JP2008212203A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine which enables the start of games by keeping no players waiting after the completion of the putting out of medals without depending on the number of medals to be putout. <P>SOLUTION: At the moment of starting the putting out of the medals from a hopper unit 65, a putout speed computation means 732 is worked to set the shortest residual time preset for the game involved, in other word, the time when the putting out of the medals should be ended while calculating the putout speed that allows the putting out of the medals to be put out until the ending time expires. Then, a putout operation control means 731 controls the action of the hopper unit 65 so that the hopper unit 65 puts out the medals at the putout speed calculated. Thus, when the shortest time of the game expires, the putting out of the medals from the hopper unit 65 is also completed, thereby eliminating the time otherwise merely forcing the players to wait. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  In the present invention, when a player stops a plurality of rotating reels, a winning combination is given when the symbols displayed on these rotating reels are in a specific combination, and the player receives the number of medals to be paid out by winning. Related to slot machine paying out.

Conventionally, slot machines have been used as gaming machines that provide entertainment to people. The slot machine is provided with a plurality of rotating reels that are provided with a plurality of types of symbols and that can be rotationally driven, and the player can receive a plurality of types of symbols that are provided on the plurality of rotating reels in a predetermined manner. It is a game that allows the player to play a game that matches the combination.
That is, when the player inserts a medal into the slot machine and operates the start lever, a plurality of rotating reels are driven to rotate all at once, and after that, when the stop button is appropriately pressed, the rotating reel corresponding to the stop button is displayed. It is designed to stop as appropriate. Then, when the rotating reel stops, a prize is awarded when a plurality of symbols displayed in the reel window are arranged in a specific combination. When the prize is won, the number of medals to be paid out by the prize is given to the player from the slot machine. Will be paid out.

In such a slot machine, when a player tries to repeat a game over and over to suppress gambling, the next game will not be played unless the preset minimum time has elapsed since the start of the game. This prevents the start and thereby prevents a significant amount of medals from being consumed in a short time.
Further, the slot machine is provided with a hopper unit for paying out a medal stored in the inside to the player. When the player wins as a result of the game, the slot machine drives the hopper unit, The number of medals to be paid out will be paid out by winning.

Here, the medal payout speed of the hopper unit, that is, the number of sheets that can be paid out by the hopper unit per unit time is set in correspondence with the above-mentioned shortest time preset in the game. In other words, when a player wins the winning combination with the largest number of payouts, the time when the payout of the number of medals set for the winning combination is completed substantially coincides with the time when the minimum time of the game expires. In other words, the value of the medal payout speed of the hopper unit is set so that when the payout of the maximum payout number of medals is completed, the next game can be started immediately.
In parrots that use game balls instead of medals as game media, the amount of game media to be paid out is significantly increased compared to ordinary slot machines, so the time required for payout is significantly longer and the minimum game time When the game expires, the payout of the game media is not completed, and the time that the player cannot play is increased, which reduces the player's willingness to play and impairs the interest of the gaming machine There is.

Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, a gaming machine is known in which the next game can be started in the middle of paying out the game medium, thereby preventing the player from playing more time. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-130986 A

In the conventional slot machine, the time when the payout of the maximum payout number of medals is completed substantially coincides with the time when the minimum game time expires, so if the winning combination is a small role with a small number of payouts, Specifically, when the number of payouts is two or three, the payout of medals is completed immediately, and even when the payout is completed, the shortest time does not expire, and as a result, one of the player and the slot machine Occurs when the player does not work on the other side, in other words, the time that the player simply waits, which reduces the player's willingness to play and impairs the fun of the gaming machine To do.
It should be noted that, even if the next game can be started in the middle of paying out the game media, the next game is completed until the payout is completed before the shortest time expires and the shortest time expires. Cannot be started, so there is no payout of medals, and the player is simply kept waiting, and this cannot be solved.

  Accordingly, each invention described in each claim has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object is to pay out medals regardless of the number of medals paid out. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that can start a game without waiting for the player after completion of the game.

Each invention described in each claim is made to achieve the above-mentioned object. The features of each invention will be described below with reference to the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In addition, a code | symbol shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.
(Claim 1)
(Feature point)
The invention described in claim 1 is characterized by the following points.
In other words, in the invention described in claim 1, a plurality of types of symbols (61) are marked on the outer peripheral surface and a plurality of rotating reels (40) provided so as to be rotationally driven and a medal as a game medium can be played. A medal slot (18) that is opened to allow a player to throw it in, and a hopper unit (65) for paying out a medal stored inside to a player who has won a prize in the game, the medal slot After the medals are inserted into (18) and then the plurality of rotating reels (40) are rotated, when the player stops the rotating reels (40), these rotating reels (40) The slot machine (1) that wins when the symbol (61) displayed in the above is a specific combination, and the hopper unit (65) is the number of medals that can be paid out per unit time. A certain payout speed can be changed, and a lottery is performed each time a game is played. In this winning / losing lottery, the winning / failing lottery means (90) for determining whether or not the game is successful and selecting the winning combination, and when the plurality of rotating reels (40) are stopped, these rotating reels ( A winning determination means (72) for determining whether or not a winning combination is won by determining whether or not the symbol (61) displayed in (40) has a specific combination; When it is determined that the determination means (72) has won, the hopper unit (65) starts the medal payout operation, and the hopper unit (65) When the payout operation control means (731,731A) for controlling the operation and the hopper unit (65) start paying out medals, an end time for ending the payout of medals is set, and until this end time expires Everything that should be paid out during A payout speed calculation means (732) for calculating a payout speed at which a medal can be paid out and sending out a payout speed data signal indicating the calculated payout speed, and the payout operation control means (731, 731A) When the payout is started, the payout speed data signal sent from the payout speed calculation means (732) is received, the medal payout speed is set based on the received payout speed data signal, and the set payout speed is set. It is characterized by paying out medals.

(Claim 2)
(Feature point)
The invention described in claim 2 is the invention described in claim 1, and has the following characteristic points.
That is, the invention according to claim 2 is from the time when the rotating reel (40) can be stopped in one game to the time when the rotating reel (40) can be stopped in the next game. Rotating reel time control means for controlling the rotating reel (40) so that the rotating reel (40) cannot be stopped until the minimum time elapses so that the time is not less than the preset minimum time ( 71), and the end time is set to a time not longer than the shortest time.

(Claim 3)
(Feature point)
The invention described in claim 3 is the invention described in claim 1 or 2, and has the following characteristic points.
That is, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the payout speed for calculating the payout speed of the hopper unit (65) is within a range not exceeding a maximum payout speed at which the hopper units (65) can pay out most medals. The calculation means (732) is employed.

(Effect of Claim 1)
The present invention configured as described above has the following effects.
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the hopper unit starts paying out medals, the end time for ending the payout of medals is set, and the payout is made until the end time expires. A payout speed calculating means for calculating a payout speed capable of paying out all the medals and sending out a payout speed data signal indicating the calculated payout speed is provided, and the payout operation control means controls the medal payout operation of the hopper unit. In this case, the payout speed is set based on the payout speed data signal sent out by the payout speed calculating means, and the medal is paid out at the set payout speed. Will be set faster, but if the number of medals to be paid out is small, the payout speed will be set slower. Without being influenced by the abundance of payout number is constant, so that complete payout the end time set.

As a result, the optimal payout speed corresponding to the small number of payouts is calculated, and the hopper unit is driven at the calculated payout speed, so that there is no time for the player to simply wait. A decline in the willingness to play is prevented in advance, so that the interest of the gaming machine is not impaired.
(Effect of claim 2)
According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the following effect is obtained.
That is, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the rotation reel time control means provides the rotation reel stop operation until the minimum time elapses, and after the rotation reel is stopped in one game, the minimum time does not elapse. The operation of the rotating reel is controlled so that the rotating reel cannot be stopped in the next game, and if the payout of medals is completed before the minimum time has expired, the end time is minimized even if there is a possibility of causing the player to wait. If the time is set to an appropriate length of time or less, the time point at which the payout of medals is completed substantially coincides with the time point at which the shortest time expires, and the next game can be started immediately. As a result, there is no time for the player to simply wait, and it is possible to prevent a player's willingness to play and an impediment to the gaming machine from being obstructed.

(Effect of claim 3)
According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the following effect can be obtained.
That is, according to the invention described in claim 3, when there is a time allowance for paying out medals, the hopper unit is operated at a payout speed slower than the maximum payout speed. Since the same number of medals can be paid out with less power, the power consumption of the slot machine can be reduced.

The first and second embodiments, which are the best mode for carrying out the present invention, will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
1 to 3 show a first embodiment according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is a front view showing an entire slot machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a control device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hopper unit control means according to this embodiment.
(Overview of slot machine 1)
The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of rotating reels 40 on which a plurality of types of symbols are written on the peripheral surface, and rotates so that the symbols 61 written on the rotating reel 40 form a predetermined combination. A game for stopping the rotating reel 40 is performed. As shown in FIG. 1, such a slot machine 1 includes a box-shaped main body cabinet 2 having a rectangular front shape in order to accommodate various devices of the slot machine 1.

The main body cabinet 2 is a box-shaped member having the entire front surface opened. And in the main body cabinet 2, the front door 3 for closing the opening is provided rotatably.
A central portion in the vertical direction of the front door 3 is an operation unit 4 for performing a game operation of the slot machine 1. The operation unit 4 is provided with the following operation means.
That is, in the vicinity of the right end in FIG. 1 of the operation unit 4, a key hole 3A into which a key for locking the front door 3 is inserted and a medal for betting on a game or a medal stored in the slot machine 1 are inserted. And a medal slot 18 are provided.
A plurality of stop switches 50 that are operated when stopping the rotation of the plurality of rotary reels 40 are provided in the central portion of the operation unit 4 in FIG. On the left side of the stop switch 50 in FIG. 1, a start switch 30 is provided which is operated when the rotation of the rotary reel 40 is started.

Further, on the left side of the stop switch 50 in FIG. 1, there is provided a max bet switch 16A for betting three medals from the stored medals on the game. A bet switch 16B for betting one medal from the stored medals on the game is provided on the left side of the max bet switch 16A in FIG. Further, a settlement switch 17 is provided at the left side of the bet switch 16B in FIG.
A lower panel 3B for clearly displaying a mark composed of at least one of characters and drawings, for example, the model name of the slot machine 1, is provided below the operation unit 4. On the back side of the lower panel 3B, a backlight device (not shown) that illuminates the lower panel 3B from the rear is provided. Further, below the lower panel 3B, a medal receiving portion 3C is provided for storing paid-out medals.

Further, a symbol display window 13 formed in a rectangular shape elongated in the horizontal direction is provided above the operation unit 4. The symbol display window 13 is a window for showing the player the symbol 61 of the rotating reel 40 housed in the main body cabinet 2.
Above the symbol display window 13, there is provided a liquid crystal panel type display device 66A that can display even moving images. Around the display device 66A and the symbol display window 13, decorative lamp portions arranged in an inverted U shape so as to surround the left, upper, and right sides of the display device 66A and the symbol display window 13 in FIG. 66B is provided.
Further, near the upper left and right corners of the front door 3, speakers 66C for outputting various sounds are provided.

These decoration lamp portions 66B and speakers 66C are effects for performing a notification effect that is performed when a winning flag corresponding to a predetermined winning combination is established in the winning lottery performed inside the slot machine 1 for each game. Means 66 is provided.
For example, when the winning flag is established for the player, for example, when the bonus flag is established, the effect means 66 lights or blinks the decoration lamp portion 66B, or generates a winning sound from the speaker 66C. By operating, or operating two or more or all of them simultaneously, a notification effect for notifying the player of the establishment of the winning flag is performed. When a winning flag such as a bonus flag is established, the display device 66A also displays that fact on the screen with characters and video, and this display provides a notification effect informing the player that the winning flag has been established. It is like that.

Inside the main body cabinet 2, on the back side of the symbol display window 13, there is provided a reel unit 60 equipped with a motor (not shown) for rotatably supporting the above-mentioned three rotary reels 40 and rotating the rotary reels 40. It has been.
A medal selector 15 for determining the authenticity of the medal inserted into the medal slot 18 is provided below the medal slot 18 in the main body cabinet 2.
On the back side of the lower panel 3B, there is provided a hopper unit 65 for storing medals determined by the medal selector 15 as authentic and paying out the stored medals to the player as necessary.

Here, above the medal receiving portion 3C, a payout port 65A opened at the front face facing the medal receiving portion 3C is provided. The above-mentioned hopper unit 65 discharges medals to the medal receiving part 3C through the payout port 65A in order to pay out the medals stored inside to the player at the time of winning a prize.
(Control device 20 of slot machine 1)
Next, the control device 20 of the slot machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a control system related to the slot machine 1. In FIG. 2, the control device 20 is a hardware in which a CPU using a microcomputer and storage means such as a ROM and a RAM are installed with software for performing presentation operation control and game operation control. It is.

Briefly explaining the characteristics of such a control device 20, the control device 20 performs a lottery determination regarding whether or not the game is successful every time a game is played, and a winning flag corresponding to a predetermined winning combination is established by the lottery determination. This allows the player to win the winning combination and, when the winning flag is established, a plurality of types of notification effects prepared for notifying that the winning flag has been established. One of the notification effects is selected by lottery, and whether or not the selected notification effect is performed is determined by lottery. In other words, the selected one of the notification effects is performed with a predetermined probability.
Here, the control device 20 that controls the gaming operation of the slot machine 1 includes a signal input unit and a control signal output unit (not shown) in order to receive and transmit signals.

Among these, as shown in FIG. 2, the signal input unit is operated by a player such as the medal selector 15, the max bet switch 16A, the bet switch 16B, the settlement switch 17, the start switch 30, the stop switch 50, etc. Thus, devices that output gaming signals are electrically connected.
On the other hand, the control signal output unit is electrically connected with actively operating devices such as a reel unit 60, a hopper unit 65, a rendering unit 66 including a decorative lamp unit 66B and a speaker 66C, and a display device 66A. Yes. Thus, the control device 20 can control the operation of the reel unit 60, the hopper unit 65, the decorative lamp portion 66B, the speaker 66C, the display device 66A, and the like in accordance with the player's operation and game results. It has become.

Such a control device 20 includes a game control for controlling the entire game of the slot machine 1 including the operation control of the rotating reel 40 corresponding to the operation of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50 by the installed software. There is provided device 21 and effect control means 22 for controlling the entire effect operation including the offer effect informing that when a predetermined winning flag is established in the winning / losing lottery.
(Game control device 21)
Among these, as shown in FIG. 2, the game control device 21 wins a normal game control means 70 for controlling a game operation in a normal game performed with no winning flag such as a bonus flag established, and a bonus game or the like. Then, special game control means 80 for controlling the game operation of the special game to be performed, and the right / wrong lottery means 90 for performing the right / left lottery related to the success / failure of the game every time the game is played,
Whether or not the winning is based on the rotating reel time control means 71 for controlling the progress of the game and the symbols displayed on the stopped rotating reel so that the time for which the rotating reel 40 is stopped is longer than a predetermined interval. A winning determination means 72 for determining whether or not, and a hopper unit control means 73 for controlling the operation of the hopper unit 65.

(Normal game control means 70)
The normal game control means 70 includes a drive control function for controlling the start and stop of the rotating reel 40 including kick kick-in of the symbol 61, a carry-over control function for controlling carry-over of the right to establish a special winning flag such as a bonus flag, It has a payout control function for paying out medals when winning a small role in which the right to establish a flag is not carried over.
The normal game control means 70 uses a drive control function to indicate that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 18, that a medal has been inserted (betted) by operating the bet switches 16A and 16B, (Replay) ”, if any of the conditions that the predetermined time has passed since the previous game is satisfied, the rotation of the three rotating reels 40 will be performed simultaneously by the operation of the start switch 30. It is supposed to start.

The normal game control means 70 is configured to stop the rotation of the rotary reel 40 corresponding to the operated stop switch 50 when each of the three stop switches 50 is operated by the drive control function. .
After all three of these stop switches 50 have been operated, the rotation of the three rotary reels 40 is stopped, and a small role that is a pre-set winning combination is displayed on the effective winning line of the symbol display window 13. When the plurality of constituent symbols 61 are arranged, the normal game control means 70 pays out a predetermined number of medals to the hopper unit 65 by the payout control function. Instead of paying out medals, credits may be increased.

Here, as a winning combination in the game of the slot machine 1 as a whole, when winning a prize, a winning combination corresponding to a small prize winning that accompanies the player with a payout of a medal, and a larger profit than this small prize winning Winners corresponding to special prizes that are awarded to players, and winning that corresponds to `` Replay '' where there is no medal payout but can be played again without newly inserting game medals A role is prepared.
Among these winning combinations, when the result of the winning / losing lottery by the winning / losing lottery means 90 is one of the winning combinations, the normal game control means 70 establishes a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination. ing.

In addition, when the result of the winning / losing lottery means 90 is a winning corresponding to the special winning, a special winning flag, a so-called bonus flag is established, and the reel unit 60 is provided while the special winning flag is established. The winning combination is that the combination of the stop symbols on the rotating reel 40 matches a special winning symbol that is a predetermined combination (for example, three “7” s on the effective winning line). Thus, the game of the slot machine 1 is shifted to a special game advantageous to the player.
As described above, when the special winning flag is established by the lottery means 90, but the combination of the stop symbols of the rotary reel 40 does not match the special winning symbol, the game does not shift to the special game. In this case, the normal game control means 70 performs control so as to maintain the special winning flag established state so that the right to establish the special winning flag is carried over to subsequent games. Then, in subsequent games, if the player can match the combination of the stop symbols with the special winning symbol, the right to establish the special winning flag has been carried over, so that the game shifts to the special game. . If the winning flag of the small role is not won in the game in which the winning flag is established, the winning combination is returned to a non-established state, and the right to establish the winning flag is not carried over to the next game.

In the above, whether or not the corresponding winning symbol can be aligned on the effective winning line while any one of the winning flags is established is based on the operation timing of the stop switch 50 when the rotational speed of the rotary reel 40 is constant. This is due to suitability.
Specifically, the normal game control means 70 is configured to stop the rotating reel 40 within 190 ms after operating the stop switch 50. After operating the stop switch 50, the normal game control means 70 operates the stop switch 50 almost. It is possible to stop not only at the position at that time but also at any position within the retractable range on the circumference of the rotary reel 40 that can be stopped within 190 ms.

In other words, the normal game control means 70 delays the time until stopping when the corresponding winning symbol is included in the four consecutive drawable symbols from the stop symbol, and the effective winning line Control is performed so that the winning reel is pulled up and the rotary reel 40 is stopped.
If the winning symbol corresponding to the established winning flag is not included in the four drawable symbols due to inappropriate operation timing of the stop switch 50, etc., It is impossible to stop by drawing in the winning symbol.
(Special game control means 80)
The special game control means 80 controls a game operation in a special game different from the normal game.

That is, in the slot machine 1, a specially introduced game (BB game), a specific game (RB game), and a specific prize-winning game (JAC game) are set as special games.
Here, the BB game is a special game that is the largest role in the game of the slot machine 1 and can be played a plurality of times.
The RB game is a special game in which a plurality of JAC games can be performed up to the maximum number of times until a predetermined number of winnings is achieved. In addition, the RB game is performed in any of a case where the RB game is performed as a part of the BB game when the game is shifted to the BB game and a case where the RB game is performed not as a part of the BB game.

The JAC game is performed during the RB game and is a special game in which medals are paid out to the player when winning.
The special game is not limited to the BB game, RB game, and JAC game. Furthermore, an AT game that results in a prize when the stop switch 50 is operated in the order instructed using the liquid crystal panel display device 66A or the like. Etc. may be added.
Such a special game is started when a special winning flag is established by the winning / failing lottery means 90 during execution of a normal game and the stop symbol stopped by the player's operation matches the above special winning symbol. It has become.

For example, in the BB game, when three symbols such as “7” are arranged on the effective pay line in a state where the big bonus flag is established in the normal game, the hopper unit 65 pays out a predetermined number of medals. It starts with the payout of this medal.
As shown in FIG. 2, the special game control means 80 is provided with a specific introduction game control means 81 for controlling a game action in the BB game and a specific game control means 82 for controlling a game action in the RB game. .
The specific introduction game control means 81 controls the game operation in the same manner as a normal game with the possibility of winning a small role at the time of shifting to the BB game, and the specific winning symbol for shifting to the RB game is an effective winning line. When all of them are aligned, the game operation of the RB game is controlled thereafter.

Specifically, until the transition to the RB game, the specific introduction game control means 81 starts the game by inserting a maximum of three medals as in the normal game, and stops the rotation of each of the three rotating reels. At this time, medals are paid out depending on whether or not winning symbols are arranged on the effective winning line.
Therefore, the specific introduction game control means 81 is configured to cause the success / failure lottery means 90 to perform a lottery including a small role every time until the transition to the RB game.
Here, in the BB game, normally, the number of executions of the RB game in the BB game reaches a predetermined maximum number (for example, 3 times), or the number of executions of the same game as the normal game in the BB game is predetermined. When the maximum number of times (for example, 30 times) is reached, the process ends.

For this reason, the specific introduction game control means 81 performs control so that a plurality of RB games are played until the BB game is finished, and after the first RB game is finished, the game operation similar to the normal game is performed. As it is done, its gaming action is controlled.
The condition for ending the BB game is not limited to that the number of RB games played in the BB game or the number of games similar to a normal game has reached a preset maximum number. It may be that the number of medals paid out at the time reaches the preset maximum number. In other words, in the BB game, the BB game may be terminated when the number of medals paid out to the player reaches a preset maximum number.

When the game shifts to the RB game, the specific game control means 81 controls the operation of the game after starting the game by inserting one medal. Specifically, the specific game control means 81 displays a predetermined symbol when the player inserts one medal and starts rotating the rotating reel 40 and then stops the rotating reel 40. The game operation is controlled so that a prize is awarded when the players are aligned on the 12 center lines, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the hopper unit 65.
Here, in the RB game, a JAC game in which medals are paid out when winning is performed within a range not exceeding a predetermined maximum number of times (for example, 12 times), of which a predetermined maximum number of winning times (for example, for example, 8 times) is possible.

In other words, the RB game ends when the JAC game execution count reaches the maximum number or when the JAC game execution count reaches the maximum win count, whichever comes first.
(Win / Draw lottery means 90)
The winner / rejection lottery means 90 performs a lottery for determining whether or not a winner is won based on a predetermined lottery probability. Then, a winning flag is established when the lottery result by the winning / losing lottery means 90 is a winning, and on the condition that the combination of the stopped symbols of the rotating reel 40 coincides with a predetermined winning symbol while the winning flag is established. It is set so that a prize is won and the player is given a medal or a special game.

As shown in FIG. 2, the success / failure lotter 90 includes a random number generator 91 for generating random numbers for the success / failure lottery, and a random number extractor 92 for extracting the random numbers generated by the random number generator 91 under predetermined conditions. In addition, there are provided a success / failure determination table 93 in which the winning area is referred to in the determination of success / failure and a determination means 94 for performing the determination of success / failure based on the success / failure determination table 93.
The random number generation means 91 generates a random number for the lottery determination within a predetermined numerical area (for example, in the range of 0 to 999 in decimal number).
The random number extraction means 92 is selected from random numbers generated one after another by the random number generation means 91 when a predetermined condition set in advance is achieved, for example, when the start switch 30 is operated. Are extracted random numbers, and the extracted random numbers are used as extracted random number data.

In the winning / decision determination table 93, a winning area for determining each winning combination corresponding to each winning combination such as a BB game is assigned to a predetermined location in all random number areas that the random number generating means 91 can take. . As the success / failure determination table 93, a plurality of types having different lottery probability data, which are the probabilities of winning each winning combination, are prepared.
The determination means 94 selects the success / failure determination table 93 having the lottery probability data corresponding to each game, and based on the selected success / failure determination table 93 and the extracted random number data extracted by the random number extraction means 92, the determination of success / failure and In the case of winning, the winning role is determined. Specifically, the determination unit 94 collates the extracted random number data extracted by the random number extraction unit 92 with the determination result data of each winning area in the selected determination table 93, and the extraction extracted by the random number extraction unit 92 Whether or not the winning combination is determined and the winning combination is determined from the winning area to which the winning / determining area data matching the random number data belongs.

(Rotating reel time control means 71)
When the player tries to repeat the game over and over again in order to suppress the player's happiness, the next time the game is The rotary reel 40 is controlled so that it cannot be substantially performed. Such a function of the rotating reel time control means 71 prevents the player from consuming a remarkably large amount of medals in a short time.
More specifically, the rotation reel time control means 71 can stop the rotation reel 40 in the next game from the time when the player can stop the rotation reel 40 in one game. The time until the point becomes becomes not less than the shortest time. In other words, the rotation reel time control means 71, if the shortest time has not elapsed since the player stopped the rotation reel 40 in one game, even if the player operates the stop switch 50 in the next game, The operation of the stop switch 50 is invalidated, so that the stop operation of the rotary reel 40 cannot be performed.

(Winning determination means 72)
The winning determination means 72 determines whether or not the symbol 61 displayed in the symbol display window 13 has a specific combination when the three rotating reels 40 are stopped, thereby winning the winning combination in the winning / losing lottery. It is determined whether or not a prize has been won.
More specifically, the winning determination means 72 indicates that after the player has operated all the three stop switches 50, all the rotations of the three rotary reels 40 are stopped, and the symbol display window 13 is activated. When a plurality of preset symbols 61 corresponding to the winning combination are arranged on the line, it is determined whether or not the winning combination won in the winning lottery is won.

Then, when the winning determination means 72 determines that a winning has been won, a winning signal indicating that a winning has been won is sent to the hopper unit control means 73.
(Hopper unit control means 73)
The hopper unit control means 73 causes the hopper unit 65 to pay out medals so that the payout of the number of medals to be paid out is completed when the aforementioned minimum time expires.
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the hopper unit control means 73 pays out medals of the number of medals to be paid out by winning, and the hopper unit 65 pays out medals. A payout speed calculating means 732 for calculating a payout speed of medals when paying out is provided.

Among these, the payout speed calculating means 732 has a function of setting an end time at which the payout of medals should be finished when the hopper unit 65 starts paying out medals, in other words, the payout of medals.
More specifically, the payout speed calculation means 732 is a point in time when the player can stop the rotating reel 40 in one game and from when the player can stop the rotating reel 40 in the next game. The end time is calculated on the basis of the shortest time that is the lower limit of the time until and the elapsed time since all the rotating reels 40 were stopped in the previous game.
Specifically, the payout speed calculation means 732 sets the difference obtained by subtracting the elapsed time from the shortest time as the end time. Here, the end time is set to a time not longer than the aforementioned minimum time.

Also, the payout speed calculation means 732 calculates a payout speed at which all medals to be paid out can be paid out until the end time set by itself expires, and indicates the calculated payout speed. A function of sending a payout speed data signal to the payout operation control means 731 is also provided.
Here, the payout speed calculation means 732 calculates the payout speed of the hopper unit 65 within a range that does not exceed the maximum payout speed at which the hopper unit 65 can pay out most medals.
In addition, when the set end time is less than the predetermined value due to the slow pace of the player playing the game, in other words, sufficient end time is secured to complete the payout of medals within the shortest time If it is not possible, the payout speed calculation means 732 omits the calculation of the payout speed and sends a payout speed data signal indicating the maximum payout speed of the hopper unit 65 to the payout operation control means 731.

The payout speed calculation means 732 will be described below based on a specific example.
For example, in the slot machine 1, it is assumed that 4.1 seconds is preset as the shortest time. In such a slot machine 1, the payout of the hopper unit 65 is started after the payout number of medals wins three small roles and all the rotating reels 40 are stopped in the previous game. The elapsed time until is 3.1 seconds.
Then, the payout speed calculation means 732 sets 1.0 seconds as the end time based on the shortest time (4.1 seconds) and the elapsed time (3.1 seconds). Further, the payout speed calculation means 732 calculates 3 sheets / second as the payout speed based on the end time (1.0 second) calculated by itself and the payout number (3 sheets).

When determining that the winning determination means 72 has won, the payout operation control means 731 causes the hopper unit 65 to start paying out medals and pays out the number of medals to be paid out by winning. It controls 65 operations.
Here, the payout operation control means 731 receives the payout speed data signal sent from the payout speed calculating means 732 when the hopper unit 65 starts paying out medals, and based on the received payout speed data signal. The medal payout speed is set, and medals are paid out at the set payout speed.
The payout operation control means 731 in the present embodiment refers to the payout speed indicated by the payout speed data signal sent from the payout speed calculating means 732 when setting the payout speed of medals, and the payout speed data signal indicates The payout speed value is set as it is as the payout speed value, and medals are paid out at the set payout speed.

Specifically, when the payout speed indicated by the payout speed data signal sent from the payout speed calculating means 732 is 3 sheets / second, the payout operation control means 731 sets the payout speed with the same value as this, The hopper unit 65 pays out medals at the set payout speed of 3 sheets / second.
(Production control means 22)
Returning to FIG. 2, when the special winning flag is established, the effect control means 22 performs a notification effect etc. for notifying that the special winning flag is established, and the display device 66A, the decorative lamp unit 66B, and the speaker. It controls the production means 66 such as 66C.

More specifically, the effect control means 22 outputs a status signal indicating the state of the bonus flag output from the success / failure lottery means 90 when the success / failure lottery means 90 establishes a special winning flag which is a bonus flag by the success / failure lottery. In response to the status signal, the notification effect is performed with a predetermined probability. In some cases, the effect operation is controlled so as not to perform the notification effect.
Note that the effect control means 22 is configured so that the slot machine 1 can execute the notification effect at an appropriate timing after the medal is inserted and the start switch 30 is operated.

Specifically, for example, when receiving a status signal indicating that a special winning flag established when winning the BB game is established, the effect control means 22 performs a lottery internally, and performs a notification effect by this lottery. Whether or not. Then, when the effect control means 22 decides to perform the notification effect, the effect control means 22 outputs an effect command signal for instructing to perform the notification effect at an appropriate timing.
At this time, in the effect control means 22, a plurality of types of notification effect contents with different notification methods for winning and a plurality of timings at which this notification effect can be performed are registered. Then, the effect control means 22 performs a lottery on whether or not to perform the notification effect, and when it is determined that the notification effect is to be performed by this lottery, the lottery for selecting the notification effect content and its timing is performed. The contents and the timing thereof are determined, and an effect command signal is output at the determined timing.

In addition, the production control means 22 is a recommended avoidance image data necessary for displaying a recommended avoidance image to be described later on the display device 66A for causing the player to avoid winning a prize, and a recommended prize recommendation described later for recommending the player to win. The recommended image data necessary for displaying the image on the display device 66A is stored, and either the recommended avoidance image or the recommended winning image is displayed on the display device 66A according to the command signal from the final winning guidance means 23. It has become a thing.
Next, game control processing by the control device 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the control device 20 according to the present embodiment, the game control process starts from step S1000 as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, in step S1000, a detection process for detecting the operation of the start switch 30 that can be operated by inserting a medal is performed, the start switch 30 is operated, and the inside of the start switch 30 When the contact is closed, a process corresponding to the operation of the start switch 30 is also performed, such as starting a process of outputting a sound at the start of the game, and thereafter, the process proceeds to the next step S1100.

In step S1100, the success / failure lottery means 90 performs a success / failure lottery process. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next step S1200, and in this step S1200, the rotational driving of the rotary reel 40 is started, and then the process proceeds to the next step S1300.
In step S1300, detection processing for detecting the operation of the stop switch 50 is performed. When the stop switch 50 is operated and it is detected that the internal contact of the stop switch 50 is closed, the process proceeds to the next step S1400, where the rotation is performed. The rotation stop process of the reel 40 is performed, and the rotary reel 40 is stopped. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the next step S1500.
In step S1500, it is determined whether or not all the stop switches 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 have been operated. If it is determined that all the stop switches 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S1600.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1500 that all the stop switches 50 corresponding to the three rotary reels 40 have not been operated, the process returns to step S1300.
In step S1600, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the winning flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the winning flag is established, that is, whether or not winning has been won. If it is determined that a prize has been won, the process proceeds to the next step S2000. After the number of medals corresponding to the winning symbol has been paid out in step S2000, one game is completed.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1600 that no winning is made, step S2000 is skipped, and one game is completed.

Next, the success / failure lottery process in step S1100 in the above-described game control process will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 5, in step S1110, random numbers are extracted by the random number extraction means 92 from the random numbers generated by the random number generation means 91 of the success / failure lottery means 90. Proceed to S1120.
In step S1120, the extracted random number is stored in the random number extraction unit 92, and then the process proceeds to the next step S1130. In step S1130, the determination unit 94 determines whether the extracted random number and the validity determination table 93 are correct. Comparison with the determination area data is performed. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S1140.

In step S1140, the determination means 94 determines in which winning area of the winning determination table 93 the extracted random number is included, thereby evaluating the winning combination, and when this evaluation is completed, Proceed to step S1150.
In step S1150, a predetermined symbol kick-in and a predetermined symbol pull-in are set. When this setting is completed, the success / failure lottery process ends.
Next, the reel rotation stop process in step S1400 in the game control process described above will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 6, in step S1410, it is determined whether or not the kick setting has been achieved for a predetermined symbol. If it is determined that the kicking setting for the predetermined symbol has not been achieved, the process proceeds to the next step S1420. On the other hand, if it is determined that the kicking setting has been achieved, step S1440 is performed. Proceed to

In step S1420, the rotary reel 40 is rotated by one symbol, in other words, a kicking process for kicking the symbols one by one is performed, and then the process proceeds to the next step S1430.
In step S1430, it is determined whether or not the last symbol kicked in step S1420 has reached the fourth. If it is determined in step S1430 that the last kicked symbol has reached the fourth after the stop switch 50 is operated, the process proceeds to step S1460, and on the contrary, the last kicked symbol is If it is determined that the fourth total has not been reached, the process returns to step S1410.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1410 that the predetermined symbol kick setting has been achieved, and if the process proceeds to step S1440, whether or not the drawing is set for any symbol in step S1440. Is determined.

If it is determined in step S1440 that the drawing is set for any symbol, the process proceeds to the next step S1450, and conversely, it is determined that the drawing is not set for any symbol. If so, the process jumps to step S1460.
In step S1450, it is determined whether the pull-in setting has been achieved. If it is determined in step S1450 that the pull-in setting has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S1460. Conversely, if it is determined in step S1450 that the pull-in setting has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S1420. .
In step S1460, a stop process for stopping the rotation of the rotary reel 40 is performed. Upon completion of the stop process in step S1460, the reel rotation stop process ends.

Next, the medal payout process in step S2000 in the game control process according to the first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
First, as shown in FIG. 7, in step S2100, it is determined whether or not the player has won any combination in the game at that time. If it is not determined in this step S2100 that a winning combination has been won, the medal payout process is completed upon completion of step S2100. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2100 that a winning combination has been won, the process proceeds to the next step S2110.
In step S2110, the stored number Nst, which is the number of medals of the player stored in the slot machine 1, in other words, the maximum number of credits, which is the number of medals held internally, is 50. It is determined whether or not there is. If it is determined in step S2110 that the stored number Nst is 50, the process proceeds to step S2300. Conversely, in step S2110, the stored number Nst is not determined to be 50. If YES, go to step S2200.

In step S2200, processing for increasing the number of credits corresponding to the winning combination, in other words, medal storage processing for electronically storing medals to be paid out to the player. This medal storage process is completed when the process of increasing the number of credits is completed for all medals to be paid out to the player, or when the number of credits reaches the upper limit of 50 by the process of increasing the number of credits. It is supposed to be. Then, when such medal storage processing is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S2210.
In step S2210, it is determined whether or not all the medals corresponding to the winning combination have been stored, in other words, whether or not the medal payout process has been completed by the medal storage process in step S2200. If it is not determined in step S2210 that the medal payout process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S2300. Conversely, if it is determined in step S2210 that the medal payout process has been completed, In step S2210, the medal payout process ends.

If it is determined in step S2110 that the stored number Nst is 50, the process proceeds to step S2300 to obtain an end time Tre in step S2300. More specifically, in step S2300, the lower limit of the time from the point at which the rotating reel 40 can be stopped in one game to the point at which the rotating reel 40 can be stopped in the next game. The end time Tre is calculated based on the shortest time that is the value and the elapsed time that has elapsed since all the rotating reels 40 were stopped in the previous game. When the end time Tre is calculated in this way, the process proceeds to the next step S2310.
In step S2310, a process of obtaining a payout remaining number Nre, which is the remaining number of medals that could not be paid out in the medal storage process, is performed. When the medal storage process is not performed, the payout number of medals corresponding to the winning combination becomes the remaining payout number Nre as it is. When acquisition of the payout remaining number Nre is thus completed, the process proceeds to the next step S2320.

In step S2320, a process of calculating a payout speed Vpa when paying out medals with the hopper unit 65 to be activated from now on is performed. More specifically, a calculation is performed to divide the payout remaining number Nre acquired in step S2310 by the end time Tre acquired in step S2300. When calculation of the payout speed Vpa is completed by such calculation, the process proceeds to the next step S2330.
In step S2330, when the hopper unit 65 pays out medals, the payout speed of the hopper unit 65 is set to the payout speed Vpa calculated in step S2320. As a result, the payout of medals is completed almost simultaneously with the expiration of the shortest time, and the game can be started immediately after the payout of medals is completed.

Here, when the payout speed Vpa exceeds the maximum payout speed, which is the maximum payout speed at which the hopper unit 65 can pay out medals, the hopper unit 65 is operated at the set payout speed Vpa. Since this is not possible, the maximum payout speed is set as the payout speed in the hopper unit 65, not the payout speed Vpa.
In addition, as described above, if the end time acquired (set) in step S2300 is less than the predetermined value due to the slow pace of the player playing the game, in other words, the medals are paid out within the shortest time. Even when the end time sufficient for completion cannot be secured, the maximum payout speed is set as the payout speed in the hopper unit 65 instead of the payout speed Vpa.

When the processing for setting the payout speed of the hopper unit 65 is completed as described above, the process proceeds to the next step S2340.
In step S2340, the hopper unit 65 is driven to start a medal payout process for paying out medals to the player. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2350.
In step S2350, it is determined whether or not the medal payout process has been completed for all medals to be paid out to the player. If it is determined in step S2350 that all medals to be paid out to the player have not been paid out and it has not been determined that the medal payout process has been completed, the process returns to step S2340, and the medal payout process is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2350 that all medals to be paid out to the player have been paid out and the medal payout process has been completed, the operation of the hopper unit 65 is stopped. Finish all the way.
According to this embodiment as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
That is, when the hopper unit 65 starts paying out medals, an end time for ending medal payout is set, and all medals to be paid out can be paid out before the end time expires. A payout speed calculating means 732 is provided for calculating a payout speed that can be calculated and sending out a payout speed data signal indicating the calculated payout speed. When the payout operation control means 731 controls the medal payout operation of the hopper unit 65, the payout speed calculating means Since the payout speed is set based on the payout speed data signal sent out by the 732 and the medal payout is performed at the set payout speed, the payout speed is set fast when the number of payout medals is large. On the other hand, when the number of medals to be paid out is small, the payout speed is set slower, and the payout set for the winning combination is set. The payout is completed at the set end time regardless of the number of sheets.

  Here, when setting the end time by the payout speed calculation means 732, it corresponds to the shortest time from when the rotating reel 40 is stopped in one game until it becomes possible to stop the rotating reel 40 in the next game. Since the end time is set, regardless of the number of medals to be paid out, when the medal payout is completed, the minimum game time also expires. The time at which the player's game can be started substantially coincides, so that there is no time for the player to simply wait, thereby preventing the player's motivation for the game from being reduced. There is no loss of interest in the gaming machine.

  In addition, the rotation reel time control means provides a rotation reel stop operation until the minimum time has elapsed, and after the rotation reel 40 is stopped in one game, if the minimum time has not elapsed, the rotation reel 40 If the operation of the rotating reel 40 is controlled so that it cannot be stopped and the payout of medals is completed before the minimum time has expired, the end time should be set to an appropriate length that is less than the minimum time, even if the player may be waiting If the time is set to, the time when the payout of medals is completed substantially coincides with the time when the shortest time expires, and the next game can be started immediately. As a result, there is no time for the player to simply wait, and it is possible to prevent a player's willingness to play and an impediment to the gaming machine from being obstructed.

Furthermore, since a payout speed calculation means 732 for calculating a payout speed according to the number of medals to be paid out is provided, when winning a prize for a role other than the role where the most medals are paid out, particularly a small role with a small medal payout number When there is a time allowance for paying out medals, the hopper unit 65 is operated at a payout speed slower than the maximum payout speed, and the hopper unit 65 has fewer medals of the same number. Since the payout can be performed with electric power, the power consumption of the slot machine 1 can be reduced.
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. That is, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hopper unit control means 73 according to the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, a plurality of different payout operation control means 731 that adopts the payout speed calculated by the payout speed calculating means 732 in the first embodiment as it is as the payout speed of the hopper unit 65 are provided. Among the payout speeds, the one corresponding to the payout speed calculated by the payout speed calculating means 732 is selected, and the payout operation control means 731A adopting the selected payout speed as the payout speed of the hopper unit 65 is used.
That is, the payout operation control means 731A is set as a plurality of different payout speeds, the first payout speed Vhi set to a low speed less than the maximum payout speed of the hopper unit 65, and a speed lower than the first payout speed Vhi. The second payout speed Vlo is maintained.

As shown in FIG. 8, the payout operation control means 731A includes a first payout speed Vhi holding means 733A that holds the first payout speed Vhi and a second payout speed Vlo that holds the second payout speed Vlo. The payout speed Vlo holding means 733B, the payout speed selecting means 734 for selecting the payout speed based on the payout speed calculated by the payout speed calculating means 732, and the hopper unit 65 at the payout speed selected by the payout speed selecting means 734 A hopper unit drive control means 735 for driving is provided.
The first payout speed Vhi holding means 733A holds the first payout speed Vhi described above, and sends a first payout speed data signal indicating the held first payout speed Vhi to the payout speed selection means 734 at a predetermined timing. It is supposed to be sent out.

The second payout speed Vlo holding means 733B holds the second payout speed Vlo described above, and sends a second payout speed data signal indicating the held second payout speed Vlo to the payout speed selecting means 734 at a predetermined timing. It is supposed to be sent out.
The payout speed selecting means 734 internally holds a predetermined reference payout speed Vst which is a reference for selecting the payout speed, and receives the payout speed data signal sent from the payout speed calculating means 732 and receives this payout speed. The payout speed is selected based on the payout speed Vpa indicated by the data signal and the stored reference payout speed Vst.
More specifically, the payout speed selecting means 734 is configured so that the payout speed Vpa indicated by the payout speed data signal sent from the payout speed calculating means 732 has reached the reference payout speed Vst held therein. The first payout speed Vhi held by the first payout speed Vhi holding means 733A is selected as the payout speed of the hopper unit 65.

On the other hand, when the payout speed Vpa indicated by the payout speed data signal sent from the payout speed calculating means 732 is less than the reference payout speed Vst held therein, the payout speed selecting means 734 outputs the second payout. The second payout speed Vlo held by the speed Vlo holding means 733B is selected as the payout speed of the hopper unit 65.
For example, in the slot machine 1, it is assumed that 4.1 seconds is preset as the shortest time. In such a slot machine 1, the payout of the hopper unit 65 is started after the medal payout number is won in 10 small roles and all the rotating reels 40 are stopped in the previous game. The elapsed time until is 3.1 seconds.

The first payout speed Vhi holding means 733A holds 9 sheets / second as the first payout speed Vhi, and the second payout speed Vlo holding means 733B holds 4 sheets / second as the second payout speed Vlo. Further, it is assumed that the payout speed selection means 734 holds 4 sheets / second as the reference payout speed Vst.
Then, the payout speed calculation means 732 sets 1.0 seconds as the end time based on the shortest time (4.1 seconds) and the elapsed time (3.1 seconds). Further, the payout speed calculation means 732 calculates 10 sheets / second as the payout speed Vpa based on the end time (1.0 second) calculated by itself and the payout number (10 sheets). .

The payout speed selection means 734 compares the payout speed Vpa (10 sheets / second) with the reference payout speed Vst (4 sheets / second), and the payout speed Vpa is larger than the reference payout speed Vst, so that the reference payout speed is Since it is determined that it has reached Vst, the first payout speed Vhi held by the first payout speed Vhi holding means 733A is selected as the payout speed of the hopper unit 65.
As a result, the payout of medals is completed in 10/9 seconds, that is, approximately 1.1 seconds, and after the shortest time has expired, the payout of medals is completed promptly and the game can be started immediately. .
Next, the game control process according to the second embodiment will be described. The game control process of the second embodiment includes the medal payout process including the process from step S2000 to step S2350 in the first embodiment, and the process from step S3000 to step S3370 as shown in FIG. This is a medal payout process.

That is, first, in step S3100, it is determined whether or not the player has won any combination in the game at that time. If it is not determined in this step S3100 that a winning combination has been won, the medal payout process is completed upon completion of step S3100. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3100 that a winning combination has been won, the process proceeds to the next step S3110.
In step S3110, the stored number Nst, which is the number of medals of the player stored in the slot machine 1, in other words, the maximum number of credits, which is the number of medals held internally, is 50. It is determined whether or not there is. If it is determined in step S3110 that the stored number Nst is 50, the process proceeds to step S3300. Conversely, in step S3110, the stored number Nst is not determined to be 50. If YES, go to step S3200.

In step S3200, processing for increasing the number of credits corresponding to the winning combination, in other words, medal storage processing for electronically storing medals to be paid out to the player. This medal storage process is completed when the process of increasing the number of credits is completed for all medals to be paid out to the player, or when the number of credits reaches the upper limit of 50 by the process of increasing the number of credits. It is supposed to be. Then, when such a medal storage process is completed, the process proceeds to the next step S3210.
In step S3210, it is determined whether or not all the medals corresponding to the winning combination have been stored, in other words, whether or not the medal payout process has been completed by the medal storage process in step S3200. If it is not determined in step S3210 that the medal payout process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S3300. Conversely, if it is determined in step S3210 that the medal payout process has ended. In step S3210, the medal payout process ends.

If it is determined in step S3110 described above that the stored number Nst is determined to be the upper limit number 50, for example, the process proceeds to step S3300, a process of obtaining the end time Tre is performed in step S3300. More specifically, in step S3300, the lower limit of the time from the point at which the rotating reel 40 can be stopped in one game to the point at which the rotating reel 40 can be stopped in the next game. The end time Tre is calculated based on the shortest time that is the value and the elapsed time that has elapsed since all the rotating reels 40 were stopped in the previous game. When the end time Tre is thus calculated, the process proceeds to the next step S3310.
In step S3310, a process of obtaining a payout remaining number Nre, which is the remaining number of medals that could not be paid out in the medal storage process, is performed. When the medal storage process is not performed, the payout number of medals corresponding to the winning combination becomes the remaining payout number Nre as it is. When acquisition of the payout remaining number Nre is thus completed, the process proceeds to the next step S3320.

In step S3320, a process of calculating a payout speed Vpa when paying out medals with the hopper unit 65 to be started is performed. More specifically, a calculation is performed to divide the payout remaining number Nre acquired in step S3310 by the end time Tre acquired in step S3300. When the calculation of the payout speed Vpa is completed by such calculation, the process proceeds to the next step S3330.
In step S3330, the payout speed Vpa calculated by the payout speed calculating means 732 is compared with the reference payout speed Vst, and it is determined whether or not the payout speed Vpa is less than the reference payout speed Vst. If it is determined in step S3330 that the payout speed Vpa is less than the reference payout speed Vst, the process proceeds to step S3340 and the second payout speed Vlo held by the second payout speed Vlo holding means 733B. Is selected as the payout speed of the hopper unit 65, and then the process proceeds to step S3360.

On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S3330 that the payout speed Vpa is less than the reference payout speed Vst, the process proceeds to step S3350 and the first payout speed Vhi holding means 733A holds. The speed Vhi is selected as the payout speed of the hopper unit 65, and then the process proceeds to step S3360.
In step S3360, a medal payout process for operating the hopper unit 65 at the second payout speed Vlo or the first payout speed Vhi selected in step S3340 or step S3350 to start paying out a medal to the player is started. Proceed to
In step S3370, it is determined whether or not the medal payout process has been completed for all medals to be paid out to the player. If it is determined in step S3370 that all medals to be paid out to the player have not been paid out and it has not been determined that the medal payout process has been completed, the process returns to step S3360, and the medal payout process is continued.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3370 that all medals to be paid out to the player have been paid out and the medal payout process has been completed, the operation of the hopper unit 65 is stopped. Finish all the way.
According to the second embodiment as described above, the same operations and effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
The present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments, but includes modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved.
In other words, in the second embodiment, the payout speed of the hopper unit can be changed to two stages. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the payout speed of the hopper unit can be changed to a plurality of stages of three or more stages. Good.

In addition, in principle, the end time is set to a time shorter than the shortest time. However, when the game time is extended due to the effect of notifying the winner during the game time, etc. In this case, the end time may be set longer than the original fixed length of the shortest time because the shortest time fixed in advance to a predetermined time length can be considered to be extended.
For example, if the game time is extended by 10 seconds because the winning notification effect was performed during the game time, the shortest time that the fixed original length is 4.1 seconds is also extended by 10 seconds. In this case, the end time can be set to a value up to a maximum of 14.1 seconds.

It is a front view showing the whole slot machine concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus which concerns on the said 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hopper unit control means which concerns on the said 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the game control process of the said 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the success / failure lottery process of the said 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the reel rotation stop process of the said 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the medal payout process of the said 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the hopper unit control means which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the medal payout process of the said 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine
18 medal slot
40 turn reel
61 design
65 Hopper unit
71 Rotating reel time control means
72 Winning judgment means
90 Win / Loot lottery
731,731A Discharge operation control means
732 Dispensing speed calculation means

Claims (3)

A plurality of rotary reels that are provided with a plurality of types of symbols on the outer peripheral surface and that can be rotationally driven, a medal slot that is opened to allow a player to insert a medal that is a game medium, and an internal storage A hopper unit for paying out the medals to the player who won the game, and after inserting the medals into the medal slot and then rotating the plurality of rotating reels, the plurality of rotating reels Is a slot machine that is awarded when the symbols displayed on these rotating reels are in a specific combination when the player stops
The hopper unit can change a payout speed, which is the number of medals that can be paid out per unit time,
Each time a game is played, a lottery determination is performed, and a determination of whether or not the game is successful and the winning lottery means for selecting the winning combination.
When the plurality of rotating reels are stopped, it is determined whether or not a winning combination is won by determining whether or not the symbols displayed on these rotating reels have a specific combination. A winning determination means,
When it is determined that the winning determination means has won a payout operation control for controlling the operation of the hopper unit so that the hopper unit starts a medal payout operation and the number of medals to be paid out is paid out. Means,
When the hopper unit starts paying out medals, an end time for ending medal payout is set, and all medals to be paid out can be paid out before the end time expires. A payout speed calculating means for calculating a speed and sending out a payout speed data signal indicating the calculated payout speed;
The payout operation control means receives a payout speed data signal sent from the payout speed calculating means when starting to pay out medals, and sets a medal payout speed based on the received payout speed data signal. A slot machine that pays out medals at a set payout speed. The time from when it becomes possible to stop the rotating reel in one game to the time when it becomes possible to stop the rotating reel in the next game does not fall below the preset minimum time. A rotating reel time control means is provided for controlling the rotating reel so that the rotating reel cannot be stopped until the minimum time has elapsed,
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the end time is set to a time that is not longer than the shortest time.   The payout speed calculating means calculates the payout speed of the hopper unit within a range not exceeding a maximum payout speed at which the hopper unit can pay out most medals. 2. The slot machine according to 2.

Images