JP2009172103A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine for allowing a variety of players different in speed at which to perform switch operation to enjoy sub-games based on the switch operation. <P>SOLUTION: The slot machine includes a role drawing means, a reel control means, a prize winning processing control means, and a direction control means. When stop operation of two reels is performed by first reel stop operation and subsequent reel stop operation from a state in which at least the two reels are rotating, direction indicating optimal operation timing is performed when a period of time defined on the basis of the player's switch operation has passed since the first reel stop operation and a time difference between the subsequent reel stop operation and the optimal operation timing is measured to perform special direction in accordance with the time difference. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that rotates a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed, performs reel stop control according to a result of a winning lottery, and determines whether or not a winning can be achieved by a combination of symbols at the time of stoppage. The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of performing a sub game (mini game) using production.

A slot machine that determines a game result by a combination of symbols at the time of stoppage when a player inserts a game medium, rotates a plurality of reels on which symbols are displayed based on the player's operation, and stops the game. It is widely used as one of these. In this slot machine, a lottery is usually performed by the control means, and when the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the lottery stops and a prize is won, a game is performed to perform a winning process according to the winning combination. Yes.
In addition, in such a slot machine, in order to enhance the fun of the game, the player can turn the reel stop switch based on a predetermined effect, for example, a displayed effect image, along with a game that rotates and stops the reel. There has also been proposed a slot machine capable of performing a sub game (mini game) by operating (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-190388 A

  Among the slot machines that can execute such a secondary game, by operating each reel stop switch in accordance with the optimum operation timing shown in the displayed effect image, a game result corresponding to the operation timing is obtained. There are some games that can be used to play side games. Here, the speed at which the reel stop switch is operated varies depending on the player, but the timing for displaying the optimum operation timing cannot be changed depending on the player, so a wide range of games It is difficult for a person to enjoy a secondary game with good mood, and there is a risk that interest in the game will be reduced.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine in which a wide range of players having different speeds when performing a switch operation can enjoy a secondary game based on the switch operation, in order to solve the above problems.

  In order to achieve the above object, as a slot machine according to the present invention, a game in which a game medium is inserted and a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed is rotated and stopped is performed once. A lottery means for performing a lottery for determining a winning lottery by determining at least one of a plurality of winning combinations by lottery processing, and a plurality of reels displaying a plurality of symbols , And a reel control means for controlling the stop of the rotated reel according to the result of the winning lottery, and a flag is set when any winning is won in the winning lottery, and the flag is set When it is determined that the combination of symbols corresponding to the corresponding winning combination has been won and the winning combination is determined, a winning process control means for performing a winning process corresponding to the winning combination and a predetermined effect are performed. An effect control means for performing the control process of the above, and when performing the stop operation of the two reels by the previous reel stop operation and the subsequent reel stop operation from the state where at least two of the reels are rotating, When the time determined based on the player's switch operation has elapsed from the time of the previous reel stop operation by the effect control means, the effect indicating the optimum operation timing is performed, and the timing of the subsequent reel stop operation and the It is conceivable to measure a time difference from the optimal operation timing and to implement a special effect according to the time difference.

Here, the “game medium” is a medium that is inserted into the slot machine in order to play a game, such as coins, medals, and chips. Moreover, as long as this object can be achieved, the product is not limited to an article, and for example, an electromagnetically acting material such as a magnetic card can be applied.
In addition, “inserting a game medium” includes actually inserting a game medium from a game medium slot provided in the slot machine, etc., and storing it in a storage medium of the slot machine. This includes using a predetermined number of game media credited in advance.

  Here, the “combination” generally includes a “winning role” for performing a “winning game” that makes the game proceed in an advantageous manner for the player, and a “replaying game” in which the game can be re-executed without inserting a game medium. "Re-game combination" for "and a" general combination "for paying out a predetermined number of game media when winning.

“Winning” refers to performing “winning game” in which a game progresses in an advantageous manner for a player when a winning combination is won by lottery and a symbol corresponding to the winning role stops and wins a prize. It is a possible role. The winning combinations include, for example, a big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as “BB combination”) and a middle bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as “MB combination”).
The BB combination (sometimes referred to as “1 type BB combination”) is a combination to be transferred to a BB game (which may be referred to as “1 type BB game”), which is one of the winning games. A game in which the winning combination is won with a high probability can be continuously performed until a predetermined number of game media payouts (also referred to as “finished number”) is reached. It is also possible to set a plurality of BB games. For example, it is possible to provide a plurality of BB games having different setting probabilities and winning numbers for a predetermined combination.
In addition, the MB combination (sometimes referred to as “type 2 BB combination”) is a combination of shifting to an MB game (which may be referred to as “type 2 BB game”), which is one of the winning games. Regardless of the result of the winning lottery, a game in which a winning process is performed when a combination of predetermined symbols is stopped (sometimes referred to as a CB game)) is continued until a predetermined number of game media payouts is reached. Can be done.

“Re-game” is a “re-game” that can be re-executed without throwing in game media when a symbol corresponding to the re-game player stops and wins a prize. It is also a role that can be carried out. Further, when the re-gamer wins and wins, the re-game can be performed with the same specified number as the re-gamer won, or can be re-played with a different specified number. An arbitrary number can be used as the specified number. It is also possible to set a plurality of types of re-game players.
The “general combination” is a combination in which a predetermined number of game media are paid out when a general combination is won by lottery and a symbol corresponding to the general combination is won. Further, when two or more winning combinations are won at the same time (for example, when one of the BB winning combination and the general winning combination is simultaneously won), it can be regarded as one winning combination.

  In the “lottery” for determining one combination, for example, it is desirable to generate a random number and determine at least one winning combination based on the value. Regarding the generation of random numbers, it is conceivable to use a random number generator or to generate them on software using a computer or the like.

“Reel on which symbol is displayed” includes a reel that is physically rotated and stopped by a motor or the like, and also includes a reel on an image that is displayed on a display device and is rotated and stopped on an image. It is. The “reel control means” starts rotation of the reel when receiving a signal transmitted based on the start operation of the player, and rotates when receiving a stop signal transmitted based on the stop operation of the player. The stop control of the reel being performed is performed.
In this case, it is possible to set the rotation of all the reels to be started by one start operation, and based on the operation corresponding to each reel, the rotation is set to start only the reel that has been started. It is also possible. Similarly, it is possible to set the rotation of all reels to be stopped by one stop operation, or to set only the reels that have been stopped based on the operation corresponding to each reel. Is possible.

“Corresponding symbol combinations stop” means, for example, that symbols determined corresponding to roles for each reel stop on a predetermined effective line, and predetermined symbols are aligned. . In this case, a case where a symbol to be stopped is defined for all reels is included, and a case where a symbol to be stopped for some reels is also included. The symbols to be stopped can be set to the same symbol for all reels, or different symbols can be set for each reel.
Conversely, “the corresponding symbol combination does not stop” means that the requirement for corresponding to the above “corresponding symbol combination stops” is not satisfied. Therefore, for example, even when the symbols to be stopped on some of the required reels do not stop, “does not stop”. Of course, even when the symbols to be stopped on all the required reels do not stop, it does not stop.

“Set a flag” means to set a gaming state in which a predetermined winning process can be performed if a combination of corresponding symbols stops and a winning is made when a predetermined winning combination is won in the winning lottery. Meaning and control, the flag is stored in the storage device (RAM) of the control means.
In addition, the effects performed by the effect control means may be an effect by image display, an effect using sound, an effect of turning on, turning off, or flashing the lamp device, an effect using some kind of operating device, etc. Combined production is also possible.

  In the case of a slot machine having three reels, “at least two reels are rotating” means that all reels (three reels) are rotating and only one reel is stopped and remains. A state where two reels are rotating is conceivable. Here, in the former case, the first reel stop operation corresponds to the previous reel stop operation, and the second reel stop operation corresponds to the subsequent reel stop operation. In the latter case, the second reel stop operation corresponds to the previous reel stop operation, and the third reel stop operation corresponds to the subsequent reel stop operation.

As the “time determined based on the player's switch operation”, for example, the elapsed time (operation interval) between each switch operation in the player's start switch operation and reel stop operation can be considered, and other such as bet switch The time based on the switch operation is also conceivable.
In addition, the “effect indicating the optimum operation timing” may use an image, a voice, a lamp display, or the like.
As the optimum operation timing, in the case of image display, for example, the timing at which a certain effect image is displayed can be exemplified as the optimum operation timing, and the timing at which this effect image display is started is optimal. The operation timing can be set, or the entire period during which the effect image is displayed can be set as the optimum operation timing. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other effects can be used as long as the player can recognize the optimum operation timing.

  In addition, as the “special effect according to the time difference”, for example, if the time difference is within a predetermined value, it is possible to display a special effect image that is not normally seen by the player. An effect of notifying information (for example, winning symbols and information on the reel stop order) for stopping the symbol corresponding to is conceivable.

  According to this embodiment, when the time determined based on the player's switch operation has elapsed since the previous reel stop operation, the effect indicating the optimum operation timing is performed, so that the speed when performing the switch operation is In a wide variety of different players, the player can enjoy the secondary game based on the switch operation, and in turn, it can be expected to increase the player's interest in the game.

  In the slot machine according to the present invention, it is further conceivable that the time determined based on the player's switch operation is calculated based on the interval of the reel stop operation performed by the player so far.

  Specifically, “calculated based on the interval between reel stop operations performed by the player” means the elapsed time from the start of reel rotation to the first reel stop operation timing, the first reel stop operation timing to the first reel stop operation timing. 2 The elapsed time until the stop operation timing can be used, or the average value thereof can be used. Also, the interval between reel stop operations in a plurality of games and their average time, the interval between reel stop operations and their average time in a specific gaming state (for example, during an MB game, etc.), how many days in the past It is conceivable to use the interval of reel stop operations and their average time for the same player when the interval of reel stop operations and their average time in the game of the same player can be identified.

  In this embodiment, the optimum operation timing is indicated when the time calculated based on the interval of the reel stop operation performed by the player has elapsed since the previous reel stop operation. Therefore, since the optimum operation timing can be shown at an appropriate time according to the speed of the player's reel stop operation, a wide range of players can enjoy the sub-game, and in turn, It can be expected to raise interest.

  As the slot machine according to the present invention, it is considered that the optimum operation timing is shown to the player by displaying an effect image that is not normally displayed.

  According to this embodiment, since the player can easily recognize the arrival of the optimum operation timing from the effect image that is not normally displayed, a wide range of players can enjoy the sub-game and pull the player. It can be expected to raise interest in games.

  As the slot machine according to the present invention, it is further considered that an effect indicating the optimum operation timing is implemented in a gaming state in which the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is stopped regardless of the timing of the player's reel stop operation. It is done.

The game state where the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination stops regardless of the timing of the player's reel stop operation. The game state where the reel stop operation is performed at any timing always responds to the winning combination. This means when the winning symbol is stopped on the active line, such as when a winning combination with a reel symbol arrangement that allows it is won, or a gaming state in which such winning symbol is always won (for example, MB gaming) To do.
According to this embodiment, the player can enjoy the secondary game by performing the reel stop operation at an arbitrary timing without worrying about the reel stop pattern. It can be expected to raise interest in games.

  As the slot machine according to the present invention, it is possible to further implement an effect that gives a player a profit as the special effect according to the time difference between the timing of the subsequent reel stop operation and the optimum operation timing. .

Here, as the “effect that gives a profit to the player”, for example, information for stopping the symbol corresponding to the winning combination that the player has the highest interest (for example, information on winning symbols and reel stop order) is used. The effect to alert | report can be illustrated.
In the present embodiment, an effect that gives a profit to the player is performed as a special effect, so it can be expected that the player's interest in the secondary game, that is, the game, is increased.

  According to the above-described invention, when the time determined based on the player's switch operation has elapsed since the previous reel stop operation, the speed at which the switch operation is performed by performing the effect indicating the optimal operation timing. In a wide range of players having different abilities, the player can enjoy the secondary game based on the switch operation, and it can be expected that the player's interest in the game will increase.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(Configuration of slot machine 10)
<Description of overall structure>
An appearance of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment is shown in FIG.
In FIG. 1, a front panel 20 is provided on the front surface of the housing of the slot machine 10. In the front panel 20, three vertically long rectangular display windows 22L, 22C and 22R are formed.

  Five winning lines are defined in front of these three display windows 22L, 22C and 22R. These five winning lines include three horizontal (center L1, upper and lower L2A, L2B) winning lines and two diagonal winning lines (diagonally downward L3A, obliquely upward L3B). At the left end of these pay lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B, bet number (number of bets) display sections 24a to 24e are "3", "2", "1", "2" in order from the top. , “3”. The bet number display sections 24a to 24e are a winning line (hereinafter referred to as an effective line) that is activated according to the number of inserted game media (in this embodiment, medals are used), and the number of bets on the game media. Is displayed.

A substantially horizontal operation panel 30 is provided below the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R. On the left side of the operation panel 30, a 1-bet switch 32, a 2-bet switch 34, and a maximum bet switch 36 are provided. In addition, on the right side of the operation panel 30, a game medium insertion port 38 through which a game medium can be inserted is provided.
When a game medium is inserted from the game medium insertion port 38, the number of game media is counted by a game medium counter (not shown), and when a predetermined number or more of game media are input, The credit amount is stored in the RAM 110 described later.

The 1-bet switch 32 is a switch for setting a game bet on only one of the credits. The 2-bet switch 34 is a switch for targeting only two of the credits for game betting. The maximum bet switch 36 is a switch for setting three medals out of the number of credits as a game bet.
In the following, the number of game media to be bet is referred to as “the number of bets” and set as a bet object by the player by operating the 1-bet switch 32, the 2-bet switch 34 or the maximum bet switch 36 described above. The number of medals won is referred to as “set bet number”, and the bet number required to play a game is referred to as “specified number”.

  When the player operates the 1-bet switch 32, one of the five winning lines, for example, the winning line L1 is activated. When the 2-bet switch 34 is operated, three of the five pay lines, for example, the pay lines L1, L2A and L2B are activated. Further, when the maximum bet switch 36 is operated, all of the five pay lines, that is, L1, L2A, L2B, L3A and L3B are activated. The activated winning line is clearly indicated by lighting an effective line display lamp (not shown) provided on the back of each of the bet number display sections 24a to 24e. As the number of bets that determine the effective line, for example, it is conceivable to set one, two, and three bets.

  A display device 70 including a liquid crystal display panel is provided above the casing of the slot machine 10. The display device 70 is not limited to the above-described liquid crystal display panel, and any other display device can be used as long as the player can visually recognize the image information and the character information during the game.

  Inside the casing of the slot machine 10, three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are rotatably provided. The reels 40L, 40C, and 40R have a ring shape, and a reel tape on which a pattern is printed is attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. For example, 21 symbols are arranged at regular intervals on each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. The arrangement of these symbols is different for each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. Each of these reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is provided so as to be visible through the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R described above. When the reel is stopped, three consecutive symbols of one reel can be visually recognized in one display window. For this reason, a total of nine symbols can be visually recognized from all the three display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R.

As will be described later, each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), and the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R in the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R. Moves from top to bottom.
A start switch 50 is tiltably provided on the left side of the front surface of the operation panel 30. Three stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R are provided at the center of the front surface of the operation panel 30. The stop switch 52L corresponds to the left reel 40L, the stop switch 52C corresponds to the middle reel 40C, and the stop switch 52R corresponds to the right reel 40R.
When the player tilts the start switch 50 described above, the three 40L, 40C, and 40R described above start rotating all at once. When the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R rotate, the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are moved and displayed from the top to the bottom in each of the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R. The

When the rotational speeds of the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R described above reach a constant speed, the operation of the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R by the player is effective.
When the player pushes the stop switch 52L, the left reel 40L stops. When the player pushes the stop switch 52C, the middle reel 40C stops. When the player pushes the stop switch 52R, the right reel 40R stops.
When the reels 40L, 40C, or 40R are stopped, the three reels 40L, so that the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels are positioned on the winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B described above. Each of 40C or 40R is controlled to stop.

On the lower right side of the casing of the slot machine 10, sound is emitted from a speaker (not shown, corresponding to a speaker 64 shown in FIG. 3 described later) housed in the casing. A sound transmission hole 60 is provided for exiting to the outside. A game medium payout port 62 is provided at a central portion below the casing of the slot machine 10. When the reels 40L, 40C, or 40R are stopped and the symbols that are stopped and displayed on the active line become a predetermined combination, that is, a symbol that constitutes a winning combination. A predetermined number of game media are paid out from the game media payout port 62.
As described above, the game in the slot machine 10 is a game in which a game result is determined by a combination of symbols determined by the stopped positions of the stopped reels 40L, 40C, or 40R. This game is performed every time the player tilts the start switch 50, and the process from the start of rotation of the reels 40L, 40C, or 40R to the stop of rotation can be repeated as one game. is there.

  Examples of the types of combinations described above include types such as winning combinations, general combinations, and re-playing combinations. The winning combination is a combination in which when a winning combination is won by lottery and when a winning combination is awarded according to the winning combination, a winning game that allows the player to advance the game advantageously can be performed. In addition, the general combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of game media are paid out when a general combination is won by lottery and a symbol corresponding to the general combination is won. In addition, when the re-gamer is selected as a re-gamer by a lottery and the symbols corresponding to the re-gamer are all won, a re-game (also referred to as replay) is performed without newly inserting a game medium. It is a role that can be performed.

The winning combinations include, for example, a big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as BB combination) and a middle bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as MB combination). The BB role is a role that shifts to a BB game that is one of the winning games. This BB game is a game in which a predetermined role wins with a high probability until a predetermined number of payouts of game media is reached. It can be done continuously. It is also possible to set a plurality of BB games. For example, it is possible to provide a plurality of BB games having different setting probabilities and winning numbers for a predetermined combination.
In addition, the MB combination is a combination to be transferred to the MB game which is one of the winning games. This MB game is a game in which a winning process is performed when a combination of predetermined symbols is stopped regardless of the result of the combination lottery. (Sometimes referred to as a CB game)) until a predetermined number of game media payouts is reached.

<Description of control means>
Control means for controlling the slot machine 10 includes a main control circuit 100 and a sub-control circuit 200. Here, a block diagram of the main control circuit 100 is shown in FIG. 2, and a block diagram of the sub-control circuit 200 electrically connected thereto is shown in FIG.
The start switch 50 described above is connected to the interface circuit 102 of the main control circuit 100, and the interface circuit 102 is connected to the input / output bus 104. The reel rotation start signal issued from the start switch 50 is converted into a desired signal by the interface circuit 102 and then supplied to the input / output bus 104. The input / output bus 104 is configured to input / output data signals or address signals to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 106. The reel rotation start signal described above constitutes one of “operation signals”.

In addition, stop switches 52L, 52C and 52R, a 1-bet switch 32, a 2-bet switch 34 and a maximum bet switch 36 are also connected to the interface circuit 102 described above. Signals generated from these buttons and switches are also supplied to the interface circuit 102, converted into desired signals, and then supplied to the input / output bus 104. The signal emitted from the stop switch 52L, 52C or 52R described above also constitutes an operation signal.
A ROM (read only memory) 108 and a RAM (random access memory) 110 are also connected to the input / output bus 104 described above. The ROM 108 stores a control program for controlling the entire flow of the slot machine and initial data for executing the control program. The RAM 110 can temporarily store flags and variable values used in the control program described above.

A random number generator 112 for generating random numbers is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The random number generator 112 generates a random number included in a certain range of numerical values, for example, 0 to 65535 (2 to the 16th power). Note that a random number may be generated by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 106.
A motor drive circuit 114 is connected to the input / output bus 104. The motor driving circuit 114 is connected to stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R that rotationally drive each of the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. Each of the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R is provided inside the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, and the rotation shafts of the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R are the rotation centers of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. It is attached to stepping motors 80L, 80C and 80R.

The drive control command issued from the CPU 106 is converted into a drive signal by the motor drive circuit 114, and the drive signal is supplied to the stepping motors 80L, 80C and 80R. The drive control command includes a rotation speed command, and performs rotation control and stop control of the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R, and also performs rotation speed control.
As described above, the CPU 106 controls the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R, thereby performing the rotation control and stop control of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, and the rotation speed.

  Each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is provided with a rotation angle position sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation angle position of each reel. The rotation angle position sensor is a reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116. It is connected to the. When a signal indicating the rotation angle position of each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is issued from the rotation angle position sensor, it is supplied to the reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116, converted into a predetermined signal, and then the input / output bus 104. To be supplied. The CPU 106 calculates a symbol number from the supplied rotation angle position, and identifies a symbol displayed in each of the display windows 22L, 22C, and 22R.

Further, a connection line 118 is also connected to the interface circuit 102. The main control circuit 100 is electrically connected to a sub control circuit 200 described later by the connection line 118. A block diagram showing the sub control circuit 200 is shown in FIG.
The connection line 118 described above is connected to the interface circuit 202 of the sub-control circuit 200, and the interface circuit 202 is connected to the input / output bus 204. A signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 200 is converted into a desired signal by the interface circuit 202 and then supplied to the input / output bus 204. The input / output bus 204 is configured to input / output data signals or address signals to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 206.

A ROM (Read Only Memory) 208 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 210 are also connected to the input / output bus 204 described above. The ROM 208 stores a control program for controlling the lamp driving circuit 218, the display driving circuit 220, and the speaker driving circuit 222, which will be described later, and initial data for executing the control program. The ROM 208 also stores various image data to be displayed on the display device 70 and audio data to be emitted from the speaker 64.
A lamp drive circuit 218 for driving each display lamp 124 is also connected to the input / output bus 204. The CPU 206 issues a drive command to the lamp drive circuit 218 in accordance with the control information supplied from the main control circuit 100, and lights up the display lamp 124 in response to the drive command.

In addition, a display drive circuit 220 that drives the display device 70 is also connected to the input / output bus 204. The CPU 206 reads image data, character data, and the like stored in the ROM 208 in accordance with control information supplied from the main control circuit 100 and supplies the data to the display drive circuit 220. By doing so, various image data and character data are displayed on the display device 70 as images.
Further, a speaker drive circuit 222 for driving the speaker 64 is also connected to the input / output bus 204. The CPU 206 reads out audio data stored in the ROM 208 in accordance with control information supplied from the main control circuit 100 and supplies the data to the speaker drive circuit 222. By doing so, a predetermined sound is emitted from the speaker 64.

(Explanation of functional block diagram)
Next, a functional block diagram of control of the slot machine 10 is shown in FIG.
As a control circuit, the main control circuit 100 and the sub-control circuit 200 are electrically connected, and the operation means 300 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 100, and is provided in each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. The motors 80L, 80C and 80R are electrically connected. A display device 70, a display lamp 124, and a speaker 64 are electrically connected to the sub control circuit 200.
The stop operation means 310 is constituted by the three stop switches 52L, 52C and 52R, and the operation means 300 is constituted by the stop operation means 310, the start switch 50, and the bet switches 32, 34 and 36. The operation means 300 is not limited to a switch, and any means can be applied as long as it generates an operation signal based on an operation using the player's limbs.

<Description of Main Control Circuit 100>
The main control circuit 100 includes a combination lottery means 410, a reel control means 440, a winning process control means 450, and a regame control means 460.
The role lottery means 410 performs a lottery of a winning combination (BB winning combination, MB winning combination, general winning combination, re-playing winning combination) by winning combination lottery processing. The role lottery means 410 includes, for example, a random number generator 112 (hard random number, etc.) for the role lottery, a random number extraction means 420 that extracts a random number generated by the random number generator 112, and a random value extracted by the random number extraction means 420 And random number determination means 430 for determining the presence / absence of a winning combination and the winning combination. The control processing by the role lottery means 410 is shown in the role lottery processing subroutine (see FIGS. 6 to 7).

  The reel control means 440 controls the motors 80L, 80C, 80R by receiving the reel rotation start signal transmitted from the start switch 50, rotates the reels 40L, 40C, 40R, and the stop switch 52L. , 52C, and 52R, and control for reel operation for stopping the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is performed in response to reception of a reel stop signal transmitted from a predetermined time. In the stop control, a symbol combination control is performed to prevent or prevent the stop symbols from being aligned according to the winning combination. The control processing by the reel control means 440 is shown in the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine (see FIG. 8).

When the winning process control means 450 determines that a winning combination or a general combination has been won in the winning lottery process, and the winning symbol determination regarding the stopped symbols has determined that all the symbols corresponding to each winning combination have won. A control is performed to carry out a winning game that is advantageous to the player and a payout of a predetermined number of game media.
When the re-game control means 460 determines that the symbols corresponding to the re-gamer have been prepared by the winning symbol determination regarding the symbols that have been won by the re-game player in the lottery process, the next game medium is not inserted. Control for playing a game is performed.

<Description of Sub Control Circuit 200>
The sub control circuit 200 is provided with an image control unit 510, an audio control unit 520, a lamp control unit 530, and an effect control unit 540. When the image control unit 510 receives the image data received from the notification effect control unit 540 or the like, the image control unit 510 can control the display drive circuit 220 to display a predetermined effect image on the display device 70. The display device 70, the display drive circuit 220, and the image control means 510 may be referred to as image display means.

Further, the lamp control means 520 can control the lamp driving circuit 218 based on a signal received from the main control circuit 100 or the like to light a predetermined lamp 124. In addition, the sound control unit 530 can control the speaker driving circuit 222 based on a signal received from the main control circuit 100 or the like and emit a predetermined sound from the speaker 64.
The effect control unit 540 transmits a control signal to the above-described image control unit 510, the sound control unit 520, and the like, and performs a control process for performing a predetermined effect. It should be noted that the effects performed by the effect control means 540 include a sub game using an effect indicating the optimum operation timing, a special effect executed according to the result of the sub game, and the like.

(Description of control processing)
Hereinafter, various controls performed by the above-described control unit will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts.
FIG. 5 shows a main routine of control processing performed by the main control circuit 100. 6 to 12 show subroutines that are control processes performed in the main routine.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show a role lottery processing subroutine for performing a role lottery performed by the role lottery means 410 and a flag-on process performed following the role lottery. FIG. 8 shows a reel fluctuation / stop subroutine in which reel control means 440 controls the rotation and stop of the reels.

FIG. 9 shows a winning determination and flag-off process subroutine which is a control process after the symbol is stopped by the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine. FIG. 10 shows a BB game in-process subroutine that is a part of the control process of the winning determination and flag-off process subroutine, and FIG. 11 shows an MB game in-process that is a part of the control process of the prize determination and flag-off process subroutine. FIG. 12 shows a winning combination processing subroutine which is a part of the control processing of the winning determination and flag off processing subroutine.
FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 show the control processing mainly performed by the effect control generating means 540 of the sub-control circuit 200, and FIG. 13 shows the effect control subroutine showing the overall control flow for performing the effect. FIG. 14 shows a character image display control subroutine which is a part of the control process of the effect control subroutine, and FIG. 15 shows a timing determination subroutine which is a part of the control process of the character image display control subroutine. .

  In the control process described below, the slot machine 10 is activated in advance, and variables used in the main control circuit 100 and the sub control circuit 200 described above are initialized to predetermined values and are in steady operation. Shall.

<Description of main routine>
First, the control process of the main routine will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this main routine, a control process when a game is performed once, in which one step from when a player inserts a game medium until a plurality of reels displaying a plurality of symbols is rotated and stopped is performed once. Indicates.
First, it is determined whether or not the value of the parameter NRP is greater than 0 (step S10). Here, NRP is a parameter that determines whether or not to replay, and is set so that replay is performed when it is greater than 0, and replay is not performed when it is 0 or less. Further, as shown in step S510 of FIG. 11, when the re-gamer is won and won, 1 is input as the value of NRP.

  If it is determined in step 10 that the value of NRP is 0 or less (NO), it is determined that no re-game is performed, and then it is determined whether or not a game medium is inserted (step). S12). If it is determined in this determination that a game medium has been input (YES), the process proceeds to step S18, and the input number counted by a game medium counter (not shown) installed below the game medium input port 38 is obtained. The bet number is detected (step S18). However, when the number of game media exceeding the specified number (three in this embodiment) is inserted, the game media exceeding the specified number is stored in the RAM 110 as the number of credits.

  If it is determined in step S12 that no game medium is inserted (NO), the process proceeds to step S14 to determine whether there is a credited game medium (step S14). If it is determined in this determination that there is no credited game medium (NO), the process returns to step S12 again, and the determination processes in steps S12 and S14 are repeatedly executed.

  If it is determined in step S14 that there is a credited game medium (YES), it is next determined whether or not a bet operation signal has been received (step S16). This bet operation signal is transmitted when the player operates any one of the bet switches 32, 34, or 36. When it is determined that the bet operation signal has not been received (NO), the process returns to step S12 again, and the determination process from step S12 to step S16 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S16 that a bet signal has been received (YES), the number of bets is detected from the received bet operation signal (step S18). In either case of inserting a game medium or using a credited game medium, the detected bet number is stored in the RAM 110 as a new bet number, and when using a credited game medium, The number of credits of the game medium is reduced by the number of detected bets (step S20), and the process proceeds to step S24.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the value of NRP is greater than 0 and the game is in the replaying state (YES), 0 is input to the value of NRP to cancel the replaying state (step S22), and step S10. Without performing the process of step S20, the same bet number as the bet number in the previous game is set, and the process proceeds to step S24. That is, when it is determined that the game is in the re-gaming state, the game can be performed without newly inserting a game medium or consuming the credited game medium. In this embodiment, the bet number in the replay is set to the same bet number as in the previous game, but it is also possible to set a bet number different from the bet number in the previous game. .

Thus, the game start state is set, and in step S24, a role lottery processing subroutine is performed (step S24). In the combination lottery processing subroutine, combination lottery processing by the combination lottery means 410 is performed, and a flag-on process for turning on the BB flag, the MB flag, the replay flag, and the general combination flag is performed according to the winning combination. Details of this subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
Subsequent to the role lottery processing subroutine (step S24), based on the result of the role lottery, the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine (step S26) performs control processing related to the movement of the reels that are stopped after the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are rotated. ) Is performed. This reel fluctuation / stop subroutine is performed by the reel control means 440, and details of this subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

Next, after the reels are stopped by the reel variation / stop subroutine, a winning symbol determination is performed, and based on the determination result, a winning determination and flag off processing subroutine (step S28) for performing a flag-off process is performed. Details of this subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
Then, a payout process (step S30) for paying out a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the winning game based on the winning lottery and winning symbol determination is performed. In this payout process, it is possible to actually pay out the game media from the game media payout outlet 62, and instead of paying out, it is possible to credit a predetermined number of game media.

  One game is completed by the control process as described above. By repeating the control process shown in this main routine, the player can play a plurality of times.

<Role lottery processing subroutine>
Next, the combination lottery processing subroutine performed in step S24 of the main routine will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
First, it is determined whether a start switch ON signal has been received (step S40). The start switch ON signal is a signal transmitted by the operation means 300 when the player operates the start switch 50. Based on this signal, the reel control means 440 performs control for starting the rotation of the reel. This is performed (see step S134 in FIG. 8).
If it is determined in this determination that the start switch ON signal has not been received (NO), the determination processing in step S40 is repeated. In other words, the player waits for the game to start until the player operates the start switch 50.

If it is determined in step S40 that a start switch ON signal has been received (YES), a game start signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 (step S41). The game start signal transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 in step S41 is used for the determination process (see FIG. 13) in step S700 of the effect control subroutine.
Subsequent to step S41, it is determined whether or not the value of the parameter NBB is greater than 0 (step S42). Here, NBB is a parameter that determines whether or not to play a BB game, and is set so that a BB game is played when it is larger than 0 and a BB game is not played when it is 0 or less. Also, as shown in step S506 of FIG. 12, when the BB combination is won and won, 1 is input as the value of NBB.
If it is determined in step S42 that NBB is greater than 0 (YES), the general lottery table for BB operation stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S44), and the process proceeds to step S50. Here, an example of the general lottery table during BB operation is shown in FIG.

In the lottery table for BB operation, three types of general roles of symbol numbers 1 to 3 and a deviation of symbol number 4 are set.
For the general combination 1 with the symbol number 1, the winning probability in the combination lottery is 1/80, and if the cherry symbol stops on the left reel, any symbol can be used for the remaining two reels. It is set to win.
The general combination 2 with symbol number 2 is set to win when the winning symbol in the combination lottery is 1 / 1.03 and the bell symbol stops on all reels. Therefore, during the BB game, the possibility of winning the general combination 2 in the combination lottery is very high.
The general combination 3 with symbol number 3 is set to win when the winning probability in the combination lottery is 1/100 and the watermelon symbol stops on all reels. In addition, the probability of symbol number 4 losing is about 1/151, which is a low value.

  If it is determined in step S42 that the value of NBB is 0 or less (NO), it is next determined whether or not the value of parameter NMB is greater than 0 (step S46). Here, the NMB is a parameter that determines whether or not to perform an MB game, and is set so as to perform an MB game when it is larger than 0, and not perform an MB game when it is 0 or less. As shown in step S506 in FIG. 12, when the MB combination is won and a prize is won, 1 is input as the value of NMB.

If it is determined in step S46 that NMB is greater than 0 (YES), an MB gaming signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 (step S47), and the process proceeds to step S70 (see FIG. 7). That is, during the MB game, when the game state is the same as when winning the general role 3 without performing the lottery, and when the symbol corresponding to the general role 3 is stopped by the player's reel operation, the winning process (game medium) Payout).
In addition, the MB gaming signal transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 in step S47 is used for the determination process (see FIG. 13) in step S704 of the effect control subroutine.

  If it is determined in step S46 that NMB is 0 or less (NO), the BB non-operating general lottery table stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S48), and the process proceeds to step S50. Here, an example of the general lottery table when the BB is not operated is shown in FIG.

The BB non-operating general lottery table is a lottery table used in a normal gaming state, and includes three general roles of symbol numbers 1 to 3, a re-game role of symbol number 4, a BB role of symbol number 5, and a symbol number. An MB combination of 6 and a deviation of symbol number 7 are set.
For the general combination 1 with the symbol number 1, the winning probability in the combination lottery is 1/80, and if the cherry symbol stops on the left reel, any symbol can be used for the remaining two reels. It is set to win. The general combination 2 with the symbol number 2 is set to win when the winning symbol in the combination lottery is 1/5 and the symbol of the bell stops on all reels. Therefore, the possibility of winning the general combination 2 in the combination lottery is lower than in the BB game. The general combination 3 with symbol number 3 is set to win when the winning probability in the combination lottery is 1/100 and the watermelon symbol stops on all reels.
The re-game combination with symbol number 4 is set to win when the winning probability in the combination lottery process is 1 / 7.3 and all three reels have the replay symbols.
The BB combination with symbol number 5 is set to win when the winning probability in the combination lottery process is 1/300 and all three reels have the red 7 symbol. For the MB combination with symbol number 6, the winning probability in the combination lottery process is 1/600, and the winning combination is set when the symbols of white 7 are aligned on all three reels. In addition, the probability of the winning combination lottery of symbol number 7 is set to about 1 / 1.57.

As described above, after the lottery table corresponding to the state of the game is read out, the lottery for acquiring the random number and performing the lottery determination is performed (step S50). Specifically, random numbers generated by the random number generator 112 are extracted by the random number extraction means 420, and the random number determination means 430 compares the extracted random numbers with the read lottery table and determines the winning.
Subsequently to FIG. 6, the process proceeds to FIG. 7, and it is determined whether or not the RB combination is won as a result of the lottery determination (step S <b> 70). In this determination, if it is determined that the BB combination is won (YES), the BB combination flag is turned on and stored in the RAM 110 (step S72), and the process proceeds to step S86.

If it is determined in step S70 that the BB combination has not been won (NO), it is next determined whether or not the MB combination has been won as a result of the lottery determination (step S74). If it is determined in this determination that the MB combination has been won (YES), the MB flag is turned on and stored in the RAM 110 (step S76), and the process proceeds to step S86.
If it is determined in step S74 that the MB combination has not been won (NO), it is next determined whether or not the re-game combination has been won (step S78). If it is determined in this determination that the re-gamer is won by the role lottery (YES), the re-game flag is turned on and stored in the RAM 110 (step S80), and the process proceeds to step S86.
If it is determined in step S78 that the re-playing combination is not won (NO), it is next determined whether or not the general combination is won (step S82). In this determination, if it is determined that the general combination is won by the combination lottery (YES), the general combination flag is turned on and stored in the RAM 110 (step S84), and the process proceeds to step S86.

If it is determined in step S82 that the general combination has not been won (NO), the lottery determination result is determined to be out of order, a predetermined control process at the time of out is performed, and the process proceeds to step S86. move on.
After performing a series of processing related to flag-on as described above, in step 86, the symbol number and control symbol data corresponding to the winning combination in the winning lottery are read from the ROM 108 and used for the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine described later. This data is stored in the RAM 110 (step S86).
Next, as a result of the above-described lottery, that is, a winning lottery information signal including information on winning or out of winning is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 (step S88), and this subroutine is finished. The combination lottery information signal transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 in step S88 is used for the determination processing in steps S702 and S706 (see FIG. 13) of the effect control subroutine.

<Explanation of reel fluctuation / stop subroutine>
Next, in the main routine of FIG. 5, when the above-described combination lottery processing subroutine (step S24) is completed, a reel fluctuation and stop subroutine (step S26) is then performed. Next, the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the symbol number and control symbol data stored in step S86 of FIG. 7 are read (step S130). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined shortest time has elapsed (step S132). If it is determined in this determination that the shortest time has not elapsed (NO), the determination process in step S132 is repeatedly executed. That is, the rotation of the reel, which is the next process, cannot be started until the shortest time has elapsed. By this control, the number of games played in a certain time is controlled to be within a predetermined number.

If it is determined in step S132 that the shortest time has elapsed (YES), the start switch ON signal has already been received (see step S40 in FIG. 6). Transmission to the drive circuit 114 starts rotation of the motors 80L, 80C, 80R, and rotates the reels 40L, 40C, 40R (step S134).
Next, it is determined whether or not the reel that has started rotating is rotating at a constant speed (step S136). If it is determined in this determination that the reel has not yet rotated at a constant speed (NO), the determination process in step S136 is repeated. That is, the reel stop control, which is the next step, cannot be performed until the rotation of the reel reaches a constant speed.

If it is determined in step S136 that the reel is rotating at a constant speed (YES), it is next determined whether a reel stop signal has been received (step S138). Here, the reel stop signal is a signal transmitted by the operation means 300 when the player pushes any one of the stop switches 52L, 52C, 52R.
If it is determined in step S138 that the reel stop signal has been received (YES), the reel symbol combination control (stop control) corresponding to the stop switch that has transmitted the reel stop signal is performed (step S140).
Here, the symbol combination control in step S140 will be described in more detail. When the stop switch 52L for the left reel is pushed, the reel control means 440 performs step S140 for the motor 80L that rotates the left reel 40L. The stop control is performed. Similarly, when the stop switch 52C for the middle reel is pushed, the stop control in step S140 is performed for the motor 80C that rotates the middle reel 40C, and the stop switch 52R for the right reel is pushed. In this case, the stop control in step S140 is performed for the motor 80R that rotates the right reel 40R.

The symbol combination control (stop control) is based on the symbol number and control symbol data read in step S130, and the frame when the reel stop signal is received is the first frame, the reel is slid up to the fifth frame, and the range. The motor stop control is performed so as to stop or not stop a predetermined symbol.
In addition, when the general combination 3 is won in the combination lottery, the reels are arranged such that the watermelon symbol corresponding to the general combination 3 always stops on the effective line and wins regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation. ing. In addition, even during an MB game, the game state will be the same as if the general combination 3 was won regardless of the combination lottery, so the watermelon symbol will always stop and win regardless of the timing of the player's reel stop operation. It is like that. Therefore, as will be described later, in the secondary game that is performed during the MB game or when the general combination 3 is won in the combination lottery, the player can stop the stop switch 50L at any timing without worrying about the reel stop pattern. , C, R can be operated to enjoy a secondary game.

  Subsequent to step S140, a reel stop information signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 (step S141), and the process proceeds to step S142. Note that the reel stop information signal transmitted to the sub control circuit 200 in step S141 is used in the determination processing in steps S724, S728 and S740 (see FIG. 14) of the character image display control subroutine.

If it is determined in step S138 that the reel stop signal has not been received (NO), the control proceeds to step S142 without performing control related to the stop. In step S142, it is determined whether all reels have stopped (step S142).
If it is determined by this determination that all reels are not stopped (NO), the process returns to step S138 again, and the control processing from step S138 to step S142 is repeated. If it is determined in step S142 that all reels have stopped (YES), this subroutine is terminated.
As described above, every time the reel stop signal is received, the process of performing symbol combination control (stop control) of the corresponding reels is repeated until all reels stop.

<Explanation of Winning Determination and Flag Off Processing Subroutine>
Next, in the main routine of FIG. 5, when the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine (step S26) is completed, a winning determination and flag-off process subroutine (step S28) is performed. The winning determination and flag off processing subroutine will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the game state is a BB game (step S160). If it is determined in this determination that the BB game is being played (YES), the BB game in-process subroutine (step S162) is performed, and this subroutine is terminated. A detailed description of the BB game processing subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.

If it is determined in step S160 that the BB game is not being played (NO), it is next determined whether or not the game state is an MB game (step S164). If it is determined in this determination that an MB game is being played (YES), an MB game processing subroutine (step S166) is performed, and this subroutine is terminated. A detailed description of the in-game processing subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.
If it is determined in step S164 that there is no MB game (NO), it is next determined whether or not there is a winning combination (step S168). If it is determined in this determination that there is a winning combination (YES), a winning combination processing subroutine (step S170) is performed, and this subroutine is terminated. A detailed description of the winning combination processing subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If it is determined in step S168 that there is no winning combination (NO), this subroutine is terminated as it is. Hereinafter, a detailed description of the subroutine shown in steps S162, S166, and S170 will be given.

<Description of processing subroutine during BB game>
First, FIG. 10 shows a detailed explanation of the BB game processing subroutine (see step S162) executed when it is determined in step S160 that the BB game is being played in the winning determination and flag off processing subroutine (see FIG. 9). This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown.
First, a winning symbol determination is made as to whether or not the reel symbol stopped by the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine described above has won a prize (step S300). Next, as a result of the winning symbol determination, it is determined whether or not any winning combination has been won (step S302). If it is determined in this determination that no winning is made (NO), if the general combination flag is ON, the flag is turned OFF (step S304), and the process proceeds to step S310.

If it is determined in step S302 that there is a prize (YES), the payout number is counted, the payout number data is updated, and the updated data is stored in the RAM 110 (step S306). This data is used as a BB game end condition, and when the payout number reaches a predetermined number, the BB game is ended. Then, the general combination flag is turned off (step S308), and the process proceeds to step S310.
In step S310, it is determined whether or not the BB game end condition has been achieved (step S310). If it is determined in this determination that the BB game end condition has been achieved (YES), 0 is input to the value of NBB to release the BB game state (step S312), and this subroutine is ended. If it is determined in step S310 that the BB termination condition has not been achieved (NO), the BB gaming state is not canceled and the present subroutine is terminated.

<Description of the MB game processing subroutine>
Next, in the winning determination and flag off processing subroutine (see FIG. 9), a detailed description of the MB gaming processing subroutine (see step S166) executed when it is determined in step S164 that an MB game is in progress is shown in the flowchart of FIG. Will be described.
First, a winning symbol determination is made as to whether or not the reel symbol stopped by the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine described above has won a prize (step S400). Next, as a result of the winning symbol determination, it is determined whether or not any winning combination has been won (step S402). If it is determined that there is no winning (NO) in this determination, the process proceeds to step S406 as it is.

  If it is determined in step S402 that there is a prize (YES), the payout number is counted, the payout number data is updated, and the updated data is stored in the RAM 110 (step S404). This data is used as an MB game end condition. When the payout number reaches the end number, the MB game is ended.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the MB game end condition is achieved (step S406). If it is determined in this determination that the MB game end condition has not been achieved (NO), this subroutine is ended as it is. If it is determined in step S406 that the MB game end condition has been achieved (YES), 0 is input to the value of NMB to cancel the MB gaming state (step S408), Exit the subroutine.

<Explanation of the processing sub-routine for winning the role>
Next, in the determination and flag-off processing subroutine (see FIG. 9), the detailed explanation of the winning combination processing subroutine (see step S166) executed when it is determined that there is a winning combination in step S164 is a flowchart shown in FIG. To do.
First, a winning symbol determination is made as to whether or not the reel symbol stopped by the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine described above has won a prize (step S500). Next, as a result of the winning symbol determination, it is determined whether or not any winning combination has been won (step S502).

  If it is determined in this determination that the winning combination (YES) is made, it is next determined whether or not the BB combination or the MB combination has won (step S504). If it is determined in this determination that the BB combination or MB combination has won (YES), 1 is input to the value of NBB or NMB, and the BB or MB gaming state is set (step S506). Then, the winning BB or MB flag is turned off (step S507), and this subroutine is terminated. By inputting 1 to the value of NBB or NMB, the BB or MB game is performed from the next game. For example, in the determination of step S42 or S46 in FIG. 6, it is determined that the BB or MB game is in progress.

  If it is determined in step S504 that the BB combination has not won (NO), it is next determined whether or not the re-game combination has won (step S508). If it is determined in this determination that the re-gamer has won (YES), 1 is input to the value of NRP (step S510). By this process, a re-game is performed in the next game (see step S22 in FIG. 5). Then, the re-game flag is turned off. If the BB or MB flag is turned on, a flag carry-over process is performed (step S512), and this subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in step S508 that the re-gamer has not won (NO), the general combination flag is turned off. If the BB or MB flag is on, Carry over processing is performed (step S514), and this subroutine is terminated.
Returning to the determination in step S502, if it is determined that there is no winning (NO), it is next determined whether or not the BB or MB flag is on (step S516). In this determination, if it is determined that the BB or MB flag is turned on (YES), carry-over processing of the BB or MB flag is performed, and the other flags (general combination, re-playing combination) are turned on. If so, the flag is turned off (step S518), and this subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in step S516 that the BB or MB flag is not turned on (NO), the flag-on flag (general combination, re-playing combination) is turned off (step S520). Exit the subroutine.
<Description of main routine (continued)>
As described above, the subroutine shown in steps S162 and S166 ends, and the winning determination and flag-off processing subroutine shown in FIG. 9 ends. Here, returning to the main routine of FIG. 5, the winning determination and flag-off processing subroutine in step S28 is terminated, payout processing is performed in step S30, and this main routine is terminated. Thereby, the control process for performing a game in which one process from the time the symbol fluctuates until it stops is completed.

<Description of production control subroutine>
Next, an effect control subroutine performed mainly by the effect control means 540 of the sub-control circuit 200 will be described in detail using the flowchart shown in FIG. This effect control subroutine is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second reel stop operation (corresponding to the “previous reel stop operation”) in a predetermined gaming state based on the interval between the player's reel stop operations. The character image is displayed as an effect indicating the optimum operation timing, and the player performs the third reel stop operation (corresponding to the “reel stop operation” later) in accordance with the display of the character image. Control process is shown.

In FIG. 13, first, it is determined whether or not a game start signal (see FIG. 6, step S41) is received from the main control circuit 100 (step S700). If it is determined in this determination that the game start signal has not been received (NO), this determination process is repeated. That is, it is in a standby state until a game start signal is received.
The game start signal is a signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 when the start switch is operated by the player, and is transmitted only once for each game. Therefore, this subroutine is in a standby state until the game is started.

If it is determined in step S700 that a game start signal has been received (YES), it is next determined whether or not a role lottery information signal (see FIG. 7, step S88) has been received from the main control circuit 100. (Step S702). If it is determined in this determination that the combination lottery information signal has not been received (NO), this determination process is repeated. That is, it is in a standby state until the winning lottery information signal is received.
If it is determined in step S702 that the combination lottery information signal has been received (YES), it is next determined whether an MB gaming signal (see FIG. 6, step S47) has been received from the main control circuit 100. (Step S704). Here, the MB gaming signal is a signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 when the gaming state is the MB gaming. If it is determined in step S704 that an MB gaming signal has been received (YES), a character image display control subroutine (step S710) is performed, and this subroutine is terminated. The detailed contents of the character image display control subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.

If it is determined in step S704 that an MB gaming signal has not been received (NO), then, based on the information on the winning lottery result included in the winning lottery information signal received from the main control circuit 100, It is determined whether or not the general combination 3 is won by the combination lottery (step S706). If it is determined in this determination that the general combination 3 is won (YES), a character image display control subroutine (step S710) is performed, and this subroutine is terminated. The detailed contents of the character image display control subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.
If it is determined in step S706 that the general combination 3 is not won (NO), a normal effect image is displayed (step S708), and this subroutine is terminated.
That is, in this subroutine, the character image display control subroutine is performed when the gaming state is MB game or when the general combination 3 is won in the combination lottery, and in other cases, a normal effect image is displayed. It is like that.

<Description of Character Image Display Control Subroutine>
Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 14, the character image display control subroutine, which is the control process shown in step S710 of the effect control subroutine of FIG. 13, will be described in detail. In this subroutine, display of the basic effect image is started at the start of the game, and after the second reel stop operation, when the time calculated based on the interval of the player's reel stop operation has elapsed, it is superimposed on the basic effect image. A character image is displayed, and the player performs control processing for the secondary game in which the reel stop operation is performed for the third time in accordance with the display of the character image.

In FIG. 14, first, a basic effect image having a plurality of best shot timings is displayed on the display device 70 (step S720). Specifically, the effect control means 540 reads the image data of the basic effect image stored in the ROM 208 and transmits it to the image control means 510. The image control means 510 drives the display drive circuit 220, A basic effect image is displayed on the display device 70.
This basic effect image is an effect image having a predetermined content, and may be a content that is completed in one game, or may be a content that continues over a plurality of times.

  Subsequent to step S720, operation of a timer (not shown) provided in the sub control circuit 200 is started (step S722), and the elapsed time from the display start of the basic effect image is made measurable. Next, it is determined whether or not the first reel stop information signal (see FIG. 8, step S141) is received from the main control circuit 100 (step S724). Here, the reel stop information signal is sent from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit when the player operates any one of the stop switches 52L, C, R in order to stop any of the reels 40L, C, R. This signal is transmitted to 200, and it can be said that the determination in step 724 is a determination as to whether or not the first reel stop operation has been performed.

If it is determined in step S724 that the first reel stop information signal has not been received (NO), this determination process is repeated. That is, it is in a standby state until the first reel stop information signal is received.
If it is determined in step S724 that the first reel stop information signal has been received (YES), then the timer elapsed time T1 when the first reel stop information signal is received (that is, The elapsed time from the display start of the basic effect image to the reception of the first reel stop information signal is measured and stored in the RAM 210 (step S726).

Next, it is determined whether a second reel stop information signal (see FIG. 8, step S141) is received from the main control circuit 100 (step S728). That is, it is determined whether or not the second reel stop operation has been performed. If it is determined by this determination that the second reel stop information signal has not been received (NO), this determination process is repeated. That is, it is in a standby state until the second reel stop information signal is received.
If it is determined in step S728 that the second reel stop information signal has been received (YES), then the elapsed time of the timer when the second reel stop information signal is received is measured, An elapsed time T2 from reception of the first reel stop signal to reception of the second reel stop signal is calculated and stored in the RAM 210 (step S730).
Subsequently to step S730, the elapsed times T1 and T2 are read from the RAM 210, and the average time T3 = (T1 + T2) / 2 of the elapsed times T1 and T2 is calculated (step S732).

Next, it is determined whether a third reel stop information signal (see FIG. 8, step S141) is received from the main control circuit 100 (step S734). That is, it is determined whether or not the third reel stop operation has been performed. If it is determined in this determination that the third reel stop information signal has not been received (NO), it is next determined whether or not time T3 has elapsed since the second reel stop information signal was received. (Step S736).
If it is determined in this determination that the time T3 has not elapsed (NO) since the reception of the second reel stop information signal (NO), the process returns to step S734, and the control processing from steps S734 to S736 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S734 that the third reel stop information signal has been received (YES), this subroutine is terminated as it is. That is, if the third reel stop operation is performed before the time T3 has elapsed since the second reel stop operation, this subroutine is terminated as it is. Accordingly, only the basic effect image is displayed without displaying the character image.

If it is determined in step S736 that the time T3 has elapsed from the second reel stop operation (YES), then the control is performed to display and erase the character image for the time ΔT superimposed on the basic effect image. Processing is performed (step S738).
An example of this character image is shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, a bird is flying as a basic effect image, but an image is displayed, and an image of a character shooting a bird with a camera is displayed for a time ΔT superimposed on this basic effect image. Show. However, the basic effect image and the character image are not limited to this embodiment, and any other image can be used.
The time ΔT is set to 1 second in the present embodiment, but is not limited to this, and any other time can be set. Furthermore, it is conceivable to change the set value of the time ΔT depending on the gaming state, the player, and the like.

Subsequent to step S738, it is determined whether or not the third reel stop information signal has been received while the character image is displayed (step S740). That is, it is determined whether or not the third reel stop operation has been performed during the time ΔT during which the character image is displayed. If it is determined in this determination that the third reel stop information signal has been received during character image display (YES), a timing determination subroutine is performed (step S742), and this subroutine is terminated. A detailed description of the timing determination subroutine will be described later with reference to FIG.
If it is determined in step S740 that the third reel stop information signal has not been received during character image display (NO), this subroutine is terminated as it is.

<Description of timing judgment subroutine>
Next, a detailed description will be given of a timing determination subroutine which is a control process shown in step S742 of the character image display control subroutine of FIG. 14 using the flowchart shown in FIG. In this subroutine, when the third reel stop operation is performed during the display of the character image (see YES in FIG. 14), the interval between the character image display start timing and the third reel stop operation timing. Based on the time difference, control processing for performing a special effect is performed.
In FIG. 15, first, the time difference Tdef between the display start timing of the character image and the timing at which the third reel stop information signal is received is measured and calculated (step S760).

Next, it is determined whether or not the measured and calculated Tdef value is smaller than 0.5 seconds (step S762). In this determination, if it is determined that the value of Tdef is smaller than 0.5 seconds (YES), a special effect image (rare image) that is not normally visible to the player is displayed (step S764). After the subroutine is finished, in the next game, a notification effect image capable of notifying the player of the symbol (winning symbol) corresponding to the winning combination of the combination lottery is displayed.
If it is determined in step S762 that the value of Tdef is 0.5 seconds or more (NO), a special effect image (rare image) that is not normally visible to the player is displayed (step S766). ), This subroutine is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, whether the gaming state is in the MB game (see FIG. 13, YES in step S704), or when the general combination 3 is won in the combination lottery (see FIG. 13, YES in step S706), The display of the basic effect image is started at the start of the game, and the time T3 from the reception of the second reel stop information signal (T3 is the elapsed time T1 from the start of the display of the basic effect image to the reception of the first reel stop information signal. When the elapsed time T2 from the first reel stop information signal until the second reel stop information signal is received), the character image is displayed over the basic effect image, and the player The third reel stop operation is performed in accordance with the display of the character image (that is, the third reel stop information signal is received), and the third reel stop operation is performed while the character image is displayed. If you make an operation performs sub game in response to the timing, and displays a special effect image.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the time determined based on the interval between the reel stop operations of the player has elapsed since the second reel stop operation (corresponding to the previous reel stop operation), the optimum operation timing is set. The player can enjoy sub-games based on the reel stop operation, and the player's interest in the game can be enjoyed by a wide range of players with different speeds when performing the reel stop operation. Can be expected to increase.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the secondary game is played when the gaming state is MB game or when the general combination 3 is won in the combination lottery, but it is not limited to this. Sub-games can be played in any gaming state. Further, in the above embodiment, in the third reel stop operation, the secondary game is performed in which the reel stop operation is performed in accordance with the character image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second reel stop operation is performed. A secondary game may be performed in the operation.
The slot machine according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various other embodiments.

It is a front view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit for controlling the slot machine according to the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a sub control circuit for controlling the slot machine according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing functions of controlling the slot machine according to the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing a main routine for controlling the progress of a game executed in the main control circuit 100. It is a flowchart which mainly shows a part lottery process in the part lottery process subroutine which performs a flag lottery process and a subsequent flag-on process. It is a flowchart mainly showing a flag-on process in a combination lottery process subroutine for performing a combination lottery process and a subsequent flag-on process. It is a flowchart which shows the reel fluctuation | variation and stop subroutine which performs control for rotation and a stop of a reel. It is a flowchart which shows the winning determination and flag-off process subroutine which shows the control processing after a symbol stops by a reel fluctuation and stop subroutine. It is a flowchart which shows the BB game process subroutine which is a part of control process of a winning determination and flag-off process subroutine. It is a flowchart which shows the MB game process subroutine which is a part of control process of a winning determination and flag off process subroutine. It is a flowchart which shows a winning combination determination processing subroutine which is a part of the control processing of the winning determination, flag off processing subroutine. 10 is a flowchart showing an effect control subroutine executed by effect control means 540 of sub-control circuit 200. It is a flowchart which shows the character image display control subroutine which is a part of control process of an effect control subroutine. It is a flowchart which shows the timing determination subroutine which is a part of control process of a character image display control subroutine. It is a figure which shows the Example of the general lottery table at the time of BB operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the Example of the general lottery table at the time of BB non-operation. It is a figure which shows the Example of the effect image which displayed the character image on the basic effect image.

Explanation of symbols

10 slot machine 38 game medium slot 32, 34, 36 Bet switch 40L, 40C, 40R reel 50 start switch 52L, 52C, 52R stop switch 64 speaker 70 display device 80L, 80C, 80R stepping motor 100 main control circuit 106 CPU
108 ROM
110 RAM
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 112 Random number generator 114 Motor drive circuit 124 Display lamp 200 Sub control circuit 220 Display drive circuit 300 Operation means 310 Stop operation means 410 Role lottery means 420 Random number extraction means 430 Random number judgment means 440 Reel control means 450 Prize winning process control means 460 Replay Control means 510 Image control means 520 Audio control means 530 Lamp control means 540 Production control means

Claims (5)

A slot machine capable of performing a game in which a process is repeated until a plurality of reels displaying a plurality of symbols are rotated and stopped after a game medium is inserted,
A role lottery means for performing a role lottery in which at least one role or disparity is determined as a winning combination among a plurality of roles by lottery processing;
Reel control means for controlling the stop of the rotated reels after rotating a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed, in accordance with the result of the winning lottery;
A flag is set when one of the winning combinations is won, and when it is determined that the combination of symbols corresponding to the selected winning combination has been won with the flag being set, Winning process control means for performing a corresponding winning process;
Effect control means for performing control processing for carrying out a predetermined effect;
With
When performing the stop operation of the two reels by the previous reel stop operation and the subsequent reel stop operation from the state where at least two of the reels are rotating,
When the time determined based on the player's switch operation has elapsed since the previous reel stop operation by the effect control means, an effect indicating the optimal operation timing is performed,
A slot machine that measures a time difference between the timing of the subsequent reel stop operation and the optimum operation timing, and performs a special effect according to the time difference.   2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the time determined based on the player's switch operation is calculated based on an interval of reel stop operations that have been performed by the player so far.   3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the optimum operation timing is indicated to the player by displaying an effect image that is not normally displayed. 4.   4. An effect showing the optimum operation timing is implemented in a gaming state in which a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is stopped regardless of the timing of the player's reel stop operation. The slot machine according to item 1.   5. The production according to claim 1, wherein, as the special production, an effect that provides a profit to the player is performed according to a time difference between the timing of the subsequent reel stop operation and the optimum operation timing. The slot machine according to item.

Images