JP2007068786A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine, wherein a game is prevented from becoming monotonous. <P>SOLUTION: When a start lever 5 is operated for a period of time when reels 3a to 3c are rotated concerning a game A, a start signal outputted by the starting operation is received by a machine side. By operation of reel stop buttons 4a to 4c carried out after the starting operation, the reels 3a to 3c concerning the game A are stopped one by one, and the game A is finished. Further, after a prescribed time from the finish of the game A, the reels 3a to 3c starts again automatically. By the start of the reels, a game B is started. The game B is based on the starting operation during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c carried out previously. When the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are operated for the reels 3a to 3c concerning the game B, the reels 3a to 3c are stopped one by one and the game B is finished. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine using a game medium (for example, a medal or a game ball), and more particularly to a slot machine including a reel provided with a plurality of symbols on an outer peripheral surface.

  As a gaming machine that repeatedly executes a series of games using a game medium (for example, a medal or a game ball), for example, there is a slot machine. Here, the slot machine includes a left reel, a middle reel, and a right reel provided with a plurality of symbols on the outer peripheral surface, and these reels are visible from the display window of the front panel. Further, a game medium slot, a bet button, a start lever, a left reel stop button, a middle reel stop button, a right reel stop button, and the like are provided on the front surface of the main body.

  In this configuration, when a game medium is inserted from a game medium insertion slot (bet operation), the number of bets is set and an effective line is displayed. When the start lever is operated (start operation), all reels start to rotate at the same time. When the reel stop buttons are sequentially operated in this situation (stop operation), the corresponding reels are sequentially stopped. Here, if the combination of symbols stopped on the effective line is a predetermined winning combination, a predetermined number of game media are given to the player. The stop operation is a concept that collectively refers to the operation of the left reel stop button, the operation of the middle reel stop button, and the operation of the right reel stop button. Therefore, in principle, one game is completed when a bet operation, a start operation, and a stop operation are sequentially executed.

  Here, when a plurality of games are repeatedly executed, the player needs to repeatedly perform a basic operation (bet operation → start operation → stop operation). Therefore, when the game is played for a long time, the basic operation is repeated repeatedly, so that the game may become monotonous. Thus, several configurations have been proposed that attempt to eliminate the monotonous game (see, for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-73434 JP-A-5-76635 JP-A-6-142281 JP 2000-296207 A

  However, the configurations shown in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4 all complete one game by executing a basic operation consisting of a bet operation → a start operation → a stop operation. Therefore, in order to continuously execute a plurality of games, it is necessary to repeat the above basic operation. Therefore, the above problem cannot be solved effectively.

  In a slot machine having a conventional configuration, the start lever and the reel stop button are generally arranged in a horizontal row. For this reason, in order to continuously execute the game, the player must operate the button by reciprocating his / her arm in the left / right direction many times. There was a problem of getting tired.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that can solve the above problems.

  The present invention is provided for each reel, a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface, a start operation unit operated by a player when commanding rotation start to all reels, A plurality of stop operation units operated by the player when commanding rotation stop to the corresponding reel, a reel start command signal output means for outputting a reel start command signal when the start operation unit is operated, and a stop state Reel start control means for executing reel start control contents for starting rotation of all reels at a time at a predetermined timing, and a reel corresponding to the stop operation section among the rotating reels when the stop operation section is operated And a reel stop control means for stopping the reel at a predetermined timing, and the start operation unit is operated when at least one of the reels is rotating. When a reel start command signal is output by the reel start command signal output means, it is determined whether or not to accept the reel start command signal, and if it is determined to be accepted, a start reservation receiving means for receiving the reel start command signal; When all the reels are stopped by the operation of the stop operation unit, the reel start control means starts the reels so that all the reels in the stopped state start rotating based on the reel start command signal received by the start reservation receiving means. A slot machine comprising reel automatic rotation command means for commanding execution of control contents (claim 1). Here, the game medium may be a medal or a game ball used in a pachinko machine.

  Such a configuration is characterized in that, in principle, even when the start operation unit is operated while at least one of the reels is rotating, the operation of the start operation unit is accepted by the machine side. When all the reels stop and the game ends, a new game is started in such a manner that the reels are automatically started based on a start operation received during the game. That is, for example, a player who intends to execute a game a plurality of times in advance can perform a start operation a desired number of times during a period in which the reel is rotating, and can reserve the execution of the game in advance. Become. Here, with such a configuration, after the start operation is continuously performed, the reels are automatically started continuously and the game is sequentially started. After that, the stop operation is repeatedly executed collectively. For example, if you want to run the game three times in succession, execute the first start operation to start the first game, and then change to the second and subsequent games during the game. The start operation is executed twice. Then, after the first game is over, the second game is automatically started at a predetermined timing, and after the second game is over, the third game is automatically started at a predetermined timing. To begin. That is, the operation flow is as follows: first start operation → second start operation → third start operation → first stop operation → second stop operation → third stop operation It becomes. Here, in the conventional slot machine, even when the start operation unit is operated in a state where at least one of the reels is rotating, the operation is not accepted by the machine side and is processed as an invalid operation. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, when the game is continuously executed, it is necessary to repeat the basic operation described above. On the other hand, the present invention has a configuration that does not include repetition of basic actions when a game is continuously executed. Therefore, in the present invention, the operation order of each operation unit is different from the conventional one, so that the game content is novel. In addition, by adopting a configuration in which stop operations that are most important for the player are performed collectively, it is possible to concentrate the operations of the stop operation unit, so that the operation becomes familiar and easy to press. There are advantages.

  In addition, the game machine main body is provided with a reel, a start operation unit, and a stop operation unit. A start operation unit and a plurality of stop operation units are operated by the player on the front surface of the game machine main body. A slot machine is proposed that is arranged in a row as possible (claim 3).

  Here, in a general slot machine, a start operation unit and a plurality of stop operation units are arranged in a row so that the player can operate. Therefore, in the conventional slot machine, when the game is continuously executed, the buttons have to be operated by reciprocating the arm in the left and right directions many times. However, according to the present invention, when the game is continuously executed a plurality of times, the start operation is continuously performed and then the stop operation is continuously performed. Thus, the operation burden is reduced.

  The start reservation accepting means outputs the reel start command signal when the start operation portion is operated when at least one of the reels is rotating and the reel start command signal is output by the reel start command signal output means. When it is determined whether or not to hold, and if it is determined to hold, the output history of the reel start command signal is sequentially stored and held in a predetermined manner, and the reel start command signal is received and stored and held. Reel start command signal output history storage means for storing and erasing the output history of the reel start command signal for executing the execution of the reel start control content in a predetermined manner from the output history of the reel start command signal, and automatic reel rotation The command means is a reel start command signal output history storage means when all reels are stopped by operation of each stop operation section. With reference to the stored output history, when the output history of the reel start command signal is stored and held, the reel start control means is instructed to execute the reel start control content based on the reel start command signal. A configuration is proposed (claim 2).

  Here, as a mode for storing and holding the output history of the reel start command signal, a configuration is proposed in which a predetermined flag is turned on in the storage device RAM built in the slot machine. As a result, the reel start command signal can be received. Further, as an aspect of erasing the output history storage, a configuration in which the predetermined flag is turned off is proposed. This makes it possible to delete the output history of the reel start command signal that is no longer necessary. Further, as a configuration for determining whether or not to execute the reel start control content, a configuration using a central control CPU for main control that executes overall control related to a game is proposed. A configuration in which the central control CPU for main control determines ON / OFF of the flag by referring to the contents of the flag stored and held in the storage device RAM is preferable. Various configurations may be applied to the mode of storing and holding the output history of the reel start command signal and the mode of storing and erasing.

  The start operation unit includes a start lever that is selectively tilt-converted to any one of the non-tilt position, the first tilt position, and the second tilt position. When tilt conversion is performed to one tilt position, the start of rotation is commanded to all reels, and the bet number of the game related to the start of rotation of the reel is set to a predetermined first bet number, and from the non-tilt position. When tilt conversion is performed to the second tilt position, it is proposed to command rotation start for all reels and to set the game bet number related to the reel rotation start to a predetermined second bet number. (Claim 4).

  With this configuration, it is possible to simultaneously perform a start operation and a bet operation when performing a start operation continuously during reel rotation. This can further reduce the operation burden on the player. As a start lever that can be tilt-converted to the first tilt position and the second tilt position, for example, a known start lever that can be tilted upward and downward is suitable.

  Also, a random number table for hit determination in which random numbers composed of hit random numbers and lost random values are stored, and when a reel start command signal is output, random numbers are selected from the hit determination random number table. The reel start command signal is output when at least one of the reels is rotating, and the winning random number value is randomly selected from the hit determination random number table, based on the reel start command signal. A configuration is proposed that includes a foreseeing effect operation execution means for executing an effect operation in which the effect content has a start point and an end point by the time the reel that has started rotating stops.

  In such a configuration, it is possible to provide a player with a series of effects over a plurality of games because it is determined in advance that a plurality of games will be executed after the game while the game is in progress. It becomes. This makes it possible to execute a notice effect for a long time, and the effect of the slot machine is enhanced. For example, if the start operation is continuously performed four times during the reel rotation and a specific winning combination is internally established for the fourth start operation, during the execution period from the game to the third game, A notice effect for expecting the winning combination can be displayed. Furthermore, the pattern related to the winning combination can be displayed using the fourth game. In addition, as the effect operation having the starting point and the end point, an effect content that makes the player foresee a hit is preferable, and a configuration that gradually raises the player's expectation as time passes is particularly preferable. For example, an effect image in which a specific character gradually increases, an effect image having a story, and the like are proposed.

  Further, the start reservation accepting means, when a predetermined reservation acceptance prohibition condition is satisfied, even if at least one of the reels is rotating and the start operation unit is operated and a reel start command signal is output, The structure which determines not accepting a start command signal is proposed (claim 6).

  For example, when a start operation is performed during reel rotation, a predetermined number of credits is reduced based on the start operation. When the number of credits is “0”, a reservation acceptance prohibition condition is satisfied. Proposed. In addition, in the CR machine, when the inserted prepaid card balance becomes “0”, the reservation acceptance prohibition condition may be satisfied. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the start operation during the reel rotation from being unlimited.

  In addition, if the combination of stop symbols when all the reels are stopped is a predetermined hit combination, the combination of stop symbols when a smaller number of reels than the total number of reels are stopped in the configuration for winning the game. The reel automatic rotation command means includes a combination of stop symbols when a smaller number of reels than the total number of reels are stopped. Based on the reel start command signal received by the start reservation receiving means until the stop reel stops, the reel start is performed so that the stop reel starts rotating when it is determined that the game is not successful. A device for instructing the control means to execute the reel start control content is proposed (claim 7).

  By adopting such a configuration, the next game is started without performing a stop operation for all the reels, so that the operation of the necessary stop operation portion is reduced as compared to the conventional configuration in the progress of the game. It will be. Therefore, this structure can further reduce the operation burden on the player.

  In the slot machine according to the present invention, when a reel start command signal is output during reel rotation, the reel start command signal is received and all reels are automatically started all at once based on the received reel start command signal. Since the game is configured to start a game (claim 1), the game flow is to execute start operations in advance a plurality of times, and then repeatedly execute stop operations in a lump. Therefore, since the game is not progressed according to the basic operation according to the conventional configuration, there is an excellent effect that the game content becomes novel and the game can be prevented from becoming monotonous. In addition, since the operation of the stop operation unit can be performed in a concentrated manner, there is an effect that the operation becomes familiar and easy to push.

  In addition, the output history of the reel start command signal is sequentially stored and held in a predetermined manner, and the output history of the reel start command signal that is instructed to execute the reel start control content is stored in a predetermined manner from the stored output history of the reel start command signal. In the case of the erasing configuration (claim 2), there is an advantage that the reel start command signal output during the reel rotation can be received.

  In addition, when applied to a slot machine in which a start operation unit and a plurality of stop operation units are arranged in a row so that a player can operate on the front surface of the gaming machine body (Claim 3), the game is continued. Thus, there is no need to operate the buttons by frequently reciprocating the arm when executing a plurality of times, so that it is possible to reduce the operation burden on the player.

  Further, when the start operation portion is a start lever that can be tilt-converted to the first tilt position or the second tilt position (Claim 4), when the start operation is continuously performed during reel rotation, It is possible to perform betting operations simultaneously. In other words, this configuration can set two operations necessary for executing the game with one lever operation, and has an effect of reducing the operation burden on the player.

  In addition, from the time when the winning random number value is drawn from the winning determination random number table to the time when the reel that has started rotating based on the reel start command signal is stopped, the effect operation includes the starting point and the ending point in the effect content. When configured to execute (Claim 5), it is possible to provide a player with a series of effects over a plurality of games, and there is an advantage that the contents of the effects can be enhanced.

  Further, when a predetermined reservation acceptance prohibition condition is satisfied, even when a reel start command signal is output, if the reel start command signal is not accepted (Claim 6), the game is reserved indefinitely. There are advantages that can be prevented.

  In addition, if it is determined that the game is not successful based on a combination of stop symbols when a smaller number of reels than the total number of reels are stopped, it is accepted during reel rotation without waiting for all reels to stop. When the game is started based on the reel start command signal (claim 7), the next game is started without performing the stop operation for all reels. There is an advantage that the burden can be further reduced.

<First Example>
The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine that uses medals as gaming media.
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 includes a rectangular outer frame 10 and a gaming machine main body 11 that covers a front opening of the outer frame 10. A front panel 12 is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine main body 11. On the other hand, inside the gaming machine main body 11, three reels 3a, 3b, 3c are arranged in a horizontal row. In addition, three display windows 6a, 6b, and 6c are provided in the center of the front panel 12 so that the front surfaces of the reels 3a to 3c can be visually recognized. Specifically, the left reel 3a is visible from the left display window 6a, the middle reel 3b is visible from the middle display window 6b, and the right reel 3c is visible from the right display window 6c.

  Here, a plurality of symbols (not shown) are arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3a to 3c, and a part of the symbols is visible from the display windows 6a to 6c. The symbols include “7”, “BAR”, “Replay (R)”, “Plum”, “Bell”, and “Lemon”. Then, when a player operates a start lever 5 described later, the reels 3a to 3c are configured to rotate forward.

  In addition, reel stop lamps 40a, 40b, and 40c are respectively disposed immediately above the display windows 6a to 6c. Specifically, the left reel stop lamp 40a is positioned directly above the left display window 6a, the middle reel stop lamp 40b is positioned directly above the middle display window 6b, and the right reel stop lamp 40c is positioned directly above the right display window 6c. It is arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an effective line display unit 15 for notifying a player of an effective line is provided at the left position of the left display window 6a. Specifically, the numbers “3”, “2”, “1”, “2”, “3” are displayed in order from the top (see FIG. 5), and according to the set number of bets. The numerical part is lit and an effective line is displayed.

  In addition, a display device 2 for displaying game information such as a notice effect is disposed immediately below the display windows 6a to 6c. As this display device 2, a known product is preferably used.

  Further, at the left position of the display device 2, a MAX bet button 7a and a 1 bet button 7b for setting the number of bets are arranged in parallel. On the other hand, at the right position of the display device 2, a medal slot 8 into which a medal is inserted is disposed.

  Further, a start lever 5 for instructing start of the reels 3a to 3c is disposed immediately below the MAX bet button 7a. More specifically, the start lever 5 according to the present embodiment protrudes upright from the front surface of the gaming machine body 11, and the protruding portion can be tilted in the vertical direction. Specifically, tilt conversion can be performed into an upward tilt position, a downward tilt position, and a neutral non-tilt position.

  Further, on the right side of the start lever 5, reel stop buttons 4a to 4c for instructing to stop the rotating reels 3a to 3c are arranged. Specifically, a left reel stop button 4a, a middle reel stop button 4b, and a right reel stop button 4c are arranged in order from the left. That is, in this embodiment, the start lever 5, the left reel stop button 4a, the middle reel stop button 4b, and the right reel stop button 4c are arranged in a line on the horizontal line.

  Further, a credit number display unit 27 for displaying the current credit number is disposed immediately above the medal slot 8. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of credits is set to “50”.

  Further, a continuous game number display section 28 according to the present invention is arranged on the right side of the credit number display section 27. The continuous game number display unit 28 displays the number of games executed by a start operation received in advance during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c, and is a configuration unique to the present invention. Details of this configuration will be described later.

  In addition, a medal storage unit 13 for storing medals is disposed at the lowest position on the front surface of the gaming machine main body 11. Further, a payout port (not visible) hidden through the medal is opened at a position directly above the medal storage unit 13. Then, when a win is generated in the sequentially executed game, a predetermined number of medals are paid out from the payout outlet to the medal storage unit 13 under a predetermined condition.

In the configuration described so far, in principle, the game proceeds as follows.
When the player inserts a medal into the medal slot 8 or presses the bet buttons 7a and 7b, the bet number of the game is set, and the valid line display unit 15 is activated according to the bet number. A line is displayed. For example, when the MAX bet button 7a is operated once, the bet number is set to “3” and five active lines are displayed. Further, when the 1-bet button 7b is operated once, the number of bets is set to “1” and one active line is displayed. For example, when two medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 8, the number of bets is set to “2”, and three valid lines are displayed.

  Then, after the activated line is displayed, when the player pushes down the start lever 5, this start operation is accepted by the machine side, and all the reels 3a to 3c start to rotate all at once. When the reels 3a to 3c are rotating, if the player sequentially presses the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c while checking the symbols moving at high speed from the display windows 6a to 6c, the corresponding stop operation is performed. Accordingly, the corresponding reels 3a to 3c stop rotating sequentially. Specifically, the left reel 3a stops when the player operates the left reel stop button 4a, the middle reel 3b stops when the player operates the middle reel stop button 4b, and the right reel 3c stops when the player operates the right reel stop button 4c. When the reels 3a to 3c are stopped, the reel stop lamps 40a to 40c corresponding to the stopped reels 3a to 3c are turned on.

  And if the symbol combinations of the stopped reels 3a to 3c are arranged in the same symbol on the active line, it becomes a winning combination, and the game is won. As a result, a predetermined number of medals are awarded to the player. On the other hand, when the symbol combination of the stopped reels 3a to 3c is other than the winning combination, the game is lost.

  The start lever 5 according to the present embodiment constitutes a start operation unit according to the present invention. Moreover, each reel operation button which concerns on a present Example is comprised by each reel stop button 4a-4c.

Next, a control circuit for controlling the operation of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The slot machine 1 includes a main control board 100 provided with a board circuit. Here, the board circuit is for controlling an operation related to a game. Further, on the board circuit of the main control board 100, a main control central control unit CPU101 is arranged. This central control CPU 101 for main control constitutes a microcomputer and processes and executes general control relating to games.

  Further, a storage device ROM 102 is connected to the central control CPU 101 for main control via an address bus (not shown). Here, the address bus unilaterally transmits information for designating an address. Further, a storage device RAM 103 is also connected to the main control central control unit CPU 101 via a data bus (not shown). Here, the data bus exchanges data.

  Here, the storage device ROM 102 stores and holds fixed data such as operation programs used in arithmetic processing and various random number tables. An example of the random number table is a hit determination random number table. More specifically, this random number table for winning determination stores random values composed of winning random numbers and lost random values, and when a winning random number is selected from the winning random number table, the lottery The game corresponding to is a win. On the other hand, when a lost random value is drawn by lot from the winning determination random number table, the game corresponding to the lottery is lost.

  On the other hand, the storage device RAM 103 is provided with a storage area, a register area constituting a soft timer, a work area, and the like. The storage device RAM 103 according to the present invention has a function of sequentially storing and holding the operation history of the start lever 5. Specifically, when the central control CPU 101 for main control determines that it accepts the start operation, the operation history is stored and retained in a manner that turns on the start operation flag stored in the storage device RAM, which will be described later. This start operation is accepted.

  The board circuit of the main control board 100 is provided with a first I / O port 105a and a second I / O port 105b. The first I / O port 105a and the second I / O port 105b are used by the main control central control unit CPU 101 for data communication with peripheral devices.

  The first I / O port 105a includes a first start switch 51, a second start switch 52, a MAX bet switch 70a, a 1 bet switch 70b, a left reel stop switch 14a, a middle reel stop switch 14b, and a right reel stop switch 14c. , And inserted medal detection sensor 18 are connected to each other. The central control CPU 101 for main control checks the detection signals output from these switches or sensors at predetermined time intervals. When the detection signals are received, the information is stored and held in the storage device RAM 103. Then, various control processes are executed.

  In contrast, the second I / O port 105b includes an active line display unit 15, a medal payout device 21, a lamp device 22, a credit number display unit 27, a continuous game number display unit 28, a sound effect generator 25, and a display device 2. , And reel stop lamps 40a to 40c are connected to each other, and a control command from the central control CPU 101 for main control is output to each device or the like in one direction. In addition to this, the second I / O port 105b is connected to the spinning device 20 connected to the reels 3a to 3c, and the central control device for main control is connected via the second I / O port 105b. The CPU 101 and the spinning device 20 exchange signals.

Next, each device will be described in detail.
The first start switch 51 and the second start switch 52 are respectively disposed on the start lever 5. Here, as described above, the start lever 5 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the lever portion can be tilted in the vertical direction, and is tilted downward in a non-tilt position (see FIG. 4A) which is a steady position. It is selectively tilt-converted to one of the downward tilt position (see FIG. 4B) and the upward tilt position tilted upward (see FIG. 4C). The start lever 5 is provided with a biasing means that automatically returns to the non-tilting position when the hand is released after tilt conversion. Such a configuration of the start lever 5 that can be tilted in the vertical direction is a known technique.

  When the player tilts the start lever 5 from the non-tilting position to the downward tilting position, the first start switch 51 is turned on, and the main control CPU 101 receives a start signal from the first start switch 51. It is determined that the data has been output. When the player converts the start lever 5 from the non-tilt position to the up-tilt position, the second start switch 52 is turned on, and the main control CPU 101 receives a start signal from the second start switch 52. It is determined that the data has been output. Note that the central control CPU 101 for main control according to the present embodiment generates a start signal every time the start lever 5 is tilt-converted in any direction regardless of whether or not the reels 3a to 3c are rotating. After determining that the signal has been output and determining whether the signal is valid or invalid, the start operation flag is set to ON. That is, this configuration is a configuration in which a start signal may be received even when the reels 3a to 3c are rotating.

  Further, each time the main control central processing unit CPU 101 determines that the output start signal is valid, it draws one random number value from various random number tables and starts various operations based on each value. Further, when a valid start signal is output, the main control central control unit CPU 101 transmits a rotation start signal to the drum apparatus 20 at a predetermined timing. On the other hand, the rotating device 20 starts rotation of all the reels 3a to 3c all at once according to the signal. In other words, the main control board 100 has a reel start control content in which all reels 3a to 3c in a stopped state are simultaneously rotated when a valid start signal is output. Note that the timing at which the central control CPU 101 for main control transmits a rotation start signal to the spinning cylinder 20 is a characteristic part of the present invention, and will be described in detail later.

  The first tilt position of the start operation unit according to the present invention is configured by the downward tilt position of the start lever 5 according to the present embodiment, and the second tilt position according to the present invention is configured by the upward tilt position according to the present embodiment. Is configured. Further, the start signal according to the present embodiment constitutes the reel start command signal according to the present invention. Further, the reel start command signal output means according to the present invention is configured by the start switches 51 and 52 that output a start signal each time the start lever 5 is tilt-converted according to the present embodiment. Further, the main control board 100 having the reel start control content constitutes the reel start control means according to the present invention.

  The MAX bet switch 70a is disposed on the MAX bet button 7a. When the player operates the MAX bet button 7a at an appropriate timing, the main control CPU 101 determines that the MAX bet signal has been output, sets the bet number to “3”, Based on this, a display signal is transmitted to the effective line display unit 15. On the other hand, in accordance with the display signal, the effective line display unit 15 lights the “3” portion and displays five effective lines.

  The 1-bet switch 70b is disposed on the 1-bet button 7b. When the player operates the 1-bet button 7b once at an appropriate timing, for example, the main control central control unit CPU 101 determines that a 1-bet signal has been output, sets the bet number to “1”, A display signal is transmitted to the effective line display unit 15 based on the signal. On the other hand, the effective line display unit 15 lights up the “1” portion according to the display signal and displays one effective line.

  When determining that the start signal is output from the first start switch 51 described above, the central control CPU 101 for main control according to the present embodiment determines that the MAX bet signal is output simultaneously under a predetermined condition. Is set to Further, when the main control central control unit CPU 101 determines that a start signal is output from the second start switch 52, it is determined to determine that a 1-bet signal is output simultaneously under a predetermined condition. Here, the predetermined condition is when a start signal is output during rotation of the reels 3a to 3c and it is determined that the signal is an effective signal.

  The first bet number according to the present invention is configured by the bet number (= 3) corresponding to the downward tilting position of the start lever 5 according to the present embodiment. Further, the second bet number according to the present invention is configured by the bet number (= 1) corresponding to the upward tilt position according to the present embodiment.

  The reel stop switches 14a to 14c are disposed on the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c, respectively. When the player operates the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c at an appropriate timing, the main control CPU 101 determines that a stop signal has been output, and the stop signal is sent to the spinning device 20 at a predetermined timing. Send. Then, the spinning device 20 stops the rotation of the predetermined reels 3a to 3c at the predetermined rotation angle position according to the signal. As described above, the main control board 100 having the control content for stopping the reels 3a to 3c constitutes the reel stop control means according to the present invention.

  The inserted medal detection sensor 18 is disposed in the medal insertion slot 8. When a medal is inserted into the medal slot 8, the inserted medal detection sensor 18 detects the inserted medal. On the other hand, the main control central control unit CPU 101 determines that a medal detection signal has been output when a medal is detected, and counts the number of inserted medals. The main control CPU 101 for main control executes various control processes such as setting the number of bets according to the number of medals.

Next, the rotating drum device 20 will be described.
The spinning device 20 includes a pulse motor to which the reels 3a to 3c are connected. Then, the stepping motor is controlled by the pulse signal to rotate the reels 3a to 3c forward or to stop the reels 3a to 3c from rotating at a predetermined rotational angle position. For example, a specific symbol is stopped at a predetermined stop position, or the rotation angle (eye pressing position) when the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are operated with respect to the rotating reels 3a to 3c is specified. Note that the configuration of the so-called pulse motor described so far is preferably a conventional configuration.

  In addition, when the combination of the stopped symbols becomes a winning combination and a medal is awarded to the player, the central control device CPU 101 for main control sends a payout signal to the medal payout device 21 to pay out a predetermined number of medals. Send. On the other hand, the medal payout device 21 is driven according to the sent payout signal to give a predetermined number of medals to the player. In addition, giving a medal to a player includes not only paying out a medal to the medal storage unit 13 but also crediting. On the other hand, in the case of losing, the central control unit CPU 101 for main control confirms and displays the stop symbol in a losing manner.

  When the reels 3a to 3c are stopped by operating the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c, the main control central controller CPU101 lights the reel stop lamps 40a to 40c corresponding to the stopped reels 3a to 3c. Send a signal. On the other hand, the reel stop lamps 40a to 40c are lit according to the transmitted lighting signal.

  Further, when a predetermined effect / notification is executed as the game progresses, the central control device CPU 101 for main control transmits an effect / notification signal to the lamp device 22, the sound effect generator 25, or the display device 2. To do. Then, the lamp device 22, the sound effect generating device 25, or the display device 2 is driven in a required effect mode according to the signal, and lights up, sounds, or effects are displayed.

  Further, a clock device (not shown) for outputting a predetermined clock pulse is provided in the substrate circuit of the main control central control unit CPU101. The main control central control unit CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing in time series by clock pulses at regular intervals, and sequentially executes a series of processing operations. A timer T is also connected for counting the clock pulses output from the clock device and measuring the time. The timer T counts in synchronization with the clock of the clock device, and outputs a release signal when the count reaches a predetermined number. When the release signal is output, the timer T is initialized (reset).

Next, the main game process of the slot machine 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the central control CPU 101 for main control first determines whether or not the power is on and whether or not the power is restored (step S1). If it is determined that the power is turned on or the power is restored, an initial setting process is executed (step S2). In this initial setting process, various parameters are initialized in order to check the connection state or operation state of the spinning device 20, the display device 2, various substrates, or various switches, and to prepare for the start of the game upon power-on. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the power is not turned on or the power is restored, medal insertion processing is executed (step S3). Here, in the medal insertion process according to the present embodiment, the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 8 is detected by the inserted medal detection sensor 18 and counted (added to the medal counter), and the count value is “3”. If it exceeds the limit, it is converted into credit number data, and added and stored with a limit of “50”.

  Next, when step S3 is completed, a bet process is executed next (step S4). Here, the bet processing confirms whether or not the MAX bet button 7a or the 1-bet button 7b has been operated, and confirms the number of credits when these button operations have been performed. Then, the bet number is set with the credit number as an upper limit. Here, when the MAX bet button 7a is operated, “3” is added to the bet counter to set the bet number to 3. When the 1-bet button 7b is operated, “1” is added to the bet counter to set the bet number to 1. Based on the set bet number, the credit number display unit 27 displays the credit number. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the bet number set based on the operation of the start lever 5 during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c is also counted by the bet counter. For example, the bet number of the first game is set in the first bet counter, and the bet number of the second game is set in the second bet counter. In other words, the M-th game bet number is set in the M-th bet counter. A bet operation flag, which will be described later, is a flag indicating whether or not the bet buttons 7a and 7b are valid (ON), and is set to “ON” when the number of bets is set. It turns OFF when the effective time of elapses. A start operation flag, which will be described later, is a flag indicating whether the operation of the start lever 5 is valid (ON) or not (OFF), and is set to “ON” when the number of bets is set. It turns OFF when the effective time of elapses.

  When step S4 ends, next, an effective line display process is executed (step S5). Here, the effective line display processing is to notify the player of the effective line (1 line, 3 lines, or 5 lines) according to the number of medals directly inserted or the bet number set by the bet button operation. It is processing of. In the effective line display process, the contents specific to this embodiment will be described later.

  When step S5 ends, next, start processing is executed (step S6). Here, in the start process, if the start lever 5 is operated when the reels 3a to 3c are in the stopped state, the number of bets set in the medal insertion process and the bet process is determined, and the game is started. Random numbers are randomly selected from a random number table (for example, a random number table for hit determination), and various flags are set according to the determination result of the selected random number. In this embodiment, the tilt conversion to the upward tilt position is valid only for the second and subsequent operations of the start lever 5 reserved in advance during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c. Therefore, when the first start lever 5 is operated, the operation of the start lever 5 related to the second and subsequent times is made acceptable (the continuous operation flag is set to ON) and the second and subsequent times are operated. The number of continuous operations N that is the number of operations of the start lever 5 is counted by a continuous operation number counter. Here, the period in which the operation of the start lever 5 after the second operation can be accepted is performed until 30 seconds elapse from the first operation of the start lever 5 or the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are operated. Until then, either. However, after the reel rotation process corresponding to the first operation of the start lever 5 is started and the process ends, each reel rotation process corresponding to the second and subsequent operations of the start lever 5 is completed. The operation of the start lever 5 is not accepted. Further, when the start lever 5 is operated after the second time, the number of bets corresponding to the operation direction of the start lever 5 is stored and the execution of the game is confirmed. . That is, when the start lever 5 is tilt-converted to the downward tilt position, “3” is stored as the number of bets in the game corresponding to the operation of the start lever 5, and when the tilt is converted to the upward tilt position, the bet “1” is stored as a number. The number of bets in each game is limited to the number of credits stored when each start lever 5 is operated, and the number of credits is subtracted when the number of bets is stored. Therefore, it is not possible to reserve a game beyond the number of credits. Note that the fact that the number of credits is “0” means that the reservation acceptance prohibition condition according to the present invention is satisfied.

  In this process, after the bet number is stored, a random number value is selected in accordance with the operation of each start lever 5, and the determination result is stored. Also, in this embodiment, the effect selection random number value is drawn from the effect selection random number table stored in the storage device ROM 102, and the notice images y1 to y3 selected based on the random value are stored. Yes. The period (30 seconds) in which the operation of the start lever 5 after the second time can be accepted is managed by a continuous operation timer.

  When step S6 ends, next, an effect display process is executed (step S7). Here, the effect display process is for displaying the notification images y <b> 1 to y <b> 3 for predicting the hit on the display device 2. Specifically, the notice image is selected and displayed based on the random number value for effect selection selected by the start process. The main control board 100 having the main control central control device CPU101 having the control content for displaying the preview images y1 to y3 on the display device 2 constitutes the hit prediction effect operation execution means according to the present invention.

  When step S7 is completed, a reel rotation process is next executed (step S8). Here, the reel rotation process starts the three reels 3a to 3c. Here, in the present embodiment, the continuous execution count M, which is the number of times the reel start control content has been executed, for a plurality of games that are reserved by the start operation during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c is counted as the continuous execution count counter. It is set as the structure which counts by. Then, when the reels 3a to 3c are started, the reel rotation flag is turned ON, and when the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c becomes a constant speed rotation, the button operation of the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c can be accepted. The stop operation flag is set to ON. More specifically, in this embodiment, the reel rotation processing corresponding to the first operation of the start lever 5 is executed immediately after the operation of the start lever 5. Each reel rotation process corresponding to the operation 5 is executed with a time difference. Specifically, it is performed when 3 seconds have elapsed since the last reel rotation process was completed. However, when executing each reel rotation process after the second time, the reels 3a to 3c are rotated, and the active line display unit 15 displays the active line based on the number of bets stored in advance. ing. Each reel rotation process corresponding to the operation of each start lever 5 after the second time is managed and executed by the next game standby timer.

  When step S8 ends, next, stop processing is executed (step S9). Here, in the stop process, after the button operation of the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c is validated, the button operation is accepted, and the spinning reels 3a to 3c are predetermined based on the timing of the button operation and the winning determination result. The rotation is stopped at the rotation angle position. In the present embodiment, after the first operation of the start lever 5, the continuous operation flag is turned ON to accept the second and subsequent start lever 5 operations. The operation of the start lever 5 is disabled at the time when any one of ˜4c is operated. For this reason, when any one of the reel stop switches 14a to 14c is turned ON, the start operation flag and the continuous operation flag are turned OFF so that the operation of the start lever 5 after the second time is invalidated.

  Further, when the three reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are operated, the reel rotation flag and the stop operation flag are respectively set to OFF so that all the reels 3a to 3c are stopped. After that, if there is a game that has not been digested (reel start control content is not executed) among a plurality of games corresponding to the continuous start operation (that is, continuous operation number counter> continuous execution number counter), After a predetermined waiting time (next game waiting timer: 3 seconds) has elapsed, the reels 3a to 3c are rotated. When all the games are consumed (that is, the continuous operation number counter = continuous execution number counter), the continuous number counter is reset.

  When step S9 ends, next, a winning determination process is executed (step S10). This winning determination process is to determine a winning based on a random number value that is selected by lottery, and the conventional configuration is preferably applied.

  When step S10 ends, next, a payout process is executed (step S11), and the main game process ends. A configuration similar to the conventional configuration is suitable for the payout processing.

Next, the game mode of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 5A shows a state in which “43” is displayed on the credit amount display unit 27, “0” is displayed on the continuous game number display unit 28, and all the reels 3a to 3c are stopped. When the MAX bet button 7a is pressed in such a state, the bet number “3” is set for the first game A (see FIG. 7). At this time, nothing is displayed on the display device 2.

  Next, when the start lever 5 is tilt-converted to the downward tilt position (operation x in FIG. 7), the three reels 3a to 3c are started all at once as shown in FIG. Thereby, the game A starts to be executed. Further, the effective line display unit 15 displays five effective lines. Further, the display of the credit amount display unit 27 is changed from “43” to “40”. Then, when the reels 3a to 3c are started, button operations of the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c can be accepted.

  Subsequently, when the start lever 5 is operated upward during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c related to the game A (operation a in FIG. 7), as shown in FIG. , “40” is changed to “39”. This is because the execution of the game B is reserved next to the game A, and the bet number “1” is set for the game B. On the other hand, the display of the continuous game number display unit 28 is changed from “0” to “1”. Thereby, the player will recognize that the execution of the next game B is reserved on the machine side.

  Further, immediately after the operation a, when the start lever 5 is operated downward (operation b in FIG. 7), as shown in FIG. 5D, the display on the credit amount display section 27 changes from “39” to “36. Is changed. This is because the execution of the game C is reserved next to the game B, and the bet number “3” is set for the game C. On the other hand, the display of the continuous game number display unit 28 is changed from “1” to “2”. Thereby, the player recognizes that the execution of the next game C is reserved on the machine side.

  In this embodiment, even when the reels 3a to 3c are rotating, if the start lever 5 is operated and it is determined that the operation is valid, random numbers are drawn from the random number table for hit determination. However, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that for game A and game B, a random random value is lost, and for game C, a random number is selected.

  As described above, by adopting a configuration in which the operation of the start lever 5 is received during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c related to the game A, the player determines in advance the number of games to be executed in the future. It is possible to leave it. In addition, by adopting the start lever 5 that can be tilted up and down, it becomes possible to select and set a desired number of bets simultaneously with the start operation, and the operation burden is reduced and in accordance with the player's intention. Game progress can be realized.

  When the operation b of the start lever 5 is performed and a predetermined time elapses, the display device 2 displays the first notice image y1 as shown in FIG. This first notice image y1 shows the degree of expectation of winning for a plurality of reserved games B and C. In this embodiment, since a random number value is randomly selected for the game C, an image (bell) implied by the win is unclearly displayed to stimulate the player's expectation.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are sequentially operated during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c according to the game A, the corresponding reels 3a to 3c are sequentially stopped according to the operation sequence. More specifically, when the left reel stop button 4a is operated, the left reel 3a is stopped and the left reel stop lamp 40a is turned on as shown in FIG. When the middle reel stop button 4b is operated, the middle reel 3b is stopped and the middle reel stop lamp 40b is turned on as shown in FIG. When the right reel stop button 4c is operated, as shown in FIG. 5C, the right reel 3c is stopped and the right reel stop lamp 40c is turned on.

  When all the reels 3a to 3c are stopped, the game A is finished (see FIG. 7). Then, after a few seconds, the reels 3a to 3c are automatically started all at once (see FIG. 6A), and the game B reserved in advance is started. Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, with the start of the game B, the display of the continuous game number display unit 28 is changed from “2” to “1”. Further, based on the bet number set for the game B, the effective line display unit 15 displays one effective line. Further, on the display device 2, the second notice image y2 as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed at this timing. This second notice image y2 is displayed slightly more clearly than the first notice image y1, and the degree of expectation for winning is further improved. The reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are properly received when the reels 3a to 3c according to the game B are started.

  Then, similarly to the game contents of the above-described game A, when the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are sequentially operated with respect to the rotating reels 3a to 3c related to the game B, the reels 3a to 3c are sequentially stopped (see FIG. 6 Rohani) The stop symbol is determined. Note that the game B has a lost symbol combination as shown in FIG. And the game B is complete | finished (refer FIG. 7).

  When the game B is finished, the reels 3a to 3c are automatically started after a predetermined time has elapsed (Fig. 6E), and the game C reserved in advance is started. Then, as shown in FIG. 6E, the display of the continuous game number display unit 28 is changed from “1” to “0”. Based on the bet number “3” set for the game C, the effective line display unit 15 displays five effective lines. Further, on the display device 2, a third notice image y3 as shown in FIG. 6E is displayed at this timing. A clear image (bell) is proposed as the third preview image y3. By adopting such a form, the player's expectation for winning is further increased.

  When the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are sequentially operated (FIG. 6), the reels 3a to 3c are sequentially stopped and the game C is ended (see FIG. 7). As described above, since the winning random number value is drawn in the game C, the symbol stops at the winning combination.

Next, control processing for realizing the above-described game flow will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the betting process. The main control central control unit CPU 101 determines whether or not the bet operation flag is ON (step S21). Here, if it is determined that the bet operation flag is OFF, the bet process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the bet operation flag is ON, it is determined whether or not the sum of the value of the medal counter and the value of the credit counter is “3” or more. And when it determines with the said sum being less than "3", it transfers to step S27. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sum is “3” or more, it is next determined whether or not the MAX bet switch 70a is ON (step S23). If it is determined that the MAX bet switch 70a is OFF, the process proceeds to step S27.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the MAX bet switch 70a is ON, "3" is set to the first bet counter (step S24). Next, the start operation flag is set to ON (step S25). Further, the bet operation flag is set to OFF (step S26), and the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S27, it is determined whether or not the sum of the value of the medal counter and the value of the credit counter is greater than “0”. If it is determined that the sum is equal to or less than “0”, the betting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sum is greater than “0”, it is next determined whether or not the value of the bet counter is less than “3” (step S28). If it is determined that the value of the bet counter is “3” or more, the betting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bet counter is less than “3”, it is determined whether or not the 1-bet switch 70b is ON (step S29). If it is determined that the 1-bet switch 70b is OFF, the betting process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the 1-bet switch 70b is ON, “1” is added to the first bet counter (step S30). Next, the start operation flag is set to ON (step S31), and the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, it is determined whether or not the value of the bet counter is “3” or more. If it is determined that the value of the bet counter is less than “3”, the betting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the bet counter is “3” or more, the bet operation flag is turned OFF (step S33), and the bet process is terminated.

Next, the start process will be described with reference to FIG.
The main control central control unit CPU 101 first determines whether or not the start operation flag is ON (step S41). If it is determined that the start operation flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S64. On the other hand, if it is determined that the start operation flag is ON, it is next determined whether or not the first start switch 51 is ON (step S42). If it is determined that the first start switch 51 is OFF, the process proceeds to step S56. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first start switch 51 is ON, it is next determined whether or not the continuous operation flag is ON (step S43). If it is determined that the continuous operation flag is OFF, “1” is set in the continuous operation number counter (step S50). Next, the continuous operation flag is set to ON (step S51). Next, the continuous operation timer is set to “30 seconds” (step S52). Next, a random number acquisition process is executed (step S53). Next, random number determination processing is executed (step S54). Next, the reel rotation start flag is set to ON (step S55), and the process proceeds to step S56. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S43 that the continuous operation flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S44.

  In step S44, it is determined whether the value of the credit counter is “3” or more. And when it determines with the value of a credit counter being less than "3", it transfers to step S56. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the credit counter is “3” or more, “1” is added to the continuous operation number counter (step S45). Next, “3” is set to the Nth bet counter (step S46). Next, “3” is subtracted from the credit counter (step S47). Next, random number acquisition determination processing is executed (step S48). Next, the determination result of the Nth game is stored (step S49), and the process proceeds to step S56.

  Next, in step S56, it is determined whether or not the second start switch 52 is ON. And when it determines with the 2nd start switch 52 being OFF, it transfers to step S64. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second start switch 52 is ON, it is determined whether or not the continuous operation flag is ON (step S57). If it is determined that the continuous operation flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S64. On the other hand, if it is determined that the continuous operation flag is ON, it is determined whether or not the value of the credit counter is “1” or more (step S58). And when it determines with the value of a credit counter being less than "1", it transfers to step S64. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the credit counter is “1” or more, “1” is added to the continuous operation number counter (step S59). Next, “1” is set to the Nth bet counter (step S60). Next, “1” is subtracted from the credit counter (step S61). Next, a random number acquisition determination process is executed (step S62). Next, the obtained determination result is stored as the determination result of the Nth game (step S63), and the process proceeds to step S64.

  In step S64, it is determined whether or not the continuous operation flag is ON (step S64). And when it determines with a continuous operation flag being OFF, a start process is complete | finished. On the other hand, if it is determined that the continuous operation flag is ON, the continuous operation timer is subtracted and updated (step S65). Next, it is determined whether or not the continuous operation timer is 0 (step S66). When it is determined that the continuous operation timer is not 0, the start process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the continuous operation timer is 0, the start operation flag is turned OFF (step S67). Next, the continuous operation flag is set to OFF (step S68), and the start process is terminated.

  Next, the reel rotation process will be described with reference to FIG. The main control CPU 101 first determines whether or not the reel rotation start flag is ON (step S71). If it is determined that the reel rotation start flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S73. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reel rotation start flag is ON, "1" is added to the continuous execution number counter, rotation of all the reels 3a to 3c is started, and the reel automatic stop timer is set to "30 seconds". Then, the reel rotation start flag is turned OFF, the reel rotation flag is turned ON, and the process proceeds to Step S73 (Step S72).

  Next, in step S73, it is determined whether the reel rotation flag is ON. If it is determined that the reel rotation flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S83. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reel rotation flag is ON, the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c is continued, the stop operation flag is turned ON (step S74), and the process proceeds to step S75.

  Next, in step S75, it is determined whether or not the value of the reel automatic stop timer is greater than zero. If it is determined that the value of the reel automatic stop timer is “0” or less, the process proceeds to step S83. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the reel automatic stop timer is greater than 0, the reel rotation flag is turned OFF and the stop operation flag is turned OFF (step S78). Then, the reels 3a to 3c are automatically stopped with a predetermined symbol (step S79), and the process proceeds to step S80.

  Next, in step S80, the number of consecutive operations N and the number of consecutive executions M are compared. If it is determined that the continuous execution number M is larger, “0” is set in the continuous operation number counter, and “0” is set in the continuous execution number counter (step S82). On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of consecutive operations N is larger, the next game standby timer is set to “3 seconds” (step S81), and the process proceeds to step S83.

  In step S83, it is determined whether or not the value of the next game standby timer is greater than “0”. If it is determined that the value of the next game standby timer is less than “0”, the reel rotation process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the next game standby timer is greater than “0”, the next game standby timer is updated (step S84), and the process proceeds to step S85.

  In step S85, it is determined whether or not the value of the next game standby timer is “0”. If it is determined that the value of the next game standby timer is not “0”, the reel rotation process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the next game standby timer is “0”, the reel rotation start flag is set to ON (step S86), and the reel rotation process is terminated.

  Next, stop processing will be described with reference to FIG. The main control central control unit CPU 101 first determines whether or not the stop operation flav is ON (step S91). If it is determined that the stop operation flag is OFF, the stop process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the stop operation flag is ON, it is determined whether or not the left stop flag is OFF (step S92). If it is determined that the left stop flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S96. On the other hand, when it is determined that the left stop flag is OFF, it is determined whether or not the left reel stop switch 14a is ON (step S93).

  If it is determined in step S93 that the left reel stop switch 14a is OFF, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the left reel stop switch 14a is ON, the left stop flag is set ON, the start operation flag is set OFF, the continuous operation flag is set OFF, and the value of the continuous operation timer is set. Is set to “0” (step S94), and the left reel stop control process is executed (step S95).

  In step S96, it is determined whether or not the middle stop flag is OFF. If it is determined that the medium stop flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S100. On the other hand, if it is determined that the middle stop flag is OFF, it is determined whether or not the middle reel stop switch 14b is ON (step S97). If it is determined that the middle reel stop switch 14b is OFF, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, when it is determined that the middle reel stop switch 14b is ON, the middle stop flag is set to ON, the start operation flag is set to OFF, the continuous operation flag is set to OFF, and the value of the continuous operation timer is set. Is set to “0” (step S98), and the middle reel stop control process is executed (step S99).

  In step S100, it is determined whether the right stop flag is OFF. If it is determined that the right stop flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the right stop flag is OFF, it is determined whether or not the right reel stop switch 14c is ON (step S101). If it is determined that the right reel stop switch 14c is OFF, the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the right reel stop switch 14c is ON, the right stop flag is set ON, the start operation flag is set OFF, the continuous operation flag is set OFF, and the value of the continuous operation timer is set. Is set to “0” (step S102), and the right reel stop control process is executed (step S103).

  Next, in step S104, it is determined whether the left / middle / right stop flag is ON. If it is determined that the left / middle / right stop flag is OFF, the stop process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the left / middle / right stop flag is ON, the all-reel stop flag is set to ON, the left / middle / right stop flag is set to OFF, and the reel rotation flag is set to OFF. Further, the stop operation flag is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the number of consecutive operations N is compared with the number of consecutive executions M. If it is determined that the continuous execution count M is larger, “0” is set in the continuous operation count counter, “0” is set in the continuous execution count counter (step S108), and the stop process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the number of consecutive operations N is greater, the next game standby timer is set to “3 seconds” (step S107), and the stop process is terminated.

  The start operation flag is set to ON or OFF (steps S25, S31, S41, S67, S94, S98, and S102), and the value of the credit counter is checked to determine whether the start signal is valid (step S44). , S58), and the continuous operation number counter and the continuous execution number counter are added or subtracted (steps S45, S50, S59, S72, S82, S108), and the continuous operation flag is set to ON or OFF (steps S51, S68, The main control board 100 including the central control CPU 101 for main control (S94, S98, S102) constitutes the reel start command signal output history storage means according to the present invention. Further, a start reservation receiving means is constituted by the main control board 100 which is received on the machine side when the start signal is output in this way.

  Further, the output history of the start signal output during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c is referred to (steps S43, S57, S64, S80, S106), and the start of the reels 3a to 3c is commanded based on the output history (step S55). , S86), the main control board 100 including the central control CPU 101 for main control constitutes an automatic reel rotation command means according to the present invention.

  Here, the game operation necessary for executing the game A to the game C shown in FIG. 7 will be described again. In order to execute the game three times in succession, the start lever 5 is operated three times in succession. After that, the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are collectively stopped three times in total. That is, the point that the operations of the respective operation units are continuously performed is different from the conventional configuration in which the stop operation of the start lever 5 and the series of reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are alternately performed. As a result, the player does not have to operate the start lever 5 and the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c by reciprocating his / her arms many times repeatedly, and the physical burden on the player is reduced. In addition, the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are collectively pressed a plurality of times to make it easier to grasp the timing of pressing as compared with the conventional configuration, which contributes to improving the skill of the player. .

  In addition, as in this configuration, if the number of games to be executed is reserved in advance and execution of a plurality of games can be determined in advance, a series of effects can be executed over a plurality of games. For example, a starting point and an ending point can be set in the production content, and the production content can be continuously produced for a longer time than in the conventional configuration. For example, an image that is displayed indefinitely as the starting point of the production content is proposed. Also, an image that is clearly displayed as the end point of the content of the effect is proposed. And the structure from which an image becomes clear in steps toward the end point from a starting point is suitable. It should be noted that the period for effect display (effect operation) is proposed from the time the winning random number value is drawn to the point at which the game reels 3a to 3c related to the random number value are stopped. Thereby, a player's expectation etc. can be maintained for a long time, and the preference of a game will improve. Instead of the above configuration, the number of notice effects may be set appropriately on the machine side within the range of the number of start operations performed by the player.

  In the configuration described so far, the bet number “3” is set for the game A, the bet number “1” is set for the game B, and the bet number “3” is set for the game C. However, when the bet number “3” is set for all the games A to C, the game proceeds in a manner as shown in FIGS. That is, while the reels 3a to 3c according to the game A are rotating, the start lever 5 is tilted downward (operation c and operation d in FIG. 14). 12A to 12C corresponds to the game A, FIGS. 13A to 13D correspond to the game B, and FIGS. 13E to 13C correspond to the game C.

  Moreover, although the structure described so far determines the hit / lose random number value acquired at the time of operation of the start lever 5 immediately and uses it for the notice effect displayed on the display device 2, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a lottery random value is determined when each game starts. By the way, the structure described so far is a structure in which random numbers are intermittently drawn from the random number table for hit determination based on the intermittent operation of the start lever 5. On the other hand, there is a configuration in which a predetermined number of random numbers are continuously drawn by maintaining the start lever 5 in a tilted state for a predetermined time. However, in the latter continuous lottery configuration, random numbers may be excessively drawn against the player's intention, so that operability is difficult. Therefore, this configuration is excellent in that random numbers can be appropriately drawn.

  Further, in the configuration described so far, the winning / losing random number values are sequentially drawn in accordance with the operation of the start lever 5, and the game is progressed in this lottery order. The game may be advanced in an order different from the order. For example, a random value (3) drawn in the third lot is adopted in the game A, a random value (1) drawn in the first lot is adopted in the game B, and a random value (2) drawn in the second lot is adopted in the game C. It may be adopted. With such a configuration, it is possible to adopt the game that was won internally for the winning combination as the game to be executed last, and a series of notice effects can be executed effectively.

  In addition, the configuration described so far is a configuration in which the next games B and C can be reserved at all times. However, the configuration is not limited to this configuration. For example, a predetermined random number value is randomly selected at each game or at an appropriate game interval. If the lottery is won, the “continuous operation mode” may be set to accept a continuous reservation for the next games B and C.

  In the configuration described so far, when a winning combination is internally established, the profit is provided only when a game related to the internal establishment (for example, the game C in FIG. 7) is executed. It is good also as a structure which distributes and provides the profit not only to a structure but to the game (for example, game A, B, C of FIG. 7) performed continuously. For example, when a winning combination for paying out 15 medals is internally established for the game C, a configuration is proposed in which five are awarded at the end of the game A, five at the end of the game B, and five at the end of the game C. In other words, if a winning combination with a large profit is internally established during the reserved start operation, it is considered that a winning combination with a small profit is internally established multiple times, and the distributed profit is distributed each time the game is ended. Is made to be acquired by the player.

  As a timing for accepting the stop operation for the game A, the rotation start time of the reels 3a to 3c related to the game A can be proposed, but the timing for starting the game A may be used. The timing when the start operation is performed during the execution of the game A may be used.

  In addition, when the start lever 5 that can be tilted and converted only in the downward direction is used, the bets of the second and subsequent games B and C are set for the first game A. A configuration with bet numbers is proposed. As another configuration, a configuration in which the maximum bet number is always set may be used.

<Second Example>
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The configuration according to the present embodiment omits a part of the stop operation in a game based on such a start operation when a start operation is performed during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c and execution of the game is reserved in advance. It is the structure which gives the privilege to perform to a player.

  In the gaming state shown in FIG. 15A, when the MAX bet button 7a is operated and the start lever 5 is operated (operation x in FIG. 17), the gaming state shown in FIG. That is, the display on the credit amount display unit 27 is changed from “43” to “40”. In addition, five effective lines are displayed, and all the reels 3a to 3c are started.

  As shown in FIG. 17, when the start lever 5 is operated during the rotation of the reels 3a to 3c (operation a and operation b in FIG. 17), the gaming state shown in FIGS. Note that operation a is tilted upward and operation b is tilted downward. That is, the number of credits is changed from “40” → “39” → “36”, and the number of consecutive games is changed from “0” → “1” → “2”.

  Then, after the first preview image y1 (see FIG. 15E) is displayed, when the left reel stop button 4a is operated, the left reel 3a stops (see FIG. 15), and then the middle reel stop button. When 4b is operated, the middle reel 3b stops (see FIG. 15). Here, as shown in FIG. 15G, the symbol combination at such time does not develop into a winning combination regardless of the stop mode of the right reel 3c.

  In this embodiment, it is determined that the machine side does not develop a hit combination, and the left and middle reels 3a and 3b in the stopped state are automatically turned on in the situation where the right reel 3c is still rotating as shown in FIG. It is characterized by starting automatically. As a result, all the reels 3a to 3c are rotated as shown in FIG. The start of all the reels 3a to 3c corresponds to the start of the game B (see FIG. 17). That is, according to the setting contents for the game B, as shown in FIG. 16A, one effective line is displayed, and the number of continuous games is displayed as “1”.

  Then, a stop operation is started for game B. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the right reel stop button 4c is operated, and then the middle reel stop button 4b is operated. Then, the game mode shown in FIG. 16B and FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 16C, the symbol combination at this time does not develop into a winning combination regardless of the stop mode of the left reel 3a.

  Here, it is determined that the machine side does not develop a hit combination, and in the situation where the left reel 3a is still rotating as shown in FIG. Start. As a result, all the reels 3a to 3c are rotated as shown in FIG. The start of all the reels 3a to 3c corresponds to the start of the game C (see FIG. 17). That is, according to the setting contents for the game C, as shown in FIG. 16D, five effective lines are displayed, and the number of continuous games is displayed as “0”.

  16E, FIG. 16F, and FIG. 16G show an operation mode in the game C, and the operation stops in the order of the left reel 3a → the middle reel 3b → the right reel 3c.

The characteristic part of the present embodiment will be described again.
In the present embodiment, when the left reel 3a and the middle reel 3b of the game A are stopped, the symbols having the same pattern are not aligned on any active line, and the losing is substantially determined. That is, even if the right reel stop button 4c corresponding to the next right reel 3c is operated, there is no possibility of winning in the game A, and the operation of the right reel stop button 4c is completely useless. Therefore, as a privilege reserved for the execution of the game B, the game A is ended when the left reel 3a and the middle reel 3b are stopped, and the number of operations is reduced by omitting useless stop operations. is there. Similarly, as a privilege reserved for the execution of the game C, useless stop operation (operation of the left reel stop button 4a) is omitted for the game B.

  The configuration described so far is intended to reduce the burden on the player by omitting the stop operation as a privilege reserved for the execution of the games B and C during the execution of the game A, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, a direct profit may be given such as increasing the prescribed number of payouts corresponding to a winning combination or increasing the winning probability of a small combination.

  In addition, the configuration described so far is a configuration in which the reels 3a to 3c, which are determined not to be stopped during the game, are continuously rotated for the next game. In other words, the remaining reels 3a to 3c may be automatically stopped.

Here, game control contents according to the second embodiment will be described.
The game control contents of this embodiment are different from the first embodiment in terms of winning determination processing and reel rotation processing.

First, the winning determination process according to the present embodiment will be described.
The central control unit CPU 101 for main control according to the present embodiment detects combinations of stop symbols arranged on the effective line based on a detection signal from a reel position detection circuit built in the spinning device 20, and the detection result In response to this, it is determined whether or not the internal winning combination (random number determination result) has won a prize. At the same time, the central control unit CPU 101 for main control detects a stop symbol located on the active line when the two reels 3a to 3c stop among the three reels 3a to 3c, and the internal winning combination is won. It is determined whether or not the combination is possible. If the main control central control unit CPU 101 determines that the combination of the stop symbols that the internal winning combination cannot win is set, the left stop flag, the middle stop flag, and the right stop flag are each set to ON. All the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are in a state where the buttons are operated.

Next, the reel rotation process according to the present embodiment will be described.
When starting a new game, the central controller for main control CPU 101 according to this embodiment rotates all the stop reels 3a to 3c except the reels 3a to 3c that are continuously rotated from the previously executed game. Let

  The main control board 100 including the main control central control unit CPU 101 that executes the winning determination process as described above constitutes the advance hit determination means according to the present invention. The main control board 100 including the main control CPU 100 for executing the reel rotation processing constitutes an automatic reel rotation command means according to claim 7.

<Third embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The structure which concerns on a present Example is a structure which defined the upper limit of the frequency | count of accepting operation of the start lever 5 after the 2nd time. In this embodiment, the upper limit number is set to (credit number + 10) times.

  In the gaming state shown in FIG. 18A, when the bet number is set for the game A by operating the MAX bet button 7a, the credit number is changed from “3” to “0” as shown in FIG. In addition, five effective lines are displayed. Next, when the start lever 5 is tilted downward (operation x in FIG. 20), all the reels 3a to 3c rotate and the game A starts.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when the start lever 5 is operated twice (operation a and operation b in FIG. 20) while the game A is being executed, the number of credits is subtracted in accordance with the start operation. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 18C and 18D, every time the start lever 5 is operated, the credit amount is subtracted by the number of bets corresponding to the lever operating direction (0 → −1 → −4). Is done. On the other hand, the number of continuous games is added (0 → 1 → 2) by the number of start operations. The display color of the number of credits and the number of consecutive games may be different from the normal display such as red.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 18E, after the third operation of the start lever 5, the display device 2 displays the first notice image (unclear bell image) y1. Further, based on the operation of the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c made to the game A that is currently in progress (left → middle → right), the reels 3a to 3c are sequentially stopped, and the stop symbol is determined (FIG. 18 Ref. 18).

  When the stop symbol is determined and the game A is ended, it is determined whether or not credit is added. When the number of credits is “0” or less, there are not enough credits for executing the game. Therefore, even if the start operation is confirmed in advance and the execution of the game is confirmed, the game is not started.

  When four medals are inserted in the gaming state shown in FIG. 18C, credits necessary for executing the game B and the game C are satisfied, and the game B starts first (see FIG. 19A). As described above, this game B is set to the bet number “1”. When the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are sequentially operated for the game B, all the reels 3a to 3c are stopped and the game B is ended (see FIG. 19 Rohani). Furthermore, when the game B ends, the credit C is satisfied, so the game C set with the bet number “3” starts. When the reel stop buttons 4a to 4c are sequentially operated for the game C, all the reels 3a to 3c are stopped and the game C is ended (see FIG. 19).

  Here, a configuration is proposed in which, for example, 3 minutes is waited until the credit is added when the game A ends.

The characteristic part of the present embodiment will be described again.
In this embodiment, a predetermined number of continuous operations of the start lever 5 are accepted beyond the remaining number of credits, so that it is within the upper limit (50) or the remaining number of credits (for example, 3). In addition, a random value is drawn for the winning. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether or not the game has already been won even though the game is not actually executed due to insufficient credit. On the other hand, in the slot machine having the conventional configuration, whether or not the winning combination is established in the game cannot be determined unless the medal is actually inserted and the start lever 5 is operated. The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment can predict the hit based on the notice images y1 to y3 after the start operation and before the medal is inserted.

  In this embodiment, when the game is not actually started due to a lack of credits even though the start operation has been performed in advance, the various types obtained in accordance with the operation of the start lever 5 It is good to clear the random value and return to the standby state before starting the game.

The following modifications are proposed.
In the configuration described so far, a predetermined waiting time is provided after the game is finished, and the medal can be replenished during this waiting time. The first game A may be limited to a period during which the reels 3a to 3c are rotating. Further, it may be limited to the execution period of the game in which medals are inserted. For example, when the start operation is performed 10 times, a configuration is possible in which the game is limited to 7 game execution periods with sufficient credits.

Next, the control content of the third embodiment will be described.
In the bet process and the start process according to the present embodiment, even when the number of credits is insufficient, a random number value is drawn and the content of the random value is determined. However, when a random number is drawn in a situation where credit is insufficient, the number of consecutive operations N is subtracted every time the random value is determined. Then, it is determined whether or not the subtracted value reaches a predetermined upper limit value (−10). When it is determined that the subtracted value has reached, the subsequent start operation is invalidated and random numbers are not selected.

2 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1. FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine 1. FIG. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing main game processing according to the slot machine 1. The tilting mode of the start lever 5 is shown, (A) is a non-tilting position, (B) is a downward tilting position, and (C) is an upward tilting position. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the game which concerns on a 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the game which continues from FIG. It is a time chart figure which shows the flow of the game which concerns on a 1st Example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the bet process which concerns on a 1st Example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the start process which concerns on a 1st Example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the reel rotation process which concerns on a 1st Example. It is a flowchart figure which shows the stop process which concerns on a 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the game which concerns on another structure of a 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the game following FIG. It is a time chart figure which shows the flow of the game which concerns on the modification of a 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the game which concerns on another structure of a 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the game following FIG. It is a time chart which shows the flow of the game which concerns on the modification of a 2nd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the game which concerns on a 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of the game following FIG. It is a time chart which shows the flow of the game which concerns on a 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine 2 display device 3a left reel 3b middle reel 3b right reel 4a left reel stop button 4b middle reel stop button 4c right reel stop button 5 start lever 11 machine body 14a left reel stop switch 14b middle reel stop switch 14c right reel Stop switch 51 First start switch 52 Second start switch 100 Main control board 101 Central control unit CPU for main control
A, B, C Game y1-y3 Notice image

Claims (7)

A plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface;
A start operation unit operated by a player when commanding rotation start to all reels;
A plurality of stop operation units arranged for each reel and operated by the player when commanding rotation stop for the corresponding reel;
Reel start command signal output means for outputting a reel start command signal when the start operation unit is operated,
Reel start control means for executing reel start control contents for starting rotation of all reels in a stopped state at a time at a predetermined timing;
A slot machine comprising reel stop control means for stopping a reel corresponding to the stop operation unit at a predetermined timing among the rotating reels when the stop operation unit is operated,
When at least one of the reels is rotating and the start operation unit is operated and the reel start command signal output means outputs a reel start command signal, it is determined whether to accept the reel start command signal, When it is determined to accept, a start reservation accepting means for accepting the reel start command signal;
When all the reels are stopped by the operation of each stop operation section, the reel start control means is instructed to start rotating all the reels in the stopped state based on the reel start command signal received by the start reservation receiving means. A slot machine comprising reel automatic rotation command means for commanding execution of start control content. Start reservation acceptance means
When at least one of the reels is rotating and the start operation unit is operated and the reel start command signal output means outputs a reel start command signal, it is determined whether or not to store the reel start command signal. If it is determined to store and hold, the output history of the reel start command signal is sequentially stored and held in a predetermined manner, and the reel start command signal is received, and from the output history of the reel start command signal stored and held, The reel start command signal output history storage means for storing and erasing the output history of the reel start command signal, which is instructed to execute the reel start control content, in a predetermined manner,
The reel automatic rotation command means
When all reels are stopped by the operation of each stop operation unit, the output history stored and held by the reel start command signal output history storage means is referred to, and when the output history of the reel start command signal is stored and held, 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the reel start control means is instructed to execute reel start control contents based on the reel start command signal. In a configuration comprising a gaming machine main body provided with a reel, a start operation unit, and a stop operation unit,
3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein a start operation unit and a plurality of stop operation units are arranged in a line on a front surface of the gaming machine main body so that the player can operate. The start operation part
It is constituted by a start lever that is selectively tilt-converted to any one of a non-tilt position, a first tilt position, and a second tilt position,
When the tilt conversion is performed from the non-tilt position to the first tilt position, the rotation start command is issued to all reels, and the bet number of the game related to the rotation start of the reels is set to a predetermined first bet number. When the tilt conversion is performed from the non-tilt position to the second tilt position, rotation start is commanded to all reels, and the bet number of the game related to the reel rotation start is set to a predetermined second bet number. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the slot machine is a machine. A random number table for hit determination in which random numbers composed of hit random numbers and lost random values are stored, and when a reel start command signal is output, random number values are selected from the hit determination random number table. There,
When at least one of the reels is rotating, a reel start command signal is output, and a reel that has started rotating based on the reel start command signal from the point when the hit random number value is drawn from the hit determination random number table. 5. The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising a foreseeing effect operation executing means for executing an effect operation having a start point and an end point in the effect content before the stop. . Start reservation acceptance means
When the predetermined reservation acceptance prohibition condition is satisfied, it is determined that the reel start command signal is not accepted even when the start operation unit is operated and a reel start command signal is output when at least one of the reels is rotating. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: When all the reels are stopped, the combination of stop symbols is a predetermined hit combination.
Based on a combination of stop symbols when a smaller number of reels than the total number of reels are stopped, a pre-hit determination means for sequentially determining the hit of the game,
The reel automatic rotation command means
If the pre-hit determination means determines that the game is not a win based on a combination of stop symbols when a smaller number of reels than the total number of reels are stopped, a start reservation is accepted by the time the stop reel stops. The reel start control means is instructed to execute the reel start control contents so as to start rotation of the stop reel based on the reel start command signal received by the means. 7. The slot machine according to any one of 6.

Images