JP2009153549A - Game machine system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide: a game machine system effectively utilizing a slot machine panel, which is not much used for performance in the prior arts; and a game machine system capable of enhancing excitement in a game for a game player by a performance utilizing a slot machine with which a game player does not play a game. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine system 1 includes a performance control means for controlling performance utilizing an adjacent slot machine 10 when the slot machine 10 is currently used and an adjacent slot machine is not used currently, and includes a plurality of the slot machines. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine system including a plurality of slot machines as gaming machines. In particular, the present invention relates to a gaming machine system capable of controlling effects using a slot machine in which no game is played by a player.

  As one of the gaming machines, there is a slot machine in which a player inserts a medal, rotates a reel displaying a symbol to stop it, and determines a game result by a combination of symbols at the time of stoppage. In the slot machine, when the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the lottery stops and wins, it is possible to play a game according to the winning combination by the player. In particular, a lot of game media (medals) can be obtained by winning and winning a special role that can shift to a special game advantageous to the player.

  At game stores where game machines including slot machines are placed, increasing the operating rate of each game machine where a player plays a game will increase the sales and profits of each game machine. In order to increase sales and profits, a game machine is used to produce an effect that raises the player's interest. For example, in a slot machine, in general, a variety of effects are performed in order to increase the player's interest in the game by using effect means such as an image display device, a display lamp, and a sound output device.

In general, an image display device or the like is used for an effect in a slot machine, and thus a panel arranged in front of the slot machine is rarely used as an effect that changes depending on the gaming state. Thus, a slot machine that performs an effect using the panel has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). In the proposed slot machine, the appearance of the slot machine can be changed by using the panel, so that an impression based on the effect can be given to the player by a visual effect.
JP 2001-187181 A

  However, the slot machine described in Patent Document 1 enables an effect by displaying a panel according to the gaming state, but only the contents printed in advance on the display belt are rotated and displayed. . Therefore, the display content of the panel only changes, the information given to the player is limited, and does not make the player feel interested in the game. Also, it is difficult for a player who plays a slot machine game to grasp the display contents because the panel is very difficult to see.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine system that effectively uses a panel of a slot machine that has been rarely used for production. It is another object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine system that can increase a player's interest in a game by using a slot machine in which no game is played by the player. Furthermore, by using the slot machine where the game is not performed by the player, the operating rate of the slot machine which is a gaming machine is increased, and as a result, the sales and profit for each slot machine are increased. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine system that increases the sales and profits of the entire amusement store.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine system according to the present invention is a gaming machine system including a plurality of slot machines, and is itself in a game and is not in a game from a slot machine adjacent to itself. In some cases, it includes production control means for controlling production using a slot machine adjacent to itself.

Specifically, the gaming machine system according to the present invention is:
A gaming machine system including a plurality of slot machines capable of performing a unit game up to processing based on a result of turning and stopping a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed by inserting a game medium,
The slot machine is
Role lottery means for lottery of which role to win from among the roles;
Game control means for proceeding with processing corresponding to the winning combination when winning the winning combination,
In accordance with the progress of the game, including the effect control means for controlling the effect output using the notification means,
The production control means includes
Output means for outputting game information including state information indicating whether or not the game is in progress to a slot machine other than itself;
Input means for inputting the game information output from the output means of the slot machine other than itself,
When the player is playing and the input means receives the status information from the slot machine adjacent to the player, and the slot machine adjacent to the player is not playing
Control the production using the slot machine adjacent to the self,
It is characterized by that.

  According to the above-described invention, the production control means is playing a game, and its input means receives status information from a slot machine adjacent to itself, and the slot machine adjacent to itself is not playing. Sometimes, the slot machine that is adjacent to itself controls the production using the slot machine adjacent to itself, so that the slot machine that is being played is a member unique to the slot machine using the slot machine that is adjacent to itself that is not being played. It is possible to control the production using. Therefore, it is possible to effectively use a panel of a slot machine that has been rarely used for production.

  In addition, since an effect using a slot machine other than itself is possible, an effect that cannot be produced by a single slot machine is possible. Therefore, by notifying the game information of the player, it is possible to generate “convenience” for the game and “rendering” that attracts interest. As a result, the player's interest in the game can be increased by the effect using the slot machine in which the game is not performed by the player. In addition, by using the slot machine adjacent to itself for production, it is possible to grasp the display, production, and the like of the panel unit and the like that were conventionally difficult for the player to see.

  Furthermore, by using the slot machine where the game is not performed by the player, the operating rate of the slot machine which is a gaming machine is increased, and as a result, the sales and profit for each slot machine are increased. Sales and profits of the entire amusement store can be increased.

  Here, “game information” is information indicating the gaming state of the slot machine, and is not limited to information related to the lottery result of the combination, and is information including state information indicating whether or not the game is in progress.

  Further, as the gaming machine system according to the present invention, the slot machine includes a game medium number storage means for storing the number of game media inserted into the slot machine, and a detection means for detecting whether or not the game machine is playing. The detecting means preferably determines that the game medium is not being played when the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means is not a positive number and the game medium is not inserted into the game medium.

  According to the above-described invention, the detection means determines that the game medium is not being played when the number of game media stored in the game medium number storage means is not a positive number and the game media is not inserted into the game media. From this, it is possible to detect whether or not the slot machine is playing based on the determination conditions unique to the slot machine. In particular, since the detection means can automatically detect whether or not the slot machine is playing based on the determination conditions unique to the slot machine, it is possible to automate the production using a plurality of slot machines.

  Note that the determination conditions of the detection unit are not limited to using the determination conditions unique to the slot machine as described above. For example, when it is determined by a sensor (not shown) provided on the panel of the slot machine that there is no player in front of the slot machine, it can be determined that the slot machine is not playing a game.

  In addition, as a gaming machine system according to the present invention, the production control means has one slot machine adjacent to itself, and when its own and the slot machine adjacent to itself are not playing a game, It is preferable to perform the effect used.

  According to the above-described invention, the production control means has one slot machine adjacent to itself, for example, the left end or the right end arranged linearly in a line, and the slot machine adjacent to itself and itself. When the game is not in progress, an effect using the panel portion of the player is performed, so that a strong impact can be given to the player in a limited space where the slot machine is installed. Therefore, it is possible to cause the player to have an interest that arises from a sense of discomfort. As a result, opportunities for players to play games can be increased, and the operating rate of the slot machine can be increased. In addition, as an effect in the above case, an effect of rotating the panel itself up and down, left and right, an effect of rotating a belt of a belt-type display device built in the panel, and the like are possible.

  In the gaming machine system according to the present invention, it is desirable that the output means transmits game information to the input means by an infrared communication method.

  According to the above-described invention, since the distance between adjacent slot machines is a short distance, a certain amount of game information is transmitted and received between the output means and the input means of the adjacent slot machines by the infrared communication method. be able to. Furthermore, since the infrared communication method has high directivity and confidentiality, it is possible to prevent fraud. In addition, the use of the infrared communication system also allows versatility, and a gaming machine system with low manufacturing costs can be manufactured.

  According to the above-described invention, it is possible to effectively use a panel of a slot machine that has been rarely used for production. In addition, since it is possible to produce using a slot machine other than itself, it is possible to produce an effect that can not occur in a single slot machine, and `` convenience '' to the game by notifying the player's game information, Since it is possible to generate “rendering” that attracts interest, it is possible to increase the player's interest in the game. As a result, the operating rate of the slot machine can be increased.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. A gaming machine system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system that employs a plurality of slot machines 10 as gaming machines. Then, the slot machine 10 transmits information indicating whether or not the player is playing (hereinafter referred to as “status information”) to an adjacent slot machine other than the own, and an adjacent slot machine other than itself. The status information indicating whether or not a game is in progress is also received to determine whether or not an adjacent slot machine other than itself is in play, and an adjacent slot machine other than itself is not in play. Sometimes, an effect using the panel 70 of the adjacent slot machine is performed.

<< Configuration of gaming machine system 1 >>
The gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment is a slot in which a unit game can be executed until processing based on a result of turning and stopping a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed by inserting a game medium (medal). This is a gaming machine system including a plurality of machines. In the present specification, among the games in which a single-stroke game can be repeated, this single-stroke game is referred to as a unit game, and specifically, a symbol attached to three reels described later. A game whose progress is determined by the display mode. The unit game will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram in which three slot machines 10 constituting the gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment are linearly arranged in a line. Note that the number of slot machines constituting the gaming machine system according to the present embodiment is not limited to three, and two or more slot machines are applicable. Further, FIG. 1 shows the gaming machine system in which the slot machines 10 are linearly arranged in a line. However, as long as the slot machines are adjacent to each other, the gaming machine system can be applied to a gaming machine system arranged in a ring shape. it can.

  In the gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment, by rotating a panel 70 provided at the lower part of a slot machine where a game is not performed by a player in the direction of the slot machine where a game is performed, The panel 70 that has not been used for the production is used for the production. Further, an effect of notifying the player of a gaming state such as winning of a combination is also performed by a belt type display device (not shown) built in the rotated panel 70.

  FIG. 2 shows a game in which no game is played in the left and right slot machines among the three slot machines, and a game is played in the central slot machine arranged between the left and right sides. The machine system 1 is shown. The left and right slot machine panels rotate in the direction of the central slot machine, and the central slot machine panel does not rotate and is controlled in the direction facing the player.

  Further, the slot machine 10 transmits status information indicating whether or not the slot machine 10 is playing a game in order to determine whether or not an adjacent slot machine other than itself is playing a game. It is also necessary to receive status information from neighboring slot machines other than. Therefore, in the gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment, state information is transmitted and received between two adjacent slot machines using an infrared communication method with high directivity and confidentiality. In this gaming machine system 1, since the slot machines are arranged in a straight line, an infrared transmission / reception unit 90 that transmits and receives infrared rays is provided on the side surface of the slot machine that is aligned vertically and horizontally, Information was transmitted and received by infrared rays between adjacent slot machines.

<< Configuration of Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 3 is a front view of the slot machine 10 constituting the gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing the internal structure of the slot machine 10. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the slot machine 10 includes a box-shaped base portion 20 and a front door 40. The front door 40 is pivotally supported on the left side portion of the base portion 20 and is provided to be openable and closable on the front side of the base portion 20. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the front door 40 is closed with respect to the base portion 20, and FIG. 4 shows an internal structure that can be viewed with the front door 40 being opened approximately 180 degrees with respect to the base portion 20.

<Front side of front door 40>
The front door 40 is attached to the base unit 20 so as to be openable and closable so as to cover the front surface of the base unit 20 when closed. As shown in FIG. 3, a member related to operation and a member related to display are mainly provided on the front surface of the front door 40. A control circuit board is mainly provided on the back surface of the front door 40.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an operation panel 41 that extends in the horizontal direction is provided as a member related to the operation at the approximate center on the front side (player side) of the front door 40. On the front side of the operation panel 41, a start switch 42 and three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are provided. On the upper surface side of the operation panel 41, a 1-bet switch 62, a 2-bet switch 64, a maximum bet switch 66, and a medal slot 46 are provided. A receiving tray 48 for receiving medals paid out based on the result of the unit game is also provided at the lower portion of the front door 40.

  Further, as members relating to display, an image display device 34 that displays an effect image and a lamp 38 that performs an effect by light according to the progress of the game are provided on the upper portion of the front door 40. Although it is not a display member, as one of the variations of the production, speakers 36 that produce an audio production as the game progresses are provided on both the left and right sides of the image display device 34.

<Start switch 42>
The above-described start switch 42 is a switch operated by the player in order to advance the unit game. When the player operates the start switch 42, a start switch operation signal is issued from the start switch 42. A start switch operation signal issued from the start switch 42 is supplied to a main control board 32 described later. The main control board 32 detects the start switch operation signal, thereby starting control of rotation driving of three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R described later.

<Stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c>
The three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c described above are also switches that are operated by the player to advance the unit game. When the player operates the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c, a stop switch operation signal is separately generated from each of the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. Stop switch operation signals issued from each of the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c are supplied to a main control board 32 which will be described later. The main control board 32 separately starts control of stop driving of three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R, which will be described later, by detecting a stop switch operation signal.

<Reel display window 51 and reels 30L, 30C, 30R>
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the front door 40 is formed with a front frame 50. A reel display window 51 is formed at a substantially central portion of the front frame 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the three reels 30 </ b> L, 30 </ b> C, 30 </ b> R are rotatably accommodated in the reel unit 28. The reel unit 28 has a front surface 29 open, and the player can visually recognize the type of symbols located on the front surface 29 of the reel unit 28, as will be described later. The reel unit 28 is supported by a support plate 26 fixed to the base portion 20. When the front door 40 is closed, the reel display window 51 is positioned in front of the front surface 29 of the reel unit 28. The reel display window 51 is covered with a transparent member, and when the front door 40 is closed, the player can display the symbols drawn on the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R through the reel display window 51. The type can be visually recognized.

  A light emitting diode (not shown) is provided as a backlight inside each of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R, and light can be irradiated from the inside of each of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. It is like that.

  Each of the three reels 30L to 30R is provided with 21 symbols at equal intervals. These types of symbols can be identified by the player, for example, the number “red 7” or the fruit “cherry”. An example of the symbols attached to each of the three reels 30L to 30R is shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 10, in order from the left side, the first column shows the symbol number, the second column shows the symbol attached to the reel 30L, and the third column shows the symbol attached to the reel 30C. The fourth column shows the symbols attached to the reel 30R. As will be described later, the symbol numbers shown in the first column correspond to the rotational positions of the reels 30L to 30R, and identify 21 symbols assigned to each of the three reels 30L to 30R. Are the 0th to 20th numbers. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the 0th symbol of the left reel 30L is “watermelon”, the seventh symbol is “cherry”, and the 19th symbol is “bell”.

  In addition, FIG. 10 mentioned above shows the example of the symbol attached | subjected to each of the three reels 30L-30R, and typically shows the correspondence of the symbol number and the symbol attached | subjected to each of the three reels 30L-30R. It is also a table shown. In the main control means 100 to be described later, a correspondence relationship between this symbol number and the symbols assigned to each of the three reels 30L to 30R is stored as a table, and the symbol stopped by referring to this correspondence relationship. Can be obtained. This correspondence will be described later.

  As will be described later, when the three reels 30L to 30R are stopped, nine symbols are stopped and displayed in the reel display window 51 so as to be visible. An area formed by the reel display window 51 corresponds to a “symbol display area”.

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

<Reel display window 51 and winning lines L1 to L5>
As described above, the reel display window 51 is covered with a transparent member. As shown in FIG. 3, five pay lines L <b> 1 to L <b> 5 are drawn on the reel display window 51. By doing in this way, the player can visually recognize the type of symbol through the reel display window 51 and can also visually recognize the five winning lines L1 to L5 on the reel display window 51. .

  The winning line L1 is a middle straight line extending in the horizontal direction, the winning line L2 is an upper straight line extending in the horizontal direction, and the winning line L3 is a lower straight line extending in the horizontal direction. The winning line L4 is a straight line extending from the upper left to the lower right, and the winning line L5 is a straight line extending from the lower left to the upper right.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the five winning lines L1 to L5 are depicted on the reel display window 51. However, if the winning line is clear to the player, the reel display window The winning line may not be drawn on 51.

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

  As described above, the five pay lines L1 to L5 are drawn on the reel display window 51. When the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, one of the five pay lines, for example, the pay line L1 is activated. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, three of the five winning lines, for example, winning lines L1 to L3 are activated. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, all five pay lines, that is, L1 to L5 are activated. In this way, the three bet switches 62, 64 and 66 function as valid line enabling means for determining the number of medals to be a target for betting and validating the pay lines L1 to L5.

<Effective line>
As described above, the three bet switches 62, 64, and 66 function as the game medium number setting unit 330 that activates the pay lines L1 to L5 when operated by the player. When the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, the winning line L1 is activated. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, the winning lines L1 to L3 are activated. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, the winning line is displayed. All of L1 to L5 are activated. As described above, the activated winning line is referred to as an activated line.

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

<Panel 70>
A panel 70 is provided below the front door 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the panel 70 of the slot machine 10 of the gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in the slot machine 10 so as to be rotatable. Further, the panel 70 itself is a box-shaped member with a transparent front, and a player who faces the front of the panel can visually recognize the contents printed on the belt of the belt-type display device 72 built in the panel. It can be done. The belt-type display device 72 can rotate the content printed on the belt in a changeable manner by rotating the belt according to the gaming state.

  In order to explain the structure of the panel 70, a schematic diagram of the panel 70 is shown in FIG. FIG. 5A shows that the belt type display device 72 is built in the panel 70. As shown in FIG. 5A, the panel 70 is a box-shaped member indicated by a broken line, and at least the front surface of the panel 70 facing the player who plays a game is transparent. In particular, in order to make the inside of the slot machine invisible to the player, it is preferable to make only the front surface of the panel 70 transparent.

  The gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment rotates the panel 70 of the adjacent slot machine in its own direction when the gaming machine system 1 is in the gaming state and no slot machine other than the neighboring slot machine is in the gaming state. Produce the effect. Therefore, not only the entire front surface of the panel 70 is transparent, but also information that the player needs to grasp as knowledge when playing the game, for example, a slot between the same model such as a combination of winning symbols of the combination It is preferable to print information common to the machine on the front surface of the panel. As a result, conventionally, the information printed on the panel 70 has been difficult to be confirmed by a player directly facing the panel 70, but the information printed on the panel 70 of the adjacent slot machine is grasped. And the player can be provided with convenience for the game.

  In addition, the player does not need to always check, but the information such as the combination of winning symbols of the above-mentioned combination that may be checked rarely is not directly printed on the panel 70, but the belt type display device It is also preferred to print on 72 belts. As in the case of printing on the panel 70, not only is the player provided with convenience to the game, but also the belt is rotated according to the gaming state, so that the content printed on the belt is changed, and the effect is given via the panel. Variations can be made.

  The belt-type display device 72 is passed between two rotatable shafts 72a and 72a depending on the game state, and has a belt-like display having a display surface for displaying to the player via a transparent front surface on the panel 70. And a panel belt 72b. The belt-type display device 72 can change the display mode visible through the transparent front surface of the panel 70 by rotating the rotating shaft 72a and moving the display surface of the panel belt 72b depending on the gaming state. Is.

  FIG. 5B is a perspective view seen from the back side of the panel 70 in order to explain the drive mechanism of the panel 70 in which the belt type display device 72 is incorporated. The driving mechanism of the panel 70 includes a panel 70 that is pivotally connected to a support column 79 via a ball joint 79a, linear DC motors 73 and 74, induction belts 77 and 78, rollers 75 and 76, and the like. Yes.

  The column 79 and the linear DC motors 73 and 74 are fixed to the lower part of the slot machine body. The linear DC motors 73 and 74 are arranged in directions in which the mover moves in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, respectively. The induction belts 77 and 78 are fixed to the movers of the linear DC motors 73 and 74, respectively, and both ends are fixed to the upper and lower ends and the left and right ends of the panel 70. Therefore, when the linear DC motor 73 is operated, the induction belt 77 is moved in the left (right) direction, the angle of the panel 70 is adjusted in the left-right direction, and when the linear DC motor 74 is operated, the induction belt 78 is up (down). The angle of the panel 70 is adjusted in the vertical direction by moving in the direction.

<Infrared transceiver unit 90>
In the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, state information and other game information are transmitted and received between adjacent slot machines using an infrared communication system. In the infrared communication method, since directivity and confidentiality are high, the game information is transmitted via the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 disposed on the side surface of the slot machine 10 so that infrared communication is possible between adjacent slot machines. Sent and received.

  An optical element that performs infrared communication between adjacent slot machines 10 is mounted on the circuit board inside the slot machine 10 via the infrared transmission / reception unit 90. A circuit for mutual exchange is mounted. In addition, when using the gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment, a state in which infrared communication is possible between a plurality of slot machines is set in advance.

  In addition, when infrared communication is performed between adjacent slot machines via the transmission / reception unit 90 and game information is transmitted / received, it is preferably performed within a short distance, for example, within 20 cm. Further, the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 is preferably electrically connected to a sub-control board 52 described later.

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

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

<Speaker 36>
As shown in FIG. 3, the speakers 36 are provided on both the left and right sides of the image display device 34 described above. The speaker 36 produces a voice effect as the game progresses. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a sub-control board 52 described later, a sound corresponding to the condition is emitted from the speaker 36. For example, based on the lottery result of the lottery process performed by the role lottery means 120 described later, sound effects, music, etc. suggesting the lottery result are emitted from the speaker 36.

<Lamp 38>
The lamp 38 is provided in the upper part of the front door 40, as shown in FIG. The lamp 38 produces a light effect as the game progresses. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a sub-control board 52 to be described later, the lamp 38 is turned on or blinked according to the condition. For example, based on the lottery result of the lottery process performed by the role lottery means 120 described later, the lamp 38 is lit in a predetermined color or a predetermined pattern according to the type of the role so as to suggest the lottery result. Or blink. In addition, the effect by light includes not only the lamp 38 described above but also a back lamp (not shown) arranged inside the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R.

<Base part 20>
The base portion 20 shown in FIG. 4 is assembled with wood or the like, and is formed in a box shape having an open front surface. A power supply unit 22 for supplying power to various devices mounted on the slot machine 10 and a medal payout device 24 including a hopper for storing medals are provided in the lower portion inside the base body portion 20. A support plate 26 is provided above the power supply unit 22 and the medal payout device 24. The support plate 26 supports a reel unit 28 that rotatably accommodates the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. Furthermore, a main control board 32 that controls the game played in the slot machine 10 as a whole is provided in the upper part inside the base body 20.

<Setting switch 27>
A setting switch 27 is disposed on the back surface of the front door 40. The setting switch 27 is a switch operated by an administrator of the slot machine 10 or the like. A set value is set by an operation by an administrator or the like, and a lottery table used when performing a role lottery process by the role lottery means 120 described later is set.

  In order to set or change the set value, another switch provided in the slot machine 10 is operated so that an input from the setting switch 27 can be received. The administrator or the like sets the desired setting value by pressing the setting switch 27 at least once. For example, when the set value is 1 to 6, every time the setting switch 27 is pressed, “1” → “2” → “3” → “4” → “5” → “6” → “ It is preferable that the set value changes by 1 as in “1” →. In order to confirm the set value and store the set value, other switches provided in the slot machine 10 are operated. The determined set value is stored in a set value storage unit 160 described later. Moreover, in this embodiment, it is set so that the winning probability of the winning combination such as the first type BB winning combination becomes higher as the setting value 1, setting 2,.

<Main control board 32>
The main control board 32 is a control board for controlling the start and stop of the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R and for controlling the entire game such as the progress of the game performed in the slot machine 10. The main control board 32 temporarily stores a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) for performing calculations and the like, a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) in which game programs and the like are stored, and each data. RAM (random access memory) (not shown) etc. are included.

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

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

  Further, the main control board 32 is electrically connected to the above-described start switch 42 and the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c. When the player operates the start switch 42 or the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c, a signal indicating that the player has operated is sent from the start switch 42 or the three stop switches 44a, 44b and 44c to the main control board 32. It is done. When a start switch operation signal is issued from the start switch 42 to the main control board 32, the main control board 32 controls the rotation of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. When a stop switch operation signal is issued from the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c to the main control board 32, the main control board 32 corresponds to the operated stop switch among the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. Reel stop control.

<Sub control board 52>
As shown in FIG. 4, the sub control board 52 is disposed on the upper part of the back surface of the front door 40. The sub-control board 52 is a board that mainly controls effects during the game. For example, control is performed such that an effect image is displayed on the image display device 34, a sound effect or music is emitted from the speaker 36, and the lamp 38 is turned on or blinked. The sub-control board 52 includes a CPU (not shown) that performs calculations, a ROM (not shown) that stores effect programs and effect data, and a RAM (not shown) that temporarily stores each data. Including.

  For example, the ROM stores a control program for controlling the effects shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 and image data and audio data for effects. The RAM also stores variable values used in the above-described effect control program. These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus so that data signals and address signals can be input / output.

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

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

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

  The unit game performed in the slot machine 10 is started when the player operates the start switch 42, and ends when the three stop switches 44a, 44b, and 44c are operated. From the player's point of view, the unit game is performed until the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R all stop after the start switch 42 is operated and the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R start to rotate. A single-stroke game. As described above, the unit game is started every time the player operates the start switch 42.

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

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

<Game state>
The unit game is executed in various game states. The gaming state is determined so that the benefits given to the player are different. For example, the game state includes a normal game state and a special game state.

  The special game state includes a first type BB game state, a second type BB game state, an RB game state, an SB game state, and a CB game state. In this embodiment, the special game state is a first type BB game state. State and RB gaming state. Here, the first type BB gaming state is a gaming state that can be shifted to when the first type BB combination is won. The RB gaming state is a gaming state that can be shifted to when an RB combination is won. Therefore, the normal gaming state includes a normal general gaming state, a first type BB winning general gaming state, and an RB winning general gaming state. The first type BB winning general gaming state is a normal gaming state in which the first type BB combination is won. The RB winning general gaming state is a normal gaming state in which the RB combination is won. The normal general gaming state is a normal gaming state in which neither the first type BB combination nor the RB combination is won.

  As described above, the unit game is performed with one of these game states determined. The gaming state is stored in the storage unit of the main control unit 100 as a flag. Note that it is not necessary to determine all of the above-described gaming states, and may be selected and determined as appropriate according to the unit game to be progressed or developed by the slot machine 10.

<Type of role>
The types of the above-described combinations include, for example, general combinations, replay combinations, special combinations, and the like.

  The general combination is a combination for paying out a predetermined number of medals. The general combination further includes a plurality of types of combinations. The general combination is often used as the name of the combination using the types of symbols attached to the three reels 30L, 30C, or 30R. For example, the types of symbols include “watermelon”, “bell”, “cherry” and the like. For this reason, a general combination in which the pattern “watermelon” is arranged on the effective line is referred to as a watermelon combination, and a general combination in which the pattern “bell” is aligned on the effective line is referred to as a bell combination. Further, when the symbol “cherry” of the left reel 30L is stopped and displayed on the active line, it is assumed that a winning is made regardless of the types of symbols of the middle reel 30C and the right reel 30R. This role is called the cherry role.

  As described above, the general combination can include a plurality of types such as a watermelon combination, a bell combination, and a cherry combination. Further, the probability of winning these combinations and the number of medals to be paid out can be made different for each of these plural types.

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

  The special role is a role that can shift the game state of the unit game from the normal general game state to the special game state (a game advantageous to the player). In this embodiment, the special combination is a regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as an RB combination) or a first type big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a first type BB combination), and the special gaming state is a regular bonus. A gaming state or a first type big bonus gaming state.

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

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

<< Functions of Slot Machine 10 >>
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main control functions in the slot machine 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the slot machine 10 mainly includes an operation means 320, a game medium detection means 325, a game medium number setting means 330, a set value setting means 340, a main control means 100, and a sub-control. Means 200, symbol display means 310, and rendering means 300 are included.

<Operation means 320>
The operation means 320 is operated by the player, and issues a signal indicating that it has been operated to the main control means 100 described later based on the player's operation. The operation means 320 preferably includes a start switch 42 and stop switches 44a to 44c. When the start switch 42 is operated by the player, the start switch 42 issues a signal indicating that the start switch 42 has been operated to the main control means 100 described later. Each of the stop switches 44a to 44c also issues a signal indicating that it has been operated to the main control means 100 when operated by the player.

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

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

  There are a plurality of types of operation modes for operating the three stop switches 44a to 44c. For example, the three stop switches 44a to 44c can be operated in different order and operation timing. Specifically, the operation can be performed in a different order, such as stop switch 44a → 44b → 44c or 44b → 44a → 44c.

  As described above, a stop switch operation signal is issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c to the main control means 100, and there are a plurality of types of operation modes for operating the stop switches 44a to 44c. For this reason, the stop switch operation signal is issued based on the operation mode, and the main control means 100 that issues the stop switch operation signal detects the order in which the stop switch operation signal was issued and the timing at which it was issued. Thus, the operation mode can be obtained.

<Game medium detection means 325>
Inside the slot machine 10, game medium detection means 325 is provided below the medal slot 46. The game medium detection means 325 is called a medal selector, and is set to determine the authenticity of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 46 and to measure the number of medals. The medals determined to be correct by the game medium detecting means 325 are guided to the medal hopper device included in the medal payout device 24. On the other hand, medals determined to be illegal are sorted and discharged from the game medium detection means 325 to a cancel chute (not shown). The cancel chute communicates with a medal tray provided on the front surface of the casing of the slot machine via a medal payout opening. For this reason, medals determined to be illegal are returned to the medal tray.

  The game medium detecting means 325 determines the authenticity of the medal size and material by using an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor or the like while guiding the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot onto the guide passage, and the authentic medal is determined. Has a function to measure the number of sheets.

<Game medium number setting means 330 (effective line making means)>
Similarly to the operation means 320, the game medium number setting means 330 is operated by the player, and issues a bet signal indicating that the game medium number setting means 330 is operated based on the player's operation to the main control means 100 described later. Based on the bet signal issued from the operation means 320 to the main control means 100, it is determined which of the plurality of pay lines L1 to L5 is to be activated.

  The game medium number setting means 330 may be anything that can be operated by the player. The game medium number setting means 330 preferably comprises the above-described 1-bet switch 62, 2-bet switch 64, and maximum bet switch 66.

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

  Further, as described above, the five reel lines L1 to L5 are drawn on the reel display window 51. When the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, the pay line L1 is activated. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, the pay lines L1 to L3 are activated. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, L1 to L5 are validated. In this way, the three bet switches 62, 64 and 66 function as valid line enabling means for determining the number of medals to be a target for betting and validating the pay lines L1 to L5.

<Set value setting means 340>
The set value setting means 340 sets the set value to a desired value by operating the setting switch 27. For example, when the set value is 1 to 6, every time the setting switch 27 is pressed, “1” → “2” → “3” → “4” → “5” → “6” → “ The setting value is changed by 1 as in “1” →..., And the setting value is determined by operating other switches than the setting switch 27. The determined set value is stored in a set value storage unit 160 described later. Moreover, in this embodiment, it is set so that the winning probability of the winning combination such as the first type BB winning combination becomes higher as the setting value 1, setting 2,.

<Main control means 100 (game control means)>
In addition to the operation means 320 and the game medium number setting means 330 described above, the sub control means 200 and the symbol display means 310 are electrically connected to the main control means 100. The main control means 100 controls the entire game such as the progress of the game. The main control means 100 preferably comprises the main control board 32 described above.

  As described above, the operation means 320 is electrically connected to the main control means 100. A start switch operation signal is issued to the main control means 100 from the start switch 42 of the operation means 320. Thereby, it can be detected that the start switch 42 is operated by the player. From each of the stop switches 44 a to 44 c of the operation means 320, a stop switch operation signal is issued to the main control means 100. Thereby, the order and timing of the stop switch operation signal issued from each of the stop switches 44a to 44c can be detected.

  In addition, game medium number setting means 330 is electrically connected to the main control means 100. A bet signal is issued to the main control means 100 from each of the 1 bet switch 62, the 2 bet switch 64 and the maximum bet switch 66 of the game medium number setting means 330. By detecting the issued bet signal, the number of medals to bet and the setting of the effective line are controlled.

  The main control means 100 includes a game medium number storage means 115, a role lottery means 120, a reel drive control means 130, a reel rotation position acquisition means 140, and an effective line storage means 150.

<Game medium number storage means 115>
The number of game media detected by the game medium detection means 325 is stored in the game medium number storage means 115 of the main control means 100. The stored number of game media is added every time a medal is detected by the game media detection means 325, and is used when the game media number setting means 330 is used as a game betting object to play a game. The number of medals won is subtracted.

<Role lottery means 120 (role lottery means)>
The role lottery means 120 performs a lottery of predetermined types. The role lottery means 120 includes a random number generation means 122, a random number determination means 124, and a lottery table storage means 126. The random number determination unit 124 performs a lottery process for determining whether or not a winning combination is won and a winning combination based on the random number value of the lottery process (hardware random number, etc.) generated by the random number generation unit 122. Here, the “lottery process” is a lottery process for determining “win” or “miss” for a game.

<Random number generator 122>
The random number generator 122 continuously generates a random number in a predetermined positive integer range (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) at a predetermined timing, and then extracts the random number at a predetermined timing. For example, in this embodiment, random numbers are extracted when the start switch 42 is operated by the player.

<Random number judging means 124>
In the present embodiment, a random number with a positive integer value 0 to 65535 expressed in decimal notation extracted at a predetermined timing from the random number generator 122 is checked against a lottery table stored in the lottery table storage 126. The combination corresponding to the area to which the random value belongs belongs to determine whether the combination has been won and whether the combination has been won.

<Lottery table storage means 126>
The lottery table storage means 126 has a lottery table composed of a number corresponding to the number and a positive integer value 0 to 65535 that is compared with a random number value for each of a plurality of gaming states. Here, in the present embodiment, the gaming state of the unit game includes a first type BB gaming state and a normal general gaming state including a first type BB winning general gaming state, and the lottery table corresponds to the gaming state described above. The first type BB gaming state lottery table (FIG. 11) and the normal general gaming state lottery table are composed of a lottery table (FIG. 12). In the present embodiment, the first-type BB gaming state lottery table (FIG. 11) and the normal general gaming state lottery table (FIG. 12) are stored in the lottery table storage unit 126.

  In the lottery table corresponding to these gaming states, the probability of winning a winning combination can be determined by appropriately determining the range of numbers. In other words, the probability of winning each winning combination can be determined by the range of the number corresponding to the winning combination / 65536.

  Moreover, it is not necessary to provide a range of numbers corresponding to all the combinations for all the lottery tables of the normal general gaming state lottery table and the first type BB gaming state lottery table among the lottery tables provided. It is only necessary to provide an area only for a winning combination that can be won in the gaming state. For example, when the gaming state is the first type BB gaming state, the first type BB gaming state lottery table includes a range of numbers corresponding to the first type BB role so that the first type BB role is not won. Do not provide.

(Type 1 BB gaming state lottery table)
As shown in FIG. 11, the first type BB game state lottery table is the first type BB combination 1 or the first type BB combination in the normal general game state game using the normal general game state lottery table of FIG. It is a table selected in the first type BB game started by winning 2 and winning. Compared with the normal general gaming state lottery table of FIG. 12, the first type BB combination 1, the first type BB combination 2 and the re-game combination are not provided.

  In the first type BB game, when the first type BB game state lottery table is selected and the random number value extracted by the random number generating means 122 belongs to the range of 0 to 63014, the general combination 1 Wins and wins when the stop symbols are aligned to “bell”-“bell”-“bell” on the reel's active line. When the random number value falls within the range of numbers of 63015 to 63814, the general combination 2 is won and the winning symbol is awarded when the stop symbols are aligned with “watermelon”-“watermelon”-“watermelon” on the reel's effective line. Furthermore, when the random number value falls within the range of numerical values of 63815 to 64614, it is won when the general combination 3 is won and the stop symbols are aligned with “Cherry”-“ANY”-“ANY” on the effective line of the reel. .

  Note that the probability of winning the general combination 1 is set to be very high, 1 / 1.04. Therefore, the possibility of winning the general combination 1 is very high, and a lot of medals can be obtained by winning, so that the player can play an advantageous game.

(Normal general gaming state lottery table)
The normal general gaming state lottery table is a lottery table selected in the gaming state of the normal general gaming state other than the above-described first type BB gaming state. The concept of the normal general gaming state lottery table of this embodiment is shown using FIG. FIG. 12 is a normal general gaming state probability table. From FIG. 12, in the normal general gaming state, the general combination 1 to 3, the re-playing combination, the first type BB combination 1 and the first type BB combination 2 can be won.

  From the normal general game state lottery table (FIG. 12), when the random number value extracted by the random number generation means 122 in the normal general game state falls within the range of 0 to 799, the general combination 1 is won and the reel When the stop symbols are aligned with “BELL”-“BELL”-“BELL” on the active line, the prize is won. When the random number value is in the range of the numerical value of 800 to 1599, the general combination 2 is won and the winning symbol is awarded when the stop symbols are aligned with “watermelon”-“watermelon”-“watermelon” on the reel effective line. Furthermore, when the random number value falls within the range of numbers from 1600 to 2399, it is won when the general combination 3 is won and the stop symbols are aligned with “Cherry”-“ANY”-“ANY” on the effective line of the reel. .

  When the random number value falls within the range of 2400 to 2609, the first type BB combination 1 is won and the stop symbol on the effective line of the reel is “blue 7”-“blue 7”-“blue 7 Will win a prize. When the random number value falls within the range of numbers from 2610 to 2819, the first type BB combination 2 is won and the stop symbol is changed to "Red 7"-"Red 7"-"Red 7" on the effective line of the reel. When they are ready, they win. Furthermore, as a condition for ending the game in the first type BB game state when winning the first type BB combination 1 and winning, a maximum payout number of 100 is set, and when winning the first type BB combination 2 and winning The maximum payout number of 451 is set as a condition for ending the game in the first type BB gaming state.

  Further, when the random number value falls within the range of numbers from 2820 to 11819, the player is elected as a re-gamer and wins when the stop symbols are aligned with “Replay”-“Replay”-“Replay” on the reel's active line. .

<Reel drive control means 130>
The reel drive control means 130 controls and stops the rotation of the three reels 30L to 30R based on the start switch operation signal issued from the start switch 42 and the stop switch operation signal issued from the stop switches 44a to 44c. Control. The reel drive control unit 130 includes a reel rotation control unit 132, a reel circuit drive unit 134, and a reel stop control unit 136.

<Reel rotation control means 132>
The reel rotation control means 132 issues a rotation control signal to the motors 86a, 86b and 86c based on the detection of the start switch operation signal issued from the operation means 320, preferably the start switch 42 described above. The reel rotation control means 132 does not immediately detect the start switch operation signal from the start switch 42 and issues a rotation control signal, but other conditions, for example, the wait time has elapsed. It is determined that the rotation start condition is satisfied, and a rotation control signal is issued.

  As will be described later, the motor 86a drives the left reel 30L, the motor 86b drives the middle reel 30C, and the motor 86c drives the right reel 30R. Each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c is formed of a stepping motor, and rotates by a predetermined angle when a pulse signal of 1 pulse is supplied, and rotates once when a pulse signal of 504 pulses is supplied. When the motor 86a makes one revolution, the reel 30L also makes one revolution, when the motor 86b makes one revolution, the reel 30C also makes one revolution, and when the motor 86c makes one revolution, the reel 30R also makes one revolution.

  The reel rotation control means 132 is based on the detection of the start switch operation signal issued from the start switch 42, and the motor 86a pulse signal for rotating the motor 86a and the motor 86b for rotating the motor 86b. A pulse signal and a pulse signal for the motor 86c for rotating the motor 86c are generated and supplied to the reel circuit driving means 134.

<Reel circuit driving means 134>
The reel circuit driving unit 134 generates a rotation driving signal for the motor 86a according to the supplied pulse signal for the motor 86a, and generates and supplies a rotation driving signal for the motor 86b according to the supplied pulse signal for the motor 86b. A rotation drive signal for the motor 86c is generated in accordance with the pulse signal for the motor 86c, and these rotation drive signals are supplied to each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c. The rotation drive signal is a signal for rotating the motors 86a, 86b or 86c by the rotation position corresponding to the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied from the reel rotation control means 132. The motors 86a, 86b and 86c rotate based on the rotation drive signal supplied to each.

  Further, as described later, the motor 86a pulse signal, the motor 86b pulse signal, and the motor 86c pulse signal generated by the reel rotation control means 132 detect the rotational positions of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. It is also used to

<Reel stop control means 136>
The reel stop control means 136 stops to the motors 86a, 86b or 86c based on the timing when the stop switch 44a, 44b or 44c is operated by the player and the result of the lottery process of the role lottery means 120 described above. A control signal is issued to stop the left reel 30L, middle reel 30C, or right reel 30R.

<Reel rotation position acquisition means 140>
The reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 acquires the rotation positions of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R. As described above, the reel rotation control means 132 supplies a pulse signal to the reel circuit driving means 134 for driving each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c. The reel circuit drive unit 134 generates a drive signal so that the motor 86a, 86b or 86c rotates by a rotation position corresponding to the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied from the reel rotation control unit 132, and the motor 86a, 86b. And 86c. Therefore, the rotational positions of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R can be obtained by counting the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied to the reel circuit driving unit 134. As described above, by supplying the pulse signal of 504 steps to the reel circuit driving means 134, each of the motors 86a, 86b, 86c can be rotated once. When the motors 86a, 86b, 86c make one rotation, each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R can also make one rotation.

  The counted number of pulses is stored in the pulse number storage unit 142 of the reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 for each of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, and the right reel 30R. Each time the reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 counts the number of pulses, the number of pulses counted is stored in the pulse number storage unit 142 and updated, so the number of pulses stored in the pulse number storage unit 142 is read out. Thus, the latest number of pulses can be obtained.

  Furthermore, the symbol number can be calculated by the number of counted pulses. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, if the number of pulses counted is 0 when the left reel 30L is stopped, the symbol number 0 is positioned on the winning line L3. If the number of counted pulses is 24, it indicates that the symbol of symbol number 1 is located on the winning line L3. If the counted number of pulses is 48, the symbol of symbol number 2 is the winning line. It shows that it is located in L3. Further, when the number of pulses counted is 192 when the middle reel 30C is stopped, it indicates that the symbol number 8 is located on the winning line L3, and the counted number of pulses is 216. If there is, it indicates that the symbol of symbol number 9 is positioned on the winning line L3, and if the number of counted pulses is 240, it indicates that the symbol of symbol number 10 is positioned on the winning line L3. The same applies to the right reel 30R.

  In this way, for each of the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R, which of the 21 symbols of symbol numbers 0 to 20 is located on the winning line L3 is acquired according to the number of pulses counted. can do.

  Similarly, when the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R are rotating, the symbol number can be obtained by the number of counted pulses. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, when the number of pulses counted is 492 to 12 when the left reel 30L is rotating, the symbol of symbol number 0 moves and passes the winning line L3. If the number of counted pulses is 276 to 300, it means that the symbol of symbol number 12 has moved and is passing the winning line L3. The same applies to the middle reel 30C and the right reel 30R.

  In this way, for the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, and the right reel 30R, depending on the number of pulses counted, the symbol number of the symbol positioned on the winning line L3 or the symbol that is passing through the winning line L3. Can be obtained.

  The acquired symbol numbers are stored in the symbol number storage unit 144 of the reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 for each of the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, and the right reel 30R. Each time the symbol number increases, the symbol number storage unit 144 stores and updates the symbol number. By reading the symbol number stored in the symbol number storage unit 144, the latest symbol number can be acquired.

  The correspondence between the symbol number and the symbol for each of the middle reel 30C and the right reel 30R shown in FIG. 10 is stored in the symbol number-symbol correspondence storage means 146. In addition, although the table | surface shown in FIG. 10 represented the symbol typically so that it could visually recognize, the correspondence of the symbol number and symbol memorize | stored in the symbol number-symbol correspondence memory | storage means 146 shows a symbol. Numerical data for identification is stored as a table.

  The symbol numbers stored in the symbol number storage unit 144 are read out, and the read symbol numbers are referred to the correspondence stored in the symbol number-symbol correspondence storage unit 146, whereby the left reel 30L, the middle reel 30C, and For each of the right reels 30R, it is possible to acquire a symbol positioned on the winning line L3 and a symbol that is passing through the winning line L3. For example, in the case of the left reel 30L, when the number of counted pulses is 384 steps, the symbol number is 16, and the symbol is “cherry” by referring to the correspondence between the symbol number and the symbol. It is. Therefore, it can be acquired that the symbol positioned on the winning line L3 is “cherry”.

  In the winning process, it is necessary to acquire the arrangement of symbols arranged on the activated winning line. In this case, first, a symbol positioned on the winning line L3, which is the rotation reference position, is also acquired, and the symbol number-symbol correspondence storage means 146 is referred to the symbol to determine the valid relationship. Acquire symbols arranged in a winning line.

  Also, when performing pull-in control or kick-off control, when a predetermined winning combination is won by the lottery process of the winning lottery means 120, the reel stop control means 136 will stop the reel symbol already stopped and The reels to be stopped are controlled so that the arrangement of the symbols corresponding to the winning combination is arranged on the activated winning line from the candidate symbols of the reel to be attempted. If no winning combination is won by the lottery process of the winning lottery means 120, the reel stop control means 136 displays the symbols of the reels that have already stopped and the candidate symbols of the reels to be stopped. Therefore, stop control of the reel to be stopped is performed so that the arrangement of symbols corresponding to any of the combinations does not align on the activated pay line.

<Effective line storage means 150>
As described above, any one of the five winning lines L1 to L5 is validated by the game medium number setting means 330 (valid line creating means). The effective line storage means 150 stores the winning line activated by the game medium number setting means 330 (effective line making means) as an effective line.

  For example, when the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, the winning line L1 is validated, and the valid line storage means 150 stores the winning line L1 as the valid line. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, the winning lines L1 to L3 are validated, and the valid line storage means 150 stores the winning lines L1 to L5 as valid lines. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, L1 to L5 are validated, and the valid line storage unit 150 stores the winning lines L1 to L5 as valid lines.

<Set value storage means 160>
The set value storage unit 160 stores the set value indicated by the signal generated from the set value setting unit 340. For example, when the set value is “1” to “6”, the set value storage unit 160 stores any value from “1” to “6”. The set value stored in the set value storage unit 160 is read out when the lottery table stored in the lottery table storage unit 126 is selected.

<Pattern display means 310>
The symbol display means 310 includes three reels 30L, 30C and 30R. In the present embodiment, as described above, each of the reels 30L, 30C, and 30R has a predetermined number, for example, 21 symbols arranged along the reel rotation direction. The symbol display means 310 is preferably composed of the reel unit 28 described above.

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

  In the present embodiment, each of the motors 86a, 86b, and 86c is a stepping motor. Reel circuit driving means 134 (see FIG. 6) for driving the motors 86a, 86b and 86c is electrically connected to each of the motors 86a, 86b and 86c.

  As described above, when the pulse signal is supplied from the reel rotation control unit 132, the reel circuit drive unit 134 generates a drive signal based on the supplied pulse signal, and the generated drive signal is output to the motors 86a, 86b, and Issue to each of 86c. The reel circuit driving unit 134 generates a driving signal so that the motor 86a, 86b, or 86c rotates by a rotational position corresponding to the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied from the main control unit 100. In the present embodiment, one rotation of the motor 86a, 86b or 86c, that is, 360 degrees is divided into 504 steps equally. That is, when a pulse signal composed of 504 pulses is supplied from the main control means 100 to the reel circuit driving means 134, the reel circuit driving means 134 causes the motor 86a, 86b or 86c to rotate once. Is generated.

  The reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 of the main control unit 100 counts the number of pulses of the pulse signal supplied from the reel rotation control unit 132 to the reel circuit driving unit 134. By counting the number of pulses, the rotational position of the motor 86a, 86b or 86c can be acquired.

  As described above, the rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, and 83c generate an index signal composed of one pulse each time the three reels 30L, 30C, and 30R make one rotation. The rotational position where the pulse is generated can be set as the origin of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R. The rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, 83c are electrically connected to the main control means 100, and pulse signals generated from the rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, 83c are supplied to the main control means 100. The main control means 100 can determine when each of the three reels 30L, 30C, 30R is located at the origin by detecting when a pulse signal is emitted from the rotational position sensors 83a, 83b, 83c. . The reel rotation position acquisition unit 140 described above initializes the number of counted pulses every time an index signal is received, for example, sets it to “0”.

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

  Signals indicating various signals and information issued from the main control means 100 include signals indicating lottery results of lottery processing performed by the role lottery means 120, signals indicating winning results, and stop switches 44a, 44b or 44c. A signal indicating that the operation has been performed is included.

  The sub control means 200 receives these signals and performs effect control by the effect means 300 described later. The sub-control means 200 is preferably composed of the sub-control board 52 described above. The sub-control means 200 includes a game information receiving means 210, a game information transmitting means 220, a game information storage means 230, a panel drive control means 240, a panel display control means 250, and an effect information transmitting means 260.

<Game information receiving means 210>
The game information receiving means 210 is means for receiving game information including state information (information indicating whether or not a game is in progress) transmitted from an adjacent slot machine, and is received from adjacent slot machines at regular time intervals. A means for receiving game information including state information. Specifically, the game information transmitted by the infrared communication method from the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 of the adjacent slot machine 10 is received via the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 provided on the side surface of the slot machine 10. Note that the transmission function and the reception function of the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 according to the present embodiment can be switched by operating a switch or an electrical signal. When the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 functions as the game information reception unit 210, the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 The reception function of the transmission / reception unit 90 is executed. On the other hand, when the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 functions as game information transmission means 220 described later, the transmission function of the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 is executed.

  In the present embodiment, information is transmitted / received to / from the adjacent slot machine 10 via the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 by the infrared communication method, so that the infrared transmission / reception units 90 of the adjacent slot machines 10 that perform infrared communication are close to each other. It is preferable to carry out within a distance, for example, within 20 cm.

<Game information transmitting means 220>
The game information transmission means 220 sends game information (game information including state information indicating whether or not the game is in progress) stored in a game information storage means 230, which will be described later, via the infrared transmission / reception unit 90 at regular time intervals. To the adjacent slot machine 10.

<Game information storage means 230>
Game information between itself and the slot machines adjacent to itself other than itself is stored in the game information storage means 230. Therefore, based on the state information included in the stored game information (information indicating whether or not the game is in progress), for each slot machine, whether or not the slot machine other than itself adjacent to itself is in the game state. Can be determined.

  In addition to the state information, the game information storage means 230 also stores, as game information, winning information based on the first type BB winning signal transmitted from the main control means 100 to the sub-control means 200. Therefore, based on the lottery result of the combination in the combination lottery unit 120 of the main control unit 100, it is possible to produce an effect according to the progress of the game.

<Panel drive control means 240>
In each slot machine of the gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment, the rotation of the panel 70 of itself is controlled based on the state information of the slot machines other than itself adjacent to itself stored in the game information storage unit 230. Specifically, when the player is in a gaming state, the effect of rotating his / her panel 70 is not performed. However, when the player is not in the game state and the slot machine other than the adjacent one is in the game state, an effect of rotating the panel 70 in the direction of the adjacent slot machine in the game state is performed. Since the panel 70 can be rotated in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction by the mechanism shown in FIG. 5, the panel 70 can be controlled to rotate to a position that is easy for the player to see.

  Furthermore, when the slot machine other than itself and the adjacent one is not in a game state and there is one adjacent slot machine (installed at the end of the slot machine arranged in a straight line) The panel 70 is rotated in the direction opposite to the slot machines other than the adjacent slot machines, that is, the outside of the slot machine group arranged in a straight line. In addition, an effect of rotating the belt of the belt-type display device 72 built in the panel 70 is performed.

  The slot machines installed at the ends of the slot machines arranged in a line in a straight line are the most visible places that can easily enter the player's field of view in a limited game store space. Therefore, a strong impression can be given to the player by the effect of rotating the panel 70 and / or the belt of the belt type display device 72. In particular, the sense of incongruity given to the player due to the performance can generate an interest in the player, increase the opportunity for the player to play a game, and increase the operating rate of the slot machine.

<Panel display control means 250>
In each slot machine of the gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the first type BB role has been won based on the winning information included in the game information stored in the game information storage means 230, The belt-type display device 72 built in its own panel 70 is rotated to change the display contents, and the player is notified that the winning is made.

  Based on the winning information, not only the effect of rotating the belt by the panel display control means 250 but also the effect of rotating the panel 70 upward by the panel drive control means 240 described above, Further, the player can be surprised and interested in the game.

<Production information transmission means 260>
The effect information transmission means 260 includes rotation control information for rotating the panel 70 by the panel drive control means 240 and display control information for causing the belt display device 72 to perform belt rotation display by the panel display control means 250. First, information related to the effect is transmitted to the effect means 300.

<Direction means 300>
In the production means 300, notification of information related to the game is performed as production. In the present embodiment, an effect for notifying information related to a unit game is performed by the effect means 300. The effect unit 300 is electrically connected to the effect information transmission unit 270 of the sub-control unit 200 described above. The effect means 300 notifies the player so that the player can recognize the information emitted from the effect information transmission means 260. The effect unit 300 preferably includes an image display device 34, a speaker 36, a lamp 38, and a panel 70. As described above, the effect is controlled and advanced by the sub-control means 200.

<< Control processing >>
Hereinafter, the control performed by the main control unit 100 and the sub control unit 200 described above will be described using the gaming machine system of the three slot machines shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as an example. As the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the main control unit 100 is configured by the main control board 32 and the sub control unit 200 is configured by the sub control board 52 described above. 7 to 9 are subroutines for executing control processing in the main control means 100. FIG. 13 to 14 are subroutines for executing control processing in the sub-control means 200.

  In the gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment, the panel 70 provided at the lower part of the slot machine 10 where a game is not performed by the player is rotated in the direction of the slot machine where the game is performed, The panel 70 that has not been used for production is used for production. Further, the belt of the belt type display device 72 incorporated in the rotated panel 70 is rotated when the first type BB combination is won, and an effect of changing the display content printed on the belt is performed.

  Further, the flowcharts shown in FIG. 7 to FIG. 9 and FIG. 13 to FIG. 14 show only one example for executing the control processing in the main control means 100 and the sub control means 200. Not limited. For example, the gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment communicates status information indicating whether or not the slot machines other than the adjacent slot machines are in a gaming state between adjacent slot machines using an infrared communication method. is doing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the left slot machine (SL1) → the central slot machine (SL2) → the right slot machine (SL3) → SL2 → the three slot machines of FIG. 1 (FIG. 2) Game information is communicated in the order of SL1.

<< Control in Main Control Unit 100 >>
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control in the main control means 100. In the following description, the slot machine 10 has been activated in advance, and in the main control means 100 described above, the slot machine 10 operates in a steady state after completing the activation processing such as initialization of various variables used for control. It shall be.

  In this embodiment, in order to determine whether or not the game is in progress, first, at a certain time interval, the total number of inserted medals and the number of credits stored in the slot machine 10 is “0”. It is determined whether or not there is (step S10). If it is determined in step S10 that the total number is “0” (YES), the game is not being played by the player and the main control means 100 does not respond to the sub-control means 200. Then, state information transmission processing for transmitting state information indicating a non-gaming state is performed (step S11), and the determination processing of step S10 is repeated at regular time intervals. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S10 that the total number is not “0” (NO), the game is being played by the player, and the main control means 100 sends a sub-control means 200 to the sub-control means 200. Then, a state information transmission process for transmitting state information indicating a state during gaming is performed (step S12), and the process proceeds to step S13. In steps S11 and S12, the state information transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the sub-control unit 200 is stored in the game information storage unit 230 as part of the game information.

  Whether or not the slot machine is playing can be detected based on the above-described determination conditions unique to the slot machine in step S10. In particular, since it is possible to automatically detect whether or not the slot machine is playing based on a judgment condition unique to the slot machine, it is possible to automate the production using a plurality of slot machines.

  In step S13, the inserted number is determined based on the bet signal issued by the player operating the 1-bet switch 62, 2-bet switch 64 or maximum bet switch 66 described above (step S13). This inserted number indicates the number of medals targeted for betting for one unit game, and is not only the number of medals targeted for betting after being temporarily accumulated as the number of credits described above. In addition, the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 46 and directly targeted for betting is also included.

  As described above, the 1-bet switch 62, the 2-bet switch 64, or the maximum-bet switch 66 also has a function of enabling the winning line, and when the player operates the 1-bet switch 62, the winning line L1 is Enabled. When the 2-bet switch 64 is operated, the pay lines L1 to L3 are activated. When the maximum bet switch 66 is operated, L1 to L5 are validated.

  When the process of step S13 is executed, it is determined whether or not the start switch 42 has been operated by the player (step S14). The determination process in step S14 is determined based on whether a start switch operation signal issued from the start switch 42 is detected. When it is determined that the start switch 42 is not operated (NO), the determination process in step S14 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the start switch 42 has been operated by the player (YES), a combination lottery process shown in FIG. 8 to be described later is called and executed (step S15).

  Next, rotation control of the three reels 30L, 30C and 30R is started by the reel rotation control means 132 of the reel drive control means 130 described above, and the three reels 30L are controlled by the reel stop control means 136 of the reel drive control means 130. In order to execute stop control of 30C and 30R, reel rotation / stop control processing is executed (step S16).

  After executing the process of step S16, the winning process of the unit game performed this time is executed by the winning process shown in FIG. 9 described later (step S17), the payout process (step S18) is executed, and the main control side process Exit. By repeating this main control side process (FIG. 7), it is possible to cause the player to perform a continuous game in which a unit game is repeated.

<Role drawing process>
FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the winning lottery process executed in step S15 of the main routine of FIG. The role lottery process is a process executed by the role lottery means 120 described above. The gaming state described below is stored as a flag value, and the gaming state can be obtained by reading the flag value.

  First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the first type BB gaming state (step S21). In step S21, when it is determined that the gaming state is the first type BB gaming state (YES), the first type BB gaming state lottery table (FIG. 11) is selected (step S22).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S21 that the gaming state is not the first type BB gaming state (NO), the normal general gaming state lottery table (FIG. 12) is selected (step S23). In the present embodiment, the normal gaming state includes a normal general gaming state and a first type BB winning general gaming state.

  After selecting a lottery table corresponding to the gaming state (steps S21 to S23), a random number extraction process is executed to determine whether or not a winning combination is won and a winning combination is selected, and the extracted random number value and the selected lottery table By comparing with the set number, a determination process is performed to determine whether or not the winning combination is won and the winning combination is determined based on the combination of the range of the numbers to which the random number value belongs (step S24).

  After the random value extraction / determination process (step S24), it is determined whether the first type BB combination 1 or the first type BB combination 2 is won (step S25). If it is determined in step S25 that any of the first type BB combination is won (YES), the corresponding first type BB combination flag is set to ON (step S26), and the corresponding first type BB combination is set. A winning signal is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 (step S27), and the process proceeds to step S28. When the first type BB combination flag is set to ON, it indicates that the first type BB winning general gaming state is won for the first type BB combination for which the first type BB combination flag is set to ON. Here, the first type BB winning signal is a signal transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the sub control unit 200, and any one of the first type BB winning signals is received by the sub control unit 200 that has received the first type BB winning signal. It is possible to determine that the BB combination has been won.

  If it is determined in step S25 that no first type BB combination has been won (NO), it is determined whether or not any general combination has been won (step S29). If it is determined in step S29 that any of the general combinations is won (YES), the corresponding general combination flag is set to ON (step S30), and the process proceeds to step S28. When the general combination flag is set to ON, it is indicated that the normal general gaming state in which the general combination with the general combination flag set to ON is won.

  If it is determined in step S29 that no general combination has been won (NO), it is determined whether or not a re-game combination has been won (step S31). If it is determined in step S31 that the re-gamer is won (YES), the re-gamer flag is set to ON (step S32), and the process proceeds to step S28. When the re-gamer flag is set to ON, it indicates that the normal game state is won for the re-gamer.

  If it is determined in step S31 that no re-game player has been won (NO), the process proceeds directly to step S28. In step S28, after executing a series of processes related to flag on, the symbols corresponding to the winning combination in the winning lottery are read from the ROM 108 and stored in the RAM 110 for use in the reel change / stop processing described later. To do. The combination lottery process is thus completed.

<Winning process>
The winning process of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the winning process which is called and executed in step S17 of FIG. In addition, as a pre-process for performing the winning process, a symbol stopped on the activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as a stopped symbol) is read. By reading this stop symbol, it can be determined whether or not the winning combination has been won.

(Winning process in the first type BB gaming state)
First, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the first type BB gaming state (step S41). When it is determined in step S41 that the gaming state is the first type BB gaming state (YES), the first type BB gaming process is executed (step S42). Here, the first type BB game process is a process for a game using the first type BB game state lottery table (FIG. 11) until the first type BB game end condition (maximum payout game medium number) is reached. is there. In this embodiment, since the probability of winning the general combination 1 is set to be very high as 1 / 1.04, there is a high possibility that the general combination 1 will be won, and the general combination 1 is won and won. Thus, the player can acquire a larger number of game media and can play an advantageous game.

(Normal general game winning process)
In step S41, when it is determined that the gaming state is not the first type BB gaming state (NO), that is, the normal general gaming state, is the first type BB combination 1 or the first type BB combination 2 won? It is determined whether or not (step S43). If it is determined in step S43 that any of the first type BB combination is won (YES), a first type BB gaming state setting process for setting the corresponding first type BB combination flag to off is executed (step S43). (S44) This subroutine is terminated. As a result, a game in the first type BB game state can be performed from the next game.

  If it is determined in step S43 that no first type BB combination has been won (NO), whether or not any general combination has been won in the normal general gaming state other than the first type BB gaming state Is determined (step S45). If it is determined in step S45 that any general combination has been won (YES), the corresponding general combination flag is set to OFF (step S46), and this subroutine is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S45 that no general combination has been won (NO), it is determined whether or not a re-game combination has been won (step S47). If it is determined in step S47 that the re-gamer has won a prize (YES), the re-gamer flag is set to OFF (step S48), and this subroutine is terminated. As a result, a game in which the game state of the next game is changed to the game state of the re-game can be performed.

  If it is determined in step S47 that the re-game combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether there is a winning general combination (step S49). If it is determined in step S49 that there is a winning general combination (YES), the corresponding general combination flag is set to OFF (step S50), and this subroutine is terminated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the general lottery result lottery from being carried over between a plurality of unit games. If it is determined in step S49 that there is no winning general combination (NO), this subroutine is terminated as it is.

<< Sub-control-side processing >>
The sub-control-side process of the present embodiment produces an effect by rotating the panel 70 provided at the lower part of the slot machine 10 where the game is not performed by the player in the direction of the slot machine where the game is performed. The panel 70 that has not been used is used for production. Specifically, between adjacent slot machines, status information indicating whether the slot machine other than itself and the adjacent slot machine is in a game state is communicated by an infrared communication method, and the slot other than itself and the adjacent slot machine is communicated. The game state of the machine is judged and the orientation of the panel 70 is controlled.

  When the player is not in the game state and both the slot machines adjacent to the player are in the game state, the direction in which the panel 70 rotates is determined and controlled according to a predetermined rule. In the present embodiment, as a predetermined rule, the left slot machine (SL1)> the center slot machine (SL2)> the right slot machine (SL3), and the direction in which the panel 70 is rotated, the left slot machine is on the right side. Set higher priority than slot machines. As a predetermined rule, a method of rotating the panel 70 in a direction toward a slot machine having a long game state is possible in addition to the method according to the predetermined priority order described above.

  Further, in the sub-control-side processing of this embodiment, the slot machine adjacent to itself is not in a gaming state, and there is only one slot machine adjacent to itself, that is, linearly arranged in a line. When it is arranged at the end of the gaming machine system 1, it controls to rotate the panel of the slot machine (self) arranged at the end.

  Further, the belt of the belt type display device 72 incorporated in the rotated panel 70 is rotated when the first type BB combination is won, and an effect of changing the display content printed on the belt is performed.

  Note that the three slot machines of the gaming machine system 1 (FIG. 1 (FIG. 2)) according to the present embodiment are configured so that game information including state information is exchanged between adjacent slot machines (SL1) on the left side. Communication is performed using the infrared communication method in the order of the center slot machine (SL2), the right slot machine (SL3), SL2, and SL1.

  Hereinafter, the sub-control side processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 13 shows game information transmission processing / reception / storage processing, panel rotation processing, and panel display processing in the left slot machine (SL1), the central slot machine (SL2), and the right slot machine (SL3). It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the sub control side process of the sub control means 200 represented according to the time series. The processing based on the flowchart of FIG. 13 is executed at a regular interval based on a timer (not shown) provided in the sub-control means 200. FIG. 14 is a view showing a flowchart of the panel rotation process of FIG. 13 executed in the sub-control means 200 of each slot machine. The sub-control-side process is executed independently of the main control-side process.

(Game information transmission / reception / memory processing)
In the sub-control unit 200, the state of the game is in use using the state information transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the sub-control unit 200 by the state information transmission process (steps S11 and S12) of the main control side process (FIG. 7) Whether or not the game is in progress or the non-game state is stored as game information in its own game information storage means 230. Further, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, when the first type BB combination is won, that is, transmitted by the first type BB combination winning signal transmission process (step S27) of the combination lottery process that is the main control side process. When the sub-control means 200 receives the first type BB winning combination signal, the belt of the belt-type display device 72 built in the panel 70 is rotated so as to change the display contents printed on the belt. The first type BB combination winning information based on the first type BB combination winning signal is stored in the game information storage means 230 as game information.

  In the sub-control-side process, it is necessary to grasp whether adjacent slot machines are in a game state. Therefore, first, the game information receiving means 210 of the slot machine (SL1) sends the game information including the state information stored in the game information storage means 230 from the own (SL1) to a slot machine (SL2) other than the adjacent one. SL1 game information transmission processing is performed for transmission using the infrared communication method (step S100).

  In the slot machine (SL2), the gaming information receiving means 220 receives the gaming information of SL1 transmitted in the SL1 gaming information transmission process (step S100), and stores the received gaming information of SL1 in the gaming information of the slot machine (SL2). The SL1 game information reception / storage process stored in the means 230 is executed (step S200). Next, the game information transmitting means 210 of the slot machine (SL2) sends its own game information including the state information stored in the game information storage means 230 of itself (SL2) to slots other than itself adjacent to itself (SL2). SL2 game information transmission processing is performed for transmission to the machine (SL3) using the infrared communication method (step S201).

  In the slot machine (SL3), the gaming information receiving means 220 receives the gaming information of SL2 transmitted in the SL2 gaming information transmission process (step S201), and stores the received gaming information of SL2 in the gaming information of the slot machine (SL3). The SL2 game information reception / storage process stored in the means 230 is executed (step S300). Next, the game information transmitting means 210 of the slot machine (SL3) sends its own game information including the state information stored in the game information storage means 230 of itself (SL3) to slots other than itself adjacent to itself (SL3). SL3 game information transmission processing is performed for transmission to the machine (SL2) using the infrared communication method (step S301).

  Next, in the slot machine (SL2), the game information receiving means 220 receives the SL3 game information transmitted in the SL3 game information transmission process (step S301), and the received SL3 game information is played in the slot machine (SL2) game. The SL3 game information reception / storage process stored in the information storage means 230 is executed (step S202), and the own game information including the state information stored in the game information storage means 230 of itself (SL2) is stored in the adjacent slot machine. SL2 game information transmission processing for transmitting the infrared communication method to (SL1) is executed (step S203).

  The slot machine (SL1) receives the SL2 game information transmitted by the SL2 game information transmission process (step S203), and stores the received SL2 game information in the game information storage means 230 of the slot machine (SL1). The SL2 game information receiving / storing process is executed (step S101). As described above, in all slot machines (SL1 to SL3), it is possible to grasp whether or not a slot machine other than itself and an adjacent slot machine is in a game using the infrared communication method.

(Panel rotation processing)
Each slot machine that grasps whether or not the slot machine other than itself and the adjacent slot machine is playing is determined independently in which direction each panel machine is rotated by its own sub-control means 200, Control is performed by the panel drive control means 240 of itself to produce an effect of rotating the panel. Specifically, the panel drive control unit 240 uses the effect information transmission unit 260 to transmit effect information related to panel rotation to the panel 70 and performs control so as to perform an effect of rotating the panel. Panel rotation processing (steps S102, S204, S302) executed by the sub-control means 200 of each slot machine will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the panel rotation process, first, based on the game information stored in its own game information storage means 230, it is determined whether or not the player is in a game state (step S110). In step S110, when it is determined that the player is in a gaming state (YES), the own panel 70 is not rotated, and the non-rotating rotation is arranged in the same direction as the front of the slot machine, that is, in the non-rotating state. An effect is performed (step S111), and the panel rotation process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the player is not in a gaming state (NO), the adjacent player himself / herself is based on the game information of the slot machine other than the player himself / herself stored in the player's own game information storage unit 230. It is determined whether any other slot machine is in the gaming state (step S112).

  If it is determined in step S112 that the slot machines other than the adjacent slot machine are in a game state (YES), it is determined whether or not both adjacent slot machines are in a game state (step S113). If it is determined in step S113 that both adjacent slot machines are in the game state (YES), the own panel is displayed according to a predetermined rule, that is, the priority order of SL1> SL2> SL3 in this embodiment. The rotation direction of 70 is determined, a rotation effect (rotation effect applying the rotation direction selection rule) for rotating the panel 70 in the determined slot machine direction is performed (step S114), and the panel rotation process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S113 that any one of the adjacent slot machines is in a gaming state (NO), the rotation direction of its own panel 70 is determined in the direction of the slot machine in the gaming state, A rotation effect for rotating the panel 70 in the direction of the determined slot machine (rotation effect in the direction of the slot machine during game) is performed (step S115), and the panel rotation process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S112 that no slot machine other than the adjacent slot machine is in the gaming state (NO), it is determined whether there is one slot machine adjacent to itself (step S116). If it is determined in step S116 that there is only one slot machine adjacent to itself (YES), a panel rotation effect for rotating its own panel 70 is performed (step S117), and this panel rotation process is terminated. For example, as the panel rotation effect of step S117, an effect of rotating the panel itself up and down, left and right, an effect of rotating the belt of the belt-type display device built in the panel, and the like are performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S116 that there is not one slot machine adjacent to itself (NO), the panel 70 of its own is not rotated, but in the same direction as the front of the slot machine, that is, in the non-rotating state. The arranged non-rotation rotation effect is performed (step S118), and this panel rotation process is terminated.

  Therefore, although the panel rotation process is performed by the sub-control means 200 of each slot machine, the control process shown in FIG. 13 is performed at a fixed interval, so that it is determined and executed in steps S111, S114, S115, S117, and S118. Continued panel rotation processing (including non-rotation effects) is performed until the rotated effect of the panel is changed to the rotation effect of another panel.

(Application example of panel rotation processing)
An application example of the panel rotation process of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 15 showing the state of the panel of the corresponding slot machine depending on whether or not the three slot machines are in the game state. The left column of FIG. 15 indicates whether the state of the slot machine is a gaming state or a non-gaming state for each slot machine, and the right column of FIG. 15 is a gaming state or a non-gaming state of the left column of FIG. The rotation effect of the panel corresponding to a state is shown.

  For example, when the gaming state number 1, that is, the left SL1, the middle SL2, and the right SL3 are in the gaming state, the panel 70 of any slot machine is not rotated, and the same direction as the front of the slot machine, that is, the non-rotating state A non-rotation effect arranged in the direction is performed (step S111).

  When only the game state number 2 (5), that is, the left SL1 (right SL3) is in the non-game state, the left SL1 (right SL3) is rotated to rotate the panel in the middle SL2 direction (step S115). The other gaming slot machines are arranged in the non-rotating direction (step S111).

  When the game state number 3, that is, only the middle SL2 is in the non-game state, a non-rotation effect is performed in the left SL1 and the right SL3 (step S111), and the middle SL2 has a rotation effect that rotates the panel in the left SL1 direction. Performed (step S114).

  When the game state number 4 (7), that is, only the right SL3 (left SL1) is in the game state, the left SL1 (right SL3) performs the panel rotation effect (step S117), and the middle SL2 is in the game state. A rotation effect of rotating the panel in the right SL3 (left SL1) direction is performed (step S115), and the right SL3 (left SL1) in the gaming state is performed in the non-rotation state (step S115). S111).

  When the game state number 6, that is, only the middle SL2 is in the game state, the left SL1 and the right SL3 perform a rotation effect that rotates the panel in the middle SL2 direction (step S115), and the middle SL2 is in the non-rotation direction. The non-rotation effect arranged in (1) is performed.

  Finally, when the gaming state number 8, that is, when all slot machines are in the non-gaming state, the left SL1 and the right SL3 perform a panel rotation effect that rotates the panel (step S117), and the middle SL2 does not rotate. (Step S118), the panel 70 is not rotated but is arranged in the same direction as the front of the slot machine, that is, in the non-rotating state.

(Panel display processing)
The sub-control means 200 of each slot machine that has finished the panel rotation processing (steps S102, S204, S302) displays the panel based on the presence / absence of the first type BB combination winning information stored in its own game information storage means 230. Determine whether to perform processing. When the first type BB combination is won, the panel display control unit 250 rotates the belt of the belt-type display device 72 built in the rotating or non-rotating panel 70, and displays the display content printed on the belt. Control to perform a changing effect. Specifically, the panel display control unit 250 transmits the production information regarding the belt rotation of the belt type display device 72 to the panel 70 using the production information transmission unit 260, and controls to perform the production of rotating the belt. (Steps S103, S205, S303).

  According to the above-described embodiment, when the player is in the game state and the slot machine other than the adjacent one is not in the game state, the effect control using the panel 70 of the slot machine other than the adjacent one is performed. It can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to effectively use a panel of a slot machine that has been rarely used for production.

  In addition, since an effect using a slot machine other than itself is possible, an effect that cannot be produced by a single slot machine is possible. Therefore, by notifying the game information of the player, it is possible to generate “convenience” for the game and “rendering” that attracts interest. As a result, the player's interest in the game can be increased by the effect using the slot machine that is not in the game state. In addition, by using the slot machine adjacent to itself for production, it is possible to grasp the display, production, and the like of the panel unit and the like that were conventionally difficult for the player to see.

  Furthermore, through the use of slot machines that are not in a gaming state, the operating rate of the slot machines is increased, and as a result, the sales and profits of each slot machine are increased. High can be increased.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine system according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various other embodiments. For example, a state information transmission method between two adjacent slot machines is provided for each slot machine by providing a movable wing that operates when a game is being performed, thereby transmitting state information to adjacent slot machines. At the same time, the panel of the slot machine where no game is played can be rotated in the direction of the slot machine where the game is played.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine system 1 according to the present embodiment. It is a perspective view of game machine system 1 after panel rotation. 2 is a front view of the slot machine 10. FIG. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a slot machine. 3 is a schematic diagram of a panel 70. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing main control functions in the slot machine 10. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control in main control means 100. It is a flowchart which shows the part lottery process in the part lottery means. It is a flowchart which shows a winning process. It is a figure which shows the example of the symbol attached | subjected to each of the three reels 30L-30R. It is a figure which shows the Example of 1st type BB game state lottery table. It is a figure which shows the Example of a normal general game state lottery table. 4 is a flowchart of control in sub-control means 200. It is a flowchart of a panel rotation process. It is a chart showing the state of the panel of the corresponding slot machine depending on whether or not three slot machines are in a game state.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine system 10 Slot machine 70 Panel 72 Panel type display apparatus 90 Infrared transmission / reception part 100 Main control means (game control means)
200 Sub-control means (production control means)
210 Game information receiving means 220 Game information transmitting means 230 Game information storage means 240 Panel drive control means 250 Panel display control means

Claims (4)

A gaming machine system including a plurality of slot machines capable of performing a unit game up to processing based on a result of turning and stopping a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed by inserting a game medium,
The slot machine is
Role lottery means for lottery of which role to win from among the roles;
Game control means for proceeding with processing corresponding to the winning combination when winning the winning combination,
In accordance with the progress of the game, including the effect control means for controlling the effect output using the notification means,
The production control means includes
Output means for outputting game information including state information indicating whether or not the game is in progress to a slot machine other than itself;
Input means for inputting the game information output from the output means of the slot machine other than itself,
When the player is playing and the input means receives the status information from the slot machine adjacent to the player, and the slot machine adjacent to the player is not playing
Control the production using the slot machine adjacent to the self,
A gaming machine system characterized by that. The slot machine is
Game medium number storage means for storing the number of game media loaded in the slot machine;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the player is playing,
The detection means includes
When the number of game media stored in the game media number storage means is not a positive number and the game media is not inserted into the game media, it is determined that the game media is not in play.
The gaming machine system according to claim 1, wherein: The production control means has one slot machine adjacent to itself, and performs the production using its own panel unit when the slot machine adjacent to itself is not playing.
The gaming machine system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. The output means transmits the game information to the input means by infrared communication.
The gaming machine system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

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