JP2007021105A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of increasing the number of times of execution of games within a unit period of time by urging a player to reduce the time interval of starting operation. <P>SOLUTION: The slot machine 1 comprises a main display 3 with variable display parts 15A-15E for variably displaying symbols and a spin switch 8 for executing the starting operation to make the main display 3 start the variable display of symbols. In the slot machine 1, whether the starting operation was executed in time or not by the spin switch 8 before the elapsed time measured from termination of a game exceeds time limit is determined. The slot machine 1 is characterized by a privilege advantageous to the player, which is given to the player if it is determined that the starting operation was executed in time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a variable display function of a plurality of symbols.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a slot machine is known as a gaming machine that pays out a medium (hereinafter referred to as “coin”) used in a game such as medals or coins in accordance with a winning content of a game (hereinafter referred to as “game”).

  In the slot machine, a variable display function of a plurality of symbols is realized by a plurality of mechanical reels having a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface and image display means for displaying an image (reel image) showing the plurality of reels. (The reel displayed in the image is also called “pseudo reel”). In a slot machine, when a player performs a predetermined operation, a variable display of symbols on each reel is started, and when each reel stops, a combination of symbols displayed on a predetermined active line (payline) The player can recognize whether or not to win and the mode (winning mode) when winning.

For example, Patent Document 1 has a plurality of independent reels constituting a display area, and the symbols of each reel are variably displayed simultaneously with the start of the game by the player's operation. A slot machine that stops at the timing is disclosed.
JP 2004-329297 A

  By the way, when a player starts a game, the game machine is occupied by the player regardless of the number of games executed until the player stops the game, and other players may play the game. It becomes impossible. It is desirable for a game store in which a slot machine is installed to play a large number of games regardless of who the player is, so that the time between games may be shortened.

  However, in the conventional slot machine, since the operation for starting the game is a player's operation of pressing the spin switch, the number of times the game is executed while being occupied by a slow-paced player who advances the game. There was a problem that it was difficult to increase.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine that prompts the player to shorten the interval of the start operation and can increase the number of game executions within a unit time. It is an object.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a variable display unit including a plurality of variable display units that perform variable display of a symbol, and an operation in which a start operation for causing the variable display unit to start variable display of the symbol is performed. Means. The gaming machine of the present invention further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not an in-time start operation has been performed by an operation unit that is performed before the elapsed time measured after the game ends exceeds the time limit. When it is determined that the in-time start operation has been performed, a privilege granting means for granting a privilege beneficial to the player is provided.

  According to this gaming machine, if a start operation in time that is performed before the elapsed time measured after the end of the game exceeds the time limit, a privilege that is beneficial to the player is given. Therefore, this gaming machine can prompt the player to perform the start operation within the time limit and to shorten the start operation interval.

  It is preferable that the gaming machine of the present invention further includes time notification means for reporting the elapsed time and the time limit. According to this gaming machine, since the elapsed time and the time limit are notified, the gaming machine can be prompted to perform a start operation according to the elapsed time and the time limit notified to the player.

  Further, the privilege granting unit may grant the privilege when it is determined by the determination unit that the start operation in time is continuously performed. According to this configuration, since the privilege is given when the start operation within the time is continuously performed, the gaming machine prompts the player to further shorten the interval of the start operation, and increases the player's pitch. Can be raised.

  The gaming machine of the present invention has a detection means for detecting a usage rate per unit time of a game value used for starting a variable display game by the variable display means, and a time based on a detection result by the detection means. The information processing apparatus may further include a change unit that changes at least one of whether or not the notification of the elapsed time and the time limit by the notification unit is executable, the content of the privilege by the privilege grant unit and the notification timing by the time notification unit.

  According to this gaming machine, based on the usage rate per unit time of the gaming value used for starting the game, (a) whether or not the elapsed time and time limit can be notified, (b) the content of the privilege, (C) Since at least one of the notification timings is changed, it is possible to prompt the player to play a game while considering the usage rate per unit time of the game value.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention may further include a privilege notification means for notifying that a privilege is granted by the privilege granting means when a start operation in time is performed. According to this configuration, the gaming machine can notify the player that a privilege is granted.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine that prompts the player to shorten the interval of the start operation and can increase the number of game executions within a unit time.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
(Overall configuration of slot machine)

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is configured to perform a variable display game (also referred to as a slot game) using a variable display image of a plurality of symbols. The slot machine 1 has a special game mode in which, in addition to the normal game mode in which a normal game can be started unconditionally from the start of the game, a special game mode in which a bonus game can be started under certain conditions following the normal game. In the game mode, a double down game described later can be performed.

  The slot machine 1 has a main display 3 provided with a liquid crystal display device on the front surface of the housing 2. In addition, the upper portion of the main display 3 has a sub display 4 that is also provided with a liquid crystal display device.

  The main display 3 is a variable display means in the present invention, and a variable display region 15 is arranged at the approximate center of the screen. The variable display area 15 has five variable display portions 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, and 15E arranged side by side. The main display 3 has a scroll display image (mechanical reel) as if a plurality of symbols move from top to bottom in each of the variable display portions 15A to 15E of the variable display area 15 in the normal game mode. A reel image that is viewed as if it is rotating is displayed, so that a variable display of symbols is performed. The main display 3 has a time notification unit 16 for displaying a time notification image, which will be described later, below the variable display area 15 and constitutes a time notification means in the present invention.

  The sub-display 4 displays an image (for example, description of game contents) related to the game such as a payout table and a game description.

  The slot machine 1 is provided with a substantially horizontal pedestal portion 11 below the main display 3. The pedestal 11 is provided with a coin insertion slot 6, a bill insertion slot 7, a spin switch 8, a 1 BET switch 9, and a maximum BET switch 10.

  The coin insertion slot 6 is provided for the player to insert coins for betting on the game, and has an inserted coin sensor 6a (see FIG. 2) that outputs a signal indicating coin insertion. Moreover, the banknote insertion slot 7 is provided in order for a player to insert a banknote, and has a banknote insertion sensor 7a (see FIG. 2) that outputs a signal indicating insertion of a banknote. The spin switch 8 is an operation means in the present invention, and a pressing operation (start operation in the present invention) for starting a slot game by starting variable display of symbols in each of the variable display portions 15A to 15E has been performed. Sometimes a start signal is input to the main CPU 32 described later. The 1BET switch 9 is provided to perform a setting for betting one coin by one operation. The maximum BET switch 10 is provided for setting to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game by one operation.

  Further, the slot machine 1 is provided with a coin payout opening 13 and a coin receiving portion 14 for storing the paid out coin at the bottom of the housing 2. Furthermore, speakers 12L and 12R are provided on the left and right sides of the coin payout opening 13, respectively.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine 1 mainly showing the internal configuration. The slot machine 1 has a plurality of components centering on a microcomputer 31.

  The microcomputer 31 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34. The main CPU 32 operates as various means characterized by the present invention in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 34, while inputting / outputting signals to / from other components via the I / O port 39, 1 The entire operation is controlled. The RAM 33 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 32 operates. For example, a random value sampled by a sampling circuit 36 to be described later is temporarily held after the game is started. The ROM 34 stores a program executed by the main CPU 32 and permanent data.

  The slot machine 1 also includes a random number generator 35, a sampling circuit 36, a clock pulse generation circuit 37, and a frequency divider 38. The random number generator 35 operates according to an instruction from the main CPU 32 and generates a certain range of random numbers. The sampling circuit 36 extracts an arbitrary random number from random numbers generated by the random number generator 35 in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 32, and inputs the extracted random number to the main CPU 32. The clock pulse generation circuit 37 generates a reference clock for operating the main CPU 32, and the frequency divider 38 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock at a constant period to the main CPU 32.

  Further, the slot machine 1 includes a touch panel 3a, a lamp drive circuit 59, a lamp 60, an LED drive circuit 61, an LED 62, a hopper drive circuit 63, a hopper 64, a payout completion signal circuit 65, and a coin detection unit 66. is doing. Further, the slot machine 1 has an image control circuit 71 and a sound control circuit 72.

  The touch panel 3 a is provided so as to cover the display screen of the main display 3, detects the position of the part touched by the player's finger, and inputs a position signal corresponding to the detected position to the main CPU 32. The lamp driving circuit 59 outputs a signal for lighting the lamp 60 to the lamp 60, and causes the lamp 60 to blink while the game is being executed. This flashing produces a game effect. The LED drive circuit 61 controls blinking display of the LED 62. The LED 62 displays the number of credits and the number of acquired credits. The hopper driving circuit 63 drives the hopper 64 according to the control of the main CPU 32, and the hopper 64 performs an operation for paying out coins, and pays out coins from the payout opening to the coin receiving portion 14. The coin detection unit 66 measures the number of coins paid out by the hopper 64 and notifies the payout completion signal circuit 65 of data of the measured number value. The payout completion signal circuit 65 inputs data on the number of coins from the coin detection unit 66, and notifies the main CPU 32 of a signal for notifying completion of coin payout when the number reaches the set number of pieces of data. input.

  The image control circuit 71 controls image display on each of the main display 3 and the sub-display 4 to display various images such as variable display images and time notification images of a plurality of symbols on the main display 3 and the sub-display 4. .

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image control circuit 71 includes an image control CPU 71a, a work RAM 71b, a program ROM 71c, an image ROM 71d, a video RAM 71e, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 71f. The image control CPU 71a is based on the parameters set by the microcomputer 31 and is applied to the main display 3 and the sub display 4 according to the image control program (related to the display on the main display 3 and the sub display 4) stored in advance in the program ROM 71c. Determine the image to be displayed. The work RAM 71b is configured as a temporary storage unit when the image control CPU 71a executes the image control program.

  The program ROM 71c stores an image control program, various selection tables, and the like. The image ROM 71d stores dot data for forming an image. In the present embodiment, the dot data includes symbol image data indicating symbols used in the base game and the bonus game. The video RAM 71e is configured as a temporary storage unit when an image is formed by the VDP 71f. The VDP 71f has a control RAM 71g, forms images according to the display contents of the main display 3 and the sub display 4 determined by the image control CPU 71a, and outputs the formed images to the main display 3 and the sub display 4. .

The sound control circuit 72 inputs sound signals for outputting sound from the speakers 12L and 12R to the speakers 12L and 12R. From the speakers 12L and 12R, for example, a sound for exciting the game is output at an appropriate time after the game is started.
(Operation contents of slot machine)

  Next, the operation content of the slot machine 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. In the slot machine 1, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the base game process is executed following the start acceptance process, and then the bonus game process is executed under a certain condition.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the main process from the start to the end of the game in the slot machine 1, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the start acceptance process. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the normal game process, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the bonus game process. In FIGS. 4 to 7, step is abbreviated as S.

  In the slot machine 1, the main CPU 32 operates as game progress control means to control game progress. At this time, when the slot machine 1 starts the main process as shown in FIG. 4, the start acceptance process is performed in step 1, and in the subsequent step 2, the normal game process is performed while the game mode remains the normal game mode. Proceed to In step 3, the main CPU 32 operates as a transition determination unit, and determines whether or not to shift the game mode to the special game mode according to the transfer condition for shifting the game mode to the special game mode. Here, when the transition condition is established and it is determined that the transition is possible, the main CPU 32 operates as a transition means, proceeds to step 4 to transition the game mode to the special game mode, and then proceeds to step 5. If the transition condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to Step 5 without executing Step 4. Proceeding to step 5, when winning in the base game or bonus game, coin payout processing according to the winning mode (the coin payout instruction based on the payout number information indicating the number of coins acquired by the player is the main When the CPU 32 performs the hopper driving circuit 63 and performs the coin payout by the hopper 64 and the signal input from the payout completion signal circuit 65), the main process ends. In the coin payout process, the credit information may be updated based on the payout number information. In this case, coins are paid out by operating a settlement button (not shown) after the game ends. Details of each block will be described below.

  First, the slot machine 1 executes the start acceptance process of step 1 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. When starting the start acceptance process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 11 to perform display control of the game initial image, and instructs the image control circuit 71 to display the game initial image on the main display 3. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, a game initial image 18 having a variable display area 15, a time notification unit 16, and a meter unit 17 is displayed on the main display 3.

  As described above, the variable display area 15 has five variable display portions 15A to 15E arranged side by side. A time notification image is displayed on the time notification unit 16. This time notification image is an image displayed with a content that allows the player to recognize the passage of time and the time limit after the end of the previous game, and is composed of a moving image 16a and a guidance image 16b. Has been. The moving image 16a is an image having a downward triangle shape, and is visually recognized so as to move to the right side as time passes. The guide image 16b is an image having a horizontal bar shape. When the moving image 16a reaches the right end of the guide image 16b, the elapsed time after the completion of the game reaches the time limit, and thereafter, the time is outside the time limit. Moreover, it represents that the state in which the moving image 16a is located at a position other than the right end of the guide image 16b is within the time limit.

  The meter unit 17 displays the number of coins acquired by the player, the number of coins stored as credits, and the number of coins bet.

  Progressing to step 12 following step 11, the slot machine 1 performs time notification control according to the control of the main CPU 32, and instructs the image control circuit 71 to notify the main display 3 of the elapsed time and the time limit. . Then, the moving image 16a starts moving from the left end of the guide image 16b, and an image that can be viewed as the moving image 16a moves from the left to the right along the guide image 16b as time passes is displayed. The time notification image has a function of guiding the player to press the spin switch 8 until the moving image 16a reaches the right end of the guidance image 16b. That is, the time notification image has a function of guiding the player to perform an in-time start operation performed within the time limit.

  After instructing the image control circuit 71, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 13 and accepts coin insertion from the player. Since the slot machine 1 is a coin-insertion type gaming machine, in order for a player to start a game, first, the player inserts the number of coins bet on one game from the coin insertion slot 6 and the credits remain. The 1 BET switch 9 or the maximum BET switch 10 is operated.

  If any of these operations (hereinafter referred to as “coin insertion operation”) is performed, the process proceeds to step 14 and waits until a start signal is input by a start operation by pressing the spin switch 8. When the start signal is input, the process proceeds to step 15 where the main CPU 32 operates as a determination means in the present invention, and an in-time start operation is performed before the elapsed time measured after the game ends exceeds the time limit. It is determined whether or not a start signal has been input before the moving image 16a reaches the right end of the guide image 16b. Then, when the start operation within the time is performed, that is, when the start operation is performed within the time limit, the process proceeds to step 16; otherwise, the start acceptance process is performed without executing step 16 and the subsequent step 17. finish. In step 16, the main CPU 32 operates as a privilege giving means, and executes a process for giving a privilege advantageous to the player to the player.

  Here, the privilege is, for example, a benefit of shifting to a bonus game or a benefit of adding the number of coins to be paid out. In the case of transition to a bonus game, a predetermined data is set to a bonus flag indicating the transition to the bonus game by a bonus grant process, and in the case of addition of coins to be paid out, a numerical value corresponding to the added number is paid out A process of adding to the number information is performed. In addition, the player may be given some benefit related to the slot game, and the benefit may be given in another form if it is beneficial to the player. In the following description, it is assumed that the privilege grant process is performed by setting predetermined data (in this embodiment, “1”) to the bonus flag.

  In the following step 17, the main CPU 32 operates as a privilege grant notification control means in the present invention, performs privilege grant notification control, and informs the main display 3 that the privilege grant has been performed. For example, the main CPU 32 instructs the image control circuit 71 to display an image indicating a message “Lucky !!!! Get The Special Bonus!” On the main display 3. This notifies the player that the privilege has been granted.

  When the start acceptance process ends, the process returns to FIG. 4 and proceeds to step 2, where the normal game process is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the normal game process is started, the process proceeds to step 21 where the normal game lottery process is performed. In this base game lottery process, the main CPU 32 operates as a symbol determining means, and performs symbol (symbol) determining processing. In this symbol determination process, the main CPU 32 determines a symbol (hereinafter, this symbol is referred to as “stop symbol”) in which the variable display is stopped and fixedly stopped and displayed at the center in the vertical direction of each of the variable display portions 15A to 15E. In addition, when the stop symbols are determined in the variable display portions 15A to 15E, the symbols arranged above and below the respective stop symbols are also determined, and three symbols that are stopped and displayed on the variable display portions 15A to 15E are displayed. Determine. In the slot machine 1, during the normal game lottery process, the main CPU 32 instructs the image control circuit 71 to display an image for producing a game on the sub-display 4.

  In this normal game lottery process, the main CPU 32 detects that the start operation of the player is detected by the start signal (that is, triggered by the start of the game) and instructs the random number generator 35 to generate a random number within a certain range. generate. The main CPU 32 instructs the sampling circuit 36 to extract an arbitrary random number from the random numbers generated by the random number generator 35. When the random number is extracted, the main CPU 32 sets the random number as a search key and refers to a not-illustrated symbol determination table (a table in which the symbol code No. of the symbol is associated with the random number) stored in the ROM 34, The code number of the corresponding symbol is acquired.

  Next, the obtained code No. is set as a search key, and a stop table (not shown) (a table in which a symbol code No. and a corresponding symbol are stored in association with each other) is referred to, and each variable in each variable display area 15 is referred to. The display unit 15A to 15E is searched for a stop symbol to be stopped and displayed.

  Subsequently, when the stop symbols in the variable display portions 15A to 15E are determined, the main CPU 32 refers to a winning determination table stored in the ROM 34 and determines whether or not a winning is possible. The winning determination table is associated with each combination of code Nos (hereinafter referred to as “code No pattern”), and either a combination of winning symbols or a combination of not winning (no winning) symbols is registered so as to be able to distinguish whether or not winning is possible. Yes. Since the code No pattern corresponding to the stop symbol has already been determined, the main CPU 32 sets the code No pattern corresponding to the symbol combination arranged on the active line as a search key, and refers to the winning determination table. Whether or not a variable display game can be won is determined from the reference result.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 32 refers to the mode table and performs a winning mode determination process for determining a winning mode in order to determine a payout (“winning mode” is also referred to as “combination”). The mode table is for determining the mode (winning mode) during winning, and the payout corresponding to each winning mode is registered. When the winning mode determination process ends, the base game lottery process ends.

  When the scroll process of the subsequent step 22 is started, a scroll process for variably displaying a plurality of symbols on the variable display portions 15A to 15E is performed on the main display 3. Next, the process proceeds to step 23, where the main CPU 32 performs a stop control process, reduces the scrolling speed, and displays the three symbols including the stop symbols corresponding to the result of the normal game lottery process in step 21 for each of the variable display portions 15A to 15A. 15E is displayed. When the three symbols including the stopped symbols are displayed on the variable display portions 15A to 15E after step 23, the normal game process is terminated.

When the normal game process is completed, the process returns to FIG. 4 and proceeds to Step 3 where the main CPU 32 determines whether or not to transfer the game mode to the special game mode when the transfer condition is satisfied. Then, when the transition condition is satisfied, the main CPU 32 operates as a transition means to shift the game mode to the special game mode. As described above, in the slot machine 1, the bonus is given by setting predetermined data (in this embodiment, “1”) to the bonus flag, so in step 3, predetermined data is set to the bonus flag. The main CPU 32 determines that migration is possible. Thus, the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment shifts to the bonus game without depending on the stop symbol. Of course, in addition to this condition, it may be determined whether or not the transition symbol is satisfied by determining that the stop symbol of the variable display portion 3E has been determined to be a specific symbol, and the transition may be made according to the stop symbol. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the transfer is possible under other conditions. Then, when the game mode shifts to the special game mode, the process proceeds to step 4 and a bonus game process is performed.
(Bonus game processing)

  When it is determined by the main CPU 32 that the game mode can be changed from the normal game mode to the special game mode and the bonus game process is started, the free game that is performed without the player's operation with the same game content as the normal game is performed a specified number of times ( In this embodiment, the number is 10 times, but it may be more than this).

  When the bonus game process starts, the process proceeds to step 31 as shown in FIG. 7, and the main CPU 32 performs a bonus game lottery process. In this bonus game lottery process, a lottery process similar to the normal game process in step 21 is performed for a specified number of times, and determination of stop symbols and determination of winning / no-winning in each variable display portion 15A to 15E are performed for a specified number of times. In this bonus game lottery process, an initial value (“1”) is set in a bonus game counter indicating the number of bonus games executed.

  Next, the process proceeds to step 32, and the same scrolling process as in step 22 is performed. In the subsequent step 33, stop control processing similar to that in step 23 is performed, and among the results of the bonus game lottery processing in step 31, the number of stop symbols corresponding to the bonus counter is displayed on the variable display portions 15A to 15E. In step 33, the bonus counter is updated by adding "1" to the bonus counter.

  Then, when proceeding to step 34, it is determined whether or not the bonus counter has exceeded the prescribed number of times. If the bonus counter has exceeded the prescribed number of times, the bonus game processing is terminated. 31 to 34 are repeated.

As described above, in the slot machine 1, when the start operation of the spin switch 8 is performed within the time limit along the time notification image, the bonus flag is set to “1”, and the transition condition to the bonus game is set in the subsequent steps. Since it is determined to be established, the player is given a bonus game bonus as a result of the pressing operation of the spin switch 8 being performed within the time limit along the time notification image. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, it is possible to prompt the start operation within the limit time according to the elapsed time and the limit time notified to the player, and to shorten the interval between the start operations. Can be increased.
(Modification)

  In the privilege granting process in step 16 shown in FIG. 5, “1” is set in the bonus flag when the in-time start operation is performed once along the time notification image. In this modification, “1” is set to the bonus flag when the start operation within the time is continuously performed a plurality of times. In this case, the start acceptance process may be executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. This start acceptance process is different from the start acceptance process shown in FIG. 5 in that step 160 is executed instead of steps 16 and 17, and another step 18 is executed. ing.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the privilege grant control process in step 160. When starting the privilege granting control process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 171 and adds “1” to the number counter indicating the number of start operations within the time. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step 172, where the main CPU 32 operates as the start operation number determination means, and determines whether or not the number counter is a predetermined number (for example, “3”). If the number counter has not reached the predetermined number of times, the main CPU 32 ends the privilege granting control process. If the number counter has reached the predetermined number of times, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 16 after resetting the number counter. Then, the main CPU 32 operates as a privilege grant unit, executes the privilege grant process described above, and ends the privilege grant control process when the subsequent step 17 is executed.

  In step 15 shown in FIG. 8, when the start operation is not performed within the time limit along the time notification image, the process proceeds to step 18, and the main CPU 32 resets the number counter. Thus, the number of times is counted only when the start operation within the time is continuously performed, and the value of the number counter is cleared otherwise.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present modification, a privilege is granted when the start operation within the time period performed within the time limit along the time notification image is continuously performed. The operation interval can be further shortened to increase the pitch of the game. In this way, the number of game executions per unit time can be increased.

  Further, in this modified example, in the start reception process, the elapsed time is based on the usage rate per unit time of the game value used for starting the game, that is, based on, for example, the number of coins inserted per unit time. In addition, at least one of whether or not the notification of the time limit is executable, the content of the privilege, and the notification timing is changed. In this case, the start acceptance process may be executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. This start acceptance process is different from the start acceptance process shown in FIG. 5 in that step 120 is executed instead of step 12, and step 19 is executed between step 11 and step 120. . Further, the difference is that step 20 is executed between step 13 and step 14, and further, the variable privilege granting process of step 161 is executed instead of steps 16 and 17.

  When starting the start acceptance process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 19 following step 11 described above, operates as a changing means in the present invention to perform privilege change control processing, and performs subsequent time notification control processing in step 120. Further, after executing Step 13 in the same manner as described above, the main CPU 32 proceeds to Step 20 and operates as the detecting means in the present invention to execute game value detection processing, and then executes Steps 14 and 15 in the same manner as described above. Subsequently, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 161, performs a variable privilege grant process, and ends the start acceptance process.

  Then, when the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 20 and starts the gaming value detection process, the process proceeds to step 191 as shown in FIG. 11 and operates as the detection means in the present invention, for a predetermined time (for example, “10 minutes”). The number of coins inserted by the coin insertion operation performed during this period or the credit usage rate is added to the game value counter, and the usage rate per time is simply calculated from the value of the game value counter. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step 192, where the main CPU 32 operates as a gaming value determination unit and determines whether or not the usage rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined value (for example, “100”). If the usage rate is less than the predetermined value, the main CPU 32 ends the gaming value detection process, and if the gaming value number counter is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 193 and benefits for changing the contents related to the benefits. After predetermined data (for example, “1”) is set in the flag, the gaming value detection process is terminated.

  Then, when the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 19 shown in FIG. 10 and starts the privilege change control process, the main CPU 32 proceeds to step 181 as shown in FIG. 12 and operates as the changing means in the present invention. It is determined whether or not “1” is set in the flag. The main CPU 32 ends the privilege change control process when “1” is not set in the privilege flag, and proceeds to step 182 when “1” is set in the privilege flag. In step 182, the main CPU 32 instructs the sampling circuit 36 to extract an arbitrary random number from the random numbers generated by the random number generator 35. The main CPU 32 sets predetermined data in the privilege change flag A, the privilege change flag B, and the privilege change flag C based on this arbitrary random number. For example, “1” is set to the privilege change flag A, and any one of a plurality of values “1”, “2”,... Is set to the privilege change flag B and the privilege change flag C. After setting the above data in the privilege change flags A to C, the main CPU 32 ends the privilege change control process.

  In step 120 shown in FIG. 10, the main CPU 32 selects whether or not to notify the elapsed time and the time limit based on the privilege change flag A. That is, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not “1” is set in the privilege change flag A, and when “1” is not set in the privilege change flag A, the time notification control process is terminated, and the privilege change flag is set. When “1” is set in A, the time notification process described above is performed.

  Subsequently, at step 120, the main CPU 32 changes the notification timing according to the value of the privilege change flag B. That is, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not any value is set in the privilege change flag B. When any value is not set in the privilege change flag B, the time notification control process is terminated, and the privilege change flag is set. When any value is set in B, based on the value of the privilege change flag B, the notification timing of the elapsed time and the time limit described above is changed. For example, the main CPU 32 immediately executes the time notification process described above when “1” is set in the privilege change flag B, and the time described above after 2 seconds when “2” is set in the privilege change flag B. The notification process is executed. Further, the main CPU 32 executes the time notification process as in step 12 described above when “1” is set in the privilege change flag B, and is limited when “2” is set in the privilege change flag B. You may perform the time alerting | reporting process which makes time half the time in the case of step 12. FIG.

  In step 161, according to the value of the privilege change flag C, the content of the privilege to be given is changed. That is, the main CPU 32 determines whether or not any value is set in the privilege change flag C. When any value is not set in the privilege change flag C, the main CPU 32 ends the privilege granting control process and changes the privilege. When any value is set in the flag C, the privilege content in the privilege granting process described above is changed based on the value of the privilege change flag C. For example, based on the value of the privilege change flag C, the main CPU 32 selects one privilege from the benefits of shifting to the bonus game described above, the benefits of adding coins to be paid out, etc. I do.

  As described above, in this modification, based on the usage rate per unit time of the game value used for starting the game, (a) whether or not notification of elapsed time and time limit can be executed, and (b) Since at least one of the content and (c) notification timing changes, it is possible to prompt the player to play the game while considering the usage rate per unit time of the game value, and increase the number of times the game is executed within the unit time. be able to.

  The time notification image may be a smile image 21 showing a smile shown in FIG. When the elapsed time and the time limit are notified by the smile image 21, when the elapsed time is within the time limit, the smile image 21 is turned on or blinked (bright and dark display is repeated), and the elapsed time becomes the time limit. The smile image 21 is not displayed in the reached state. The time notification image has a function of guiding the player to press the spin switch 8 when the smile image 21 is lit or blinking. In this case, when the player presses the spin switch 8 while the smiley image 21 is lit or blinking, the bonus flag may be set.

  In the above-described embodiment, the elapsed time and the time limit are notified by displaying the time notification image on the main display 3, but the elapsed time and the time limit are notified instantaneously. The flash may be periodically performed, or the elapsed time and the time limit may be notified by sound output from the speakers 12L and 12R.

  Further, the slot machine 1 in which variable display means is constituted by the main display 3 for displaying an image showing the reel is described as an example, but the present invention has a plurality of mechanical reels on which a plurality of symbols are drawn. However, the present invention can also be applied to a rotary slot machine in which variable display means is constituted by the plurality of mechanical reels.

  In the case of this rotary slot machine, for example, inside the housing 2, three reels 103L, 103C, and 103R shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are rotatably arranged in a horizontal row, A liquid crystal display device 141 is disposed on the front side of the reels 103L, 103C, 103R. Each of the reels 103L, 103C, and 103R has a reel sheet on which a plurality of symbols are drawn mounted on a side surface portion, and is rotated by a stepping motor (not shown) disposed inside.

  The liquid crystal display device 141 includes a transparent protective glass 142 and a display plate 143, a liquid crystal panel 144, and a light guide plate 145, a reflective film 146, and fluorescent lamps 147a, 147b, and 148a that are white light sources. 148b, lamp holders 149a to 149h, and a flexible substrate (not shown) made of a table carrier package (TCP) connected to the terminal portion of the liquid crystal panel 144 and mounted with a driving IC for the liquid crystal panel 144. ing.

  The liquid crystal panel 144 displays white in a state where no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal (light is transmitted to the display surface side and the light can be visually recognized from the outside), and the reels 103L, 103C, and 103R are visible from the front side. It is composed of normally white. The light guide plate 145 is provided to guide the light from the fluorescent lamps 147a and 147b to the liquid crystal panel 144. The reflective film 146 is provided to reflect the light introduced into the light guide plate 145 toward the surface side of the light guide plate 145, and a light transmission region that reflects the incident light without reflecting the reflection region 146A that reflects the incident light. Non-reflective regions 146BL, 146BC, and 146BR as parts are provided. The non-reflective regions 146BL, 146BC, and 146BR are disposed in front of the three vertical symbols that appear when the rotation of the respective 103L, 103C, and 103R is stopped.

  In the case of the rotary slot machine having the above-described configuration, the reels 103L, 103C, and 103R rotate, so that a plurality of symbols drawn on the side surface are variably displayed. Therefore, the reels 103L, 103C, and 103R Each constitutes a variable display section in the present invention, and the reel unit 103 constitutes a variable display means. Further, the liquid crystal display device 141 constitutes time notification means for displaying the time notification image and reporting the elapsed time and the time limit. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the time notification unit 16 is disposed below the variable display area 15 where the reels 103 </ b> L, 103 </ b> C, and 103 </ b> R of the liquid crystal display device 141 are visible.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described based on the slot machine 1. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the number of variable display units may not be three or five, for example. Each variable display unit displays three symbols arranged vertically, but one symbol may be displayed vertically.

  Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, a slot machine that cannot perform a stop operation of each reel during variable display is described as an example. However, the present invention is of a type that can perform a stop operation of each reel during variable display. This also applies to slot machines (pachislot machines).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a slot machine that is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of a slot machine mainly showing an internal configuration. It is a block diagram which shows an example of an internal structure of an image control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the main process from the game start to the end of a slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a start reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a normal game process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of a bonus game process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the start reception process of a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the privilege provision control process of a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the start reception process of a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the game value detection process of a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the privilege change control process of a modification. It is a figure which shows an example of the game processing image displayed on the main display. It is a figure which shows an example of the image by which the time alerting image different from FIG. 13 was displayed on the main display. It is a perspective view which shows the rotary slot machine of the modification. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the reel in a rotary slot machine. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the liquid crystal display device seen from the back side of the housing | casing in a rotary slot machine.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine, 3 ... Main display, 4 ... Sub display, 8 ... Spin switch, 15 ... Variable display area, 15A-15E ... Variable display part, 16 ... Time notification part, 16a ... Moving image, 16b ... Guidance image, 31 ... Microcomputer, 32 ... Main CPU, 33 ... RAM, 34 ... ROM.

Claims (5)

A gaming machine comprising: variable display means including a plurality of variable display units for performing variable display of symbols; and operation means for performing a start operation for causing the variable display means to start variable display of the symbols.
A determination means for determining whether or not a start operation within the time by the operation means performed before the elapsed time measured after the game ends exceeds the time limit;
When it is determined by the determination means that the start operation within the time has been performed, privilege granting means for granting a privilege beneficial to the player;
A gaming machine comprising:   The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising time notifying means for notifying the elapsed time and the time limit.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the privilege granting unit grants the privilege when it is determined by the determination unit that the start operation within the time is continuously performed. Detecting means for detecting a usage rate per unit time of a game value used for starting a variable display game by the variable display means;
Based on the detection result by the detection means, at least one of the availability of the notification of the elapsed time and the time limit by the time notification means, the content of the privilege by the privilege grant means, and the notification timing by the time notification means 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising changing means for changing one of them.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising privilege notifying means for notifying that a privilege is given by the privilege granting means when the start operation in time is performed.

Images