JP2008054723A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine which permits players to continuously play games by making the players from becoming less likely to get bored with the games. <P>SOLUTION: The slot machine permits the ending combination to be won when players win duplicately both ending combination which puts an end to a game condition and a continuation combination which allows the game condition to continue when the players make a stop operation in one operation mode, and permits the continuation combination to be won when the players make a stop operation in another operation mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that determines whether to continue or end a gaming state according to a winning combination.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a slot machine that performs a game in a replay high-probability game state in which a winning combination probability of a re-game player is increased and a role lottery process is performed.

In this conventional slot machine, when the game state is a replay high probability game state, if a predetermined winning combination is won, the replay high probability game state is terminated (for example, Patent Documents). 1).
JP 2006-15000 A

  In the above-described conventional slot machine, the reel is stopped by a simple stop operation, and it is determined whether or not the replay high probability gaming state is to be ended depending on whether or not a predetermined combination is won. It became monotonous, easy to get bored of the game, and it was difficult to keep playing the game continuously.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that makes it difficult for a player to get bored of the game and allows the player to continue to play the game. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, when the winning combination for ending the gaming state and the continuing combination to be continued are both won, the stop operation is performed in one operation mode. When the winning combination is made, the winning combination is awarded, and when the operation is performed in another manner, the continuing combination is awarded.

Specifically, the slot machine according to the present invention is:
A slot machine having a plurality of rotatable reels with a plurality of symbols and a unit game in which a single process is performed until the processing based on the fact that the plurality of reels are stopped,
Game control means for determining one gaming state from a plurality of gaming states that may give different benefits to the player and controlling the progress of the unit game in the one gaming state;
A role lottery means for performing a lottery process of a combination including an end combination for ending the one gaming state and a continuing combination for continuing the one gaming state;
An operation means that allows a player to operate in a plurality of operation modes and to advance the unit game;
Reel stop control means for controlling stop of the reel based on the operation mode of the stop operation by the player,
When the gaming state is the one gaming state, when the winning combination overlaps both the end combination and the continuing combination by the lottery process of the combination lottery unit, the reel stop control unit is
When the stop operation is operated in one operation mode, the reel is stopped and controlled so that the winning combination is awarded,
When the stop operation is operated in another operation mode different from the one operation mode, the reel is controlled to stop so that the continuation combination wins.

  The slot machine according to the present invention has a reel. This reel can be rotated or stopped based on the player's operation. For example, there is one in which a start signal is issued from the operation means when the player operates the operation means. It is preferable to control the reel to rotate based on the detection of the start signal. The control in this case is performed by the reel rotation control means. In some cases, a stop signal is issued from the operation means when the player operates the operation means. It is preferable to control the reel to stop based on the detection of the stop signal. The control in this case is performed by the reel stop control means.

  Each reel has a plurality of symbols. When the reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not a predetermined combination is won according to the type of the symbols displayed in a stopped manner. If a prize is won, processing corresponding to the combination is performed. Thus, when the reel stops, processing based on the fact that the reel has stopped is performed. In the slot machine, a unit game is performed with a single process from the start of the reel rotation until the end of the process.

  The slot machine according to the present invention includes game control means, role lottery means, operation means, and reel stop control means.

  The game control means controls the progress of the unit game described above. A unit game is played in a certain game state. The gaming state is composed of a plurality of gaming states in which the benefits given to the player can be different. The game control means determines one game state from the plurality of game states, and controls so that the unit game is advanced in the one game state.

  The plurality of game states include, for example, a general game state and a special game state. This special game state is a game state that can be more advantageous to the player than the general game state.

  The part lottery means performs a part lottery process. A plurality of types of roles are determined in advance. At least one type of combination is determined by the combination lottery process of the combination lottery means. Specifically, the types of winning combinations drawn by the winning combination lottery process include, for example, types such as a small role, a replaying role, and a special role.

  The small role is a role for paying out a predetermined number of game media. Examples of the game medium include medals. The re-game is a role that allows a re-game to be played while keeping the number of bets in the unit game that is currently being played, and without making a bet on a further predetermined number of game media.

  The special role is a role that shifts from the general gaming state to the special gaming state. The special gaming state is a gaming state in which the possibility of acquiring more game media than the number of game media that can be acquired in the general gaming state is high, and is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player. The special combination is, for example, a single bonus (hereinafter referred to as an SB combination), a regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as an RB combination), or a first type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a first type BB combination). ), A challenge bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a CB combination), and a second type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a second type BB combination).

  The SB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a single bonus game state (ordinary character) (hereinafter referred to as SB game state). The RB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a regular bonus game state (first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as an RB game state). The first type BB combination is a combination for shifting to a first type big bonus game state (a combination continuous action device related to a first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as a first type BB game state). . The CB combination is a combination for shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the challenge bonus gaming state (second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as CB gaming state). In the second type BB combination, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the second type big bonus gaming state (a combination continuous action device related to the second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as a second type BB gaming state). It is a role to make it.

  The operation means is for advancing a unit game by a player's operation. The operation means can be operated in a plurality of operation modes. The operation mode means an operation method in which the operation means is operated by the player, and there are a plurality of operation methods.

  Specifically, when the operation means is composed of a plurality of switches, the operation means can be operated in a different order of operation and operation timing, and there are a plurality of different operation modes. The operation mode can be determined by obtaining a stop signal issued from the operation means.

  The reel stop control means controls stop of a plurality of reels. Preferably, the reel stop control means detects a stop signal issued from the operation means and controls the reel to stop based on the operation mode of the operation means.

  The reel stop control means is in the operation mode of the stop operation when the game state is one and the winning combination is repeated for both the end combination and the continuous combination by the lottery process of the combination lottery means. Separate control is performed accordingly. First, when the stop operation is operated in one operation mode, the reel stop control means controls to stop the reel so that the winning combination is won. Second, when the stop operation is operated in another operation mode different from the one operation mode, the reel stop control means controls the reels to stop so that the continuation winning combination wins.

  Since the winning combination varies depending on the operation mode of the stop operation, the player must perform the stop operation in such a manner that the player wins the desired role. The game can be continued while giving a sense of expectation without causing the person to get bored.

The slot machine according to the present invention is
It further includes production means for producing an effect for notifying information related to the unit game,
When the winning lottery means wins both the end winning combination and the continuing winning combination, information regarding the fact that both the end winning combination and the continuing winning combination are won is notified from the effecting means. Are preferred.

  The slot machine according to the present invention further includes rendering means. In the effect means, an effect for notifying information on the unit game is performed. The production performed by the production means is performed based on the winning combination. For example, when the winning combination is won for both the end combination and the continuation combination, an effect of notifying information related to the winning combination for both of these combinations is performed by the production means.

  By performing such an effect, the winning combination can be suggested to the player, and the player can advance the game so as to win a desired combination among the overlapping winning combinations.

The slot machine according to the present invention is
The reel stop control means is configured so that the number of symbols that have passed through one winning line between the time when the operation means is operated by the player and the time when the reel stops does not exceed a predetermined number. Stop control of the reel,
It is preferable that the symbol corresponding to the end combination and the symbol corresponding to the continuing combination are arranged on each of the plurality of reels so as not to exceed the predetermined number.

  The reel stop control means stops the reels so that the number of symbols that pass through one winning line does not exceed a predetermined number between the time when the operating means is operated by the player and the time when the reels stop. Take control.

  The symbol corresponding to the end combination and the symbol corresponding to the continuation combination are arranged on each of the plurality of reels at intervals not exceeding the predetermined number described above.

  By doing in this way, when both the end combination and the continuation combination are won, no matter which timing the player operates the operating means, either the end combination or the continuation combination Can be awarded in the role of

The operation means is a plurality of stop switches for stopping the plurality of rotating reels,
The operation mode is preferably a mode determined by the order in which the plurality of stop switches are operated.

  By doing so, it is possible to change the stop operation for the player, and to give the player a sense of tension and expectation and advance the game.

  In addition, a player who wants to win a winning combination operates a plurality of stop switches in the order corresponding to the winning combination, and a player who wants to win a winning combination has a plurality of stop switches in the order corresponding to the continuing role. Can be operated.

  In particular, as described above, a configuration in which a symbol corresponding to an end combination and a symbol corresponding to a continuing combination are arranged on each of a plurality of reels so as not to exceed the predetermined number described above, for example, five frames of symbols. In such a case, a so-called eye-push operation is performed in which the player performs a stop operation at the timing when the player determines that the operation should be performed, using the predetermined symbols as a guideline so that the desired symbols are aligned on the effective line. And it is possible to make a winning combination. Therefore, the player who wants to win the above-mentioned continuation combination can win the continuation combination only by operating a plurality of stop switches in the order corresponding to the continuation combination without performing a pressing operation. Even a player who is not good at the pushing operation such as a beginner can accurately win a winning combination.

  In addition, the above-described one gaming state is preferably a replay high probability gaming state. By doing so, it is possible to determine whether the replay high-probability gaming state will be ended or the replay high-probability gaming state will be maintained depending on the winning combination. A feeling and expectation can be given. The re-game high-probability gaming state is a gaming state determined so that the above-mentioned re-gamer can be easily won, that is, a game state in which the winning probability of the re-gamer is increased to perform the role lottery process. By maintaining such a re-probability high-probability gaming state, the player can continue the game without reducing the number of game media for playing the game, thus maintaining the player's sense of tension and expectation. Can be made.

  It is possible to make the game difficult to get bored and to be played continuously by the player.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<< Configuration of Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the front surface of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the slot machine 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 10 includes a box-shaped base portion 20 and a front door 40. The front door 40 is pivotally supported on the left side portion of the base portion 20 and is provided to be openable and closable on the front side of the base portion 20. FIG. 1 shows a state where the front door 40 is closed with respect to the base portion 20, and FIG. 2 shows a state where the front door 40 is opened approximately 180 degrees with respect to the base portion 20.

<Front side of front door 40>
The front door 40 is attached to the base unit 20 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front surface of the base unit 20 when closed. As shown in FIG. 1, a member related to operation and a member related to display are mainly provided on the front surface of the front door 40. A control circuit board is mainly provided on the back surface of the front door 40.

<Operational parts>
As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel 41 extending in the horizontal direction is provided at the approximate center of the front side (player side) of the front door 40. On the front side of the operation panel 41, a start switch 42 and three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are provided. On the upper surface side of the operation panel 41, a 1-bet switch 62, a 2-bet switch 64, a maximum bet switch 66, and a medal slot 46 are provided. A receiving tray 48 for receiving medals paid out based on the result of the unit game is also provided at the lower portion of the front door 40. In the present specification, a game whose progress is determined by a display mode of symbols attached to three reels to be described later is referred to as a unit game. This unit game will be described in detail later.

  The start switch 42 and the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are switches that are operated by the player to advance the unit game. When the player operates the start switch 42, rotation of three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R, which will be described later, is started. Further, when the player operates the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c, the reels 30L to 30R corresponding to the operated stop switches are stopped.

  The functions of the 1 bet switch 62, the 2 bet switch 64, and the maximum bet switch 66 will be described later.

<Reel display window 51 and reels 30L, 30C, 30R>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a front frame 50 is formed on the front door 40. A reel display window 51 is formed at a substantially central portion of the front frame 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the three reels 30 </ b> L to 30 </ b> R are rotatably accommodated in the reel unit 28. The reel unit 28 has a front surface 29 open, and the player can visually recognize the type of symbols located on the front surface 29 of the reel unit 28, as will be described later. The reel unit 28 is supported by a support plate 26 fixed to the base portion 20. When the front door 40 is closed, the reel display window 51 is positioned in front of the front surface 29 of the reel unit 28. The reel display window 51 is covered with a transparent member, and when the front door 40 is closed, the player can select the types of symbols drawn on the three reels 30L to 30R via the reel display window 51. It can be visually recognized.

  A plurality of types of symbols are attached to each of the three reels 30L to 30R. The types of symbols can be identified by the player, for example, the number “Red 7” or the fruit “Cherry”. As will be described later, when the three reels 30L to 30R are stopped, nine symbols are stopped and displayed in the reel display window 51 so as to be visible.

  An area formed by the reel display window 51 corresponds to a “symbol display area”. A mode constituted by the types of nine symbols that are stopped and displayed in the reel display window 51 corresponds to a “symbol stop display mode” and a “stop display mode”.

<Reels 30L, 30C, 30R and stop switches 44a, 44b, 44c>
The left reel 30L corresponds to the left stop switch 44a. When the player operates the left stop switch 44a, the left reel 30L stops. The middle reel 30C corresponds to the center stop switch 44b. When the player operates the center stop switch 44b, the middle reel 30C stops. The right reel 30R corresponds to the right stop switch 44c. When the player operates the right stop switch 44c, the right reel 30R stops.

<Reel display window 51 and winning lines L1 to L5>
As described above, the reel display window 51 is covered with a transparent member. As shown in FIG. 1, five winning lines L <b> 1 to L <b> 5 are drawn on the reel display window 51. By doing in this way, the player can visually recognize the type of symbol through the reel display window 51 and can also visually recognize the five winning lines L1 to L5 on the reel display window 51. .

  The winning line L1 is a middle straight line extending in the horizontal direction, the winning line L2 is an upper straight line extending in the horizontal direction, and the winning line L3 is a lower straight line extending in the horizontal direction. The winning line L4 is a straight line extending from the upper left to the lower right, and the winning line L5 is a straight line extending from the lower left to the upper right. In this specification, the position of the winning line L1 may be referred to as a middle stage, the position of the winning line L2 may be referred to as an upper stage, and the position of the winning line L3 may be referred to as a lower stage.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the five winning lines L1 to L5 are shown on the reel display window 51. However, if the winning line is clear to the player, the reel display window The winning line may not be drawn on 51.

<Bet switches 62, 64 and 66 and winning lines L1 to L5>
When a predetermined number or more medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 46 of the operation panel 41 described above, the number of medals inserted by a medal counter (not shown) is counted, and the number is stored as the number of credits. The 1-bet switch 62 described above is a switch for setting one medal out of the stored credits to be a game bet. Further, the 2-bet switch 64 is a switch for targeting two medals out of the number of credits for game betting, and the maximum bet switch 66 is a game betting for three medals out of the credit number. It is a switch for making it an object of.

  As described above, the five pay lines L1 to L5 are drawn on the reel display window 51. When the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, one of the five pay lines, for example, the pay line L1 is activated. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, three of the five pay lines, for example, the pay lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, all five pay lines, that is, L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 are activated. Thus, the three bet switches 62, 64 and 66 function as game medium number setting means for determining the number of medals to be a game bet and validating the pay lines L1 to L5.

<Effective line>
As described above, the three bet switches 62, 64, and 66 function as a game medium number setting unit that activates the pay lines L1 to L5 when operated by the player. When the player operates the 1 bet switch 62, the pay line L1 is activated, when the 2 bet switch 64 is operated, the pay lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated, and when the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, All of the pay lines L1 to L5 are activated. As described above, the activated winning line is referred to as an activated line.

  The arrangement of symbols stopped on the active line is a target for determining whether or not a prize has been won. For example, when the arrangement of “red 7”-“red 7”-“red 7” is aligned on the above-described active line L1, it is determined that the winning combination of big bonus has been won. The type of combination will be described later. Further, when the arrangement of symbols that do not constitute a combination on the active line L1 stops, it is determined that no winning has been won. On the other hand, even if it is a winning line, when the winning line is not activated, the line of “red 7”-“red 7”-“red 7” is aligned on the winning line. However, the winning line is not subject to the determination as to whether or not the winning line has been won.

<Image display device 34>
An image display device 34 is provided on the upper portion of the front door 40. An effect image is displayed on the image display device 34. The effect image is an image that is displayed as the game progresses, and is mainly an image that includes various types of information related to the game. For example, in one unit game, lottery processing is performed by the role lottery means 120 described later. An effect image that suggests the lottery result is displayed on the image display device 34 based on the lottery result of the lottery process.

  A unit game played in the slot machine 10 is a game in which a single-stroke game can be repeated. This single-stroke game is called a unit game. The unit game will be described in detail later.

  There are two types of effect images displayed on the image display device 34: one that displays various types of information in the form of characters, and the other that displays in the form of drawings other than characters. The information displayed in the form of characters is mainly used to make a player visually recognize various information directly. In this case, a symbol that visually represents a word as a means for transmitting human intention and emotion, such as a numerical value, alphabet, hiragana, katakana, and kanji, is used as the character. Further, the information displayed in the form of a drawing is mainly used for indirectly making a player visually recognize various kinds of information. In this case, an image of a character indicating a creature such as a person or an animal, a pseudo life form such as a robot, or an image indicating other machinery, a building, a landscape, or the like is included.

<Speaker 36>
As shown in FIG. 1, the speakers 36 are provided on both the left and right sides of the image display device 34 described above. The speaker 36 produces a voice effect as the game progresses. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a sub-control board 52 described later, a sound corresponding to the condition is emitted from the speaker 36. For example, based on the lottery result of the lottery process performed by the role lottery means 120 described later, sound effects, music, etc. suggesting the lottery result are emitted from the speaker 36.

<Lamp 38>
The lamp 38 is provided in the upper part of the front door 40, as shown in FIG. The lamp 38 produces a light effect as the game progresses. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a sub-control board 52 to be described later, the lamp 38 is turned on or blinked according to the condition. For example, based on the lottery result of the lottery process performed by the role lottery means 120 described later, the lamp 38 is lit in a predetermined color or a predetermined pattern according to the type of the role so as to suggest the lottery result. Or blink.

  In addition, the effect by light includes not only the lamp 38 described above but also a back lamp (not shown) arranged inside the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R.

<Base part 20>
The base body portion 20 shown in FIG. 2 is assembled with wood or the like, and is formed in a box shape with an open front surface. A power supply unit 22 for supplying power to various devices mounted on the slot machine 10 and a medal payout device 24 including a hopper for storing medals are provided in the lower portion inside the base body portion 20. A support plate 26 is provided above the power supply unit 22 and the medal payout device 24. The support plate 26 supports a reel unit 28 that rotatably accommodates the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. Furthermore, a main control board 32 that controls the game played in the slot machine 10 as a whole is provided in the upper part inside the base body 20.

<Main control board 32>
The main control board 32 is a control board for controlling the start and stop of the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R and for controlling the entire game such as the progress of the game performed in the slot machine 10.

  The main control board 32 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) that performs arithmetic operations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) that stores a game program, and a RAM that temporarily stores each data. (Random access memory) (not shown).

  For example, the ROM stores a program for executing the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The RAM also stores variable values used in this program. These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus so that data signals and address signals can be input / output.

  The main control board 32 is electrically connected to the bet switches 62, 64 and 66 described above. When the player operates the bet switches 62, 64 and 66, a bet instruction signal is issued from each of the bet switches 62, 64 and 66 to the main control board 32.

  Further, the main control board 32 is electrically connected to the above-described start switch 42 and the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. When the player operates the start switch 42 or the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c, an operation signal is issued from the start switch 42 or the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c to the main control board 32. When a signal is issued from the start switch 42 to the main control board 32, the main control board 32 controls the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. When a signal is issued to the main control board 32 from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c, the main control board 32 stops the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch among the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. Take control.

<Sub control board 52>
As shown in FIG. 2, the sub control board 52 is disposed on the upper part of the back surface of the front door 40. The sub-control board 52 is a board that mainly controls effects during the game. For example, control is performed such that an effect image is displayed on the image display device 34, a sound effect or music is emitted from the speaker 36, and the lamp 38 is turned on or blinked. The sub-control board 52 includes a CPU (not shown) that performs calculations, a ROM (not shown) that stores effect programs and effect data, and a RAM (not shown) that temporarily stores each data. Including.

  For example, the ROM stores an effect control program for controlling the effects shown in FIG. 7, and image data and audio data for effects. The RAM also stores variable values used in the above-described effect control program. These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus so that data signals and address signals can be input / output.

  The sub control board 52 is electrically connected to the main control board 32 by a harness (not shown). The main control board 32 transmits commands, information, and the like to the sub control board 52. The above-described main control board 32 controls the entire game in an integrated manner, while the sub control board 52 belongs to the lower level of the main control board 32 and is based on commands, information, etc. sent from the main control board 32. To control the entire production.

<Unit game in slot machine 10>
When the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R are stopped, symbols are positioned on the pay lines L1 to L5. The unit game in the slot machine 10 is a game in which the game result is determined by the arrangement of symbols positioned on the activated pay line. For this reason, the player visually recognizes the symbols on the rotating reels 30L, 30C and 30R, and determines that the sequence of the symbols constituting the predetermined combination is aligned on the activated winning line. At this timing, the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated to stop the reels 30L, 30C or 30R.

  As will be described later, a plurality of types of roles are determined in advance. At least one type of combination is determined by the combination lottery process of the combination lottery means 120 described later. The determination of at least one type of combination is referred to as “winning”. In addition, depending on the combination lottery process, there is a case where any type of combination is not determined, and this case is referred to as “out”.

  The unit game played in the slot machine 10 is a game in which a single-stroke game can be repeated. This single-stroke game is called a unit game. The unit game starts when the player operates the start switch 42 and ends when the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated. From the player's point of view, the unit game is performed until the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R all stop after the start switch 42 is operated and the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R start to rotate. A single-stroke game. As described above, the unit game is started every time the player operates the start switch 42. In the present specification, when expressed as a unit game, there are a case where a unit game is repeated and a case where one unit game is meant.

  As described above, the unit game is started based on the player operating the start switch 42. More specifically, at the time of starting the unit game, when the player operates the start switch 42, a start signal is generated from the start switch 42, and the start signal generated from the start switch 42 is transmitted to the main control board 32. It is preferable to detect when. Further, the start time of the unit game may be a time when it can be visually recognized that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R start to rotate.

  Further, as described above, the unit game is ended by operating the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. More specifically, at the end of the unit game, the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped by operating the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c by the player, and the main control board 32 It is preferable that the end process such as a winning process is finished. The end point of the unit game may be when the main control board 32 detects that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped. Furthermore, the end point of the unit game may be a time when it can be visually confirmed that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped.

  The types of the above-described combinations include, for example, small combinations, replay combinations, special combinations, and the like.

  The small role is a role for paying out a predetermined number of medals. There are several types of small roles. In many cases, the small role is used as the name of the role using the types of symbols given to the three reels 30L, 30C, or 30R. For example, the types of symbols include “watermelon”, “bell”, “cherry” and the like. For this reason, a small role in which the pattern “watermelon” is aligned on the effective line is referred to as a watermelon role, and a small role in which the pattern “bell” is aligned on the effective line is referred to as a bell role. Further, when the symbol “cherry” of the left reel 30L is stopped and displayed on the active line, it is assumed that a winning is made regardless of the types of symbols of the middle reel 30C and the right reel 30R. This role is called the cherry role.

  The re-game player is a player who can play the unit game again without maintaining a predetermined number of medals while maintaining the number of bets (the number of bets) in the currently played unit game. . In the present specification, a re-game combination is also referred to as a re-play combination or an RP combination, and a unit game performed when a re-play combination is won is referred to as a re-play (also referred to as re-play or RP).

  The special role is a role that can shift the game state of the unit game from the general game state to the special game state (a game advantageous to the player). Examples of the special combination include a single bonus (hereinafter referred to as SB combination), a regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as RB combination), and a first type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as first type BB combination). ), A challenge bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as CB combination), and a second type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as second type BB combination). As will be described later, the special game state includes a single bonus game state, a regular bonus game state, a first type big bonus game state, a challenge bonus game state, and a second type big bonus game state.

  The SB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a single bonus game state (ordinary character) (hereinafter referred to as SB game state). When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the SB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the SB gaming state. When shifting to the SB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The unit game in the SB game state is a game in which a predetermined combination is won with a high probability, and ends with one unit game.

  The RB combination is a combination for shifting the game state of the unit game to a regular bonus game state (first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as an RB game state). When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the RB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the RB gaming state. When transitioning to the RB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The unit game in the RB game state is a game in which a predetermined combination is won with high probability. The RB gaming state ends when the number of unit games exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 12 times) or when a predetermined combination wins a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times).

  In the first type BB combination, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the first type big bonus gaming state (the continuous action device relating to the first type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as the first type BB gaming state). It is a role to make it. When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the first type BB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the first type BB gaming state. When shifting to the first type BB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The first type BB gaming state includes the gaming state of the RB gaming state described above, and at least one unit game can be performed in this RB gaming state. Moreover, in the 1st type BB game state of 1 time, it is a game state which can repeat RB game state of multiple times. The first type BB gaming state ends when the number of medals paid out in the first type BB gaming state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 300).

  The CB combination is a combination for shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the challenge bonus gaming state (second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as CB gaming state). When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the CB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the CB gaming state. When shifting to the CB gaming state, no medal is paid out. When the gaming state becomes the CB gaming state, it is possible to change the stop control of a certain reel among the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. Specifically, control is performed so that the reel is stopped within 75 milliseconds (usually 190 milliseconds) with reference to the time when the stop switch corresponding to the certain reel is operated by the player. Further, when the gaming state is changed to the CB gaming state, for a predetermined small combination, the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the predetermined small combination is aligned with the effective line regardless of the result of lottery processing by the combination lottery means 120 described later. be able to. The CB gaming state is ended by performing one unit game.

  In the second type BB combination, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the second type big bonus gaming state (a combination continuous action device related to the second type special combination) (hereinafter referred to as a second type BB gaming state). It is a role to make it. When the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the second type BB combination is aligned with the active line, the gaming state of the unit game is shifted to the second type BB gaming state. When shifting to the second type BB gaming state, no medal is paid out. The second type BB gaming state includes two gaming states, a CB high probability winning state in which the above-mentioned CB combination is won with a high probability and the above-described CB gaming state, and unit games can be performed in each of them. . In addition, when the gaming state shifts from the CB high probability winning state to the CB gaming state, the CB gaming state can be returned to the CB high probability winning state again. The second type BB gaming state ends when the number of medals paid out in the second type BB gaming state reaches a predetermined number (for example, 286). In addition, when the gaming state is the second type BB gaming state, if the above-mentioned SB combination or RB combination can be won by the lottery process of the combination lottery means 120, the SB combination or RB combination is won. Sometimes, the second type BB gaming state ends.

  Further, in addition to the gaming state described above, there is also a replay high probability gaming state. This re-game high probability game state is a game state determined so as to facilitate winning of the above-mentioned re-gamer, that is, a game state in which a winning combination probability of a re-gamer is increased to perform a role lottery process. Note that the replay high probability gaming state is not an independent gaming state such as the above-described general gaming state or special gaming state, but a gaming state that can be superimposed on these gaming states. That is, a gaming state that is a general gaming state and a re-gaming high probability gaming state, or a gaming state that is a special gaming state and a re-gaming high probability gaming state can be achieved. The replay high probability gaming state corresponds to “one gaming state”.

<< Functions of Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main control functions in the slot machine 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 10 mainly includes an operation unit 500, a game medium number setting unit 600, a main control unit 100, a symbol display unit 400, a sub control unit 200, and an effect unit 300. including.

<Operating means 500>
The operation means 500 is operated by the player, and issues a signal indicating that it has been operated to the main control means 100 described later based on the player's operation. The operation means 500 preferably includes a start switch 42 and stop switches 44a to 44c. When the start switch 42 is operated by the player, the start switch 42 issues a signal indicating that the start switch 42 has been operated to the main control means 100 described later. Each of the stop switches 44a to 44c also issues a signal indicating that it has been operated to the main control means 100 when operated by the player.

  As described above, the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R starts by the signal issued from the start switch 42 to the main control means 100, and the trigger for starting the unit game described above is determined. A signal issued from the start switch 42 to the main control means 100 is referred to as a start signal.

  Further, the corresponding reel among the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is stopped by a signal issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c to the main control means 100. Based on the fact that all of the three stop switches 44a to 44c are operated and all of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped, an opportunity to end the unit game is determined. A signal issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c to the main control means 100 is referred to as a stop signal. In this way, the unit game is started based on the start signal described above being issued, and the unit game is ended based on the stop signal being issued from the top switch corresponding to the reel to be finally stopped.

<Game medium number setting means 600>
Similarly to the operation unit 500, the game medium number setting unit 600 is operated by the player, and issues a signal indicating that the game medium has been operated based on the operation of the player to the main control unit 100 described later. Based on a signal issued from the operation means 500 to the main control means 100, it is determined which one of the plurality of pay lines L1 to L5 is to be activated.

  The game medium number setting means 600 may be anything that can be operated by the player. The game medium number setting means 600 is preferably composed of the 1-bet switch 62, the 2-bet switch 64, and the maximum bet switch 66 described above.

  The number of medals to be bet on the game is determined by a signal issued from the 1-bet switch 62, 2-bet switch 64 or maximum bet switch 66 to the main control means 100. For example, one medal is targeted for a game bet by a signal issued from the 1 bet switch 62 to the main control unit 100, and two medals are received by a signal issued from the 2 bet switch 64 to the main control unit 100. Are bets for gaming, and three medals are targeted for gaming bets by a signal issued from the maximum bet switch 66 to the main control means 100.

<Main control means 100 (game control means)>
In addition to the operation means 500, the game medium number setting means 600 and the symbol display means 400 described above, the sub control means 200 is electrically connected to the main control means 100. The main control means 100 controls the entire game such as the progress of the game. The main control means 100 preferably comprises the main control board 32 described above.

  As described above, the operation means 500 is electrically connected to the main control means 100. A start signal is issued from the start switch 42 of the operation means 500 to the main control means 100. Thereby, it can be detected that the start switch 42 is operated by the player. A stop signal is issued to the main control unit 100 from each of the stop switches 44 a to 44 c of the operation unit 500. Thereby, the order and timing of the stop signal issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c can be detected.

  In addition, a game medium number setting means 600 is electrically connected to the main control means 100. A bet signal is issued to the main control means 100 from each of the 1 bet switch 62, the 2 bet switch 64 and the maximum bet switch 66 of the game medium number setting means 600. By detecting the issued bet signal, the number of medals to be bet and the setting of the effective line are controlled.

  The main control means 100 includes a combination lottery means 120, a reel drive control means 130, and a symbol detection means 150.

<Role lottery means 120 (role lottery means)>
The role lottery means 120 performs a lottery of predetermined types. As described above, there are types of combinations such as a small combination, a replay combination, and a special combination. As described above, the fact that at least one type of combination is determined by the combination lottery process of the combination lottery means 120 is referred to as “winning”, and the case where any type of combination is not determined is referred to as “out”.

  The role lottery means 120 includes, for example, a random number generation means 122, a random number extraction means 124, and a random number determination means 126. The random number generation means 122 generates a random number (hardware random number or the like) for the role lottery process. The random number extraction unit 124 extracts the random number generated by the random number generation unit 122. The random number determination means 126 determines the presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination based on the random number value extracted by the random number extracting means 124. The role lottery means 120 constitutes a “role lottery means”, and a “role lottery process” is performed.

  The “role lottery process” is a lottery process for determining “win” or “miss” for a game. Specifically, it is executed in step S13 of FIG.

<Random number generator 122>
The random number generator 122 continuously generates random numbers in a predetermined positive integer range (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) at predetermined timings.

<Random number extraction means 124>
The random number extraction unit 124 extracts the random number generated by the random number generation unit 122 at a predetermined timing. For example, in the present embodiment, random numbers are extracted when the start switch 42 is operated by the player.

<Random number judging means 126>
The random number determination unit 126 checks the random number value extracted by the random number extraction unit 124 with a lottery probability table (probability table) stored in the probability table storage unit 128 described later, thereby corresponding to the region to which the random number value belongs. Decide which role to play.

<Probability table storage means 128>
The probability table storage means 128 has a lottery probability table in which lottery probabilities are stored in accordance with a plurality of gaming states and types of combinations.

  As described above, the game state of the unit game includes a general game state, an SB game state, an RB game state, a first type BB game state, a CB game state, a second type BB game state, and the like. The lottery probability table corresponds to these gaming states, the general gaming state probability table, the SB gaming state probability table, the RB gaming state probability table, the first type BB gaming state probability table, the CB gaming state probability table, the second type. It consists of a probability table such as a BB gaming state probability table. There is also a probability table for making a replay high probability gaming state. As described above, since the replay high probability game state is not an independent game state such as the general game state or the special game state, the probability table for changing to the replay high probability game state is, for example, the general game state. Thus, a general replay high probability game state probability table corresponding to a game state that is a replay high probability game state is obtained.

  Each of these probability tables has, for example, a plurality of areas obtained by dividing an integer in the range of 0 to 65535 for each predetermined range. Each of the plurality of areas corresponds to a type of combination. For example, an integer in the range of 0 to 65535 can be used for an area corresponding to a small combination, an area corresponding to a re-playing combination, an area corresponding to an RB combination, an area corresponding to a first type BB combination, and an outage The area is divided into a plurality of areas such as the obtained area.

  The random number determination means 126 described above determines which of these areas the random number value extracted by the random number extraction means 124 is included in, and determines the type of the combination. For example, when the value of the random number extracted by the random number extraction unit 124 is included in the area corresponding to the first type BB combination, the random number determination unit 126 determines that the first type BB combination is won. Further, when the random number value extracted by the random number extraction unit 124 is included in the region corresponding to the detachment, the random number determination unit 126 determines that the detachment has occurred.

  Note that all probability tables such as a general gaming state probability table, an SB gaming state probability table, an RB gaming state probability table, a first type BB gaming state probability table, a CB gaming state probability table, a second type BB gaming state probability table, etc. It is not necessary to provide areas corresponding to all the combinations. It is only necessary to provide an area only for a winning combination that can be won in the gaming state. For example, when the gaming state is the RB gaming state, the RB gaming state probability table includes these roles so that the SB combination, the RB combination, the first type BB combination, the CB combination, and the second type BB combination are not won. Do not provide an area corresponding to. In addition, when the gaming state is the first type BB gaming state, in the first type BB gaming state probability table, the SB combination, the first type BB combination, the CB combination, and the second type BB combination are not won. Do not provide areas corresponding to these roles. Furthermore, when the game state is the second type BB game state, the second type BB game state probability table corresponds to these roles so that the first type BB combination and the second type BB combination are not won. Avoid providing areas.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the gaming state is a re-playing high probability state, “Bell” − “Bell” − “Bell” and “Bell” − “ The corresponding combinations of four types of symbols of “bell”-“RP”, “bell”-“RP”-“bell”, and “RP”-“bell”-“bell” are included. That is, when any of these four types of symbols is aligned on the active line, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. The arrangement of these four types of symbols means, in order from the left, a symbol attached to the left reel 30L, a symbol attached to the middle reel 30C, and a symbol attached to the right reel 30R. In the following, “Bell”-“Bell”-“Bell” corresponding roles are referred to as “Bell role”, and “Bell”-“Bell”-“RP” corresponding roles are referred to as “RP1 role”. , “Bell”-“RP”-“bell” and corresponding roles are called “RP2 role”, and “RP”-“bell”-“bell” corresponding roles are called “RP3 role”. These four “bell role”, “RP1 role”, “RP2 role”, and “RP3 role” are all small roles, and when winning, a predetermined number, for example, 10 medals are paid out. It is.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the gaming state is a re-playing high probability state, the above four types of combinations are not drawn independently, but two of these types are overlapped. The lottery process is performed to win. Specifically, the case where the above-mentioned “bell role” and “RP1 role” are won simultaneously, the case where “bell role” and “RP2 role” are simultaneously won, and “bell role” and “RP3 role” May be won in duplicate. In the present specification, “bell role” and “RP1 role” are referred to as “bell RP1 role”, “bell role” and “RP2 role” are referred to as “bell RP2 role”, and “bell role” And “RP3 role” are referred to as “Bell RP3 role”. These overlapping winning states are states in which one of the two winning combinations can be awarded according to the mode of the player's stop operation. For example, when “Bell RP1 role” is won, both the “Bell role” and “RP1 role” are won, and the timing at which the player performs the stop operation and the mode of the stop operation are determined. Accordingly, it is possible to win either the “bell role” or the “RP1 role”. This process is executed by the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the gaming state is a re-playing high probability state, one of the “bell RP1 role”, “bell RP2 role” or “bell RP3 role” is won, If the player can win the “bell role”, the gaming state remains in the re-gaming high probability state and the gaming state is continued. On the other hand, when the gaming state is a re-playing high probability state, either “Bell RP1 role”, “Bell RP2 role” or “Bell RP3 role” is won, and “RP1 role” When winning "RP2 combination" or "RP3 combination", the re-gaming high probability state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the original state. The above-mentioned “bell role” corresponds to “continuation role”, and “RP1 role”, “RP2 role”, and “RP3 role” correspond to “end role”.

  In addition, on each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R, the above-mentioned symbol “bell” and symbol “RP” are arranged so as not to exceed the number of control frames. As will be described later, the number of control frames is the number of symbols that can pass through the rotation reference position most frequently (the maximum number of symbols to be passed) from when the stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated until the reels 30L to 30R stop. ) And the symbol positioned at the rotation reference position with the reel stopped. The number of control frames will be described in detail later.

<Reel drive control means 130>
The reel drive control unit 130 performs rotation control and stop control of the three reels 30L to 30R based on the start signal issued from the start switch 42 and the stop signal issued from the stop switches 44a to 44c. . The reel drive control unit 130 includes a reel rotation control unit 132 and a reel stop control unit 134.

<Reel rotation control means 132>
The reel rotation control means 132 issues a rotation control signal to the motors 86a, 86b and 86c when it detects a start signal issued from the operation means 500, preferably the start switch 42 described above. As will be described later, the motor 86a drives the left reel 30L, the motor 86b drives the middle reel 30C, and the motor 86c drives the right reel 30R. When the reel rotation control means 132 detects the start signal, it issues a rotation control signal to these three motors 86a, 86b and 86c. With the rotation control signal, the three reels 30L to 30R start to rotate. This process is executed in step S14 shown in the flowchart of FIG.

<Reel stop control means 134>
The reel stop control unit 134 stops the motor 86a, 86b or 86c based on the timing when the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is operated by the player and the result of the lottery process of the above-mentioned combination lottery unit 120. A control signal is issued to stop the left reel 30L, middle reel 30C, or right reel 30R.

  As described above, when the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is operated by the player, a stop signal is issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c. The reel stop control means 134 detects a stop signal issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c.

  When the reel stop control unit 134 detects a stop signal issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c, the reel stop control unit 134 obtains a candidate symbol determined by the symbol detection unit 150 described later from the symbol detection unit 150. As will be described later, this candidate symbol is at least one symbol selected as one that can be positioned at the rotation reference position when the reel 30L, 30C, or 30R is stopped. Note that the at least one or more symbols are symbols for the number of control frames described later. In the present embodiment, the rotation reference position is preferably the pay line L3 as will be described later.

  Hereinafter, the number of control frames and candidate symbols will be described.

  The reel stop control means 134 controls the reels 30L, 30C and 30R to stop after a certain amount of rotation after the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated. However, if the time until the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped is too long, the mode until the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped becomes unnatural. For this reason, the time from when the stop signal issued from the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c is detected until the reel stops is set to 190 milliseconds or less in principle. As described in the CB gaming state described above, when the gaming state becomes the CB gaming state, the stop control can be changed for certain reels among the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. . Control is performed so that the reel is stopped within 75 milliseconds with reference to the time when the stop signal issued from the stop switch corresponding to the certain reel is detected.

  Further, when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotating at a constant speed, it is necessary that the player can generally identify the symbols attached to the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. For this reason, the rotation speeds of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are determined so that the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R do not rotate more than 80 revolutions per minute.

  In the case of a general slot machine, the number of symbols attached to each of the reels 30L, 30C and 30R is 21.

  Thus, the first control condition is that stop control is performed so that the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R with 21 symbols stop within 190 milliseconds after the stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated. From the second control condition that the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are controlled to rotate so as not to rotate more than 80 rotations per minute, the reels 30L to 30R are stopped after the stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated. Until then, the number of symbols that can pass through the rotation reference position most often (hereinafter referred to as the maximum number of passing symbols) is four. The number of symbols that can pass through the rotation reference position includes a symbol that is passing through the rotation reference position when the stop switch is operated.

  In this specification, the sum of the maximum number of passing symbols and the symbol where the reel is stopped and positioned at the rotation reference position is referred to as the number of control frames. As described above, the maximum number of passing symbols is four. Further, the number of symbols positioned at the rotation reference position when the reel is stopped is one. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of control frames is 5. The number of symbols corresponding to the number of control frames is a symbol that may be located at the rotation reference position, and is a candidate symbol determined by the symbol detection means 150 described later.

  The reel stop control means 134 uses the reels 30L, 30L, and 44C so that the number of symbols passing through the rotation reference position is equal to or less than the maximum number of passing symbols, based on when the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated. Stop control of 30C and 30R is performed. The rotation reference position is preferably the winning line L3, for example. When the rotation reference position is the winning line L3, after the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated, the reels are stopped so that the number of symbols passing through the winning line L3 is less than or equal to the maximum passing symbol number. Take control. In other words, in the above-described example, the reel stop control unit 134 operates from the time when the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are operated until the number of symbols passing through the pay line L3 reaches four, the reels 30L, 30C and 30R. Is controlled to stop the reels 30L, 30C and 30R.

  In this embodiment, the reference rotation reference position is preferably one of the winning lines L1 to L3 extending in the horizontal direction. If attention is paid to one of the reels 30L, 30C and 30R, the number of symbols passing through the winning lines L1 to L3 from when the stop switch is operated until the reel stops is The same is true for any winning line. For example, the number of symbols passing through the pay lines L1 to L3 from when the stop switch 44a is operated until the reel 30L is stopped is the same in any pay line.

  In addition, the reel stop control means 134 controls the stop of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, or the right reel 30R based on the result of the lottery process of the above-mentioned role lottery means 120.

  For example, when a predetermined winning combination is won by the lottery process of the winning lottery means 120, the reel stop control means 134 is easily arranged on the winning line in which the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is activated. In addition, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is performed. That is, if the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is included in the candidate symbols determined by the symbol detecting means 150, the symbol 3 is set so that the symbol is positioned on the activated winning line. Stop control of the reels 30L, 30C and 30R is performed. In this way, the reel stop control is performed as “pull-in control” so that the arrangement of the symbols corresponding to the selected predetermined combination is aligned on the activated pay line.

  On the other hand, when no winning combination is won by the lottery process of the winning lottery means 120, that is, when the winning combination is lost, the reel stop control means 134 validates the arrangement of symbols corresponding to any of the winning combinations. Stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is performed so that they are not aligned on the winning line. That is, the three reels 30L are arranged so that even if the symbols constituting the candidate symbols determined by the symbol detecting means 150 are positioned on the activated pay line, the symbols corresponding to any of the combinations are not arranged. , 30C and 30R are stopped. In this way, the reel stop control is performed as “kicking control” so that the symbols corresponding to any of the winning combinations are not aligned on the activated pay line.

  These processes are executed in the reel stop control process in step S17 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Specifically, it is executed by the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the reel stop control means 134 has a replay high probability state (one game state), and the lottery process of the role lottery means 120 determines that the “bell role” (continuous role). In the case where both “RP1 role”, “RP2 role”, and “RP3 role” (end role) are won, the following two are selected depending on the operation mode of the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. Control is done separately.

  In the first control, when the stop operation is operated in one operation mode, the reel stop control means 134 causes the three reels 30L so that “RP1 combination”, “RP2 combination”, and “RP3 combination” win a prize. , 30C and 30R are controlled to stop. Further, in the second control, when the stop operation is operated in another operation mode different from the one operation mode, the reel stop control unit 134 causes the three reels 30L, 30C to win the “bell role”. And 30R are controlled to stop.

<Design detecting means 150 (symbol position detecting means)>
When the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotating, the symbol detection means 150 detects a symbol that is passing through the rotation reference position or a symbol that may be located at the rotation reference position. As described above, the symbol that may be located at the rotation reference position is a candidate symbol, and is a symbol that may be located at the rotation reference position when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped. Further, the symbol detection means 150 detects a symbol that is stopped and positioned at the rotation reference position when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped.

  When the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotating, the symbol detection means 150 detects a symbol based on the fact that a stop signal is issued from the operation means 500. The process of the symbol detection means 150 when the reels 30L, 30C and 30R are rotating is performed as follows.

  In response to the player operating the operation means 500, for example, the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c, stop signals are issued from the stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. When the player operates the left stop switch 44a, a stop signal is issued from the stop switch 44a, and when the player operates the center stop switch 44b, a stop signal is issued from the stop switch 44b and the right stop switch 44c is operated. When operated, a stop signal is issued from the stop switch 44c.

  When detecting the stop signal issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c, the symbol detecting means 150 detects the signal issued from the rotation angle sensor of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch. Specifically, the left stop switch 44a corresponds to the reel 30L, and when the stop switch 44a is operated by a player, a signal generated from the rotation angle sensor 83a for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30L. Is detected. Further, the reel 30C corresponds to the central stop switch 44b, and when the stop switch 44b is operated by the player, a signal emitted from the rotation angle sensor 83b for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30C is detected. . Further, the right stop switch 44c corresponds to the reel 30R, and when the stop switch 44c is operated by the player, a signal emitted from the rotation angle sensor 83c for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30R is detected. . As will be described later, the signals generated from these rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b or 83c generate signals indicating the number of pulses corresponding to the rotation angle of one revolution of the reels 30L, 30C and 30R. By detecting a signal emitted from the rotation angle sensor 83a, 83b or 83c, the rotation position from the rotation reference position of the reels 30L, 30C and 30R can be obtained.

  The symbol detection means 150 stores a symbol correspondence table (not shown) that defines the correspondence between symbol numbers and symbols corresponding to symbol numbers. As described above, in the present embodiment, 21 symbols are attached to each of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R along the circumferential direction of the reel. The symbol number is a number from 0th to 20th attached to each of these symbols in order to identify the 21 symbols attached to the reel. The correspondence between the symbol number and the symbol corresponding to the symbol number is, for example, that the 0th symbol of the left reel 30L is “Plum”, the 8th symbol is “Replay”, and the 19th symbol The symbol is a “bell”, and the symbol correspondence table stores 21 symbols from 0th to 20th for each of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R.

  Further, the symbol detection means 150 is configured to determine the pulse number-symbol number correspondence relationship between the number of pulses indicated by the signals emitted from the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c and the 0th to 20th symbol numbers. A symbol number correspondence table (not shown) is also stored.

  As described above, when the stop switch is operated by the player, the symbol detection means 150 detects a signal emitted from the rotation angle sensor 83a, 83b or 83c corresponding to the operated stop switch. By detecting a signal emitted from the rotation angle sensor 83a, 83b or 83c, the number of pulses counted by the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b and 83c is obtained. Next, the symbol number can be obtained from the number of pulses with reference to the above-described pulse number-symbol number correspondence relationship. The symbol number obtained in this manner indicates the symbol number of the symbol that is passing through the rotation reference position, for example, the winning line L3. Furthermore, a symbol is obtained from the symbol number by referring to the symbol correspondence table described above.

  By doing in this way, the symbol detection means 150 can obtain the symbol in the middle of passing the rotation reference position, for example, the winning line L3, when the stop switch is operated. Furthermore, as described above, in the present embodiment, the number of control frames is the sum of the maximum number of passing symbols and the symbol where the reel is stopped and positioned at the rotation reference position. After obtaining the symbol in the middle of passing through the rotation reference position, the symbols corresponding to the number of control frames can be obtained by referring to the symbol correspondence table. As described above, in this specification, symbols for the number of control frames are referred to as candidate symbols. The reel stop control means 134 described above obtains a candidate symbol by the symbol detection means 150 and starts reel stop control corresponding to the operated stop switch. The candidate symbols obtained by the symbol detection means 150 are referred to when the reel stop control means 134 described above performs pull-in control or kick-off control.

  As described above, by obtaining the candidate symbol by the symbol detecting unit 150, the position of the candidate symbol with respect to the rotation reference position can be determined. That is, it is possible to determine how far a predetermined symbol included in the candidate symbol is with respect to the rotation reference position.

  The symbol detection means 150 also obtains a symbol positioned at the rotation reference position, for example, the winning line L3 when the reel 30L, 30C or 30R has already stopped. This process starts with a reel that is stopped among the reels 30L, 30C, or 30R from a pulse number storage device (not shown) that stores the number of pulses indicated by the signals generated from the rotation angle sensors 83a to 83c. The number of pulses corresponding to is read, the symbol number is obtained from the number of read pulses, and the symbol located at the rotation reference position is obtained from the obtained symbol number. After obtaining the symbol located at the rotation reference position, further symbols other than the rotation reference position can be obtained by referring to the symbol correspondence table. For example, when the left reel 30L is already stopped, first, a signal emitted from the rotation angle sensor 83a is detected to obtain a symbol positioned on the winning line L3. Furthermore, by referring to the symbol correspondence table, symbols positioned on the winning lines L1 and L2 can also be obtained.

  The symbols of the reels that have already stopped are referred to when the above-described reel stop control means 134 performs pull-in control or kick-off control. When a predetermined combination is won by the lottery process of the combination lottery means 120, the reel stop control unit 134 determines the winning combination from the already stopped reel symbol and the reel candidate symbol to be stopped. The reels that are about to be stopped are controlled so that the symbols corresponding to are aligned on the activated pay line. If no winning combination is won by the lottery process of the winning lottery means 120, the reel stop control means 134 displays the symbols of the reels that have already stopped and the candidate symbols of the reels to be stopped. Therefore, stop control of the reel to be stopped is performed so that the arrangement of symbols corresponding to any of the combinations does not align on the activated pay line.

  The symbol detection by the symbol detection means 150 is executed when the reel stop control process in step S17 in FIG. 4 is performed, and the symbol detection result is also referred to in the winning process in step S19 in FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the above-described symbol “bell” and symbol “RP” are arranged on each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R so as not to exceed the number of control frames. As a result, no matter what timing the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated, the "bell role", "RP1 role", "RP2 role", "RP3 role" You can win any role.

<Design display means 400>
The symbol display means 400 includes three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. In the present embodiment, as described above, each of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R has a predetermined number, for example, 21 symbols arranged along the reel rotation direction.

  The reel 30L includes a motor 86a for rotating the reel 30L and a rotation angle sensor 83a for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30L. The reel 30C includes a motor 86b for rotationally driving the reel 30C and a rotation angle sensor 83b for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30C. The reel 30R includes a motor 86c for rotationally driving the reel 30R and a rotation angle sensor 83c for detecting the rotation angle of the reel 30R. In the present embodiment, the central portions of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are connected to the rotation shafts of the motors 86a, 86b, and 86c, and when the motors 86a, 86b, and 86c are rotated once, the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are also rotated. Rotate once.

  In the present embodiment, each of motors 86a, 86b and 86c is a stepping motor. A motor drive circuit (not shown) for driving the motors 86a, 86b and 86c is electrically connected to each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c. The motor drive circuit is electrically connected to the main control means 100.

  When a pulse signal is supplied from the main control unit 100, the motor drive circuit generates a drive signal based on the supplied pulse signal, and issues the generated drive signal to each of the motors 86a, 86b, and 86c. The motor drive circuit generates a drive signal so that the motor 86a, 86b, or 86c rotates by a rotation angle corresponding to the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied from the main control unit 100. In the present embodiment, one rotation of the motor 86a, 86b or 86c, that is, 360 degrees is divided into 400 steps equally. That is, when a pulse signal composed of 400 pulses is supplied from the main control means 100 to the motor drive circuit, the motor drive circuit generates a drive signal so that the motor 86a, 86b or 86c rotates once.

  The rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c include a counter (not shown) that counts the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied from the main control means 100 to the motor drive circuit. The rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b and 83c emit a signal indicating the number of pulses counted by the counter. The rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c include initialization means (not shown) for initializing the number of pulses counted by the counter. The initialization unit initializes the number of pulses when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R reach a certain rotation reference position in the rotation direction. Therefore, each time the reels 30L, 30C and 30R reach a certain rotation reference position, the number of pulses counted by the counter is initialized. This fixed rotation reference position becomes the origin in the rotation direction of each of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. As described above, the origin in the rotation direction of each of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is preferably the rotation reference position described above, for example, the winning line L3.

  With the above-described configuration, the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c can emit signals indicating the number of pulses corresponding to the rotation angle of one revolution of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. As described above, in this embodiment, one rotation of the motor 86a, 86b, or 86c is divided into 400 steps equally. Therefore, when the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are positioned at the rotation reference position, signals indicating that the counted number of pulses is 0 are generated from the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c. Further, when the reels 30L, 30C and 30R are at the rotational position rotated by 90 degrees from the rotation reference position, a signal indicating that the counted number of pulses is 99 is generated from the rotational angle sensors 83a, 83b and 83c. It is done.

  The symbol display means 400 also includes a pulse number storage device (not shown) that stores the counted number of pulses for each of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. The number of pulses stored in the pulse number storage means is constantly updated when the reels 30L, 30C and 30R are rotating. Accordingly, the number of pulses is updated until the reels 30L, 30C, or 30R are completely stopped. Therefore, when any of the reels 30L, 30C, or 30R is stopped, for the stopped reels, The number will be stored. When the reels 30L, 30C and 30R are stopped, the number of pulses stored in the pulse number storage device is read out.

  Thus, the rotation position from the rotation reference position of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R can be obtained from the signals generated from the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c. The above description is for conceptually explaining signals generated from the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c. The slot machine 10 does not detect signals emitted from the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c for the purpose of obtaining the rotation positions of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. As will be described later, in order to obtain a symbol number, a symbol corresponding to the symbol number, or to obtain a predetermined symbol position, signals generated from the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b and 83c are detected.

  As described above, the symbol detection unit 150 stores a symbol correspondence table (not shown) that defines the correspondence between symbol numbers and symbols corresponding to symbol numbers. Further, a pulse number-symbol number correspondence relationship indicating the correspondence between the number of pulses counted by the counters of the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c and the 0th to 20th symbol numbers is predetermined. In this way, the symbol detection means 150 first obtains the number of pulses counted by the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c by detecting signals emitted from the rotation angle sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c. . Next, a symbol number is obtained from the number of pulses using the above-described pulse number-symbol number correspondence relationship. The symbol number obtained in this way indicates the symbol number of the symbol positioned in the rotation reference position, for example, the winning line L3. Furthermore, a symbol is obtained from the symbol number by using the symbol correspondence table described above. In this manner, a symbol positioned at the rotation reference position, for example, the winning line L3 can be obtained.

  When any one of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is stopped, the number of pulses stored in the pulse number storage device described above is read for the stopped reel, and the number of pulses described above is read. The symbol number is obtained from the number of read pulses using the symbol number correspondence, and the symbol is obtained from the symbol number by using the symbol correspondence table described above.

  The symbol detecting means 150 obtains the symbol positioned on the winning line L3 in this way, and the processing in the symbol detecting means 150 is performed when the reel is rotating and when it is stopped. Regardless of this, if it is performed when the reel is rotating, a candidate symbol that may stop at the winning line L3 can be determined. Further, if it is performed when the reel is stopped, the symbol that is stopped and positioned on the winning line L3 can be determined.

<Sub-control means 200>
As described above, the sub control unit 200 is electrically connected to the main control unit 100, and various signals and information generated from the main control unit 100 are supplied to the sub control unit 200.

  The various signals issued from the main control means 100 include a signal indicating the result of the role lottery process by the role lottery means 120. These signals are transmitted from the main control means 100 in the process of step S14 in the flowchart of FIG.

  The sub-control means 200 receives these signals and controls effects performed by the effect means 300 described later.

  The sub-control means 200 is preferably composed of the sub-control board 52 described above. The sub-control unit 200 includes an information transmission unit 270 and an effect control unit 280.

<Information transmission means 270>
The information transmission unit 270 transmits information related to the selected effect to the effect unit 300.

  When an effect corresponding to the game state of the unit game is selected, the information transmission unit 270 transmits a command signal for displaying the selected effect to the effect unit 300, or image data and audio data relating to the selected effect. Is converted into a signal and transmitted to the rendering means 300.

<Production control means 280>
The effect control means 280 controls the effects performed by the effect means 300 described later. This effect is for informing information related to the unit game. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the winning combination is won for both the end role and the continuation role by the role lottery means 120, the effect is won for both the end role and the continuation role. Information on what has been done is notified.

<Direction means 300>
In the production means 300, notification of information related to the game is performed as production. The effect unit 300 is electrically connected to the information transmission unit 270 of the sub-control unit 200 described above. In the present embodiment, the effect performed by effect means 300 is controlled by effect control means 280 described above. The effect performed by the effect means 300 is determined by the effect control means 280. The production means 300 notifies the player of the information emitted from the information transmission means 270 so that the player can recognize it. The effect unit 300 is preferably composed of the image display device 34, the speaker 36, or the lamp 38. It is preferable that the game for notifying the information related to the game described above is performed by the image display device 34. As described above, the effect is controlled and advanced by the sub-control means 200.

<< Control processing >>
Below, the control performed in the main control means 100 (main control board 32) and the sub control means 200 (sub control board 52) mentioned above is demonstrated. 4 to 6 are subroutines for executing control processing in the main control means 100. FIG. FIG. 7 is a subroutine for executing control processing in the sub-control means 200.

  In the following, the slot machine 10 is started in advance, and in the main control unit 100 described above, after starting processing such as initialization of various variables used for control, the slot machine 10 operates normally. It shall be. Moreover, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 show only one example for executing the control process in the main control unit 100 and the sub control unit 200, and are not limited to this process procedure.

<Control in main control means 100>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control in the main control means 100.

  First, the inserted number is determined based on a signal generated by the player operating the above-described 1-bet switch 62, 2-bet switch 64, or maximum bet switch 66 (step S11). This inserted number indicates the number of medals targeted for betting for one game, and is not only the number of medals targeted for betting after being temporarily accumulated as the number of credits described above, It also includes the number of medals that have been inserted through the medal insertion slot 46 and are directly bet.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the start switch 42 has been operated by the player (step S12). This determination process is determined based on whether or not a start signal is issued from the start switch 42. When it is determined that the start switch 42 is not operated (NO), the determination process in step S12 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 42 has been operated by the player (YES), the role lottery process by the above-described role lottery means 120 is executed (step S13).

  Next, a signal indicating the result of the winning lottery process by the winning lottery means 120 (hereinafter referred to as a lottery result signal) is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 (step S14). Thereafter, rotation control of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is started by the reel rotation control means 132 of the reel drive control means 130 described above (step S15).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c has been operated by the player (step S16). This determination process is determined by whether or not a stop signal is issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c. When it is determined that the stop switch 44a, 44b, or 44c is not operated (NO), the determination process in step S16 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the player has operated the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c (YES), a reel stop control processing subroutine shown in FIG. 5 to be described later is called and the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is Based on the operation, stop control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is executed by the reel stop control means 134 of the reel drive control means 130 described above (step S17).

  After performing the process of step S17 described above, it is determined whether or not all of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are stopped (step S18). The motor 86a for driving the reel 30L, the motor 86b for driving the reel 30C, and the motor 86c for driving the reel 30R excite all phases of these motors, Can be stopped. For example, when each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c is driven by three-phase excitation, the motors can be stopped by exciting all three phases of each motor simultaneously. The determination process in step S18 described above is a process for determining whether or not the excitation control for stopping the motor is performed on all of the three motors 86a, 86b, and 86c.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S18 that all the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are not stopped, that is, at least one of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R is stopped. If it is determined that there is not (NO), the process returns to step S16 described above. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R have stopped (YES), a winning process subroutine shown in FIG. 6 to be described later is called to execute the unit game winning process performed this time. (Step S19), and this subroutine is terminated.

<Reel stop control process>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the reel stop control process that is called and executed in the process of step S17 of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is the above-described Bell RP1 combination by the lottery process in step S13 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 (step S21). As described above, the bell RP1 role is the "bell role" and the "RP1 role", and winning the bell RP1 role is duplicated in both the "bell role" and the "RP1 role" by lottery processing. It means winning.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S21 that the winning combination of the bell RP1 is won (YES), it is determined whether or not the right stop switch 44c is operated first (step S22). This determination is processing for determining whether or not the stop switch first operated by the player among the three stop switches 44a to 44c is the stop switch 44c.

  If it is determined in step S22 that the right stop switch 44c has been operated first (YES), the pull-in control 1 is executed (step S23), and this subroutine is terminated. This pull-in control 1 is performed so that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are awarded so as to win the “bell role”, that is, the combinations of symbols “bell”-“bell”-“bell” are aligned on the active line. Stop control is performed. By doing so, the stop switch 44c is the stop switch that is first selected and operated among the three stop switches 44a to 44c. Sometimes you can win the “Bell”. As described above, when the “bell role” is won, the gaming state is continued, so that the game can be advanced while the gaming state remains in the re-gaming high probability state.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the determination process in step S22 that the right stop switch 44c is not operated first (NO), a process of pull-in control 0 is executed (step S24), and this subroutine is terminated. This pull-in control 0 is performed so that the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R have a winning combination of "RP1", that is, a combination of symbols "bell"-"bell"-"RP" is aligned on the effective line. Stop control is performed. In this way, when both the “bell role” and the “RP1 role” are won, and the stop switch operated first among the three stop switches 44a to 44c is not the stop switch 44c. , "RP1 role" will be awarded. As described above, when the “RP1 role” is won, the gaming state is terminated, so the re-gaming high probability state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the original state.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S21 that the winning combination of the bell RP1 has not been won (NO), the winning combination is determined by the lottery process of step S13 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Is determined (step S25). As described above, the Bell RP2 role is the "Bell role" and the "RP2 role", and winning the Bell RP2 role is duplicated in both the "Bell role" and the "RP2 role" by lottery processing. It means winning.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S25 that the winning combination of the bell RP2 is won (YES), it is determined whether or not the central stop switch 44b is operated first (step S26). This determination is a process of determining whether or not the stop switch first operated by the player among the three stop switches 44a to 44c is the stop switch 44b.

  If it is determined in step S26 that the central stop switch 44b has been operated first (YES), the above-described pull-in control 1 is executed (step S23), and this subroutine is terminated. By doing so, the stop switch 44b is the stop switch that is selected for both the “bell role” and the “RP2 role” and that is operated first among the three stop switches 44a to 44c. In some cases, a “bell role” can be awarded, leaving the gaming state in a re-gaming high probability state.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S26 that the central stop switch 44b is not operated first (NO), the above-described pull-in control 0 is executed (step S24), and this subroutine is terminated. To do. In this case, the pull-in control 0 is performed so as to win the “RP2 role”, that is, the three reels 30L, so that the combination of the symbols “bell”-“RP”-“bell” is aligned on the effective line. The stop control of 30C and 30R is performed. By doing in this way, when both the “bell role” and the “RP2 role” are won, and the stop switch operated first among the three stop switches 44a to 44c is not the stop switch 44b. , "RP2 role" will be awarded. As described above, when the “RP2 combination” is won, the gaming state is terminated, so the re-gaming high probability state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the original state.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S25 that the winning combination of the bell RP2 is not won (NO), the winning combination is determined by the lottery process in step S13 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Is determined (step S27). As described above, the Bell RP3 role is the "Bell role" and the "RP3 role", and winning the Bell RP3 role is duplicated in both the "Bell role" and the "RP3 role" by lottery processing. It means winning.

  If it is determined in the determination process of step S27 that the winning combination of the bell RP3 is won (YES), it is determined whether or not the left stop switch 44a is operated first (step S28). This determination is a process of determining whether or not the stop switch first operated by the player among the three stop switches 44a to 44c is the stop switch 44a.

  When it is determined in step S28 that the left stop switch 44a has been operated first (YES), the above-described pull-in control 1 is executed (step S23), and this subroutine is terminated. By doing so, the stop switch 44a is the stop switch that has been selected for both the “bell role” and the “RP3 role” and that is operated first among the three stop switches 44a to 44c. In some cases, a “bell role” can be awarded, leaving the gaming state in a re-gaming high probability state.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the left stop switch 44a is not operated first (NO), the above-described pull-in control 0 is executed (step S24), and this subroutine is terminated. To do. In this case, the pull-in control 0 is performed so as to win the “RP3 role”, that is, the three reels 30L, “RP”-“bell”-“bell” so that the combination of symbols is aligned on the effective line. The stop control of 30C and 30R is performed. By doing so, when both the “bell role” and the “RP3 role” are won, and the stop switch operated first among the three stop switches 44a to 44c is not the stop switch 44a. , "RP3 role" will be awarded. As described above, when the “RP3 combination” is won, the gaming state is terminated, so the re-gaming high probability state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the original state.

  When it is determined in the determination process of step S27 that the combination of the bell RP3 is not won (NO), normal stop control is performed (step S29), and this subroutine is terminated. In this normal stop control, when a winning combination is won by the lottery process in step S13 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the arrangement of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is displayed as an activated winning line. If the reels are controlled so that they are aligned at the top (pull-in control), and if any of the winning combinations is not won by the lottery process, the line of symbols corresponding to any of the winning combinations is activated on the winning line In this case, the reel stop control (kicking control) is performed so as not to be aligned.

<Winning process>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a winning process that is called and executed in the process of step S19 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a re-gaming high probability state (RT gaming state) (step S31). When it is determined that the gaming state is a re-gaming high probability state (YES), the arrangement of symbols aligned on the active line is “BELL” − “BELL” − “RP”, “BELL” − “RP” − It is determined whether or not “bell” or “RP” − “bell” − “bell” (step S32). That is, the determination process of step S32 is a process of determining whether or not the “RP1 combination”, “RP2 combination”, or “RP3 combination” has been won.

  In the determination process of step S32, the arrangement of the symbols aligned with the active line is “bell”-“bell”-“RP”, “bell”-“RP”-“bell”, or “RP”-“bell”- When it is determined that it is “bell” (YES), the high replay probability state is terminated (step S33), the medal payout process is performed (step S34), and this subroutine is terminated.

  In the determination process of step S32 described above, the arrangement of the symbols aligned on the active line is “bell”-“bell”-“RP”, “bell”-“RP”-“bell”, and “RP”-“bell”. When it is determined that it is not "-" bell "(NO), it is determined whether or not the arrangement of symbols aligned on the effective line is" bell "-" bell "-" bell "(step S35). When it is determined that the arrangement of symbols aligned on the effective line is “bell” − “bell” − “bell” (YES), the medal payout process in step S34 described above is executed (step S34), Immediately end this subroutine. In this way, the replay high probability state is maintained.

  As described above, the arrangement of symbols aligned with the active line is “bell”-“bell”-“RP”, “bell”-“RP”-“bell”, or “RP”-“bell”-“bell”. "Bell"-"Bell"-"Bell", the processing of step S34 is executed, so that the same number, for example, ten medals are paid out. By doing in this way, a player can be provided with an equivalent profit.

  When it is determined that the gaming state is not the re-gaming high probability state in the determination process in step S31 described above (NO), or in the determination process in step S35, the arrangement of symbols aligned on the active line is “bell” − “bell When it is determined that it is not “bell” (NO), other winning processes are executed (step S36), and this subroutine is terminated. For example, when the RB combination is won, the process of this step S36 is shifted to the RB gaming state, and when winning a small combination such as a watermelon combination, processing such as paying out the number of game media corresponding to the combination is performed. If no winning combination is won, no processing related to winning is performed.

<Direction processing>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a process for controlling an effect executed in the sub-control means 200.

  First, it is determined whether or not it is a notification period, that is, whether or not it is a period for performing an effect of notifying the player of information related to the combination determined by the lottery process (step S41). This notification period is, for example, predetermined according to the gaming state, and there is the number of times that a unit game has been performed in that gaming state. In this way, by defining the notification period and the non-notification period, it is possible to change the production, and to give a player a sense of expectation or to enhance interest. When it is determined that it is not the notification period (NO), this subroutine is immediately terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the determination process of step S41 that it is the notification period (YES), it is determined whether or not the winning combination is the above-mentioned bell RP1 combination (step S42). The winning combination is determined by the lottery process in step S13 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, and is transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the sub-control unit 200 by the process in step S14 in the flowchart shown in FIG. It is obtained from information on the result of lottery performed. As described above, the bell RP1 role is the "bell role" and the "RP1 role", and winning the bell RP1 role is duplicated in both the "bell role" and the "RP1 role" by lottery processing. It means winning.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S42 that the winning combination is the above-mentioned bell RP1 combination (YES), control is performed so that the bell RP1 effect is performed by the effect means 300 (step S43), and this subroutine is executed. Exit. This bell RP1 effect is, for example, information that reports information on a combination of symbols of “bell”-“bell”-“bell” and information on a combination of symbols of “bell”-“bell”-“RP”. is there.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S42 described above that the winning combination is not the above-mentioned bell RP1 combination (NO), it is determined whether or not the winning combination is the above-mentioned bell RP2 combination (step S44). . This winning combination is also a combination obtained from the information of the lottery result transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the sub-control unit 200 by the process of step S14 in the flowchart shown in FIG. As described above, the Bell RP2 role is the "Bell role" and the "RP2 role", and winning the Bell RP2 role is duplicated in both the "Bell role" and the "RP2 role" by lottery processing. It means winning.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S44 that the winning combination is the above-described bell RP2 combination (YES), control is performed so that the bell RP2 effect is performed by the production means 300 (step S45), and this subroutine is executed. Exit. This bell RP2 effect is, for example, one that notifies information on a combination of symbols of “bell”-“bell”-“bell” and information on a combination of symbols of “bell”-“RP”-“bell”. is there.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S44 described above that the winning combination is not the above-mentioned bell RP2 combination (NO), it is determined whether or not the winning combination is the above-mentioned bell RP3 combination (step S46). . This winning combination is also a combination obtained from the information of the lottery result transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the sub-control unit 200 by the process of step S14 in the flowchart shown in FIG. As described above, the Bell RP3 role is the "Bell role" and the "RP3 role", and winning the Bell RP3 role is duplicated in both the "Bell role" and the "RP3 role" by lottery processing. It means winning.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S46 that the winning combination is the above-mentioned bell RP3 combination (YES), the bell RP3 effect is controlled to be performed by the effect means 300 (step S47), and this subroutine is executed. Exit. This bell RP3 effect is, for example, information that reports information on a combination of symbols of “bell”-“bell”-“bell” and information on a combination of symbols of “RP”-“bell”-“bell”. is there.

  When it is determined that the winning combination is not the above-mentioned Bell RP3 combination (NO) in the determination process in step S46 described above (NO), for example, if the combination is not selected, an effect of losing is performed. If the BB combination is won, control is performed so as to produce an effect related to winning the BB combination (step S48), and this subroutine is terminated.

  By controlling such effects, it is possible to suggest to the player that he has won the Bell RP1 role, Bell RP2 role, or Bell RP3 role. The game can be advanced to win the desired role.

2 is a front view showing a front surface of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. FIG. FIG. 3 shows an internal structure of the slot machine 10. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main functions in the slot machine 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control in main control means 100. 5 is a flowchart showing a reel stop control process that is called and executed in the process of step S17 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4. It is a flowchart which shows the winning process called and performed by the process of step S19 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a process in order to control the production performed in the sub-control means.

Explanation of symbols

10 slot machine 30L, 30C, 30R reel 42 start switch 44a, 44b, 44c stop switch 100 main control means (game control means)
120 Role lottery means 122 Random number generation means 124 Random number extraction means 126 Random number determination means 128 Probability table storage means 130 Reel drive control means 132 Reel rotation control means 134 Reel stop control means 200 Sub control means (effect control means)
280 Production control means 300 Production means

Claims (4)

A slot machine having a plurality of rotatable reels with a plurality of symbols and a unit game in which a single process is performed until the processing based on the fact that the plurality of reels are stopped,
Game control means for determining one gaming state from a plurality of gaming states that may give different benefits to the player and controlling the progress of the unit game in the one gaming state;
A role lottery means for performing a lottery process of a combination including an end combination for ending the one gaming state and a continuing combination for continuing the one gaming state;
An operation means that allows a player to operate in a plurality of operation modes and to advance the unit game;
Reel stop control means for controlling stop of the reel based on the operation mode of the stop operation by the player,
When the gaming state is the one gaming state, when the winning combination overlaps both the end combination and the continuing combination by the lottery process of the combination lottery unit, the reel stop control unit is
When the stop operation is operated in one operation mode, the reel is stopped and controlled so that the winning combination is awarded,
When the stop operation is operated in another operation mode different from the one operation mode, the reel machine is controlled to stop so that the continuation combination wins a prize. It further includes production means for producing an effect for notifying information related to the unit game,
When the winning lottery means wins both the end winning combination and the continuing winning combination, information regarding the fact that both the end winning combination and the continuing winning combination are won is notified from the effecting means. The slot machine according to claim 1 to be performed. The reel stop control means is configured so that the number of symbols that have passed through one winning line between the time when the operation means is operated by a player and the time when the reel stops does not exceed a predetermined number. Stop control of the reel,
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein a symbol corresponding to the end combination and a symbol corresponding to the continuing combination are arranged on each of the plurality of reels so as not to exceed the predetermined number. The operation means is a plurality of stop switches for stopping the plurality of rotating reels,
The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation mode is a mode determined by an order in which the plurality of stop switches are operated.

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