JP2006006650A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine that probably increases benefits to a player by reducing opportunities for the player to suffer a loss while controlling the stop of a reel so as to avoid double winning. <P>SOLUTION: Even when a benefit available to a player in accordance with a combination leading to winning is determined as a virtual benefit, and only the combination of patterns corresponding to a small winning combination is destined to be stopped on the effective line, if the balance between an investment due to the throwing-in of a game medium and the virtual benefit is a loss to the player, reels are stopped so as to line up only the combination of patterns corresponding to a special combination on the effective line. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine in which a game result is determined by a combination of symbols attached to a plurality of reels.

In slot machines that have existed in the past, small roles and bonuses sometimes won a prize. For example, a combination of symbols “7”-“7”-“7” is aligned on one effective line, and a combination of “cherry”-“any symbol”-“any symbol” is aligned on another effective line. In some cases (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-10-76044

  Each of the winning combinations is given a different role in advance. For example, a special role such as a so-called big bonus when the combination of symbols “7”-“7”-“7” is prepared is a role that becomes an opportunity to shift to a game that is advantageous to the player. In addition, the role of replay is a role that allows the player to play a game without newly inserting medals. Further, a small combination such as a watermelon is a combination for paying out a predetermined number of medals to the player.

  In this way, different roles are given to the winning combination, and when a predetermined winning combination is won, an operation corresponding to the winning combination is performed.

  However, when a double winning is recognized as in the conventional slot machine, there is a case where an operation inconsistent with the role given to the role has to be performed. For example, if a player who ignores an action corresponding to one combination and only performs an action corresponding to the other combination, despite the double winning, the player may obtain a profit by winning one of the combinations. could not. For this reason, the conventional slot machine may cause the player to have doubts about the game results.

  For this reason, it is desirable to control the reels so as to prevent duplicate winnings. Furthermore, even when the reels are stopped and controlled so as not to overlap, the player is still playing in the hope of gaining as much profit as possible.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that can increase a player's profit while performing reel stop control so as to avoid duplicate winnings. Is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, a profit that can be given to a player according to a winning combination is determined as a virtual profit, and only a combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination is stopped on the active line. Even if it is stipulated, if the player's loss is due to the investment due to the input of game media and the virtual profit, the reels should be stopped so that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the special role is stopped on the active line. Stop control.

Specifically, the slot machine according to the present invention is:
It is a slot machine in which the progress of a game is determined by the display mode when a plurality of rotatable reels to which a plurality of types of symbols are attached are stopped based on the player's operation. And
An input means for allowing a game medium to be input by a player so that the game can be started;
Operation means for issuing an operation signal in response to a player's operation;
Control means for determining the progress of the game by controlling rotation or stop of the plurality of reels based on the operation signal;
A symbol detecting means for detecting the type of the symbol that can stop on the active line based on the operation signal;
A role lottery means for lottery of a role including a special role for shifting to a special game advantageous to the player and a small role that is not transferred to the special game;
Between the time when the operation signal is issued and the reel is stopped, the symbol detection means detects the symbol type, based on the combination of symbol types on the effective line where the plurality of reels can be stopped. A winning winning combination determining means for determining a winning winning combination as a winning winning combination;
A virtual profit determining means for determining a profit that can be given to the player according to the winning combination as a virtual profit;
In the case where the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining unit indicates the possibility that the special combination and the small combination are won in duplicate, the small combination is determined based on the timing of the player's stop operation. A single winning determination means for determining that any one of a combination of symbols corresponding to a combination or a combination of symbols corresponding to the special combination is stopped on the effective line;
When the single winning determination means determines that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the small role is to be stopped on the active line, the balance of the investment due to the insertion of the game medium and the virtual profit is the loss of the player In this case, a balance corresponding stop means for stopping and controlling the reel so as to stop only the combination of symbols corresponding to the special combination at the effective line is included.

  According to the above-described invention, even if it is initially determined that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the small role is stopped at the active line, the balance of the investment due to the input of the game medium and the virtual profit is the loss of the player. When it is determined that it will be, the reel stop control is changed so that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the special role is stopped on the effective line, so on the premise that the reel stop control is performed so as to avoid duplicate winnings, By reducing the opportunity for a player to lose, the player's profits can increase.

  Here, the “virtual profit” means a profit that the player can obtain when winning a winning combination. This profit includes both positive profit embodied by the game medium and negative profit that allows the game to continue without newly investing the game medium.

  “The loss of the player is the balance of investment and virtual profits due to the input of game media” includes both cases where the virtual profits are positive profits and negative profits as described above. When the virtual profit is an active profit, it can be determined by the balance of the number of game media. If the virtual profit is a negative profit, a certain process is executed after comparing the number of game media. For example, if both a small role and a special role are elected, even if the small role can be won, depending on the type of small role, an investment to start a new game is included. The balance may be a loss. In this way, taking into account the new investment, it may be more profitable for the game to win the special role than to win the small role. Execute the process.

  In the case where the above-described virtual profit is a negative profit, the average number of game media that the player will be able to obtain is calculated based on the results of games played in the past in the slot machine, It may be determined whether or not the player loses by comparing the calculated average number of game media with the number of game media thrown by the player.

  Furthermore, “the type of symbols that can be stopped” of “the type of symbols that can stop on the effective line” and “the combination of the types of symbols on the effective line that can be stopped by a plurality of reels” This means the kind of symbols that the player can control to stop the reel by operating the operating means, and stop by the stop control. That is, depending on the stop control, it means that the type of symbol that stops on the active line may be changed within the range of the control.

  In addition, the small combination includes a specific small combination with different benefits to be given to the player depending on a display mode of the symbol when the reel is stopped, and

  The virtual winning combination when the specific small combination is stopped when the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means indicates that the special combination and the specific small combination may be won in duplicate. When the profit and loss due to the profit and the investment due to the input of the game medium results in a loss of the player, the income and expenditure correspondence stop means stops the reel so that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the special role is stopped on the effective line. What performs stop control is preferable.

  According to the above-described invention, in the case of a specific small combination, since the profit given to the player differs depending on the effective line where the specific small combination stops, even in the case of such a specific small combination, the player's The profit can be increased as much as possible.

  It is possible to increase the possibility of increasing the player's profit by reducing the chance of the player losing while performing the reel stop control so as to avoid the double winning.

<<<< first embodiment >>>>
<< Configuration of Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the front surface of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the slot machine 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 10 includes a box-shaped base portion 20 and a front door 40. The front door 40 is pivotally supported on the left side portion of the base portion 20 and is provided to be openable and closable on the front side of the base portion 20. FIG. 1 shows a state where the front door 40 is closed with respect to the base portion 20, and FIG. 2 shows a state where the front door 40 is opened approximately 180 degrees with respect to the base portion 20.

<Front side of front door 40>
The front door 40 is attached to the base unit 20 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front surface of the base unit 20 when closed. As shown in FIG. 1, a member related to operation and a member related to display are mainly provided on the front surface of the front door 40. A control circuit is mainly provided on the back surface of the front door 40.

<Operational parts>
As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 41 extending in the horizontal direction is provided at the approximate center of the front side (player side) of the front door 40. On the front side of the operation panel 41, a start switch 42 and three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are provided. Further, a 1-bet switch 62, a 2-bet switch 64, a maximum bet switch 66, and a medal insertion slot 46 are provided on the upper surface side of the operation panel 41. A medal tray 48 is also provided below the front door 40.

  The start switch 42 and the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are switches operated by the player. When the player operates the start switch 42, rotation of three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R described later is started. Further, when the player operates the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c, the reels 30L to 30R corresponding to the stop switches operated as described later are stopped.

  The functions of the 1-bet switch 62, the 2-bet switch 64, and the maximum bet switch 66 will be described later.

<Reel display window 50>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a reel display window 50 is formed at a substantially central portion of the front surface of the front door 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the reels 30 </ b> L to 30 </ b> R are rotatably accommodated in a reel unit 28 whose front side is open, and the reel unit 28 is supported by a support plate 26 fixed to the base body 20. . When the front door 40 is closed, the reel display window 50 is positioned on the opened front surface of the reel unit 28, and the player can select the type of symbols drawn on the reels 30L to 30R via the reel display window 50. Can be visually recognized.

  The reel display window 50 is covered with a transparent member, and as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 described later, five pay lines L1 to L5 are drawn.

  The left reel 30L corresponds to the left stop switch 44a, the middle reel 30C corresponds to the center stop switch 44b, and the right reel 30R corresponds to the right stop switch 44c. Thus, when the player operates the left stop switch 44a, the left reel 30L stops, when the player operates the center stop switch 44b, the middle reel 30C stops, and the player presses the right stop switch 44c. When operated, the right reel 30R stops.

  A plurality of types of symbols are attached to each of the three reels 30L to 30R. The types of symbols are those that can be identified by the player, such as the number “7” or the fruit “cherry”. As will be described later, when the three reels 30L to 30R are stopped, nine symbols are stopped and displayed in the reel display window 50 so as to be visible.

<Bet switches 62, 64 and 66 and winning lines L1 to L5>
When a predetermined number or more medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 46 of the operation panel 41 described above, the number of medals inserted by a medal counter (not shown) is counted, and the number is stored as the number of credits. The 1-bet switch 62 described above is a switch for setting one medal out of the stored credits to be a game bet. Further, the 2-bet switch 64 is a switch for targeting two medals out of the number of credits for game betting, and the maximum bet switch 66 is for three medals out of the number of credits for gaming. This is a switch for making a bet.

  Further, when the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, one of the 5 winning lines, for example, the winning line L1 is activated, and when the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, the 5 winning lines are displayed. When three of them, for example, winning lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated and the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, all five winning lines, that is, L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 are activated. In this manner, the bet switches 62 to 66 function as selection means for determining the number of medals to be a game bet and validating the pay lines L1 to L5.

  Hereinafter, the activated winning line is referred to as an activated line.

<Base part 20>
The base portion 20 shown in FIG. 2 is assembled in a wood shape or the like, and is formed in a box shape having an open front surface. A power supply unit 22 for supplying power to various devices mounted on the slot machine 10 and a medal payout device 24 including a hopper for storing medals are provided in the lower portion inside the base body portion 20. A support plate 26 is provided above the power supply unit 22 and the medal payout device 24. The support plate 26 supports a reel unit 28 that rotatably accommodates the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. Furthermore, a main control board 32 that controls the game played in the slot machine 10 as a whole is provided in the upper part inside the base body 20.

<Main control board 32>
The main control board 32 is a control board for controlling the start and stop of the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R and for controlling the entire game such as the progress of the game performed in the slot machine 10. The main control board 32 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) for performing arithmetic operations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) that stores a game program, and a RAM (Temporarily storing each data). Random access memory) (not shown). These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus so that data signals and address signals can be input / output.

  The main control board 32 is electrically connected to the bet switches 62, 64 and 66 described above. When the player operates the bet switches 62, 64 and 66, a bet instruction signal is issued from each of the bet switches 62, 64 and 66 to the main control board 32.

  Further, the main control board 32 is electrically connected to the above-described start switch 42 and the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. When the player operates the start switch 42 or the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c, an operation signal is issued from the start switch 42 or the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c to the main control board 32.

<Games in the slot machine 10>
A game in the slot machine 10 is a game in which a game result is determined by a combination of symbols determined by stop positions of the plurality of stopped reels 30L, 30C, or 30R. Further, this game is a game that is performed every time the player operates the start switch 42 and can be repeated as a single stroke from the start of rotation to the stop of rotation of the plurality of reels 30L, 30C, or 30R.

  The types of the above-described combinations include, for example, special combinations, small combinations, and replay combinations. The special role is a role that can shift from a normal game to a special game (a game advantageous to the player). The special combination includes a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as BB) and a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as RB).

  BB mentioned above is the role which transfers to BB game which is one of the special games. This BB game is a game in which a general game can be performed and a transition to a special game can be made. This privilege game is a game that performs a game in which a predetermined role is won with high probability, and is a game that can give a player a privilege that increases the possibility that the player will acquire more medals. The BB game is a game in which a general game and a bonus game can be repeated until a predetermined end condition is satisfied, for example, until the number of medals to be paid out exceeds a predetermined number.

  The RB is a role for shifting to an RB game which is one of special games. This RB game is a game in which a game corresponding to a privilege game in the BB game is played a predetermined number of times under a certain condition, that is, a game in which a predetermined role is won with a high probability.

  The small combination is a combination for paying out a predetermined number of medals. Furthermore, the re-game is a role that allows a re-game (hereinafter referred to as RP) that maintains the number of bets (the number of bets) in the currently played game.

<Stop positions P11 to P33>
An enlarged front view of the reel display window 50 described above is shown in FIG. The diagram shown in FIG. 3A shows a state where all of the three reels 30L to 30R are stopped and the symbol is stopped at a predetermined stop position. As described above, a plurality of types of symbols are attached to each of the three reels 30L to 30R. In the present embodiment, when all of the three reels 30L to 30R are stopped, three symbols are stopped and displayed for one reel, and nine symbols are stopped and displayed on the entire reel display window 50.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the three symbol stop positions for the left reel 30L are referred to as P11, P12, and P13 in order from the bottom, and the three symbol stop positions for the middle reel 30C are In order from the side, they are referred to as P21, P22, and P23, and the stop positions of the three symbols for the right reel 30R are referred to as P31, P32, and P33 in order from the bottom.

  For example, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 3A, for the left reel 30L, the symbol “Plum” stops at the stop position P11, the symbol “Cherry” stops at the stop position P12, and the symbol at the stop position P13. "Watermelon" has stopped. For the intermediate reel 30C, the symbol “BAR” stops at the stop position P21, the symbol “bell” stops at the stop position P22, and the symbol “plum” stops at the stop position P23. For the right reel 30R, the symbol “7” stops at the stop position P31, the symbol “watermelon” stops at the stop position P32, and the symbol “bell” stops at the stop position P33.

<Winning lines L1-L5>
As described above, the reel display window 50 is made of a transparent member, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the reel display window 50 has five winning lines L1 to L5 drawn therein.

  The winning line L1 is a straight line extending horizontally in the middle stage, the winning line L2 is a straight line extending horizontally in the upper stage, and the winning line L3 is a straight line extending horizontally in the lower stage. The winning line L4 is a straight line extending from the upper left to the lower right, and the winning line L5 is a straight line extending from the lower left to the upper right.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3A, the symbols “Cherry”-“Bell”-“Watermelon” are stopped from the left in the winning line L1. In the winning line L2, the symbols “watermelon”-“plum”-“bell” are stopped in order from the left. Further, the symbols “Plum”-“BAR”-“7” are stopped from the left in the winning line L3.

  Further, the symbols “watermelon”-“bell”-“7” stop in the winning line L4 in order from the left, and the symbols “Plum”-“bell”-“bell” in the winning line L5 in order from the left. Has stopped.

<Effective line>
As described above, when the player operates the bet switches 62 to 66, the player functions as selection means for activating the pay lines L1 to L5. When the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, the winning line L1 is activated, and when the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, the winning lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated and the maximum bet switch 66 is operated. Sometimes, all of the pay lines L1 to L5 are validated. As described above, the activated winning line is referred to as an activated line. It is determined whether or not a prize is won by a combination of symbols stopped on the active line.

  For example, when the combination of “7”-“7”-“7” is placed on the above-mentioned effective line L1, that is, when the symbol “7” is stopped at each of the stop positions P12, P22, and P32, a prize is won. It is judged that Further, when the combination of symbols that do not constitute a combination on the active line L1 is stopped, it is determined that no winning is made. On the other hand, even if the winning line is not activated, even if it is a combination of “7”-“7”-“7” on the winning line, It is not considered for judging whether or not a prize has been won.

  In the following description, when a specific example of a stopped symbol is displayed in a simplified manner, the display is performed using nine rectangles as shown in FIG. In this simplified display, the left vertical column indicates the left reel 30L, the central vertical column indicates the middle reel 30C, and the right vertical column indicates the right reel 30R. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 3C, as shown in FIG. 3A, the left reel 30L displays the three symbols “watermelon”, “cherry”, and “plum” from the top. The three reels “Plum”, “Bell”, and “BAR” are displayed on the middle reel 30C. The right reel 30R has “Bell” It shows that three symbols of “watermelon” and “7” are displayed.

<< Functions in Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main control functions in the slot machine 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 10 mainly includes an operation unit 500, an input unit 300, a main control unit 100, and a symbol display unit 400.

<Operating means 500>
The operation means 500 is operated by the player, and issues a signal indicating that the operation means 500 has been operated based on the player's operation to the main control means 100 described later. The start or end timing of the game is determined by a signal issued from the operation means 500 to the main control means 100. The operation means 500 may be any device that is operated by the player, such as one that operates by detecting the movement of the player's limbs, or one that operates by detecting the voice uttered by the player. The operation means 500 is preferably composed of the start switch 42 and the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c described above. The start of the game is determined by the signal issued from the start switch 42, and the end of the game is determined by the signal issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c.

<Input means 300>
A game medium is inserted into the input means 300 by the player so that the game can be started. The input unit 300 detects that a game medium has been input and issues a detection signal to a counting unit (not shown). The counting means counts based on the detection signal, and the counted number indicates the number of virtual candidate media that can be a target for a game bet, that is, a so-called credit number. Here, the game medium is a medium for making a bet on the game or making a reward according to the result of the game, and plays a role as a positive profit of the player.

<Main control means 100>
In addition to the operation means 500 described above, a symbol display means 400 described later is connected to the main control means 100. The main control means 100 controls the entire game such as the progress of the game and issues a control signal to the symbol display means 400.

<Role lottery means 120>
The role lottery means 120 performs a lottery for a predetermined role. Here, the combination includes a special combination, a small combination, and a replay.

  The special role is a role that shifts from a normal game to a special game (a game that can be expected to win medals more than a normal game and is advantageous to the player). Special roles generally include BB (Big Bonus) and RB (Regular Bonus). Note that BB and RB are roles for shifting to a BB game and an RB game, respectively, which are one of special games. The small combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out. The number of medals to be paid out is set differently depending on the type of the small role. Furthermore, the replay is a replaying role that enables a replaying with the number of medals inserted in the game (the number of bets) maintained.

  The role lottery means 120 includes, for example, a random number generation means 122 (hardware random number, etc.) for the role lottery, a random number extraction means 124 for extracting a random number generated by the random number generation means, and a random value extracted by the random number extraction means 124 And random number determination means 126 for determining the presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination.

  The random number generation means 122 of the role lottery means 120 generates random numbers in a predetermined positive integer range (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation). The random number extraction unit 124 extracts the random number generated by the random number generation unit 122 at a predetermined timing when the start switch 42 is operated by the player in the present embodiment. The random number determination means 126 determines the combination corresponding to the area to which the random number value belongs by comparing the random value extracted by the random number extraction means 124 with a lottery table (not shown). For example, when the extracted random number value belongs to the winning area of the small watermelon, it is determined that the small watermelon has been won, and when it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be non-winning.

  This combination lottery process is executed in step S12 of FIG.

<Reel control means 130>
The reel control unit 130 includes a reel rotation control unit 132 and a reel stop control unit 140.

<Reel rotation control means 132>
When the reel rotation control means 132 detects a start operation signal issued from the operation means 500 described above, preferably from the start switch 42, a drive signal is sent to the motors 86a, 86b and 86c for rotating the three reels 30L to 30R. To emit. By this drive signal, the three reels 30L to 30R start to rotate. This process is executed in step S14 of FIG.

<Reel stop control means 140>
When the reel stop control unit 140 detects a stop operation signal issued from the operation unit 500, preferably the stop switches 44a to 44c, the reel stop control unit 140 causes the motors 86a, 86b and 86c to stop the three reels 30R to 30L. Issue a drive signal.

  Further, when the single winning determination means 180 described later determines that both the special combination and the small combination can win, the reel stop control unit 140 determines the small combination based on the timing of the player's stop operation. The corresponding symbol combination is stopped on the active line.

  When a plurality of reels, for example, reels other than one of the three reels 30L to 30R are stopped and the symbol stopped on one of the effective lines L1 to L5 is a symbol corresponding to the special role When the single winning determination means 180, which will be described later, determines that both the special combination and the small combination can win, the reel stop control unit 140 prevents the special combination from winning and the small combination wins. As described above, one reel described above is stopped.

  When a plurality of reels, for example, reels other than one of the three reels 30L to 30R have already stopped and the last one reel is about to stop, the reels become one of the effective lines L1 to L5. When the symbol that may stop is a symbol corresponding to the special role, and the symbol that may stop other than the effective lines L1 to L5 is a symbol corresponding to the small role, the single winning decision is made If the means 180 determines that both the special combination and the small combination can be won, the reel stop control unit 140 is configured so that the special combination is not won and the small combination is won. Stop the reel.

  The multiple types of symbols drawn on the reels described above indicate the types of symbols when a reel other than one reel stops when one reel of the plurality of reels stops and stops on the effective line. Regardless of the specific design that was awarded. For example, a symbol “cherry” described later corresponds to this specific symbol.

  When one of the plurality of reels stops and the symbol stopped on the active line is a specific symbol, the reel control means 130 stops the reels other than one reel so that the special combination is not won. .

<Design detecting means 150>
The symbol detection means 150 detects the types of symbols that can be located on the effective line based on the stop signal issued from the operation means 500.

  As will be described later, the rotation angle sensors 83a to 83c generate signals corresponding to the angles at which the reels 30L to 30R are displaced from the origin when the reels 30L to 30R are at predetermined positions. By obtaining this signal, the positions at which the reels 30L to 30R are displaced from the origin can be obtained.

  The symbol detection means 150 stores a symbol correspondence table (not shown) that defines the relationship between the circumferential positions of the reels 30L to 30R and the types of symbols attached to the positions. The type of symbol can be acquired by searching the symbol correspondence table based on the position indicated by the signals generated from the rotation angle sensors 83a to 83c.

  By acquiring the symbol type by the symbol detection means 150, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a symbol that may win a prize within the control frame range described later. This determination process is executed in step S25 of FIG. 6 or FIG. 12 described later, or step S31 of FIG.

<Prize winning combination determining means 160>
The winning combination determining unit 160 detects a symbol type by the symbol detection unit 150 until an operation signal is issued from the above-described operation unit 500 and the reel control unit 130 stops the reel. Based on the combination of the types of symbols on the active line that can be stopped, the winning combination that is likely to win is determined as a winning winning combination.

  In the first embodiment, this process is executed in step S28 in FIG. 6 and step S33 in FIG. Further, it is executed in the subroutine of FIG. Furthermore, in 2nd Embodiment, it performs in FIG. 17 mentioned later.

<Possibility information storage means 165>
The possibility information storage unit 165 stores possibility information indicating the possibility of winning a winning combination based on the type of symbol detected by the symbol detection unit 150. This possibility information storage means 165 is a winning possibility information table in the first embodiment to be described later, and is a winning line table in the second embodiment.

<Virtual profit determining means 170>
The virtual profit determining unit 170 determines a profit that can be given to the player according to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining unit 160 as a virtual profit. Here, the “virtual profit” means a profit that the player can obtain when winning a winning combination. This profit includes both positive profit embodied by the game medium and negative profit that allows the game to continue without newly investing the game medium.

  This process is executed in step S43 in FIG. 8 or step S92 in FIG.

<Single winning determination means 180>
The single winning determination means 180 is based on the timing of the player's stop operation when the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining section 160 indicates that the special combination and the small combination may be won. Thus, it is determined that any one of a combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination or a combination of symbols corresponding to the special combination is stopped on the effective line.

  This process is executed in the subroutine of FIG. 8 or the subroutine of FIG.

<Balance balance stop means 190>
When it is determined that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the small role is to be stopped on the active line, the balance corresponding stop means 190 is a balance between the investment by the game medium input from the input means 300 by the player and the virtual profit. When a loss occurs, the reel is controlled to stop so that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the special combination is stopped on the effective line.

  This process is executed in steps S44, S48 and S49 in FIG. Moreover, it is executed in steps S93, S95 and S96 of FIG.

  Further, the balance handling stop means 190 stops the specific small combination when the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means 160 indicates that the special combination and the specific small combination may win a prize. When the balance of the virtual profit and the investment due to the input of the game medium is a loss of the player, the reels are controlled to stop only the combination of symbols corresponding to the special role on the active line.

  The above-described processing is executed in steps S44, S48, and S49 in FIG. Moreover, it is executed in steps S93, S95 and S96 of FIG.

<Design display means 400>
The symbol display means 400 includes reels 30L, 30C and 30R. Each of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is provided with a plurality of symbols along the rotation direction of the reel.

  The reel 30L includes a motor 86a for rotating the reel 30L and a rotation angle sensor 83a for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30L. The reel 30C includes a motor 86b for rotationally driving the reel 30C and a rotation angle sensor 83b for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30C. The reel 30R includes a motor 86c for rotationally driving the reel 30R and a rotation angle sensor 83c for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30R.

  The rotation angle sensors 83a to 83c emit signals corresponding to angles within a range of 0 to 360 degrees. That is, the rotation angle sensors 83a to 83c generate signals corresponding to the angles at which the reels 30L to 30R are displaced from the origin when the reels 30L to 30R are at predetermined positions. For example, when one revolution of a reel is divided into 400 steps, when it is located at the origin, a signal indicating that it is the 0th step is issued, and when it is at a position rotated 90 degrees from the origin, it is the 100th step. A signal indicating that By obtaining this signal, it is possible to obtain the positions at which the reels 30L to 30R are displaced from the origin (hereinafter referred to as the reel rotation angle position).

  As described above, the rotation angle sensors 83a to 83c are sensors that emit a signal indicating the number of steps corresponding to the angle. If the number of steps is obtained, the reels 30L to 30L can be obtained without obtaining or converting to a specific angle. A position displaced in the rotation direction of 30R can be obtained.

  The symbol detection means 150 described above stores a symbol correspondence table (not shown) that defines the relationship between the circumferential position of the reels 30L-30R and the symbol type attached to the position. The type of symbol can be acquired by searching the symbol correspondence table based on the position indicated by the signals generated from the rotation angle sensors 83a to 83c described above. By doing in this way, the kind of symbol stopped to effective lines L1-L5 can be obtained.

  The processing for obtaining the rotation angle position of the reel by the signals emitted from the rotation angle sensors 83a to 83c is executed in step S21 of FIG. 6 or FIG.

<< Control processing >>
Below, the control performed in the main control means 100 (main control board 32) mentioned above is demonstrated. In the following, the slot machine 10 is started in advance, and in the main control unit 100 described above, after starting processing such as initialization of various variables used for control, the slot machine 10 is in steady operation. Shall. Note that the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 show only one example for executing the control process in the main control unit 100, and are not limited to this process procedure. In the following, the reel that is stopped by the player's first stop operation is referred to as the first reel, the reel that is stopped by the second stop operation is referred to as the second reel, and the third, that is, the last stop. The reel that is stopped by the operation is referred to as a third reel. Therefore, the first reel does not always correspond to the left reel 30L, the second reel corresponds to the middle reel 30C, and the third reel does not correspond to the right reel 30R. The first reel corresponds to the order operated by the player. The reel to the third reel are determined.

<Control in main control means 100>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of control in the main control means 100 in the present embodiment.

  First, it is determined whether or not the start switch 42 has been turned on by the player (step S11). When it is determined that the start switch 42 is not turned on, the process of step S11 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 42 is turned on, the winning lottery process is executed by the winning lottery means 120 described above. Set (step S12). As described above, this combination lottery process is a process of drawing a combination such as a special combination, a small combination, and a replay. The winning combination flag is determined for each of the types of winning combinations, and the value of the flag corresponding to the type of the winning combination is set to 1 according to the type of winning combination.

  Next, a stop control table (not shown) to be referred to when stopping control of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is selected according to the lottery result of the combination lottery process in step S12 (step S13), and the three reels The rotation control of 30L, 30C, and 30R is started (step S14).

  Further, it is determined whether any of the three stop switches 44a to 44c is turned on by the player (step S15). When it is determined that any of the three stop switches 44a to 44c is not turned on, this determination process is repeated. When it is determined that any of the three stop switches 44a to 44c is turned on, the reel control means 130 calls and executes a subroutine for reel stop control processing described later, and corresponds to the turned-on stop switch. Any one of the reels 30L to 30R is controlled to stop (step S16).

  Next, it is determined whether or not all of the three reels 30L to 30R are stopped (step S17). When it is determined that all the reels 30L to 30R are not stopped, the process returns to step S15 described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the reels 30L to 30R are stopped, it is determined whether or not the combination of symbols corresponding to any combination has stopped on the active line, that is, whether or not any combination has been won. Judgment is made (step S18). When it is determined that a winning combination is won, a process corresponding to the winning combination is executed (step S19). For example, when winning a small role or the like, the payout process of the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is performed, and when winning a replay, the same number of medals inserted in the game is automatically inserted. .

  When it is determined in step S18 that no winning combination has been won, or when the process of step S19 is executed, this subroutine is terminated.

<Reel stop control>
FIG. 6 is a subroutine for processing the reel stop control that is called and executed in step S16 of FIG. 5 described above.

  First, the rotation angle position of the reel corresponding to the stop switch operated by the player among the three reels 30L to 30R is detected (step S21). As described above, the left reel 30L corresponds to the left stop switch 44a, the middle reel 30C corresponds to the center stop switch 44b, and the right reel 30R corresponds to the right stop switch 44c. The left reel 30L corresponds to the rotation angle sensor 83a, the middle reel 30C corresponds to the rotation angle sensor 83b, and the right reel 30R corresponds to the rotation angle sensor 83c. Therefore, in the process of step S21 described above, when the left stop switch 44a is operated by the player, the rotation angle position of the left reel 30L is detected based on the signal emitted from the rotation angle sensor 83a, and the center stop switch When the rotation angle sensor 44b is operated, the rotation angle position of the middle reel 30C is detected based on a signal emitted from the rotation angle sensor 83b. When the right stop switch 44c is operated, the rotation angle sensor 83c is operated. Then, the rotational angle position of the right reel 30R is detected.

  When a predetermined combination is won by the above-mentioned combination lottery means 120, in order to make it easy to match the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination on the active line, any combination is won. If not, the reel stop control means 140 performs stop control of the three reels 30L to 30R so that the combination of symbols corresponding to any of the combinations is not aligned on the effective line. That is, when the player operates the stop switches 44a to 44c, the reels 30L to 30R are not controlled immediately and the reels 30L to 30R are actually stopped after the stop switches 44a to 44c are operated. In the meantime, the reels 30L to 30R are controlled to rotate by a predetermined number of symbols. This predetermined number of symbols is referred to as the control frame number described above. In addition, performing reel stop control so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is aligned on the active line is referred to as “pull-in control”, and the combination of symbols corresponding to any combination is aligned on the effective line. Performing reel stop control so as not to occur is referred to as “kicking control”.

  Further, when the time from when the stop switches 44a to 44c are operated until the reels 30L to 30R are stopped is too long, the manner of stopping the reels 30L to 30R becomes unnatural. For this reason, the time from when it is detected that the stop switches 44a to 44c are operated until the reels stop is normally set to 190 ms or less. Furthermore, when the reels 30L to 30R are rotating, it is necessary to allow the player to generally identify the symbols attached to the reels 30L to 30R, and to prevent the reels from rotating more than 80 times per minute. The rotational speed is set. From this point of view, the number of symbols that can be moved, that is, the number of control frames, is stopped on the effective line at the shortest distance from when the stop switches 44a to 44c are operated until the reels 30L to 30R actually stop. The maximum number is 5 including the symbols that can be made.

  By detecting the rotation angle position of the reel in step S21 described above, it is possible to perform “retraction control” and “kicking control” of the reel.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the winning combination flag set by the combination lottery process in step S12 of FIG. 5 is 1 (step S22). As described above, the winning combination flag is determined for each type of winning combination, and the process of step S22 determines whether or not each value of the winning combination flag corresponding to the type of winning combination is 1. This is a process for determining all of the types of winning combinations.

  When it is determined that none of the winning combination flag values are 1, that is, when it is determined that a combination that can bring a profit to the player is not drawn and is out of play, it corresponds to any combination. Non-winning stop control, so-called “kicking control” described above, is performed so that the combination of symbols is not aligned on the active line (step S23).

  When it is determined in step S22 that there is a winning combination having a value of 1, that is, when it is determined that any combination that can bring a profit to the player is determined, the operation of the stop switches 44a to 44c is performed on the reel. It is determined whether the operation is for the first or second operation in the stop operation (step S24). As described above, since the slot machine 10 includes the three reels 30R to 30L, the reel stop operation by the player includes three stop operations from the first operation to the third operation. The process of step S24 is a process of determining whether the first operation or the second operation of the three operations.

  If it is determined in the process of step S24 that the stop switch operation by the player is the first or second operation, it is determined whether or not a winning symbol exists within the range of the number of control frames. (Step S25). This process is a process for determining whether or not the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the winning lottery process in step S12 in FIG. 5 is included in the number of control frames described above. For example, when “BB” is won in the role lottery process in step S12 of FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the symbol “7” is included in the number of control frames.

  When it is determined that there is a winning symbol within the control frame number range, the above-mentioned “pull-in control” is performed to stop the reel corresponding to the stop switch operated by the player (step S26). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no winning symbol within the range of the number of control frames, the reel is controlled to stop by appropriately determining the position where the reel should be stopped (step S27).

  After executing the processing of step S26 or S27 described above, the contents of the winning possibility information table that stores the winning combinations that may possibly be won are updated (step S28), and this subroutine is terminated. This winning possibility information table is a table showing which kind of winning combination is likely to win among a plurality of kinds of winning combinations that can bring some benefit to the player. The possibility information storing means described above It is stored in the storage area 165. In the examples shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 described later, there are six types of roles “BB”, “RB”, “Watermelon”, “Bell”, “Cherry”, and “Replay” that can bring some benefits to the player. Indicates.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S24 described above that the stop switch operation by the player is not the first one or the second one, that is, the stop switch operation by the player is the last one. When the determination is made, a subroutine for a third reel stop control process shown in FIG. 7 to be described later is called and executed (step S29), the above-described step S28 is executed, and this subroutine is terminated.

<Third reel stop control>
FIG. 7 is a subroutine for processing the third reel stop control which is called and executed in step S29 of FIG. 6 described above. Here, the third reel means a reel that is finally stopped by the player.

  First, it is determined whether or not a winning symbol exists within the range of the number of control frames (step S31). This process is the same as the process in step S25 described above. In the process in step S31, the reel that is stopped last is processed. When it is determined that there is no winning symbol within the range of the number of control frames, the position where the reel should be stopped is appropriately determined to stop the reel (step S32), and this subroutine is terminated.

  When it is determined that a winning winning symbol exists within the range of the number of control frames, the contents of the winning possibility information table that stores the winning combinations that may be won are updated (step S33).

  Next, with reference to the contents of the winning possibility information table updated in step S33, it is determined whether or not there is a possibility that the bonus and the small combination will win simultaneously (step S34). When it is determined that there is no possibility that the bonus and the small combination will win simultaneously, that is, when it is determined that only one of the bonus and the small combination may win, so-called “retraction control” described above. ”To stop the reels to be finally stopped so that the combinations of symbols corresponding to the winning combinations that can be won are aligned on the effective line (step S35), and this subroutine is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S34 described above that there is a possibility that the bonus and the small combination may be won at the same time, for example, if it is determined that “BB” and “Cherry” can be won in duplicate, it has already stopped. For the first reel and the second reel that are in operation, the type of symbols that are stopped on the active line is acquired (step S36). Next, based on the symbol type acquired in step S36, when the third reel is stopped, a prohibited position where the bonus symbol should not be stopped is determined (step S37).

  In the process of step S37, the types of symbols that are stopped on the active line for the first reel and the second reel that are already stopped are acquired, and the bonus and small winning combination are obtained from the types of symbols. This is a process for avoiding this. When the third reel stops and the bonus symbol stops, the position where the bonus and the small combination are won is referred to as a prohibited position. In other words, when the bonus symbol stops at the prohibited position due to the stop of the third reel, the bonus and the small combination are won.

  For example, when both “BB” and “Cherry” can be won in duplicate, “7”-“7”-“7” is placed on one of the activated pay lines. In order to avoid double winning where the combination is aligned and "cherry"-any symbol-any symbol combination is aligned on another active line, the reel symbol "7" to be stopped last is stopped. Positions that should not be set as prohibited positions.

  When the third reel is controlled so as to avoid overlapping winnings on “BB” and “Cherry”, only the small role cannot be won, but only the bonus can be won. May control the third reel to win only the bonus.

  Next, a third reel stop position determination process subroutine shown in FIG. 8 described later is called and executed (step S38). Based on the conditions determined by the third reel stop position determination process, stop control of the third reel is performed (step S39), and this subroutine is terminated.

<Third reel stop position determination process>
<First stop timing>
FIG. 8 is a subroutine of processing for determining the stop position of the third reel that is called and executed in step S38 of FIG. 7 described above.

  First, it is determined whether or not there is a stop position for the third reel where only the small role will win (step S41).

  Hereinafter, the process of step S41 will be described using the example shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the left row is the left reel 30L, the middle row is the middle reel 30C, the right row is the right reel 30R, and the last reel to be stopped is the left reel 30L. Show. The state at the moment when the stop switch 44a is operated when only the left reel 30L is rotating is shown.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the symbol “bell” cannot be stopped at the stop position P12, and the symbols “cherry”, “7”, “RP” (meaning replay), “7” or “watermelon” Can be stopped at the stop position P12. Therefore, in this case, the symbols constituting the five control frames are the first frame for the symbol “Cherry”, the second frame for “7”, the third frame for “RP”, “7” is the fourth frame, and “watermelon” is the fifth frame.

  As described above, regarding the left reel 30L, the reel to be stopped last is the left reel 30L, and is in a rotating state immediately before the stop control is started by the operation of the stop switch 44a by the operator. Shows a state of moving downward. Accordingly, in the example shown in FIG. 9, for the left reel 30L, the symbol “bell” is positioned slightly below the position P12, and the symbol “cherry” is positioned slightly below the position P13. Indicates the state of the moment when the bookmark is being performed. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the symbols below the symbol “bell” are omitted. For the middle reel 30C, the symbol “bell” stops at the position P21, the symbol “7” stops at the position P22, and the symbol “watermelon” stops at the position P23. Further, for the right reel 30R, the symbol “watermelon” stops at the position P31, the symbol “7” stops at the position P32, and the symbol “bell” stops at the position P33.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, nine symbols surrounded by a solid line correspond to the simplified display described in FIG. 3C, and show the symbols that can be seen by the player in the reel display window 50. The symbol surrounded by a broken line is a symbol attached to the left reel 30L, and does not appear on the reel display window 50 and indicates a symbol that cannot be visually recognized by the player.

  As shown in FIG. 9, for the left reel 30L, the first frame that may stop at the stop position P12 is the first frame, and the second frame, the third frame, This is called the fourth frame and the fifth frame. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the symbol for the first frame is “Cherry”, the symbol for the second frame is “7”, the symbol for the third frame is “RP”, and the symbol for the fourth frame is “7”, and the symbol of the fifth frame is “watermelon”. When the symbol of the left reel 30L is virtually moved from such a state and moved, the symbol movement amount is referred to as a virtual moving frame number.

  In the process of step S41 described above, the number of virtual moving frames is sequentially changed from 1 to 5, and in each of them, it is determined whether or not there is a stop position of the reel 30L that can win only a small role. It is.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 9, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 1, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. Note that the examples shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E are also shown by the simplified display described in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10A, since “cherry” is located at the stop position P12, it is assumed that the small role is won on the effective line L1.

  When the number of virtual moving frames is set to 2, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10B, “7” is located at the stop position P12 and “Cherry” is located at the stop position P11. For this reason, it is assumed that a bonus is won on the active line L1 and a small role is won on the active lines L3 and L5.

  Further, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 3, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10 (c), there is no combination of symbols corresponding to bonuses or small roles on any active line.

  Furthermore, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 4, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10D, since “7” is located at the stop position P12, it is assumed that a bonus is won on the active line L1.

  When the number of virtual moving frames is set to 5, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10 (e), there is no combination of symbols corresponding to bonuses or small roles on any active line.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 9, when the virtual moving frame number is changed from 1 to 5, when the virtual moving frame number is 1, as described in FIG. Since “Cherry” is positioned at the stop position P12 and the small combination is won on the effective line L1, “YES” is determined in the determination in Step S41.

  When it is determined in step S41 described above that there is no stop position for the third reel in which only the small role is won, the bonus symbol is stopped at a position other than the prohibited position determined in step S37 of FIG. Then, the stop position of the bonus symbol is appropriately determined (step S42), and this subroutine is terminated. That is, in the process of step S42, the stop position of the bonus symbol may be determined at a position other than the prohibited position so that the small combination and the bonus are not overlapped.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S41 that there is a stop position for the third reel in which only the small combination will win, the virtual payout number of medals is calculated based on the winning combination (step S43). It is determined whether or not the number of medals inserted into the medal slot 46 is larger than the virtual payout number calculated in step S43 (step S44).

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 10A, when “Cherry” is located at the stop position P12, the small combination wins on the active line L1. In this example, the winning combination is “cherry”, and the winning combination is made only with one active line L1, and therefore the number of medals to be paid out, that is, the number of virtual payouts is two in the process of step S43. . In this case, when the player has inserted three medals into the medal insertion slot 46, the player loses in the process of step S44, and therefore it is determined as “YES”. On the other hand, when the player has inserted one or two medals into the medal insertion slot 46, the player gains in the process of step S44, and therefore it is determined as “NO”.

  When it is determined in the processing of step S44 described above that the number of medals inserted by the player into the medal slot 46 is equal to or less than the virtual payout number, that is, when it is determined that the player does not lose, only the small role is played. It is determined whether or not there are a plurality of positions at which the third reel can be stopped so that a prize can be won (step S45).

  If it is determined that there are a plurality of positions, one position is selected from the plurality of positions, and that position is determined as a reel stop position (step S46). On the other hand, when it is determined that there are not a plurality of positions, that is, when it is determined that there is only one position, that position is determined as the reel stop position (step S47).

  In the example shown in FIG. 9 described above, the stop position of the reel 30L that can change only the number of virtual moving frames from 1 to 5 in order and win only a small role in each of them is shown in FIG. Since this is only the case, it is determined as “NO” in the process of step S45, and the process of step S47 is executed.

  After executing the processing of step S46 or S47 described above, this subroutine is terminated.

  In the determination process of step S44 described above, when it is determined that the number of medals inserted by the player into the medal slot 46 is larger than the virtual payout number calculated in step S43, that is, it is determined that the player loses. In some cases, it is determined whether or not only the bonus can be won (step S48). For example, as described above, when the player has inserted three medals into the medal slot 46, in the process of step S44, the player loses, so it is determined “YES”, and step S48 is performed. This determination process is executed.

  If it is determined in the process of step S48 that only the bonus can be won, the position where only the bonus is won is determined as the reel stop position (step S49). On the other hand, when it is determined that only the bonus cannot be won, the position where only the small role is won is determined as the reel stop position (step S50).

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, in the case shown in FIG. 10D, only the bonus is won, so this position is determined as the reel stop position in the process of step S49.

  After executing the processing of step S49 or S50 described above, this subroutine is terminated.

<Second stop timing>
In the example shown in FIG. 9 described above, the symbol “bell” of the left reel 30L cannot be stopped at the stop position P12, and the symbols “cherry”, “7”, “RP” (meaning replay), “ The case where either “7” or “watermelon” can be stopped at the stop position P12 is shown. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11, depending on the timing of the player's operation of the stop switch 44a, the symbol “bell” of the left reel 30L can be stopped at the stop position P12. In some cases, any of “cherry”, “7”, “RP”, and “7” can be stopped at the stop position P12.

  In this case, the symbols constituting the five control frames are the first frame for the symbol “Bell”, the second frame for the symbol “Cherry”, and the third frame for “7”. , “RP” is the fourth frame, and “7” is the fifth frame.

  Further, as described above, the left reel 30L is the last reel to be stopped and is in a state of being rotated immediately before the stop switch 44a is operated by the operator and the stop control is started. , Shows a state in which the symbol is moving downward. Accordingly, in the example shown in FIG. 11, for the left reel 30L, the symbol “bell” is positioned slightly above the position P12, and the symbol “cherry” is positioned slightly above the position P13. Indicates the state of the moment when In the example shown in FIG. 11, the symbols below the symbol “bell” are also omitted. For the middle reel 30C, the symbol “bell” stops at the position P21, the symbol “7” stops at the position P22, and the symbol “watermelon” stops at the position P23. Further, for the right reel 30R, the symbol “watermelon” stops at the position P31, the symbol “7” stops at the position P32, and the symbol “bell” stops at the position P33.

  Also in the example shown in FIG. 11, the nine symbols surrounded by the solid line correspond to the simplified display described in FIG. 3C, and appear on the reel display window 50 and can be seen by the player. The symbol surrounded by a broken line is a symbol attached to the left reel 30L, and does not appear on the reel display window 50 and indicates a symbol that cannot be visually recognized by the player.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, the symbol for the first frame is “Bell”, the symbol for the second frame is “Cherry”, the symbol for the third frame is “7”, and the symbol for the fourth frame is “RP”, and the symbol of the fifth frame is “7”.

  In the following, the process of FIG. 8 in the example shown in FIG. 11 will be described.

  In the example of FIG. 11, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 1, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. The examples shown in FIGS. 12A to 12E are also shown by the simplified display described with reference to FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12A, since “cherry” is located at the stop position P13, it is assumed that the small role is won on the active lines L2 and L4.

  When the number of virtual moving frames is set to 2, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, “cherry” is located at the stop position P12. For this reason, it is assumed that the small role is won on the effective line L1.

  Furthermore, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 3, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12C, “cherry” is located at the stop position P11 and “7” is located at the stop position P12. For this reason, it is assumed that the small role is won on the effective lines L3 and L5 and the bonus is won on the effective line L1.

  Furthermore, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 4, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12 (d), there is no combination of symbols corresponding to bonuses or small roles on any active line.

  When the number of virtual moving frames is set to 5, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12E, “7” is located at the stop position P12. For this reason, it is assumed that a bonus is won on the active line L1.

  In such a case, in the determination process of step S41 in FIG. 8, when the number of virtual moving frames is 1 when the number of virtual moving frames is changed from 1 to 5, FIG. As described above, since “cherry” is positioned at the stop position P13 and a small combination is won on the active lines L2 and L4, “YES” is determined in the determination in step S41.

  Further, in the process of step S43, the winning combination is “cherry” and the winning is made with two effective lines L2 and L4. Therefore, the number of medals to be paid out, that is, the virtual number of payouts is 2 × 2. Total 4 cards. Accordingly, even when the player has inserted any one to three medals into the medal insertion slot 46, the player obtains in the process of step S44, so “NO”. Is determined.

  Further, in step S45, the number of virtual moving frames is changed from 1 to 5 in order, and the stop position of the reel 30L in which only the small role can be won in each case is only in the case shown in FIG. 12 (a). Therefore, it is determined as “NO” in the process of step S45, and the process of step S47 is executed.

<Winning possibility information table>
FIG. 13 shows the state of rotation or stop of the three reels 30L to 30R on the upper side, and shows a table showing the respective values of the winning combinations stored in the above-described winning possibility information table on the lower side. When the three reels 30L to 30R indicate that the reels 30L to 30R are rotating, the reels are indicated as “rotating”, and when the reels 30L to 30R are stopped, Or when showing as having stopped virtually, a symbol is shown by the simplified display demonstrated in FIG.3 (c) mentioned above.

  As shown in FIG. 13, this winning possibility information table is a table showing whether or not the winning combination can be won for each of the winning combinations that can bring some benefit to the player. It is stored in the storage area of the means 165. In the example shown in FIG. 13, six types of roles “BB”, “RB”, “Watermelon”, “Bell”, “Cherry”, and “Replay” are shown as possible roles that can bring some benefit to the player. . In the state where the winning possibility information table is initialized, the values corresponding to “BB”, “RB”, “watermelon”, “bell”, “cherry”, and “replay” are all zero.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the reels 30L to 30R and the change of each value of the combination stored in the winning possibility information table will be described. In the example shown below, as a premise, as a result of the role lottery process in step S12 of FIG. 5 described above, both the special role BB and the small role cherry are won, and the winning role indicating the above-mentioned special role BB is shown. It is assumed that the value of the flag and the value of the winning combination flag indicating the small combination cherry are 1. Further, the player inserts three medals into the medal slot 46, and in the process of step S44 of FIG. 8 described above, it is determined that the player loses, and in the process of step S49, only the bonus is given. It shall be controlled to win.

<When the stop operation is performed in the order of right reel-> middle reel-> left reel and multiple winnings can be won>
In FIG. 13 (b-1), the left reel 30L and the middle reel 30C are rotating. When only the right reel 30R is stopped, the symbol “7” of the stopped right reel 30R is at the center position P32. Indicates a stopped state. In such a case, when step S28 of FIG. 6 described above is executed, the symbol “7” of the right reel 30R has stopped at the position P32, and there is a possibility of winning the special combination BB. As shown in 13 (a-1), the value in the “BB” column of the winning possibility information table is set to 1.

  Next, FIG. 13B-2 shows a state in which the symbol “7” of the stopped middle reel 30C is stopped at the center position P22 when the middle reel 30C is stopped and only the left reel 30L is rotating. Show. In this case, when step S28 of FIG. 6 described above is executed, it is assumed that the possibility of winning the special combination “BB” is maintained because the symbol “7” of the middle reel 30C has stopped. 13 (a-2), the value in the “BB” column of the winning possibility information table is maintained at 1.

  Finally, FIG. 13B-3 shows that when the stop switch 44a is operated and step S33 of FIG. 7 is executed, the symbol “7” of the left reel 30L to be stopped is at the center position P12. A state in which the symbol “cherry” can stop at the lower position P11 is shown. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13 (a-3), since the symbol “7” of the left reel 30L can stop at the center position P12, the value in the “BB” column of the winning possibility information table. Is maintained at 1. Furthermore, since the symbol “cherry” can stop at the lower position P11, the value in the “cherry” column of the winning possibility information table is set to 1. When the winning possibility information table is set in this manner, it is determined in the process of step S34 in FIG. 7 that the winning combination is both a bonus and a small combination. When the determination is made in this way, the stop position of the reel 30L is determined so that only the special combination BB wins by executing the processing of steps S36 to S39 of FIG. 7 and the processing of FIG. Stop control is performed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13 (b-4), only the special role BB wins, and the player can obtain the left reel 30L while avoiding the double winning of “BB” and “Cherry”. Stop control can be performed. Further, by executing the processing of step S28 of FIG. 6, the value in the “cherry” column of the winning possibility information table becomes 0 as shown in FIG. 13A-4.

<<< Second Embodiment >>>
The slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  In the slot machine according to the second embodiment, the appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment described above is the same as that shown in FIG. 1, and the internal structure is as shown in FIG. It is the same. The outline of the function is also the same as the block diagram shown in FIG. Further, the subroutine of FIG. 5 executed by the main control means 100 is the same.

<Reel stop control>
FIG. 14 is a subroutine for processing the reel stop control called and executed in step S16 of FIG. In the subroutine shown in FIG. 14, the same reference numerals are given to the steps for performing the same processing as in the subroutine shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the subroutine shown in FIG. 14 executes the same processes as steps S21 to S27 and S29 except for the process of step S28 of the subroutine shown in FIG. Will not be described.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the process of step S23, S26, S27 or S29 is executed, this subroutine is immediately terminated.

<Third reel stop control>
FIG. 15 is a subroutine for processing the third reel stop control that is called and executed in step S29 of FIG. 14 described above. Note that the same reference numerals are given to steps for performing the same processing as the subroutine of FIG. 7 of the first embodiment described above. Here, the third reel means a reel that is finally stopped by the player, as in the first embodiment.

  First, it is determined whether or not a winning symbol exists within the range of the number of control frames (step S31). This process is the same as the process in step S25 described above. In the process in step S31, the reel that is stopped last is processed. When it is determined that there is no winning symbol within the range of the number of control frames, the position where the reel should be stopped is appropriately determined to stop the reel (step S32), and this subroutine is terminated.

  When it is determined in the process of step S31 that a winning winning symbol exists within the range of the number of control frames, a subroutine for generating a winning winning line table shown in FIG. 16 described later is called and executed (step S61). A subroutine for determining the number of moving frames shown in FIGS. 17 to 18 described later is called and executed (step S62), and the third reel is stopped according to the number of moving frames determined in step S62 (step S63). This subroutine is finished.

<Pinable line table generation processing>
FIG. 16 is a subroutine of a process for generating a payable line table that is called and executed in step S61 of FIG.

  First, the value of the winning line table is initialized, for example, set to 0 (step S71). As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, which will be described later, this payable line table is a table showing which of the effective lines L1 to L5 is likely to win for each of the small role and the bonus. .

  Next, the already stopped symbol type is acquired for the first reel and the second reel (step S72), and the symbol type of the 0th frame to the 6th frame is acquired for the third reel (step S73). ).

  For example, in the example of FIG. 9 described in the first embodiment, the symbol of the 0th frame is “bell”, and the symbol of the 6th frame is also “bell”. In the first to fifth frames, as described in the first embodiment, the symbol “cherry” is the first frame, “7” is the second frame, and “RP” is “RP”. It is the third frame, “7” is the fourth frame, and “Watermelon” is the fifth frame. The process of step S73 described above is a process of acquiring the symbol type of the 0th frame to the 6th frame.

  Next, the value of the number of virtual moving frames is set to 1 (step S74). Similar to the first embodiment, the number of virtual moving frames is also the amount of symbol movement when the symbol of the third reel is virtually moved. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the third reel is the left reel 30L.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the symbols corresponding to the winning combination flag determined in the combination lottery process in step S12 of FIG. 5 are prepared (step S75). This determination is made so that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the combination for which the winning combination flag value is set to 1 is prepared, and the other combination is set even though the winning combination flag value is not set to 1. This is a process for preventing only combinations of symbols corresponding to a certain combination from being obtained. That is, when a symbol corresponding to a combination for which the value of the winning combination flag is not set to 1 is included in the 0th frame to the 6th frame of the third reel, the processing for eliminating the symbol is performed. is there.

  If it is determined in the process of step S75 that the symbols corresponding to the winning combination flag are aligned, the value of the winning line table is set to 1 for the effective line that may be aligned with the winning combination flag (step S75). S76).

  When it is determined in the process of step S75 that the symbols corresponding to the winning combination flag are not complete, or when the process of step S76 is executed, the value of the virtual moving frame number is increased by 1 (step S77), and the virtual moving frame number is increased. It is determined whether or not the value has become larger than the number of control frames described above (step S78). When it is determined that the value of the virtual moving frame number is equal to or less than the control frame number, the process returns to step S75 described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the virtual moving frame number is larger than the control frame number described above, this subroutine is terminated.

  By executing the processes of steps S75 to S78 described above, for example, a payable line table as shown in FIG. 19 is generated. The example shown in FIG. 19 is in the case of FIG. 9 described above.

  For example, in the example of FIG. 9, when the number of virtual moving frames is 1, as described above, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, since “Cherry” is located at the stop position P12, there is a possibility that a small role may win in the active line L1, and as shown in FIG. The value in the L1 column of the executive bank is set to 1.

  In the example of FIG. 9, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 2, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, since “7” is located at the stop position P12 and “Cherry” is located at the stop position P11, there is a possibility that a bonus may be won at the effective line L1, and at the effective lines L3 and L5. There is a possibility of winning a small role, and as shown in FIG. 19 (b), the winning possible line table shows that the values of the L3 and L5 columns of the small role row are set to 1, and the bonus row L1 The column value is set to 1.

  Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 9, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 3, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, since there is no possibility that a combination of symbols corresponding to bonuses or small roles is arranged on any active line, the values in all the columns remain 0 as shown in FIG. It is.

  Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 9, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 4, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, since “7” is located at the stop position P12, there is a possibility that a bonus may be won on the active line L1, and as shown in FIG. The value in the column is set to 1.

  In the example of FIG. 9, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 5, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, since there is no possibility that a combination of symbols corresponding to bonuses or small roles is arranged on any active line, the values in all the columns remain 0 as shown in FIG. It is.

  Also, in the example shown in FIG. 11, when the above-described processing of steps S75 to S78 in FIG. 16 is executed, a payable line table as shown in FIG. 20 is generated.

  In the example of FIG. 11, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 1, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, since “Cherry” is located at the stop position P13, there is a possibility that a small role may win in the active lines L2 and L4. As shown in FIG. The values in the L2 and L4 fields of the small role row are set to 1.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 11, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 2, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, since “Cherry” is located at the stop position P12, there is a possibility that a small role is won on the active line L1, and as shown in FIG. The value in the L1 column is set to 1.

  Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 11, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 3, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, since “Cherry” is located at the stop position P11 and “7” is located at the stop position P12, a small role is won at the effective lines L3 and L5 and a bonus can be won at the effective line L1. As shown in FIG. 20 (c), in the payable line table, the values of the L3 and L5 columns of the small role row are set to 1, and the value of the L1 column of the bonus row is set to 1. Is set.

  Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 11, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 4, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, since there is no combination of symbols corresponding to bonuses or small roles on any active line, the values in all the columns remain 0 as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 11, when the number of virtual moving frames is set to 5, the symbols are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, since “7” is located at the stop position P12, there is a possibility of winning a bonus on the active line L1, and as shown in FIG. The column value is set to 1.

<Moving frame number determination process>
FIG. 17 shows a subroutine for determining the number of moving frames called and executed in step S62 in FIG.

  First, the value of the array variable table is initialized, for example, the value is set to 0 (step S81). The array variable table is a variable that takes 1 to 5 arguments corresponding to the number of control frames and stores a winning possibility mode. More specifically, the array variable table [1] stores a possible winning pattern when the number of control frames is 1, and the array variable table [2] allows winning when the number of control frames is 2 The array variable table [3] stores the possibility of winning when the number of control frames is 3, and the array variable table [4] stores the winning when the number of control frames is 4. Are stored, and the array variable table [5] stores a possible winning mode when the number of control frames is 5.

  Further, the winning possibility stored in each of the array variables table indicates that no value is won when the value is 0, and there is a possibility that the bonus and the small role are duplicated when the value is 1. When the value is 2, it indicates that only a bonus may be won, and when the value is 3, only a small role is likely to win.

  After executing the process of step S81, with reference to the winning line table generated by the processing of the subroutine of FIG. 16, whether or not there is a winning line table having 1 in both the bonus line and the small part line. Is determined (step S82). When it is determined that there is a winning line table having 1 in both the bonus row and the small role row, the value of the array variable table is set to 1 (step S83).

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 19, the case of FIG. 19B corresponds to this. In this case, since the number of virtual moving frames is 2, the array variable table [2] = 1 is set in the process of step S83. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the case of FIG. 20C corresponds to this. In this case, since the number of virtual moving frames is 3, the array variable table [3] = 1 is set in the process of step S83.

  When it is determined in the process of step S82 that there is no payable line table having 1 in both the bonus line and the small part line, or when the process of step S83 is executed, it is generated by the process of the subroutine of FIG. With reference to the winning line table, it is determined whether or not there is a winning line table having 1 in only the bonus line (step S84). When it is determined that there is a payable line table having 1 in only the bonus line, the value of the array variable table is set to 2 (step S85).

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 19, the case of FIG. 19D corresponds to this. In this case, since the number of virtual moving frames is 4, the array variable table [4] = 2 is set in the process of step S85. Moreover, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the case of FIG.20 (e) corresponds to this. In this case, since the number of virtual moving frames is 5, the array variable table [5] = 2 is set in the process of step S85.

  When it is determined in the process of step S84 that there is no payable line table having 1 in only the bonus line, or when the process of step S85 is executed, the payable line table generated by the process of the subroutine of FIG. Referring to this, it is determined whether or not there is a payable line table having 1 in only the small role line (step S86). When it is determined that there is a payable line table having 1 in only the small role row, the value of the array variable table is set to 3 (step S87).

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 19, the case of FIG. 19A corresponds to this. In this case, since the number of virtual moving frames is 1, the array variable table [1] = 3 is set in the process of step S87. Moreover, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the case of FIG. 20 (a) and (b) corresponds to this. In this case, since the number of virtual moving frames is 1 or 2, the array variable table [1] = 3 and the array variable table [2] = 3 are set in the process of step S87.

  When it is determined in the process of step S86 that there is no payable line table having 1 in only the small role line, or when the process of step S87 is executed, the process proceeds to step S91 shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the array variable table set in steps S83, S85 and S87 has a value of 3, that is, whether or not there is a payable line table having 1 only in the small role line. (Step S91).

  When it is determined that there is an array variable table having a value of 3, the virtual payout number of medals is calculated based on the winning combination (step S92).

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 19, since FIG. 19A corresponds to this, the virtual payout number of medals is calculated. In this case, since there is a possibility that the small combination will win only on the active line L1, the virtual payout number of medals is two.

  In the example shown in FIG. 20, since FIGS. 20A and 20B correspond to this, the virtual payout number of medals is calculated. In the case of FIG. 20 (a), there is a possibility that a small combination will win a prize on the active lines L2 and L4, so the virtual payout number of medals is 2 × 2 in total. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 20B, since there is a possibility that a small combination will win only on the active line L1, the virtual payout number of medals is two.

  After executing the process of step S92, it is determined whether or not the number of medals inserted by the player into the medal slot 46 is larger than the virtual payout number calculated in step S92 (step S93). When it is determined that the number of medals inserted into the medal slot 46 by the player is equal to or less than the virtual payout number, the argument of the array variable table is set as the number of moving frames (step S94), and this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of medals inserted by the player into the medal slot 46 is larger than the virtual payout number, whether or not there is a value of 2 in the array variable table, that is, the bonus row It is determined whether or not there is a payable line table that has 1 in only (step S95).

  If it is determined in step S95 that there is an array variable table having a value of 2, the argument of the array variable table is set as the number of moving frames (step S96), and this subroutine is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S95 that there is no array variable table having a value of 2, the array variable table having a value of 3 is selected, that is, a winning line table having 1 only in the small role row is selected. Then, the argument of the array variable table is set as the number of moving frames (step S97), and this subroutine is finished.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 19, in the process of step S92, the virtual payout number of medals in the case shown in FIG. If the number of medals inserted by the player into the medal slot 46 is three, “YES” is determined in the process of step S93. In step S95, it is determined whether there is an array variable table having a value of 2. In the example shown in FIG. 19, FIG. 19D corresponds to this, and the argument 4 of the array variable table [4] at this time is set as the number of moving frames in the process of step S96.

  In the example shown in FIG. 20, in the process of step S92, the virtual payout number of medals in the case shown in FIG. 20A is 4, or the virtual payout number of medals in the case shown in FIG. Two. Therefore, the case shown in FIG. 20A is selected in the process of step S93, and the argument 1 of the array variable table [1] at this time is set as the number of moving frames in the process of step S94.

  In the determination process of step S91 described above, when it is determined whether or not there is an array variable table whose value is 3, that is, there is no payable line table having 1 only in the small role line, It is determined whether or not there is an array variable table having a value of 2, that is, whether or not there is a payable line table having 1 in only the bonus line (step S98). If it is determined in step S98 that there is an array variable table having a value of 2, the argument of the array variable table is set as the number of moving frames (step S99), and this subroutine is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S98 that there is no array variable table having a value of 2, a symbol corresponding to a combination whose value of the winning combination flag is not set to 1 among array variables table having a value of 0 is displayed. Those not included are selected, the argument of the array variable table is set as the number of moving frames (step S100), and this subroutine is terminated.

2 is a front view showing a front surface of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 shows an internal structure of the slot machine 10. It is the front view (a) which expanded the reel display window 50, the figure (b) which shows the stop position of a symbol, and the figure (c) which simplifies and displays the specific example of a symbol. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main control functions in the slot machine 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of control in main control means 100. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of 1st Embodiment which processes the stop control of the reel called and performed by step S16 of FIG. 5 mentioned above. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of 1st Embodiment which processes the stop control of the 3rd reel called and performed by step S29 of FIG. 6 mentioned above. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of 1st Embodiment which determines the stop position of the 3rd reel called and performed by step S38 of FIG. 7 mentioned above. It is a figure which shows the example of the position of the symbol in the timing of the 1st stop. It is a figure which shows the example of the position of the symbol for every virtual moving frame | number in the timing of a 1st stop. It is a figure which shows the example of the position of the symbol in the timing of a 2nd stop. It is a figure which shows the example of the position of the symbol for every virtual moving frame | number in the 2nd stop timing. It is a figure which shows the example of the state of the stop of the symbol in 1st Embodiment, and a winning possibility information table. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of 2nd Embodiment which processes the stop control of the reel called and performed by step S16 of FIG. 5 mentioned above. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of 2nd Embodiment which processes the stop control of the 3rd reel called and performed by step S29 of FIG. 14 mentioned above. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process which produces | generates the payable line table called and performed by step S61 of FIG. 15 mentioned above. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing for determining the number of moving frames called and executed in step S62 in FIG. 15 described above. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process following the subroutine of FIG. 17 mentioned above. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a payable line table at the first stop timing shown in FIG. 9. It is a figure which shows the example of the line table which can be awarded in the timing of the 2nd stop shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Slot machine 30L, 30C, 30R Reel 44a, 44b, 44c Stop switch (operating means)
120 winning lottery means 130 reel control means 150 symbol detecting means 160 winning winning combination determining means 170 virtual profit determining means 180 single winning determining means 190 income and expenditure correspondence stopping means 300 inserting means 500 operating means

Claims (2)

It is a slot machine in which the progress of a game is determined by the display mode when a plurality of rotatable reels to which a plurality of types of symbols are attached are stopped based on the player's operation. And
An input means for allowing a game medium to be input by a player so that the game can be started;
Operation means for issuing an operation signal in response to a player's operation;
Control means for determining the progress of the game by controlling rotation or stop of the plurality of reels based on the operation signal;
A symbol detecting means for detecting the type of the symbol that can stop on the active line based on the operation signal;
A role lottery means for lottery of a role including a special role for shifting to a special game advantageous to the player and a small role that is not transferred to the special game;
Between the time when the operation signal is issued and the reel is stopped, the symbol detection means detects the symbol type, based on the combination of symbol types on the effective line where the plurality of reels can be stopped. A winning winning combination determining means for determining a winning winning combination as a winning winning combination;
A virtual profit determining means for determining a profit that can be given to the player according to the winning combination as a virtual profit;
In the case where the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining unit indicates the possibility that the special combination and the small combination are won in duplicate, the small combination is determined based on the timing of the player's stop operation. A single winning determination means for determining that any one of a combination of symbols corresponding to a combination or a combination of symbols corresponding to the special combination is stopped on the effective line;
When the single winning determination means determines that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the small role is to be stopped on the active line, the balance of the investment due to the insertion of the game medium and the virtual profit is the loss of the player In this case, the slot machine further includes a balance corresponding stop means for stopping and controlling the reel so that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the special combination is stopped on the effective line. The small combination includes a specific small combination with different benefits to be given to the player depending on the display mode of the symbol when the reel is stopped, and
The virtual winning combination when the specific small combination is stopped when the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means indicates that the special combination and the specific small combination may be won in duplicate. When a profit and loss due to profits and investment due to the input of the game medium results in a loss of the player, the income and expenditure corresponding stop means stops the reel so that only the combination of symbols corresponding to the special role is stopped on the effective line. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein stop control is performed.

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