the BET command includes an existing bet amount and a new bet amount as information. For example, in the case where the bet amount is set to 1 by operating the single BET button 14 in a state where the bet amount is not set, the existing bet amount is 0 and the new bet amount is 1. When the single bet button 14 is operated and the bet number is set to 2 while the bet number is 1, the existing bet number is 1 and the new bet number is 1 in the BET command. When the MAXBET button 15 is operated to set the bet amount to 3 in a state where the bet amount is not set, the existing bet amount is 0 and the new bet amount is 3 in the BET command. When the MAXBET button 15 is operated to set the bet number to 3 in a state where the bet number is 1, the existing bet number is 1 and the new bet number is 2 in the BET command.
[0082]
When the slot machine 1 has not been operated for a certain period of time, that is, when the detection signals of the switches connected to the game control board 101 have not been input to the CPU 111 for a certain period or more, the slot machine 1 is brought into a customer waiting demonstration state. At this time, a demonstration command is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. When the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 receives this demo command, all nine reel lamps 3LP are turned off.
[0083]
Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment will be described. In the following description, in the case of "game", in a narrow sense, it means from operation of the start lever 11 to stop of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Of course, when playing the game, the betting number is set before the start lever 11 is operated, and the medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped. Are also included in the “game” in a broad sense. The word "game" is used in a narrow sense unless otherwise specified.
[0084]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing for one game (broad sense) executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. When the process of one game (broad sense) is started, first, an initial process is performed (step S1). When the game is normally in progress, nothing is performed as the initial processing. That is, this initialization process checks the settings and restores the backed up information when the power is turned on or when returning from an error.
[0085]
Next, the number of bets is set by operating the single BET button 14 or the MAX BET button 15 or by inserting a medal through the medal insertion slot 13 until the number becomes 3 (however, until the number becomes 1 during the regular bonus). Then, a BET process for instructing the start of the game by operating the start lever 11 is performed (step S2). However, if the player has won the replay in the previous game, the bet amount is automatically set by the replay flag (the replay flag is cleared at this stage), so that the start lever 11 is directly operated to start the game. You just need to give it. The details of the BET processing will be described later.
[0086]
When the number of bets is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, a lottery process is performed to determine whether or not the winning of each combination is permitted (step S3). Various winning flags are set in the RAM 112 based on the result of the lottery process.
[0087]
When the lottery process ends, a reel change start process is performed next (step S4). In the reel fluctuation start process, on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C and 3R in the previous game, the time counted by one game timer has elapsed. The reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to rotate all the left, middle, and right main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Thereby, the symbol is variably displayed on the variable display device 2. If the predetermined time has not elapsed from the start of the rotation in the previous game, the game waits for the start of rotation, and turns on the weight lamp 61 to notify the weight display unit 31 of that fact. The order in which the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start rotating may be changed according to the state of various flags set in the RAM 112. At the start of rotation, a reel stop timer and a one-game timer for the next game are started.
[0088]
Thereafter, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S5). In the reel fluctuation stop process, after a predetermined condition (detecting the reference position by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed) from the start of rotation of the reel is satisfied, the stop buttons 12L and 12C are set. , 12R are enabled, and when operated by the player, the drive of the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR is stopped, and the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. At this time, based on the various winning flags set in the RAM 112 and the game state, a stop symbol is selected by pull-in control for controlling the drive stop of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Further, when the time measured by the reel stop timer elapses a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the driving of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is forcibly stopped.
[0089]
When the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped, it is determined whether any of the above-mentioned winning symbols is aligned on the activated line corresponding to the bet number set in the BET processing in step S2 in the display mode at the time of the stop. A winning determination process is performed (step S6). If it is determined in this winning determination processing that any one of the winning combinations has been won, various processes corresponding to the winning generated in the game control board 101 are performed. Such processing includes the setting of a replay flag when a replay is won, the setting of the number of payouts when a prize is won in addition to replay, the erasure of a bonus winning flag when a bonus is won, and the setting of a bonus flag. In addition, a winning information command indicating presence and absence of a winning is sent to the effect control board 102.
[0090]
When the winning determination processing ends, a payout processing is performed (step S7). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of expected payout medals set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the excess number of medals is paid out from the medal payout opening 71 by driving the hopper motor 82. When the stop condition is satisfied by paying out the medals, the process proceeds to the stop control. In addition, processing such as counting the number of games at the time of the bonus and ending the bonus is also performed. In the case of ending the bonus, a bonus end command is sent to the effect control board 102. When the payout processing is completed, the processing for one game is completed, and subsequently, the next game (broad sense) processing is started.
[0091]
Next, the BET processing in step S2 will be described in detail. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the BET processing executed by the CPU 111 in step S2. Here, for the sake of simplicity, the description will be made on the assumption that three or more credits are always accumulated and that the maximum bet amount of 3 can be set as the bet amount when the MAXBET button 15 is operated.
[0092]
In the BET process, first, it is determined whether or not a replay winning has occurred as a result of the previous game and the replay flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S101). If no replay winning has occurred as a result of the previous game and the replay flag has not been set in the RAM 112, 0 is substituted as the initial value of the bet amount of the current game (step S102).
[0093]
Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is during the regular bonus (including the one provided during the big bonus) (step S103). If the current gaming state is not the regular bonus, whether the single BET button 14 has been operated by the detection signal of the single BET switch 45 or the medal from the medal slot 13 by the detection signal of the inserted medal sensor 44 Is determined (step S104).
[0094]
When the one-bet button 14 is operated or a medal is inserted, the bet amount of the current game is incremented by one. Further, one, two, and three betting lamps 54 to 58 are turned on in accordance with the number of bets after the addition (step S105). Further, the bet amount before the operation of the single BET button 14 or the insertion of a medal is set as the existing bet amount, a BET command in which the new bet amount is 1 is generated, and transmitted to the effect control board 102 ( Step S106). Then, the process proceeds to step S110.
[0095]
If neither the single BET button 14 nor the medal insertion has been performed, it is determined whether the MAXBET button 15 has been operated based on the detection signal of the MAXBET switch 46 (step S107). When the MAXBET button 15 is operated, the number of bets in the current game is set to three. Further, the one, two, and three betting lamps 54 to 58 are all turned on (step S108). Further, a BET command is generated in which the bet amount before the MAXBET button 15 is operated is set as the existing bet amount, and (3-existing bet amount) is set as the new bet amount, and transmitted to the effect control board 102 ( Step S109). Then, the process proceeds to step S110.
[0096]
If the MAXBET button 15 has not been operated, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, it is determined whether or not the number of bets in the current game has reached 3 (step S110). If the number of bets for the current game is not three, the process returns to step S104. If the number of bets in the current game is 3, the process proceeds to step S117.
[0097]
If the current gaming state is during the regular bonus, it is determined whether the single BET button 14 has been operated, whether the MAXBET button 15 has been operated, or whether a medal has been inserted through the medal insertion slot 13. (Step S111). If any of these bet amount setting operations has not been performed, the process of step S111 is repeated to wait for the player to perform the bet amount setting operation.
[0098]
When the operation of setting the bet amount of any one of the operation of the single BET button 14, the operation of the MAX BET button 15, and the insertion of medals is performed, the bet amount of the current game is set to one. Further, the one-page bet lamp 54 is turned on (step S112). Further, a BET command with the existing bet number set to 0 and the new bet number set to 1 is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S113). Then, the process proceeds to step S117.
[0099]
If the replay flag based on the replay winning as a result of the previous game is set in the RAM 112 in step S101, the bet number in the previous game is set as it is in the current game (step S114). Further, a BET command with the existing bet number set to 0 and the new bet number set to 3 is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S115). Further, the replay flag set in the RAM 112 is deleted (step S116). Then, the process proceeds to step S117.
[0100]
In step S117, it is determined whether or not the start lever 11 has been operated by the player based on whether or not the detection signal of the start switch 41 has been input. If the start lever 11 has not been operated, the process of step S117 is repeated to wait for the start lever 11 to be operated. When the start lever 11 has been operated, a start command is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S118). Then, the BET process ends, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0101]
In the repetition of the above-described game (in a broad sense), the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 shifts the game state between the normal game state, regular bonus, and big bonus, and issues a command according to the progress of the game. Is transmitted to the effect control board 102. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs a unique effect including lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP based on the command received from the game control board 101. Hereinafter, a process executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 to perform various effects (in particular, lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP) will be described.
[0102]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. The effect control board 102 determines whether or not a command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S201). Until the command is received, the process of step S201 is repeated, and the process is in a state of waiting for the reception of the command. When any command is received from the game control board 101, the type of the received command is determined (step S202).
[0103]
When the type of the received command is the BET command transmitted in step S106, S109, S113 or S115, whether the existing bet number of the received BET command is 0 and the new bet number is 1 Is determined (step S203). If the existing bet number of the BET command is 0 and the new bet number is 1, it is determined whether or not the current playing state is during the regular bonus (including the case where the bet is provided during the big bonus). (Step S204). If the current gaming state is not during the regular bonus, the middle three of the nine reel lamps 3LP are turned on darkly, and the upper and lower six are turned off (step S205). Then, the process returns to step S201.
[0104]
If the existing bet number of the BET command is 0 and the new bet number is not 1, it is determined whether the existing bet number is 1 and the new bet number is 1 (step S206). . If the existing bet number of the BET command is 1 and the new bet number is 1, all nine reel lamps 3LP are lit darkly (step S207). Then, the process returns to step S201.
[0105]
When the existing bet number of the BET command is 1 and the new bet number is not 1, the total of the existing bet number and the new bet number of the BET command is always 3. In this case, all of the nine reel lamps 3LP are turned on brightly. Also, even in the case where the current gaming state is the regular bonus in step S204, all nine reel lamps 3LP are lighted brightly (step S208). If all of the nine reel lamps 3LP are already brightly lit, that state is maintained. Then, the process returns to step S201.
[0106]
If the type of the received command is the start command transmitted in step S118, all of the nine reel lamps 3LP are turned on brightly (step S209). If all of the nine reel lamps 3LP are already brightly lit, that state is maintained. Then, the process returns to step S201.
[0107]
If the type of the received command is a demo command transmitted because the slot machine 1 has not been operated for a certain period of time, all nine reel lamps 3LP are turned off (step S210). In addition, a demonstration effect is performed by the liquid crystal display 4 or the like as needed (step S211). Then, the process returns to step S201.
[0108]
Further, when the type of the received command is another command, processing corresponding to the type of each command is executed (step S212). In this process, when the winning information command is received, if a regular bonus winning or a JACIN winning is indicated, the regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 122 to end the regular bonus (including the big bonus). When receiving the indicated command, a process of deleting the regular bonus flag is included. After that, the process returns to step S201.
[0109]
Next, a change in the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP in the slot machine 1 will be described based on a specific example. FIGS. 10A to 10F are diagrams specifically explaining the relationship between the progress of the game in the slot machine 1 and the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP.
[0110]
If the previous game has ended except for the replay winning, a new game (in a broad sense) starts with no bet amount set. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10A, the one, two, and three bet lamps 54 to 58 are turned off. At the time of executing the previous game, all of the nine reel lamps 3LP are brightly lit while maintaining the state in which all nine reel lamps 3LP are brightly lit (see FIG. 10E).
[0111]
When the single bet button 14 is operated or a medal is inserted from the state shown in FIG. 10A and the number of bets is set to 1, the single bet lamp 54 is turned on as shown in FIG. 10B. I do. Here, since one effective line is set in the middle stage, the three reel lamps 3LP in the middle stage are lit darkly and the six reel lamps 3LP in the upper and lower stages are turned off correspondingly.
[0112]
When the one-bet button 14 is operated or a medal is inserted and the number of bets is set to 2 from the state shown in FIG. 10B, as shown in FIG. The lamps 54 to 56 are turned on. Here, since three effective lines are set in the upper, middle, and lower tiers, all of the nine reel lamps 3LP are lit dark correspondingly.
[0113]
From the state shown in FIG. 10C, when the one-bet button 14 or the MAXBET button 15 is further operated or a medal is inserted and the number of bets is set to 3, as shown in FIG. The two and three betting lamps 54 to 58 are turned on. Here, in addition to the three effective lines in the upper, middle, and lower stages, two effective lines are set diagonally, and accordingly, all of the nine reel lamps 3LP light up brightly.
This lighting mode is the same as the lighting mode during the execution of the game (see FIG. 10E), and it can be seen that the game can be started.
[0114]
The same applies to the case where the MAXBET button 15 is operated from the state shown in FIG. The same applies to the case where the bet amount is set to 3 by operating the MAXBET button 15 from the state shown in FIG. 10A, but the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP is the state shown in FIG. 10A. I just keep it.
[0115]
When the start lever 11 is operated from the state shown in FIG. 10D, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R starts as shown in FIG. At times, all of the nine reel lamps 3LP light up brightly. Further, as shown in FIG. 10 (f), in the customer waiting demonstration state, all nine reel lamps 3LP are turned off.
[0116]
As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the bet amount changes from 0 (not set) to 3 in accordance with the operation of the player, but the reel lamp is changed according to the change in the bet amount. Since the lighting mode of the 3LP as a whole also changes, the player can easily understand the number of bets currently set by the difference in the lighting mode.
[0117]
The game can be started when the maximum bet amount of 3 is set. At this time, the lighting mode of the entire reel lamp 3LP (all nine are brightly lit) is the same as the lighting mode during execution of the game in which the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotating. Then, it becomes easy to understand that the game can be executed by this lighting mode.
[0118]
In addition, when the bet number is 1, the middle line is 1, the upper line, the lower line, the upper line, the lower line, and the diagonal line are added, so that a total of 5 active lines are set. The lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP as a whole according to the above corresponds to each set effective line. Therefore, depending on the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP, the effective line set according to the number of bets can be easily understood.
[0119]
During the execution of the game, all nine reel lamps 3LP are brightly lit, but the lighting mode does not change even after the game ends, the next game (broad sense) is started, and the number of bets is set. Even if there is no state, the lighting mode is maintained. Here, when the MAXBET button 15 is operated to set the bet amount to 3 from the beginning, the nine reel lamps 3LP are brightly lit, but as the actual control, the previous lighting mode is maintained as it is. Only. For this reason, the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP is rarely changed, control is easy, and the life of the reel lamp 3LP can be extended.
[0120]
By the way, in the slot machine 1, normally, it is possible to start a game only with a bet amount of 3, but in a JAC game during a regular bonus (including a game provided during a big bonus), the bet amount is set to 1 Only possible. When the bet amount is set to 1 in the JAC game, all the reel lamps 3LP light up brightly, which is the same as the lighting mode during the execution of the game, so that the game can be started. Players will be able to recognize. Even when the number of bets is automatically set based on the replay winning, all the reel lamps 3LP light up brightly and have the same lighting mode as that during the execution of the game, so that the game can be started. Players will be able to recognize.
[0121]
Thus, the change in the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP has a meaning as a notification of a difference in the set bet amount. To execute the game, the variable display device 2 is an indispensable element, but when the player watches it, the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP is inevitably seen. That is, the player does not need to pay attention to a part that is not essential for executing the game, so that the player does not feel troublesome.
[0122]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.
[0123]
Although the above embodiment has been described on the assumption that three or more credits are accumulated, the number of credits may actually be two or less. Therefore, when the number of credits is 0, the one-sheet BET button 14 and the MAXBET button 15 are invalidated, and even if a physical operation is performed, the determination results in steps S104, S107, and S111 are set to No. What is necessary is just to perform a process. When the number of credits is 1 and the MAXBET button 15 is operated, the processing may be performed assuming that the determination result of step S104 is Yes and the determination result of step S107 is No.
[0124]
If the MAXBET button 15 is operated when the number of credits is 2 and the bet amount is not set, 2 is set as the bet amount. In this case, a BET command in which the existing bet amount is set to 0 and the new bet amount is set to 2 is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Even when such a BET command is received, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 can light all nine reel lamps 3LP darkly. In a slot machine having two BET buttons in addition to the one BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15, even when the two BET buttons are operated, the same BET command is transmitted to transmit all nine reel lamps 3LP. May be lit darkly.
[0125]
In the above embodiment, the game can be started only when the bet amount is set to 3, except when the gaming state is during the regular bonus (including the case where the game is provided during the big bonus). However, the game may be started by operating the start lever 11 even when the bet amount is set to 1 or 2.
[0126]
However, even with a slot machine capable of starting a game when the number of bets is set to 1 or 2, generally, the expected value of the number of payouts with respect to the number of bets determined according to the probability of winning the internal lottery Is largest when the bet amount is set to 3, and is smallest when the bet amount is set to 1. In this case, the difference in the lighting state of the reel lamp 3LP as a whole according to the bet number indicates the magnitude of the expected value of the number of medals paid out for the bet number, which is easy for the player to understand. Become.
[0127]
Here, when a replay winning occurs in a game in which the bet amount is 1 or 2, 1 or 2 is set as the bet amount of the new game, the existing bet amount is set to 0, and the new bet amount is set. Is set to 1 or 2, and a BET command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 can recognize that the bet amount is automatically set based on the replay winning based on the winning information command sent at the end of the previous game.
[0128]
Therefore, when a BET command is sent based on the bet amount automatically set based on the replay winning, all nine reel lamps 3LP are brightly lit (in fact, the brightly lit state is maintained. Control). As a result, the bet amount is automatically set based on the replay winning, and the player can recognize that the game can be started in a state where the bet amount cannot be set. However, even if the bet amount is automatically set based on the replay winning, the lighting of the reel lamp 3LP may be controlled according to only the bet amount indicated by the BET command at that time.
[0129]
In the above embodiment, the start command is transmitted to the effect control board 102 by operating the start lever 11. However, if the internal lottery is performed by the operation of the start lever 11, a winning status notification command indicating the setting status of the winning flag set (or carried over) is transmitted to the effect control board 102 based on the result. The winning status notification command can also serve as a start command. This is because the internal lottery process does not cause a time difference that the player can recognize.
[0130]
In the above-described embodiment, during the execution of the game, all of the nine reel lamps 3LP are turned on brightly, and when the number of bets is set, the reel lamps 3LP are set so as to indicate an active line corresponding to the set bet number. When the demo command is transmitted without operating the slot machine 1 for a certain period of time, the reel lamp 3LP is turned off. However, the method of controlling the lighting of the reel lamp 3LP is not limited to this.
[0131]
For example, when 3 is set as the bet number, two diagonal lines are set in addition to the three upper, middle, and lower lines. Here, the five reel lamps 3LP on the diagonal may be brightly lit, and the other four reel lamps 3LP may be dimly lit. After such a lighting mode for a certain period, all the reel lamps 3LP may be brightly lit. As a result, the two diagonal effective lines can be more easily shown.
[0132]
When one game (broad sense) is completed and the game is shifted to a new game (broad sense), the bet amount is not set until the player performs a bet amount setting operation unless a replay winning in the previous game is performed. . In order to positively indicate that the betting number is not set, when one game is over, all the reel lamps 3LP are turned off once or the lighting mode when the betting number is 1-3 as a whole is set. Any other lighting mode (for example, only the central one reel lamp 3LP is lit darkly and the others are turned off) may be adopted. The lighting mode when the number of bets is set can be the same as in the above embodiment. In this case, the fact that the number of bets has not been set is clearly shown to the player. Note that if a replay has been won in the previous game, such turning off does not have to be performed.
[0133]
When the MAXBET button 15 is operated and the bet amount is set to 3 from a state where the bet amount is not set, the lighting mode and the bet amount when the bet amount is 1 for a predetermined time are set as the whole reel lamp 3LP. It is also possible to perform stepwise control such that after the lighting mode at 2 is set, the lighting mode at 3 is set. Before turning on the lighting mode when the bet number is 1, all the reels 3LP may be turned off once, and then the lighting mode may be set when the bet number is 1. In this case, the manner of controlling the lighting of the reel lamp 3LP is rich, and the interest of the effect can be improved.
[0134]
When the one-bet button 14 is operated or the medal is inserted from the medal slot 13 and the bet number is set to 1 when the bet number is not set, all the reels 3LP are turned off once. Alternatively, the lighting mode when the bet amount is 1 may be adopted. In this case, it is easier to distinguish whether or not the maximum bet amount has been set, and it is easy to understand that the setting operation of the maximum bet amount has not been performed.
[0135]
In the above-described three-bet exclusive machine, the game cannot be started when the number of bets is set to 1 or 2. Even if it is not a three-bet exclusive machine, the expected value of the number of payouts with respect to the number of bets is still not the most advantageous for the player. Therefore, whether the bet number is 1 or 2, the lighting mode of the entire reel lamp 3LP may be the same. However, it is necessary to make the lighting mode different from the lighting mode when the bet number is 3. In this case, it is possible for the player to simply distinguish that the game cannot be started or that the advantageous bet amount has not been set. Further, the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP is rarely changed, so that the control is easy and the life thereof can be extended.
[0136]
Further, the lighting mode of the nine reel lamps 3LP does not necessarily have to correspond to the activated line set according to the bet number. For example, as the bet number changes to 1, 2, and 3, , Left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, and 3R may be sequentially turned on three by three. In this case, although the effective line is not known in the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP, the correspondence with the currently set bet number is very easy to understand.
[0137]
Furthermore, the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP as a whole does not have to be distinguished by the difference in the light emission luminance and the light emission position. For example, when a reel lamp 3LP capable of emitting light of a plurality of colors is applied, the lighting mode of the entire reel lamp 3LP may be distinguished based on a difference in emission color. The light emission luminance, light emission position, and light emission color of each reel lamp 3LP may be arbitrarily combined to distinguish the overall lighting mode.
[0138]
In the above-described embodiment, the change in the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP is changed only by the difference in the set bet amount. However, the change of the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP can be used for performing other effects. As such an effect, it is conceivable that when a setting operation of the number of bets is performed, a notification of a bonus winning or a notice is given by changing a lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP.
However, at the time of setting the number of bets, since the internal lottery of the game is not performed, it is limited to the case where the bonus winning flag set in the previous game is omitted and the game is carried over to the current game.
[0139]
For example, when the MAXBET button 15 is operated in the game (broad sense) when the bonus winning flag is carried over, 3 is set as the bet amount. When 3 is set as the bet amount, all nine reel lamps 3LP are normally lit brightly, but only when the bonus winning flag is carried over, the three middle reel lamps 3LP are dimly lit. Then, the upper and lower six reel lamps 3LP are turned off.
[0140]
Even when the operation of the single BET button 14 or the insertion of medals is performed twice or three times and the bet amount is set to 2 or 3, only when the bonus winning flag is carried over, the middle three The reel lamp 3LP is turned on darkly, and the upper and lower six reel lamps 3LP are turned off. Lighting the three middle reel lamps 3LP darkly and turning off the upper and lower six reel lamps 3LP is a lighting mode when the bet number is 1, but even if the bet number is 2 or 3, By the appearance of the lighting mode, the player can recognize that the bonus winning flag has been carried over, and can notify the bonus at the time of the bet amount setting operation.
[0141]
Also, the following slot machine can be configured. Even if 3 is set as the bet number, all of the nine reel lamps 3LP may be lit darkly, and the probability depends on whether or not the bonus winning flag is set. Even if 2 or 3 is set as the bet number, the three reel lamps 3LP in the middle row may be lit darkly, and the six reel lamps 3LP in the upper row and the lower row may be turned off. It depends on whether or not it exists.
[0142]
When the number of bets is set to 3, the three reel lamps 3LP in the middle row are lit darkly, and when the six reel lamps 3LP in the upper row and the lower row are turned off, the probability of winning a bonus is that all of the 9 reel lamps 3LP are It can be set to be higher than the probability of winning a bonus when illuminated darkly. By controlling the lighting of the reel lamp 3LP in this manner, the player can recognize that the bonus winning flag may have been carried over and its probability, and have different degrees of reliability during the operation of setting the number of bets. Can give a bonus notice.
[0143]
By the way, a slot machine called a stock machine is controlled to a predetermined game state (for example, RT) even if a bonus winning flag is set, and a state in which a bonus prize is impossible or difficult (considered as impossible) is generated. , The bonus win is accumulated. It is when the predetermined gaming state is released that the bonus prize can be generated (corresponding to impossible) or easy (corresponding to difficult) when the predetermined game state is released. There is something to be done. In such a stock machine, a bonus winning flag is set, a predetermined gaming state is set, and there is a possibility that the gaming state is set, by controlling the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP, and the player is notified. It can be recognized.
[0144]
In the above-described embodiment, the reel lamp 3LP is configured as a backlight that emits light from the rear side of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. On the other hand, it may be configured as a front light that emits light from the front side of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, or a side light that emits light from the side surface.
[0145]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of bets set by the difference in the lighting mode of the light emitting means can be easily understood. In particular, a specific type of lighting mode makes it easier to understand that the maximum bet amount has been set. On the other hand, since the player does not need to pay attention to a place that is not essential for the progress of the game, there is no hassle.
[0146]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cases where the lighting mode of the light emitting means needs to be changed, to facilitate the control, and to prolong the life of the light emitting means.
[0147]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily distinguish whether or not the maximum bet amount. In addition, the number of times that the lighting mode of the light emitting means needs to be changed can be reduced, the control becomes easy, and the life of the light emitting means can be prolonged.
[0148]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the set bet amount can be easily understood depending on the combination of the variable display portions irradiated with light.
[0149]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the effective line set according to the setting state of the bet number is easily understood by the light emitted from the light emitting means to the variable display device.
[0150]
According to the invention of claim 6, a predetermined number of bets that can start a game (the number of bets in the maximum setting state) depending on whether the lighting mode of the light emitting means is a specific type of lighting mode. It is easy to see whether or not is set.
[0151]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the player can recognize that a special prize can be generated due to the carry-over of the decision information according to the lighting mode of the light-emitting means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal structure visually recognized when a front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 is opened.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a structure on a rear side of a front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wiring mounted on the game control board and the effect control board.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a format of a BET command.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the control unit in the game control board for each game.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the bet processing of FIG. 7 in detail.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a control unit in the effect control board.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the progress of a game and the lighting mode of a reel lamp.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 slot machine
2 Variable display device
3L, 3C, 3R reel
3LP reel lamp
14 Single BET Button
15 MAXBET button
101 game control board
102 Production control board

Claims (7)

It is possible to start a game by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and a display result of a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified is derived and displayed. As a result, one game is completed, and a predetermined prize can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device.
Light emitting means capable of irradiating light to a display area of the variable display device by a plurality of types of lighting modes,
Lighting control means for controlling a lighting mode of the light emitting means,
In accordance with the operation of the player, betting number setting means capable of setting the betting number setting state to a plurality of setting states including at least a maximum setting state in which a settable maximum betting number is set,
The lighting control means,
When the game is not running, the specific lighting mode corresponding to the maximum setting state and the specific lighting mode corresponding to the setting state other than the maximum setting state are differently lit according to the setting state of the bet amount. In an aspect, a non-game lighting control means for controlling lighting of the light emitting means,
A slot machine comprising: a game lighting control means for controlling lighting of the light emitting means in the specific lighting mode during execution of a game. The bet amount setting means includes a maximum bet number setting means capable of setting the setting state of the bet number to the maximum setting state by one operation,
The non-game lighting control means, when the lighting mode of the light emitting means is the specific lighting mode, when the maximum betting number setting means sets the betting number setting state to the maximum setting state, The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein a specific lighting mode is continued. The setting state other than the maximum setting state includes a plurality of setting states,
The non-game lighting control means, when in a setting state other than the maximum setting state, regardless of which of the plurality of setting states, to the same lighting mode different from the specific lighting mode 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein lighting control of the light emitting means is performed. The display area of the variable display device is provided with a plurality of variable display units of the same number as the maximum bet,
The light emitting means is capable of irradiating light to each of the plurality of variable display portions, and the non-game lighting control means is configured such that the lighting mode configured by a combination of the variable display portions to which light is irradiated is 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the light-emitting means is controlled to be turned on so as to have a different lighting mode in accordance with the setting state of the bet amount. 4. In the variable display device, an effective line is set as a reference for determining the occurrence of a winning according to the setting state of the bet number,
3. The lighting control unit according to claim 1, wherein the non-game lighting control unit controls the lighting of the light emitting unit so as to irradiate light to an effective line set according to the setting state of the bet amount. The described slot machine. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined number of bets is a number of bets in the maximum setting state. It is possible to determine in advance whether or not to allow the occurrence of a special prize of the predetermined prize, and to carry over the determination information indicating that the occurrence of the special prize is allowed until the occurrence of the special prize. Further comprising possible predetermined means,
The lighting control means can generate the special prize by carrying over the determination information, and is different from the specific lighting mode when the setting state of the number of bets is the maximum setting state. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a carry-on lighting control means for controlling lighting of the light emitting means in a lighting mode.

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