JP2006174911A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively discriminate whether a slot machine is in an occupied state or an unoccupied state. <P>SOLUTION: Whether or not a game machine where things considered to be the belongings of a player or a small amount of game media are left alone for considerable time is a neglected game machine is discriminated. By utilizing mass sensors 70 installed on a game machine main body and the side of a device for a game, the discrimination is performed. In the case of judging that it is the game machine neglected for considerable time, it is reported to the surroundings by making a liquid crystal display part 42 and lamp parts 41, 45, 46 and 48 flicker. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine or the like.

  Pachinko machines, slot machines, and other gaming machines are always being played by players in the game hall (hereinafter referred to as the hall) (that is, the gaming machines are in operation, hereinafter referred to as operating uniformly) It is hoped that. Conventionally, it has been desired to reduce the operating time without increasing or decreasing the operating time.

  One of the reasons for reducing the operating time of individual gaming machines is that they are left unattended for a long time in the state that they are still going to play when viewed from the side even though they are not seated. The act of ending up (a state in which the gaming machine is left unoccupied).

  Here, the state that the gaming machine occupies is for the purpose of securing the gaming machine by a small amount of gaming media (coins, medals, pachinko balls, etc.) or what seems to be possessed by the player (cigarettes, lighters), etc. It is the state that has been placed. A gaming machine that is in an occupied state but is not operating (abandoned table, hereinafter referred to as a neglected table) has become a problem as a cause of reducing the operating time of the gaming machine in the hall.

  In order to do so, the player who occupies the abandoned gaming machine is urged to resume the game by calling to promptly play the game, or the desired player can play the game machine at any time (that is, If it can be provided (also referred to as open, hereinafter referred to as open), the time during which the gaming machine is not operating can be reduced.

  Therefore, in order to reduce the number of gaming machines that have been left unattended for a long time in the past, the time when no operation (game ball launching operation) has been performed on the pachinko gaming machine is measured with a timer, and the time is played. A technique for displaying on a machine is known. According to this prior art, when the gaming machine is left unattended, the counter measurement time is displayed on the gaming machine. By knowing that it is being used, it can be used as a guideline when alerting the occupied player not to leave the seat, or organizing the gaming machine as a vacant stand Conceivable.

JP-A-7-265538 (page 3, FIG. 5)

  However, the conventional technology merely measures the time during which the gaming machine is not operated, and can only determine uniformly that the gaming machine is left for the elapsed time. In the conventional technique, the original player (here, the player who has left the gaming machine in the occupied state, hereinafter referred to as the original player in a unified manner) once the timer measurement is started. When the operation (game) is resumed or an operation (game) is performed by another player, the timer measurement time is immediately reset. Therefore, no matter how much the original player has been absent for a long time, if the original player resumes the game without employees noticing the display of the measured time during that time, the display of the measured time will be displayed. It will not be possible to call attention to the long absence from the grounds. In addition, if such an action is repeatedly performed, the time during which the player is not playing is accumulated one after another, and as a result, the operating time of the gaming machine is reduced.

Furthermore, in the conventional technique, after the timer of the abandoned gaming machine is started, there arises a problem of trouble between players depending on who will play next on the gaming machine. This may be because someone else took the game machine that he had occupied while he was away, or conversely, he started playing with a vacant game machine, but the other person who came later It was the kind of thing that was claimed to occupy. Such troubles can occur when another player tries a gaming machine that has been unattended for some time but at first glance seems to have been occupied by someone. This causes a problem that causes unnecessary troubles related to the occupation of gaming machines among players.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for reducing unnecessary troubles associated with the operating state of a gaming machine.

  The technique of the present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.

(Solution 1)
A gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine capable of playing a game using a gaming medium, an operating device that performs an operation reflecting a series of operations by a player while the game is progressing, and Detection means for detecting an operating state, determination means for determining whether or not the operating device is operating based on a detection result of the detecting means, and the operating device means is not operating by the determining means If it is determined, the teaching means for teaching that no operation is performed by the player, and after the teaching by the teaching means is performed, the operation by the player is performed by the determination means so that the actuating device is operated by the determination means. Even if it is determined that the operation is performed, teaching holding means for holding (or holding, holding, maintaining, indwelling) the teaching performed by the teaching means is provided.

  In the present invention, a player plays a game using the game medium, and the player performs a series of operations at that time. For example, in a slot machine, the player performs a series of operations such as inserting a game medium (medals, coins), determining a multiplication number of game media, and subsequently starting and stopping the symbol display device. For example, operations that are performed continuously in order to be performed continuously. Alternatively, in a pachinko machine, a ball lending operation for lending game media, an operation for twisting the launch handle to launch a game medium (game ball) toward the game area, and a twist angle of the launch handle to adjust the launch intensity This corresponds to the operation to adjust. And, the game machine reflects a series of operations by the player (the game machine accepts game media, fires game media, performs internal lottery, changes internal game modes, The operation of judging whether or not all of them are displayed and paying out the game medium) is performed, so that the game actually proceeds.

  As long as such a series of operations are performed on the gaming machine, the gaming machine performs an operation reflecting the series of operations, and thus can be said to be in an actually operating state. However, if a series of operations by the player is not performed at all, or if the operation is stopped halfway, the gaming machine is no longer in operation.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, it is determined by the detecting means whether or not the operating device is operating. If the actuating device is not actuated at this time, it is taught (or notified, disclosed, suggested, appealed, announced, etc.) by the teaching means. When such teaching is performed, nearby players, employees, and the like can easily know that the gaming machine is a stand that is left unattended. Also, once the gaming machine has been taught as a stand, the state is maintained (or held, held, maintained, detained), and anyone can clearly see that it has been left. Therefore, it is easy for employees to grasp the situation of the gaming machine, and when the game is resumed by the original player, there is not a little time lost due to leaving the seat, etc., compared to other players. And you can make them aware of what was long. Also, if the original player does not return to the gaming machine, it can be seen that this instruction is continued even if a new player starts the game as a result of being released as a vacant stand. For example, it can be seen how the current player (the new player) started the game. For this reason, it is possible to reduce troubles such as the original player returning to the gaming machine and claiming its occupancy, and troubles such as malicious players taking over the gaming machine. The person can fully enjoy the game without hesitation.

(Solution 2)
The solving means 2 is that the detecting device is operated by the player according to a series of operations by the player, and the series of operations by the player has been interrupted. It is possible to detect any of the situations where the operation is performed in a state where the operation is not performed.

  In the present invention, whether the operating state of the gaming machine is being played by a player (that is, whether a series of gaming operations are being performed), or because the player has interrupted or abandoned the operations, It is possible to detect whether it is in the middle or in the end state. Therefore, the operating situation of the gaming machine can be grasped.

(Solution 3)
Solving means 3 is characterized in that, when the same operating condition detected by the detecting means continues for a predetermined time, the determining means determines that the operating device is not operating. Or it is a gaming machine of 2.

  In the present invention, when a state in which no operation is performed by the player continues for a predetermined time, that is, in the case of a slot machine or the like, a state in which no operation is performed after a game medium (medal, coin) is inserted, or This is a situation in which no operation has been performed after the number of game media has been determined, and no stop operation has been performed since the symbol display device has been started. In the case of a pachinko machine, a situation in which the launch handle is not operated after the game medium has been lent out is applicable. It is determined whether or not such a situation continues for a predetermined time. When such a determination is made, it is determined that the gaming machine does not show a certain behavior reflecting a series of operations. That is, if it is a “stand alone”, the gaming machine makes a determination based on a certain standard, and it is easy to grasp the operating state of the gaming machine.

(Solution 4)
Solving means 4 determines that the actuating device is operating when the content of the operating status detected by the detecting means changes to another content before a predetermined time has elapsed. 4. A gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 3.

  In the present invention, when a player removes his / her seat with the intention of continuing the game, if the player resumes the game within a predetermined time, the game is not determined as a “stand alone”. Can avoid unnecessary confusion for the user.

(Solution 5)
The solving means 5 further comprises light emitting means for emitting predetermined light by emitting light toward the outside of the gaming machine, and the teaching means performs the teaching by controlling light emission by the light emitting means. A gaming machine according to any one of Solution 1 to Solution 4.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, for example, in a slot machine or the like, means for emitting the illumination light to the outside of the gaming machine together with a series of operations such as insertion of medals, determination of the multiplier, starting and stopping of the reels, etc. What you have. In addition, by the determination means, the gaming machine performs light emission control different from the light emission control in the normal operation (for example, blinking with flickering, blinking that seems to disappear), and attention to the surroundings. Will be attracted. As a result, surrounding players and employees can easily know the “stand”. In addition, when an attempt is made to start a game with the gaming machine carelessly, it attracts attention from the surroundings, making it difficult for a malicious player to play.

(Solution 6)
Solving means 6 is a light emission control for continuing the light emission control by the teaching means when it is determined by the determining means that the operating device is operating after the light emission control by the teaching means. The gaming machine according to Solution 5, further comprising continuation means.

In the present invention, when it is determined that the table is left unattended, a teaching is made to inform the surroundings (the operation of the light-emitting lamp or the like is controlled so as to be different from the normal game). Even if the original player resumes the game on the gaming machine, the game is continued until the release operation by the employee or the like is performed. As a result, in addition to alerting the original player that the absence time such as leaving is long, it is possible to create a state in which it is difficult for a new player to play.

(Solution 7)
The gaming machine according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the solving means 7 further comprises a light emission control suppressing means for suppressing the light emission control when the light emission control by the light emission control continuing means is continued. .

  In the present invention, when the light emission control is continued, the light emission control can be suppressed, that is, can be made inconspicuous or can be turned off. Further, the contents of the light emission control may be changed (for example, the light emission control of a lamp or the like is changed from a state of blinking at a high speed to a state of blinking at a low speed). However, if the release control is not performed by an employee or the like, the control of the light emission can be continued in a manner that is clearly different from that of other surrounding gaming machines, so that it is a game for a player who wants to intercept the gaming machine. A difficult state can be created.

(Solution 8)
The solving means 8 further includes an effect display means for performing a predetermined effect display by performing display toward the outside of the gaming machine, and the teaching means performs the teaching by performing an effect display by the effect display means. A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, for example, in a slot machine or the like, along with a series of operations such as inserting medals, determining the multiplier, starting and stopping the reels, etc., the liquid crystal display and the display are directed to the outside of the gaming machine. It has something to do. In addition, the game machine performs an effect display (for example, displaying a message, displaying an effect that attracts the player's attention, or appealing to the sight) different from the effect display in a normal operation by the determination means. Will attract the attention of others. As a result, surrounding players and employees can easily know the “stand”.

(Solution 9)
The solution means 9 is an effect display continuation means for continuing the effect display by the teaching means when it is determined that the actuating device is operating by the determining means after the effect display is performed by the teaching means. The gaming machine according to Solution 8, further comprising:

  In the present invention, when it is determined that the table has been left unattended, it is controlled so that it is different from the normal game, such as teaching to inform the surroundings (displaying a message on the liquid crystal display, displaying the away time, etc.) However, this teaching is continued even if the original player resumes the game on the gaming machine. This not only alerts the original player to the absence of a long absence, but also prevents the player from inadvertently determining that the gaming machine is empty and starting another game. It is also possible.

(Solution 10)
The game machine according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising an effect display suppression means for suppressing the effect display when the effect display by the effect display continuation means is continued. .

  In the present invention, when the game of the gaming machine is started by the player, the effect display can be suppressed, that is, can be made inconspicuous or turned off. This is because the original player or the player who wants to start a new game on the gaming machine can control the display of the gaming machine after requesting the release operation from the employee, etc. It is possible to create the same situation as when a game is started with a game machine that is empty. Furthermore, if the display is made inconspicuous at this time, it becomes possible to avoid unnecessary troubles over the occupation of the gaming machine between the new player and the original player. .

(Solution 11)
The solving means 11 further includes a sounding means for making a predetermined sound by emitting a sound toward the outside of the gaming machine, and the teaching means performs the teaching by performing a sounding operation by the sounding means. A gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 10.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, for example, in a slot machine or the like, means for emitting a sound from a speaker or the like to the outside of the gaming machine together with a series of operations such as insertion of medals, determination of a multiplier, and starting and stopping of the reel The thing which has. In addition, the determination means causes the gaming machine to produce a pronunciation different from that in normal operation (for example, producing a loud sound, playing a message, or appealing by voice) and attracting the attention of the surroundings. Become. As a result, surrounding players and employees can easily know the “stand”.

(Solution 12)
The solving means 12 is a sounding operation continuation means for continuing the sounding operation by the teaching means when it is determined that the actuating device is operating by the determining means after the sounding operation is performed by the teaching means. The gaming machine according to Solution 11, further comprising:

  In the present invention, teaching that informs the surroundings that it is a stand that has been occupied once (sounding an alarm sound from a speaker, etc., making it different from a normal game such as playing a message as a sound) is performed, This teaching is continued even if the original player resumes the game on the gaming machine. As a result, in addition to alerting the original player that the absence time such as leaving the seat is long, it is possible to create a situation in which it is difficult for other players to inadvertently start a game on the gaming machine.

(Solution means 13)
The gaming machine according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the solving means 13 further comprises a sounding action suppressing means for suppressing the sounding action when the sounding action by the sounding action continuation means is continued.

  In the present invention, when the game of the gaming machine is started by the player, the sound generation operation can be suppressed, that is, the volume can be lowered or turned off. This is because the original player in the gaming machine or the player who wants to start a new game can request the release operation from the employee, etc., so that the player can suppress the sounding operation of the gaming machine. It is possible to create the same situation as when a game is started with a game machine that is empty. Since the release operation can be performed in the presence of the employee and the game can be started, the player can play the game with the gaming machine with peace of mind.

(Solution 14)
The solving means 14 includes a receiving portion on which the detecting means is placed so that a game medium can be taken in and out, and a mass sensor for detecting an object placed on the receiving portion, and the judging means includes the mass sensor The gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 13, wherein the determination is executed when the mass detected by the step is equal to or less than a specified value.

  In the present invention, a mass sensor for detecting the mass of a game medium on a tray at the lower part of the gaming machine in a slot machine or the like, a player's property, etc. is installed. When the detected mass is equal to or less than a predetermined value determined in advance, it is determined whether or not a certain operation reflecting a series of operations is indicated. With this determination, it is possible to determine whether the gaming machine is operating or not based on a certain standard.

(Solution 15)
The solution means 15 executes the judgment when the sum of the gaming value bet and the number of stored credits is equal to or less than a prescribed value in a state where the judgment means has no mass detected by the mass sensor. A gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 14, which is characterized.

  In the present invention, in the slot machine or the like, when there is no mass detected by the mass sensor, whether or not the game value is betted in order to distinguish it from the “vacant table” that is not occupied by any player at all. When the total number of game values stored in the heel credit is equal to or less than a predetermined value, a determination is made as to whether or not a certain operation reflecting a series of operations is indicated. With this determination, it is possible to determine whether the gaming machine is operating or not based on a certain standard.

(Solution 16)
The solving means 16 is a multiplier determining means for determining a multiplier in a state in which a predetermined number of game values are multiplied for each game, and a starting operation means for accepting a player's starting operation with the multiplier determined. And a symbol display device that rotates a plurality of rotating bodies with symbols in the circumferential direction to change the display of the symbols, while stopping the rotation of the rotating body and displaying a combination of the symbols. A stop operation means for receiving a stop operation by a player to stop the rotating body, and when the start operation is received by the start operation means, the rotation of the rotating body is started. During the rotation, the stop operation means When the stop operation is accepted, the rotating body driving means for stopping the rotating bodies in the order of acceptance, and when all the rotating bodies are stopped by the rotating body driving means, the combination of symbols at that time In the gaming machine in which a predetermined number of game values are given to the player as necessary based on the game mode and one game is finished, the determination unit is configured to rotate the rotating body by the detection unit. Is detected, and when the state where the rotating body is rotating and the stop operation is not performed continues for a predetermined time, it is determined that the operating device is not operating. A gaming machine according to any one of the solving means 1 to 15.

  The present invention, particularly in a gaming machine such as a slot machine, is stopped by the player after performing a starting operation with a specified number of game values (medals, coins, etc.) multiplied by the player to play one game. As long as no operation is performed, the rotating body continues to rotate. In addition, the aspect which can be selected from several types may be sufficient as the regulation number which multiplies game value by one game, and the aspect which has only one way may be sufficient. It is determined whether or not the rotating body is rotating for a predetermined time. When such a determination is made, the gaming machine determines that the stop operation by the player has been interrupted or abandoned although the rotating body is in a rotated state. In other words, the gaming machine can be determined based on a certain standard to be a “stand,” and it can be known that the gaming machine is not actually in operation.

(Solution 17)
The solving means 17 further comprises a rotation maintaining means for maintaining the rotation of the rotating body when the determining means determines that the operating device is not operating. It is a gaming machine.

  In the present invention, the state of the gaming machine that does not occur in a normal game (for example, a lamp or the like) is maintained by the rotation maintaining means that maintains the rotation of the rotating body of the gaming machine that has been determined to be a “stand”. In this state, only the rotating body is rotating while blinking or disappearing, and it is possible to appeal to the surrounding that the gaming machine is in a unique state.

(Solution 18)
The solving means 18 further comprises a rotation reducing means for reducing the rotation of the rotating body when the determining means determines that the operating device is not operating. It is a gaming machine described.

  In the present invention, a game machine that does not occur in a normal game by rotating the rotating body of the gaming machine determined to be a “stand alone” at a low speed, changing the speed in the middle, or stopping the rotation. (For example, when the lamp is flashing or disappearing, only the rotating body is rotating at low speed, repeating low-speed rotation and high-speed rotation, or stopping after a while.) Can be created, and it can be appealed to the surroundings that the gaming machine is in a peculiar state as compared to other gaming machines around it.

(Solution 19)
If the determination means determines that the detection means has not been actuated by the actuating device after the symbol display device has started to rotate, the solution means 19 rotates with the rotation of the reel. The resolution means 16 detects the number, and when the number of rotations detected by the detection means reaches a specified number of times, the determination means 16 determines that the operating device is not operating. A gaming machine according to any one of 1 to 18.

  In the present invention, a series of operations, that is, a situation in which the series of operations are performed only halfway until the reel starts rotating and, in other words, the reels remain rotated. At some point, the number of revolutions is detected. It is determined whether or not the detected number of rotations has reached a specified number. When such a determination is made, it is determined that the gaming machine is in the middle of a series of operations but does not perform a certain operation. That is, if it is a “stand alone”, the gaming machine determines based on a certain standard, and it becomes easy to grasp whether the gaming machine is operating or not.

(Solution 20)
Any of the solving means 16 to 19, wherein the solving means 20 determines that the actuating device is operating before the number of revolutions detected by the detecting means reaches a specified number of times. The gaming machine described in 1.

  In the present invention, when the player removes his / her seat with the intention to continue the game, if the game is resumed by the player within a predetermined time, it is not a target to be determined as a “stand alone”. The player can avoid unnecessary confusion.

(Solution 21)
The solving means 21 includes a power supply device that supplies power necessary for the game execution (game execution) by the player, and a plurality of power supply devices that operate by receiving power supply from the power supply device and display symbols in the circumferential direction. While rotating the rotating body to change the symbol, the rotation of the rotating body is stopped and the symbol display device capable of displaying a combination of a plurality of symbols and the rotating body in a stopped state are rotated to In a gaming machine having a starting operation means capable of accepting a starting operation for starting the symbol display device, the rotating body is driven when the starting operation by the player is accepted in a state where a multiplication value of the game value is determined The rotation body is then started, and thereafter, the rotating body is continuously driven until a plurality of stop operations are accepted by the player during power feeding from the power supply device to the symbol display device. Based on a detection result of the driving means, a driving state of the rotating body by the driving means, and a detection result of the detecting means, the state where the driving means is driving the rotating body continues for a predetermined time. Judgment means for judging whether or not. Teaching means for teaching that the player has stopped performing the game when the determining means determines that the state where the driving means is driving the rotating body continues for a predetermined time; After the teaching is performed by the teaching unit, when the determining unit determines that the driving of the rotating body by the driving unit is stopped, a teaching maintaining unit that maintains the teaching performed by the teaching unit is provided. It is a gaming machine characterized by having it.

  According to the present invention, when a game is started (that is, a start operation is performed) by the player, the rotating body starts to rotate. This rotation continues until the player performs a stop operation while power is supplied to the gaming machine. In other words, when viewed from the surroundings, the rotating body is in a state of being kept rotating. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed for the rotating body to keep rotating, the gaming machine is determined to be a “stand” and notifies the surroundings. This makes it possible to identify a gaming machine that is in some state of operation (the rotating body is rotating) but is not actually being played by anyone. Further, the teaching is maintained as it is even when the rotation operation of the rotating body is performed by the player after the teaching is once performed. As a result, if the original player does not return to the gaming machine, it can be quickly released as a vacant stand, so that a new player can be given an opportunity to play and the operation is reduced. Can be suppressed. In addition, the gaming machine that is clearly different in behavior from other surrounding gaming machines can create a situation in which it is difficult for a player who intends to steal maliciously.

  According to the present invention, troubles related to the leaving of gaming machines can be reduced.

(Outline of one embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a slot machine 1 that is a rotary gaming machine according to an embodiment. The slot machine 1 in FIG. 1 is of a type that uses, for example, medals, coins or the like as game media. In addition, there is a type using a game ball (so-called “parrot machine”) as a spinning-type game machine, and this type is also suitable as an embodiment. Further, in implementing the present invention, no substantial difference is caused regardless of which type is applied.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine 1 including a box-shaped main body portion 2 and a front door 4 each having a rotating device and the like which will be described later. A plurality of slot machines 1 are installed side by side in a row in a state where a front view is shown as in FIG. A lending machine for medals and the like is installed between the gaming machine and the gaming machine, and the player can borrow medals and the like by inserting cash, a prepaid card or the like into the tying sand.

  The slot machine 1 has a front door 4 on the front surface facing the player. The front door 4 has two upper and lower hinges (not shown) in the left end of FIG. It can be opened and closed to the front in a single-open format. The front door 4 has a liquid crystal display 42 and a flat transparent plate (game panel) 6 in the upper half, and the arrangement thereof is a liquid crystal display 42 in the upper part obtained by further dividing the upper half of the front door 4 into two equal parts. A game panel 6 is provided at the bottom. The lower half of the front door 4 has a start lever, a stop button, a decorative plate and lamp 48, a tray 38, and the like. The arrangement is such that the lower half of the front door 4 is further divided into four equal parts, and when called 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 from the top, the start lever is set to 1/4. There is a stop button, and 2/4 and 3/4 parts are decorative plates. This decorative plate is a transparent plate, and nothing is drawn in FIG. 1, but a logo or illustration of the title of the gaming machine is drawn. The 4/4 portion is a tray 38. A rectangular display window 8 is formed in the center of the game panel 6. The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes three cylinders that rotate as an example of a mechanical variable symbol display device (rotating device) (each cylinder has a center portion as an axis. In a slot machine, this cylinder is called a reel, which will be unified as a reel), that is, in the front view of FIG. 10a is called a left reel, 10b is called a middle reel, and 10c is called a right reel, respectively. These reels 10a, 10b, 10c are installed in a box-shaped main body portion 2, and a front door 4 is attached. It is protected so that it cannot be touched directly by closing.

  Each reel 10a, 10b, 10c has a reel band on its outer periphery, and various symbols (for example, 21 pieces) are attached to its surface. FIG. 1 shows only some of the symbols, but the symbols are designed with numbers, letters, bells, watermelons, plums, apples, cherries, etc., or characterize the model of the slot machine 1. Includes characters, figures, symbols, and other designs.

  The slot machine 1 can change or stop the display mode of the symbols by rotating or stopping the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c. From the front surface of the slot machine 1, only a part of the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c is visible through the display window 8, and three symbols in the vertical direction for each reel 10a, 10b, and 10c when stopped. Is effectively displayed.

  In the game panel 6, display areas 12 and 14 are formed on both sides of the display window 8, and various character information and symbol information are attached to the display areas 12 and 14. A lamp unit (not shown) is disposed behind the transparent plate 6, and information in the display areas 12 and 14 is lit and displayed by transmitting light from the lamp. For example, when a player inserts a medal through the medal insertion slot 15 for the first time, the multiplier of the medal, that is, the bet number is added according to the inserted number, and the display area 12 on the left side corresponds to the bet number accordingly. An active line lamp (for example, 1 bet, 2 bets, 3 bets) is lit. At this time, if the medal acceptance operation in the slot machine 1 is a credit mode, which will be described later, medals placed in excess of the maximum bet number (for example, 3 bets) are stored as credits, and the credit number is numerically displayed on the display unit 16. Is done.

  Up to 50 credits can be stored, for example. As a result, the number of bets for the next game can be selected from the number stored in the credit by operating the bet buttons 18, 20, and 22 without inserting only the number of medals to be betted for each game. The game can proceed smoothly. At that time, the credits are subtracted from the number of stored bets. The bet buttons 18, 20, and 22 correspond to a single bet (1), 2 bets (2), and a MAX bet (3).

  In addition, the effective line is effective only for one line (one broken line 11a in FIG. 1) of the middle symbols of the three symbols of each reel that can be visually recognized from the display window 8 when the number is one. . When two sheets are used, the total of the above-mentioned one line plus two lines of one line of the upper symbol of each reel and one line of the lower symbol (two broken lines 11b in FIG. 1) Three lines are valid. When three sheets are used, the above three lines include the upper symbol of the reel 10a, the middle symbol of 10b, the lower symbol of 10c in the front view of FIG. 1, and the lower line of the reel 10a. A total of 5 lines including 2 lines of 1 line rising to the right in the front view of FIG. 1 of the middle symbol of the symbol, 10b, and the upper symbol of 10c (two broken lines 11c in FIG. 1) are effective lines. Say something.

  In any case, when the player decides the number of bets for each game and operates the start lever 24 in a state where the effective line lamp is lit and displayed, the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c rotate, and the symbols change. Is called. Then, when the player operates the stop buttons 26, 28, and 30 while the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are rotating, the corresponding reels 10a, 10b, and 10c stop rotating, thereby stopping the variation of the symbols. Is done. At this time, it is determined whether or not the combination of symbols is displayed on the active line from the display mode of the symbol. If it is determined that the combination is displayed, the type of combination symbol (for example, bonus symbol, small role symbol, replay symbol, etc.) ), A privilege is given and one game is finished. Here, the case where a combination of symbols is displayed refers to a case where the winning symbol (for example, a bell) stops alongside the active line with three reels of left, middle and right. The display mode of the symbols when the reels are stopped is referred to as “out”. However, some winning symbols (for example, cherries) may indicate that a combination of symbols is displayed only when it is stopped only on the effective line of the left reel or only when it is stopped only on the effective line of the left and middle reels. In addition, the combination display to which a privilege is given includes not only a combination of symbols having the same winning symbol but also a combination of a plurality of symbols (for example, watermelon bell-bell).

  In addition, the winning symbol here is a symbol to which a privilege is given when aligned with an active line.

  When a combination of symbols (for example, small role symbols) accompanied by a medal payout is displayed, the number of payouts is displayed on the display unit 32. In the credit mode, the payout medal is displayed on the display unit 16. Added to credit and stored. Of the medals paid out at this time, medals exceeding the maximum number of credits are paid out to the tray 38 through the payout opening 36. Alternatively, when the replay symbols are prepared, the immediately preceding active line is re-enabled and replay (replay) is possible as it is. Further, the player can cancel the credit mode by operating the settlement button 40 once to settle the medal storage (credit). Furthermore, if the settlement button is operated once again, the credit mode can be set again. As described above, even when it is determined that a combination of symbols is displayed, there are cases where medals are paid out and those which are not accompanied.

  The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a liquid crystal display 42 above the display window 8, and the liquid crystal display 42 is used to provide images for effects and various bonus games as the game progresses. The number of medals is displayed. In addition, two speakers 44 are provided on the left and right of the payout opening 36, and sound effects, BGM, sounds, and the like accompanying the progress of the game are output from these speakers 44. In addition, the front door 4 includes lamps 41, respectively, at the center of the upper portion of the liquid crystal display 42 and its left and right ends, the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display section 42, the lower left end of the start lever 24, and the lower right end of the medal slot 15. 45, 46, and 48 are arranged, and these lamps 41, 45, 46, and 48 can perform an effect by lighting decoration according to the gaming state.

(Internal configuration of slot machine)
FIG. 2 schematically shows configurations of various mechanism elements, electronic devices, operation members, and the like that are installed in the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 has a main control board 50 for comprehensively controlling the progress of the game. The main control board 50 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface, etc. (all not shown). Has been implemented.

  The bet buttons 18, 20, 22 and the start lever 24, the stop buttons 26, 28, 30 and the settlement button 40 are all connected to the main control board 50, and these operation buttons use sensors (not shown). The operation by the player can be detected and the operation signal can be output to the main control board 50.

  The slot machine 1 accommodates other devices together with the main control board 50, and various signals are input from these devices to the main control board 50. In addition to the reel device 10 having the three reels 10a to 10c, the devices include a medal selector 52 and a hopper device 54.

  The reel device 10 has a position sensor (not shown) for detecting a reference position related to the rotation of each reel 10a, 10b, 10c, and a detection signal (index signal) from these position sensors is a main control board. 50 is input. The medal selector 52 detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 15 one by one and outputs a detection signal (inserted medal signal) to the main control board 50. The hopper device 54 has a payout sensor (not shown) that detects paid-out medals one by one, and a payout medal signal for each medal is input to the main control board 50 from the payout sensor. ing.

On the other hand, a control signal is output from the main control board 50 to the reel device 10 and the hopper device 54. That is, the reel device 10 has a built-in stepping motor (not shown) for rotating the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c, and a drive pulse signal for controlling start and stop of these stepping motors is a main control. Output from the substrate 50. The hopper device 54 receives a drive signal from the main control board 50 in accordance with the type of symbol on which the combination is displayed, and in response to this, the hopper device 54 performs a medal payout operation (as described above, When a combination of symbols without payout is displayed, the medal payout operation is not performed).

  The slot machine 1 includes a sub control board 56 in addition to the main control board 50. The sub control board 56 has a CPU, ROM, RAM, interface, VDP, sound source IC, measurement timer, rotation number counter, audio amplifier, and the like. Etc. (all not shown) are implemented. Of these, the measurement timer is particularly for measuring the specified time. The rotation number counter used here is for counting the number of reel rotations and is different from the counter for generating random numbers for lottery. The sub control board 56 receives various command signals from the main control board 50 and operates teaching means (the operation of the liquid crystal display 42, the display units 16, 32, and 34, the speaker 44, and the lighting or blinking of the lamps 41, 45, 46, and 48). ) Is controlling. Further, the sub-control board 56 receives a detection signal from a mass sensor 70 (detection means) installed in the lower part of the tray 38.

  Further, an external terminal board 58 is connected to the main control board 50, and the slot machine 1 is connected to the hall computer 60 in the game hall via the external terminal board 58. The external terminal board 58 plays a role of relaying various signals (inserted medal signal, payout medal signal, game status, etc.) transmitted from the main control board 50 to the hall computer 60.

  In addition, a power supply unit 62 is accommodated in the slot machine 1, and the power supply unit 62 takes in electric power from an external power source and generates electric power necessary for the operation of the slot machine 1. The electric power generated here is supplied from the power supply unit 62 to each unit.

  The power supply unit 62 is provided with a setting key switch 64, a reset switch 66, a power switch 68, and the like. None of these switches are exposed to the outside of the slot machine 1 and can be operated only by opening the front door 4 thereof. Among them, the power switch 68 is for turning on / off the power supply to the slot machine 1, and the setting key switch 64 is for changing the settings (for example, settings 1 to 6) of the slot machine 1. . The reset switch 66 is used to cancel an error that has occurred in the slot machine 1 and is also operated when changing the setting together with the setting key switch 64.

(Game processing)
Next, the flow of game processing in the slot machine 1 will be described. The following game processing proceeds in accordance with a processing procedure on a control program executed by the CPU of the main control board 50.

(1. Circumference game processing)
FIG. 3 shows one processing procedure for one basic game (rotating game) in the slot machine 1. One game starts from start processing (step S10). This starting process is a process for starting the rotation of the reels 10a, 10b, 10c. Here, a random number triggered by the insertion of a medal or the operation of the bet buttons 18, 20, 22 or the operation of the start lever 24 is used. A process such as lottery is performed. The details of the starting process (step S10) will be described later in detail using another flowchart.

  In one game, a stop process (step S20) is executed following the start process (step S10). This stop process stops the rotation of the reels 10a to 10c and controls the stop position. This corresponds to a process called “reel control”. For stop processing using reel control, there are two methods, for example, a table method for determining the final stop position with reference to two of the winning combination and the position where the stop button is pressed, and a control method for drawing the winning combination to the maximum In this case, either may be used. The winning combination will be described in the starting process described later. Stop processing using reel control will also be described later using another flowchart.

  When the stop process is finished by the reel control, the determination process (step S30) is executed next. This determination process determines whether or not a combination of symbols is displayed on the effective line from the display mode (outgoing) of the symbols displayed when all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped. It is for providing the game result according to. The main benefit of the game results is the medal payout, but even if there is no medal payout, the bonus game is given according to the type of displayed combination symbol (big bonus symbol, regular bonus symbol, etc.) In some cases, the internal state (various modes) may be changed separately from the medal payout. The specific contents of the determination process will be described after the stop process.

(2. Start processing)
FIG. 4 specifically shows the contents of the start process. Here, first, the insertion of medals or the operation of the bet buttons 18, 20, and 22 is awaited (step S101). As long as the player does not make a bet or insert a medal (No), the start lever 24 is not activated, so the determination in Step S104 is denied (No) and the standby state (Step S101) continues to be looped. When there is a bet operation or a medal insertion, an acceptance process (step S102) is performed in response to this, and the effective line lamp is turned on according to the number of bets. In the acceptance process (step S102), a medal insertion command or a bet command is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub-control board 56.

  Subsequent to the acceptance process (step S102), a start lever valid process (step S103) is performed, and the operation of the start lever 24 is substantially validated for the first time. When the player operates the start lever 24 in this state, the determination in step S104 is affirmed (Yes), and then the start lever invalidation process (step S105) is performed.

  When the start lever 24 is operated, random number extraction (random lottery) is performed using this as an opportunity (step S106). Further, the timing for extracting the random number after receiving the operation of the start lever 24 is not particularly defined, and an appropriate extraction timing can be set in the programming process.

In the next flag processing (step S107), winning / losing is determined from the extracted random value, and in the case of winning, a flag corresponding to the type of winning combination (small role, special small role, etc.) is turned ON. The winning flag command is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 48.
In the case of a loss, a lost flag that cannot be used for any winning combination (small combination, special small combination, etc.) is turned ON. A winning / losing flag (a so-called establishment flag) is obtained only when the corresponding symbol is aligned when the corresponding flag is ON. Each benefit will be described later using another flowchart in the determination process.

  When the above flag processing (step S107) is performed, it is determined whether or not the wait timer started in the previous start processing has timed up (for example, 4.1 seconds have elapsed) (step S108). When time-up (Yes) is confirmed, each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is started (step S109), and a wait timer from this point to the next start is started (step S110).

(3. Reel stop processing)
FIG. 5 shows the contents of reel stop processing by the table method as an example. Since a well-known technique can be applied to the reel control, the flow of processing will be schematically described here.

  In the reel stop process, first, the reel control table is selected according to the establishment flag indicating the winning result at that time (step S201). A reel control table having a plurality of patterns for all the winning results is prepared in advance, and these are stored in the ROM of the main control board 50 as read-only table data.

  With the reel control table having an appropriate pattern selected, the system waits until the stop button 26, 28, 30 is pressed (steps S202, S210, S217, S219). In these standby states, it is determined whether each of the left and middle reels 10a, 10b has already stopped, or whether the first reel stop flag is not set (= 0). At the same time, it is determined whether any one of the left, middle and right stop buttons 26, 28 and 30 is pressed. If none of the stop buttons 26, 28, and 30 are pressed, the determinations in steps S219 and S209 are both denied (No), and steps S202 and after are repeated.

  For example, if the left stop button 26 is first pressed in accordance with a so-called “forward push” or “forward scissor push” procedure (step S202 = Yes), the first reel stop flag is not set at this time ( Therefore, the first reel stop process (step S204) is executed for the left reel 10a. Here, the “first reel stop process” means a process for stopping the reel first.

  Alternatively, when the center stop button 28 is first pressed in accordance with the so-called “middle push” procedure (step S210 = Yes, step S211 = Yes), the first reel stop process (step S212) is executed for the middle reel 10b. The In addition to this, when the right stop button 30 is first pressed in accordance with the so-called “reverse push” or “reverse scissor push” procedure (step S217 = Yes, step S218 = Yes), the right reel 10c A one reel stop process (step S219) is executed.

  When the first reel stop process (steps S204, S212, and S219) is performed for any one of the left, middle, and right reels 10a, 10b, and 10c, a plurality of reel control tables corresponding to the formation flag at that time are stored. Thus, one table pattern is selected based on the random value. For example, for one winning combination “Bell”, a plurality of reel control tables are prepared in advance to stop the symbol “Bell” on the reels 10a to 10c on the active line. It means that one pattern is selected. When one pattern is selected, the stop positions of the reels 10a to 10c are controlled based on the reel control table. Thereby, for example, the symbol “bell” is stopped somewhere on the active line.

  For example, taking a pattern in which the left reel 10a is stopped first along the forward pressing procedure, the first reel stop process is performed on the left reel 10a in step S204. At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (first stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the left reel 10 a to the sub control board 56.

  In the next step S206, reel control tables (stop tables) for the remaining middle and right reels 10b and 10c are determined by random lottery. Specifically, in FIG. 1, if the symbol “bell” is stopped at the lower position when the left reel 10a is stopped, two lines (MAX) are displayed as a line where a combination of symbols is displayed at that time, a lower line or a right-up line. (In the case of a bet) can be selected. Here, either one (for example, a line rising to the right) is selected by random number lottery. The random number lottery distribution rate may be about half.

  When the above processing (step S206) is performed, the first reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) (step S207), and the left reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) (step S208). ). Since all the reels 10a to 10c are not stopped at this stage, the determination in step S209 is negative (No), and step S202 and subsequent steps are executed.

  Then, since the left reel 10a has already stopped at this time (step S202 = No), when the stop button 28 at the center position is pressed secondly (step S210 = Yes) along the forward pressing procedure, the first reel After the stop flag is determined (step S211 = No), the middle reel stop process (step S213) is executed. In the middle reel stop process, the stop position is controlled based on the reel control table (stop table) previously selected for the middle reel 10b. Thus, in the example of the line in which the symbols are displayed as a combination in the above-mentioned right upward direction, the symbol “bell” on the middle reel 10b stops at the middle position. In addition, the top of the stop is a state in which two symbols “bells” are aligned on the left and middle reels 10a and 10b on the right-up line (so-called “right-up template”). At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (second stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the middle reel 10 b to the sub control board 56. In this case, since the middle reel 10b is in the second stop, steps S212, S214, and S215 are all bypassed, and the middle reel stop flag is only turned ON (= 1) in step S216.

  Similarly, when the right stop button 30 is finally pressed (step S217 = Yes), the reel control previously selected for the right reel 10c is passed through the determination of the first reel stop flag (step S218 = No). The stop position is controlled based on the table (stop table) (step S220). As a result, the symbol “bell” on the third right reel 10c stops at the upper position, so that when all the reels are stopped, three symbols “bell” are aligned on the right-up line. At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (third stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the right reel 10 c to the sub control board 56. In this case, since the right reel 10c is in the third stop, steps S219, S221, and S222 are all bypassed, and the right reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) in step S223.

  If the all-reel stop flag is turned on through the processing so far, the determination in step S209 is affirmed (Yes), and the processing by the main control board 50 exits this routine.

  The above is an example of the reel stop process by the table method. In addition to this, there is a reel stop process by a control method, but since a known process can be applied to this, a specific description is omitted here. In this embodiment, either the control method or the table method of reel stop processing may be executed, and which method should be adopted may be determined as appropriate when constructing the control program.

(4. Judgment processing)
FIG. 6 specifically shows the contents of the determination process. When all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped by the reel stop process described above, the main control board 50 performs a process of confirming the output displayed at that time (step S301).

  Next, whether the symbol displayed as a combination from the outcome when all reels are stopped is a big bonus symbol (step S302), a regular bonus symbol (step S303), or a small role symbol (step S304). Whether it is a replay symbol (step S305) or a lost symbol is determined. Then, if it is determined that the symbol displayed as a combination corresponds to either the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) (Yes), a sound effect that informs that the symbol combination is displayed. A command is transmitted to the sub control board (steps S306 and S307). When it is determined that the symbol of the displayed combination corresponds to a small role (step S304 = Yes), the hopper device 54 is instructed to perform a medal payout operation corresponding to each small role symbol, and a payout sound command. Is transmitted to the sub-control board 56 (step S308). Alternatively, when it is determined that a combination of replay symbols has been displayed (step S305 = Yes), a replay process (step S311) is executed. Here, the replay process means that the next game can be executed as a replay without newly inserting medals or performing a betting operation. In that case, the number of active lines is the same as the active line of the game with the replay symbols (for example, when replays are completed as a result of starting the game with 3 bets, when replaying is started at the next game. The number of lines for 3 bets is also valid).

  When it is permitted to display the big bonus symbol or the combination of the regular bonus symbol, that is, when the winning flag of the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) is turned ON in the flag processing of FIG. The big bonus game process (step S309) or the regular bonus / JAC game game process (step S310) is executed according to the combination symbol displayed at that time, and the determination process ends.

  If it is allowed to display a combination of a small role symbol and a replay symbol, a payout or replay process is executed according to the combination symbol displayed at that time, and the winning flag for the small role or replay is turned OFF. (Steps S312 and S313) This process ends. In addition, when the loss flag is ON or the symbols corresponding to the establishment flag are not aligned on the active line (other than when the loss flag is ON, the fact that it will be missed is referred to as “missing” below) (step S305 = No), the establishment flag other than the BB or RB winning flag is turned off (step S314), and the determination process is also ended. Here, the establishment flags other than the BB or RB winning flag are turned OFF. That is, the winning flag of BB or RB is maintained. This is because BB or RB is more advantageous for the player than for a bonus when a small role or replay is displayed as a combination. The advantage of this BB or RB benefit will be described later. Furthermore, since BB or RB has a small number of symbols for each reel (for example, 1 to 3), even if the BB or RB winning flag is turned on, it is necessary to stop (so-called) to aim at the symbol. There is. That is, when the flag turned ON is other than the winning flag of BB or RB, the established flag disappears even if the symbols corresponding to the established flag are aligned or missed in the turned-on game. However, the winning flag of BB or RB is maintained until the symbols are aligned. The maintenance of the BB or RB winning flag can be said to be a convenience designed to prevent a significant difference in the benefits of the BB or RB due to the difference in the skill of the player.

  When the process proceeds to the big bonus game process (step S309) or the regular bonus / JAC game game process (step S310), the BB or RB winning flag is turned OFF during each of these processes.

(Special game state)
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a combination of symbols is displayed with a big bonus symbol (for example, “7-7-7”) or a regular bonus symbol (for example, “BAR-BAR-BAR”), the next game is started. The game proceeds to special game states called “big bonus game” and “regular bonus game”, respectively. These big bonus games and regular bonus games include multiple game opportunities, and there is a possibility of paying out medals etc. in the meantime, so it is advantageous for the player than usual I can say that.

  In the big bonus game and the regular bonus game, the former includes more game opportunities. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a maximum number of times (for example, a single bonus game) (30 times) an opportunity to play a small role game and an opportunity to play a JAC game (regular bonus game) a maximum number of times (for example, 3 times).

(1. Big bonus game processing)
FIG. 7 specifically shows the contents of the big bonus game process. Here, first, initialization processing is performed, and the random value lottery value table is changed for the small role game (step S401). The changed winning value table has a larger winning value for the small role than usual, and it can be said that the winning probability of the small role is high during the big bonus game.

  Next, the big bonus winning flag is turned off (step S402), and then the reel device 10 is started (step S403) and stopped (step S404). The contents of the start process and the stop process are the same as those already described.

  When all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped by the stop process, the outcome at that time is transmitted to the sub-control board 56 (step S405), and the internal small role game counter is counted up by one (step S405). S406).

  Next, it is determined whether or not all reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped, and it is determined whether or not JAC symbols have been prepared (step S407), or whether or not a combination of small role symbols has been displayed (step S412). Is done. The JAC symbol used here can be used, for example, as a replay symbol at normal times, but a mode in which a dedicated JAC symbol is provided separately may be used.

  As a result of the determination, if neither the JAC symbol combination nor the small role symbol combination is displayed (No), the process proceeds to step S415, and the establishment flag is turned OFF. In this case, the lost flag was turned on in the lottery, or even if the winning flag was turned on, the player could not stop each reel to display the combination of symbols, or the player It is considered that each reel is actively stopped so as not to display the symbol combination corresponding to the establishment flag positively.

  On the other hand, when the combination of the JAC symbol or the small role symbol is displayed in the determination in step S407 or step S412, respectively (Yes), the main control board 50 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the symbol to the hopper device 54. At the same time, the payout sound command is transmitted to the sub-control board 56 (steps S409 and S413). Further, when the main control board 50 instructs the payout, the payout counter is counted up by that number (steps S409 and S414).

  When a combination of JAC symbols is displayed during the big bonus game (step S407 = Yes), a game opportunity called a “JAC game” is given to the player. Since the content of the JAC game is the same as that of the regular bonus game, in this case, an RB / JAC game game process is executed following step S409 (step S410).

  The contents of the RB / JAC game game process will be described later with reference to another flowchart. When the RB / JAC game game process is completed once, the JAC game counter is incremented there (step S411).

  Similarly, when a combination of JAC symbols or small role symbols is displayed, step S415 is executed subsequent to step S411 or step S414, respectively, where a formation flag (in this case, a winning flag for JAC symbols or small role symbols) is executed. Turns off. Then, after each game end, it is determined whether or not the big bonus game itself should be ended (step S416), and while the end condition is not satisfied (No), the process returns to step S403 and the next start processing is performed. Done.

In general, a big bonus game ends when any of the following conditions is satisfied.
(1) The count of the small role game counter has reached 30 in step S406.
(2) The count number of the JAC game counter has reached 3 in step S411.

  If any of the above conditions is satisfied, the end determination in step S416 is affirmed (Yes), and then the big bonus game end processing is performed and the winning value table is restored (step S417).

(2. RB / JAC game processing)
FIG. 8 specifically shows the contents of the RB / JAC game game process. Here, first, as an initialization process, the RB winning flag is turned OFF, and the random value lottery value table for the RB / JAC game is changed (step S501). The hit value table changed here has more hit values for JAC symbols than usual, and it can be said that the probability of displaying combinations of JAC symbols is high.

  Next, a start process (step S502) and a stop process (step S503) of the reel device 10 are executed. When all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped by the stop process, the outcome at that time is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 56 (step S504), and the RB / JAC game counter is incremented by one. (Step S505).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the outcome when all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped is a specified symbol combination (step S506). The symbols specified here are usually the same as the JAC symbols (dedicated “JAC-JAC-JAC” or dual-purpose “Replay-Replay-Replay”). A mode in which a combination is displayed (for example, “BAR-replay-replay”, “7-replay-replay”, etc.) may be provided. If the outcome at the time of the stop is not a combination of JAC symbols (step S506 = No), the process proceeds to step S510 and the establishment flag is turned OFF. In this case, either the lost flag was turned on in the lottery, or the reels could not be stopped so that the player could display the symbols as a combination even if the winning flag was turned on. Conceivable. Conversely, if it is determined that the outcome at the time of stoppage is a combination of JAC symbols (Yes), the main control board 50 drives the hopper device 54 to execute a prescribed number (for example, 15) of medal payouts. The payout sound command is transmitted to the sub-control board 56 (step S508). When the payout is performed, the payout counter is counted up by the number of sheets (step S509), and subsequently, the establishment flag is turned off (step S510).

  Also in the RB / JAC game game process, the end determination (step S511) of one JAC game (regular bonus game) is performed. While the number of times the combination of JAC symbols has been displayed during the JAC game (regular bonus game) has not reached a certain number (for example, 8 times), the end determination is negative (No), the process returns to step S502, and the JAC game ( Regular bonus game) continues. After this, when the number of times the combination of JAC symbols is displayed in the JAC game (regular bonus game) reaches a certain number (for example, 8 times), it is determined that one JAC game (regular bonus game) should be ended there. (Yes). In this case, the process proceeds to step S512, JAC game (regular bonus game) end processing is performed, and the winning value table is returned to the state before the change.

(Abandonment stand discrimination)
Here, a means for determining the operating state of the gaming machine constituting the component of the present invention, that is, whether the gaming machine is left unnecessarily occupied at the time when it should be operating (whether it is an abandoned table) ) Will be described.

(Discrimination process)
FIG. 9 specifically shows processing (discriminating processing) for discriminating a gaming machine from a stand. This determination process is a process executed in the sub-control board 56 separately from the process performed on the main control board described above. The sub-control board 56 performs the determination process based on the command transmitted from the main control board. Can be executed. Specifically, when the main control board ends the determination process, a command (determination process end command) indicating that is transmitted to the sub control board 56. When this command is received, the CPU in the sub-control board 56 starts the discrimination process of FIG.

  First, in step S601, it is determined whether the blinking effect flag is ON (= 1). Here, the flashing effect flag is ON (= 1) when a later-described flashing process is performed, and is OFF (= 0) when it is not performed. When the flashing effect flag = 0 (No), it is determined whether the measurement timer is operating (step S602). If it is not in operation (No), the condition determination process in step S603 is performed, and the process ends. This condition determination process will be described later. If the measurement timer is in operation (Yes), it is determined whether the elapsed time has reached a predetermined time M3 (step S604). If the time has reached the predetermined time M3 (No), it flashes. The performing flag is set to ON (= 1), and then the blinking process in step S606 is performed, and the process ends. If the specified time M3 has not been reached (Yes), the process ends. In addition, when an information command is input when an operation is performed by the player before this process is ended, the measurement timer may be reset to stop the measurement. Thus, if the game is started by the original player earlier than the specified time M3 is reached, the process is stopped until the condition determination process is performed again. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being discriminated as an abandoned table despite the game, and to avoid causing unnecessary confusion to the player. The specified time M3 will be described later in detail.

  If it is determined in step S601 that the blinking effect flag is ON (= 1) (Yes), the process proceeds to step S607, where it is determined whether the valid operation flag is ON (= 1). . In the state where the flashing effect flag is ON, since it is already determined to be a stand and teaching is performed by the flashing process, it is determined whether or not an operation by the player is started in this state, and the next process is performed. It will be.

  If it is determined in step S607 that the valid operation flag is ON (= 1) (Yes) (that is, the game by the player has started), a display suppression process is performed (step S609) and the process ends. Become. If it is determined that the valid operation flag is OFF (= 0) (No) (that is, the game by the player has not been started), the display mode maintenance process is performed (step S608), and the process ends. Here, the valid operation flag means whether or not there is a command (start command) transmitted from the main control board to the sub control board 56. The start command in this case is, for example, when a valid operation is performed at that time, such as when a medal is inserted, a bet button is operated, a start lever is operated, etc. This is an information command transmitted to the sub control board 56. In addition, in the above, it is good also as content determined by other than effective operation. However, if it is not determined that the player knows that the player is about to start a game, the valid operation flag is set to ON (for example, when another player or the like simply touches the game machine). = 1) and accurate determination cannot be made.

(Display mode maintenance process)
In the display mode maintenance process of step S608, the processes performed so far are maintained. Specifically, the blinking control of the lamp unit and the display unit performed by the blinking process and the display of the away time and message displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42 are continued and the away time is updated and displayed. To perform the process. In addition to being able to appeal to the surroundings by controlling the lamp, etc., the gaming machine can display the time when the player is absent due to absence, etc. Time can be easily grasped. Therefore, it is possible to judge the elapsed time from the display and open it to a new player as an empty base. In addition, it is easy for the original player to notice that the gaming machine behaves clearly differently from other surrounding gaming machines, and it can be expected that the player will return quickly.

(Display suppression processing)
In the display mode suppression process of step S609, the processes performed so far are suppressed. Specifically, the control of the lamp unit and the display unit and the display of the liquid crystal display unit 42 performed by the blinking process are suppressed. At this point, the player can confirm the game or intention to play (because it has been detected that there has been some operation by the player and the player is determined to be ready to start playing on the gaming machine). Therefore, if the content of the blink control is stopped or inconspicuous, the measurement timer is reset, the elapsed time until that time is displayed, and then the absence time is not updated (that is, the measurement timer is stopped) The time when the user has left the seat remains as a display, but since the blinking control is suppressed, it is possible to create a situation in which the player can easily resume or start the game. However, in view of trouble avoidance over the occupation of the gaming machine, which is the most important issue of the present invention, the blinking control is continued as it is or as a mode in which the difference is clearly visible in the surroundings, and the measurement timer is reset (after this, If the content is left as an indication of the elapsed time up to that point, the player must cancel the operation when the player tries to resume or start the game. It becomes conspicuous, calm and unable to play games, and it is possible to create a state in which it is difficult for a player who is trying to intercept the gaming machine.

(1. Condition discrimination processing)
FIG. 10 specifically shows the condition determination process. In the condition determination process, whether the mass on the saucer 38 is 0 gram based on a signal from the mass sensor 70 installed below the saucer 38 (a position where there is no hindrance to placing or removing medals). Determination is made (step S701). If it is other than 0 gram (No), it is determined whether it is equal to or less than the predetermined value M1 determined in advance in step S702. If it exceeds the predetermined value (No), the process ends. If it is determined in step S702 that the mass on the tray is equal to or less than the specified value M1 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S704, the measurement timer is started, and the process ends.

  The term “mass” as used herein includes all game media including medals and others having a mass. Moreover, although it is not necessary to limit to gram (g), gram is unified and demonstrated below. With respect to the specified value M1, the number of medals is such that the intent of the previous player to continue playing is difficult (for example, less than about 50), or the residue (cigarette, Lighter, pocket tissue, etc.) (for example, about 10 to 50 grams). Here, the number of less than 50 is set to a value that is considerably long with the number of medals lent out from the hole at a time being 50 units, when the player plays. The absence of the time player continues because it is not possible to determine whether the previous player is willing to continue the game.

  If it is determined in step S701 that the mass on the tray is 0 grams, that is, there is nothing (Yes), in step S703, the total number of medals bet and the number of medals stored in the credit is 0 or more and It is determined whether the value is within the specified value M2. If the result is negative (No), the process ends. If it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the specified value M2 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S704, the measurement timer is started, and the process ends.

  This prescribed value M2 can also be set to the number of medals that makes it difficult for the previous player to determine the intention to continue the game (for example, less than 50). By changing the values of M1 and M2, it is possible to provide a reference for determining a unique stand for each hole. Therefore, it is not limited to 50 sheets. Also, if you simply want to increase the operating time of a gaming machine, if you do not set the upper limit of M1, M2, other than gaming machines that are not occupied by anyone and are completely vacant It is also possible to increase the operation of the gaming machine.

(2. Flashing process)
FIG. 11 specifically shows the blinking process. In the blinking process, the CPU in the sub-control board 56 controls the display units 16, 32, and 34 and the lamp units 41, 45, 46, and 48 to blink. In step S802, blinking control of each unit is started, and display processing is performed in step S802. In this display process, the liquid crystal display unit 42 displays the time measured by the measurement timer. That is, for the time displayed at this time, the specified time M3 is displayed as the away time (for example, when the specified time M3 is determined to be 10 minutes, it is displayed as the away time 10 minutes). Note that the content displayed for the first time measured by the measurement timer (after reaching the specified time M3) is displayed, but this is the content (for example, the specified time M3 is displayed when the condition determination process is started). Subtracting from 10 minutes, counting down, etc.), players other than the original player who wants to play a game on the game machine will time up with the time counted down as a guide. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an act of intercepting the gaming machine. In addition to this display, a message or the like may be displayed (for example, “currently away”). In this way, in addition to appealing to the surroundings by teaching means such as lamps, the original player is made aware that the time that is absent due to absence, etc. is relatively longer than other players You can also. In addition, when a new player tries to start a game with the game machine, if the player does not start the game by requesting a release operation by an employee, etc., other games in the surroundings will clearly be displayed with the lamps flashing. Because the behavior is different from the machine, it will be conspicuous, calm and unable to play. Therefore, a game by a malicious player who intends to steal the game machine can be avoided.

  Note that the blinking control of the lamps controlled in the blinking process is as follows: blinking all at once or sequentially (the lamp 41 blinks, then the lamp 45 blinks, and then the lamp 46 blinks). Alternatively, the content of the light of the lamp may be reduced or increased. Moreover, if the content of the speaker or the like is generated, it is possible to appeal not only to the surroundings but also to the hearing, and become conspicuous. For this reason, it is possible to create a situation in which it is difficult for a player who intends to intercept the gaming machine.

(3. Specified time)
The specified time M3 of the measurement timer can be set longer than a normal game game interval (for example, about 10 minutes). Here, the reason for 10 minutes is that it is a reasonable time for the player to leave the gaming machine. The reason why it is appropriate is that, basically, when a player leaves a gaming machine that has been playing until then, the reason that the operation of the gaming machine is reduced during that period (from leaving the seat until the game is resumed) Although it is not desirable, it is because it is an implicit understanding between the hall and the player to leave the seat temporarily, such as in the toilet or change of mood. This is because the standard time is about 10 minutes. If the time is shorter than this, it may be determined as a stand even when the user simply leaves the seat (for example, when the food or drink is left for purchase), causing confusion to the hall or the player. There is a fear. If the player leaves the gaming machine for a longer period of time and is still willing to play, he / she will notify the hall employee that he / she will take a meal break, etc. It is necessary to have a display board written as “meal break” or the like set on the gaming machine (so-called meal break, for example, about 30 to 40 minutes). Through the procedure, the player can leave the seat while occupying the gaming machine. In other words, by displaying on the gaming machine a display such as “meal break”, clearly indicate the intention of “I am away from the seat but I will continue to play” Can do it. Therefore, if this procedure (ie, “meal break” procedure, etc.) is not performed and the player is absent with some object left on the gaming machine (that is, the player takes a meal break without permission from the employee) If the specified time M3 is set to 30 to 40 minutes, the operation of the gaming machine stops. As a result, even if it is determined that the stand is left after the lapse of the specified period M3, it cannot be denied that the longer the time until the determination, the lower the operation. In the present invention, the upper limit of the time when the original player is absent is set to 10 minutes. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You can also

(4. LCD effect display)
FIG. 12 shows the contents displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42. (A) is a display on the liquid crystal display unit after the display process is performed. Since this display is constantly updated, the time that the player has left the game machine can be easily confirmed from the surroundings. (B) is a display of the liquid crystal display part after a display suppression process is performed. Since this process is performed when the player starts playing the game machine, the time when the player left the game until then is displayed as a time when he / she left the seat in a less noticeable place as shown in the figure. In this state, the player is not disturbed, the game is not hindered, and the display can be continued. Further, when the flashing process is canceled by an employee or the like, the absence time is continuously displayed. Since the flashing effect flag is turned OFF (= 0) by the release operation, it is possible to determine again as a neglected table. Therefore, if it is determined again as an abandoned table, the seat is left as the previous history. This time can be displayed together with the current display (for example, 12 minutes for the first time away, 10 minutes for the second time away, etc.). The above display is displayed at the lower end of the liquid crystal display unit so as not to hinder the game progress, but is not limited to this.

(Summary of stand stand determination)
In order to prevent the hall from reducing the operating time of the gaming machine, it is not preferable to discriminate the abandoned table and leave the gaming machine to the player, reducing the waiting time. As a result of urging the player to leave the game or leaving it unattended for a considerable period of time, it is the most important issue to open it as a vacant stand and guide a new player. However, no matter how much to reduce the operation time, if it is only to induce a new player, it will be prevalent to take over the gaming machine by a malicious player, the original Would be undesirable for the player, the surrounding players and the hall. According to the present invention, since the state in which the gaming machine is left unlit by the teaching means such as a lamp or a liquid crystal display can be continuously confirmed, the player who occupies the occupation of the gaming machine as described above. It is possible to avoid unnecessary troubles in the meantime.

  The above is the description of one embodiment, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the gaming machine is left in the state after finishing the determination process. However, for example, it is possible to determine whether or not the gaming machine is left in another state. A modification of the embodiment will be described below.

(Modification)
In this modified example, the contents of the discrimination processing and the like are the same as those in the above embodiment, and thus are not particularly illustrated. There are two differences, and the first difference is that a command (start processing end command) indicating that the start is completed is transmitted from the main control board to the sub control board 56, and the sub control board 56 This is where the CPU starts the discrimination process. Since the processing after receiving the start processing end command is the same as that in the above embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  The second difference is the content corresponding to the valid operation command. In the modification, the stop command corresponds to the valid operation command received by the sub control board 56 by the information command transmitted from the main control board. The stop command is, for example, an information command in which an operation that has become effective at that time has been performed since one or more of the stop buttons of any one of the left, middle, and right reels are pressed. Based on this stop command, the CPU in the sub-control board 56 performs the discrimination process.

Note that the specified time M3 of the measurement timer can be set longer than a normal game game interval (for example, about 1 minute). As for the specified time M3, as described in the present embodiment, a unique time reference can be set for each hole.
In addition, when the reel rotation number reaches an upper limit value (for example, about 50 to 75 rotations, that is, about 40 to 60 seconds in time) using a rotation number counter instead of the measurement counter, the same determination as described above is performed. It is good also as what to do. In this modified example, the upper limit of the prescribed time is shorter than that in the present embodiment when the measurement timer is used and the rotation number counter is used, compared to about 10 minutes in this embodiment. This is to prevent the reel motor that rotates the reel from generating heat due to the continuous rotation of the reel, causing a load to be applied for a long time and causing a failure.

(Summary of modification)
This modification makes it possible to determine the gaming machine that has been left after the start-up process, that is, even when the reel is rotating. A gaming machine in which the reel is still rotated leaves the seat as if the previous player occupied with the intention of playing the game, as compared to a gaming machine in which the reel is determined not to rotate as determined as a stand in the above embodiment. It tends to be judged around. For this reason, hall employees and nearby players can decide whether or not their gaming machines can be opened as vacant machines as neglected gaming machines. It is not confirmed whether or not the game machine has been abandoned without the intention of the original player to play. As a result, it takes a long time to leave an action such as confirming the call of the original player without any action, resulting in a decrease in operation. Therefore, if the gaming machine is flashing to employees and surrounding players, and it is clearly different from other gaming machines, even if the reel is spinning, It can be judged that there is a person who wants to play the game, and it will be very conspicuous to play in the same state, so the game will be started after having the employee perform a release operation etc. . For this reason, if the gaming machine is taken over, it is difficult for a malicious player who tries to steal and play the game, and it is possible to avoid unnecessary troubles between the players over the occupation of the gaming machine.

(References to other variations)
In the embodiment and the modification described above, the blinking process continues as it is for the gaming machine that is once determined to be a stand, even if the game is resumed by the player. By continuing this teaching until the release operation is performed by an employee, etc., it is possible to inform the surroundings that the gaming machine is clearly different from the gaming machine that has not been identified as another stand. It has become. It is good also as the content which changes flashing control of the lamp etc. by the flashing process which is performed once and continues every time progress. For example, after the flashing process is started for the first time, every 10 minutes, the flashing interval of the lamp or the like is shortened, or the flashing light intensity is reduced, etc. In addition to displaying the game machine, it is easier for employees to monitor the gaming machine by making the state of the gaming machine visible from the appearance of the gaming machine. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a malicious player's action to illegally start a game of the gaming machine.

  The above is the description of another embodiment, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. Although the slot machine has been described as an example, the present invention can also be used for pachinko gaming machines and parrot gaming machines.

It is a front view of a slot machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a slot machine. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence of 1 game (rotational game) in a slot machine. It is a flowchart of a starting process. It is a flowchart of a reel stop process. It is a flowchart of a determination process. It is a flowchart of a big bonus game process. It is a flowchart of a regular bonus / JAC game game process. It is a flowchart of discrimination | determination processing of an abandonment stand. It is a flowchart of a condition determination process. It is a flowchart of a blink process. It is an example of a message displayed on a liquid crystal display part.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 10 Reel device 24 Start lever 26, 28, 30 Stop button 34 Display unit 42 Liquid crystal display 41, 45, 46, 48 Lamp unit 50 Main control board 56 Sub control board 70 Mass sensor

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine capable of playing using game media,
An operation device that performs an operation reflecting a series of operations by the player in progressing the game;
Detecting means for detecting an operating state of the operating device;
Determining means for determining whether or not the operating device is operating based on a detection result of the detecting means;
Teaching means for teaching that the operation by the player is not performed when the determining means determines that the actuating device means is not operating;
Even if it is determined by the determining means that the operating device is operating after the teaching means has performed the operation by the player, the teaching means performs the operation. A gaming machine comprising teaching and holding means for holding the teaching being held.

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