JP2006191972A - Reel type game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem of a nonused machine while preventing the load of a motor for rotating reels from increasing without deteriorating the amusement of a reel type game machine. <P>SOLUTION: All reels are automatically stopped only in the case that the prize aspect such as loosing disadvantageous for a player is won inside in inside lottery treatment, on the other hand the reels are not stopped in the case that the prize mode such as a regular bonus role and a big bonus role advantageous for the player is won in the inside lottery treatment. Thereby, the amusement of the game is not deteriorated dissimilar to a game machine in which all the reels are automatically stopped without exception after a predetermined time passes regardless of the lottery result of the inside lottery treatment. Further, the load of the motor can be prevented from increasing, the problem of the nonused machine can be prevented from arising because the reels can be prevented from continuing to rotate needlessly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a spinning machine (slot machine) having a plurality of spinning means for variably displaying symbols.

  In a spinning machine, after a player operates a start lever to rotate the spinning cylinder (reel), a stop button is pressed to stop all the spinning cylinders, thereby completing one game. It is configured as follows. However, after the player operates the start lever and the spinning cylinder starts to rotate, if the player leaves the gaming machine without pressing the stop button, the gaming machine is left with the spinning cylinder rotating. It will be. For this reason, since it is not known whether the gaming machine is vacant, that is, whether it is in the middle of a game, problems such as giving discomfort (annoyance) to other players (hereinafter referred to as this problem) It may be called a table problem).

Therefore, in a general spinning-type game machine, after the player operates the start lever, the stop button is not pressed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the spinning cylinder continues to rotate and the symbols are displayed in a variable manner. In some cases, an automatic stop function for forcibly stopping the rotating cylinder is provided (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-23094

  By the way, as one of the interests of a spinning machine, the timing at which the spinning machine stops at a symbol where a winning mode that is beneficial to the player, such as a regular bonus combination or a big bonus combination, is established (determined) The spinning cylinder that is rotating in anticipation of stopping is mentioned. Therefore, forcibly stopping the rotating spinning cylinder with the automatic stop function impairs the interest of this spinning gaming machine.

  However, if the automatic stop function is abolished and the spinning cylinder does not stop unless the player presses the stop button, the load on the electric motor that rotates the spinning cylinder increases, and the above-mentioned vacancy problem is significant. Is likely to occur.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to solve the vacant stand problem while preventing an increase in the load of driving means such as an electric motor without impairing the interest of the spinning-reel game machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the invention according to claim 1 has a plurality of spinning cylinders (13) having a plurality of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surface, and the spinning cylinder (13) is rotated. In the spinning-type gaming machine that displays the variation of the symbol by causing the rotation of the rotating drum (13) to stop the display of the symbol, the driving means (133) for rotating the rotating drum (13), A fluctuation start means (41) for issuing a rotation start signal for operating the drive means (133) based on the player's operation, and a rotation stop signal for stopping the operation of the drive means (133) based on the player's operation Is operated by the variation stop means (43) for issuing a prize, the prize mode lottery means (S120) for lottering the prize mode given to the player in conjunction with the operation of the variation start means (41), and the variation start means (41). When a predetermined time has passed since In addition, the first automatic stop means (S540) for stopping the operation of the drive means (133) and the award mode determined by the award mode lottery means (S120) are only the award modes that are disadvantageous to the player. And automatic stop operation means (S530) for operating the first automatic stop means (S540).

  In the present invention, the automatic stop operating means (S530) for operating the first automatic stop means (S540) only when the award mode determined by the award mode lottery means (S120) is a disadvantageous mode for the player. Unlike the spinning-type gaming machine that automatically stops all the spinning cylinders (13) after a predetermined time has elapsed, regardless of the lottery result of the prize mode lottery means (S120), the interest of the game is impaired. There is nothing. Incidentally, a so-called losing role can be cited as an award mode that is disadvantageous to the player.

  Furthermore, when the prize mode determined by the prize mode lottery means (S120) is a prize mode that is disadvantageous for the player, the first automatic stop means (S540) is compulsorily operated regardless of the operation of the fluctuation stop means (43). ) Is operated, it is possible to prevent the rotating cylinder (13) from continuing to rotate unnecessarily, increasing the load on the driving means (133). Can be prevented, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned vacancy problem can be prevented.

  As described above, in the rotating type gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to solve the vacancy problem while preventing the load of the driving means (133) from increasing without impairing the interest of the rotating type gaming machine. Can be solved.

  Note that when the prize mode which is beneficial to the player in the prize mode lottery means (S120) is internally won, the player does not automatically stop the cylinder (13), so the player operates the fluctuation stop means (43). Unless the spinning cylinder (13) continues to rotate unless otherwise, the fact that the spinning cylinder (13) does not stop automatically informs the player that the internal winning has been achieved. .

  Accordingly, since it is considered that the player rarely leaves the spinning-type gaming machine that does not automatically stop, the prize mode that is beneficial to the player in the prize mode lottery means (S120) is internally won. Even if the rotating cylinder (13) is not automatically stopped, the load on the driving means (133) increases and the vacant stand problem does not occur. An example of the drive means (133) is an electric motor such as a stepping motor.

  In addition, the effect of notifying the lottery result by the prize mode lottery means (S120) can be realized by the rotation state of the rotating drum (13), and the diversification of the effect performed with the progress of the game can be achieved.

  By the way, in the conventional spinning-type game machine, the spinning cylinder (13) is stopped when the automatic stop time has passed a predetermined time, so the symbol that is stopped and displayed by the automatic stop is a symbol that establishes a winning combination. In order to prevent such a case from occurring, a symbol displayed when the automatic stop time has elapsed for a predetermined time is detected, and an actual rotation (13 ) Stop, it is necessary to control the stop of the rotating cylinder (13) so that the rotating cylinder (13) does not stop with a combination of symbols that establishes a winning combination. May be complicated.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop function is activated based on the lottery result by the prize mode lottery means (S120), and the automatic stop function is not activated when the internal winning is made. While preventing the stop control processing of the trunk (13) from becoming unnecessarily complicated, it is possible to prevent the symbols stopped and displayed by the automatic stop from becoming a combination of symbols that establish a winning combination.

  Incidentally, the rotating type gaming machine having the features of claim 1 specifically operates as follows. That is, when the player operates the fluctuation start means (41) at the start of the game, a rotation start signal for starting the operation of the drive means (133) for rotating the rotating drum (13) is issued based on the operation. . When this rotation start signal is issued, the drive means (133) starts to rotate and rotation of the rotating drum (13) is started.

  In addition, when the player operates the variation start means (41) described above, the prize mode lottery means (S120) performs lottery of the prize mode and starts counting the automatic stop time for automatically stopping the symbol variation. Is done.

  In addition, about the time measurement of an automatic stop time, when a rotation is started from the time when the rotation speed of a plurality of rotation cylinders (13) becomes a fixed rotation speed after rotation of a rotation cylinder (13), or a fluctuation start means ( 41) may be started in conjunction with the operation of 41), and is not limited to the spinning-type game machine shown in the embodiments described later.

  Also, the prize mode lottery means (S120) and the automatic stop time are counted for a predetermined time immediately after the change start means (41) is operated or after the change start means (41) is operated. It may be executed at any timing such as when elapses.

  Then, only when the prize mode determined by the prize mode lottery means (S120) is a prize mode that is disadvantageous to the player such as a loser, the first automatic operation is forcibly performed regardless of the operation of the fluctuation stop means (43). The stop means (S540) is operated to automatically stop the rotating cylinder (13), while the prize mode determined by the prize mode lottery means (S120) is a player with a regular bonus combination, big bonus combination or small combination. In the case of a prize mode that is profitable to the user, the first automatic stop means (S540) is not operated.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the prize mode determined by the prize mode lottery means (S120) is a prize mode that is beneficial to the player, and the variation start means (41) is operated. A second automatic operation for stopping the operation of the drive means (133) so that the rotation of at least one of the rotating cylinders (13) is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed since Since it has the stop means (S960, S970), it is possible to reliably prevent the interest of the game from being impaired while reliably preventing the load on the drive means (133) from increasing.

  Here, “when the prize mode determined by the prize mode lottery means (S120) is a prize mode that is beneficial to the player, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the change start means (41) was operated. "If this is the case, the variable display of at least one of the symbols that are variably displayed is stopped" as is apparent from the gist of the present invention. ) Is not forcibly stopped regardless of the operation.

  That is, when all the cylinders (13) are forcibly stopped regardless of the operation of the fluctuation stop means (43), the prize mode determined by the prize mode lottery means (S120) is beneficial to the player. This is equivalent to operating the first automatic stop means (S540) in this case, and is contrary to claim 1.

  As a specific example, for example, when three rotating cylinders (13) are rotating, one or two rotating cylinders (13) of the rotating rotating cylinders (13) are connected to the second stop means ( For example, the automatic stop may be performed in S960 and S970).

  Further, in the invention described in claim 3, the second automatic stop means stops the operation of the drive means (133) so that a symbol capable of determining a prize mode that is beneficial to the player is stopped and displayed. Since it is characterized by having the third automatic stop means (S980, S990) to be made, even if the automatic stop function operates, it is possible to prevent the interest of the game from being significantly impaired.

  Note that the automatic stop function according to the present invention does not guarantee that a winning combination corresponding to the internal lottery result by the prize mode lottery means (S120) is established, and does not impair the interest of the swing type gaming machine. An object of the present invention is to solve the empty base problem while preventing an increase in the load on the driving means (133). For this reason, even if a symbol capable of determining a prize mode that is beneficial to the player is automatically stopped and displayed, a winning may not be established.

  By the way, even in a normal spinning-type game machine, pull-in control or kick-off control is performed as will be described later, which is a feature of the present invention, that is, “a prize mode that is beneficial to the player can be determined. “Stopping the rotating cylinder (13) with the design” is almost the same control process as the pull-in control or kicking control. Therefore, even if such control is added, the stop control process of the rotating cylinder (13) Actually it is not so complicated.

  Therefore, also in the present invention, the symbols that are stopped and displayed by the automatic stop are a combination of symbols that establish a winning combination while preventing the stop control processing of the rotating cylinder (13) from becoming more complicated than necessary. This can be prevented beforehand.

  In the invention according to claim 4, the prize mode determined by the prize mode lottery means (S120) is a prize mode that is beneficial to the player, and the variation start means (41) is operated. When a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the rotation stop means (43) is operated, the rotation of any one of the plurality of cylinders (13) has already stopped, and When it is impossible to establish a prize mode that is beneficial to the player depending on the symbol displayed by the stopped cylinder (13), all the remaining rotating cylinders (13) are stopped. It has 4th automatic stop means (S1220), It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  As a result, in the case of a spinning-reel type gaming machine according to the present invention, when the winning combination of the winning combination is impossible even though the winning mode that is beneficial to the player is internally won, Even if the operation of stopping the cylinder 13, that is, the operation of the fluctuation stopping means (43) is not performed, the rotation of the rotating cylinder (13) is forcibly performed regardless of the operation of the fluctuation stopping means (43) when a predetermined time has elapsed. Is stopped.

Therefore, it is not necessary for the player to perform a useless stop operation such as operating the fluctuation stop means (43) when winning cannot be established, so that the burden on the player can be reduced.
In the present invention, “the rotation of any one of the plurality of spinning cylinders (13) has already stopped” means that, for example, when there are three spinning cylinders (13), At least one of the plurality of cylinders (13) rotates and the other cylinder (13) rotates as in the case where the two cylinders (13) are stopped. It means a state of rotating or stopping.

  That is, if the rotation of all the cylinders (13) has stopped when the fourth automatic stop means (S1220) is activated, it is not necessary to operate the fourth automatic stop means (S1220). This is because it is contrary to the gist of the present invention.

  By the way, in the first aspect of the invention, the first automatic stop means (S540) is not operated when the winning mode that is beneficial to the player is internally won, so the rotating cylinder (13) continues to rotate. This may increase the load on the driving means (133).

  On the other hand, in the present invention, even if the winning mode that is profitable for the player is internally won, the symbol displayed by the already-rotated rotator (13) is the winning combination. When the winning is impossible, the fourth automatic stop means (S1220) is operated to forcibly stop the rotation of the rotating drum (13) regardless of the operation of the fluctuation stop means (43). 133) can be prevented from applying unnecessary load.

  Incidentally, the reference numerals in parentheses for each of the above means are examples showing the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later, and the present invention is indicated by the reference numerals in the parentheses of the above respective means. It is not limited to specific means.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
First, the device configuration of the rotating type gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a swivel type gaming machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as “gaming machine 1”) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a front structure of the gaming machine 1. It is explanatory drawing. Hereinafter, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a display window 5, an operation panel unit 7, a game medal payout opening 9, a display panel 11, and the like are provided on the front portion of the housing 3 constituting the overall shape of the gaming machine 1. Is provided.

  The display window 5 is provided in the upper part of the gaming machine 1 and is a window for displaying symbols to the player. The display window 5 is covered with a transparent panel. For this reason, the player can visually check the symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the spinning cylinders 13L, 13C, and 13R described later through the display window 5.

  Further, a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) reels 13L, 13C, and 13R formed in a substantially cylindrical shape are provided in a portion corresponding to the inside of the display window 5 in the inside of the housing 1. Are arranged so as to be rotatable in a horizontal row, and on the outer peripheral surface of each of these cylinders 13L to 13R, a symbol array comprising a plurality of types of symbols is formed along the rotation direction (circumferential direction).

  At this time, the display window 5 is set so that the symbols formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the spinning cylinders 13L to 13R can be seen three by three, and by rotating or stopping these spinning cylinders 13L to 13R, Within the display window 5, symbols can be displayed in a variable manner (scroll display) or stopped in three areas corresponding to the respective cylinders 13L to 13R.

  In the following description, the leftmost spinning cylinder 13L is referred to as a “first rotating cylinder 13L”, the central rotating cylinder 13C is referred to as a “second rotating cylinder 13C”, and the rightmost rotating cylinder 13R is referred to as “third rotating cylinder 13R”. I write. Furthermore, the collective cylinders 13 </ b> L to 13 </ b> R are simply referred to as “rotator 13” when collectively referred to.

  Incidentally, FIG. 3 is explanatory drawing which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence formed in the outer peripheral surface of the 1st cylinder 13L, the 2nd cylinder 13C, and the 3rd cylinder 13R, and in each cylinder 13L-13R, 21 symbols from No. to No. 20 are formed. When the spinning cylinders 13L to 13R rotate, the display window 5 displays three symbols in order from No. 0 to No. 20 for each spinning cylinder, and when the 20th symbol is displayed, The symbols are displayed again in order from the 0th symbol.

  On the left side of the display window 5, as shown in FIG. 2, a first medal line lamp 15a, a second medal line lamp 15b, a third medal line lamp 15c, and a game start display lamp 17 are provided. The first medal line lamp 15a indicates that one game medal has been inserted, or that each of the cylinders 13L to 13R has stopped and the symbols that have been stopped are displayed on the central pay line L1. It is a lamp to do.

  In the second medal line lamp 15b, two game medals are inserted, or the symbols that are stopped and displayed when the respective drums 13L to 13R are stopped are aligned on the upper or lower winning line L2. The third medal line lamp 15c indicates that the three game medals have been inserted, or that each of the spinning cylinders 13L to 13R has stopped and the symbols displayed on the slanted pay line L3 are displayed. It is a lamp that displays the winnings all together. The game start display lamp 17 is a lamp that indicates that the rotation of the spinning cylinders 13L to 13R can be started.

  On the other hand, on the right side of the display window 5, a stop display lamp 19, a re-game lamp 21, a big bonus notification lamp 23a, 23b, 23c, and a game medal insertion lamp 25 are provided. This lamp indicates that the total number of game medals to be paid out to the player has reached the upper limit and the gaming machine 1 is in a so-called stop state.

  The re-game lamp 21 is a lamp for notifying the player that the game can be continuously executed without using a game medal, and the big bonus notification lamps 23a to 23c are games. The lamp indicates that the machine 1 has shifted to the big bonus game state, and the game medal insertion lamp 25 is a lamp indicating that the insertion of the game medal can be accepted.

  In addition, under the display window 5, there are provided a number-of-functions display 27, a payout number display 29, and a stored number display 31. The number-of-functions display 27 can receive a regular bonus combination. The payout number display 29 displays the number of game medals paid out from the gaming machine 1, and the stored number display 31 displays the number of game medals stored in the game machine 1.

  The operation panel portion 7 is located at the middle portion of the gaming machine 1 and protrudes toward the front, and is formed in a shelf shape. The upper surface portion has a game medal slot 33, a single slot button 35, A three-sheet insertion button 37 and a settlement button 39 are provided.

  The game medal slot 33 is an slot for inserting a game medal into the gaming machine 1, and the one-sheet insertion button 35 is for inserting one of the game medals stored in the gaming machine 1. The three-sheet insertion button 37 is a button for inserting three of the game medals stored in the gaming machine 1, and the checkout button 39 is the game medals stored in the gaming machine 1. It is a button that is pressed when paying out to the outside.

  Note that when a winning is achieved in a game, or when an extra number of game medals are inserted from the game medal slot 33 exceeding the number (specified number) required for one game, It is stored inside the gaming machine 1. Here, the storage is a so-called credit for storing the number of game medals in a RAM 115 of the main control board 101 to be described later. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number that can be stored is 50.

  A start lever 41, stop buttons 43L, 43C, 43R, a return button 45, and the like are provided on the front surface of the operation panel unit 7, and these 41, 43L to 43R, 45 are manually operated by the player.

  Further, the start lever 41 is a fluctuation start means that issues a rotation start signal for rotating the rotating drum 13, that is, motors 133L to 133R (see FIG. 4) described later, toward a main control board 101 (see FIG. 4) described later. The stop buttons 43L to 43R are provided in a number corresponding to the number of the respective spinning cylinders 13 (three in this embodiment) and stop the rotation of the corresponding rotating cylinder 13, that is, the rotation of the motors 133L to 133R. Fluctuation stopping means for issuing a rotation stop signal toward the main control board 101.

Incidentally, the return button 45 is a button that is pressed by the player to clear the jam when the inserted game medal is jammed inside the gaming machine 1.
Hereinafter, the stop button 43L corresponding to the first cylinder 13L is referred to as a “first stop button 43L”, the stop button 43C corresponding to the second cylinder 13C is referred to as a “second stop button 43C”, and The stop button 43R corresponding to the third cylinder 13R is referred to as a “third stop button 43R”, and when these are collectively referred to as “stop button 43”.

  The game medal payout opening 9 is provided at the lower part of the gaming machine 1, and the game machine 1 receives a game medal paid out from the game medal payout opening 9 in addition to the game medal payout opening 9. A saucer portion 47 is provided.

  The display panel 11 serves as an effect display means for displaying an effect that starts in conjunction with the start of the symbol variation display. In the present embodiment, the display panel 11 is a dot matrix display device disposed above the display window 5 or A display panel 11 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device or the like.

Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine 1 is provided with a spinning board 103, a sub-control board 105, a central display lamp board 107, a power supply board 109, and the like with a main control board 101 as a center.

  The main control board 101 is an electronic control device that controls the progress and performance of the game performed in the gaming machine 1, and the main control board 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, a ROM (Read Only Storage Device) 113, And a microcomputer (RAM, which can be read and written at any time) 115 and the like are connected to each other.

  The sub control board 105 connected to the main control board 101 is constituted by a microcomputer composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like, as with the main control board 101, and various illumination boards 119 and various speakers 121. And the display panel 11 etc. are connected.

  Then, the sub control board 105 outputs audio signals and image signals of effects displayed on the display panel 11 to various speakers 121 based on signals from the main control board 101, and to various illumination boards 119. Even a signal is output. The illumination board 119 controls lighting and extinguishing of the illuminations 123 based on a signal from the sub control board 105.

  The central display lamp board 107 includes an accessory number display unit 27, a payout number display unit 29, a stored number display unit 31, a 1 sheet insertion button 35, a 3 sheet insertion button 37, a settlement button 39, a first stop button 43L, a first stop button 43L, 2 Stop button 43C, 3rd stop button 43R, etc. are connected, and when these buttons 35, 37, 39, and 43L-43R are operated by the player, a signal indicating the operation result is displayed in the central display. This is input to the main control board 101 via the lamp board 107.

  Then, the main control board 101 determines an operation state for each button 35, 37, 39, 43L to 43R based on an input signal transmitted via the central display lamp board 107, and will be described later based on this. Control of the motors 133L, 133C, 133R is performed.

  In addition to the signal from the stop button 43 and the like, a left display lamp substrate 125, a right display lamp substrate 127, a start lever unit 129, a medal selector 131, and the like are also connected to the central display lamp substrate 107.

  The left display lamp board 125 controls the turning on and off of the first medal line lamp 15a, the second medal line lamp 15b, the third medal line lamp 15c, and the game start display lamp 17 provided on the left side of the display window 5. These lamps 15a to 15c are controlled by the main control board 101 through the central display lamp board 107 and the left display lamp board 125.

  The right display lamp substrate 127 is a substrate for controlling turning on and off of the stop display lamp 19, the re-game lamp 21, the big bonus notification lamps 23 a to 23 c, and the game medal insertion lamp 25 provided on the right side of the display window 5. The lamps 19, 21, 23 a to 23 c, 25 are controlled by the main control board 101 via the central display lamp board 107 and the right display lamp board 127.

  The start lever unit 129 includes a start lever 41 and a rotating cylinder rotation start sensor board (not shown) for detecting the operation of the start lever 41, and the start lever 41 is operated by a player. Then, the operation is detected by the rotating cylinder rotation start sensor substrate, and a rotation start signal indicating the detection result is input to the main control substrate 101 via the central display lamp substrate 107. Then, the computer on the main control board 101 determines an operation state with respect to the start lever 41 based on the rotation start signal, and controls motors 133L, 133C, and 133R, which will be described later, based on this.

  The medal selector 131 selects the game medals inserted from the game medal slot 33 based on the dimensions, accepts only the game medals that conform to the standard dimensions, and indicates the passage of the inserted game medals through the medal sensor board (not shown). And a medal detection signal indicating the detection result is output.

  The medal detection signal output from the medal selector 131 is transmitted to the main control board 101 via the central display lamp board 107, and the main control board 101 plays a game from the game medal slot 33 based on this medal detection signal. It is determined whether or not a medal has been inserted.

  On the rotating substrate 103, an electric motor 133L, 133C, 133R, which is a driving means for rotating or stopping each rotating cylinder 13, and a rotating sensor substrate 135L for detecting the rotation angle and rotation speed of the motors 133L to 133R. , 135C, 135R, etc. are connected.

  These motors 133L, 133C, 133R, and the rotating cylinder sensor substrates 135L, 135C, 135R are provided for each rotating cylinder 13, respectively. Hereinafter, when the motors 133L to 133R are generically referred to, they are referred to as the motor 133, and when the collective sensor boards 135L to 135R are generically referred to, they are referred to as the revolution sensor board 135.

  Further, the operation of the motor 133 is controlled by sending a signal from the main control board 101 to the motor 133 via the rotating board 103. In this embodiment, the motor 133 is proportional to the number of input pulse signals. A stepping motor that rotates by the specified angle is used.

  Incidentally, since the motor 133 according to the present embodiment is rotated once by 504 pulses, and 21 symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylinder 13 at equal intervals, the rotating cylinder 13 In order to rotate one symbol (one frame), it is necessary to give a signal of 24 pulses to the motor 133.

  Further, the revolution sensor substrate 135 detects the passage of an index portion (not shown) provided in each revolution cylinder 13, and the index portion of each revolution cylinder 13 passes through the revolution sensor substrate 135, When the passage is detected by the rotation sensor board 135, a rotation index signal indicating the detection result is input to the main control board 101 via the rotation board 103.

  The main control board 101 detects the rotation angle of each rotating cylinder 13 based on the rotating index signal, that is, the position of the symbol formed on the outer peripheral surface of each rotating cylinder 13. Specifically, since the index portion of each of the spinning cylinders 13 passes through the spinning cylinder sensor substrate 135 every time the spinning cylinder 13 makes one revolution, the spinning cylinder index signal is generated every time the spinning cylinder 13 rotates once. 135 to the main control board 101.

  On the other hand, the main control board 101 counts the number of pulse signals output to the motor 133 while each of the rotating cylinders 13 is rotating, and each time the rotating cylinder index signal is received (each rotation of the rotating cylinder 13). ) Is reset (initialized) (initial value 0), and the counting is repeated. Therefore, since the count value of the number of pulse signals corresponds to the total number of steps indicating the rotation angle of the motor 133, the main control board 101 determines the position of the index portion, that is, the rotation angle of the cylinder 13 based on the count value of the number of pulse signals. (Symbol position) can be detected.

  Further, the main control board 101, the medal payout device 137, and the like are connected to the power supply board 109. In this embodiment, the spinning board 103, the sub control board 105, the central display lamp board 107, and the like are the main control board 101. The medal payout device 137 is directly supplied with power from the power supply board 109.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply board 109 also has a function of relaying transmission / reception of signals performed between the main control board 101 and the medal payout device 137, and a signal for paying out game medals is the main control. When the signal is output from the board 101, the signal is input to the medal payout device 137 via the power supply board 109. As a result, the game medal is discharged from the medal payout device 137 to the game medal payout opening 9.

  The number of game medals paid out is counted by the medal payout device 137, and a game medal payout signal indicating the result is input to the main control board 101 via the power supply board 109, whereby the main control board 101. Detects the number of game medals to be paid out to the player.

Next, an outline of control in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
First, when a game medal is inserted prior to the start of the game, the winning lines L1 to L3 are validated according to the number of coins inserted. Then, when the player operates the start lever 41, the winning combination lottery (internal lottery) is performed at the same time as the rotating cylinder 13 starts rotating. Thereafter, when the stop button 43 is operated by the player, the rotation of the rotating drum 13 is stopped based on the pressing timing of the stop button 43, and one game is finished.

  Next, the gaming machine 1 determines the symbol combinations aligned on the active line, and as a result of the symbol determination, the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the active line establishes the winning combination won in the internal lottery. In the case of the symbol combination to be made, it is determined that the winning combination has been established (determined), and a predetermined number of game medals are paid out to the player.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the above-described control. This control flow is activated on the main control board 101 when the gaming machine 1 is turned on and the gaming machine 1 is ready for gaming. Hereinafter, the control of the gaming machine 1 will be described based on the main control flow.
1. Main control flow (see Fig. 5)
When the main control flow is activated, it is first determined whether or not a game medal is inserted (S100). Note that in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the game medal is inserted from the game medal slot 33, the operation of the 1-sheet insertion button 35 or the 3-sheet insertion button 37, or the winning of the re-game player (replay) is established. When automatic reinsertion is made, it is determined that a game medal has been inserted.

  If it is determined that a game medal has been inserted (S100: YES), it is determined whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated (S110), and it is determined that the start lever 41 has been operated. In this case (S110: YES), an internal lottery process is performed (S120). This internal lottery process is a subroutine for drawing a prize mode (regular bonus combination, big bonus combination, etc.) to be given to the player, and details thereof will be described later.

  Then, when the internal lottery process (S120) is finished, the aspect of the effect displayed on the display panel 11 is determined (S130), and the rotation of the spinning cylinders 13L to 13R is started (S140). Details of the effect pattern determination process (S130) will be described later.

  When the rotation and the effect display of the spinning cylinders 13L to 13R are started in this way, a reel stop control process (details will be described later) is executed (S150), and each reel 13L is performed by the reel stop control process (S150). When ~ 13R is stopped, a winning determination process based on the winning flag and the symbols that are stopped and displayed on each cylinder 13 that has actually stopped rotating, that is, the winning flag is set, and the winning flag (prize mode) is supported. It is determined whether or not the combination of symbols (winning combination) to be actually stopped alongside the activated winning lines L1 to L3 (S160).

  At this time, if the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning flag is stopped and displayed on the activated winning line, the winning combination is established (confirmed), while the winning line is selected on the activated winning line. When the combination of symbols corresponding to the flag is not stopped and displayed, even if the winning flag is set, that is, when the winning combination is won in the internal lottery, no winning combination is established.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the regular bonus combination or the big bonus combination is won in the internal lottery, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning flag is stopped on the activated winning line. Only when the winning combination of the regular bonus combination or the big bonus combination is not established, the winning flag is accumulated and carried over to the next game.

When it is determined that the winning combination is established as a result of the winning determination process, the number of game medals corresponding to the established winning combination (0 in the case of losing) is paid out from the medal payout device 137. (S170).
2. Internal lottery process (see Fig. 6)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the internal lottery process. When the internal lottery process routine is started, first, a random number for lottery is acquired from a random number generation circuit (not shown) (S200). Based on the random number thus determined, it is determined whether or not a winning combination such as a small combination, a regular bonus combination or a big bonus combination is won (S210).

  If it is determined that one of the winning combinations has been won (S210: YES), the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination that has been won, that is, the winning mode that will be beneficial to the player, is set and this processing is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that none of the winning combinations has been won (S210: NO), the winning flag for losing is set, and the process is terminated.

  Here, the regular bonus combination refers to an award that has a relatively large profit for the player. Normally, when a regular bonus combination is won, the winning combination will be used in multiple games (for example, 12 times) from the next time. Since the number of combinations increases compared to before, the winning probability increases. Further, in the big bonus combination, the profit given to the player is larger than that of the regular bonus combination, and specifically, the winning probability of the regular bonus combination is increased.

In other words, the award modes that are profitable for the player can include award modes such as a regular bonus role, a big bonus role, and a small role, while the award modes that are disadvantageous to the player include a so-called lost role. Can be mentioned.
3. Production pattern determination processing (see FIG. 7)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an outline of the effect pattern determination process (S130). When the effect pattern determination process routine is started, first, an effect mode table (not shown) stored in the ROM 113 and an internal lottery process. Based on the winning flag set in (S120), an aspect of the effect (effect pattern) displayed on the display panel 11 is determined (S300).

Then, a signal (production designation command) for displaying the determined production pattern is transmitted from the main control board 101 to the sub control board 105 (S310), and the sub control board 105 designates the production from the main control board 101. When the command is received, the effect display based on the effect designation command is started on the display panel 11 under the control of the sub control board 105.
4). Reel stop control process (see FIGS. 8 and 9)
FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an outline of the reel stop control process (S150). When the reel stop control process routine is started after each rotating cylinder 13 starts to rotate by the operation of the start lever 41, FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not a winning flag corresponding to a prize mode advantageous to the player such as a regular bonus combination or a big bonus combination is set (S400).

  Hereinafter, simply referring to “winning flag” means a winning flag corresponding to a winning mode advantageous to a player, such as a regular bonus role or a big bonus role, and only “losing win flag” “Winning flag”.

  If the winning flag is not set (S400: NO), after the automatic stop flag is set (S410), whether or not the rotational speeds of the respective cylinders 13 that have started to rotate have become constant rotational speeds. That is, it is determined whether or not the rotational speed of each cylinder 13 has reached a predetermined rotational speed (S420). On the other hand, when the winning flag is set (S400: YES), whether or not the rotation speed of each of the rotating cylinders 13 that have started rotating has reached a constant rotation speed without setting the automatic stop flag. It is determined (S420).

  Next, when it is determined that the rotation speed of each cylinder 13 has become a constant rotation speed (S420: YES), each stop button 43 is activated and the lamp or LED of the stop button 43 is turned on. At the same time, time measurement for automatic stop is started (S430, S440). On the other hand, when it is determined that the rotational speed of each cylinder 13 is not reached (S420: NO), each stop button 43 is activated. The time for automatic stop is not started.

  “Enabling the stop button 43” means that when the stop button 43 is pressed (operated), the rotation of the rotating drum 13 corresponding to the pressed stop button 43 can be stopped. Say that. For this reason, since the stop button 43 is not activated before the rotational speed of each cylinder 13 reaches a constant rotational speed, even if the stop button 43 is pressed, the rotation corresponding to the pressed stop button 43 is performed. The trunk 13 continues to rotate without stopping.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the first stop button 43L is pressed (S450). If it is determined that the first stop button 43L is pressed (S450: YES), the first cylinder 13L (motor 133L) is determined. ) Is stopped (S460).

  Similarly, it is determined whether or not the second stop button 43C has been pressed (S470). If it is determined that the second stop button 43C has been pressed (S470: YES), the second cylinder 13C (motor 133C) is determined. ) Is stopped (S480). Further, it is determined whether or not the third stop button 43R is pressed (S490). If it is determined that the third stop button 43R is pressed (S490: YES), the third cylinder 13R (motor 133R) is determined. Is stopped (S500).

  In FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the stop button 43 is pressed in order from the first stop button 43L. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, in order from the third stop button 43R. It may be determined whether or not the stop button 43 is pressed.

  Incidentally, the stop position of the rotating cylinder 13 is determined based on the operation timing of the stop button 43 and the result of the internal lottery process (S120). That is, the position is within, for example, 4 frames (the number of frames that can be controlled for pulling or kicking control) from the position when the stop button 43 is operated, and is a position corresponding to the result of the internal lottery.

  Specifically, for example, when the sixth “red 7” symbol (see FIG. 3) of the first cylinder 13L overlaps the winning line L1 (see FIG. 2) in the middle of the display window 5, the first stop button 43L is activated. When operated, the symbols that can actually be stopped on the winning line L1 by the pull-in control are symbols within four frames from the “red 7” symbol, that is, the seventh “cherry” as shown in FIG. One of the symbols, the eighth “yellow bell” symbol, the ninth “red bell” symbol, or the tenth “replay” symbol.

  At this time, if the bell combination is elected internally, the stop control of the first cylinder 13L is performed so that the “yellow bell” symbol, which is the constituent symbol of the bell combination, stops on the winning line L1. (Retraction control) is performed. On the other hand, if neither of the winning lines has won an internal winning in the winning line, the first cylinder 13L does not stop at the winning symbol within the range of four frames from the symbol at the timing when the first stop button 43L is pressed. Is controlled (kicking control).

  Next, it is determined whether or not all the spinning cylinders 13 are stopped (S510). When it is determined that all the spinning cylinders 13 are stopped (S510: YES), the automatic stop flag and the stop button 43 are set. After the time measured from the time of activation (hereinafter, this time is referred to as automatic stop time) is reset to the initial value (S550), the reel stop control process is terminated and the process returns to the main control flow.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that all the spinning cylinders 13 are not stopped (S510: NO), it is determined whether or not the automatic stop time has passed a predetermined time (for example, 40 seconds) (S520). If it is determined that the automatic stop time has not passed the predetermined time (S520: NO), the process returns to S450.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the automatic stop time has passed the predetermined time (S520: YES), it is determined whether or not the automatic stop flag is set (S530), and the automatic stop flag is not set. Is determined (S530: NO), the process returns to S450. On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic stop flag is set (S530: YES), all the rotating cylinders 13 are rotated. In addition to being stopped (S540), the automatic stop flag and the automatic stop time are reset to the initial value (0) (S550), and then the reel stop control process ends and the process returns to the main control flow.

  As is clear from the description of the control flow described above, S120 corresponds to the prize mode lottery means described in the claims, and S540 corresponds to the first automatic stop means described in the claims. S530 corresponds to the automatic stop operation means described in the claims.

Next, features of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, all the cylinders 13 are automatically stopped only when an award mode that is disadvantageous to a player such as a loser is internally won in the internal lottery process (S120), On the other hand, if the winning mode which is beneficial to the player such as a regular bonus combination or a big bonus combination is won in the internal lottery process (S120), the spinning cylinder 13 is not automatically stopped, so the internal lottery process (S120). Unlike gaming machines that automatically stop all the cylinders 13 after a predetermined period of time regardless of the lottery result of (), the interest of the game is not impaired.

  Furthermore, since it is possible to prevent the rotating cylinder 13 from continuing to rotate unnecessarily, it is possible to prevent an increase in the load on the motor 133 and to prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned vacant stand problem.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the vacant stand problem while preventing the load on the driving means such as the electric motor 133 from increasing without impairing the interest of the spinning-reel type gaming machine. Can be solved.

  In the internal lottery process (S120), the player 13 does not automatically stop the reel 13 when the winning mode that is beneficial to the player such as a regular bonus combination or a big bonus combination is won internally. As long as 43 is not pressed, the spinning cylinder 13 continues to rotate, but the spinning cylinder 13 does not automatically stop. This informs the player that the player has actually won the regular bonus part. Will be.

  Accordingly, since it is considered that the player rarely leaves the gaming machine 1 that does not automatically stop, the winning mode that is beneficial to the player, such as a regular bonus role, is internally won in the internal lottery process (S120). Even if the rotating drum 13 is not automatically stopped in this case, the load on the motor 133 is increased and the vacant stand problem does not occur.

  In addition, in addition to the effect display performed on the display panel 11, the notification effect of the lottery result by the prize mode lottery means (S120) can also be performed depending on the rotation status of the rotating cylinder 13, so the notification effect can be diversified. You can plan.

  By the way, in the conventional spinning-type game machine, the spinning cylinder 13 is stopped when the automatic stop time has passed a predetermined time. Therefore, the symbols stopped and displayed by the automatic stop form a winning combination such as a regular bonus combination. However, in order to prevent such a case from occurring, the symbol displayed when the automatic stop time has elapsed for a predetermined period of time is detected and Since it is necessary to control the stop of the spinning cylinder 13 so that the spinning cylinder 13 does not stop with a combination of symbols that establishes a winning combination when the cylinder 13 stops, the reel stop control process may be complicated.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not to activate the automatic stop function based on the presence / absence of a winning flag corresponding to the award mode that is beneficial to the player, and the award mode that is beneficial to the player is determined. Since the automatic stop function is not activated when the corresponding winning flag is set, the symbol that is stopped and displayed by the automatic stop can establish a winning combination while preventing the reel stop control process from becoming more complicated than necessary. Can be prevented in advance.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop time is automatically stopped before the predetermined time elapses, that is, whether or not the automatic stop flag is set. However, in the present embodiment, the automatic stop time is the predetermined time. It is determined whether or not the automatic stop is performed when the time elapses, that is, whether or not a winning flag corresponding to a prize mode that is beneficial to the player is set.

  10 and 11 are flowcharts showing an outline of the reel stop control process in the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the reel stop control process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

  When the reel stop control processing routine is started after each spinning cylinder 13 starts to rotate by the operation of the start lever 41, first, whether or not the rotational speed of each spinning cylinder 13 that has started to rotate has become a constant rotational speed. Is determined (S600).

  When it is determined that the rotation speed of each cylinder 13 is a constant rotation speed (S600: YES), when each stop button 43 is activated and the lamp or LED of the stop button 43 is turned on. At the same time, time measurement for automatic stop is started (S610, S620). On the other hand, when the rotational speed of each cylinder 13 is not reached (S600: NO), each stop button 43 is not activated, and Time measurement for automatic stop does not start.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the first stop button 43L has been pressed (S630). If it is determined that the first stop button 43L has been pressed (S630: YES), the first cylinder 13L (motor 133L) is determined. ) Is stopped (S640).

  Similarly, it is determined whether or not the second stop button 43C is pressed (S650). If it is determined that the second stop button 43C is pressed (S650: YES), the second cylinder 13C (motor 133C) is determined. ) Is stopped (S660). Further, it is determined whether or not the third stop button 43R is pressed (S670). If it is determined that the third stop button 43R is pressed (S670: YES), the third cylinder 13R (motor 133R) is determined. Is stopped (S680).

  In FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the stop button 43 is pressed in order from the first stop button 43L. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, in order from the third stop button 43R. It may be determined whether or not the stop button 43 is pressed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not all the spinning cylinders 13 are stopped (S690), and when it is determined that all the spinning cylinders 13 are stopped (S690: YES), the automatic stop time is set to the initial value. After redoing (S730), the reel stop control process is terminated and the process returns to the main control flow.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that all the spinning cylinders 13 are not stopped (S690: NO), it is determined whether or not the automatic stop time has passed a predetermined time (S700), and the automatic stop time is a predetermined time. If it is determined that the period has not passed (S700: NO), the process returns to S630.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic stop time has passed the predetermined time (S700: YES), it is determined whether or not the winning flag is set (S710), and it is determined that the winning flag is set. If it is determined (S710: YES), the process returns to S630. On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning flag is not set (S710: NO), all the rotating drums 13 are stopped. At the same time (S720), after the automatic stop time is reset to the initial value (0) (S730), the reel stop control process ends and the process returns to the main control flow.

  As is apparent from the above description of the control flow, S720 corresponds to the first automatic stop means described in the claims, and S710 corresponds to the automatic stop operation means described in the claims. To do.

(Third embodiment)
In the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, when the winning flag corresponding to the prize mode that is beneficial to the player is set and the automatic stop time exceeds the predetermined time, the automatic stop function does not operate at all. However, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment rotates when the winning flag corresponding to the prize mode that is beneficial to the player is set and the automatic stop time exceeds the predetermined time. When there is a spinning cylinder 13, at least one of the rotating spinning cylinders 13 is automatically stopped.

  FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing an outline of the reel stop control process in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. When the reel stop control process routine is started, first, it is beneficial to the above-mentioned player. It is determined whether or not a winning flag corresponding to the award mode (hereinafter simply referred to as a winning flag) is set (S800).

  If the winning flag is not set (S800: NO), after setting the automatic stop flag (S810), whether or not the rotational speed of each of the cylinders 13 that have started rotating has reached a constant rotational speed. Is determined (S820). On the other hand, if the winning flag is set (S800: YES), whether or not the rotation speed of each of the rotating cylinders 13 that have started to rotate has become a constant rotation speed without setting the automatic stop flag. It is determined (S820).

  Next, when it is determined that the rotation speed of each cylinder 13 has become a constant rotation speed (S820: YES), each stop button 43 is activated and the lamp or LED of the stop button 43 is turned on. At the same time, time measurement for automatic stop is started (S830, S840). On the other hand, when it is determined that the rotational speed of each cylinder 13 is not reached (S820: NO), each stop button 43 is activated. The time for automatic stop is not started.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the first stop button 43L is pressed (S850). If it is determined that the first stop button 43L is pressed (S850: YES), the first cylinder 13L (motor 133L) is determined. ) Is stopped (S860).

  Similarly, it is determined whether or not the second stop button 43C is pressed (S870). If it is determined that the second stop button 43C is pressed (S870: YES), the second cylinder 13C (motor 133C) is determined. ) Is stopped (S880). Further, it is determined whether or not the third stop button 43R has been pressed (S890). If it is determined that the third stop button 43R has been pressed (S890: YES), the third cylinder 13R (motor 133R) is determined. Is stopped (S900).

  In FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the stop button 43 is pressed in order from the first stop button 43L. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, in order from the third stop button 43R. It may be determined whether or not the stop button 43 is pressed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not all the spinning cylinders 13 are stopped (S910). If it is determined that all the spinning cylinders 13 are stopped (S910: YES), the automatic stop flag and the automatic stop time are determined. After being reset to the initial value (S950), the reel stop control process is terminated and the process returns to the main control flow.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that all the spinning cylinders 13 are not stopped (S910: NO), it is determined whether or not the automatic stop time has passed a predetermined time (S920), and the automatic stop time is a predetermined time. If it is determined that the period has not elapsed (S920: NO), the process returns to S850.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the automatic stop time has passed the predetermined time (S920: YES), it is determined whether or not the automatic stop flag is set (S930), and the automatic stop flag is not set. Is determined (S930: NO), it is determined whether there are currently two or more rotating drums 13, that is, whether there are two or more symbols that are variably displayed. (S960).

  If it is determined that there are currently two or more rotating drums 13 (S960: YES), at least one of the rotating drums 13 (in this embodiment, After only one spinning cylinder 13) is automatically stopped (S970), the process returns to S850. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are no more than two spinning cylinders 13 currently rotating (S960: NO), S850 is continued. Return to.

  In this embodiment, in order to stop the rotating cylinder 13 in S970, the order of the first rotating cylinder 13L, the second rotating cylinder 13C, and the third rotating cylinder 13R is adopted as the priority for automatic stop. . That is, for example, when the rotating cylinder 13 currently rotating is the first rotating cylinder 13L and the second rotating cylinder 13C, the first rotating cylinder 13L is automatically stopped, and the rotating cylinder 13 currently rotating is In the case of the second cylinder 13C and the third cylinder 13R, the second cylinder 13C is automatically stopped.

  If it is determined that the automatic stop flag is set (S930: YES), all the rotating cylinders 13 are stopped (S940), and the automatic stop flag and the automatic stop time are initially set. After being reset to the value (0) (S950), the reel stop control process ends and the process returns to the main control flow.

As is clear from the above description of the control flow, S960 and S970 correspond to the second automatic stop means described in the claims.
Next, features of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  Also in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as in the above-described embodiment, only when a prize mode that is disadvantageous to a player such as a loser is internally won in the internal lottery process (S120). If the award mode that is beneficial to the player, such as a regular bonus combination or a big bonus combination, is won internally in the internal lottery process (S120), the rotation cylinder 13 is automatically Since it is not stopped, the interest of the game is not impaired, and since it is possible to prevent the rotating cylinder 13 from continuing to rotate unnecessarily, it is possible to prevent the load on the motor 133 from increasing and Can be prevented from occurring.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the spinning cylinder 13 that is rotating when the winning flag corresponding to the prize mode that is beneficial to the player is set and the automatic stop time exceeds a predetermined time. If there is, at least one of the rotating cylinders 13 is automatically stopped, so that the interest of the game is impaired while reliably preventing the load of the motor 133 from increasing. Can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, the order of the first cylinder 13L, the second cylinder 13C, and the second cylinder 13C is adopted as the priority order for stopping the rotating cylinder 13 rotating in S970. This embodiment is not limited to this, For example, you may employ | adopt the order of 3rd cylinder 13R, 2nd cylinder 13C, and 1st cylinder 13L.

  S970 stops at least one of the spinning cylinders 13, but does not stop all of the spinning cylinders 13. In other words, “all the cases where the prize mode determined by the internal lottery process (S120) is a prize mode that is beneficial to the player and when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start lever 41 was operated. The change display of at least one of the symbols displayed in a variable manner is stopped without stopping the change display of the other symbols. This is because forcibly stopping the change display of all the symbols is contrary to the gist of the present invention and remarkably impairs the interest of the revolving game machine.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the gaming machine 1 according to the third embodiment, when the winning flag corresponding to the prize mode that is beneficial to the player is set and the automatic stop time exceeds a predetermined time, the spinning cylinder 13 is rotating. In some cases, at least one of the rotating cylinders 13 is simply automatically stopped, but this embodiment is a win corresponding to a prize mode that is beneficial to the player. When the flag is set and the automatic stop time exceeds a predetermined time, and there is a rotating cylinder 13, a symbol that can establish a winning combination is stopped and displayed. At least one of the rotating cylinders 13 is automatically stopped.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a difference between the reel stop control process in the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment and the reel stop control process (see FIG. 13) in the gaming machine 1 according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, differences from the reel stop control process according to the third embodiment will be described. Incidentally, in FIG. 14, the same control symbols as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same label symbols.

  That is, in S930, it is determined whether or not the automatic stop flag is set. If it is determined that the automatic stop flag is not set (S930: NO), the currently rotating cylinder 13 is rotating. It is determined whether there are two or more, that is, whether there are two or more symbols that are variably displayed (S960).

  If it is determined that there are two or more spinning cylinders 13 that are currently rotating (S960: YES), the spinning cylinder 13 that is automatically stopped among the rotating cylinders 13 is currently displayed. The symbol is acquired (S980), and based on the acquired symbol, the spinning cylinder 13 to be automatically stopped displays a symbol that can establish a winning combination corresponding to the internal lottery result, and stops. The motor 133 is controlled (S990). Note that the method for selecting the rotating cylinder 13 to be automatically stopped is the same as in the third embodiment.

  Thereafter, after the spinning cylinder 13 is automatically stopped (S970), the process returns to S850. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are no more than two currently rotating spinning cylinders 13 (S960: NO), the process directly returns to S850. .

As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, S980 and S990 correspond to the third automatic stop means described in the claims.
Next, features of the present embodiment will be described.

  If the winning flag corresponding to the prize mode that is beneficial to the player is set and the automatic stop time exceeds a predetermined time, and there is a rotating drum 13, the rotating Since at least one of the cylinders 13 is automatically stopped so as to be stopped and displayed with a symbol capable of establishing a winning combination, even if the automatic stop function is activated, the interest of the game is significantly impaired. Can be prevented.

In addition, it is possible to obtain an effect of notifying the winning mode (winning combination) that is won internally by the automatic stop state of the rotating cylinder 13.
In the present embodiment, as described above, the spinning cylinder 13 that rotates when the winning flag corresponding to the prize mode that is beneficial to the player is set and the automatic stop time exceeds a predetermined time. If there is, at least one of the rotating cylinders 13 is automatically stopped with a symbol that can establish a winning combination, but the determination step of S930 is executed. At the time, the at least one cylinder 13 has already stopped, and there may be a case where a winning combination corresponding to the internal lottery result cannot be established with the symbol displayed as stopped.

  That is, the automatic stop function according to the present embodiment does not guarantee that a winning combination corresponding to the internal lottery result is established, and the load on the motor 133 increases without detracting from the interest of the spinning machine. The purpose is to solve the vacant stand problem while preventing this.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, the rotating cylinder 13 is stopped with a symbol that can establish a winning combination. Therefore, although the reel stop control process is complicated as compared with the first embodiment, as described above. In addition, even in a normal spinning-type game machine, pull-in control or kick-off control is performed, which is a feature of this embodiment, that is, “stopping the spinning cylinder 13 with a symbol that can establish a winning combination. "Is a control process substantially similar to the pull-in control or kick-off control. Therefore, even if such control is added, the reel stop control process is not so complicated in practice.

  Therefore, also in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the symbols stopped and displayed by the automatic stop from becoming a combination of symbols that establish a winning combination while preventing the reel stop control process from becoming more complicated than necessary. Can be prevented.

(Fifth embodiment)
In the present embodiment, when the winning mode that is beneficial to the player is an internal winning and when the automatic stop time exceeds a predetermined time, one or two stop buttons 43 are pressed. When the rotation of the rotating cylinder 13 has already stopped, if the winning combination cannot be established depending on the symbols displayed by the stopped rotating cylinder 13, the remaining rotating cylinder All 13 are forcibly stopped.

  15 to 17 are flowcharts showing an outline of the reel stop control process (S150) according to the present embodiment. In this flowchart, in order to facilitate understanding of the reel stop control process, the stop button 43 is pressed in the order of the first stop button 43L, the second stop button 43C, and the third stop button 43R (so-called For example, even when the stop button 43 is pressed in the order of the third stop button 43R, the second stop button 43C, and the first stop button 43L, The stopping of each cylinder 13 is controlled by a control flow according to FIGS. Hereinafter, the reel stop control according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the reel stop control processing routine is started after each cylinder 13 starts to rotate by the operation of the start lever 41, first, a winning flag corresponding to a prize mode advantageous to the player such as a regular bonus combination or a big bonus combination Is determined (S1000).

  Hereinafter, simply referring to “winning flag” means a winning flag corresponding to a winning mode advantageous to a player, such as a regular bonus role or a big bonus role, and only “losing win flag” “Winning flag”.

  If the winning flag is not set (S1000: NO), after the automatic stop flag is set (S1010), whether or not the rotational speeds of the respective cylinders 13 that have started to rotate have become constant rotational speeds. Is determined (S1020). On the other hand, when the winning flag is set (S1000: YES), whether or not the rotation speed of each of the rotating cylinders 13 that have started rotating has reached a constant rotation speed without setting the automatic stop flag. It is determined (S1020).

  Next, when it is determined that the rotational speed of each cylinder 13 has become a constant rotational speed (S1020: YES), each stop button 43 is activated and the lamp or LED of the stop button 43 is lit. At the same time, time measurement for automatic stop is started (S1030, S1040). On the other hand, when it is determined that the rotational speed of each cylinder 13 is not reached (S1020: NO), each stop button 43 is activated. The time for automatic stop is not started.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the first stop button 43L is pressed (S1050). If it is determined that the first stop button 43L is pressed (S1050: YES), the first cylinder 13L (motor 133L) is determined. ) Is stopped (S1060), and it is determined whether an automatic stop flag is set (S1070).

  When it is determined that the automatic stop flag is not set (S1070: NO), the symbol displayed by the stopped first cylinder 13L is acquired (S1080), and the acquired symbol is determined by the acquired symbol. Whether or not it is possible to establish a winning combination corresponding to the internal lottery result, that is, whether or not a winning combination corresponding to the set winning flag can be established based on the symbol acquired in S1080. Is determined (S1090).

  If it is determined that the winning combination corresponding to the set winning flag cannot be established by the symbol acquired in S1080 (S1090: NO), after the automatic stop flag is set (S1100), it is determined whether the second stop button 43C has been pressed (S1110).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning combination corresponding to the set winning flag can be established by the symbol acquired in S1080 (S1090: YES), or the automatic stop flag is set in S1070. If it is determined that the second stop button 43C has been pressed (S1110), the automatic stop flag is not set (S1110).

  If it is determined that the second stop button 43C has been pressed (S1110: YES), the rotation of the second cylinder 13C (motor 133C) is stopped (S1120), and an automatic stop flag is set. It is determined whether or not there is (S1130).

  If it is determined that the automatic stop flag is not set (S1130: NO), the symbol displayed by the stopped second cylinder 13C is acquired (S1140), and the acquired symbol is determined by the acquired symbol. It is determined whether or not a winning combination corresponding to the internal lottery result can be established (S1150).

  If it is determined that the winning combination corresponding to the internal lottery result cannot be established based on the acquired symbol (S1150: NO), after the automatic stop flag is set (S1160), It is determined whether or not the 3 stop button 43R is pressed (S1170).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning combination corresponding to the set winning flag can be established by the symbol acquired in S1140 (S1150: YES), or the automatic stop flag is set in S1130. If it is determined that the third stop button 43R is pressed (S1170), the automatic stop flag is not set (S1170).

  If it is determined that the third stop button 43R has been pressed (S1170: YES), after the rotation of the third cylinder 13R (motor 133R) is stopped (S500), all the cylinders 13 are It is determined whether or not it is stopped (S1190). On the other hand, when it is determined that the third stop button 43R is not pressed (S1170: NO), the rotation of the third cylinder 13R (motor 133R) is stopped. Without being performed, it is determined whether or not all the cylinders 13 have stopped (S1190).

  If it is determined that all the spinning cylinders 13 have stopped (S1190: YES), the time measured from when the automatic stop flag and the stop button 43 are activated (automatic stop time) is set as the initial value. After redoing (S1230), the reel stop control process is terminated and the process returns to the main control flow.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that all the spinning cylinders 13 are not stopped (S1190: NO), it is determined whether or not the automatic stop time has passed a predetermined time (for example, 40 seconds) (S1200). If it is determined that the automatic stop time has not passed the predetermined time (S1200: NO), the process returns to S1050.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic stop time has passed the predetermined time (S1200: YES), it is determined whether or not the automatic stop flag is set (S1210), and the automatic stop flag is not set. Is determined (S1210: NO), the process returns to S1050. On the other hand, if it is determined that the automatic stop flag is set (S1210: YES), all the rotating cylinders 13 are rotated. In addition to being stopped (S1220), after the automatic stop flag and the automatic stop time are reset to the initial value (0) (S1230), the reel stop control process ends and the process returns to the main control flow.

As is clear from the above description of the control flow, S1220 corresponds to the fourth automatic stop means described in the claims.
Next, features of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, even when the prize mode that is beneficial to the player is won in the internal lottery (S120), the time when the first cylinder 13L stops, or the first cylinder 13L and the second one. When it is determined that winning of the winning combination won in the internal lottery is impossible when the trunk 13C stops, the stop button 43 is operated when the automatic stop time exceeds a predetermined time. Regardless of this, all the remaining rotating cylinders 13 are forcibly automatically stopped.

  For this reason, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the automatic stop flag is set to ON when the winning combination of the winning combination is impossible even though the winning mode which is beneficial to the player is internally won. Therefore, even if the player does not perform the stop operation of the rotating cylinder 13, that is, does not press the stop button 43, whether or not the stop button 43 is pressed when the automatic stop time has passed a predetermined time. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating drum 13 is forcibly stopped.

Therefore, the player does not need to perform a useless stop operation such as pressing the stop button 43 when winning cannot be established, so that the burden on the player can be reduced.
By the way, in the first embodiment, the automatic stop function is not actuated when the winning mode that is beneficial to the player is internally won, so that the rotating cylinder 13 continues to rotate and the load on the motor 133 may increase. is there.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, even if the winning mode that is profitable for the player is won internally, in the symbol displayed by the spinning cylinder 13 that has already stopped, the winning combination wins When the establishment is impossible, the automatic stop function is activated to stop the rotation of the rotating cylinder 13, so that an unnecessary load can be prevented from being applied to the motor 133.

  The reel stop processing flow shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 is obtained by applying the present embodiment to the first embodiment. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and other embodiments. It can also be applied to.

(Sixth embodiment)
In the present embodiment, when a predetermined time elapses, an automatic stop time is displayed on a management system such as the display panel 11 or a hall computer so as to alert the player or hall clerk. .

  In other words, in the above-described first to fourth embodiments, when the winning flag corresponding to the prize mode that is beneficial to the player is set, even if the automatic stop time has elapsed a predetermined time, all The rotating cylinder 13 does not stop automatically, and at least one rotating cylinder 13 continues to rotate. In such a state, a predetermined message is displayed on the display panel 11 or a lamp provided around the display window 5 is turned on to prompt the player to stop the spinning cylinder 13 and to benefit the player. It is possible to notify the player that the prize is to be won internally.

  In addition, for the hall clerk, the player will not stop the game and the gaming machine will be left as a vacant base even though the award is in the win for the player. You can call attention.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, when the rotational speed of each cylinder 13 is not reached, the time measurement for the automatic stop is not started. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, the start lever 41. The automatic stop time may be counted from the time when is operated or from the time when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start lever 41 is operated.

  In the above-described embodiment, the rotation angle of the rotating cylinder 13 is controlled stepwise based on the number of steps of the motor 133 (number of pulses). However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be continuously detected and detected by detecting the rotation angle of an encoder or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, when a regular bonus combination or a big bonus combination is won by internal lottery, the winning flag is accumulated only when a winning combination corresponding to the winning flag is not established. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control system includes the main control board 101 and the sub control board 105. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one control board (main control board) ) May control everything.

  In the above-described embodiment, one frame (one symbol) is divided and controlled in 24 steps. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is made coarser or finer than 24 divisions. May be.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the rotary type game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the front structure of the rotary type game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence formed in the outer peripheral surface of the rotary cylinder which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electrical structure of the rotary type game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the internal lottery process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the production | presentation pattern determination process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop process in the rotary type gaming machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop process in the rotary type gaming machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the reel stop process in the rotary type game machine which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Revolving type game machine (game machine), 3 ... Housing, 5 ... Display window, 7 ... Operation panel part,
9 ... Game medal payout exit, 11 ... Display panel, 13 ... Spinner 15a ... Lamp, 15a ... First medal line lamp,
15b ... second medal line lamp, 15c ... third medal line lamp,
17 ... Game start display lamp, 21 ... Re-play lamp,
23a ... Big bonus notification lamp, 25 ... Game medal insertion lamp,
27 ... an accessory count display, 29 ... a payout display,
31 ... Number-of-stores indicator, 33 ... Game medal slot, 35 ... Sheet button,
37 ... Sheet loading button, 41 ... Start lever, 43 ... Stop button,
45 ... Return button, 47 ... Tray part, 101 ... Main control board, 103 ... Rotating board,
105 ... Sub-control board, 107 ... Central display lamp board, 109 ... Power supply board,
119: substrate for illumination, 121: speaker, 123 ... illuminations,
125 ... Left display lamp substrate, 127 ... Right display lamp substrate,
129 ... Start lever unit, 131 ... Medal selector, 133 ... Motor,
135: Cylinder sensor board, 137: Medal payout device.

Claims (4)

It has a plurality of spinning cylinders with a plurality of symbols displayed on its outer peripheral surface, displays the variation of the symbols by rotating the spinning cylinder, and stops the symbols by stopping the rotation of the spinning cylinder. In the rotary type gaming machine that performs
Driving means for rotating the rotating drum;
Fluctuation starting means for issuing a rotation start signal for operating the driving means based on the player's operation;
Fluctuation stopping means for issuing a rotation stop signal for stopping the operation of the driving means based on a player's operation;
A prize mode lottery means for lottering a prize mode given to the player in conjunction with the operation of the variation start means;
A first automatic stop means for stopping the operation of the drive means when a predetermined time has elapsed since the change start means was operated;
An automatic stop operating means for operating the first automatic stop means only when the prize mode determined by the prize mode lottery means is a prize mode that is disadvantageous to the player. Gaming machine.   When the prize mode determined by the prize mode lottery means is a prize mode that is beneficial to the player, and when a predetermined time has passed since the change start means was operated, The spinning machine according to claim 1, further comprising second automatic stop means for stopping the operation of the driving means so that rotation of at least one of the spinning cylinders is stopped.   The second automatic stop means includes third automatic stop means for stopping the operation of the drive means so that a symbol capable of determining a prize mode that is beneficial to the player is stopped and displayed. 3. A revolving game machine according to claim 2, wherein   In the case where the prize mode determined by the prize mode lottery means is a prize mode that is beneficial to the player, and when a predetermined time has passed since the change start unit was operated, the variation stop unit An award that may be beneficial to the player depending on the symbols displayed by the rotating cylinder that has already stopped, and depending on the symbols displayed by the stopped cylinder. 4. The rotating machine according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth automatic stop unit that stops all the remaining rotating drums when the mode cannot be established. 5. A torso game machine.

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