JP2006218040A - Game machine, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of being operated even by a beginner in a recommended order of stop buttons. <P>SOLUTION: A stop button operation control part performs the correspondence among a first predetermined time to a third predetermined time and a first stop button to a third stop button from an order of operations determined by an operation order determining part and renders the operation of the stop button, corresponding to the predetermined time, inoperative until the first predetermined time to the third predetermined time are timed by a timer respectively. Whenever the timer times the first predetermined time to the third predetermined time, the operation of the stop button is rendered operative in an order of an earlier operation determined by the determining part. When a game player operates the stop button operative among the first stop button to the third stop button, a reel corresponding to the stop button operated stops. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine installed and used in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor.

  In the present specification, a pachislot machine is described as an example, so that medals are used as game media. However, game media include other media such as coins and pachinko balls. Further, “inserting medals (game media)” includes betting a credited medal with a bet button or the like in addition to actually inserting a medal into the medal slot. Further, in the present specification, winning is determined by winning the winning combination by electronic lottery, and the reel symbols corresponding to the winning winning combination are arranged on the winning line.

  Slot machines that are installed and used in amusement halls such as pachinko parlors are called pachislot machines, and given a certain value to the medal that is the game medium, various medals earned by playing games Can be replaced. For this reason, the player generally aims to acquire a large number of medals, and generally attempts to play a game by selecting a table that is easy to obtain the right to shift to the bonus game mode, which is a special mode. The bonus game mode includes, for example, a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as BB) mode and a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as RB) mode. In particular, the BB mode is shifted to the RB mode a predetermined number of times and before being shifted to the RB mode. In addition, since the transition to the RB introduction game section in which the winning combination of the small role is high, a large amount of medals can be obtained in a short period of time (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Providing the expectation that a large number of medals can be obtained in a short period is an important factor in attracting players to slot machines. In recent years, in addition to the bonus game mode, a game mode that can be expected to acquire a large number of medals There are many models that have been devised in various ways to increase the player's happiness. As one of the game modes, there is known an assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT) mode in which an assist display that prompts the player to operate a stop button is performed. The AT mode is a mode whose end condition is that a predetermined number of games are played. In the AT mode game, when a predetermined winning combination is won, for example, a sub reel provided separately from three reels, Alternatively, a recommended stop button operation sequence or the like is displayed on a liquid crystal screen or the like. When the player operates the stop button in accordance with this display, the player can win a predetermined winning combination. Therefore, in a model provided with the AT mode, it is easy to increase the number of medals during the AT mode, so that the player's willingness to acquire medals can be stimulated and the interest in the game can be raised.
JP 06-63214 A

  However, in the AT mode, a player who understands the meaning of the assist display can operate the stop button according to the assist display, but a beginner who does not understand the meaning of the assist display can follow the assist display. Since the stop button could not be operated, there was a problem that the chance of acquiring a large number of medals within a short period of time was lost. Furthermore, this has caused a problem that the interest for beginner games is greatly impaired.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and a gaming machine that allows a player who cannot understand the meaning of assist display in the AT mode to operate the stop buttons in the recommended order. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is provided with a plurality of reels that rotate in response to an operation to start a game, and one for each of these reels, and the rotating reels are stopped. In a gaming machine provided with a stop button operated at the time, the time counting means for starting time counting with the operation for starting the game as at least one condition is associated with different times for each stop button, and these times are Operation control means for invalidating the operation of the stop button corresponding to the time until the time measuring means keeps counting is provided.

  Further, as a program, a plurality of reels that rotate in response to an operation for starting a game and one for each of these reels are provided, and are operated when the rotating reels are stopped. A plurality of stop buttons are associated with time measuring means for starting time counting with an operation for starting the game as at least one condition, and different times are associated with the respective stop buttons, and these times are measured until the time counting means time counts. It is preferable that the computer of the gaming machine functions as an operation control means for invalidating the operation of the stop button corresponding to the above.

  The storage medium of the present invention stores the above-described program and can be read by a computer.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the time counting means for starting the timing with the operation for starting the game as at least one condition is associated with different times for each stop button, and the time until the time counting means counts the time. Since the operation control means for invalidating the operation of the stop button corresponding to is provided, it is possible to cause the player to operate the stop button in the order in which the invalidation is released. As a result, when playing a game that is set so that profits can be earned by operating the stop button in the recommended operation order, the stop button is canceled so that the invalidation of the stop button is released in the recommended operation order By associating different times with each other, a stop button can be operated in a recommended operation order for a beginner who does not know that there is a recommended operation order, and profits can be reliably acquired.

  Hereinafter, a slot machine 2 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. First, various modes set in the game of the slot machine 2 will be described. In the game of the slot machine 2, a normal mode, a BB mode, an RB mode, and an AT mode are set.

  The BB mode is a mode that is terminated when the RB introduction game is performed three times or the RB introduction game that is performed before the RB mode is transitioned three times. The RB mode is a mode that ends when a single-item game is won 8 times or 12 times.

  The AT mode is a mode that ends when the game is played a predetermined number of times. When a predetermined winning combination (for example, a bell role) is won during the AT mode, the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 are selected. The operation procedure is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 15, and if the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 are operated in accordance with this operation sequence, the winning combination is stopped on the winning line, so that the winning combination that has won is easy. Can be awarded. The number of times that the game is the end condition of the AT mode is determined to be 10 times, 20 times, or 30 times by the AT transition determining unit 38 to be described later every time it is determined to shift to the AT mode. It should be noted that the number of games as the AT mode end condition may be set as appropriate, and the type is not limited to three, and may be determined as appropriate. In addition, the one-time game in the present embodiment refers to the operation of the start lever 20 to rotate the first to third reels 11a to 11c from the time when a medal is inserted, and the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18. The operation until all reels that are rotating are stopped by operating is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a housing 3 of a slot machine (game machine) 2 is roughly divided into a storage box 4 having an opening (not shown) formed on the front surface, and a front door 5 that closes the opening so as to be openable and closable. It is composed of The front door 5 is provided with symbol display windows 8 to 10, and a first reel 11a, a second reel 11b, and a third reel 11c are rotatably incorporated in the back of each display window. As is well known, various symbols are arranged at a constant pitch on the outer periphery of the first to third reels 11a to 11c, and when the reels are stopped, three symbols are observed per reel through the corresponding display window. . As a result, a total of five straight winning lines, each of which has a combination of the symbols of each reel, are set, with three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines.

  An operation panel 12 is provided on the front door 5. Prior to the start of the game, when one medal is inserted from the medal slot 13, the winning line at the center side is activated, 3 for 3 and 3 for 2 The book winning line is activated. Hereinafter, the activated winning line is referred to as a winning effective line. Further, it is possible to store up to 50 medals (hereinafter referred to as credits), and the number of credited medals is displayed on the credit number display 14. For example, 4 symbols per reel can be observed from the symbol display windows 8 to 10, and in addition to the 4 winning pay lines, the symbols are folded to combine one symbol for each reel. It is also possible to set another winning line.

  A liquid crystal screen 15 is provided on the front door 5. The liquid crystal screen 15 is controlled by a liquid crystal screen controller 49 (see FIG. 2) described later. In order to notify the player of the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 in accordance with the achievement of the condition on condition that a predetermined winning combination is won in the game in the AT mode, A number corresponding to each stop button is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 15. That is, the first stop button 16 is displayed as “1”, the second stop button 17 as “2”, and the third stop button 18 as “3”. Note that the number displayed on the liquid crystal screen 15 may be an appropriate symbol, and may be, for example, a character or a mark in addition to the number. In addition, the liquid crystal screen 15 may be used for display for various effects without being limited to the AT mode.

  When 1 to 3 medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 13 and the start lever 20 for starting the game is operated, the first to third reels 11a to 11c start to rotate. Then, when the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 are operated, the first to third reels 11a to 11c corresponding to the buttons are individually stopped.

  The operation panel 12 is provided with various operation buttons such as a single bet button 22, a MAX bet button 23, and a payout button 24 that are operated when a game is played with a medal credited. In addition, since the function of these operation buttons is well-known, it abbreviate | omits for details.

  A medal tray 26 is provided at the lower portion of the housing 3, and the medal tray 26 stores a payout medal paid out from the medal payout port 27 when a winning is obtained in the game.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation of the slot machine 2 is basically controlled by a control unit 32 including a CPU 30 and a memory 31. In addition to the CPU 30 and the memory 31, the control unit 32 includes an electronic lottery unit 35, a winning combination determining unit 36, a game number counter 37, an AT transition determining unit 38, an operation order determining unit 39, a timer (time measuring means) 40, a stop A button operation control unit (operation control means) 41 is provided.

  The medal sensor 42 detects an appropriate medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 and inputs a detection signal to the CPU 30. A selector is incorporated in the back of the medal insertion slot 13, and inappropriate medals are discharged from the medal payout opening 27 to the medal tray 26. In addition, when a medal is inserted at an improper timing, for example, a medal sensor is used for a medal that is inserted into the medal slot 13 while the various operation buttons are pressed during the game. It is discharged to the medal tray 26 without going through 42.

  Since the number of medals inserted prior to the start of the game is limited to 1 to 3, medals inserted after the fourth are detected by the medal sensor 42 when the credit function is not used. Without being discharged to the medal tray 26. The credit function is turned on / off every time the payout button 24 is pushed. When the credit function is on, medals inserted after the fourth sheet are also detected by the medal sensor 42 and credited into the slot machine 2 up to 50 sheets. The number of medals credited is digitally displayed on the credit number display 14. When the credit function is used, a medal insertion operation is performed by operating the one-bet button 22 or the MAX bet button 23 described above, and the bet number is sequentially subtracted from the credit number. In addition, when a game is performed and a winning with a medal payout is obtained, a payout medal is also credited, and the medal credited when the payout button 24 is operated is paid out to the medal tray 26.

  A sensor is provided inside the single bet button 22 and the MAX bet button 23, and a signal is input to the CPU 30 when pressed. The CPU 30 determines the number of 1 to 3 medals inserted prior to the start of the game based on a detection signal from the medal sensor 42 or an input signal from either the 1 bet button 22 or the MAX bet button 23. The number of activated winning lines is thereby determined. In addition, the number of medals betted each time the game is started is added up and counted by a counter provided in the CPU 30. The number of credits is counted by another credit medal counter (not shown).

  The start switch sensor 43 is turned on when the start lever 20 is operated, and inputs a game start signal to the CPU 30. Upon receiving the game start signal, the CPU 30 rotates the first to third reels 11a to 11c based on the game execution program stored in the ROM area of the memory 31, and starts the game process. The game execution program includes execution programs for the BB mode, the RB mode, and the AT mode, and the CPU 30 reads the execution programs to execute the game in each mode.

  Each of the first to third reels 11a to 11c is fixed to a drive shaft of an individual stepping motor 44a to 44c. The reel drive controller 45 controls driving of the stepping motors 44 a to 44 c and operates based on a signal input from the CPU 30. Thus, the drive and stop control of each reel is performed by the reel drive controller 45 controlling the drive of each stepping motor 44a to 44c.

  Since the stepping motors 44a to 44c rotate at a rotation angle corresponding to the number of supplied drive pulses, the CPU 30 controls the rotation angle of the first to third reels 11a to 11c by controlling the number of supplied drive pulses. The stop position of the reel can be determined by stopping the supply of the drive pulse. Further, reflection signals 47a to 47c are integrally formed at the reference position of each reel, and the photosensors 48a to 48c photoelectrically detect the passage of the reflection signals every rotation. Detection signals from the photosensors 48a to 48c are input to the CPU 30 as a reset signal for each reel.

  The CPU 30 is provided with a pulse counter for each of the stepping motors 44a to 44c, and counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 44a to 44c. When the reset signal is input from the photosensors 48a to 48c, the count value of the corresponding pulse counter is cleared. Therefore, the number of drive pulses corresponding to the rotation angle within one rotation of each reel is stored in each pulse counter while being sequentially updated.

  A symbol table is stored in the ROM area of the memory 31, and this symbol table represents the number of drive pulses corresponding to the rotation angle from the reference position of each reel and each symbol arranged on the reel at a constant pitch. The symbol code is associated. Therefore, by monitoring the count value of the pulse counter for each reel, for example, it is possible to identify which symbol has moved on the center winning effective line, and how much more the reel should be rotated. It is possible to predict whether the target symbol will move on the winning line. Note that the RAM area of the memory 31 is a working area, and is used for temporary storage or rewriting of flags and data used for each game.

  Sensors are provided in the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18, and a stop signal for each reel is input to the CPU 30 when the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 are operated. When all the reels start rotating by operating the start lever 20, except when the game in the normal mode, the game in the BB mode, the game in the RB mode, and the predetermined winning combination (bell role) in the AT mode are won In the game of, when the rotations of these reels reach a steady speed, the operations of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 are simultaneously activated, and a predetermined winning combination (bell role) is won in the AT mode. In the game, the operations of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 are activated one by one at a predetermined time interval so as to correspond to the operation order determined by the operation order determination unit 39 described later. Thereafter, by operating these, stop control of the corresponding first to third reels 11a to 11c is started.

  The stop control of the first to third reels 11a to 11c is performed within the range of four winning symbols (retraction range). For example, when the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 are operated, the winning is valid. When the winning symbols constituting the winning combination that has won the prize are included in the four winning symbols consecutive from the winning symbols located on the line, the first to third reels 11a to 11a The time until 11c stops is delayed, and the winning symbol constituting the winning combination is stopped on the winning line.

  The CPU 30 operates the electronic lottery unit 35 in response to the game start signal. The electronic lottery unit 35 includes a random number generator and a random number sampling circuit, and draws one random value every time the game is started. The random value selected by lottery is input to the winning combination determining unit 36. The winning combination determining unit 36 determines what winning combination is awarded in the currently executed game according to the input value.

  The winning combination determination unit 36 is provided with a plurality of types of winning combination lottery tables in which random values are grouped according to their sizes. In the winning combination lottery table, random numbers sampled in the game in the normal mode are the BB combination that gives the right to shift to the BB mode, the RB combination that gives the right to shift to the RB mode, and the opportunity to perform the transition lottery to shift to the AT mode. AT role to be, small role corresponding to a small role winning design that only pays out a predetermined number of medals, replay that gives the right to play the next game with the same number of bets without inserting medals, lose without causing any hits, etc. Among these, it is used for the determination of which symbol the value belongs to, that is, the winning determination. There are multiple types of small role winning designs, and a payout medal is assigned to each. The type and symbol of the winning are determined depending on which winning symbol the sampled random number value belongs to. The winning combination determination unit 36 is also provided with a winning combination lottery table used in the BB mode and the RB mode.

  When the winning combination is determined by the winning combination determination unit 36, a winning combination determination signal indicating the determined loss or the type of winning combination is input to the CPU 30. The CPU 30 inputs a signal corresponding to the winning combination determining signal to the liquid crystal screen controller 49 in response to the winning combination determining signal input from the winning combination determining unit 36. The liquid crystal screen controller 49 controls symbols and images displayed on the liquid crystal screen 15 in accordance with signals input from the CPU 30.

  When the winning combination wins, the medal payout unit 50 pays out the number of payout medals corresponding to the winning combination to the medal tray 26 or adds the specified number to the credit counter. The payout table in which the number of payout medals is determined for each type of winning combination is stored in the ROM area of the memory 31, and the CPU 30 reads this to drive the medal payout unit 50. For example, a medal hopper is used as the medal payout unit 50.

  When the watermelon role as the AT role wins in the game in the normal mode, the CPU 30 inputs a signal indicating that the watermelon role has won to the AT transition determining unit 38. The AT transition determination unit 38 performs a transition lottery in response to a signal input from the CPU 30, determines whether or not to shift to the AT mode, and further determines whether or not to shift to the AT mode. The number of games that will be the end condition is selected and determined by lottery so that it can be 10, 20, or 30 times. Note that the AT combination that triggers the lottery for the transition to the AT mode is not limited to the watermelon combination, and may be set as appropriate, such as another small combination such as a cherry combination. Further, the type and mode of the number of games may be set as appropriate.

  When the bell combination is won in the AT mode, the CPU 30 inputs a signal indicating that the bell combination is won to the operation order determination unit 39. The operation order determination unit 39 determines the recommended operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 in order to be able to win a bell combination in response to a signal input from the CPU 30 by lottery. . The operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 is “first → second → third stop button”, “first → third → second stop button”, “second → first → third”. “Stop button”, “2nd → 3rd → first stop button”, “3rd → 2nd → first stop button”, “3rd → 1st → second stop button” are selected and decided. The The winning probabilities for the six operation sequences may be set as appropriate, for example, to be the same.

  The operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 determined by the operation order determination unit 39 is fed back to the CPU 30 as an operation order determination signal. The CPU 30 inputs a signal indicating the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 determined by the operation order determination unit 39 in response to the operation order determination signal to the liquid crystal screen controller 49. The liquid crystal screen controller 49 controls the liquid crystal screen 15 to display the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 determined by the operation order determination unit 39 in response to a signal input from the CPU 30 as a plurality of numbers. I do. When a time for allowing the player to sufficiently recognize these numbers has elapsed, the liquid crystal screen controller 49 controls the liquid crystal screen 15 to hide the numbers. It should be noted that the “sufficiently visible time” is preferably, for example, a time until a timer 40 described later measures a third predetermined time.

  On the liquid crystal screen 15, three numbers indicating the first to third operation sequences of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 determined by the operation sequence determination unit 39 are simultaneously displayed over a certain period of time. The That is, using the numbers corresponding to the above-mentioned stop buttons, the case of “first → second → third stop button” is “123” and “first → third” in order from left to right on the liquid crystal screen 15. “→ second stop button” is “132”, “second → first → third stop button” is “213”, and “second → third → first stop button” is “231”. , “3rd → 2nd → first stop button” is “321”, and “3rd → first → second stop button” is “312”. What to do is displayed.

  The operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 may use characters or the like instead of the numbers corresponding to the above stop buttons. For example, the first stop button 16 may be “left”, The second stop button 17 is “middle”, the third stop button 18 is “right”, and the case of “first → second → third stop button” is “left middle right”, “first → third → second”. “Stop button” is “left / right / middle”, “second → first → third stop button” is “middle left / right”, “second → third → first stop button” is “middle right / left” In the case of “third → second → first stop button”, “right middle left”, and in the case of “third → first → second stop button” “right middle left”, the liquid crystal screen 15 from left to right You may display in order.

  When the bell role is won during the AT mode, the CPU 30 inputs a signal indicating that the bell role has been won to the timer 40. The timer 40 starts timing in response to a signal input from the CPU 30 and performs this timing until a third predetermined time stored in the memory 31 elapses. In this way, the timer 40 functions as a time measuring means for starting time measurement with at least one condition for starting the game (operation of the start lever).

  The memory 31 stores different times such as a first predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds), a second predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), and a third predetermined time (for example, 7 seconds) as data. The first predetermined time, the second predetermined time, and the third predetermined time are set so as to increase in order. The first predetermined time is set to be the same as or longer than the time required for the rotation of these reels to reach the steady speed after the start lever 20 is operated and all the reels start to rotate. It is preferable to do.

  The CPU 30 inputs to the stop button operation control unit 41 a first predetermined time signal indicating that the timer 40 has timed the first predetermined time when the timer 40 has timed the first predetermined time. 2 When a predetermined time is counted, a second predetermined time signal indicating that the timer 40 has timed the first predetermined time is input to the stop button operation control unit 41, and the timer 40 has timed the third predetermined time. As a trigger, the timer 40 inputs a third predetermined time signal indicating that the third predetermined time has been counted to the stop button operation control unit 41.

  The CPU 30 inputs a signal to the stop button operation control unit 41 in response to the operation order determination signal. The stop button operation control unit 41 operates in response to a signal input from the CPU 30, and the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 determined by the operation order determination unit 39 and the first to third A predetermined time is associated with each other, and the stop button corresponding to the predetermined time is invalidated until each predetermined time elapses.

  That is, among the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18, the stop button operation control unit 41 sets the first predetermined time for the first stop button in the operation order and the first stop button for the second stop button in the operation order. The CPU 30 associates the second predetermined time with the third predetermined time with the third stop button in the operation order (and associates a different time with each of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18), and the first to third predetermined times from the CPU 30. Each time signal is input, the CPU 30 is controlled so that the CPU 30 responds only to the stop signals of the stop buttons corresponding to these signals.

  Specifically, the stop button operation control unit 41 determines that the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 is “first → second → third stop button” by the operation order determination unit 39. When the timer 40 has timed the first predetermined time, the operation of the first stop button 16 is activated, and when the timer 40 has timed the second predetermined time, the operation of the second stop button 17 is triggered. And the operation of the third stop button 18 is validated when the timer 40 measures the third predetermined time.

  The stop button operation control unit 41 determines that the operation order determining unit 39 determines that the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 is “first → third → second stop button”. The operation of the first stop button 16 is activated when the timer 40 measures the first predetermined time, and the operation of the third stop button 18 is activated when the timer 40 measures the second predetermined time. The operation of the second stop button 17 is validated when the timer 40 measures the third predetermined time.

  The stop button operation control unit 41 determines that the operation order determining unit 39 determines that the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 is “second → first → third stop button”. The operation of the second stop button 17 is activated when the timer 40 measures the first predetermined time, and the operation of the first stop button 16 is activated when the timer 40 measures the second predetermined time. The operation of the third stop button 18 is validated when the timer 40 measures the third predetermined time.

  Further, the stop button operation control unit 41 determines that the operation order determination unit 39 determines that the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 is “second → third → first stop button”. The operation of the second stop button 17 is activated when the timer 40 measures the first predetermined time, and the operation of the third stop button 18 is activated when the timer 40 measures the second predetermined time. The operation of the first stop button 16 is validated when the timer 40 measures the third predetermined time.

  The stop button operation control unit 41 determines that the operation order determination unit 39 determines that the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 is “third → second → first stop button”. The operation of the third stop button 18 is activated when the timer 40 measures the first predetermined time, and the operation of the second stop button 17 is activated when the timer 40 measures the second predetermined time. The operation of the first stop button 16 is validated when the timer 40 measures the third predetermined time.

  Further, the stop button operation control unit 41 determines that the operation order determination unit 39 determines that the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 is “third → first → second stop button”. The operation of the third stop button 18 is activated when the timer 40 measures the first predetermined time, and the operation of the first stop button 16 is activated when the timer 40 measures the second predetermined time. The operation of the second stop button 17 is validated when the timer 40 measures the third predetermined time.

  As described above, the stop button operation control unit 41 associates different times (first to third predetermined times) for each stop button, and corresponds to the times until the timer 40 counts these times. It functions as an operation control means for invalidating the operations of the first to third stop buttons 16-18.

  When a game in which the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 is determined by the operation order determination unit 38 in the game in the AT mode, when the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 are operated, The CPU 30 determines whether or not the operation order matches the operation order determined by the operation order determination unit 39, and performs stop control of each reel based on the determination result. For example, if it is determined that the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 matches the operation order determined by the operation order determination unit 39, the CPU 30 causes each reel to win the bell role. Stop. On the other hand, when it is determined that the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 does not match the operation order determined by the operation order determination unit 39, the reel stop control of each reel is changed, and the bell The reels are stopped so that the winning combination does not win.

  The game number counter 37 counts the number of games even in the AT mode. Each time a game in the AT mode is played, an AT game counter (not shown) is incremented by “1”. The CPU 30 ends the AT mode when the count value of the AT game counter reaches the number of games that is the end condition of the AT mode.

  Next, the operation of the slot machine 2 configured as described above will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. Hereinafter, the flow for shifting to the BB mode and the RB mode is omitted, and only the flow for shifting to the AT mode will be described. First, the game is started in the normal mode. When a watermelon role that is an AT role is won in the normal mode, the CPU 30 operates the medal payout unit 50 and causes the AT shift determining unit 38 to perform a transfer lottery. The medal payout unit 50 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the watermelon role. The AT transition determination unit 38 determines whether or not to transition to the AT mode. In the normal mode, when a winning combination is won without winning a watermelon combination, a payout medal corresponding to the type of winning combination won is paid out.

  When the transfer lottery by the AT shift determination unit 38 is won and it is determined to shift to the AT mode, the AT shift determination unit 38 determines the number of AT games as the end condition of the AT mode to shift to 10 times by lottery. Select and determine to be 20 times or 30 times.

  When a game is played in the AT mode, the AT game counter is incremented by “1”. The game in the AT mode continues until the count value reaches the number of AT games that is the end condition of the AT mode determined by lottery.

  In the game in the AT mode, when the bell role is not won, the operations of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 are simultaneously activated when the rotation of the first to third reels 11a to 11c reaches a steady speed. The Thereafter, when the player arbitrarily operates the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18, the reel corresponding to this operation stops. The player repeats the operation of the stop button to stop all of the first to third reels 11a to 11c. If another winning combination is won at this time, a payout medal is paid out. If no winning combination is won when all the reels 11a to 11c are stopped, the game is lost and no medals are paid out.

  On the other hand, in the game played in the AT mode, when the bell role is won, the timer 40 starts timing, and the operation order determination unit 39 determines the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18. It is determined. Next, the stop button operation control unit 41 associates the first to third predetermined times with the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 based on the operation order determined by the operation order determination unit 39, and sets the timer Until each of the first to third predetermined times is counted by 40, the operation of the stop button corresponding to the predetermined time is invalidated.

  Each time the timer 40 measures the first to third predetermined times, the operation of the stop button is validated in the order of the operation order determined by the operation order determination unit 39. When stopping the rotating reel, it corresponds to the operated stop button by the player operating one of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 which is activated. The reel stops.

  Whenever the player operates any one of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18, does the player's operation match the operation order determined by the operation order determination unit 39 at this time? The CPU 30 determines whether or not. When the stop button operated by the player matches the operation order determined by the operation order determination unit 39, the reel corresponding to the operation stops so that the winning combination, the bell combination, wins. On the other hand, if the operated stop button does not match the operation order determined by the operation order determination unit 39, the reel corresponding to the operation stops so that no winning combination is won.

  Each time the player operates the remaining stop buttons, a determination is made as to whether or not the operation order determined by the operation order determination unit 39 is the same, and the operation determined by the operation order determination unit 39 is determined. When all the orders match, the first to third reels 11a to 11c are stopped, the bell combination is won, and the payout medal is paid out. When the player operates the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 in an order different from the operation order determined by the operation order determining unit 39, the first to third reels 11a to 11c are At the same time, the medal is not paid out.

  As described above, in the game in the AT mode, the winning combination is made easier to win by enabling the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 at regular intervals according to the recommended operation order. be able to. For example, when the bell role is won in a game in the AT mode, the first to third reels 11a to 11c are stopped according to the recommended operation sequence simply by continuously pressing the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 simultaneously. Since the bell role wins, even a beginner who cannot understand the meaning of the display of the operation order displayed on the liquid crystal screen 15 can win the bell role.

  FIG. 4 shows an example in which a storage medium (CD, flexible disk, IC memory, MO, etc.) 60 is installed in the slot machine 61. The storage medium 60 includes means as shown in the flowchart of FIG. A program to be realized by a computer 64 including a memory 63 is stored. In this case, for example, a plurality of reels that rotate in response to an operation to start a game, and a plurality of reels that are provided for each of these reels and that are operated when stopping the rotating reels. A stop button, a time measuring means for starting time measurement with an operation for starting the game as at least one condition, and a different time for each stop button, and the time until the time measuring means keeps time. A program that causes the computer 64 of the slot machine 2 to function as operation control means for invalidating the operation of the corresponding stop button is recorded in the storage medium 60. Then, the storage medium 60 is loaded into the reading device 65 and the program is installed in the slot machine 2.

  The program can be distributed to the slot machine 2 using the Internet instead of being installed via the storage medium 60. It is also possible to install the distributed program of the present invention or the program of the present invention read from the storage medium 60 on a personal computer and play a game on a monitor.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first to third predetermined times are set at intervals of 2 seconds such as 3 seconds, 5 seconds, and 7 seconds, respectively, but the time interval can be appropriately changed without being limited thereto.

  In the above-described embodiment, the time measurement is started when the winning combination of the bell is started. However, the time measurement may be started when the start lever 20 is operated during the AT mode. Alternatively, timing may be started when the operation order determination unit 39 determines the operation order of the stop buttons. Alternatively, the stop button operation control unit 41 may start timing when the association between the first to third predetermined times and the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 is completed. The timing for starting the timing in this way can be changed as appropriate based on at least one condition that the start lever 20 is operated.

  In the above embodiment, the operation order determination unit 39 determines the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 by lottery when the bell role is won during the AT mode, but is limited to the bell role. For example, other small roles such as a cherry role or a watermelon role may be set as appropriate.

  In the above embodiment, the operation order of the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 15. However, the object of the present invention can be achieved without displaying the operation order on the liquid crystal screen 15. Can do. That is, even if the operation order is not displayed on the liquid crystal screen 15, the player can operate the first to third stop buttons 16 to 18 in the recommended operation order.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a slot machine. It is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the flow which transfers to normal mode from AT mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game in AT mode. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the game in AT mode. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram when a storage medium storing a program is installed in a slot machine.

Explanation of symbols

2 Slot machines (game machines)
11a to 11c First to third reels 16 to 18 First to third stop buttons 20 Start levers 30 and 62 CPU
31, 63 Memory 40 Timer (timer)
41 Stop button operation control unit (operation control means)
60 storage medium 64 computer 65 reader

Claims (3)

A plurality of reels that rotate in response to an operation to start a game, and a stop button that is provided for each of these reels and that is operated when stopping the rotating reels. In gaming machines,
Clocking means for starting timing with at least one condition for starting the game;
In addition to associating different times for each of the stop buttons, operation control means for invalidating the operation of the stop button corresponding to the times until the time counting means counts these times is provided. Gaming machine.   A plurality of reels that rotate in response to an operation to start a game, a plurality of stop buttons that are provided one for each of these reels and that are operated when stopping the reels that rotate, The timing means for starting timing with the operation for starting the game as at least one condition is associated with different times for each stop button, and these times correspond to the times until the timing means counts time. A program for causing a computer of a gaming machine to function as an operation control means for invalidating an operation of a stop button. A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 2.

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