JP2008200160A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of performing a novel performance by expressing the notice of an internal state not only by visual sense but also by tactile sense. <P>SOLUTION: The switch body 91 of an operation switch is provided with an expansion body 93 formed of an elastic member for covering the pressurizing operation part of the switch body 91, and a filler supplier 20 capable of supplying a filler from the inside of the game machine to the expansion body 93. By supplying the filler from the filler supplier 20 to a space part 93B formed inside the expansion body 93 at the prescribed time during a game, the expansion body 93 is expanded. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a lottery for winning determination is performed and a game is played by operating a predetermined operation switch.

In this type of game machine, for example, a slot machine, various means are used to produce effects such as notification of internal winnings. For example, a gaming machine has been devised in which a rubber sheet is placed on a top lamp of a gaming machine, and an effect is produced by inflating it by injecting air (see Patent Document 1). On the other hand, a technique is known in which the grip portion of the operation lever is formed in a rubber ball shape and is deformed during operation to detect whether the grip portion is operated or the magnitude of the grip force (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-73224 A JP 2000-197772 A

However, in the conventional gaming machine, the shape of the push operation switch itself has changed, and there has been no notification of winning or the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of expressing a notification of an internal state not only visually but also by tactile sensation and performing a novel effect.

The present invention has been made to achieve the above-described object, and features of the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In addition, the code | symbol in parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.
(Feature point)
(Claim 1)
The invention described in claim 1 is characterized by the following points.
That is, the invention described in claim 1 includes a button-like pressing operation switch (stop button 90) for operating the gaming machine, and a winning lottery means (110) for performing a lottery for determining whether or not the player has won. And a gaming machine configured to give a profit to a player when the lottery result of the winning determination is a winning and the gaming machine is in a predetermined winning mode.

The gaming machine according to the present invention can be a slot machine or a parrot gaming machine, and in addition to the above configuration, a rotating reel (40) displaying a plurality of symbols, and a payout for paying out game media when winning a prize The apparatus (hopper unit 65) and other components may be provided. The “game medium” includes medals, game balls (pachinko balls), coins and the like used for games.
The operation switch (90) is a button switch related to the operation of the gaming machine, a stop switch (50) for stopping the rotation of the rotary reel (40), a bet switch ( Including those that function as 16). Note that the gaming machine may include, for example, a lever-shaped operation switch in addition to the button-shaped operation switch (90), and may include a plurality of operation switches (90).

The lottery of the winning determination is performed by comparing, for example, a random number and a winning determination table defining a predetermined winning area, and the winning determination to which the extracted random number value at the time of operation of the start switch (30), for example, belongs to a predetermined time during the game. A predetermined area on the table (a hit / losing area) is stored as a lottery result by, for example, establishing a winning flag.
Note that “giving profits to players” at the time of winning a prize includes not only paying out game media such as medals and prizes, but also adding points and shifting to a game advantageous to the players. .
In the present invention, the operation switch (90) includes at least a switch body (91) and an expansion body (93) formed of an elastic member and covering the pressing operation portion of the switch body (91). In addition, this gaming machine includes a filling material supply device (20) capable of supplying a filling material from the inside of the gaming machine to the expansion body (93).

Then, when the filler is supplied from the filler supply device (20) to the space portion (expansion space 93B) formed inside the expansion body (93), the expansion body (93) expands. The filling material supply device (20) supplies the filling material to the expansion body (93) at a predetermined time during the game including the case where the lottery result of the winning lottery means (110) is won. The expansion body (93) is expanded.
The switch body (91) is formed so that the switch is turned ON when pressed, and is a cylinder that is slidably supported inside a predetermined exterior member (outer cylinder 92). be able to. In addition to the above configuration, the operation switch (90) has a sensor for detecting the movement of the switch body (91) and a part of the switch body (91) (pressing operation part) so that it always protrudes from the exterior member. It has a spring that urges it.

The inflatable body (93) is formed of rubber, rubber, or the like, and is a pressing operation portion of the switch body (91), that is, a portion exposed to the outside from the gaming machine, and a portion that is pressed by the player It covers. In addition, a space portion (93B) that can be filled with a filler is formed inside the expansion body (93). The “inside of the expanding body (93)” includes the inside of the member forming the expanding body (93) and the inside of the expanding body (93). In other words, the “space portion” includes both a space formed inside the expansion body (93) itself and a space of a gap between the expansion body (93) and the switch body (91).
That is, the expansion body (93) can be a sheet-like member covered on the surface of the pressing operation portion of the switch body (91), or a block-like member having the space portion (93B) It can also be embedded in the switch body (91) so that (93B) is positioned in the pressing operation portion of the switch body (91).

The filling material supply device (20) is a device for inflating the expansion body (93) by supplying a predetermined filling material, and is disposed inside the gaming machine. Here, the “filler” includes a gas, a liquid, and a fluid, and the filler supply device (20) can be a device that can discharge the filler.
Further, the filling material supply device (20) may be provided with a supply path (pipe, tube, etc.) for supplying the filling material to the expansion body (93). It may be formed so that suction can be performed. Furthermore, the filler supply device (20) may supply the filler directly to the expansion body (93) or supply the filler to the expansion body (93) via the switch body (91). There may be. The operation control of the filling material supply device (20) is performed by a control device (for example, the effect control device 220) provided inside the gaming machine.

Here, “the predetermined time during the game including the case where the lottery result wins the predetermined winning role” means not only the case where the expansion body (93) is inflated to notify it at the time of so-called internal winning, In the case of not winning, the expansion body (93) is expanded with a predetermined probability.
In addition, when the slot machine is taken as an example, the “predetermined time during the game” is the first stop of the stop switch (50) from the start switch (30) operation to the first stop operation of the stop switch (50). During the operation from the operation to the second stop operation, etc., the operation switch can be operated, after the operation, or during the operation, or the operation switch such as the start switch (30) can be operated or predetermined from the time of winning. It can also be the time. Alternatively, a case where a lottery for determining whether to open or close the opening / closing member (90) is won can also be adopted. That is, it is possible to appropriately set at which timing during the game the filling supply device (20) is operated or stopped.

(Function)
In the present invention, during a game in which the notification effect is not performed, the filling material supply device (20) does not supply the filling material, and the expansion body (93) is contracted. Even if the operation switch (90) is pressed in this state, it does not change from a normal operation feeling. Then, when the gaming state corresponds to a predetermined performance execution condition, the filling material supply device (20) is discharged to supply the filling material to the expansion body (93). As a result, the expansion body (93) expands, and the pressing operation portion of the switch body (91) expands and protrudes. This shape change can be confirmed visually, and if the operation switch (90) is pressed in this state, the pressing operation part expands and the user feels a different operating sensation. A certain production can be performed.

In the present invention, the inner filling material may be discharged by the pressing operation and the expansion body (93) may be contracted, or the expansion body (93) may not be contracted by the pressing operation. Alternatively, the expansion body (93) may be contracted by sucking the filler.
(Claim 2)
The invention described in claim 2 is characterized by the following points in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 described above.
That is, the invention according to claim 2 is provided with a discharge portion that can discharge the filling material filled therein by the pressing force to the expansion body (93) accompanying the pressing operation of the operation switch (90). It is characterized by that.

The present invention is configured such that when the operation switch (90) in the inflated state is pressed, the internal filling is discharged and the expander (93) contracts.
Here, the “exhaust part” includes a passage communicating with an external space provided in the switch body (91) or the expansion body (93), and is filled in the expansion body (93) by pressing. Can be a hole through which air is extruded (exhaust hole 93C) or an opening.
The present invention is suitable for injecting air as a filler. Further, in the present invention, in order to prevent the filling material from leaking out from the discharge portion while the filling material supply device (20) is supplying the filling material, the filling material is allowed to pass through the discharging portion during the supply of the filling material. First, it is preferable to provide an opening / closing means (exhaust valve 97) that allows the filler to pass through when the expansion body (93) is pressed.

According to the present invention, when the operation switch (90) is pressed, the expanding body (93) is crushed, so that it is possible to give an operation feeling different from operating the expanding pressing operation unit. .
(Claim 3)
The invention described in claim 3 has the following features in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 described above.
That is, in the invention according to claim 3, the expansion (93) of the expansion body is maintained by supplying the filling material to the expansion body (93), and the filling material supply device (20) is connected to the expansion body (93). The expansion body (93) is formed to contract by sucking the filler filled in the container.

In the present invention, the expansion body (93) is not contracted by a pressing operation, and the expansion body (93) is contracted by suction of the internal filling. That is, the expansion / contraction of the expansion body (93) is controlled by the operation of the filler supply device (20).
Here, “the expansion is maintained by the supply of the filling material” means that, in the state where the filling material is filled in the space portion (93B) of the expansion body (93), the filling material is the space portion ( 93B) means not discharged outside. Therefore, when the operation switch (90) is pressed in the filled state, the expanded body (93) in the expanded state is pressed.
Then, the filling material supply device (20) is aspirated to extract the filling material from the space (93B) of the expanding expansion body (93), whereby the expansion body (93) is contracted and a stop switch ( 90) returns to the original state.

According to the present invention, the expansion body (93) can be kept inflated for a certain time regardless of whether or not the operation switch (90) is pressed.
(Claim 4)
The invention described in claim 4 is characterized by the following points in addition to the features of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 3.
That is, the invention according to claim 3 is provided with a plurality of the operation switches (90), and the filling material supply device (20) individually supplies the filling materials to the plurality of operation switches (90). It is characterized by being formed.

In the present invention, a plurality of operation switches (90) can be expanded at different timings. For example, in a slot machine, it can be used for three stop switches (50) for stopping the rotation of the rotary reel (40).
Here, as means for supplying the filler to the expansion bodies (93) of the plurality of operation switches (90), in addition to providing a plurality of filler supply devices (20), each of the filler supply device (20) and each A filler flow path changing means (for example, the supply control valve 22) can be provided in the filler supply path between the operation switch (90).
According to the present invention, the expansion effect of the operation switch (90) can be made rich in variations.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of expressing a notification of an internal state not only visually but also by tactile sensation and capable of executing a novel effect.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine.
(Explanation of drawings)
1 to 9 show an embodiment of the present invention.
1 is an external front view of the slot machine 1, FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 are sectional views of the stop switch 50, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the stop switch 50, and FIG. FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 are flowcharts showing the operation of the slot machine 1.
(Slot machine 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 has a box-shaped housing 11, and a front door 3 that can close and lock the front opening of the housing 11 can be opened and closed on the front surface of the housing 11. It is attached.

The front door 3 is formed with a display window 12 facing the player, and the display window 12 is formed with a symbol display window 13 through which the symbols of the three rotating reels 40 can be seen. Yes. A substantially central portion in the height direction of the slot machine 1 is an operation portion in which operation means for operating the slot machine 1 is arranged, and a medal slot 14 is provided at the right end portion of the operation portion. A medal selector 63 for detecting the inserted game medal is provided below the medal slot 14 and inside the front door 3. Further, a lower plate 18 for storing a payout medal is provided at the lower part of the front door 3.
Further, inside the housing 11, a reel unit 60 having a rotating reel 40, a control device 200 for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 1, and a hopper unit 65 for storing and paying out game medals. Is built-in. Further, although not particularly shown, a power supply unit for turning on / off the main power supply of the slot machine 1 and changing game settings is provided.

(Control device 200)
Although not shown, the control device 200 is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. Here, the number of CPUs is not limited to one and may be controlled by two or more CPUs. Further, the CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and the like may be integrated to form a one chip. Then, the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM, thereby configuring the following devices (1) and (2).
(1) Game control device 210
(2) Production control device 220
The game control device 210 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 by operating the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. The effect control device 220 is for controlling the effect display device 66 such as the lamp 68 and the speaker 69.

Here, the control device 200 is composed of a main control device and a sub-control device that operates by receiving a signal from the main control device, the game control device 210 as the main control device, and the effect control device 220 It can be arranged in the sub-control device. Thus, by separately forming the control device that controls the game and the control device that controls the performance, it is possible to greatly increase the memory used for the performance control and to change only the performance.
(Input stage)
The following parts are connected to the input stage of the control device 200 as shown in FIG.
(1) Switch 15
(2) Bet switch 16
(3) Checkout switch 17
(4) Start switch 30
(5) Stop switch 50
The input stage is not limited to the parts (1) to (5) described above.

(On switch 15)
As shown in FIG. 1, the insertion switch 15 is a switch built in the medal selector 63 for detecting a game medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 14.
(Bet switch 16)
As shown in FIG. 1, the bet switch 16 is a switch located below the rotary reel 40 and is used to replace credits for inserting medals.
Here, the credit means that a medal for use in the next game or later is stored in the gaming machine in advance. Or up to 50 game medals to be paid out by winning a prize can be stored inside the gaming machine.

(Checkout switch 17)
As shown in FIG. 1, the settlement switch 17 is a switch located obliquely below the rotary reel, and is used for paying out credit medals.
(Start switch 30)
As shown in FIG. 1, the start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the rotary reel 40, subject to the insertion of a game medal or the insertion of the bet switch 16, or during “replay” This is for starting the driving of the reel unit 60 on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous game.

Here, “Replay” means that the “Replay” flag is established by the lottery of the winning lottery means 110, and the “Replay” symbols are arranged on the winning line. Thus, in the next game, the game can be played again without newly inserting a game medal.
(Stop switch 50)
The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the stop switch 50 is three button switches corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is arranged below each rotary reel 40. . That is, the stop switch 50 has three stop buttons 90 as shown in FIG. 2 attached in parallel to the front plate 3A of the front door 3. As shown in FIG. It has a left button 51 provided corresponding to the reel 40, a middle button 52 provided corresponding to the central rotary reel 40, and a right button 53 provided corresponding to the right front rotary reel 40. . Then, the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set so that the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops rotating.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pressing operation portion of each stop button 90 is formed so as to be inflatable, and by injecting air with the filler supply device 20 provided in a predetermined place inside the housing 11, The pressing operation portion of the stop button 90 is inflated. And it is possible to perform a winning notification, which will be described later.
(Output stage)
As shown in FIG. 6, the following parts are connected to the output stage of the control device 200.
(1) Reel unit 60
(2) Hopper unit 65
(3) Effect display device 66 (image display unit 67, lamp 68, and speaker 69)
(4) Lever shaft opening / closing device 20
The output stage is not limited to the parts (1) to (4) described above.

(Reel unit 60)
The reel unit 60 includes three motors fixed to or supported by a frame body and three rotating reels 40 fixed to the output shafts of the respective motors, although not particularly shown. Each rotating reel 40 includes a rotating drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape attached around the rotating drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape.
(Hopper unit 65)
As shown in FIG. 1, the hopper unit 65 is a payout device installed at the lower part of the housing 11 for paying medals to the lower plate 18 based on the game result.

(Production display device 66)
The effect display device 66 performs various effects such as notifying of winnings and the like under the control of the effect control device 22. Specifically, the effect display device 66 includes an image display unit 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69.
The image display unit 67 is a window provided above the symbol display window 13 and is used for displaying a prize notification and other effects using an LED, a dot matrix, a liquid crystal screen, and the like. Note that the image display unit 67 is not limited to the above-described one. For example, a rotation reel dedicated to the effect may be provided, and the effect may be displayed by the design of the reel, characters, or the like.

The lamp 68 and the speaker 69 are used for notifying a winning or the like by lighting or blinking of the light emitter and generating a winning sound.
(Stop button 90 and filler supply device 20)
Next, the stop button 90 and the filling material supply device 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
First, the stop button 90 as a pressing operation switch constituting the stop switch 50 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the stop button 90 includes an outer cylinder 92 fixed to the front plate 3A of the front door 3, and a cylindrical switch body 91 that is slidably supported in the outer cylinder 92 in the front-rear direction. It has. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the state where the stop button 90 is not pressed, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the state where the stop button 90 is pressed, and FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of FIG. It is CC sectional view taken on the line of B).

The switch body 91 is always urged to the near side by a spring 94 provided on the back side of the outer cylinder 92, and when not operated, the front surface of the switch body 91 is the outer cylinder as shown in FIG. Projecting from 92. On the other hand, when the stop button 90 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the stop button 90 is moved to the inside of the outer cylinder 92 and the pressing operation is stopped (when the finger is released from the pressing operation portion), the spring 94 Return to the original position by restoring force.
In addition, a press detection sensor 95 having a light emitting part and a light receiving part is provided in the back part of the outer cylinder 92, and a light emitting part and a light receiving part of the press detection sensor 95 are provided in the back end part of the switch body 91. A thin plate-like shielding plate 96 is provided between them. The pressure detection sensor 95 is turned off when the light beam from the light emitting unit is blocked by the shielding plate 96, and the pressure of the stop button 90 is detected when the pressure detection sensor 95 is turned off, so that the stop switch 50 is turned on. Is formed.

  Furthermore, an expansion body 93 formed of an elastic member having elasticity such as rubber is attached to the front surface portion of the switch body 91. The inflating body 93 is a member having a substantially T-shaped cross section, a part of which is exposed on the front surface portion of the switch body 91 to form a pressing operation portion of the stop button 90. A portion 93B is formed, and a portion embedded in the switch body 91 is provided with an intake hole 93A communicating with a through hole 91A formed in the switch body 91. Then, by injecting air supplied from a filler supply device 20 to be described later from the air inlet 93A, as shown in FIG. 3, the expansion space 93B is expanded, and the pressing operation portion can be expanded. It is.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the through hole 91A of the switch body 91 is located at the center of the switch body 91 so that air can be uniformly injected into the expansion body 93 on the front side. However, in order to avoid the shielding plate 96 at the back end, it is formed to bend obliquely from the middle so as to be off-center.
Next, the filling material supply device 20 will be described. The filling material supply device 20 is for supplying air to the expansion space 93B of the expansion body 93 to expand the expansion body 93 in a predetermined case. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, the filling material supply device 20 supplies air to each of the compressor 21 capable of supplying and sucking air and the three stop buttons 90. The supply control valve 22 is provided, and the compressor 21 and the supply control valve 22 are connected by a main supply pipe. From the supply control valve 22, a button supply pipe 24 branches to each stop button 90 as shown in FIG. is doing. Then, by controlling the supply control valve 22, the pressing operation portions of the three stop buttons 90 can be individually expanded and returned to their original positions.

The compressor 21 is a device that is disposed in a predetermined location inside the housing 11, for example, next to the reel unit 60 or beside the hopper unit 65, and can discharge and suck air. The supply control valve 22 has a built-in channel switching device connected to the main supply pipe 23 and the three button supply pipes 24, although not particularly shown, and is provided at the end of each button supply pipe 24. By controlling the provided on-off valve, it is possible to select which stop button 90 is supplied with air.
The other end of each button supply pipe 24 is fixed to the switch body 91 of the stop button 90 (for example, press-fitted into the through hole 91A of the switch body 91), but the button supply pipe 24 is flexible. Since the switch body 91 is moved by the pressing operation, the position change can be absorbed.

Then, when air is supplied from the compressor 21, the supply control valve 22 opens the on-off valve of the button supply pipe 24 corresponding to the stop button 90 that supplies air (that is, expands the expansion body 93). Then, the on / off valve of the button supply pipe 24 corresponding to the stop button 90 that does not supply air is closed.
After that, when the compressor 21 discharges air, the expansion body 93 of the predetermined stop button 90 is filled with air through the button supply pipe 24 with the open / close valve opened, and the expansion space 93B of the expansion body 93 expands. 3 and 4, the pressing operation portion of the stop button 90 projects forward. On the other hand, if the compressor 21 sucks air in this state, the air filled in the expansion space 93B is extracted, the front surface of the expansion body 93 contracts, and the pressing operation portion of the stop button 90 becomes flat. .

By the way, in the above-described example, if the compressor 21 does not suck air, even if the stop button 90 is pressed, the expansion body 93 remains inflated. It can also be formed such that it contracts and returns (that is, the air filled in the expansion space 93B is released).
That is, as shown in FIG. 5, an opening 91B that penetrates from the front of the hand to the back is formed in the center of the switch body 91, and an exhaust hole 93C that penetrates rearward and communicates with the expansion space 93B. Is provided. An exhaust valve 97 that allows the exhaust hole 93C to be opened and closed is provided on the rear surface of the expansion body 93.

The exhaust valve 97 includes a hinge part 97A and an opening / closing part 97B rotatably attached to the hinge part 97A. Although not particularly shown, the exhaust valve 93C is always closed by a torsion coil spring provided on the hinge part 97A. Is biased in the direction. In addition, when air is supplied through the button supply pipe 24, the exhaust valve 97 is closed when the opening / closing portion 97B closes the exhaust hole 93C by the force of the spring and the stop button 90 is pressed. The opening / closing portion 97B is rotated in the direction of opening the exhaust hole 93C by the air pressure discharged from the exhaust hole 97 as the expansion space 93B is reduced.
During the discharge operation of the compressor 21, air is uniformly filled into the expansion space 93B, so that the opening / closing portion 97B can be kept closed by the spring biasing force, as shown in FIG. The expansion space 93B of the expansion body 93 is expanded by the supplied air. On the other hand, when the stop button 90 in which the expansion body 93 is inflated is pressed, the expansion space 93B contracts and the internal air concentrates in the exhaust hole 93C. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Rotates against the biasing force of the spring in the direction to open the exhaust hole 93C. For this reason, the air inside the expansion space 93B is pushed out from the exhaust hole 93C, and the expansion space 93B of the expansion body 93 contracts. Incidentally, the pushed-out air is diffused into the gaming machine through the opening 91B of the switch body 91 and the gap (see FIG. 2) in the back surface of the outer cylinder 92.

When formed as described above, the player will experience a subtle feeling that the expansion body 93 will collapse when the stop button 90 is operated, giving a tactile sensation different from that when pressing the pressing operation portion in the expanded state. It will be a thing. In this case, the compressor 21 only needs to be able to supply air.
The operation of the filler supply device 20 described above, that is, the discharge suction operation of the compressor 21 and the valve opening / closing operation of the supply control valve 22 are performed based on the control of the effect control device 220 described later, and as a notification effect by the expansion of the stop button 90 Although it is positioned, this will be described later.
(Game control device 210)
Next, the game control device 210 will be described in detail.

The game control device 210 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 by operating the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. The game control device 210 functions as the following means (1) to (6).
(1) Normal game control means 70
(2) Special game control means 80
(3) Winning lottery 110
(4) Reel control means 120
(5) Hopper control means 130
(6) Winning determination means 140
Note that the game control device 21 is not limited to the means (1) to (6) described above, and may include other means.

(Normal game control means 70)
The normal game control means 70 is for causing a normal game to be performed.
That is, when the start switch 30 is operated on the condition that a medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is pressed, or on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed from the previous game at the time of “Replay”, the reel unit 60 is driven. The rotating reels 40 start to rotate.
Thereafter, when one of the stop switches 50 is operated, the rotation of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is stopped.
When all three stop switches 50 have been operated, all the rotations of the three rotary reels 40 are stopped. At this time, when a predetermined symbol is stopped on the winning line of the display window 12, a predetermined number of medals are paid out through the hopper unit 65. In addition, you may credit instead of paying out a medal.

  Winning is accompanied by paying out game medals by winning a prize, and there is no small medal winning that gives the player a profit, special winning that gives the player even more profit than the small role winning, and there is no paying out the game medal However, it is equipped with a “replay” that can be played again without newly inserting a game medal. When the lottery result is won for any combination, a winning flag corresponding to the winning is established by a winning flag establishment means 112 described later. Then, when the lottery result is a special winning flag, a special winning flag is established, and during the special winning flag is established, a combination of stop symbols of the rotating reel 40 of the reel unit 60 is set to a predetermined predetermined special winning symbol. (For example, three pieces of “7” on the winning effective line are matched), and a special game that is advantageous to the player is formed. On the other hand, if the special winning flag is established by lottery, but the combination of the stop symbols of the rotating reel 40 does not match the special winning symbol, the right to establish the special winning flag is carried over to the subsequent games. Has been. Note that the winning flag of the small role is not carried over to the next game of the right to establish the winning flag when the winning flag is not awarded in the game in which the winning flag is established.

  Whether or not the corresponding winning symbol can be aligned on the winning line while any of the winning flags are established depends on the timing of the stop switch 50 when the rotational speed of the rotating reel 40 is constant. is there. Specifically, since the rotary reel 40 is set to stop within 190 ms after the stop switch 50 is operated, it can be stopped as it is after the stop switch 50 is operated or can be stopped within 190 ms. If the winning symbol on the circumference of the rotary reel 40, for example, four consecutive retractable symbols from the stop symbol, includes a corresponding winning symbol, delay the time until stopping. Then, the rotating reel 40 stops by drawing the winning symbol on the winning line. On the other hand, if the corresponding winning symbol is not included in the four retractable symbols, the winning symbol cannot be drawn on the winning active line and stopped.

(Special game control means 80)
The special game control means 80 is for causing the player to perform a special game advantageous based on the lottery result of the lottery means.
The special game is roughly divided into the following games.
(1) Specified introduction game (big bonus game, hereinafter referred to as BB game)
(2) Specific games (regular bonus game, RB game)
(3) Specified winning game (Jack game, hereinafter referred to as JAC game)
Note that the RB game may be played during the BB game, or may be played alone even when the BB game is not being played. The JAC game is played during the RB game. Further, the special game is not limited to the above-described games (1) to (3).

Specifically, in the normal game, although not shown, for example, when three symbols such as “7” are arranged on the winning line, for example, 15 medals are paid out through the hopper unit 65. At this time, the BB game is started.
When shifting to the BB game, the game starts with the insertion of a maximum of three medals as in a normal game. When the rotation of the three rotating reels is stopped, whether or not the winning symbol is aligned on the winning line is determined. A medal is paid out.
Therefore, during the BB game, a lottery including a small role is performed every time as in a normal game. However, when the specific winning symbols for shifting to the RB game are arranged on the winning line during the BB game, the game shifts to the RB game thereafter.

When the RB game is entered, one medal is inserted, and a specific winning game is awarded when a predetermined symbol of the rotating reel 40 is aligned on the center line of the display window 12. In the RB game, a specific winning game for determining whether or not to win can be performed a maximum of 12 times, of which a maximum of 8 times can be won. In other words, the RB game is ended when a maximum of 8 winnings or a maximum of 12 specific winning games are completed.
During the BB game, after the RB game is completed, the same lottery and control as in the normal game as described above are performed, and the RB game and the normal game are alternately repeated. Then, the BB game ends when a predetermined number of tokens are paid out.

(Winning lottery means 110)
The winning lottery means 110 performs a lottery concerning the winning combination based on a predetermined lottery probability. As a result of the lottery by the winning lottery means 110, a winning flag is established when a predetermined winning combination is won, and a combination of stop symbols of the rotating reel 40 is determined in advance while the winning flag is established. It is set so that a prize is awarded on the condition that the two match, and the player is given a medal or a special game.
As shown in FIG. 6, the winning lottery means 110 is roughly divided into the following means.
(1) Determination means 111
(2) Winning flag establishment means 112
The winning lottery means 110 is not limited to the above (1) and (2).

(Determination means 111)
The judging means 111 is for judging winning or losing based on the random number data and the winning judgment table.
Here, although not particularly shown in the drawing lottery means 110, random number generating means for generating random numbers for winning lottery within a predetermined area (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal number), and random numbers generated by the random number generating means Random number extraction means for extracting is provided, and random number extraction is performed at the operation timing of the start switch 30. Here, the winning determination table defines a winning area and a lost area of each winning item among all the random number areas taken by the random number generating means.

Then, the judging means 111 collates the extracted random number data extracted by the random number extracting means with the winning judgment table, and if the extracted random number data belongs to the winning judgment area consisting of the winning area of each winning item, the winning area The winning corresponding to is determined, and if the extracted random number data does not belong to any winning area, the loss is determined.
(Winning flag establishment means 112)
The winning flag establishment means 112 is for establishing a winning flag when the determination means 111 determines winning of any winning combination. The winning flag is a memory part that stores “winning” and “losing” data in the control device, and establishing the winning flag means storing the memory indicating “winning” or “losing” in the memory. It is to let you.

As a general rule, the winning flag establishment means 112 resets the winning flag by winning a prize. However, as described above, in the case of a small role winning and a re-game winning, the winning flag is determined by the end of the game regardless of whether or not the winning is made. To reset. In the case of a special winning, the winning flag is carried over after the next game without winning a game related to the flag establishment.
(Reel control means 120)
The reel control means 120 rotates the rotating reel 40 based on the operation signal of the start switch 30, and the winning lottery means 110 recognizes the current position of the symbol based on the detection signal of the reel rotation detection sensor (not shown). This is for controlling the stop of the rotary reel 40 based on the lottery result and the operation timing of the stop switch 50.

Specifically, when the reel control means 120 stops the rotating reel 40, if the lottery result of the winning lottery means 110 is lost, the symbols of the three rotating reels 40 are not aligned in any winning manner. In the case where the kick control is performed as described above, and the lottery result is a win for a predetermined winning combination, the kick and pull-in control is performed so that the symbols of the three rotating reels 40 are in the winning mode related to the win as much as possible. These controls are performed by delaying the time until the rotating reel 40 stops by shifting the timing of receiving the operation signal of the stop switch 50 and outputting the stop signal.
(Hopper control means 130)
The hopper control means 130 is for operating the hopper unit 65 based on the medal payout signal from the winning determination means 140 and the operation signal of the settlement switch 17.

(Winning determination means 140)
The winning determination means 140 is for determining whether or not a prize has been won and for performing a predetermined winning process in the case of winning.
That is, the winning determination means 140 determines whether or not the winning symbol of the three rotating reels 40 can be stopped in the winning manner by operating the stop switch 50 when the lottery result of the winning determination is winning. If the winning symbol can be stopped in the winning mode, the winning is determined. If the winning is a payout with a medal payout, a game medal payout signal is output to the hopper unit 65. The next game can be started. In the case of a special prize such as a bonus game prize, the special game control means 80 starts a special game.

(Production control device 220)
Next, the effect control device 220 will be described in detail.
The effect control device 220 is for receiving the output signals from the game control device 210 and the operation signals of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50, and controlling the operations of the effect display device 66 and the filling material supply device 20. . And the production | presentation control apparatus 220 has the following means (1) and (2), as shown in FIG.
(1) Production determining means 150
(2) Button expansion control means 160
The production control device 220 is not limited to the means (1) and (2) described above, and may include other means. Here, in the present embodiment, the winning notification effect using the filler supply device 20 will be described, but it goes without saying that the effect control device 220 can execute other effects.

(Direction determining means 150)
The effect determining means 150 is for determining the presence / absence of the notification effect and the notification timing based on the established winning flag information of the winning lottery means 110. Specifically, the effect determining means 150 determines to execute button expansion notification when the gaming state corresponds to a predetermined effect start condition. Further, when the gaming state corresponds to a predetermined effect end condition, the end of button expansion notification is determined.
Here, the start condition of the button expansion notification is:
(1) Assume that a specific winning flag (for example, BB flag) is established.

(2) It is assumed that a lottery for whether or not to perform a notification effect performed when a specific winning flag is established is won.
(3) Regardless of whether the winning flag is established or not at a predetermined time during the game (for example, when the start switch 30 is operated, when the stop switch 50 is first stopped, when the second stop is stopped, when the third stop is performed, or when the bet switch 16 is operated) And a lottery to determine whether or not to perform a notification effect.
Etc. can be set as appropriate.
As an end condition of button expansion notification,
(1) After the start, it is terminated when a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds, 5 seconds) elapses.

(2) The operation is terminated when a predetermined operation means is operated. For example, button expansion notification is started after the start switch 30 is operated, and is terminated when the first stop (or second or third stop) of the stop switch 50 is triggered.
(3) When the lottery of whether or not to terminate the button expansion notification is won, it is terminated.
Etc. can be set as appropriate.
In addition to the start condition and the end condition, the effect determining unit 150 determines which button of the three stop switches 50 is to be notified of button expansion. For example, if it is determined that the button expansion notification is to be performed, the button expansion notification is to be performed on any of the left button 51, the middle button 52, and the right button 52, in any combination, or in which order, by lottery. Can be determined. Or you may determine beforehand the aspect which performs button expansion alerting | reporting according to the kind of winning.

In addition, as a timing during the game for informing the button expansion, after setting the medal insertion and the bet switch 16, the start switch 30, each stop switch 50, after each operation means, for example, set to be performed at a certain time, for example, Depending on the lottery result of the winning determination, it may be determined at which operation timing the notification is to be performed. For example, in the case of winning the BB (when the flag is established in the previous game), the button expansion notification is made when the bet switch 16 is operated, and in the case of the small role winning, the stop switch 50 is made during the first stop operation. Can be.
Alternatively, in the above example, the reliability of the notification is produced depending on when the game is performed (for example, the notification performed during the third stop operation is more reliable than the first stop operation of the stop switch 50). The degree may be increased).

  Further, when the stop switch 50 is operated in a predetermined recommended stop operation order in a specific game section, when the specific winning combination is surely won, a notification of the recommended stop operation order, so-called push order navigation, is made. May be performed by button expansion notification. In other words, the stop button 90 is expanded in order to display in which order the stop switch 50 is operated. In this case, the three stop buttons 90 may be expanded in the recommended stop operation order regardless of whether or not the stop operation is performed, or the first stop button 90 is first expanded and the stop button 90 is expanded. When the button is pressed, the next stop button 90 may be inflated.

(Button expansion control means 160)
The button expansion control means 160 is for operating the filling material supply device 20 based on the determination by the effect determination means 150.
That is, when the effect determining means 150 determines to execute the button expansion notification, the supply control valve 22 of the filling material supply device 20 is operated to open the supply path to the stop button 90 for which the button expansion effect has been determined. Then, the supply path to the stop button 90 that does not perform the button expansion effect is closed, and the compressor 21 is discharged. Thereby, air is supplied to the predetermined stop button 90, and the expansion body 93 expands. When the effect determining means 150 determines the end of the button expansion notification, the compressor 21 is suctioned while the supply control valve 22 is maintained open / closed. Thereby, air is extracted and the expansion body 93 contracts.

  Note that when the expansion body 93 is contracted by pressing the stop button 90 (example in FIG. 5), the compressor 21 does not need to be operated by suction. In this case, when the stop button 90 is operated and the expansion body 93 contracts, the button expansion effect may end, or even if the expansion body 93 contracts due to the pressing operation of the stop button 90, the compressor 21 continues. The stop button 90 may be maintained in the expanded state (the button expansion effect is continued) by performing the discharge operation. In the former case, the effect determining means 150 can be configured not to determine the effect end condition, that is, to determine only the start condition. In the latter case, when the effect determining means 150 determines the end of the effect, The suction operation of the compressor 21 can be stopped.

(Operation of slot machine 10)
Next, an outline of the operation of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described based on the flow of FIG.
First, in step 100 shown in FIG. 7, the start switch 30 is turned on by operating the start switch 30 after a predetermined game start condition such as insertion of medals is satisfied. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 101.
In step 101, a lottery process is performed by the winning lottery means 110. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 102.

In step 102, rotation of the rotary reel 40 is started. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 103.
In step 103, when the stop switch 50 is operated, the stop switch 50 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 104.
In step 104, rotation stop processing for the rotary reel 40 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 105.
In step 105, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 has been performed. If it is determined that the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotating reels 40 is not operated, the process returns to step 103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 has been performed, the process proceeds to the next step 106.

In step 106, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the winning active line while the winning flag is established, that is, whether or not a winning is achieved. If it is determined that a prize has been won, the process proceeds to the next step 107.
In step 107, a medal corresponding to the winning symbol is paid out. Then, the game ends.
If it is determined in step 106 that no winning has been made, step 107 is skipped and the game ends.
Next, the button expansion notification effect using the filler supply device 20 by the effect control device 220 will be described based on the flow of FIGS. 8 and 9. The flow of control shown in the flow of FIGS. 8 and 9 is performed in a routine different from the flow of operation of the slot machine 10 of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows the flow of control and effects when the air supplied to the stop button 90 is sucked by the compressor.
First, in step 200, the effect determining means 150 determines whether to start the button expansion notification effect. That is, it is determined whether or not the gaming state corresponds to a predetermined effect start condition. If it is determined not to start the button expansion notification effect, the process returns to step 200. On the other hand, if it is determined to start the button expansion notification effect, the process proceeds to the next step 201.
In step 201, the opening / closing valve corresponding to the stop button 90 related to the button expansion of the supply control valve 22 is opened, and the opening / closing valve corresponding to the stop button 90 which does not cause the button expansion is closed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 202.

In step 202, the compressor 21 is discharged for a predetermined time to supply air. The predetermined time is a time necessary and sufficient for sending air for the expansion space 93B of the expansion body 93 to expand. Note that the amount of air supplied to the expansion body 93, that is, the degree of expansion of the expansion body 93 can be changed by appropriately adjusting the length of the time. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 203.
In step 203, air is sent to the expansion body 93 of the predetermined stop button 90, the expansion space 93B is expanded, and the pressing operation portion of the stop button 90 is expanded. When the stop button 90 is pressed at this time, the feeling when the stop button 90 is pressed is soft and different from normal. Therefore, the player can know the change of the stop button 90 not only visually but also by touch. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 204.

In step 204, it is determined whether or not to end the button expansion notification effect. That is, it is determined whether or not the gaming state corresponds to a predetermined effect end condition. If it is not determined to end the button expansion notification effect, the process returns to step 204. That is, the expansion of the stop button 90 is continued until the production end condition is satisfied. On the other hand, if the production end condition is met, the process proceeds to the next step 205.
In step 205, the compressor 21 is suctioned for a predetermined time to extract air. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 206.
In step 206, air escapes from the expansion space 93B, the expansion body 93 contracts, and the pressing operation portion of the stop button 90 returns to the original state. Then, the button expansion notification effect control ends.

In the above control, the supply control valve 22 is returned to the initial state at the start of the production and the air flow path is set (determining whether the on-off valve is opened or closed). You may make it return to (For example, the state which opened all three on-off valves, or the state which closed all).
FIG. 9 shows the flow of control and production when the air supplied to the stop button 90 is pushed out by the pressing operation of the stop button 90.
First, in step 300, it is determined whether or not to start a button expansion notification effect. If it is determined not to start the button expansion notification effect, the process returns to step 300. On the other hand, if it is determined to start the button expansion notification effect, the process proceeds to the next step 301.

In step 301, the opening / closing valve corresponding to the stop button 90 related to the button expansion of the supply control valve 22 is opened, and the opening / closing valve corresponding to the stop button 90 not to expand the button is closed. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 302.
In step 302, the compressor 21 is discharged to supply air. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 303.
In step 303, air is sent to the expansion body 93 of the predetermined stop button 90, the expansion space 93B is expanded, and the pressing operation portion of the stop button 90 is expanded. When the stop button 90 is pressed in this state, the air inside the expansion body 93 is pushed out from the exhaust hole 93C, the expansion space 93B contracts, and the stop button 90 returns to the original state. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 304.

In step 304, it is determined whether or not to end the button expansion notification effect. If it is not determined to end the button expansion notification effect, the process returns to step 302. That is, the discharge operation of the compressor 21 is continued until the production end condition is satisfied, and the expansion of the stop button 90 is maintained even if the stop button 90 is pressed. On the other hand, if the production end condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to the next step 305.
In step 305, the discharge operation of the compressor 21 is stopped. Thereafter, when the stop button 90 is pressed, the expansion body 93 remains contracted, and the stop button 90 returns to the original state. Then, the button expansion notification effect control ends.

In the above flow, whether or not the production end condition is satisfied is determined in step 304. However, without making this determination, the compressor 21 may be discharged for a certain period of time and then stopped. When formed in this way, the expanded stop button 90 returns to its original state once pressed.
As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a clear and novel notification effect as compared with notification by voice or image. In particular, since the shape of the operation unit that touches the hand changes, the winning can be predicted not only by the change in appearance but also by the change in touch, and the impact on the player is great.

In the above embodiment, air is used as the filling material to be filled in the expanding body 93. However, in the present invention, the filling material is not limited to gas. For example, fluids such as oil and gel may be used. In this case, it is preferable that the fluid filled in the expansion body 93 is sucked to return the stop button 90 to its original expanded state.
Further, the shape of the expansion body 93 is not limited to that disclosed in the above embodiment. For example, although not particularly illustrated, a rubber sheet-like member may be provided as the expansion body 93 and this may be fixed on the front surface of the switch body 91. Then, by injecting a filler such as air from a through hole 91A formed in the switch body 91, the filler fills the gap between the expansion body 93 and the front surface of the switch body 91, and the expansion body 93 expands. You may form as follows.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the button expansion effect is performed for the stop switch 50, but the present invention may be configured to expand an operation switch other than the stop switch 50. For example, the bet switch 16 can be formed in the same manner as the stop button 90 described above, and inflated in a predetermined case for notification.
The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines other than slot machines. For example, the present invention can be applied to a parrot game machine that uses a game ball (pachinko ball) as a game medium to perform a game similar to a slot machine. Further, the present invention can be applied to any type of gaming machine as long as the gaming machine has an operation switch for pressing.

FIG. 4 is an external front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the stop button in which the expansion body is shrink | contracting. It is embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the stop button which the expansion body expanded. 1 is a perspective view of a stop switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is other embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view of a stop button. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an input, output and control device of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is an embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the slot machine. It is embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a flowchart which shows an example of alerting | reporting effect. It is embodiment of this invention, Comprising: It is a flowchart which shows the other example of alerting | reporting effect.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 3 Front door
3A front panel
11 Housing 12 Display window
13 Symbol display window 14 Medal slot
15 Insert switch 16 Bet switch
17 Checkout switch 18 Lower plate
20 Filling device 21 Compressor
22 Supply control valve 23 Main supply pipe
24 button supply pipe
30 Start switch 40 turn reel
50 Stop switch 51 Left button
52 Middle button 53 Right button
60 reel unit 63 medal selector
65 Hopper unit 66 Production display device
70 Normal game control means 80 Special game control means
90 Stop button (push switch) 91 Switch body
92 Outer cylinder 93 Expansion body
93A Air intake hole 93B Expansion space
93C Exhaust hole (exhaust part) 94 Spring
95 Press detection sensor 96 Shield plate
97 Exhaust valve (exhaust part) 97A Hinge part
97B Open / close section
110 winning lottery means 120 reel control means
130 Hopper control means 140 Prize determination means
150 Production determining means 160 Button expansion control means
200 Controller 210 Game controller
220 Production control device

Claims (4)

A button-like pressing operation switch for operating the gaming machine;
And at least a winning lottery means for performing a lottery for determining whether to win or not,
In the gaming machine formed to give a profit to the player when the lottery result of the winning determination becomes a winning and the gaming machine is in a predetermined winning mode,
The operation switch includes at least a switch body and an expansion body formed of an elastic member and covering a pressing operation portion of the switch body,
A filler supply device capable of supplying a filler to the expandable body from the inside of the gaming machine;
Forming the expansion body to expand by supplying a filler from the filler supply device to the space formed inside the expansion body,
The game machine characterized in that the filling material supply device supplies the filling material to the expansion body and inflates the expansion body at a predetermined time during the game including the case where the lottery result of the winning lottery means is won. .   The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: a discharge portion capable of discharging a filling material filled therein by a pressing force applied to the expansion body accompanying a pressing operation of the operation switch.   The expansion of the expansion body is maintained by the supply of the filler to the expansion body, and the expansion body contracts when the filler supply device sucks the filler filled in the expansion body. The gaming machine according to claim 1.   A plurality of the operation switches are provided, and the filling material supply device is formed so as to be able to individually supply a filling material to the plurality of operation switches. The gaming machine according to item 1.

Images