JP2008183124A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of suppressing the deterioration of a player's excitement and enjoyment of a game. <P>SOLUTION: When winning a bell or a cherry as a specific winning combination, the game machine can put out tokens in prior to the stop of reels 301a, 301b and 301c. That is to say, when an operation-start lever 210 is operated, the game machine extracts a random number, executes a flag process and determines the formation of a small winning combination. When a small winning combination flag is on then, namely, winning the bell or the cherry, the game machine determines whether or not to priorly put out game media by a lottery, and further determines at which timing the game media are put out by a lottery. Then, the game machine puts out the game media at the timing determined by the lottery. In that case, a top lamp 30 is lit to notify the prior putout. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pachinko gaming machine, a slot machine or the like.

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in a spinning machine represented by a slot machine, in addition to a big bonus game (abbreviated as BB, hereinafter the same), a regular bonus game (abbreviated as RB, hereinafter the same), an assist time (AT) A spinning-type game machine having a new challenge time (CT) is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such a swing type gaming machine has a mechanism in which a large amount of medals can be obtained if opportunities such as BB can be continuously obtained with a short number of game trials.
JP 2004-33521 A (page 10, FIG. 7)

  However, some conventional gaming machines have a relatively small winning probability for BB or the like in a normal gaming state in which a lottery such as BB or the like is performed. In this case, opportunities such as BB are rarely obtained continuously. That is, the normal gaming state can often continue. As a result, there is a concern that the interest of games will be reduced.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress a decrease in the interest of the game.

Means 1. It has a movable display body having a symbol band provided with a plurality of symbols as a symbol row, and a symbol variation display device having a plurality of the movable display bodies, and executes an internal lottery by a game start operation following the insertion of a game medium. When a plurality of the movable display bodies are started to rotate and a stop operation of the movable display bodies is accepted, a result of one game is displayed on the symbol variation display device, and a game medium is paid out based on the results. In gaming machines that perform
A symbol display unit that allows a part of the symbol of the symbol belt to be visually recognized in the stop state of the movable display body;
As the internal lottery, internal lottery means for selecting at least one of a plurality of winning combinations and lost combinations predetermined for each game;
A stop operation means for receiving the stop operation for each of the movable display bodies to individually stop the rotation of the movable display bodies;
Based on the result of the stop operation by the stop operation means and the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means, a movable display body stop control means for controlling the stop of the movable display body,
Game medium payout means for paying out the game medium corresponding to the winning combination when the winning aspect is displayed at a display position where the winning aspect as the combination aspect of the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is effective in the symbol display unit When,
With a light unit that can be notified of a predetermined state by being caused to emit light during a game,
In the symbol band of the movable display body, the symbols constituting the specific winning aspect corresponding to the specific winning combination as the winning combination are arranged for each predetermined range of the symbol row,
The movable display body stop control means performs the pull-in control in the predetermined range based on the stop operation by the stop operation means when the specific winning combination is selected by the internal lottery means, and thus the effective display A specific winning mode display means capable of displaying the specific winning mode at a position;
further,
A pre-payout means for paying out a game medium corresponding to the specific winning combination before all of the movable display bodies are stopped when the specific winning combination is selected by the internal lottery means and a predetermined condition is satisfied; ,
A gaming machine comprising: a payout notifying means for notifying the advance payout by causing the optical unit to emit light when a game medium is paid out in advance by the advance payout means.

  The gaming machine of the present invention has a movable display body provided with a symbol band having a plurality of symbols, and a symbol variation display device provided with a plurality of the movable display bodies. Then, when a game start operation by the player is accepted in the state where the game medium is inserted, the plurality of movable display bodies are rotated and an internal lottery is executed, and the result of the internal lottery and a stop operation by the player are performed. Based on this, the result of one game is displayed on the symbol variation display device.

  The internal lottery performed for each game is triggered by the start operation of the player. The term “inside” here means that the lottery is performed in a place where the contents of the lottery are not known to the player and cannot be perceived by the player. This is performed by a control device (control board) to be controlled. As an internal lottery method performed by the internal lottery means, a random number is generated within a predetermined numerical range (within a range from the minimum random value to the maximum random value), and one random number is generated for each game. When one is acquired, the lottery result is determined by comparing the value of the acquired one random number with a predetermined winning value.

  In the internal lottery, a plurality of types of lottery results and a winning combination corresponding to each lottery result are determined in advance. Each of these winning combinations is assigned a random value within the predetermined range as a winning value for each type. The winning value has a range (numerical value range) for each winning role, and if the acquired random number value is within the range of any winning value, the winning role corresponding to that winning value is won. To be judged. In such an internal lottery system, the winning probability of the winning combination is calculated from the ratio of the number of winning values in all random numbers (within a predetermined numerical range).

  In addition, you may provide what wins a some winning combination with respect to said winning value. When the random value acquired by the internal lottery becomes the winning value, it is determined that a plurality of (for example, two) winning combinations are won together (this is a winning combination A and a winning combination B). The same applies hereinafter). As a result, if there is a case where only one winning combination (for example, winning combination A) is won in one internal lottery (the winning value at this time is referred to as a single winning value), winning combination A and winning combination B This means that there are cases where both are won (the winning value at this time is called the shared winning value). Therefore, even if the result displayed on the symbol variation display device as a result of the game has the content corresponding to the winning combination A, there is a possibility that the winning combination B may have been won at the same time (or expectation) Feeling) can be given to the player. This means that “the winning value has a single winning value corresponding to one winning combination and a shared winning value corresponding to a plurality of winning combinations”, or “one winning combination per game result” In other words, there may be a case where only a gaming privilege corresponding to the above is permitted, and a case where gaming privilege corresponding to a plurality of winning combinations is permitted.

  The lottery result of the internal lottery performed in one game is maintained at least in the game. Some winning combinations will be discarded as long as the game is concerned, while others will be carried over to the next and subsequent games. In addition, if the lottery result of the internal lottery does not correspond to any winning combination, it is lost (it can also be said that the winning combination is won).

  The symbol means a picture, a symbol, a mark, a decorative character, or the like that allows the player to visually identify each individual. These symbols can be used as marks when the player plays a game with the gaming machine of the present invention (a guideline when the movable display body is stopped). The symbols may include the winning symbol described above or a lost symbol (a symbol that does not correspond to any winning symbol). A predetermined number of these symbols are arranged on the symbol band at predetermined intervals (thus forming a symbol row), and this symbol band is attached to the movable display.

  Each of the plurality of movable display bodies can accept a stop operation. When the movable display body is stopped (by a player), each movable display body is displayed based on the lottery result of the internal lottery in the game. Body stop control is performed.

  The symbol variation display device includes a symbol display unit at a predetermined location, and a part of the symbol of the symbol band can be visually recognized. In other words, the symbol display unit can display the symbols of each movable display body as a predetermined number of symbol groups. In addition, it is desirable to provide the symbol display section on the front side of the gaming machine main body. In this way, the player can play the game directly facing the gaming machine.

  In the symbol display section, a rotating symbol group is visually recognized while the movable display body is rotating, and a predetermined number of symbol groups are visually recognized when the movable display body is stopped. When all the movable display bodies are finally stopped, a symbol group composed of the stopped symbols is formed on the symbol display section. The mode composed of the symbol group displayed on the symbol display unit is the final symbol combination mode (display mode).

  Further, the total number of symbols that can be displayed on the symbol display section can be increased or decreased by increasing or decreasing the number of symbols corresponding to the predetermined number. In other words, the maximum number of symbols that can be displayed on the symbol display unit can be expressed as “predetermined number × number of movable display bodies”. When the predetermined number is N, the symbol display becomes larger as the value of N increases. The maximum number of symbols that can be displayed on the part increases. Further, if the number of movable display bodies is increased, the maximum number of symbols that can be displayed on the symbol display section is increased accordingly. Even if the maximum number of symbols is increased by using this and the lottery result of the internal lottery is the same result, it is possible to display monotonous (or less variation) if a large number of different patterns are displayed as symbol combinations. ) It is possible to avoid a situation where the player does not get tired of the combination of symbols.

  When the winning mode is displayed at the display position where the winning mode as the combination mode of symbols corresponding to the winning combination in the symbol display unit is valid, the game medium corresponding to the winning combination is paid out.

  “Effective display position” means an arrangement, combination, etc. in the symbol display section, and generally a combination of horizontal or diagonal arrangements (straight line shape) across a plurality of movable display bodies. Say. As a combination of shapes other than the straight shape, shapes such as a round shape, a V shape, a bent shape, and a zigzag shape are listed as combinations. Of these combinations, a plurality of types may be effective at the same time. If it does in this way, the combination aspect of the symbol corresponding to a predetermined winning combination should just be displayed on the display position which becomes effective, for example of a straight line type and a V character type, and the above-mentioned predetermined display will be carried out on a symbol display part. There is an increased possibility of displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination.

  Further, the effective display position may be changed according to the multiplication number of game media. This means that “the display position where the symbol display portion is effective is changed according to the number of game media multiplied for each game”. Thus, for example, if the number of game media multiplied is increased, the display position effective on the symbol display unit is increased, or if the number of game media multiplied is decreased, the display position enabled on the symbol display unit is decreased. Is possible. In this way, if the game is played with as many game media multiplications as possible, the combination of symbols corresponding to the predetermined winning combination in the case of winning a predetermined winning combination as a result of the internal lottery There is a high possibility that the mode can be displayed at a valid display position (can be easily displayed).

  Furthermore, the display position which becomes effective can also be set as the combination which can select a some symbol from each movable display body. This is, for example, a combination configured by extracting two symbols from each movable display body displayed on the symbol display unit, or by extracting three symbols from one movable display body, and other movable From at least one movable display, such as a combination configured by extracting one symbol from the display, or a combination configured by extracting two, two, one from each movable display Is to combine a plurality of symbols. Such a combination makes it difficult for the player to visually recognize which combination is effective as compared with a combination configured by selecting at least one symbol from each movable display. Therefore, the effective display positions are increased, and it is difficult for the player to understand the effective display positions.

  The basic configuration described above is the same in the following means.

  In the present invention, the symbols constituting the specific winning mode corresponding to the specific winning combination as the winning combination are arranged for each predetermined range of the symbol row in the symbol band of the movable display body. For example, the symbols constituting the specific winning aspect are arranged in the range of at most four symbols. Then, when the specific winning combination is selected by the internal lottery means by the movable display body stop control means, the specific winning combination is controlled to the effective display position by performing pull-in control within a predetermined range based on the stop operation by the stop operation means. A mode is displayed. As a result, for the specific winning combination, the specific winning mode is displayed without the need to push it, and there is no possibility of missing it.

  Note that “to push” refers to performing a stop operation aiming at a target symbol, and is one of the skills in a rotating game machine. When the winning pattern is not arranged for each predetermined range, it is necessary to push the line. At this time, if the timing of the stop operation is incorrect, the winning mode is not displayed on the symbol display unit, and the game medium is not paid out. This is “spilling out”, and the game medium is not paid out even though the winning combination is won. This loss is regrettable for the player, and many players feel embarrassed in the sense of lack of skill.

  Particularly in the present invention, when the specific winning combination is selected by the internal lottery means and the predetermined condition is satisfied, the game medium corresponding to the specific winning combination is paid out before all the movable display bodies are stopped. It is. That is, the winning of the specific winning combination is foretold by paying out the game media. As a result, winning a specific winning combination in the normal gaming state can have an impact, and even if the opportunity such as BB is not continuously obtained, it is avoided as much as possible to get bored of the player can do. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the game.

  In addition, when the game medium is paid out in advance, the optical unit is caused to emit light and the advance payout is notified. As a result, the winning of the specific winning combination in the normal gaming state can be made more impactful. In addition, advance payout can be notified visually. As a result, in addition to the surprise of advance payout, it is possible to visually confirm that the payout has been made, and to give a sense of security to the game.

  Note that the light unit may not only emit light when paid out in advance, but also emit light when normally paid out when the movable display body is stopped.

Mean 2. In the gaming machine described in means 1,
The light emitting unit is
A light emitting unit that emits a light beam from the back to the front;
A plate-shaped light guide plate that is disposed on the front surface of the light emitting unit and into which a light beam from the light emitting unit is incident;
The game machine, wherein a gap for diffusing the light beam is formed in a portion of the light guide plate that blocks at least a part of the light beam from the light emitting unit.

  In means 2, the light emitting unit has a light emitting part and a light guide plate. The light emitting unit emits a light beam from the back surface to the front surface. A lamp, LED, or the like can be used as the light emitting unit. The number of light emission parts is not ask | required. A plate-shaped light guide plate into which the light beam from the light emitting unit is incident is disposed on the front surface of the light emitting unit. The light guide plate can be formed of a transparent material such as acrylic or glass. The plate shape simply means that the thickness, that is, the vertical dimension is smaller than the longitudinal dimension, and the thickness is not necessarily constant. The thickness of the light guide plate should be equal to the vertical dimension of the light emitting unit from the viewpoint of efficiently guiding the light flux from the light emitting unit and realizing beautiful production while suppressing the amount of material of the light guide plate. preferable. In addition, it is preferable to use a flat plate as the light guide plate in terms of simplifying the structure of the light emitting unit, but a curved plate curved in the thickness direction may be used.

  In particular, in this light guide plate, a gap for diffusing the light beam is formed in a portion that blocks at least a part of the light beam from the light emitting unit. As the formation of the gap to the blocking part, a mode in which holes and other gaps are formed in the direction where the wall surface of the gap intersects the light beam, for example, in the direction from the front surface to the back surface of the light guide plate, in the part where the light beam passes. Can do. The gap can take the form of a hole penetrating the light guide plate, a groove or a recess provided so as not to penetrate the light guide plate, or a hollow portion provided inside the light guide plate. After forming such a space, the space may be filled with a material having a refractive index smaller than that of the light guide plate. Since the light guide plate does not necessarily have to be integrally molded, for example, the light guide plate may be composed of two front and rear members, and a gap may be formed by providing a gap between the two members. Moreover, after forming a hole in a light-guide plate, you may make it form a hollow part by covering the surface and the back surface. According to the present invention, the light beam emitted from the light emitting unit is diffused in a plurality of directions by this gap. Some of the diffused light is reflected from the wall surface of the gap, passes through the light guide plate, and then exits from any part. In some cases, the light passes through the gap from one surface, enters the light guide plate again from the opposite surface, and then exits from any part. Thus, the light flux emitted from the single light emitting unit can be emitted from various directions by the action of the gap, and complex light emission can be realized. For example, the emitted light is often different between the light passing through the gap and the other light, so that a natural and beautiful gradation can be realized. These light emission states slightly change depending on the uniformity of the material of the light guide plate, the formation accuracy of the gap holes, the intensity of light emission, and the arrangement of the light emitting portion and the light guide plate.

  All of the light beam emitted from the light emitting unit may be incident on the light guide plate, or a part of the light beam may leak from the light guide plate. The latter aspect can be realized, for example, by making the diameter of the light emitting part larger than the thickness of the light guide plate. In a mode in which a part of the light flux leaks from the light guide plate, both light diffused in the light guide plate and light traveling straight without being influenced by the light guide plate appear, and more various visual effects can be realized.

  The light emission in a plurality of directions and the effect by gradation can be realized, for example, by arranging a large number of light emitting units and finely controlling the light emission state. However, even if such a method is used, it is difficult to produce an impression that suppresses the impression of artificial and monotonous light emission and impresses natural beauty to the human eye. In order to realize naturalness, for example, it is necessary to perform complex control that takes into account fuzzy theory, fluctuation theory, and the like. On the other hand, in the present invention, beautiful illumination at low cost is achieved by a simple structure of a light emitting part and a light guide plate and a simple lighting control of a small number of light emitting parts by a configuration in which a single light beam is diffused in a plurality of directions. Can be realized.

  According to the means 2, beautiful illumination can be realized at low cost, the advance payout can have an impact, and the advance payout can be reliably notified visually.

Means 3. In the gaming machine described in means 2,
At least a part of the wall surface of the air gap has a planar shape that totally reflects the light flux into the air gap.

  The voids described above can be provided in various shapes. As an example, at least a part of the wall surface of the gap may have a planar shape that totally reflects the light flux into the gap. That is, a planar shape including a portion where the incident angle of the light beam incident on the gap is larger than the critical angle determined from the refractive index between the light guide plate and the air may be used. By so doing, the part that partially reflects the light beam and the part that totally reflects the light beam can coexist, so that various kinds of light can be emitted and the aesthetics at the time of light emission can be improved. The part to be totally reflected is preferably a part away from the optical axis. In general, the farther away from the optical axis, the weaker the light intensity. By totally reflecting such a part, the reflected light can be effectively used for production.

  According to the means 3, reflected light can be used effectively.

Means 4. In the gaming machine according to means 2 or 3,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the planar shape of the air gap is an isosceles triangle symmetric with respect to the optical axis with the light emitting portion side as a vertex.

  The air gap can take various planar shapes. For example, the planar shape of the air gap may be an isosceles triangle symmetric with respect to the optical axis with the light emitting portion side as a vertex. In this way, the light beam can be diffused in a balanced manner on the left and right. It is preferable that the isosceles triangle has such a size that the light beam does not leak and passes through the gap. Further, the size of the apex angle is preferably set so that a part of the gap totally reflects the light beam.

  According to the means 4, since the luminous flux can be diffused in a balanced manner on the left and right, the advance payout can be effectively notified.

Means 5. A gaming machine according to any one of means 2 to 4,
A plurality of the light emitting units are arranged in a line on the back surface of the light guide plate.

  The light emitting unit may have a single light emitting unit or a plurality of light emitting units. In the latter case, it is preferable from the viewpoint of simplifying the structure that the light emitting units are arranged in a line on the back surface of the light guide plate. In addition, by arranging in this way, there is an advantage that it is possible to realize more various types of light emission by mixing light beams emitted from a plurality of light emitting units. When a plurality of light emitting units are provided, they may be unified with a single color, but a plurality of colors may be mixed. According to the latter, it is possible to express a color different from the color of the light emitting part by mixing the colors, and it is possible to further improve the effect. When using a plurality of colors, for example, red, green, and blue may be arranged in a certain order. In addition to these three primary colors, a white light emitting unit may be mixed.

  The means 5 is advantageous in that the structure can be simplified.

Means 6. In the gaming machine according to means 5,
A plurality of the gaps are provided corresponding to the light emitting part,
A gaming machine characterized in that the distance between each air gap and the light emitting portion is different between adjacent gaps.

Mean 7 In the gaming machine according to means 5 or 6,
A plurality of the gaps are provided corresponding to the light emitting part,
Each of the gaps is arranged to avoid a portion through which at least a part of a light beam reflected from an adjacent gap passes.

  As described above, when a plurality of light emitting units are used, it is preferable to provide a plurality of gaps corresponding to the light emitting units. The voids can be arranged at various sites. As an example, adjacent gaps may be arranged such that the distance between each gap and the light emitting part is different. By doing so, the secondary reflection and other diffusion conditions of the light beam reflected by the air gap are different in the adjacent gaps, so that various light emission states can be realized according to the light emission state of the light emitting unit. Moreover, as another aspect, you may arrange | position avoiding the site | part through which at least one part of the light beam reflected from the adjacent space | gap passes. By doing so, it is possible to avoid the light reflected from the gap being diffused in another gap and becoming weak.

  According to the means 6, since the secondary reflection and other diffusion states of the light beam reflected by the gap are different in the adjacent gaps, various light emission states can be realized according to the light emission state of the light emitting unit. Moreover, according to the means 7, it can avoid that the light reflected from the space | gap is spread | diffused in another space | gap, and becomes weak.

Means 8. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 2 to 7,
The gaming machine is characterized in that a cross section of the gap has a tapered shape.

  In the present invention, the cross section of the gap may be tapered. That is, at least a part of the wall surface of the gap may be inclined with respect to the upper and lower surfaces of the light guide plate. By doing so, light can be diffused in the vertical direction within the light guide plate, and various light emission states can be realized. If the rotation angle (with a range of 0 to 90 degrees) for rotating the wall surface around an axis parallel to the surface of the light guide plate to be perpendicular to the surface is defined as the inclination angle of the wall surface, the inclination angle is About 0.5 to 3 degrees, more preferably about 0.5 to 1.5 degrees. That is, the wall surface is preferably a surface that is slightly inclined from the surface perpendicular to the front or back surface of the light guide plate. When the tilt angle is large, the light beam is reflected by this wall surface, and then collides with the front surface or the back surface of the light guide plate in the vicinity of the wall surface, and the area of the light guide plate that is effectively utilized for diffusion becomes narrow. On the other hand, when the inclination angle is too small, the light flux diffused on the front surface or the back surface of the light guide plate is reduced. In either case, there is a possibility that the vertical diffusion due to the provision of the slope may not be fully utilized. The tilt angle can be arbitrarily set, but is preferably determined in consideration of the influence on diffusion. From this viewpoint, it has been found that the above-described angle is preferable.

  According to the means 8, light can be diffused in the vertical direction in the light guide plate, and various light emission states can be realized.

Means 9. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 2 to 8,
A gaming machine, wherein a plurality of mountain-shaped uneven portions are formed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the light guide plate.

  A plurality of mountain-shaped uneven portions may be formed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the light guide plate. By doing so, light can be diffusely reflected by the uneven portion, and various light emission states can be realized, and the amount of light emitted from the upper and lower surfaces of the light guide plate can be increased, and the light guide plate is viewed from above or below. The beauty of time can be improved. When the light emitting unit is installed above the gaming machine, in order to prevent light from entering the eyes of the player, an uneven portion is provided on the lower surface of the light guide plate so that the light is reflected upward. preferable. When the uneven portion is provided, the cross section of the gap may be tapered so that the opening portion of the surface becomes large. By doing so, there is an advantage that the mold for forming the concavo-convex portion and the mold for forming the gap can be pulled out in the same direction, which facilitates manufacture.

  According to the means 9, it is possible to diffusely reflect the light at the concavo-convex portion, realize various light emission states, increase the amount of light emitted from the upper and lower surfaces of the light guide plate, and view the light guide plate from above or below. You can improve the aesthetics at the time.

Means 10. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 2 to 9,
A gaming machine, wherein the front wall of the light guide plate is formed as an uneven surface.

  The front wall of the light guide plate can have various shapes, and may be an uneven surface in addition to a flat surface. By doing so, light can be emitted in various directions from the front surface, and the aesthetics at the time of light emission can be improved.

Means 11. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 2 to 10,
The light emitting unit includes the light guide plate arranged in a plurality of stages above and below at predetermined intervals.

  The light emitting unit of the present invention may have a structure including only one light guide plate, or may be arranged in a plurality of stages above and below at a predetermined interval. In the case where a plurality of stages are arranged, a light emitting unit is also provided on the back surface of each light guide plate. By providing a plurality of stages in this way, a wider variety of light emission states can be realized.

Means 12. In the gaming machine according to means 11,
The light emitting unit is installed above a game area for playing a game,
A gaming machine characterized in that the lower corner of the front surface of the light guide plate arranged at the bottom is chamfered.

  The light emitting unit can be installed above the game area for playing games. In this case, it is preferable to prevent the light from the light emitting unit from being emitted downward in order to prevent the player from feeling glare. In order to realize this, the lower corner of the front surface of the light guide plate arranged at the bottom may be chamfered, that is, chamfered with a flat surface. On the other hand, the upper front corner may be chamfered with an R chamfer, that is, with a convex curved surface.

  According to the means 12, about the light inject | emitted from the front surface of a light-guide plate, the injection | emission to the upper direction can be accelerated | stimulated, suppressing the injection | emission to the downward direction.

Means 13. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 2 to 12,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting unit includes a reflecting portion that protrudes at a lowermost portion so as to reflect light emitted from the light guide plate upward.

  Furthermore, the light emitting unit may be provided with a reflecting portion that protrudes to reflect upward the light emitted from the light guide plate at the bottom of the light emitting unit. When there is a single light guide plate, a reflective plate is provided on the lower side, and when there are a plurality of light guide plates, a reflective plate is provided on the lower side of the lowermost light guide plate. The reflection part may be formed as a part of the light guide plate or may be a separate member. From the viewpoint of securing the reflection effect, it is more preferable to arrange the separate member and provide a predetermined gap with the light guide plate. The reflecting part is not necessarily a mirror surface, and may be a transparent member similar to the light guide plate. This is because it is sufficient to reflect a part of the light emitted downward so that the player does not feel it dazzling. You may provide a reflecting plate also in parts other than the above-mentioned. For example, it may be provided on the upper side of the light guide plate, or may be provided in a gap between a plurality of light guide plates.

Means 14. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 2 to 13,
The light emitting unit is installed above a game area for playing a game,
A gaming machine comprising an integrally molded transparent cover that covers the gaming area and the light emitting unit.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the light emitting unit can be installed above a gaming area for playing a game. Since the light emitting unit of the present invention adopts a simple structure of a light emitting unit and a light guide plate, the thickness can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to secure a large area of the game area and realize various effects in the game area. In particular, a gaming machine having a liquid crystal panel for production in the game area has an advantage that the size of the liquid crystal panel can be increased. Furthermore, since the light emitting unit of the present invention can realize various light emitting states with a simple structure, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to dispose various lenses on the front surface of the light emitting unit. As a result, the structure of the protective cover that covers the light emitting unit can be simplified. In the present invention, for example, an integrally molded transparent cover that covers the game area and the light emitting unit may be used.

Means 15. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 14,
It is provided with a notice execution lottery means for determining by lottery whether or not to perform advance payout of the game medium by the advance payout means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the advance payout means pays out a game medium on the assumption that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the advance notice lottery means determines to pay out.

  In means 15, whether or not the game medium is to be paid out in advance is determined by lottery by the advance notice lottery means, and when it is determined to perform the advance payout, the game medium is paid out by the advance payout means. . Thereby, the advance payout can be appropriately executed by making the lottery probability by the advance notice lottery means appropriate. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which entertainment media is disturbed, such as frequent payout of game media.

Means 16. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 15,
The gaming machine, wherein the advance payout means pays out game media at a timing based on a start operation of the game or a stop operation via the stop operation means.

  The means 16 pays out game media at a timing based on a game start operation or a stop operation via the stop operation means. The timing based on the game start operation is exemplified as the timing based on the operation of the start lever that triggers the internal lottery. Further, the timing based on the stop operation is exemplified as the timing based on the first stop operation and the timing based on the second stop operation in a configuration including three movable display bodies, for example. In this way, the player can be surprised by the sudden payout based on the start operation and the sudden payout based on the stop operation. As a result, the start operation and the stop operation itself are highly interesting and contribute to the improvement of the game interest.

Means 17. In the gaming machine according to means 16,
A preliminary announcement timing lottery means for determining by a lottery at which timing of the plurality of timings based on the game start operation and the stop operation via the stop operation means,
The pre-payout means pays out game media at a timing determined by the advance notice timing lottery means.

  In the means 17, the notice timing lottery means determines by lottery at which timing of the plurality of timings based on the game start operation and the stop operation via the stop operation means to perform the advance payout. Then, the game medium is paid out by the advance payout means at the timing determined by the notice timing lottery means. In the above example, any one of the timing based on the operation of the start lever, the timing based on the first stop operation of the movable display body, and the timing based on the second stop operation of the movable display body is selected by lottery. In other words, the game medium is paid out. In this way, the payout timing becomes uncertain, and the player's surprise is even greater.

Means 18. In the gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 17,
further,
A payout amount display means for displaying a payout amount when paying out game media;
A gaming machine comprising: a payout number display control means for displaying a payout number via the payout number display means when paying out game media by the advance payout means.

  According to the means 18, since the number of payouts is displayed when the game medium is paid out, for example, when a plurality of specific winning combinations having different payout numbers are provided, it is determined which specific winning combination has been won. Can be emphasized, and the functional aspect of notice is emphasized.

  However, in the above-mentioned configuration for displaying the number of payouts, it is necessary to specify that the exact number of payouts of the game media that has been paid out is not known, that is, which specific winning combination is not known. This may lead to a new game characteristic of predicting the winning combination, and may increase expectations for the outcome of the game. Therefore, the following configuration may be adopted.

Means 19. In the gaming machine according to means 18,
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the payout amount display means is set to have a small contrast between the light emitting portion and the non-light emitting portion so as to be difficult to visually recognize.

  In the means 19, the contrast between the light emitting part and the non-light emitting part is set small so that the payout number display means becomes difficult to visually recognize. In this way, it is possible to derive a situation in which the exact number of paid-out game media is not known at a glance, and the new game characteristic of predicting a specific winning combination can be made remarkable.

  According to the present invention, winning a specific winning combination in the normal gaming state can have an impact, and a decrease in the interest of the game can be suppressed.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as a gaming machine as an example. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the slot machine, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the slot machine with the door-shaped front member omitted, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine, and FIG. 4 is a door-shaped front member omitted. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the Z1 part of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the Z1 part of FIG. 4 showing a state where the connector holder is moved, and FIG. FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of the Z2 portion of FIG. 7, and FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of the Z2 portion of FIG. 7 showing the state in which the connector holder is moved. 9 is an enlarged view showing the main part of FIG. 8A, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the slot machine showing the back plate side, FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the case member, and FIG. FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b) show a temporarily fixed state of the connector holder. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the wiring relay member, FIG. 15 is a front view in which the cover of the wiring relay member is omitted, FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the connector holder, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a stopper showing another embodiment, FIGS. 19 and 20 are cross-sectional views of the main part showing the guide structure of the case member, and FIG. 21 shows another embodiment of the handle. 22 is a partial perspective view of the symbol variation display device shown in FIG. 22, FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a main portion showing the relationship between the case member and the stopper on the outer body side, and FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the relationship between the wiring window and the reel of the symbol variation display device. 29 is a perspective view showing the structure of the top lamp 30, FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view of the top lamp 30, FIG. 31 is a plan view and a side sectional view of the top lamp 30, and FIG. An explanatory view showing a plan view, 33 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying the progress of light in the light guide plate 35L.

  A slot machine 1 according to the present invention includes a box-shaped outer main body 100 having an open front surface, a door-shaped front member 200 that is pivotally attached to the front surface of the outer main body 100 in a side-opening door shape, and a plurality of symbols. It has a symbol variation display device 300 that is varied by a driving means, a case member 400 that is detachably attached to the outer main body 100 and has an opening 401 on the front surface, and an image display body 500 that displays an arbitrary image.

[Outside body]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the outer body 100 has side plates 102 and 102 attached to the left and right sides of the bottom plate 101, and a top plate 103 installed on the top of the side plates 102 and 102. It has a letter-shaped frame shape and is formed in a box shape in which only the front surface is opened by fixing a back plate 104 to the back of the frame. The left and right side plates 102, 102 have a trapezoidal shape in which the front edges are slightly inclined in a backward inclined state, and thus the opening of the outer body 100 has a backward inclined inclination.

[Outer body-divider]
In the outer main body 100, a shelf-like partition plate 105 is provided substantially at the center of the height. The partition plate 105 is made of metal and has a substantially convex shape in front view having a protruding portion 106 at the center as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and vertical mounting pieces 107 formed at both ends are attached to the outer body 100. The side plate 102 is fixed to the inner surface of the side plate 102, and a vertical mounting piece 108 formed at the rear end is fixedly attached to the inner surface of the back plate 104 of the outer body 100. The mounting piece 108 at the rear end of the partition plate 105 is formed with a cylindrical projection (not shown) by burring (metal processing for raising a short cylindrical projection while expanding the hole diameter of the lower hole with a punch). The cylindrical protrusion is driven into a small hole (not shown) pre-processed in the back plate 104 of the outer main body 100 and positioned. In addition, an opening 109 for wiring is formed between the back plate 104 of the outer main body 100 in the innermost part on both sides of the partition plate 105.

  In the space below the partition plate 105 in the outer main body 100, a medal releasing device 110 that releases a medal as a game medium to a medal tray 201 at the lower front of the door-shaped front member 200, and the medal releasing device 110 A medal auxiliary storage box 111 for storing overflowing medals, a power supply device 112, and the like are provided.

  The medal discharge device 110 is a device main body 110a having a driving means (for example, a hopper motor 110f) mounted with a medal storage hopper 110b, and a medal discharge port 110c is provided in front of the device main body 110a. The medals in the hopper 110b are sent out one by one toward the discharge port 110c by the operation of the driving means. The hopper 110b is provided with an overflow rod 110d for discharging overflowing medals, and the above-mentioned medal auxiliary storage box 111 faces below the protruding end of the overflow rod 110d.

  On the other hand, the case member 400 is housed in a space above the partition plate 105 in the outer main body 100, and a wiring relay member 113 serving as the core of the wiring means described later is provided on the inner surface of the back plate 104 of the outer main body 100. It is attached (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[Door type front member]
3 shows the front side of the door-shaped front member 200, and FIG. 1 shows the back side of the door-shaped front member 200. The door-shaped front member 200 has a medal tray 201 on the lower side on the front side, and an operation unit 202 is provided in the approximate center on the front side. The operation unit 202 includes a medal insertion slot 203, a one-insert button 205 for instructing insertion (withdrawal) of only one medal stored as data in a memory of a main board 409, which will be described later, Similarly, a MAX insertion button 206 for instructing insertion of the maximum number (for example, three) that can be used in one game, and a medal return button for returning a medal packed in a medal selector 207 described later to the medal tray 201. 208, a storage release switch 209 for inputting a storage release command (release command by settlement) of medals stored as data in the memory of the main board 409, a start lever 210 for operating the symbol variation display device 300, Three reels for stopping each reel 301a, 301b, 301c of the symbol variation display device 300 Stop button 211a, 211b, 211c and the like are provided. Of course, the configuration of the operation unit 202 shown here is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

  In addition, a medal selector 207 is provided on the back side of the insertion slot 203, and a medal basket 212 is connected to the side of the medal selector 207 and a return basket 213 is connected to the bottom. The medal selector 207 is a known one that switches the flow path by turning on and off a built-in solenoid 207a (not shown). In addition, when the gaming state is such that the insertion of medals exceeding the prescribed number is rejected, the flow path is set on the return basket 213 side. When the door-shaped front member 200 is in a closed position where the door-shaped front member 200 covers the front surface of the outer main body 100, the tip of the medal basket 212 faces the hopper 110 b of the medal discharge device 110. The medal that flows through the medal bowl 212 through the hop-off reaches the hopper 110b. On the other hand, the return basket 213 is connected to the front-side medal tray 201, and the medal that flows from the insertion slot 203 through the medal selector 207 to the return basket 213 returns to the medal tray 201.

  The door-shaped front member 200 is sized to cover the entire front surface of the outer main body 100, and the upper half of the door-shaped front member 200 is a see-through window 214 for games in which a transparent plate is fitted. The display 500 and the symbol variation display device 300 can be seen side by side. A lock device 215 that opens and closes using a dedicated key (not shown) is provided on one side of the free end side of the door-shaped front member 200.

[Design variation display device]
The symbol variation display device 300 is a reel rotation type display device, and incorporates and accommodates, for example, three reels 301a, 301b, and 301c that can be individually rotated by driving means 303 such as a motor, and the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c. And a device case 302 that plays a game with a combination of a plurality of symbols (not shown) drawn on the peripheral surfaces of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c.

  The device case 302 has a deformed hexagonal column shape excluding three faces from the octagonal column that lies on its side to the front (player), and includes a bottom plate 304, a top plate 305, and a right side in FIG. Right side plate 306, left side plate 307 on the left side, vertical rear plate 308 covering the rear surface, upper swash plate 309 provided between top plate 305 and rear plate 308, bottom plate 304 and rear plate 308. And a part of the arc of the reels 301 a, 301 b, and 301 c protrudes from the front of the device case 302.

  Further, the top plate 305 of the apparatus case 302 is provided with a handle 311 that can be changed between a useable state in which a finger can be hooked and a non-use state in which the top plate 305 is depressed. To carry. The configuration in which the changeable handle 311 is provided on the top plate 305 of the device case 302 as described above is closely related to a measure for increasing the strength of the case member 400. That is, in the embodiment, as will be described later, a reinforcing bar 402 is provided in the opening 401 of the case member 400 to give the opening 401 of the case member 400 sufficient strength to allow the image display body 500 to be cantilevered. Since such a reinforcing bar 402 crosses the opening 401, it clearly becomes an obstacle to the insertion and removal of the apparatus case 302 into and from the case member 400. On the other hand, if the handle 311 can be changed and hung on the top plate 305 as in the embodiment, the protrusion of the handle 311 is eliminated, so that the device case 302 can pass under the reinforcing bar 402 without difficulty. Therefore, it is possible to provide the reinforcing bar 402 in the direction crossing the opening 401 in the opening 401 of the case member 400 only by providing the handle 311 which can be changed as described above on the top plate 305 of the apparatus case 302. Become. Incidentally, the conventional device case has a handle protruding from the top plate and obstructs it, so there is no room to provide a reinforcing bar at the opening of the case member.

  In addition, the handle 311 of the embodiment is configured to swing and change between the standing use state and the lying down non-use state, but the structure that can change the handle 311 between the use state and the non-use state is implemented. The form is not limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, two belt loops 314, 314 are cut and raised on the top plate 305, and the belt loops 314, 314 are made of, for example, synthetic resin or leather, and stoppers 315, 315 are provided at both ends. The use state in which the finger can be hooked, such as a structure in which the band-shaped handle 311 is inserted and the center is pulled up to change to the use state in which the finger can be hooked from the uncovered non-use state in FIG. Any structure may be used as long as it can be changed to the unused state. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 11, a flange-like lower handle 316 protrudes from the bottom plate 304 of the device case 302 of the embodiment, and the device case 302 is pushed in by grasping the lower handle 316. By pulling, it is easy to put in and out the case member 400.

[Case material]
The case member 400 has a size substantially matching the space above the partition plate 105 of the outer main body 100, and includes a bottom plate 403, side plates 404 and 404 erected on both the left and right sides of the bottom plate 403, and a bottom plate 403. The rear plate 405 is erected on the rear edge of the rear plate 405, and the top plate 406 covers the upper surface of the rear plate 405 and the side plates 404, 404.

  In the case member 400, the bottom plate 403 is made of metal, the side plates 404, 404, the rear plate 405, and the top plate 406 are made of synthetic resin, and the side plate 404, 404 and the inner surface of the opening 401 of the top plate 406 are made of metal reinforcement. Members 407, 407, and 407 are provided, and a metal reinforcing bar 402 across the opening 401 is stretched between the reinforcing members 407 and 407 of the side plates 404 and 404. The area below the reinforcing bar 402 is the installation area for the symbol variation display device 300, and the opening 401 above the reinforcing bar 402 is the installation area for the image display body 500. An area surrounded by the case member 400 behind the display body 500 is assigned as a wiring work space 408, and a main board 409 as a main control board is mounted on the inner wall surface of the rear plate 405 of the wiring work space 408, and A control board other than the main board 409 (for example, the sub board 449) is also mounted in the wiring work space 408.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 6, and 12, a plurality of bosses 410, 410 project from the outer surface of the rear plate 405 of the case member 400, and the bosses 410 serve as the back plate of the outer body 100. The boss holes 114 and 114 pre-processed in 104 are fitted and positioned. 2 and 5, the bosses 410 and 410 are provided near a wiring window 411, which will be described later. On the other hand, the boss holes 114 and 114 on the outer body 100 side are close to the wiring relay member 113. Accordingly, the positioning of the wiring window 411 of the case member 400 and the wiring relay member 113 of the back plate 104 becomes accurate.

  On the other hand, a concave step portion 412 is formed on the bottom surface of the bottom plate 403 of the case member 400 as shown in FIG. 2, and the concave step portion 412 fits into the protruding step portion 106 of the partition plate 105. A tapered portion 413 extending in the rearward direction is provided at the end on the rear plate 405 side of the recessed step portion 412, and is guided by the tapered portion 413 and the protruding step portion 106 of the partition plate 105 and the case member 400. The concave step 412 can be smoothly fitted. As described above, the case member 400 is guided straight into the back of the partition plate 105 by the fitting of the concave step portion 412 of the case member 400 and the protruding step portion 106 of the partition plate 105. For example, as shown in FIG. A rail member 115 in the form of a concave groove is laid on the plate 105 or press-molded integrally. On the other hand, a wheel 414 is installed on the bottom plate 403 of the case member 400, and the wheel 414 is rolled in the groove of the rail member 115. Also good. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 20, a rail member 116 having a convex shape is laid on the partition plate 105 or integrally formed with press, and on the other hand, flanges 415, 415 are formed on both ends of the wheel 414 of the case member 400, The rail member 116 may be sandwiched between the flanges 415 and 415 of the wheel 414.

  Further, the case member 400 is set at a predetermined position on the partition plate 105 and is stopped by the swing lever-shaped stoppers 117, 117, 117 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 17, and 22. Yes. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stopper 117 is pivotally attached to the front end of the partition plate 105 and the two attachments 118, 118 suspended from the top plate 103, as shown by the solid line in FIG. The operation posture engaged with a part of the case member 400 and the non-operation posture not engaged with the case member 400 as indicated by an imaginary line in FIG. Regulate movement. If the stopper 117 is key-shaped as shown in FIG. 18 and is engaged with the hooking portion 416 provided on the case member 400, the upward movement of the case member 400 on the partition plate 105 is also restricted. be able to. Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the stopper 117 pivotally attached to the fixture 118 of the top plate 103 is located at a position facing a locking hole 442 penetrating the corner portion of the side plate 404 and the top plate 406 of the case member 400. The operation posture and the non-operation posture can be switched from the inside of the case member 400 while the case member 400 is pushed into a predetermined position.

  In addition, a wiring window 411 in the form of a long hole penetrating to the back plate 104 side of the outer main body 100 is opened on the rear plate 405 of the case member 400. The wiring window 411 corresponds to the upper swash plate 309 of the device case 302 of the symbol variation display device 300 installed on the case member 400 as shown in FIGS. The horizontal empty space 417 on the upper swash plate 309 (or a horizontal triangular space 417 formed between the upper swash plate 309 and the main board 409) and the back. It functions as an opening connecting the plates 104.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, the case member 400 is provided with a shelf-like temporary fixing member 418 (hereinafter also referred to as “temporary fixing shelf”) at a substantially intermediate position of the height of the empty space 417. In addition, wiring recesses 419 and 419 are formed outside the rear plate 405 and on both sides of the wiring window 411 so as to extend to the left and right side surfaces of the case member 400.

  If the layout of the wiring window 411 is specified with reference to the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c of the symbol variation display device 300, the wiring window 411 has the reel 301a of the symbol variation display device 300 as shown in FIG. , 301b, 301c and the horizontal plane HH passing through the highest height position of the reels 301a, 301b, 301c can be put in another state as a lower limit.

[Image display]
The image display 500 is, for example, a panel-type unit capable of displaying an image, which includes at least a liquid crystal display (or may be a plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like). A hinge fitting 420 is attached to a reinforcing member 407 provided on the side plate 404 (refer to the shaded portion in FIG. 11 for the attachment position), and is rotatably supported by the hinge fitting 420.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the vertical reinforcing member 407 of the case member 400 is locked to the reinforcing member 407 on the opposite side of the reinforcing member 407 provided with the hinge fitting 420 (on the right side in FIG. 11). A piece 421 is pivotally attached. When the lock piece 421 is rotated clockwise from the state shown in FIG. 11, the tip of the lock piece 421 is engaged with a receiving portion 508 projecting from the back side of the image display body 500. The image display body 500 is locked at a position where the upper portion of the opening 401 of the case member 400 is closed. On the other hand, when the lock piece 421 is rotated in the reverse direction from the locked state, the lock of the image display body 500 is released, and the lock piece 421 is rotatable about the hinge fitting 420. Normally, before the case member 400 is attached to the outer main body 100, the image display body 500 is locked in the closed position to prevent unnecessary rotation, while in the state where the case member 400 is attached to the outer main body 100, the image is displayed. The display body 500 is unlocked to be rotatable. By doing so, the inside of the wiring work space 408 in the back of the image display body 500 can be checked immediately after the door-shaped front member 200 is opened.

  As a means for efficiently checking the wiring work space 408 in the back of the image display body 500, the door-shaped front member 200 and the image display body 500 are connected by an appropriate connector to open and close the door-shaped front member 200. In conjunction with this, the image display body 500 may be opened and closed together. In this case, since the door-shaped front member 200 and the image display body 500 of the embodiment have different rotational center positions, a relative shift occurs between the movements of the two. It can be absorbed by using a simple wire or a telescopic rod. However, if the connecting tool is a flexible wire or the like, the door-shaped front member 200 will hit the image display body 500 that is stopped while being opened at the stage of closing the door-shaped front member 200, thereby impairing smoothness. There is a fear. On the other hand, for example, an urging means such as a winding spring may be provided on the image display body 500 so as to constantly urge it in the closing direction. By doing so, when the door-shaped front member 200 is closed, the image display body 500 closes by itself while pulling the coupling tool by the action of the urging force, so that the door-shaped front member 200 and the image display body 500 do not collide. Of course, the means for rotating the door-shaped front member 200 and the image display body 500 is not limited to the above.

  In addition, a lock that locks the image display body 500 in the closed position as described above has a structure in which the attachment means of the image display body 500 with respect to the case member 400 is a hinge structure and the image display body 500 can be rotated in a door shape. When means (the above-mentioned lock piece 421) is added, the lock is continued in principle with the case member 400 mounted on the outer main body 100, and the lock is released only when necessary, such as checking the wiring work space 408. In this case, since the important parts (for example, the main board 409) in the wiring work space 408 can be blocked by the image display body 500, the crime prevention performance is improved.

  A gap 10 is provided between the upper edge of the opening 401 of the case member 400 and the upper edge of the closed image display body 500, and the reinforcing member 407 of the top plate 406 is attached by a finger passing through the gap 10. It can be grasped. In addition, a handle opening 422 is formed at the front center portion of the top plate 406 of the case member 400, and the reinforcing member 407 of the top plate 406 can be grasped by a finger passing through the handle opening 422. Therefore, the case member 400 can be properly used for the handle 422 and the gap 10 in accordance with the place and posture of handling. For example, when the case member 400 is transported before being incorporated into the outer main body 100, it is better to carry it in a bowl shape using the handle port 422. On the other hand, the case member 400 mounted on the outer main body 100 is shown in FIG. As described above, the grip port 422 is hidden behind the outer body 100 so that a finger does not enter, so that the case member 400 is pulled out by placing the finger on the reinforcing member 407 from the gap 10. The lower handle 316 (see FIGS. 4 and 11) of the device case 302 protrudes from the front center of the bottom plate 403 of the case member 400, and the outer body 100 is pushed or pulled by holding the lower handle 316. The case member 400 can be easily taken in and out of the case. In this case, the lower handle 316 is integrated with the case member 400 because the device case 302 is fixed to the case member 400 with screws, and therefore, the lower handle 316 projects from the front surface of the floor plate 403 of the case member 400. Is equal to

[Image display body-frame member]
The image display body 500 has a size that covers almost the entire region above the reinforcing bar 402 of the opening 401 of the case member 400. Also, on the lower side of the image display body 500, a frame member 501 that surrounds a region below the reinforcing bar 402 of the opening 401 of the case member 400, that is, a front region of the symbol variation display device 300 in a frame shape is integrally suspended. The reels 301a, 301b, 301c of the symbol variation display device 300 are bordered by the frame member 501. The surface of the frame member 501 is a decorative surface, on which an appropriate pattern is drawn.

[Image display body-frame member-illumination apparatus]
A lighting device 502 is provided on the upper and lower sides of the frame member 501, and the design of the symbol variation display device 300 is illuminated brightly by the lighting device 502. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the lighting device 502 illustrated as an embodiment is configured by arranging a large number of LEDs 504 on a strip-shaped substrate 503 that is elongated in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the drawing (the width direction of the slot machine 1). The lower illumination device 502 is arranged with the LED 504 facing upward in a tube frame 506 whose upper surface is closed with, for example, a milky white translucent cover plate 505, while the upper illumination device 502 has an upward U-shaped cross section. In this translucent cover 507, the LED 504 is disposed facing downward.

  The upper illumination device 502 is installed with the illumination direction tilted from the bottom to the player side as shown in FIG. According to the experiment, when the illumination direction of the illumination device 502 is directed to the peripheral surface side of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c, specific portions of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c are strongly illuminated and difficult to see. When tilted as described above, it was confirmed that the wide range of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c was illuminated almost evenly and became easy to see. The light from the illumination device 502 is reflected and diffused by the transparent plate fitted in the transparent window 214 of the door-shaped front member 200, or the transparent plate is brightly illuminated, so that a wide range of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c can be obtained. It seems that it looks bright or is due to their synergy. Further, since the frame member 501 is suspended below the image display body 500 and is close to the symbol variation display device 300, the light source is brought closer to the symbol variation display device 300 by incorporating the illumination device 502 into such a frame member 501. be able to. Therefore, the means for incorporating the lighting device 502 into the frame member 501 has a feature that sufficient brightness can be ensured even with a low amount of light compared to the conventional lighting device.

[Wiring means]
For example, each of the insertion buttons 205 and 206 and the start lever 210 (hereinafter simply referred to as “generic names” in the operation unit 202 of the medal discharge device 110, the power supply device 112, and the door-shaped front member 200 attached to the outer main body 100. The main body 409 and the like in the case member 400 (sometimes simply referred to as “case member side electric component” as a general term for the case member side electric component). Electrically connected. In the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, the game unit (case member 400) is detachable from the outer main body 100. Therefore, when the game unit (case member 400) is replaced, the main body side electric component and the case member side electric component are used. Reasonable wiring means are provided for easily connecting or disconnecting each other.

[Wiring means-Wiring relay member]
As described above, the wiring relay member 113 shown in FIG. 14 is attached to the upper part of the inner surface of the back plate 104 of the outer main body 100. 4 and 5, the wiring relay member 113 is located at a position corresponding to the wiring window 411 of the case member 400 and faces the empty space 417 of the case member 400 from the wiring window 411. Yes. The wiring relay member 113 relays the main body side wirings 119 connected to the main body side electric parts and the case side wirings 423 connected to the case member side electric parts, and is connected to the back plate 104 of the outer main body 100. A mounting plate 120 to be screwed, a cover body 121 covering the front surface of the mounting plate 120, and a plurality of (two in the embodiment, large and small) connector boards 122 housed between the cover body 121 and the mounting plate 120, 123.

  Of the two connector boards 122 and 123, the larger connector board 122 located on the left side in FIGS. 14 and 15 is fixedly attached to the mounting plate 120, and is connected to the main board 409. A connector 124 that is paired with the connector 425 at the tip of the harness 424 is provided.

  On the other hand, the smaller connector board 123 located on the right side in FIGS. 14 and 15 is attached to the attachment plate 120 in a non-fixable and movable state, and therefore, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. It can move in the direction and can also move in the left-right direction. This small connector board 123 is provided with a connector 125 that makes a pair with the connector 427 at the tip of the harness 426 connected to the case member side electrical components other than the main board 409.

  Further, the cover body 121 covering the front surface of the mounting plate 120 includes two large and small openings 126 and 127 through which the connectors 124 and 125 pass, a support cylinder 128 protruding in a position side by side with the openings 126 and 127, and a lower half. And a tunnel-like wiring duct 129 projecting forward.

  The main body side wiring 119 connected to the wiring relay member 113 passes through the inside of the wiring duct 129 or is bundled with a hook-shaped wiring stopper 130 protruding from the lower front surface of the mounting plate 120 of the wiring relay member 113. 1 are distributed to the side plates 102 and 102 of the outer main body 100 as shown by a one-dot chain line L in FIG. 1, and the direction is changed substantially vertically near the corners of the side plates 102 and 102 and the back plate 104, many of which are The wiring board 109 is connected to the electrical component on the main body side through the wiring opening 109 provided in the back of the partition plate 105. Of course, when there is a main body side electrical component (for example, the external relay terminal plate 131 provided on the inner surface of the side plate 102 in FIG. 1) in the region above the partition plate 105, regardless of the wiring opening 109 of the partition plate 105. Connected as is.

From the wiring means described so far, the following technical idea can be grasped.
(A) On the rear plate 405 of the case member 400, the lower limit is between a horizontal plane that passes through the rotation center of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c of the symbol variation display device 300 and a horizontal plane that passes through the highest height position of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c. A wiring window 411 is formed at a position where
(B) A wiring relay member 113 is installed on the back plate 104 of the outer main body 100 to relay the main body side wirings 119 connected to the main body side electric parts and the case side wirings 423 connected to the case member side electric parts.
(C) A vertical wiring path through which wiring passes along the inner surfaces of the side plates 102 and 102 of the outer main body 100 is formed.
(D) The main body side wiring 119 connected to the wiring relay member 113 is guided to the side of the case member 400, and is connected to the main body side electrical component through the wiring path therefrom.

  In the gaming machine having the components (a) to (d) above, the main body side wirings 119 do not pass behind the reels 301a, 301b, 301c of the symbol variation display device 300, and the side plates 102, 102 of the outer main body 100 are connected. Since the wiring path provided along the route is bypassed, the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c can be brought close to the back plate 104 of the outer main body 100, and the conventional configuration, that is, the main body side wirings 119 are connected to the back plate 104. The diameter of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c can be made larger than the conventional configuration in which the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c are passed through the center of the reel 301a. The larger the diameter of the reels 301a, 301b, 301c, the greater the force at the time of rotation.

[Wiring means-connectors 425, 427]
As described above, the two connectors 124 and 125 provided on the wiring relay member 113 include the connector 425 at the tip of the harness 424 connected to the main board 409 of the case member 400 and the case member side other than the main board 409. The connectors 427 at the ends of the harnesses 426 connected to the electrical components are respectively connected. The two connectors 425 and 427 are integrally attached to one connector holder 428 as shown in FIG. The connector holder 428 includes a holder main body 429 to which the connectors 425 and 427 are screwed, a plate-like attachment piece 431 that has a through hole 430 in the center and protrudes on both sides of the holder main body 429, and It consists of a well-known button-type panel fastener 432 (trade name “Nylatch”: registered trademark) attached to the through-hole 430 of the attachment piece 431, and as shown in FIGS. An attachment piece 431 is applied to the tip of the support cylinder 128, and a button-shaped panel fastener 432 of the attachment piece 431 is inserted into the support cylinder 128 and locked. Therefore, since the connector holder 428 is fixed to the support cylinder 128 serving as a fixing means, and further fixed to the wiring relay member 113, the connectors 425 and 427 and the connectors 124 and 125 cannot be disconnected.

[Wiring Relay Board-Connector 425, 427-Temporary Stop Shelf]
As described above, the connectors 425 and 427 are connected to the connectors 124 and 125 of the wiring relay member 113. However, before the case member 400 is assembled into the outer main body 100, that is, from the factory shipment to the completion of installation, the connectors 425 and 427 are connected. 427 is temporarily fixed to a temporary fixing shelf 418 provided in the case member 400.

  The temporary fixing shelf 418 is a shelf-like member that faces the wiring window 411 from the inside of the case member 400 as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 12, and 13, and is shown in FIG. In this way, a substantially horizontal bench portion 433 on which the connector holder 428 is placed, a bench side plate 434 erected on both ends of the bench portion 433, and three inward claw pieces 435, 435 protruding from each bench side plate 434. , 435. Between the center one of the inward claw pieces 435, 435, and 435 and the other two on the upper and lower sides, there is an interval at which the attachment piece 431 of the connector holder 428 can be fitted. One bench side plate 434 has a thin plate structure in which a finger hooking portion 436 is extended at the tip, and is supported at one end by applying a force in the direction indicated by an arrow X in FIG. It can be bent outward like a leaf spring, and the attachment piece 431 of the connector holder 428 can be easily detached from the inward claw pieces 435, 435, 435 in the bent state. The imaginary line in FIG. 8A shows an example in which the tip of the finger hook portion 436 is bent into a key shape. By doing so, the connector holder 428 can be removed just like pressing the button as indicated by arrow Y. It can be done easily.

  6, the connector holder 428 is placed on the bench portion 433 of the temporary fixing shelf 418, and the attachment piece 431 of the connector holder 428 is attached to the inward claw pieces 435, 435 of the bench side plate 434. The connector holder 428 is temporarily fixed to the temporary fixing shelf 418 by being fitted between 435. Of course, even if it is temporarily fixed, the connector holder 428 is set to have a strength that does not come off the temporary fixing shelf 418 during transportation of the case member 400, and therefore, before the case member 400 is assembled into the outer body 100, The connectors 425 and 427 integrated with the connector holder 428 are temporarily fixed to a temporary fixing shelf 418 provided in the case member 400 and do not move. Therefore, during the operation of transporting the case member 400 or assembling the case member 400 into the outer main body 100, the connectors 425 and 427 at the tips of the harnesses 424 and 425 hit the parts in the case member 400, and of course, the parts There is no danger of damaging itself.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8B → FIG. 8A, in the wiring process after the case member 400 is fixed to the outer main body 100, one bench side plate 434 is bent outward as described above. When the connector holder 428 is removed from the temporary fixing shelf 418 and the connector holder 428 is moved to a position where the attachment piece 431 thereof contacts the support tube 128 of the wiring relay member 113, the connectors 425 and 427 are connected to the connector of the wiring relay member 113. 124 and 125 (details will be described later), the button-shaped panel fastener 432 of the attachment piece 431 is pushed in that state, and the attachment piece 431 is locked to the support cylinder 128. At this time, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. 5 and 6, if the guide rail 440 for guide is provided on the bench portion 433, it is only necessary to push the connector holder 428 inward, so that workability is improved. improves.

[Combination of connectors 425 and 427 and connectors 124 and 125]
As described above, the connector 425 and the connector 427 are attached to one connector holder 428. By doing so, the connection of the two connectors 425 and 427 is completed by one operation of setting the connector holder 428 to a predetermined position of the wiring relay member 113. However, as a practical problem, in the structure in which the independent elements of the two connectors 425 and 427 and the connector holder 428 are gathered together and integrated, the problem of “accurate positioning” between the connectors 425 and 427 and the connectors 124 and 125 becomes a difficult problem. encounter. That is, if the positioning of the four elements of the two connectors 425 and 427 and the connectors 124 and 125 on the wiring relay member 113 side is not accurate, the connectors 425 and 124 and the connectors 427 and 125 cannot be coupled together. This is because it is difficult to achieve such positioning accuracy at the cost of mass-produced products. As one means for solving such a problem, a method of using a drawer connector excellent in flexibility at the time of coupling can be considered, but still a cost burden is large.

  On the other hand, in the wiring means of the embodiment, the connector boards 122 and 123 of the wiring relay member 113 are divided and the connectors 124 and 125 are respectively attached, and at least one of the connector boards 122 and 123 can be loosely fixed. Take measures to bring it to a state. In such a configuration, when the connection aim of the connector holder 428 is set to the connector 425 and the connector 124, even if there is a slight deviation in the relative position of the other connector 427 and the connector 125, the connector board 123 moves and the deviation is corrected. Since it moves to correct, connector 427 and connector 125 can also be coupled. Thus, an inexpensive DIN standard connector can be sufficiently used.

  As in the embodiment, the configuration in which the small connector board 123 corresponding to the small connector 125 is movable and the large connector 425 and the connector 124 are used as a reference for coupling is compared to the opposite configuration. , 427, 125 can be easily combined. This is because the smaller connector board 123 can be handled with a lighter force, so that it is easy to automatically correct the deviation. In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the connectors 425 and 124 are coupled before the other connectors 427 and 125, so that the connectors for coupling aiming can be easily matched.

  Further, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 9, the chamfered portion C (the chamfered portion C ( If a straight chamfering or a curved chamfering is possible), the guiding action along the taper of the chamfered portion C makes the connectors more connectable.

  In addition to the configuration in which the connector boards 122 and 123 of the wiring relay member 113 are movable as in the embodiment, it is also possible to allow any one of the connectors 425 and 427 on the connector holder 428 side to be movable. In this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

  Further, in the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, the back of the rear plate 405 of the case member 400 is recessed toward the lower swash plate 310 of the device case 302 of the symbol variation display device 300. A cable groove 437 is formed, and wiring ports 438 and 438 penetrating the side plate 404 (or the rear plate 405) of the case member 400 are opened near both ends of the cable groove 437. The wiring ports 438 and 438 and the cable groove 437 are for connecting the symbol variation display device 300 and the main board 409 and the like. In FIG. The cable 313 (see FIG. 12) of the reel substrate 312 provided on the non-hinge side surface of the door-shaped front member 200 is pulled out of the case member 400 from one wiring port 438, and the cable 313 is as shown in FIG. The cable is inserted into the cable groove 437, and the tip of the cable 313 is returned from the other wiring port 438 into the case member 400 to be connected to the main board 409 or the like. The cable groove 437 is provided with cable stoppers 439 at predetermined intervals so that the cable 313 does not fall off from the cable groove 437.

  Thus, the main board 409 and the reel board 312 are both case member side electrical components in the case member 400, and it is not necessary to pull out the cable 313 outside the case member 400. The reason why the case member 400 is intentionally provided with the wiring ports 438 and 438 and the cable groove 437 to bypass the cable 313 to the outside is as follows.

  The installation location of the reel substrate 312 is a non-hinge side of the door-shaped front member 200 among the side surfaces of the symbol variation display device 300 (device case 302) in consideration of the workability of wiring for inserting and removing the connector in a limited space. The side corresponding to is preferable. On the contrary, if the reel substrate 312 is provided on the side surface of the device case 302 corresponding to the hinge side of the door-shaped front member 200, the door-shaped front member 200 (see FIG. 1) that is fully opened and the reel substrate 312 are close to each other. This is because a large working space required for inserting and removing the connector cannot be secured because of facing each other. On the other hand, if the connecting portion of the boards (main board 409, image display body 500, etc.) to be connected to the reel board 312 is on the side corresponding to the hinge side of the door-shaped front member 200 of the case member 400, the cable 313 is The interior of the case member 400 is crossed. Then, the cable 313 may be caught when the device case 302 is attached to the case member 400, or the cable 313 may be caught when the device case 302 is pulled out.

  On the other hand, if the case member 400 is provided with the wiring ports 438 and 438 and the cable groove 437 to bypass the cable 313 to the outside as in the embodiment, the trouble of the cable 313 as described above does not occur. In addition, the wiring work is better when the device case 302 is slightly pulled out from a predetermined position, and accordingly, the length of the cable 313 from the wiring port 438 to the reel board 312 is also the wiring cost. There is room to say. Accordingly, the cable 313 is slackened with the apparatus case 302 set at a predetermined position, and the cable 313 is slackened depending on the amount of pull-out. When the slack of the cable 313 is large, the cable 313 is formed in a triangular space formed between the lower swash plate 310 of the apparatus case 302 and the corner portion at the back of the case member 400, which is located side by side with the wiring port 438. The loose part of can be escaped.

Further, when the cable groove 437 is inflated toward the lower swash plate 310 of the device case 302 as in the embodiment, it is between the back of the case member 400 and the lower swash plate 310 of the device case 302. Useful for effective use of dead space.
Note that wiring using the wiring ports 438 and 438 and the cable groove 437 is not limited to the cable 313 of the reel substrate 312, and can be applied to all cables crossing the inside of the case member 400.

  In addition, in FIG. 11, the code | symbol 441 is a function separation relay terminal board.

[Top lamp]
This embodiment is characterized by the top lamp 30 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the top lamp 30 of the present embodiment is suppressed to a thickness that is smaller than the size of the slot machine 10. Therefore, the slot machine 1 can secure a large area of the image display body 500, and the effect using the image display body 500 is conspicuous.

  FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the structure of the top lamp 30. As shown in the drawing, the top lamp 30 has a shape in which two light guide plates 35U and 35L protrude in front of the main body 31. As will be described later, an LED as a light emitting unit is disposed behind the main body 31.

  FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the top lamp 30. The top lamp 30 is configured by inserting two stages of light guide plates 35U and 35L from the front of the main body 31 and attaching a light emitting substrate 32 in which LEDs 32L are arranged in an array from the rear and connecting them with screws 33. ing. The main body 31 is a plate-like member obtained by plating resin. The light guide plates 35U and 35L are transparent plates formed of acrylic. Details of these structures will be described later.

  In this embodiment, three colors of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) are used as the LED 32L. As shown in the drawing, the LEDs 32 are arranged in a straight line in two upper and lower rows. In each column, the LEDs 32L are arranged in the order of RGB. The two upper and lower rows of colors are unified. However, each color is not limited to this example, and various arrangements are possible. There is no need to use an equal number of each color. Moreover, you may mix white LED with RGB. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the LED 32L is set slightly larger than the thickness of the light guide plates 35U and 35L. By doing so, a part of the light beam emitted from the LED 32L can be made incident on the light guide plates 35U and 35L, and can be made to go straight without entering a part thereof. As a result, light that diffuses in the light guide plates 35U and 35L and light that does not undergo diffusion appear, and various visual effects can be realized. Various settings are possible for the size of the LED 32L, and the diameter of the LED 32L may be matched to the light guide plates 35U and 35L. As a result, the light beam emitted from the LED 32L can be efficiently incident on the light guide plates 35U and 35L.

  FIG. 26 is a plan view and a side sectional view of the top lamp 30. FIG. 26A shows a plan view, that is, a state seen from above, and FIG. 26B shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA. As shown in FIG. 26A, the front ends of the light guide plates 35 </ b> U and 35 </ b> L protrude forward from the main body 31. The lower light guide plate 35L protrudes further forward than the upper light guide plate 35U. However, the light guide plates 35U and 35L may have the same size.

  As shown in FIG. 26B, shelf-like reflectors 31 </ b> U and 31 </ b> L are integrally formed in front of the main body 31. The reflecting plates 31U and 31L are for reflecting light emitted in the vertical direction from the light guide plates 35U and 35L, respectively. In particular, the lower reflecting plate 31L is for avoiding the player in the game feeling dazzled by the light emitted downward from the light guide plate 35L. As described above, since the main body 31 is formed by plating resin, the reflecting plates 31U and 31L can sufficiently reflect light. The main body 31 may be formed of a white resin mixed with titanium, or may be formed of a transparent material such as acrylic. When a transparent material is used, the light cannot be completely reflected, but for the above purpose, it is sufficient to only partially reflect the light.

  On the left side of FIG. 26B, an enlarged view of the vicinity of the tips of the light guide plates 35U and 35L is shown. The light guide plates 35U and 35L are not in close contact with each other, and are arranged with an interval d. Cone-shaped uneven surfaces 37U and 37L are formed on the surface of the light guide plates 35U and 35L on the gap side, respectively. The uneven surfaces 37U and 37L are for diffusing light to be emitted from the surfaces to realize various effects. Further, by arranging the gaps at a distance d, the light emitted from one of the light guide plates 35U and 35L and incident on the other is diffused by these concave and convex surfaces 37U and 37L, thereby realizing a light emission state rich in change. There are advantages that can be made.

  The upper corner 36U of the tip of the upper light guide plate 35U is rounded into a curved surface. This R chamfering has the effect of promoting the upward light emission from the vicinity of the upper corner 36U of the tip, and the appeal by the top lamp 30 can be improved. On the other hand, the lower corner 36L of the tip of the lower light guide plate 35L is chamfered in a flat shape. This C chamfering has an effect of suppressing light emission downward from the vicinity of the lower corner 36L of the tip, and can suppress glare of the player. Various shapes can be set for the shape of the R chamfering and the C chamfering according to the arrangement of the top lamp 30 and the luminance of the LED 32L.

[Configuration of light guide plate]
FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing a plan view of the light guide plate 35L. Here, the lower light guide plate 35L is illustrated, but the upper light guide plate 35U has the same shape except that the overall dimensions in the front-rear direction are different.

  As illustrated, the light guide plate 35L has recesses 352 for arranging the LEDs 32L on the rear side at equal intervals. Hereinafter, each region in which the light guide plate 35L is divided at equal intervals around each recess 352 is referred to as a section S. In each section S, a triangular through hole 351 is formed in front of the recess 352. The through-hole 351 is an isosceles triangle that is symmetrical with respect to the axis Ax in the front-rear direction with the depression 352 side as the apex. The front shape of the light guide plate 35L is an arcuate curved surface 353 in section S units. This curved surface functions as a lens that collects light emitted from the front. The front shape may be a flat plate shape.

  The distance from the recess 352 to the through hole 351 varies. In particular, there are different distances between adjacent sections. The three or more adjacent through holes 351 are partially arranged in a straight line as shown by a line segment L in the drawing, but it is not always necessary to maintain such a positional relationship.

  On the upper surface of the light guide plate 35L, a mountain-shaped uneven surface 37L is formed as shown in FIG. In FIG. 27, in order to avoid complication of the drawing, only a partial illustration is provided, but the uneven surface 37 </ b> L is formed from the illustrated portion to the entire front side. In addition, a protrusion 354 for holding the light guide plate 35L and the light guide plate 35U at a constant interval d is also provided on the upper surface of the light guide plate 35L.

  In the present embodiment, the wall surface of the through-hole 351 is not perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces of the light guide plate 35L, but has a slightly inclined shape. The opening area on the side where the mountain-shaped uneven surface 37L is formed is inclined so as to be wider than the opening area on the opposite side. By doing so, the light incident on the through-hole is reflected in the light guide plate 35L obliquely, not parallel to the upper and lower surfaces, so that the subsequent reflection is complicated and a beautiful light emission state is realized. Because it can be done.

  The inclination angle of the wall surface of the through hole 35 can be arbitrarily set. If the rotation angle (with a range of 0 to 90 degrees) for rotating the wall surface around an axis parallel to the surface of the light guide plate to be perpendicular to the surface is defined as the inclination angle of the wall surface, the inclination angle is About 0.5 to 3 degrees, more preferably about 0.5 to 1.5 degrees. That is, the wall surface is preferably a surface that is slightly inclined from the surface perpendicular to the front or back surface of the light guide plate. By doing so, it is possible to fully utilize the vertical diffusion on the wall surface and realize various light emission states.

  FIG. 28 is an explanatory view illustrating the progress of light in the light guide plate 35L. A part of the light guide plate 35L is shown enlarged. For convenience of explanation, each through hole is shown with a suffix such as through holes 351 [1] and 351 [2]. The hatched portion in the figure represents the light beam emitted from the LED 32L corresponding to the through hole 351 [1]. The LED 32L is a light emitting unit with relatively high directivity. Here, a state where the directivity is within a range of ± 20 degrees is illustrated.

  The light beam is incident on the rear side of the through hole 351 [1]. Since the through-hole 351 [1] is an isosceles triangle, the light beam is incident on the side of the through-hole 351 [1] obliquely, that is, in a state where the incident angle λ is larger than 0 degree. It is generally known that the critical angle between acrylic and air is about 42.2 degrees. In this case, the critical angle refers to a limit value of an incident angle at which light is totally reflected at the interface between acrylic and air. Accordingly, the light beam La in the range where the incident angle λ exceeds the critical angle is totally reflected in the illustrated direction. The light beam Lp in the range where the incident angle λ is equal to or smaller than the critical angle is refracted and enters the through-hole 351 [1], and is again emitted from the front surface through the light guide plate 35L from the opposite surface. .

  Since the light beam Lp in the range where the incident angle λ is equal to or smaller than the critical angle is partially reflected at the interface of the through hole 351 [1], some of the light beam Lp returns to the LED 32L side. In addition, after entering the through-hole, there is also one that partially reflects on the opposing surface and returns to the LED 32L side. In the drawing, the light beam Lr returning to the LED 32L side in this way with respect to the through hole 351 [2] is illustrated. The light beam Lr is a part of the light having a relatively high intensity near the center of the light flux emitted from the LED 32L. Therefore, even after being reflected and diffused in this way, the light Lr floats around the depression 352. The light emission state can be realized.

  As described above, the through-hole 351 of the present embodiment has an action of first separating a light beam emitted from the LED 32L into two of La and Lp in the drawing by totally reflecting a part of the light beam. Play. The light beam La separated by total reflection is reflected in a complex manner on the mountain-shaped uneven surface while passing through the light guide plate 35L, or light emitted from the other LEDs 32L is mixed, and thus various light emission states Is realized. In the present embodiment, in order to effectively use the totally reflected light in such various light emission states, the respective through holes are arranged so that the totally reflected light beam does not pass through at least the adjacent through holes. is doing. In the example of the figure, the through hole 351 [2] is arranged so as to avoid a region through which the light beam La totally reflected from the through hole 351 [1] passes. When the light totally reflected by the through-hole 351 [1] is in a state of passing through the adjacent through-hole 351 [2], reflection occurs again at the side of the through-hole 351 [2], and the light beam La is sufficient. This is because there is a possibility that the light is diffused and becomes weak light before realizing the effect.

  As a result of the complicated reflection described above, according to the arrangement of this embodiment, it has been confirmed through experiments that a thin light streak is also formed in front of an LED that is not emitting light. As a result, it has been confirmed that when LEDs of a plurality of colors are turned on at the same time, light from each other is mixed and stripes of colors other than the three primary colors appear. When the R, G, and B LEDs are lit in a single color, each light is emitted from anywhere in the light guide plates 35U and 35L, and the entire light guide plates 35U and 35L appear to emit light in each color. Sometimes. On the other hand, when all the RGB colors are turned on at the same time, the light of each color diffused in the light guide plates 35U and 35L is mixed, resulting in a region where all the RGB colors are mixed. In this region, a colorless light emission state is realized. The In a region where such a mixture of all colors does not occur, part of the light emitted from each of the R, G, and B LEDs may be emitted in a relatively clear streak shape. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a wide variety of light-emitting states with greatly different visual impressions due to light mixing.

  Further, as easily imagined from FIG. 28, the light reflection state varies depending on the distance between the LED 32 </ b> L and the through hole 351. Further, since the refractive index and the critical angle are also affected by the wavelength of light, the range in which total reflection occurs varies depending on the color of the LED 32L. As described above, various non-uniform influences on the reflection state of the light are mixed, so that the top lamp 30 of the present embodiment can realize various ways of shining that catches the eye.

  The shape of the through hole 351 may be determined so that a part of the through hole 351 can be totally reflected and a part can be passed. If the apex angle of the isosceles triangle is reduced, the total reflected light beam La is increased, and if the apex angle is increased, the light beam La is reduced. The shape of the isosceles triangle is set analytically or by trial and error so that a favorable visual effect can be obtained while viewing the light emission state with respect to various apex angles. Such a shape is not limited to an isosceles triangle and can be realized, and may be a rectangle disposed obliquely about the axis Ax in the front-rear direction, or may be a circle, an ellipse, or the like.

  According to the slot machine 10 including the top lamp 30 of the embodiment described above, when the LED 32L is caused to emit light, light is reflected and diffused in a complicated manner at the portion of the top lamp 30 to realize a light emission state with a strong appeal. can do. Further, the top lamp 30 is realized with a simple structure in which LEDs arranged in an array and a light guide plate arranged in front thereof are main components, and there is no need to add a lens or the like. Absent. Therefore, the top lamp 30 of this embodiment has an advantage that it can be manufactured at a very low cost.

The top lamp 30 is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications can be made.
(1) In the present embodiment, the light guide plates 35U and 35L have a flat plate shape, but a light guide plate curved in a curved surface may be used.
(2) The through hole does not necessarily have to penetrate the light guide plate, and may be a groove or a recess provided not to penetrate the light guide plate, or a hollow portion provided inside the light guide plate.
(3) In the present embodiment, the structure of the top lamp is exemplified, but the present invention may be applied to light emitting devices other than the top lamp.
(4) In the present embodiment, an example in which the light emitting units are arranged in an array is shown. However, by adopting a structure in which a single section in FIG. 27 is cut out, it is configured as a lamp having a single light emitting unit. May be.

[Design of each reel, design row]
As shown in FIG. 29, each reel 301a, 301b, 301c has a symbol row (array number) formed by arranging a plurality of types (one of a total of nine types in this case) at regular intervals. A reel band (symbol band) on which a total of 21 symbols (numbered 1 to 21) are indicated is attached. FIG. 29 shows a state in which the symbol rows written on the reel bands 321a, 321b, and 321c attached to the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c are developed in a plane. In addition, in order to identify the symbol arrange | positioned in a symbol row | line | column, the said sequence number is described for convenience.

  Each of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c has a predetermined number (for example, three) of consecutive symbols among the symbols arranged in each symbol row, and the opening 401 (also referred to as symbol display window, hereinafter symbol). It arrange | positions so that it can visually recognize via the display window 401 (refer FIG. 30 demonstrated next).

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 29, there are three types of symbols: “7” symbol painted in red, hereinafter referred to as “red 7 symbol” (reel band 321a, 321b, 321c, array number 12 each. ), “7” symbol painted in white, hereinafter referred to as white 7 symbol ”(two of the arrangement number 19 of the reel band 321a and the arrangement number 5 of the reel band 321b),“ painted in blue "7" symbol, hereinafter referred to as blue 7 symbol "(reel band 321a array number No. 2, No. 4, No. 8, No. 3) relatively conspicuous symbols (larger in size than other symbols) Easy to do).

  Also, “cherry-shaped symbol, hereinafter referred to as cherry symbol” (for example, the arrangement number 6 of the reel band 321a), “design with the letter“ REPLAY ”, hereinafter referred to as“ replay symbol ”(for example, reel (Sequence number 4 of the band 321b, etc.), “a bell-shaped symbol, hereinafter referred to as a bell symbol” (for example, the array number 2 of the reel band 321b, etc.), “2 of the above replay symbol and bell symbol One symbol is a combination of two symbols, hereinafter referred to as a Ripbell symbol "(for example, the arrangement number 3 of the reel band 321a).

  Further, “a star-shaped symbol, hereinafter referred to as a star symbol” (for example, the arrangement number 4 of the reel band 321c), “a heart-shaped symbol, hereinafter referred to as a heart symbol” (for example, a reel band 321a) No. 11 and the like), “a symbol that does not correspond to any of the above, a symbol that is shaped like a cloud, and hereinafter referred to as a cloud symbol” (for example, the sequence number 14 of the reel band 321b, etc.) . As described above, there are a total of nine types of symbols written on the reel bands 321a, 321b, and 321c.

[Frame member]
FIG. 30 shows an enlarged view of the symbol display window 401 portion. From the symbol display window 401, three consecutive symbols among the symbols in the symbol row of each reel 301a, 301b, 301c are visible. The three positions where the symbols are displayed are “upper (or upper position)” from the top of FIG. 30 (for example, the position where “Ripvel” is displayed on the reel 301a) and “middle (or middle position)”. (For example, the position where the “star symbol” of the reel 301b is displayed), “lower (or lower position)” (for example, the position where “red 7 symbol” of the reel 301c is displayed).

  From the above, it is possible to display “number of stages × number of reels” symbols in the symbol display window 401. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, a maximum of nine symbols can be displayed in the symbol display window 401 by “the number of stages (3) × the number of reels (3)”.

  Various lamps are provided on the left side of the frame member 501 (also referred to as a display panel, which will be unified as the display panel 501 below) on the left side when viewed from the symbol display window 401. Among them, “BET1”, “BET2 ”And“ BET 3 ”are BET lamps (bet lamps) 602. The numbers of the BET lamps (numbers 1, 2 and 3 of“ BET 1 ”,“ BET 2 ”and“ BET 3 ”above) are as follows. Each corresponds to the number of bets (multiplier, the number according to the number of medals multiplied), that is, “1” is 1 bet (the number of medals multiplied is 1), and “2” is 2 bets (the number of medals multiplied is 2) and “3” corresponds to 3 bets (also called a MAX bet, the number of medals multiplied is 3).

  An effective arrangement (straight line type) is determined according to the number of bets. This “effective arrangement” is also called an effective line. The following is unified with the active line. A combination mode of symbols corresponding to a predetermined winning combination to be described later is determined to be a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination only after being displayed side by side on one active line. That is, even if each symbol constituting the symbol corresponding to the predetermined winning combination is individually displayed in the symbol display window 401, if the combination of the symbols is not arranged on one active line, the predetermined winning combination is performed. It is not determined that the symbol combination mode corresponding to the combination is displayed.

  Next, the number of effective lines and the number of effective lines corresponding to the number of bets will be specifically described. The active line corresponding to 1 bet is one active line 621 in an array of “middle stage-middle stage-middle stage” connecting the middle positions of each reel (middle stage line 621, which is referred to as “1 line (1 BET line)”). Only.

  The active line corresponding to 2 bets is an “upper stage-upper stage-upper stage” active line 622a (upper stage line 622a) connecting the upper positions of the reels and a lower stage-lower stage connecting the lower positions of the reels. This is an effective line 622b (lower line 622b) arranged in the “lower stage”. The two effective lines of the upper line and the lower line are collectively referred to as “2 lines (2 BET lines)”. Furthermore, in the case of 2 bets, the above-mentioned “1 line” is also added to the active line, so there are a total of 3 active lines.

  The effective line corresponding to 3 bets is an “upper-middle-lower” active line 623a (lower-right line) that connects the upper position of the left reel, the middle position of the middle reel, and the lower position of the right reel. 623a) and an effective line 623b (right-up line 623b) in a right-up sequence that is a "lower-middle-upper stage" connecting the lower stage position of the left reel, the middle stage position of the middle reel, and the upper stage position of the right reel. The two effective lines of the right-up line and the right-down line are collectively referred to as “3 lines (3 BET lines)”. Further, in the case of 3 bets, the above-mentioned “1 line” and “2 line” are also added to the active line, so that there are 5 active lines in total.

  The above is an explanation of an effective line of a spinning-reel game machine represented by a general slot machine, but the effective line is not limited to the linear type as described above. Below, the effective line of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated concretely using FIG.

  In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the multiplier is only 3 bets (MAX bets), and “red 7 symbol-red 7 symbol-red 7 symbol” is displayed in the symbol display window 401 of FIG. Only the two lines, ie, the lower line 622b and the line on which the “Ripbell symbol-star symbol-red 7 symbol” is displayed, that is, the right-down line 623a, are valid lines.

  Accordingly, in the slot machine 1, lines other than those described above (the middle line 621, the upper line 622a, and the right rising line 623b) are not included in the effective lines.

  In addition, the display panel 501 is provided with lamps and LEDs that can be lit (or blinked) in accordance with the gaming state of the slot machine 1. From the top of the figure, these lamps are an error lamp 604 on which characters “ERR” are drawn, a replay lamp 606 on which characters “REP” are drawn, located immediately below the BET lamp 602, and “STR”. A start lamp 608 with the letters “INS”, a medal IN lamp 610 with the letters “INS”, and a payout number display LED 612 having two side-by-side 7-segment LEDs. In addition to these, a bonus notification lamp for notifying the winning of a bonus game, which will be described later, a 7-segment LED for displaying the cumulative payout number of medals in a bonus game, etc., and counting the bonus game are provided separately. Also good.

  The error lamp 604 starts to light (or flashes) when any trouble or failure occurs during the game of the slot machine 1, and indicates that a trouble or the like is currently occurring. Have a role to inform.

  The replay lamp 606 has a role of notifying the player that a replay (that can be played again) is possible when the game result is replay (described later).

  The start lamp 608 starts to light (or flash) when the number of bets reaches the MAX bet, and has a role of prompting the player to operate the start lever 210 (start operation).

  The medal IN lamp 610 continues to light (or blink) until the bet number reaches the maximum (MAX bet), thereby having a role of prompting the player to place a bet.

  The payout number display LED 612 has a role of notifying the player of the number of payouts by displaying the number of payouts (the number of medals to be paid out) when there is a game ball payout associated with the game result.

[Internal configuration of slot machine]
FIG. 31 schematically shows configurations of various mechanism elements, electronic devices, operation members, and the like equipped in the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 has a main board 409 for comprehensively controlling the progress of the game. On the main board 409, a CPU 1110, a ROM 1112, a RAM 1114, an input / output interface 1116, and the like are mounted.

  The above-mentioned insertion buttons 205, 206, start lever 210, reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, 211c, storage release switch 209, etc. are all connected to the main board 409, and these operation buttons are a game using a sensor (not shown). An operation performed by a person can be detected, and the detected operation signal can be output to the main board 409. Specifically, the start lever 210 outputs an operation signal for starting the above-described symbol variation display device 300 (starting the rotation of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c) to the main board 409, and the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c. Outputs to the main board 409 an operation signal for stopping the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c, respectively.

  Hereinafter, the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c are referred to as a left reel 301a, a middle reel 301b, and a right reel 301c, respectively, as necessary. The corresponding reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c are referred to as a left reel stop button 211a, a middle reel stop button 211b, and a right reel stop button 211c.

  The slot machine 1 accommodates other devices together with the main substrate 409, and various signals are input from these devices to the main substrate 409. In addition to the symbol variation display device 300, the devices include a medal discharge device 110 and the like.

  The symbol variation display device 300 includes reel drive motors 341a, 341b, and 341c for rotating the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c (left reel drive motor 341a, middle reel drive motor 341b, and right reel drive motor 341c). This reel drive motor is composed of a stepping motor, and each of the reels 301a, 301b, 301c can be rotated and stopped independently. During the rotation, a plurality of types of symbols are continuously displayed from top to bottom in the symbol display window 401. Is displayed while changing.

  Each reel 301a, 301b, 301c has a position sensor (not shown) for detecting a reference position related to rotation, and each reel 301a, 301b, 301c is provided with a position sensor corresponding to the inside of the reel. (Left reel position sensor 331a, middle reel position sensor 331b, right reel position sensor 331c). By inputting detection signals (index signals) from these position sensors to the main board 409, the main board 409 can obtain stop position information of each reel.

  In the medal selector 207, the solenoid 207a and the insertion sensor 207b described above are installed. The insertion sensor 207 b detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 203 and outputs a medal detection signal to the main board 409. When the solenoid 207a is OFF, the inserted medal is detected by the insertion sensor 207b. On the contrary, when the solenoid 207a is in the ON state, the passage reaching the insertion sensor 207b in the medal selector 207 is locked out so that the medal insertion is not accepted, and even if the player inserts a medal, the medal selector 207 The medal flowing through the return basket 213 passes through the medal tray 201. At the same time, the function of the insertion sensor 207a is invalidated, so that neither betting by medal insertion nor medal storage is performed.

  The medal releasing device 110 has a payout sensor 110e (not shown) for detecting the payout medals one by one in the discharge port 110c, and the payout medal signal for each medal is main from the payout sensor 110e. It is input to the substrate 409. The auxiliary storage box 111 for game medals is provided with a medal full sensor 111a. When the number of stored medals exceeds a predetermined number, a detection signal indicating that the number of medals exceeds the predetermined number is sent to the main board. Output to 409. At this time, an error display for notifying the abnormality of the gaming machine is performed by the image display body 500, the error lamp 604, etc., and the player or hall employee is notified that the abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine.

  On the other hand, a control signal is output from the main board 409 to the symbol variation display device 300 and the medal discharge device 110. That is, a drive pulse signal for controlling the start and stop of each of the reel drive motors 341a, 341b, and 341c described above is output from the main board 409. The medal releasing device 110 receives a drive signal from the main board 409 according to the combination of symbols stopped on the effective line, and the medal releasing device 110 performs a medal payout operation. At this time, if the number of medals necessary for payout is insufficient or there are no medals in the medal releasing device 110, the number detection by the payout sensor 110e is delayed. When a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses, the payout sensor 110e outputs a payout medal abnormality signal to the main board 409, and in response, the main board 409 informs that an abnormality has occurred in the medal payout. Is displayed on the error lamp 604, the image display body 500 or the like to notify the player or the like that an abnormality has occurred.

  The slot machine 1 includes a sub board 449 in addition to the main board 409. The sub board 449 includes a CPU 1118, a ROM 1120, a RAM 1122, an input / output interface 1130, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 1124, and an AMP (audio amplifier) 1126. A sound source IC 1128 and the like are mounted. The sub board 449 receives various command signals from the main board 409, and controls the display of the image display body 500, the light emission (or lighting, blinking, extinguishing, etc.) of the lighting device 502 and the operation of the speaker 510.

  Further, when the external relay terminal board 131 is provided on the main board 409, the slot machine 1 is connected to the hall computer 1200 of the game hall via the external relay terminal board 131. The external relay terminal board 131 plays a role of relaying various signals (inserted medal signal, payout medal signal, game status, etc.) transmitted from the main board 409 to the hall computer 1200.

  In addition, the power supply device 112 includes a setting key switch 112a, a reset switch 112b, a power switch 112c, and the like. None of these switches are exposed to the outside of the slot machine 1 and can be operated only when the door-shaped front member 200 is opened. Among them, the power switch 112c is for turning on / off the power supply to the slot machine 1, and the setting key switch 112a is for changing the setting (for example, settings 1 to 6) of the slot machine 1. . The reset switch 112b is for releasing an error that has occurred in the slot machine 1, and is also operated when changing the setting together with the setting key switch 112a.

  The above is an example of the internal configuration of the slot machine 1. In a game by the slot machine 1, when the player operates the start lever 210 in a state where the number of medals is determined, the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c rotate, and thereafter, the player rotates the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c. Is operated, the corresponding reels 301a, 301b, and 301c are controlled to stop. When all the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c are stopped, the game result is judged from the combination of symbols on the active line, and necessary. Accordingly, a prescribed number of medals corresponding to the corresponding winning combination is awarded.

[Combination of winning roles and symbols]
Here, the winning combination (including what is called a winning combination) of the slot machine 1 and the combination of symbols corresponding thereto will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 32 and 33. FIG. FIG. 32 shows a combination mode of symbols corresponding to each winning combination of the slot machine 1 and its privilege (game privilege, hereinafter referred to as game privilege). FIG. 33 is a payout table for the player (a simple description of the gaming benefits of each winning combination, written on the slot machine 1).

  As described above, the reels 321a, 321b, and 321c are attached to the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c, respectively. The order of symbols, the types of symbols, etc. are different for each reel band. For example, a combination of symbols corresponding to a plurality of winning combinations is displayed in the symbol display window 401 in duplicate. There is nothing. In addition, as long as the combination mode of the symbols corresponding to a plurality of winning combinations is not displayed in the symbol display window 401, the order of symbols and the types of symbols of several reel bands may be the same.

  Then, whether or not a symbol combination mode corresponding to a predetermined winning combination is displayed based on display contents (a symbol combination mode) displayed in the symbol display window 401 when all the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c are stopped. Is judged. Specifically, in the symbol display window 401, a combination of symbols corresponding to a predetermined winning combination in any one of the above-mentioned active lines (the lower line of the 2BET lines, the lower right line of the 3BET lines). It is determined whether or not an aspect is displayed.

  In the following, the case where the combination of symbols corresponding to the (predetermined) winning combination is displayed on any one of the active lines, the symbol corresponding to the (predetermined) winning combination (this is called the winning combination symbol) ) Combination, or winning symbols.

  The slot machine 1 symbols include “red 7 symbol”, “white 7 symbol”, “blue 7 symbol”, “cherry symbol”, “bell symbol”, “replay symbol”, “ripbell symbol”, and “star” As described above, there are “design”, “heart design” and “cloud design”. Among them, “red 7 design”, “white 7 design”, and “blue 7 design” are compared to other designs. The design is easy to stand out and easy to identify. Here, the ease of identification refers to the level at which the player can easily identify the symbol including the reel being rotated and the reel being stopped. Among these, the “red 7 symbol” is only one of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c, and in addition, the color is easier to visually recognize than red and other symbols. Further, there is only one “white 7 symbol” on the left reel 301a, and in addition, the color is white and this is easier to visually recognize than other symbols. These symbols are easy for a player to make a target symbol because of the color and the size of the symbol even while the reel is rotating.

  These symbols are merely symbolic symbols (one symbol does not correspond to the winning combination), but they become a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination by becoming a predetermined combination. . Specifically, a combination pattern of predetermined symbols corresponding to each winning combination shown in FIG. 32 will be described.

[Big Bonus, Regular Bonus]
In FIG. 32, the winning combination indicated as BB is a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as BB). In this BB, “red 7 symbol-red 7 symbol-red 7 symbol” is determined in advance as a combination mode of the corresponding symbol (BB symbol). That is, the “red 7 symbol” is the BB symbol.

  When the BB symbols are aligned, a gaming bonus called a big bonus game (abbreviated BB game) is given. In this BB game, a plurality of games where medals can be easily acquired are concentrated. This is continuously executed until a prescribed number of medals (for example, 300) are paid out. When the paid-out medals reach the specified number (including when the number exceeds the specified number), the BB game ends.

  Further, in the slot machine 1, when the BB symbols are arranged (the game having the BB symbols arranged), no medal is given. That is, having all the BB symbols has a role as an opportunity to shift to the BB game. Since only one BB symbol is arranged on each of the reels 301a, 301b, 301c (see FIG. 30), a stop operation (reel stop button 211a, Unless the operation of pressing 211b and 211c is performed, the BB symbols cannot be aligned. In this way, the stop operation aiming at the target symbol (in this example, the BB symbol), that is, “to push”, is one of the skills in the rotary type gaming machine represented by the slot machine 1.

  Therefore, if the player's skill to “push” is high (mainly a player who is skilled in the game, etc.), the target symbol is displayed (for example, in the symbol display window 401) (stopped). Is easy. On the other hand, if the player's skill to “push” is low (players with low skill level, mainly unskilled players), it is difficult to display (stop) the target symbol at the target position. It can be said.

  The winning combination indicated as RB is a regular bonus (hereinafter referred to as RB). The combination mode of the symbols in which the RB symbols are aligned is “white 7 symbol-red 7 symbol-red 7 symbol”.

  When the RB symbols are arranged, a game bonus is awarded, which is a regular bonus game (abbreviated RB game) in which a plurality of games that are easy to acquire medals according to the BB game are concentrated. This is executed continuously for a specified number of games (for example, twice). When the specified number of games is reached, the RB game ends.

  Even when RB symbols are arranged, medals are not given in the game, and only a role as an opportunity to shift to the RB game is provided. In addition, each of the symbols constituting the RB symbol (7 red symbols and 7 white symbols) is arranged only one on each reel 301a, 301b, 301c as in the case of the BB symbol (see FIG. 30). , It becomes a design that needs to be pressed.

[Replay]
In FIG. 32, for the winning combination indicated as “Replay”, “Ripbell design-Replay design-Replay design” is determined in advance as the combination mode of the corresponding design (replay design).

  When the replay symbols are ready, a game privilege called a replay game is given. In this replay game, it means that a game to be executed as the next game can be executed as a replay without newly inserting medals or performing a betting operation. In this case, the number of effective lines is the same as the number of effective lines of the game with replay symbols.

  Also, when the replay symbols are arranged, no medal is given, and only serves as an opportunity to shift to the replay game. A feature of the game privilege of this replay game is that it is not necessary to newly consume medals in the next game instead of not paying out medals. Therefore, the replay is less likely to significantly impair the profit of the hall even if the winning probability is higher than that of other winning roles. In this example, the probability of winning is about once every seven times. This makes it possible to keep the amount of medals consumed by the player (the number of medals consumed per fixed time) within a certain range (that is, the role of suppressing excessive medals consumption in the game progression during replay). Can be held). In addition, since replay is a winning combination that does not involve paying out medals, even if the winning frequency is increased by increasing the winning probability, it can be said that there is very little disadvantage to the hall. Accordingly, the replay symbols are arranged evenly on the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c (for example, the number of other symbols arranged between the replay symbol and the replay symbol is changed from one to four at the maximum). It is possible to align the symbols without the need for pressing. The relationship between the arrangement of symbols and the necessity of pressing will be described in the reel stop process described later.

[Bell] (special winning role)
In FIG. 32, “Ripbell design-bell design-bell design” is determined in advance as a combination mode of the corresponding design (bell design) indicated as a bell.

  When the bell symbols are aligned, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of medals are paid out. The payout of medals at this time is performed in the game. That is, when the bell symbols are aligned, a gaming privilege of paying out three medals is given. Therefore, it can be said that Bell is a winning combination that can be expected to increase the number of medals and reduce the consumption of medals when proceeding with the game. However, if the frequency of winning the bell increases, the player can increase the number of medals simply by proceeding with the game (the number of medals will increase without winning BB or RB). The game performance of the slot machine 1 is impaired. It is also feared that it will be easy for players to win excessive medals and the profit balance with the hole will be lost. For these reasons, Bell has only a role to prevent the player from consuming a large amount of medals during the progress of the game, and the winning probability is kept lower than the replay. Therefore, the bell symbol and the ripbell symbol are also arranged uniformly on the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c and are aligned without the need for pressing as in the above-described replay symbol. The relationship between the arrangement of symbols and the necessity of pressing will be described in the reel stop process described later.

[Cherry] (special winning role)
In FIG. 32, for the winning combination shown as cherry, a corresponding symbol (cherry symbol) is predetermined. As for the cherry symbol, if there is one cherry symbol (in this example, only the right reel 301c), as in “ANY-ANY-cherry symbol”, it is considered that the cherry symbol is aligned. Here, “ANY” indicates that any symbol may be used. When the cherry symbols are arranged, a predetermined number (for example, two) of medals are paid out in the game. That is, when the cherry symbols are arranged, a gaming privilege of paying out two medals is given.

  Therefore, the game benefit is not given to the cherry symbols in the combination mode of the symbols in a state where all the reels are stopped, but the cherry symbols are displayed in the symbol display window 401 when the reels are stopped for at least one reel. The payout of medals (2 sheets) is given only when the mode stops on any one of the active lines. However, medals are paid out after all reels are stopped. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the “at least one reel” described above is the right reel 301c.

Further, in the slot machine 1, since the effective line is only one of the lower line of the 2BET lines and the lower right line of the 3BET lines, when the cherry symbol is displayed in the symbol display window 401, Displayed only at the lower position of the right reel 301c. At this time, the cherry symbol displayed at the lower position of the right reel 301c is included in both of the two effective lines. In other words, the cherry symbols overlap with the lower line and the lower right line. Therefore, the number of payouts at this time is
[2 sheets x 2 = 4 sheets]
It becomes. That is, when the cherry symbols are arranged, four medals are always paid out.

  As with the bell described above, the cherry also has a role that prevents the player from consuming a large amount of medals in the progress of the game, and the winning probability is kept lower than the replay. . Therefore, the cherry symbols are arranged uniformly on each reel 301a, 301b, 301c (especially the left reel) in the same manner as the above-mentioned replay symbols (in this case, other symbols arranged between the cherry symbols and the cherry symbols are arranged). 1 to a maximum of 4), it is possible to align the cherry symbols without the need for a selection. The relationship between the arrangement of symbols and the necessity of pressing will be described in the reel stop process described later.

  Further, in the payout table of FIG. 33, for the cherry symbols, “Cherry-ANY-ANY” indicates that if the cherry symbols are only on the left reel 301a, the cherry symbols are aligned. However, it is the right reel 301c as described above that determines whether or not the cherry symbol is actually displayed. That is, when the cherry symbols are arranged, the symbol combination “Cherry symbol-ANY-Cherry symbol” is displayed on the effective line. At this time (when the cherry symbol of the left reel 301a is displayed in the symbol display window 401), the symbol display window 401 is stopped at either the upper or lower position. That is, it is displayed on the lower right line of the 3BET lines or the lower line of the 2BET lines (the active line of the slot machine 1), and the prescribed number of medals (4 as described in the payout table of FIG. 33) is paid out.

  Therefore, the cherry pattern is arranged evenly on the left reel 301a (in this case, from 1 to a maximum of 6 other symbols are arranged between the cherry symbol and the cherry symbol). It is possible to align the upper position or the lower position in the symbol display window 401 without the necessity of the above.

  Thus, on the payout table, it is only necessary to be displayed on the cherry symbol left reel 301a, and the player's consciousness naturally concentrates only on the left reel 301a. Further, regarding the number of medals to be paid out (specified number), when only the cherry symbol of the left reel 301a is viewed, a downward-sloping line (when the left reel 301a is displayed at the upper position in the symbol display window 401) or a lower line (left reel) The player can only determine that 301a has been aligned on one of the active lines (when displayed at the lower position in the symbol display window 401). Therefore, in actuality, it is not noticed or confirmed that the cherry symbol is displayed in the symbol display window 401 for the right reel 301c. In addition, there is no sense of incongruity. In this way, the player notices that the player does not pay out medals when the left reel 301a has cherry symbols (that is, the right reel 301c does not have cherry symbols). It is also possible to inform the BB or RB that they have won (so-called “reach eyes” can be created).

  Note that the reels for which the cherry symbols are valid (targets to be aligned) are not necessarily limited to the left reel 301a, and may be the middle reel 301b or the right reel 301c. In this case, when “ANY-cherry symbol-ANY” or “ANY-ANY-cherry symbol” is obtained, a cherry gaming privilege is given. Alternatively, when the cherry symbols of any two reels of the left reel 301a, the middle reel 301b, and the right reel 301c are stopped on any one of the active lines in the symbol display window 401, a cherry gaming privilege is given. It is good as well. In other words, this is a case where a combination of symbols such as “cherry symbol-cherry symbol-ANY”, “cherry symbol-ANY-cherry symbol”, and “ANY-cherry symbol-cherry symbol” is obtained.

  In any of the above cases, a gaming privilege can be obtained simply by arranging the cherry symbols for at least one (at most two) of the left reel 301a, the middle reel 301b, and the right reel 301c. desirable. This is because the load of forcing the player to push all the reels every time is reduced.

  Further, since both the bell and the cherry mentioned above are winning combinations corresponding to the gaming privilege of paying out medals, these will be collectively referred to as “small roles” as necessary.

  In the slot machine 1, two bells and cherries are described as small roles. However, in addition to these, small roles can be provided. For example, different types of symbols from the bell symbol and cherry symbol are provided, and the corresponding number of medals to be paid out (specified number) is differentiated from the above small roles, or each reel 301a, 301b, 301c. It is also possible to reduce the number of symbols arranged in order to give a difficulty level as a winning combination symbol that needs to be promoted.

[UNBB]
In FIG. 32, the winning combination indicated as UNBB is UNBB (unlucky bonus, hereinafter referred to as UNBB). In this UNBB, “Ripbell Symbol-Bell Symbol-Replay Symbol” is determined in advance as a combination mode of the corresponding symbol (UNBB symbol).

  When the UNBB symbols are arranged, a game privilege called UNBB game (unlucky bonus game) is given. In this UNBB game, unlike the above-described BB game, a plurality of games that are easy to acquire medals are not concentrated, and the total number of medals paid out reaches a specified number (for example, 100). Until then, the game where the BB lottery is not performed continues.

  In addition, since each symbol (Ripbell symbol, bell symbol, replay symbol) constituting the combination of UNBB symbols is arranged evenly on each reel 301a, 301b, 301c as described above, the UNBB symbols are aligned without needing to be filled. It has become something that can be.

[Chance bonus]
In FIG. 32, the winning combination indicated as CB is a chance bonus (hereinafter referred to as CB). As for the CB symbol, if there is one “ANY-ANY-star symbol” and one star symbol (in this example, only the right reel 301c), it is considered that the CB symbol is aligned. Then, when the CB symbols are prepared, the game is not paid out in the game, and in the next game, a gaming privilege is also provided in which symbols corresponding to all of the winning combinations except for BB, RB, and replay are prepared. (This is a chance bonus game, abbreviated CB game). The winning combinations that may be aligned at this time are Bell, Cherry, and CB, and priorities are determined in advance in the order of CB, Cherry, and Bell. This preferentially aligns small roles with a larger number of prescribed numbers. Note that CB is given the highest priority in order to give the possibility that a CB game can be further performed to the next and subsequent games.

  Also, for the CB symbol, by arranging the star symbols evenly on the right reel 301c (for example, from 1 to a maximum of 4 other symbols arranged between the star symbol and the star symbol), the CB symbol is arranged. Can be aligned without the need for a selection. The relationship between the arrangement of symbols and the necessity of pressing will be described in the reel stop process described later.

  Although details will be described later, UNBB and CB are not described in the payout table of FIG. That is, it can be said that it is very difficult for the player to notice that the UNBB symbols and CB symbols are complete, and to recognize that the UNBB game and CB game are being played.

[BB game exclusive role]
Furthermore, there is a BB game exclusive combination as a winning combination effective only during the BB game and the RB game. “Ripbell design-replay design-bell design” is determined in advance as the combination mode of the design corresponding to the BB game design (BB game design).

  When the BB game exclusive role symbols are gathered during the BB game or the RB game, a prescribed number (for example, 15) of medals are paid out. The payout of medals at this time is performed in the game. That is, when the BB game exclusive role symbols are arranged, a gaming privilege of paying out 15 medals is given, so it can be said that the small role is limited during the BB game (or during the RB game).

  In addition, since each symbol (Ripbell symbol, Replay symbol, Bell symbol) constituting the combination of the BB game exclusive role symbols is arranged uniformly on each reel 301a, 301b, 301c as described above, It can be arranged without the need for crowds.

[Loose]
If none of the cases shown in FIG. 32 is applicable, the game is lost. Then, in the game that is lost, no medal is given, and no change is made to the game after the next time. In other words, the loser can be said to be a winning combination that does not give the player any game privilege in the game and the next and subsequent games.

  Among the symbols of the slot machine 1, the “heart symbol” and the “cloud symbol” are symbols that are not included in any of the above-described winning combination combinations. Therefore, these symbols are lost symbols. Moreover, even if it is one of the winning symbol designs described above, if it is not considered that the winning symbol symbols are aligned when viewed as a combination mode of symbols, it is a loss (combination mode of symbols to be lost). .

  The above is a combination mode of each winning combination in the slot machine 1 and a symbol corresponding to each winning combination. From these, it can be said that in the slot machine 1, all winning symbols except for the BB symbol and the RB symbol can be arranged without the need for a selection. That is, it is possible to reduce a situation where the player is constantly strained (because of concentration) and tired by making a special effort in every game, and a smooth game progress is possible.

  Note that these symbols are not limited to the symbols and symbol combinations described above. In addition to the above symbols, a plurality of types of symbols can be newly provided. In addition, the number of winning combinations can be further increased or decreased. Note that the winning combinations described above are not necessarily all provided, and a necessary type of winning combination may be selected as appropriate.

[Game processing]
Next, the flow of game processing in the slot machine 1 will be described. The following game processing proceeds in accordance with a processing procedure on a control program executed on the main board 409 (mainly CPU 1110 or the like).

  FIG. 34 shows one processing procedure for one basic game in the slot machine 1. First, in step S1, initial setting for preparing for the game start is executed. Especially when starting up the power supply, etc., check the connection and operation status of the various devices mentioned above, check the existence of backup data, and if backup data exists, return to the state before the power was turned off. Execute.

  In the next step S2, the multiplier is determined by the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 203, or when there is a medal already stored, by pressing the MAX insertion button 206 (or the one-sheet insertion button 205). It is determined and the operation of the start lever 210 is awaited. That is, the BET process is executed until the multiplication of one game is determined and the start lever 210 can be operated. Note that in the slot machine 1, the number of multiplications is only MAX bets (three), but it is also possible to play a game with one bet (one) or two bets (two).

  In step S3, the game is started by operating the start lever 210 which has been in an operation waiting state in step S2, and an internal lottery process is performed to determine whether or not any winning combination is a result of the internal lottery. Execute. This internal lottery process is either in the stage before all reels 301a, 301b, 301c that start rotating in the next step S4 are in a stopped state (stopped by a player's stop operation). This is executed to determine whether the winning combination is to be the lottery result of the game. That is, only when the lottery result of the lottery corresponds to any winning combination, the corresponding winning combination is allowed.

  Next, in step S4, a reel rotation process for starting rotation of all the reels 301a, 301b, 301c is executed with the end of the internal lottery process in step S3. In this reel rotation process, when all the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c start to rotate, the depressing operation of the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c is validated, and the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c are validated. An operation valid lamp (not shown) for notifying that is turned on, and a timer count is started until the next reel rotation processing is executed. The operation valid lamp is a lamp built in each of the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c.

  In step S5, a reel stop process in which the player presses the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c is accepted, the operation valid lamps are turned off in the order of acceptance, and rotation of the corresponding reels 301a, 301b, and 301c is stopped. Execute.

  In the next step S6, when it is determined in step S5 that the rotation of all the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c has been stopped, the display content displayed on the active line (the combination of symbols) and the above step A determination process for determining the winning combination is performed by checking what is permitted as a result of the internal lottery determined in S3.

  In step S7, a medal payout process based on the content of the gaming privilege corresponding to the winning combination determined in step 6 is executed. Further, when the winning combination is BB, RB, CB, or replay, granting is performed on various game benefits such as a game state change or replay.

  The above is the basic one game processing procedure of the slot machine 1. Here, step S2 (BET process), step S3 (internal lottery process), and step S4 (reel rotation process) are performed by the player as a series of operations. Therefore, these processes (step S2, step S3, step S4) are collectively referred to as a start process. Hereinafter, this starting process will be described in detail.

[Startup process]
FIG. 35 specifically shows each process performed in the starting process.

  In the starting process, first, in step S101, the operation of the medal insertion or one-sheet insertion button 205 and the MAX insertion button 206 is awaited. If there is a bet operation or a medal insertion, the determination at step S101 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S102. This determination is satisfied only when a medal corresponding to a MAX bet is inserted (that is, when three or more medals are inserted) or when each of the insertion buttons 205 and 206 for a MAX bet is operated.

  In the next step S102, as the acceptance process, the bet number (in this example, only the MAX bet) is determined, and the active line lamp corresponding to the bet number is turned on.

  In step S103, the operation of the start lever 210 is validated. When the operation of the start lever 210 is validated, the operation waits until the operation of the start lever 210 is accepted, and the process proceeds to the next step S104.

  In the next step S104, it is determined whether the operation of the start lever 210 has been validated, and in that case, the operation of the start lever 210 has been accepted. When the operation of the start lever 210 is validated in the previous step S103, when the operation of the start lever 210 by the player is accepted, this determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to the next step S105.

  Further, the determination in step S101 is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S104 as long as the player does not perform a bet operation or medal insertion in step S101 or does not result in a MAX bet. At this time, the determination in step S104 is not satisfied, the process returns to step S101, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  In the replay game, a new medal bet is not required, but the bet is automatically made, so that the determination in step S101 is satisfied.

  In step S105, in response to the operation of the start lever 210 in step S104, the operation of the start lever 210 is invalidated.

  Next, in step S106, when the start lever 210 is operated, random numbers are extracted in response to the operation. After the random number is extracted, the process proceeds to the next step S107. As for the timing for extracting the random number at this time, an appropriate extraction timing should be set in the programming process, for example, immediately after the start lever 210 is operated or after a predetermined time (for example, after 0.5 seconds). Can do.

  In step S107, as a flag process, it is determined (random number value collation) which winning combination corresponds to the extracted random number value (hereinafter referred to as an extracted random number value). The collation of the random number performed here is to determine whether or not the extracted random number value corresponds (matches or matches) to a predetermined winning combination random number value. At this time, if it is determined that the extracted random number value corresponds to any winning combination, a flag corresponding to the corresponding winning combination (referred to as a winning flag) is turned ON.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that the extracted random number value does not correspond to any winning combination, it becomes “losing” that does not correspond to any winning combination, and the loss flag is turned ON. Here, the winning flag or the lost flag (collectively referred to as the establishment flag) means that the winning symbol corresponding to the establishment flag can be aligned only when the corresponding establishment flag is ON. It will be. Therefore, when the lost flag corresponds to the established flag, none of the winning combination symbols can be arranged. It can also be said that the above-described steps S106 and S107 are random number lottery inside the slot machine 1, and in the following, these steps are collectively referred to as internal lottery or internal lottery. Note that this random number extraction to flag processing corresponds to internal lottery.

  In the next step S108, it is determined whether or not the wait timer started in the previous start process (specifically, the game immediately before the game) has expired (for example, 4.1 seconds have elapsed). The timer called a wait timer measures the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) from the start of reel rotation in the game to the start of reel rotation in the next game. Is. Here, if the wait timer is timed up (4.1 seconds have already elapsed), this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S109. This determination loops until the wait timer times out.

  In step S109, rotation of all the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c is started. When the rotation speeds of all the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c become constant, the operation enable lamps of the respective reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c are turned on. By this lighting, the player knows that the pressing operation of the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c has become effective.

  In the slot machine 1, the reel that has started to rotate continues to maintain the rotation at the above-described constant speed until a stop operation (pressing operation of the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c) by the player is accepted. .

  Next, in step S110, the wait timer is reset, and the wait timer is started until the next start process, and the start process ends.

[Internal lottery probability]
As described above, in the slot machine 1, the result of the internal lottery (the result of collating the extracted random number value) is allowed as a winning combination corresponding to the game (hereinafter referred to as a corresponding winning combination). This means that a predetermined winning combination is won. Here, the game result (internal lottery result) in which the corresponding winning combination is allowed (that is, it is allowed to align the winning winning symbols) corresponds to the internal lottery flag (the above-mentioned “established flag”). The information command indicating the result of the internal lottery is reflected in subsequent processing (reel stop processing, determination processing, payout processing, etc.).

In the slot machine 1, a random value range (this is called an extraction range) for random number extraction is determined in advance. This extraction range can be determined, for example, as an integer value from 0 to 16383 (that is, 2 ¹⁴ = 16384 random numbers). In the slot machine 1, the random number value in the extraction range is 0 to 16383 (2 ¹⁴ = 16384 random number values), but 0 to 32767 (2 ¹⁵ = 32768 random number values) or 0 to 65535. (2 ¹⁶ = 65536 random values) may be taken. If the extraction range of random numbers is expanded, the range of random number values that can be extracted (so-called denominator) is increased, so that it is difficult to cause an event that specific random number values are extracted in a biased manner.

Within the above extraction range, random numbers corresponding to each winning combination are assigned in advance. For example, if the random value corresponding to BB is “1” among the random values in the extraction range (0 to 16383), the result of the internal lottery is “BB” when the extracted random value is “1”. BB's internal lottery flag (established flag, in this case also referred to as the aforementioned winning flag) is processed as an information command in the game. In addition, when this is used, the winning probability of BB (probability that BB is selected as a result of the internal lottery, lottery probability) can be calculated from the extraction range and the random value corresponding to BB. Speaking of the above example (BB)
[Total number of random values corresponding to BB / Total number of random values in the extraction range]
Is 1/16384, and the winning probability of BB is 1/16384.

  In this way, random numbers corresponding to all winning combinations are determined, and these random values are referred to as winning values corresponding to the respective winning combinations. In the above example (BB), the random value “1” in the extraction range is the winning value corresponding to BB. In addition, when there are a plurality of winning values, for example, if the winning value of BB is a continuous random value “1”, “2”, “3”, “4” in the extraction range, the range of the winning value of BB Is a random value from “1” to “4”. When it is determined that the extracted random number value corresponds to any of the random number values “1” to “4” (verified), the result of the internal lottery is “winning BB”.

  From this, the range of the winning value is determined for all winning combinations, and it is determined whether the extracted random number value falls within the range of winning values of any winning combination in the internal lottery. At this time, if the extracted random number value does not fall within the range of the winning value of any winning combination, it is lost. In other words, the range of the winning value of the lost game is other than the range of the winning value of all winning combinations. Note that the winning value may be referred to as a winning allowable value.

  FIG. 36 (FIG. 36 (a), FIG. 36 (b), FIG. 36 (b)) specifically shows the winning values and internal lottery probabilities for all winning combinations of the slot machine 1. Each of these is stored in advance in the ROM 1112 or the like as a winning value determination table.

  FIG. 36 (a) shows a range of winning values for each winning combination and losing (a range of random values) in a game in a normal gaming state (referred to as a normal game) (also referred to as a normal determination table). Here, for BB and RB, only BB, or a range of winning values for RB only (referred to as a single winning value), BB + small role (bell, cherry), and RB + small role (bell, cherry). Divided into a range of winning values (value per shared winning).

The single winning value for BB and RB corresponds to only one corresponding winning combination, like the winning values for Bell, Replay, UNBB, and the like. That is, in the example of FIG.
When the extracted random number value is “1”, it corresponds to the hit value of the bell.
When the extracted random number value is “7000”, it corresponds to a hit value for replay.
When the extracted random number value is “9300”, it corresponds to the winning value of UNBB.
Similarly,
When the extracted random number value is “9050”, it corresponds to the winning value of BB.
When the extracted random number value is “9220”, it corresponds to the winning value of RB.
Thus, only one winning combination corresponds to one extracted random number value.

On the other hand, the shared winning value of BB and RB is, in the example of FIG.
When the extracted random number value is “9100”, it corresponds to the winning value of BB and bell.
When the extracted random number value is “9207”, it corresponds to the winning value of RB and cherry.
As described above, a plurality (two in this case) of winning combinations correspond to one extracted random number value. In other words, if the extracted random number value corresponds to the shared winning value, it means that any of the plurality of winning combinations has been won. This is because, in the above-described flag processing (see step S107 in FIG. 35), two winning flags of BB and small role (bell or cherry), or two winning flags of RB and small role (bell or cherry) ( The internal lottery flag) is turned on at the same time.

  And for BB and RB, the range of the winning value obtained by summing (summing up) the single winning value and the shared winning value is the winning value for the entire BB and the entire RB. Winning probability can be calculated.

That is,
BB (overall) 158/16384 (1 / 103.70)
RB (overall) 36/16384 (1 / 455.11)
Thus, the winning probability of the entire BB and the winning probability of the entire RB are calculated.

  In FIG. 36 (a), the winning probability (1 / 103.70) of the entire BB is particularly lower than the winning probability (1 / 85.78) of UNBB. That is, it can be said that UNBB is slightly easier to win than BB.

  FIG. 36 (b) shows a range of winning values (random number range) for each winning combination and losing in a game in a BB gaming state (referred to as a BB game) (also referred to as a BB game determination table).

  According to this, during the BB game, BB and RB, and also UNBB are not drawn. In addition, when it corresponds to the shared winning value, only the small lottery's internal lottery flag is set to ON, corresponding to only the small role (winning only for the small role). In order to show that, in FIG. 36 (b), BB and RB, which are one of the shared winning values, are marked with a strikethrough for convenience (the same applies to FIG. 36 (c) described below). ). The range of winning values for each winning combination and lose in the RB game (range of random values) is the same as this.

  In addition, during the BB game, the winning value of the exclusive role for the BB game that is valid only at this time (there is a winning value) occupies most of the extraction range (the total number of winning values is 9438). Therefore, during the BB game, it can be said that the BB game exclusive role is often won at least once every two times. In addition, instead of the increase in the winning value of the exclusive role for the BB game, the winning value corresponding to the loss is greatly reduced (the total number of winning values is 1). For this reason, it can be said that there is a very low possibility of losing during the BB game.

  FIG. 36C shows a range of winning values and random winning values (range of random values) in a game in the UNBB game state (referred to as UNBB game) (also referred to as a UNBB game determination table).

  According to this, during the UNBB game, BB and UNBB are not drawn. Here, the difference from the BB game described in FIG. 36A is that a lottery for RB is performed during the UNBB game. This is because winning the RB is one of the end conditions of the UNBB game. In addition, there is no winning value for the bonus exclusive role, and instead, the winning value of the CB is greatly increased compared to the normal game or the like (CB winning probability, 1 / 2.29). For this reason, during the UNBB game, it can be said that there is a high possibility that CB, Bell, and Loss will be won almost at the same level.

  Further, the range of the winning value in the UNBB game shown in FIG. 36C is used (applied) in the CB game. In this way, if CB is won during the UNBB game, it can be said that there is a high possibility of winning CB during the next game. And even in the next game (the game one after another in view of the game), there is a high possibility of winning a CB, and there is a possibility that it will continue to win a CB for several games (or several tens of games). Is not low.

  From the above, the “normal gaming state” (see FIG. 36A) is more than the “BB gaming state” (see FIG. 36B) and the “UNBB gaming state” (see FIG. 36C). There is a high probability of winning a loss (in other words, a low probability of winning another winning role). That is, in the “normal gaming state”, the ratio of the total number of coins paid out to the total number of coins inserted in a predetermined period (for example, a period in which 100 lotteries are performed) is “BB gaming state” and “UNBB”. The gaming state is lower than the “gaming state”. Therefore, it can be said that the “normal gaming state” is a gaming state that is disadvantageous to the player, in which coins are not given out continuously or continuously. On the other hand, the “normal gaming state” is different from the “BB gaming state” or the “UNBB gaming state”, and the winning combination BB that transitions to the “BB gaming state” or the winning combination UNBB that transitions to the “UNBB gaming state” is won. Have the potential to

  Also, the “UNBB gaming state” has a lower probability of winning the game than the “normal gaming state” (in other words, the probability of winning another winning combination is high). That is, in the “UNBB gaming state”, the ratio of the total number of coins paid out to the total number of coins inserted in a predetermined period (for example, a period in which 100 lotteries are performed) is higher than the “normal gaming state”. . Therefore, the “UNBB gaming state” can be said to be a gaming state that is relatively advantageous to the player, in which coins are paid out in a concentrated or continuous manner compared to the “normal gaming state”.

  In addition, the “BB gaming state” has a lower probability of winning the game than the “UNBB gaming state” (in other words, the probability of winning another winning combination is high). That is, in the “BB gaming state”, the ratio of the total number of coins paid out to the total number of coins inserted in a predetermined period (for example, a period in which 100 lotteries are performed) is higher than the “UNBB gaming state”. . Therefore, it can be said that the “BB gaming state” is the most advantageous gaming state for the player in which coin payouts are concentrated or continuously given compared to the “UNBB gaming state”.

  The slot machine 1 is provided with a plurality of setting values (four stages from setting values 1 to 4) (each not shown). In each set value, a difference (step difference, extreme difference, etc.) is given to the internal lottery probability. The higher the set value, such as set value 1 <set value 2 <set value 3 <set value 4, the higher the set lot value (especially BB, RB, etc.) the internal lottery probability becomes more preferential. Yes. For example, compared to the setting value 1, the setting value 4 has a higher probability of winning the BB because the winning probability of the BB is determined to be high. By providing stepwise set values in this way, the slot machine 1 can be used as a clue when the player guesses the set value by giving a characteristic to each set value or according to the management of the hall or the like. Can be operated. 36A to 36C show the internal lottery probability corresponding to the set value 4.

[Reel stop processing]
When the start-up process is completed, an operation for stopping a reel that continues to rotate at a constant speed (stop operation, that is, pressing operation of the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c) is waited. FIG. 37 shows the content of reel stop processing by the “table method” as an example. Hereinafter, the flow of the reel stop control process will be described.

  In the reel stop process, first, in step S201, a reel stop control table is selected according to an internal lottery flag indicating the result of the internal lottery in the game. In this reel stop control table, patterns are prepared in advance for all the internal lottery flags, and these are stored in the ROM 1112 of the main board 409 as read-only table data.

  When the reel stop control table is selected based on the internal lottery flag in the above step S201, it enters a standby state until a pressing operation of each reel stop button 211a, 211b, 211c is accepted (steps S202, S210, S217). In these standby states, whether each of the left reel 301a, middle reel 301b, and right reel 301c has already stopped, or the first reel stop flag is not ON (F = 0, that is, OFF) It is also determined whether any one of the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c is pressed. Until all the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c are pressed, the determination in step S209 is not satisfied, and the processes in and after step S202 are repeated.

  Here, the order in which the pressing operations of the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c are received (stop operation procedure) is a stop operation procedure (or pressing sequence) called “forward press”, “reverse press”, and “middle press”, respectively. Say).

The above-described “forward press” stop operation procedure refers to an operation procedure for stopping the left reel 301a first (that is, a procedure for pressing the left reel stop button 211a first). From the reel operation order to stop after
[Left reel → Middle reel → Right reel],
Or
It is further divided into two stop operation procedures: [Left reel → Right reel → Middle reel]. These two are collectively referred to as “forward push”. Note that the latter stop operation procedure may also be called “order scissors push”.

The above-described “reverse push” stop operation procedure is an operation procedure in which the right reel 301c is stopped first as opposed to “forward push” (that is, a procedure in which the right reel stop button 211c is pressed first). From the operation order of the reels to be stopped after the second,
[Right reel-> middle reel-> left reel]
Or
It is further divided into two stop operation procedures: [Right reel → Left reel → Middle reel]. These two are collectively referred to as “reverse pressing”. Note that the latter stop operation procedure is sometimes called “reverse scissor pressing”.

The above-mentioned “middle push” stop operation procedure refers to an operation procedure for stopping the middle reel 301b first (that is, a procedure for pressing the middle reel stop button 211b first). From the operation order of reels to be stopped later,
[Center reel → Left reel → Right reel],
Or
The operation is further divided into two stop operation procedures [middle reel → right reel → left reel]. These two are collectively referred to as “middle press”.

  In step S202, it is determined whether the flag indicating that the left reel 301a has been stopped (the left reel stop flag LF) is OFF (LF = 0), and the pressing operation of the left reel stop button 211a has been accepted. To do. If it is assumed in step S201 that the left reel stop button 211a is first pressed (first) in accordance with the “forward press” stop operation procedure from the standby state of the pressing operation of the reel stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c, step S202 is performed. The determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S203.

  In step S203, it is determined whether the first reel stop flag is OFF (F = 0). The “first reel” as used herein refers to a reel that receives a stop operation first or stops first. In this example (“forward press”), the first reel stop flag is OFF (F = 0) because the stop operation of the left reel 301a is accepted first. Therefore, the determination at step S203 is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next step S204.

  In the next step S204, a first reel stop process is performed on the left reel 301a. In the first reel stop process, the control of the stop position of the winning symbol corresponding to the internal lottery flag is executed based on the reel stop control table corresponding to the internal lottery flag.

  In step S206, the reel stop control table for the remaining middle reel 301b and right reel 301c is determined. As described above, since the effective lines of the slot machine 1 are only two lines, the lower right line and the lower line, at this time, the stop control table for the remaining reels (the middle reel 301b and the right reel 301c) is determined to be one. be able to. That is, among the symbols in the symbol display window 401 of the first stop reel (in this case, the left reel 301a) (this is referred to as a stop eye, the same applies hereinafter), the symbol at the upper or lower position can be the winning combination symbol. If the symbol has a characteristic, a reel stop control table is selected that can align the corresponding winning symbol of the remaining reels (the middle reel 301b and the right reel 301c) on the effective line based on the symbol. It will be. Thereby, winning symbols other than the BB symbol and the RB symbol can be aligned without the need for pressing.

  In step S207, the first reel stop flag is set to ON (F = 1), and the process proceeds to next step S208.

  Next, in step S208, the left reel stop flag LF is set to ON (LF = 1), and the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, it is determined whether all the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c are stopped. In this example, the left reel stop flag LF has only been turned ON, and the middle reel 301b and the right reel 301c are still rotating. Therefore, this determination is not satisfied, and the processing returns to step S202 and the subsequent processing is repeated. Execute.

  Then, when the processing from step S202 is executed again, the left reel 301a is already in the stopped state, so the determination in step S202 is not satisfied, and the routine goes to step S210.

  In step S210, it is determined whether or not the flag indicating that the middle reel 301b has been stopped (the middle reel stop flag MF) is OFF (MF = 0) and that the pressing operation of the middle reel stop button 211b has been accepted. To do. Here, in order to follow the stop operation procedure of “forward press”, the pressing operation of the middle reel stop button 211b is accepted. Therefore, the determination at step S210 is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next step S211.

  In step S211, it is determined whether the first reel stop flag is OFF (F = 0) as in step S203. At this time, since the first reel stop flag is already ON (F = 1), this determination is not satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S213.

  In step S213, as the middle reel stop process, the control of the stop position of the corresponding winning symbol is executed based on the reel control table corresponding to the internal lottery flag (in this case, the reel stop control table determined in step S206 above). . At this time, the middle reel 301b becomes the second stopped reel (second reel), and steps S212, S214, and S215 are all bypassed, and the process proceeds to step S216, where the middle reel stop flag MF is turned on (MF = 1). Then, the process proceeds to step S209.

  In step S209, the left reel 301a and the middle reel 301b are only stopped, and the right reel 301c is still rotating and is in a stopped state (the right reel stop flag RF is OFF). Therefore, this determination is not satisfied, and the process returns to step S202, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  Further, in the processing after step S202 for the third time, it is first determined in step S217 whether the right reel stop flag MF is OFF (MF = 0) and the pressing operation of the right reel stop button 211c is accepted. However, the subsequent processes in steps S218 and S220 are the same as the processes in steps S210 and subsequent steps (steps S211 and S213), and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S223, the right reel stop flag RF is set to ON (MF = 1), and the process proceeds to step S209.

  Finally, in step S209, since all the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c are in a stopped state at this time, this determination is satisfied, and the reel stop process ends.

  In the case of the “middle press” stop operation procedure, the same description as above can be made, and the details are omitted. However, since the “reverse pressing” stop operation procedure is partially different from the above description, it will be described below.

  The “reverse push” stop operation procedure differs from the “forward push” or “middle push” stop operation procedure described above in step S221 (determination of the remaining reel stop control table after the first reel stop process). is there. That is, in the “reverse push” stop operation procedure, only the right reel 301c is stopped, and if there is any winning symbol in the lower position among the stops of the right reel 301c, there are still two valid It is possible to arrange the winning symbols in any line. Therefore, at the stage of step S221, a plurality of reel stop control tables capable of aligning the corresponding winning combination symbols on any active line are prepared, and any one may be selected.

[Reel stop control]
Further, in the reel stop process described above, reel stop control for drawing the winning symbol (corresponding winning symbol) corresponding to the establishment flag into the symbol display window 401 as much as possible (so-called pull-in control) is performed. Specifically, when a reel stop operation by the player is accepted, a range that can be displayed in the symbol display window 401 (a range in which the corresponding winning symbol can be drawn, for example, four symbols). ) Is determined in advance, and if the corresponding winning combination symbol is within the range, the reel is stopped by drawing it into the symbol display window 401. The “retractable range” here refers to the maximum number of symbols that can be moved in the rotation direction of the reel from when the reel stop operation is accepted until the reel stops. Say. For example, if the maximum retractable range is 4 symbols, the reel can be rotated up to 4 symbols after the stop operation is accepted.

  Therefore, according to the reel stop control described above, when the reel stop operation is received, even if there is no corresponding winning symbol in the symbol display window 401, the reel is completely stopped by performing the pull-in control. If the corresponding winning symbol is within a range that can be pulled in before the state is reached, the corresponding winning symbol can be moved into the symbol display window 401 and stopped. By performing the pull-in control, even if the player is slightly ahead of the winning winning symbol, if the winning winning symbol is within the pullable range, the winning symbol is displayed in the symbol display window 401. It can be pulled in and stopped. Therefore, it is possible to avoid missing the winning symbol.

  In the slot machine 1, when a winning combination other than BB and RB becomes the establishment flag, the corresponding winning combination symbols can be always aligned without requiring the player to see (see FIG. 29 described above). This is because, for Bell, Replay, and UNBB, the corresponding winning combination symbols are arranged every four symbols at the maximum.

  As for the cherry, the cherry pattern of the right reel 301c is subject to determination, and this is also arranged every four symbols at maximum, so the cherry pattern is not required to be pressed. Can be aligned. Since the same can be said for the star symbol, the winning symbol can be aligned without requiring the CB.

  Further, in the case of cherry, as described above, the cherry symbol needs to be displayed on the left reel 301a. This is because in the payout table for the player, “Cherry Symbol-ANY-ANY” is displayed, and it is necessary to display (stop) at either the upper or lower position in the symbol display window 401 of the left reel 301a. is there. Here, looking at the symbol arrangement of FIG. 29 described above, six other symbols are arranged on the left reel 301a from the cherry symbol to the cherry symbol.

  For example, when the red 7 symbol or 11th heart symbol of sequence number 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as “XX”) is pressed near the lower position in the symbol display window 401, if it stops as it is, “Ripbell symbol (10 No.) → Heart symbol (No. 11) → Red 7 symbol (No. 12) ”, the upper position in the symbol display window 401 is stopped from the lower position. However, if a maximum of 4 symbols can be moved by the pull-in control, the 11th heart symbol to the 8th blue 7 symbol can be moved and stopped in the reel rotation direction. As a result, “Cherry symbol (No. 6) → Ripbell symbol (No. 7) → Blue 7 symbol (No. 8)” is displayed in the symbol display window 401, and the cherry symbol can be stopped at the upper position.

  In this way, in the left reel 301a, the cherry symbol can always be pulled into either the upper position or the lower position and stopped regardless of the position where the stop operation is accepted. Therefore, when the cherry symbol stops at the lower position of the right reel 301c, the cherry symbol also stops at the upper or lower position of the left reel 301a, and the player's consciousness makes the cherry symbol of the left reel 301a. I can go to. In other words, the cherry pattern on the right reel 301c is hardly noticed.

  Further, in the case of a winning combination of the shared winning value, the BB symbol (RB symbol) is preferentially drawn. However, since the BB symbol (RB symbol) is a symbol that needs to be pressed, when the BB symbol (RB symbol) cannot be pulled in (is not within the pullable range), the other winning symbol will be pulled in. . And as already demonstrated, it becomes possible at this time to arrange the other winning combination symbols without missing them. Accordingly, when the winning combination of the value per shared winning is applicable, either the BB symbol or the other winning combination (small role) symbol can always be aligned.

  Further, in the case of CB, in the next CB game, pull-in control is performed in the priority order of CB> cherry> bell.

  From the above, in the slot machine 1, the winning combination symbols other than the BB symbol and the RB symbol can be arranged without needing to press. In other words, the winning combination other than BB and RB does not cause “missing”. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate as much as possible that the difference in profits between players is increased due to the difference in skill (for example, a large difference in the number of medals obtained).

  In addition, even if there is a winning combination (cherry, CB) that makes a determination based only on the stop symbol of the right reel 301c, the player has a sense of incongruity even if the game is progressed by “forward push” according to the description of the payout table, etc. I will not let you. Therefore, the player can smoothly advance the game by a general stop operation procedure (“forward press”).

  The above is an example of the reel stop process by the table method. In addition to this, there is a reel stop process by a control method, but since a known process can be applied to this, a specific description is omitted here. In this embodiment, either the control method or the table method of reel stop processing may be executed, and which method should be adopted may be determined as appropriate when constructing the control program.

[Determination process]
When the reel stop processing is completed, whether or not the winning combination symbols are arranged on any active line in the symbol display window 401 (whether the combination mode of the symbols corresponding to any winning combination is displayed) or not. Make a decision. In FIG. 38, the content of this determination process is demonstrated concretely.

  When all the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c are stopped by the reel stop process, first, in step S301, from the stop eye form in the symbol display window 401, the winning combination symbols are aligned on any active line. It is determined whether or not (a combination mode of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is displayed). It should be noted that the stop eye particularly when all the reels are in a stopped state is sometimes referred to as an outcome.

  In step S301, if the winning symbol is aligned on any active line, this determination is satisfied, and the following steps S302, S305, S308, S312, and S316 are performed according to the winning symbol that is aligned. , S318.

  In step S302, it is determined whether BB symbols are available. If the BB symbols are aligned on any of the effective lines (“red 7 symbol-red 7 symbol-red 7 symbol”), this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S303.

  In step S303, a blessing sound effect command notifying that the BB symbols are ready is transmitted to the sub-board 449. In response to the blessing sound effect command, the sub-control board 449 outputs a blessing sound effect from the speaker 510 or the like (generates a sound effect). The blessing sound effect includes a message for informing a fanfare or BB.

  In the next step S304, a BB game game process is executed. Here, as the BB game, a plurality of games where it is easy to acquire medals are concentrated. A detailed description of the BB game game process will be given later.

  In step S305, it is determined whether RB symbols are available. When the RB symbols are aligned on any of the effective lines (“White 7 symbol-Red 7 symbol-Red 7 symbol”), this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S306.

  In step S306, a blessing sound effect command notifying that the RB symbols are ready is transmitted to the sub-board 449. In response to the blessing sound effect command, the sub-control board 449 outputs a blessing sound effect from the speaker 510 or the like (generates a sound effect). The blessing sound effect includes a message for informing a fanfare or RB. Further, the blessing sound effect at this time is a sound effect different from the blessing sound effect when the BB symbols are arranged, and is easily identified visually by the player.

  In the next step S307, an RB game game process is executed. Here, as the RB game, a plurality of (twice) games that are easy to acquire medals according to the BB game are concentrated. A detailed description of the RB game processing will be described later.

  In step S308, it is determined whether the small role symbols are available. When the small role symbols are aligned on any of the effective lines (“Ripbell symbol-Bell symbol-Bell symbol” or “ANY-ANY-Cherry symbol”), this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next step S309.

  In step S309, a medal payout command is output to the medal releasing device 110 in order to execute the provision of a prescribed number of medals as game bonuses for the small roles corresponding to the aligned small role symbols. Further, at this time, a payout sound effect command notifying that the small role symbols are prepared is transmitted to the sub-board 449.

  In the next step S310, as a payout process, the prescribed number of medals are paid out from the medal releasing device 110, and the sub-control board 449 outputs a payout sound effect from the speaker 510 or the like. (Sound effect is generated). The payout sound effects may be provided as separate sound effects corresponding to the respective small roles, or may be the same sound effects.

  In step S311, the internal lottery flag at this time (referred to as a small combination establishment flag or small combination flag) is set to OFF, and the process ends.

  In step S312, it is determined whether replay symbols are available. When the replay symbols are aligned on any of the effective lines (“Ripbell symbol-Replay symbol-Replay symbol”), this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S313.

  In step S313, a sound effect command notifying that the replay symbols are ready is transmitted to the sub-board 449. In response to the blessing sound effect command, the sub-control board 449 outputs a blessing sound effect from the speaker 510 or the like (generates a sound effect).

  In the next step S314, replay game processing is executed. In this replay game process, a MAX bet command is temporarily stored in, for example, the RAM 1114 in order to start the next game with the same bet number (MAX bet in this example) as the bet number in the game. Based on this command, the next game can be started as a replay.

  In step S315, the internal lottery flag (replay establishment flag, replay flag) at this time is turned OFF, and the process ends.

  In step S316, it is determined whether UNBB symbols are available. If UNBB symbols are aligned on any active line ("Ripbell symbol-Bell symbol-Replay symbol"), this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S317.

  In step S317, UNBB game processing is executed. Here, unlike the above-described BB game and RB game, a plurality of games that are easy to acquire medals are not concentrated and the BB lottery is performed until the total number of medals to be paid out reaches a specified number. The game that is not played will continue. A detailed description of the UNBB game processing will be described later.

  In addition, when UNBB symbols are prepared, no blessing sound effect for notifying that UNBB symbols are prepared is not performed. This does not display the image display 500 or the like. Accordingly, the fact that the UNBB symbols are prepared is hidden from the player.

    In step S318, it is determined whether CB symbols are available. If CB symbols are aligned on any active line (“ANY-ANY-star symbol”), this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S319.

  In step S319, a CB game game process is executed. In this CB game process, in the next game, all the internal lottery flags are set to ON so that symbols corresponding to all of the winning combinations except for BB, RB, and replay are arranged in the next game. The CB command to be stored is temporarily stored in the RAM 1114, for example. Based on this command, in the next game, it is possible to create a state in which any of the winning symbols corresponding to the internal lottery flag that has been turned ON can be aligned.

  In step S320, the internal lottery flag (CB establishment flag, CB flag) at this time is turned OFF, and the process ends.

  In addition, when the CB symbols are prepared, no sound effect or the like is given to notify the same as when the UNBB symbols are prepared, and the display by the image display 500 or the like is not performed. Therefore, the fact that the CB symbols are prepared is hidden from the player.

  If none of the winning combination symbols are on the active line, the determinations in steps S302, S305, S308, S312, S316, and S318 are not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S321. The outcome at this time is the so-called “losing eye”.

  In step S321, a losing process is executed. In this losing process, the internal lottery flag that is ON at this time is confirmed, and the internal lottery flags other than BB and RB are turned OFF.

  Therefore, when the internal lottery flag other than BB and RB corresponds to the establishment flag, “missing” is determined at this point.

  On the other hand, when the internal lottery flag of BB and RB corresponds to the establishment flag, the internal lottery flag does not disappear by this loss process. That is, the internal lottery flags of BB and RB are taken over (or carried over) to the next game (or the game after the next). Therefore, for BB and RB, the internal lottery flag can be carried over until the corresponding winning combination symbols can be arranged without “missing”. In addition to being able to play the game without worrying about the “losing out” of the winning role, which has a higher profit level than other winning roles such as BB and RB, for players with low skill level, It is also possible to practice many times until the BB symbols (RB symbols) can be aligned.

  As described above, in the determination process, any process (BB game game process, SB game game process, replay game process, payout process, loss process) is performed from the outcome in the symbol display window 401, and the process ends. . Below, the detail of BB game game processing and SB game game processing is demonstrated.

[BB game processing]
When the BB symbols are prepared in the above determination process, the BB game is started in the BB game game process. In FIG. 39, details of the BB game processing will be described.

  In step S401, first, as an initialization process, the internal lottery flag of the BB that is in the ON state is turned OFF. Next, the winning value of each winning combination is changed to a winning value for the BB game. Although not shown in particular, the winning value table is changed to a winning value table for the BB game (referred to as a BB game determination table). This BB game determination table holds a lot of winning values for BB game exclusive roles, and the range of allowable winning values is determined so that the winning probability of the BB game exclusive combination is about 1 / 1.7. In addition, the winning value of other small roles (bell, cherry) is not changed, and the winning value of the exclusive role for the BB game corresponds to the winning value corresponding to most of the lost game, replay, and BB. Therefore, in the determination table for BB game, BB and replay are not won, and there is very little loss.

  In this way, in the BB game, almost every game, BB game exclusive role, or bell or cherry is won. Further, since the prescribed number of medals to be paid out in the exclusive role for the BB game is 15, medals can be efficiently acquired and increased in the BB game.

  Further, in the slot machine 1, during the BB game, the number of times of a single game is limited to MAX betting (three times) as in the normal game. Accordingly, the player can play the game without feeling any particular discomfort compared to the normal game.

  In the next step S402, the start-up process described above is executed. Next, in step S403, the reel stop process described above is executed. Since the contents of the start process and the reel stop process are the same as those already described, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step S404, it is confirmed from the appearance mode in the symbol display window 401 whether the winning combination symbol is aligned on any active line (whether the symbol combination mode corresponding to the winning combination is displayed).

  In step S405, the BB game number counter is incremented by one. Further, the number of BB games (the total number of games during the BB game) is displayed on the image display body 500. Note that an LED or the like for displaying the number of games may be newly provided and displayed on the LED.

  Next, in step S406, it is determined whether or not the BB game exclusive role symbol or small role symbol (bell symbol, cherry symbol) is available. If any of these winning symbols is complete, this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S407.

  In step S <b> 407, a prescribed number of medals payout command is output to the medal releasing device 110 and a medal payout sound effect command is transmitted to the sub-board 449.

  In step S408, as the payout process, the prescribed number of medals are paid out from the medal releasing device 110, and the sub-control board 449 outputs a payout sound effect from the speaker 510 or the like (generates a sound effect). .

  In step S409, the cumulative payout counter is incremented by the number of medals paid out in step S408, and the process proceeds to next step S410. Moreover, also when the determination of said step S406 is not satisfy | filled (when neither a BB game exclusive role symbol or a small role symbol is prepared), it also moves to step S410. The cumulative payout number is also displayed on the image display 500. An LED or the like for displaying the cumulative payout number may be newly provided and displayed on the LED.

  Next, in step S410, the internal lottery flag (establishment flag) at this time is turned OFF, and the process proceeds to the next step S411.

  In step S411, the end determination of the BB game is executed. In this end determination, it is determined whether or not the BB game itself should be ended. Until this determination is satisfied, the process returns to step S402 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  The condition (BB game end condition) that satisfies the end determination in step S411 is a case where medals have been paid out (the cumulative payout number exceeds 300) exceeding a prescribed number (for example, 300). In addition to this, a condition in which the end determination is satisfied may be a case where a predetermined number of games are ended.

  In the BB game, when the cumulative payout number of medals exceeds 300, the end determination in step S411 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to the next step S412.

  Finally, in step S412, as the end process, the winning value of each winning combination is returned from the BB game determination table to the original winning value table, and the BB game game process ends.

  Only during the BB game, the bet number may be changed from that of the base game. Thus, the player can clearly recognize that the game is clearly different from the normal game (BB game).

[RB game processing]
Next, in FIG. 40, the details of the RB game processing will be described.

  In step S501, as an initialization process, the internal lottery flag of the RB that is in the ON state is turned OFF. Next, the winning value of each winning combination is changed to a winning value for the RB game. Although not particularly illustrated, the winning value table is changed to an RB game winning value table (referred to as an RB game determination table). As the RB game determination table, the above-described BB game determination table is also used. Note that an RB game determination table may be separately provided as long as the load on the main board 409 (ROM 1112 or the like) is not compressed.

  Therefore, even in the RB game, there is a high possibility of winning the exclusive role for the BB game, or the bell or cherry.

  In addition, during the RB game, as in the normal game, the number of times that one game can be multiplied is only MAX bet (three). Accordingly, the player can play the game without feeling any particular discomfort compared to the normal game.

  In the next step S502, the start-up process described above is executed. Next, in step S503, the reel stop process described above is executed. Since the contents of the start process and the reel stop process are the same as those already described, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step S504, it is confirmed from the appearance of the symbol in the symbol display window 401 whether or not the winning combination symbol is aligned on any active line (whether the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed).

  In step S505, the RB game number counter is incremented by one. Further, the number of RB games (the total number of games in the RB game) is displayed on the image display body 500. Note that an LED or the like for displaying the number of games may be newly provided and displayed on the LED.

  Next, in step S506, it is determined whether or not the BB game exclusive role symbol or small role symbol (bell symbol, cherry symbol) is available. If any of these winning symbols is complete, this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S507.

  In step S507, a command for paying out a prescribed number of medals is output to the medal releasing device 110, and a medal payout sound effect command is transmitted to the sub-board 449.

  In step S508, as the payout process, the prescribed number of medals are paid out from the medal releasing device 110, and the sub-control board 449 outputs a payout sound effect (generates a sound effect) from the speaker 510 or the like. .

  In step S509, the cumulative payout counter is incremented by the number of medals paid out in step S508, and the process proceeds to next step S510. In addition, when the determination in step S506 is not satisfied (when neither the BB game exclusive role symbol nor the small role symbol is available), the process proceeds to step S510. The cumulative payout number is also displayed on the image display 500. An LED or the like for displaying the cumulative payout number may be newly provided and displayed on the LED.

  Next, in step S510, the internal lottery flag (establishment flag) at this time is turned OFF, and the process proceeds to the next step S511.

  In step S511, an RB game end determination is executed. In this end determination, it is determined whether or not the RB game itself should be ended. Until this determination is satisfied, the process returns to step S502 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  The condition (RB game end condition) that satisfies the end determination in step S511 is a case where the cumulative number of games in the RB game reaches a specified number (for example, 2 times).

  In the RB game, when the cumulative number of games reaches twice, the end determination in step S511 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to the next step S512.

  Finally, in step S512, the winning value of each winning combination is returned from the RB game determination table to the original winning value table as the end process, and the RB game game process ends.

  Note that only during the RB game, the number of bets may be changed from that of the base game. Thus, the player can clearly recognize that the game is clearly different from the normal game (RB game).

[UNBB game processing]
In the UNBB game, the game is advanced without displaying, informing or notifying anything at all until the start, midway and end of the game. In FIG. 41, the details of the UNBB game processing will be described.

  First, in step S601, as an initialization process, the UNBB internal lottery flag that is in the ON state is turned OFF. Next, the winning value of each winning combination is changed to a winning value for the UNBB game (see FIG. 36C described above).

  Accordingly, in the UNBB game, there are some winning combinations that are not won (in this example, replay, BB), but for other winning combinations, the game progresses with almost no change in the winning probability.

  In addition, during the UNBB game, as in the normal game, the number of times of a single game is only MAX bet (multiple). Thereby, it can be made difficult for the player to distinguish whether the UNBB game is being played or the normal game is being played. Here, since the replay is not drawn during the UNBB game, for example, when the game is played several tens of times, it will be noticed if attention is paid to the replay winning situation (in this case, the situation is not won at all). There is a possibility. In other words, the replay has a role as a clue to determine the gaming state. However, since the winning situation (including replays) of each winning role by internal lottery will be biased even in a regular game, there are possibilities that even if it is not won for replaying over 10 or 10 times It is possible. Therefore, it is necessary to pass a considerable number of games before the player is convinced that the UNBB game is being played, and it can be said that the end condition of the UNBB game, which will be described later, is often satisfied. . In other words, it can only be used as a guessing material, and it will soon notice that the player is playing the UNBB game (with a few games) (as a result, it will be discouraged). This can be avoided as much as possible.

  In the next step S602, the above-described starting process is executed. Next, in step S603, the reel stop process described above is executed. Since the contents of the start process and the reel stop process are the same as those already described, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step S604, it is confirmed from the appearance mode in the symbol display window 401 whether the winning combination symbol is aligned on any active line (whether the symbol combination mode corresponding to the winning combination is displayed).

  In step S605, the UNBB game number counter is incremented by one. In addition, the number of UNBB games (total number of games during the UNBB game) is not particularly displayed on the image display 500 or the like, or otherwise notified (notified). That is, it is completely hidden from the player.

  Next, in step S606, it is determined whether or not the small role symbols (bell symbols, cherry symbols) are prepared. If the small role symbols are ready, this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S607.

  In step S <b> 607, a command for paying out a prescribed number of medals is output to the medal releasing device 110, and a medal payout sound effect command is transmitted to the sub board 449.

  In step S608, as the payout process, the prescribed number of medals are paid out from the medal releasing device 110, and the sub-control board 449 outputs a payout sound effect (generates a sound effect) from the speaker 510 or the like. .

  In step S609, the cumulative payout counter is incremented by the number of medals paid out in step S608, and the process proceeds to next step S610. The cumulative number of payouts is not displayed on the image display body 500 or the like, or otherwise notified (notified). That is, it is completely hidden from the player.

  If the determination in step S606 is not satisfied (when the small role symbols are not complete), the process proceeds to step S621, and it is determined whether or not the CB symbols are aligned. If the CB symbols are ready, this determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S622.

  In step S622, a CB game process is executed. Since the contents of this CB game process are the same as those already described, detailed description thereof is omitted. Then, the process proceeds to step S610.

  Next, in step S610, the internal lottery flag (establishment flag) at this time is turned OFF, and the process proceeds to the next step S611.

  In step S611, the end determination of the UNBB game is executed. In this end determination, it is determined whether or not the UNBB game itself should be ended. Until this determination is satisfied, the process returns to step S602 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  The condition (UNBB game end condition) for satisfying the end determination in step S611 is when there is a payout of medals exceeding the specified number (for example, 100) (the cumulative payout number exceeds 100). In addition to this, a condition in which the end determination is satisfied may be a case where a predetermined number of games are ended. For example, the prescribed number of games may be such that the cumulative payout number reaches about 100 in the normal game.

  In the UNBB game, when the cumulative payout number of medals exceeds 100, the end determination in step S611 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to the next step S612.

  If the determination in step S621 is not satisfied (when the CB symbols are not aligned), the process proceeds to step S631 to determine whether the RB symbols are aligned. If the RB symbols are not aligned, this determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to Step S610. The contents after step S610 are as described above.

  If the RB symbols are ready, the determination at Step S621 is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S632.

  In step S632, a blessing sound effect command notifying that the RB symbols are ready is transmitted to the sub-board 449. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S633.

  In the next step S633, an RB game game process is executed. Then, the process proceeds to step S612. Since steps S632 and S633 are the same as those already described, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Finally, in step S612, as the end process, the winning value of each winning combination is returned from the UNBB game determination table to the original winning value table, and the UNBB game process ends.

  From the above, it can be said that the UNBB game may end as a feature even if the end determination is not satisfied. In other words, if the RB is won during the UNBB game, the UNBB game is forcibly terminated. Therefore, the method of escaping from the disadvantageous situation that the BB lottery is not performed in the UNBB game is either to pay out a prescribed number of medals or win an RB.

[Various productions]
The above is an example of control by the main board 409, but in the slot machine 1, various effect operations can be controlled (effect process) by the sub board 449 as the game progresses. As already described, this is executed by the CPU 1118 of the sub-board 449 based on various commands output from the main board 409.

  For example, various effect processes can be executed in accordance with the gaming state such as a normal game and a BB game. In the various effects processing, display by the image display body 500, generation of sound effects by the speaker 510 or the like, and light emission or lighting by LED decoration or the like can be executed as various effects. These various effects can entertain the player visually or auditorily (or tactilely) and further enhance the fun of the game.

  In addition, it is possible to execute an effect mode corresponding to a game result (an internal lottery result, a result of determination processing, etc.) or an effect mode not corresponding to a game result.

  Specifically, the production mode corresponding to the result of the game is to execute a mode (for example, display of “bonus confirmation”) that notifies that when the lottery result of the internal lottery becomes BB. is there. This is performed quickly when the player starts the start operation or finishes the stop process, thereby quickly knowing that the player has an opportunity to win a large number of medals such as BB. It becomes possible. You can also notify winnings such as small roles and replays.

  In addition, the production mode that does not correspond to the game result is to execute a mode that pretends that a small role, replay, BB or the like is won when the lottery result of the internal lottery is lost. . This is also executed when the player starts the start operation or finishes the stop process, thereby making the player have a sense of expectation.

  Furthermore, since various presentation processes can be executed based on the progress of the game, they can be executed at any time in connection with a series of operations (operations for advancing the game) performed by the player. For example, it is possible to suddenly produce an effect after a while after the start operation is accepted, or to produce an effect each time each reel stops due to a stop operation by the player.

  Various effects are executed by the image display body 500, the speaker 510, LED decoration, and the like, but are not limited thereto. For example, instead of the image display body 500, an EL display (Electroluminescence Display) or a dot LED may be used. Furthermore, dolls imitating characters, movable models, etc., and side reels (for example, they are placed at different positions from each reel, and can be started and stopped regardless of player operations as part of the production. It is also possible to provide various effects by providing illumination such as a lamp (for example, a rotatable light represented by a rotating lamp). By adopting such a method, it is possible to sufficiently entertain the player without using a liquid crystal display or the like.

[Payment notice]
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, advance payout can be executed. That is, apart from the payout of a prescribed number of medals after the determination processing (see FIG. 38) after the reels 301a, 301b, 301c are stopped by the reel stop processing as described above (see FIG. 37), If the bell or cherry is won, the medals can be paid out before the reels 301a, 301b and 301c are stopped.

  Specifically, when start lever 210 is operated (YES in step S104), a random number is extracted (step S106), flag processing is executed (step S107), and it is determined whether the small combination flag is established. Here, when the small role flag is ON, that is, when the winning of a bell or cherry is made, whether or not to pay out medals in advance is determined by lottery (notice execution lottery means). Further, when the advance payout is determined, it is determined by lottery at which timing the advance payout is performed (notice timing lottery means). The payout execution timing is based on the timing based on the operation of the start lever 210 (for example, immediately after the reels 301a, 301b, 301c start to rotate), and on the first stop operation among the stop operations on the reels 301a, 301b, 301c. The timing is determined to be one of timing (for example, immediately after the first reel is stopped) and timing based on the second stop operation (for example, immediately after the second reel is stopped).

  Then, the game medium is paid out at the timing determined by the lottery (pre-payout means). The payout of game media is realized by the same processing as the payout processing (steps S309 and S310) already described. Specifically, a prescribed number of payout operations are instructed to the medal releasing device 110. Thereby, a prescribed number of medals are paid out. In this case, payout in the determination process is not performed. In particular, when the game medium is paid out in advance, the top lamp 30 (light unit) is turned on (payout notification means).

  By the way, by instructing the medal releasing device 110 to perform a specified number of payout operations, the payout number display LED 612 displays the payout number. However, in the present embodiment, the payout number display LED 612 has a small contrast between the light emitting portion and the non-light emitting portion so that the displayed payout number becomes difficult to see at first glance. Specifically, it is exemplified that the light emission amount is reduced or a filter is employed on the display surface.

  As described in detail above, in the present embodiment, advance payout of game media can be executed. That is, when a bell or cherry as a specific winning combination is won, medals can be paid out before the reels 301a, 301b, 301c are stopped. As a result, winning a bell or cherry in a normal gaming state can have an impact, and even if the opportunity of a BB game is not obtained continuously, avoid getting bored of the player as much as possible. can do. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the interest of the game.

  In addition, when the game medium is paid out in advance, the top lamp 30 is turned on. As described above, when the LED 32L is caused to emit light, the top lamp 30 can reflect and diffuse light in a complicated manner, and can realize a light emission state with a strong appeal. Therefore, winning the specific winning combination in the normal gaming state can be made more impactful. In addition, advance payout can be notified visually. As a result, in addition to the surprise of advance payout, it is possible to visually confirm that the payout has been made, and to give a sense of security to the game.

  Furthermore, the top lamp 30 is realized with a simple structure having LEDs arranged in an array and a light guide plate arranged in front of the LED as main components, and there is no need to add a lens or the like. Absent. Therefore, the top lamp 30 of this embodiment can be manufactured at a very low cost.

  Further, in the present embodiment, whether or not to perform advance payout is determined by lottery, and when it is determined to perform advance payout, medals are paid out by the advance payout means. Thereby, the advance payout can be appropriately executed by making the lottery probability appropriate. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which, in advance, frequent payouts are an obstacle to interest.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the payout execution timing is the timing based on the operation of the start lever 210, the timing based on the first stop operation among the stop operations of the reels 301a, 301b, and 301c, and the second stop operation. It is determined by lottery at any one of the timings based on. In this way, the player can be surprised by the sudden payout based on the operation of the start lever 210 and the sudden payout based on the stop operation by the stop buttons 211a, 211b, 211c. As a result, the operation of the start lever 210 and the stop operation itself by the stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c are highly interesting and contribute to the enhancement of the fun of the game.

  The payout number display LED 612 displays the payout number by paying out the game medium. In this embodiment, the payout number display LED 612 emits light so that the displayed payout number is difficult to see at first glance. The contrast between the portion and the non-light emitting portion is small. This leads to a situation in which the exact payout number of medals is not known at first glance, and it is assumed that the specific winning combination is probably a bell because there were probably about 6 payouts. Can do. In this sense, the interest of the game can be improved.

  The reels 301a, 301b, and 301c in the present embodiment correspond to a “movable display”, the symbol variation display device 300 corresponds to a “symbol variation display device”, the symbol display window 401 corresponds to a “symbol display unit”, The stop buttons 211a, 211b, and 211c correspond to “stop operation means”. 34 corresponds to the process as “internal lottery means”, and step S5 corresponds to the process as “movable display body stop control means” and “specific winning mode display means”. S7 corresponds to processing as “game medium payout means”. Further, the top lamp 30 corresponds to the “light unit”, the light emitting substrate 32 corresponds to the “light emitting portion”, the light guide plates 35U and 35L correspond to the “light guide plate”, and the sub substrate 449 serves as the “payout notification means”. The payout number display LED 612 corresponds to “payout number display means”, and the main board 409 corresponds to “payout number display control means”.

  The above is one form of the slot machine 1 of the present invention, but is not limited to this. In addition, there is a type of spinning-type game machine using a game ball, which is also suitable as an embodiment.

It is a disassembled perspective view of a slot machine. It is a disassembled perspective view of the slot machine which shows the state which omitted the door-shaped front member. It is a perspective view of a slot machine. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the slot machine which shows the state which abbreviate | omitted the door-shaped front member. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a Z1 part in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion Z1 in FIG. 4 showing a state in which the connector holder is moved. It is a cross-sectional view of the slot machine showing a state in which the door-shaped front member is omitted. FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of a portion Z2 in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8B is an enlarged view of a portion Z2 in FIG. 7 showing a state where the connector holder is moved. It is an enlarged view which shows the principal part of Fig.8 (a). It is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the slot machine showing the back plate side. It is a disassembled perspective view of a case member. It is the perspective view which looked at the case member from back. (A), (b) is a perspective view of the principal part of a case member explaining the temporarily fixed state of a connector holder. It is a disassembled perspective view of a wiring relay member. It is the front view which abbreviate | omitted the cover body of the wiring relay member. It is a disassembled perspective view of a connector holder. It is a perspective view of the stopper which stops a case member. It is a perspective view of the stopper which shows another form. It is sectional drawing of the principal part which shows the guide structure of a case member. It is sectional drawing of the principal part which shows the guide structure of a case member. It is a fragmentary perspective view of the symbol variation display apparatus which shows the other form of a handle. It is a perspective view of the principal part which shows the relationship between a case member and the stopper of the outer main body side. It is sectional drawing of the principal part which shows the relationship between a wiring window and the reel of a design variation display apparatus. 2 is a perspective view showing a structure of a top lamp 30. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a top lamp 30. FIG. 2 is a plan view and a side sectional view of the top lamp 30. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the top view of 35 L of light guide plates. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the advancing state of the light in the light guide plate 35L. FIG. 3 is a development view in which a symbol array of a reel band is developed in a plane. It is an enlarged view of the symbol display window 401 part. It is the schematic which shows roughly the structure of the various mechanism elements with which the slot machine is equipped, an electronic device, an operation member, etc. It is a correspondence table | surface which shows the combination aspect of the symbol corresponding to each winning combination, and its game privilege. It is a payout table showing a combination mode of symbols corresponding to each winning combination directed to a player and a gaming privilege thereof. It is a flowchart which shows the basic 1 game processing procedure in the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a starting process. It is an extraction random number value hit value determination table (various). It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a reel stop process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of BB game game processing. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of RB game game processing. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a UNBB game game process.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Slot machine (game machine)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 ... Top lamp 100 ... Outer main body 104 ... Back board 112 ... Power supply device 113 ... Wiring relay member 119 ... Main body side wirings 128 ... Supporting cylinder 300 ... Symbol variation display apparatus 400 ... Case member 409 ... Main board 418 ... Temporary fixing member 423: Case side wiring 425, 427 ... Connector 428 ... Connector holder 500 ... Image display

Claims (1)

It has a movable display body having a symbol band provided with a plurality of symbols as a symbol row, and a symbol variation display device having a plurality of the movable display bodies, and executes an internal lottery by a game start operation following the insertion of a game medium. When a plurality of the movable display bodies are started to rotate and a stop operation of the movable display bodies is accepted, a result of one game is displayed on the symbol variation display device, and a game medium is paid out based on the results. In gaming machines that perform
A symbol display unit that allows a part of the symbol of the symbol belt to be visually recognized in the stop state of the movable display body;
As the internal lottery, internal lottery means for selecting at least one of a plurality of winning combinations and lost combinations predetermined for each game;
A stop operation means for receiving the stop operation for each of the movable display bodies to individually stop the rotation of the movable display bodies;
Based on the result of the stop operation by the stop operation means and the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means, a movable display body stop control means for controlling the stop of the movable display body,
Game medium payout means for paying out the game medium corresponding to the winning combination when the winning aspect is displayed at a display position where the winning aspect as the combination aspect of the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is effective in the symbol display unit When,
An optical unit for notifying a predetermined state by being emitted during the game,
In the symbol band of the movable display body, the symbols constituting the specific winning aspect corresponding to the specific winning combination as the winning combination are arranged for each predetermined range of the symbol row,
The movable display body stop control means performs the pull-in control in the predetermined range based on the stop operation by the stop operation means when the specific winning combination is selected by the internal lottery means, and thus the effective display A specific winning mode display means capable of displaying the specific winning mode at a position;
further,
A pre-payout means for paying out a game medium corresponding to the specific winning combination before all of the movable display bodies are stopped when the specific winning combination is selected by the internal lottery means and a predetermined condition is satisfied; ,
A gaming machine comprising: a payout notifying means for notifying the advance payout by causing the optical unit to emit light when a game medium is paid out in advance by the advance payout means.