JP2010005260A - Game apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To increase player's expectations of a slot machine during a standby period by imparting a privilege to be advantageous to a player in the next game to the slot machine during the standby time. <P>SOLUTION: The game apparatus includes: mode selection means 610 for selecting a standby mode from between a normal standby mode of a normal start state and a plurality of special standby modes to be a special performance form in a performance control means during the standby period; mode information storage means 710 for storing the information of the performance control of the normal standby mode and the information of the performance control of the special standby mode; and end detection means 650 for detecting the game end of a player by the elapsed time from the stop of reels or putout processing in the game apparatus 10. When the end detection means 650 detects the game end, the mode selection means 610 selects the standby mode from the ones stored in the mode information storage means 710. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine (slot machine) that rotates a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed, performs reel stop control in accordance with the 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. In particular, the present invention relates to a slot machine capable of performing a predetermined performance.

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.
Furthermore, a slot machine is also used in which a player uses a game that rotates and stops a reel and performs an effect using an image, sound, or the like to increase the player's interest in the game.

For such a gaming machine, it is desirable for a gaming store to have a large number of game executions during business hours, but when the next game is executed is determined by the player's own judgment. That is, when a player starts using one slot machine, the slot machine is occupied by the player, and the number of executions is determined by the player's self-determination and the pace of his / her convenience. At that time, there was no means for promptly executing the game from the game store to the player, in other words, no means for promoting the number of executions. To solve the problem, the player is measured from the end of the previous game in order to shorten the time when the game is not executed in the slot machine selected by the player and increase the number of times the game is executed. When the next game is started before the elapsed time exceeds the time limit, a game that gives an advantageous privilege to the player in the next game has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)
JP 2007-021105 A

  The slot machine proposed in Patent Document 1 described above increases the number of times a game is executed in a single slot machine occupied by the player. For this reason, the next game after the end of the previous game is performed. The elapsed time until the start is measured, and if it is within the time limit, a privilege is given. However, if the elapsed time measured after the game ends exceeds the time limit, the slot machine proposed in Patent Document 1 cannot give a privilege advantageous to the player. For example, when the player finishes the game, leaves the front of the first slot machine, and selects another second slot machine, the elapsed time of the first slot machine exceeds the time limit. In this case, even if the next player selects the first slot machine, no advantageous privilege is given. Therefore, the slot machine that becomes a vacant base is selected by the next player only when it is selected by chance, and the waiting time during which the slot machine game is not executed cannot be shortened.

  An object of the present invention is to set a special standby mode for granting a privilege that is advantageous to the player in the next game to the slot machine during the standby time, and to draw the special standby mode in order to solve the above problems. If the slot machine is selected by lottery, the slot machine is put into a special standby mode, thereby increasing the player's expectation for the slot machine during the standby period and increasing the probability of being selected by the player. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that can reduce the number of game devices in the game machine and increase the number of times the game is executed during business hours.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming device according to the present invention is a waiting period from the end of the previous game to the start of a new game based on the reel stop or payout process in the gaming device using the game medium. In the effect control means, the normal standby mode for controlling the effect of the gaming device at the start of a new game to be in the effect mode in the normal start state, and at least one special to control in the effect effect mode Mode information storage means for storing mode selection means for selecting at least one standby mode from among the standby modes, information on effect control in the normal standby mode, and information on effect control in the at least one special standby mode And an end detection means for detecting the end of the game of the player based on the elapsed time counted from the reel stop or payout process in the gaming device, and a mode -Option means, when the end detecting means detects the game end, selecting a standby mode from which is stored in the mode information storing unit. According to the gaming apparatus of the present embodiment, since it is provided with mode selection means for selecting from the normal standby mode and the special standby mode at the time of standby, it is possible to increase the player's expectation for the benefits during the standby period, The probability that the game device in the middle is selected by the player can be increased, and the number of game devices in the standby period can be reduced.

  In the gaming apparatus according to the present invention, the effect control means includes a start detecting means for detecting a game start after the end of the waiting period in the gaming apparatus, and an effect of the standby mode selected when the start detecting means detects the start of the game. You may make it provide the mode effect control means which controls an effect according to the information of control. According to the gaming device of this embodiment, the start of the game by the next player can be detected, and at the start, the state of the gaming device can be effected based on the information that has been effected in the standby mode. It is possible to reliably detect the start of the game by the player and control the effect of the gaming device according to the mode during the standby period.

  In the gaming apparatus of this embodiment, the effect control means may include mode period selection means for selecting the mode execution period of the selected standby mode. According to the gaming apparatus of this embodiment, since the mode execution period of the selected standby mode can be selected, the expectation of the next player can be further increased, and the gaming apparatus during the waiting period is selected by the player. The probability can be further increased, and the number of gaming devices during the standby period can be reduced.

  In the gaming apparatus of this embodiment, the effect control means includes mode period storage means for storing the mode execution period selected by the mode period selection means, and mode period measurement for measuring the mode execution period and detecting its end time. And a mode selection instruction means for outputting a selection signal for causing the mode selection means to select the next standby mode at the end of the mode execution period. According to the gaming apparatus of this embodiment, the execution period of the selected standby mode can be easily selected, and the next standby mode can be selected by the mode selection means at the end of the period.

  In the gaming apparatus of this embodiment, the effect control means stores the selected mode content storage means for storing the content of the selected standby mode, the newly selected standby mode content, and the selection mode content storage means. Mode content comparison means for comparing the contents of the previous standby mode, and the mode selection means updates the standby mode information different from the previous standby mode when the mode execution period ends and the standby mode is updated. You may make it select from a memory | storage means. According to the gaming device of this embodiment, the standby mode can be made different for each update, so that the expectation of the next player can be further increased, and the probability that the gaming device during the waiting period is selected by the player is increased. This can be further increased, and the number of gaming devices during the standby period can be reduced.

  In the gaming apparatus of this embodiment, the mode control unit determines the remaining period until the end time of the mode execution period and the special standby mode is selected when the mode selection unit selects the special standby mode. When the special standby mode is selected by the mode selection unit and the notification selection unit determines whether to notify the mode, and when the notification determination unit determines to notify, the remaining period is equal to or greater than a predetermined value at which the game can be started. If there is, it may be provided with mode notification means for notifying that it is the special standby mode. According to the gaming apparatus of the present embodiment, when the special standby mode is selected, it is possible to notify when the remaining period is equal to or greater than a predetermined value at which the game can be started. It is possible to increase the benefits, and the player can surely execute the privilege during the standby period.

  According to the present invention, a privilege that is advantageous to a player in the next stage of the game to be performed can be given to the gaming apparatus during the standby period by lottery. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a gaming apparatus that can increase the player's interest in the gaming apparatus during the waiting period and can improve the probability that the gaming apparatus during the waiting period is selected by the player.

  In the following description, a “game medium” is a medium that is put into a slot machine for playing a game, and for example, a coin, a medal, or a chip can be considered. 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.

  In addition, the “combination” in the following description is generally a “winning role” for performing a “winning game” that allows the game to proceed in an advantageous manner for the player, and the game can be re-executed without inserting a game medium. A “re-game” for “re-game” and a “general role” for paying out a predetermined number of game media when winning is included. “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 combination includes, for example, a big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as “BB combination”). The BB role (sometimes referred to as “1 type BB role”) is a role that is transferred to a BB game (sometimes 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, a plurality of BB games having different winning probabilities and setting of the number of ending games can be provided.

  In addition, the “re-game” is a “re-game” that can be re-executed without throwing in game media when a symbol corresponding to the re-game is stopped and a prize is won. "(Also called replay). 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. The “reel on which the symbol is displayed” includes a reel that is physically rotated and stopped by a motor or the like, and a reel on the image that is displayed on the display device and is rotated and stopped on the 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.

  In addition, “corresponding symbol combinations stop” means, for example, that symbols determined corresponding to roles for each reel are stopped on a predetermined effective line and predetermined symbols are aligned. means. 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.

  In addition, “setting a flag” is set to 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. In terms of control, the flag is stored in the storage device (RAM) of the control means. As the “effect value” set for each effect, an arbitrary value including a positive value and a negative value can be set. In addition, as a calculation method for obtaining the “calculation value” using the calculation value set for the effect produced, any calculation method including four arithmetic operations can be used, including a calculation method described later. In addition, as the “predetermined period” for accumulating the calculated values, for example, in the case where a lottery process is performed a plurality of times in one game to determine whether or not an effect can be given, the period in one game is It can be set as a predetermined period, or when a lottery process is performed to determine whether or not the performance is performed once per game or once every time a plurality of games are consumed, a period over a plurality of games is determined. Can be determined in the period. As will be described later, if the initialization requirement for initializing the cumulative value of the operation value is set, this predetermined period satisfies the following initialization requirement after satisfying one initialization requirement. It can be a period between times. In addition, the cumulative value of the calculation value includes a case where there is only one calculation value, for example, immediately after the initialization requirement is satisfied.

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.

An operation panel unit 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 in 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 combination includes, for example, a big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a BB 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, a plurality of BB games having different winning probabilities and setting of the number of ending games can be provided.

<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 circuit block diagram of the main control circuit 100 is shown in FIG. 2, and a circuit 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 the 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.

A 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 generated from the rotation angle position sensor, the signal is supplied to the reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116, converted into a predetermined signal, and then 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 basic 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. The main control circuit 100 is electrically connected to the operating means 300, 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 composed of the three stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R, and the operation means 300 is composed of 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 combination lottery means 410 performs a lottery of combinations (BB combination that is a winning combination, general combination, replay combination) by 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 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, control is performed on the reel operation to stop the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R 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.

When the winning process control means 450 determines that a winning combination or a general combination is won in the winning lottery process, and the winning symbols relating to the stopped symbols determine 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 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 symbol that has 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 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.
Further, the effect control means 540 calculates a calculated value using the effect value set for each effect, determines whether or not the effect can be performed by a lottery process with an execution probability corresponding to the accumulated value, and performs the effect. In this case, a control signal including image data is transmitted to the above-described image control unit 510 and the like, and control processing for performing a predetermined effect is performed.

(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.
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 S50). 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, when the re-gamer is won and won, 1 is input as the value of NRP.

  If it is determined in step S50 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 S50). S52). If it is determined in this determination that a game medium has been input (YES), the process proceeds to step S58, 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 S58). 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 S52 that no game medium is inserted (NO), the process proceeds to step S54 to determine whether there is a credited game medium (step S54). If it is determined in this determination that there is no credited game medium (NO), the process returns to step S52 again, and the determination processes in steps S52 and S54 are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S54 that there is a credited game medium (YES), it is next determined whether or not a bet operation signal has been received (step S56). 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 S52 again, and the determination process from step S52 to step S56 is repeatedly executed. If it is determined in step S56 that a bet signal has been received (YES), the number of bets is detected from the received bet operation signal (step S58). 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, A process of subtracting the number of credits of the game medium by the number of detected bets is performed (step S60), and the process proceeds to step S64.

  If it is determined in step S50 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 S62), and step S50. Without performing the process of step S60, the same bet number as the bet number in the previous game is set, and the process proceeds to step S64. 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 S64, a role lottery processing subroutine is performed (step S64). In the combination lottery processing subroutine, combination lottery processing by the combination lottery means 410 is performed, and flag-on processing for turning on the BB flag, the replay flag, and the general combination flag is performed according to the winning combination.
Subsequent to the role lottery processing subroutine (step S64), on the basis of the result of the role lottery, the reel fluctuation and stop subroutine (step S66) that 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.

Next, after the reels are stopped by the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine, a winning symbol determination is performed, and a winning determination and flag off processing subroutine (step S68) for performing a flag-off process based on the determination result is performed.
Then, a payout process (step S70) of 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 the payout process, it is possible to actually pay out the game media from the game media payout outlet 62, or to credit a predetermined number of game media instead of paying out.

  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.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing main functional blocks in the effect control means in the sub-control circuit of the slot machine of the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the effect control means 540, during the standby period of the slot machine, the effect of the gaming apparatus 10 when the slot machine starts a new game is selected from a plurality of effect mode modes, and the selected mode A standby mode control unit 600 that is set and controlled so as to be an effect mode, a storage unit 700 that stores information necessary for mode selection, and a timing unit 800 that measures the standby time and the period of the selected mode A mode notification unit 900 that notifies the selected mode is provided. The slot machine uses game media, and the waiting period is a period from the end of the previous game based on the reel stop or payout process to the start of a new game.

  The standby mode control unit 600 and the respective functional units therein are configured by, for example, the CPU 206, the ROM 208, the RAM 210, the interface circuit 202, and the like in the sub control circuit 200. The storage unit 700 and each functional unit in the storage unit 700 are configured by, for example, at least one of the ROM 208 and the RAM 210 in the sub-control circuit 200, or a storage unit (not shown). The time measuring unit 800 and each functional unit in the time measuring unit 800 are constituted by, for example, the CPU 206, the ROM 208, and the RAM 210 in the sub control circuit 200, and measure time by counting a reference clock signal supplied to the CPU. In addition to the CPU 206, the ROM 208, the RAM 210, and the interface circuit 202 in the sub control circuit 200, the mode notification unit 900 and each functional means in the inside thereof are a set of the lamp driving circuit 218 and the display lamp 124, the speaker driving circuit 222, and the speaker 64. And the end of the selected mode is notified using at least one of the set of the display driving circuit 220 and the display device 70.

  The standby mode control unit 600 includes a mode selection unit 610 that selects one of a plurality of standby modes, a mode period selection unit 611 that selects an implementation period of the selected standby mode, a mode selection instruction unit 620, and a mode setting unit 630. , Start detection means 640, end detection means 650, mode effect control means 660, and mode content comparison means 670.

  The mode selection means 610 is controlled at a predetermined timing so that the effect of the gaming apparatus 10 at the start of a new game is controlled to become a normal start mode effect mode and a special effect mode. One standby mode is selected from the special standby modes. The predetermined timing to be selected is, for example, when the end detection unit 650 detects the end of the game. At that time, the mode selection unit 610 selects the standby mode from the ones stored in the mode information storage unit 710. Another example is a case where the mode execution period ends and the standby mode is updated. At that time, the mode selection unit 610 selects information on the standby mode different from the previous standby mode from the mode information storage unit 710.

  Further, the mode selection means 610, for example, from the mode information storage means 710 after the start of a new game every time the standby mode is selected according to the total waiting time measured by the waiting period measuring means 810 described later. The mode information having a higher privilege for the player than the effect at the end of the previous game may be selected. Alternatively, when the mode selection number storage means 740 described later is provided, the mode selection means 610 gives an effect after the start of a new game more than the effect at the end of the previous game every time the number of times the standby mode is selected increases. Mode information having a high privilege for the player may be selected.

  The mode period selection unit 611 refers to the mode information storage unit 710 to be described later for the standby mode selected by the mode selection unit 610 every time (mode execution period: example: 5 minutes, 10 minutes) Minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.).

Further, the mode period selection unit 611 may include a selection timing setting unit (not shown) that sets a timing for selecting the next standby mode during the current standby mode period. The selection time setting means may be configured to set the selection time to the following time, for example.
(1): Time for each period of a predetermined period (eg, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, etc.)
(2): The time until the next selection time is changed every time,
(3): Set the change in (2) every time as an increase every time,
(4): A time when the increment of the increase in (3) is set constant,
(5): The time when the increment of the increase in (3) is gradually decreased and set,
(6): The time when the increase width of each increase in (3) is gradually increased and set,
(7): The time when the increment of the increase in (3) is set based on a random number,
(8): The time when the change in (2) is set as a decrease every time,
(9): The time when the reduction range of the reduction in (8) is set as constant,
(10): The time when the decreasing range of the decrease in (8) is gradually increased and set,
(11): The time when the amount of decrease in each decrease in (8) is set to be gradually decreased,
(12): The time when the reduction range of the reduction in (8) is set based on random numbers,
(13): Time set based on random numbers

The mode selection instruction unit 620 outputs a selection signal that causes the mode selection unit 610 to select the next standby mode when the mode execution period of one standby mode ends and the standby mode is updated.
The mode setting means 630 sets the effect control means in the sub control circuit in accordance with the standby mode information selected from the mode information storage means 710. In addition, the setting information of each standby mode set by the mode setting unit 630 includes information on the execution period of the standby mode.

The start detection means 640 detects the game start after the end of the waiting period in the game apparatus 10 by, for example, inserting a game medium, an operation input of the game apparatus 10, or an input to a human sensor (person detection means 930). To do.
For example, the end detection unit 650 starts timing from the end of the reel stop or the payout process in the gaming apparatus 10 and determines a predetermined determination time (for example, 30 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute), it is determined that the player at that time has finished the game. Then, the end detecting means 650 receives the determination result and detects the game end by the player.

When the start detection means 640 detects the start of the game, the mode effect control means 660 determines whether the effect control means 540 calculates the execution probability, whether or not the effect can be performed, according to the information on the effect control in the standby mode that has been selected. Then, control is performed so as to be able to perform control or the like when the production is performed. The mode effect control means 660 may be provided not only as a means for performing the effect control during standby but also in common with the effect control means during the normal game.
The mode content comparison unit 670 compares the newly selected standby mode content with the previous standby mode content stored in the selection mode content storage unit 720 and outputs the comparison result to the mode selection unit 610. When the comparison result is the same as the previous standby mode, the mode selection unit 610 performs the process of selecting the standby mode again.

The mode information storage unit 710 stores information for controlling the effect in the normal standby mode and information for controlling the effect in the special standby mode. Further, the mode information storage means 710, for example, as information on the special standby mode, information for setting the effect after the start of a new game to be more rewarding for the player compared to the normal state, and display or sound for that purpose Stores information on the contents of the production by means of, and stores a standby mode information table including information on preset normal standby mode, information on one or more special standby modes, information on each execution period, and information on execution probabilities To do.
The selection mode content storage unit 720 is selected from the plurality of standby mode information tables in the mode information storage unit 710 by the mode selection unit 610 between the end of the game by the end detection unit 650 and the start of the game by the start detection unit 640. The contents of the designated standby mode are stored.

The mode period storage unit 730 sets a plurality of types of periods in which the standby mode selected by the mode period selection unit 611 is implemented in advance and stores them. The mode period storage unit 730 stores the execution period included in the information on the selected standby mode. The mode period storage unit 730 stores the standby mode implementation period selected from the implementation period table of the mode information storage unit 710.
The mode selection number storage unit 740 stores the number of times each is selected for each standby mode selected by the mode selection unit 610. As a result, when the next mode selection means 610 selects the standby mode, the weight of the standby mode that has not been selected can be increased, and the situation where only the same two or three standby modes are repeated is avoided. it can.

  The waiting period measuring means 810 waits until the start detecting means 640 detects the start of the game by the next player after the previous player finishes the game and the end detecting means 650 determines that the game is finished. Alternatively, the total standby time of each standby mode is measured. Accordingly, for example, when the next standby mode is selected, weighting can be weighted according to the total standby time so as to select a standby mode with a production content that has more benefits for the player.

The mode period measuring means 820 measures the mode execution period and detects the end time, and before that, determines the remaining period until the end time of the mode execution period.
Further, the mode period measuring means 820 may detect a predetermined value period (for example, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc.) that allows the game to start after the end time of the mode execution period.
In that case, the mode setting unit 630 maintains the information on the special standby mode stored in the selection mode content storage unit 720 until the predetermined value period elapses after the mode execution period ends. That is, the information on the selected special standby mode is extended in the predetermined value period and stored in the selection mode content storage unit 720.
The mode selection unit 610 can select the next standby mode information from the mode information storage unit 710 before the predetermined value period elapses, but the storage of the next standby mode information is not possible. This is performed after a predetermined value period has elapsed.
Thereby, even after the end of the special standby mode, the mode effect control means 660 can set the effect based on the information of the immediately preceding special standby mode, and can control the effect. Therefore, when the player is seated just before the end of the special standby mode, even if the special standby mode ends, a remedy that gives the privilege of the special standby mode at the time of seating becomes possible.

For example, when the mode selection unit 610 selects the special standby mode, the notification determination unit 910 determines whether to notify the special standby mode by lottery or the like.
When the mode selection unit 610 selects the special standby mode and the notification determination unit 910 determines to notify, the mode notification unit 920 measures the measurement data of the execution period of the special standby mode selected by the mode period measurement unit 820. If the measured remaining period is equal to or greater than a predetermined value at which the game can be started, the special standby mode is notified and / or the end of the special standby mode is notified, and the remaining period is less than the predetermined value. If there is, do not notify. In addition, the mode notification unit 920 may notify that it is in the special standby mode when, for example, a person detection unit 930 described later detects a person.

  The person detection means 930 is a means for detecting a person in front of the gaming apparatus 10, and is, for example, a human sensor that detects a player in front of the slot machine. There are many types of human sensors, for example, a hot-wire type that receives infrared rays from people and detects people based on the temperature difference from the surroundings, and light is emitted before the emitted light reaches the light receiver. In addition to the light beam type that detects with the amount of change that changes due to movement of the object, and the microwave type that detects the person by changing the frequency of the received microwave due to the movement of the person, There are arbitrary types of sensors such as an ion sensor, a proximity sensor, a laser sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and a touch sensor that detect current fluctuation due to contact. As the human detection means 930, any type of sensor can be used as long as the player can be detected.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart when the effect control means in the sub-control circuit of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention selects the standby mode.
The sub control circuit 200 of the gaming apparatus 10 is provided in the effect control means 540 upon receiving a signal from the main control circuit 100 indicating that the reel has stopped or a signal indicating that the payout process has ended. The end detection means 650 of the standby mode control unit 600 detects the end of the game by that player (S1). At that time, for example, the end detecting means 650 cooperates with the time measuring unit 800 to time the time after receiving the reel stop signal or the payout processing end signal, and starts the next game such as 30 seconds. If the next game does not start even after a sufficient time has elapsed, the end detection means 650 determines that the game of the player who has occupied the gaming device 10 has ended.

When the end detection means 650 determines that the game is not ended (S1: NO), the end detection means 650 detects the end of the game again, and when it is determined that the game is ended (S1: YES), the standby mode The selection means 610 selects the standby mode (S2). As a method for selecting the standby mode by the standby mode selection unit 610, for example, the standby mode may be selected from the modes stored in the mode information storage unit 710 as described above.
Next, the standby mode setting unit 630 sets the standby mode selected by the standby mode selection unit 610 in the standby mode control unit 600, and stores the selected standby mode information in the selection mode content storage unit 720 (S3). .

  Thereafter, the start detection means 640 determines whether or not a game by the next player has started (S4). In this determination, for example, the case where the person detecting unit 930 of the mode notification unit 900 detects the presence of a person becomes the first determination candidate, and then there is some change from the main control device 100 due to an operation by the player or the like. If the signal is received, it may be determined that it has been started reliably. When the start detection unit 640 cannot determine that the next game has started (S4: NO), the start detection unit 640 detects the start of the game again and determines that the game has started (S4: YES). The standby mode setting means 630 cancels the standby mode (S5).

  Along with the release of the standby mode by the standby mode setting means 630, the mode effect control means 660 controls the effect of the game started by the next player according to the information of the standby mode stored in the selection mode content storage means 720. (S6).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a privilege (production) advantageous to the player in the next game performance can be provided to the gaming apparatus 10 during the waiting period by lottery (selection). Therefore, the player's interest in the gaming apparatus during the standby period can be increased, and the probability that the slot machine during the standby period is selected by the player can be improved.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 8 is a flowchart when the effect control means in the sub control circuit of the slot machine of the second embodiment of the present invention selects the standby mode.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the mode execution period is selected for the selected standby mode, and the standby mode is selected again after the selected execution period ends. Is different. Other configurations and the like are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. In the following description, the same step numbers are assigned to blocks that perform the same processing as in the first embodiment described above, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

  Step S1 and step S2 are the same as in the first embodiment. Next, the standby mode period selection unit 611 selects how long the standby mode is to be executed for the standby mode selected by the standby mode selection unit 610 (S11). A method for selecting a period by the standby mode period selecting unit 611 is, for example, searching for a table corresponding to the selected standby mode from the modes stored in the mode information storage unit 710, and selecting a plurality of candidate periods for executing the standby mode. Choose from the inside.

Next, the standby mode setting unit 630 sets the standby mode selected by the standby mode selection unit 610 and the period selected by the standby mode period selection unit 611 in the standby mode control unit 600, and information on the selected standby mode. And the period are stored in the selection mode content storage means 720 (S12). Thereafter, for example, the mode selection unit 610 of the standby mode control unit 600 receives the measurement result obtained by measuring the mode execution period selected by the mode period measurement unit 820, and determines the end of the execution period of the standby mode (S13). . When the mode selection instruction unit 620 determines that the standby mode implementation period has ended (S13: YES), the mode selection instruction unit 620 outputs a selection signal to the mode selection unit 610 to select the next standby mode. Then, the mode selection means 610 returns to step S2 again and selects the standby mode. When it is determined that the execution period of the standby mode has not ended (S13: NO), the start detection unit 640 determines whether or not a game by the next player has started (S4).
When the start detection unit 640 cannot determine that the next game has started (S4: NO), the mode selection unit 610 returns to step S13 again to determine the end of the standby mode implementation period. When it is determined that the game has started (S4: YES), the standby mode setting means 630 cancels the standby mode (S5). The subsequent step S6 is the same as in the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the mode execution period is selected for the selected standby mode, and the standby mode is set again after the selected execution period ends. Since the selection can be made, the player's interest in the gaming apparatus during the waiting period can be further increased, and the probability that the slot machine during the waiting period is selected by the player can be further improved.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart when the effect control means in the sub control circuit of the slot machine of the third embodiment of the present invention selects the standby mode.
The third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the same standby mode as the previous time is not selected for the selected standby mode. Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the content of the previous standby mode stored in the selection mode content storage unit 720 is saved even when the next standby mode selection process starts. Other configurations and the like are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. In the following description, the same step numbers are assigned to blocks that perform the same processing as in the second embodiment described above, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

  Steps S1 and S2 are the same as in the first embodiment, but before proceeding from step S1 to step S2, the mode content comparison unit 670 stores the content of the previous standby mode stored in the selection mode content storage unit 720. Are excluded from the selection candidates of the standby mode newly selected by the mode selection means 610 (S21). Thereafter, the mode selection means 610 selects a standby mode from other than the previous standby mode (S2), and selects the execution period of the selected standby mode in the next step S11. Subsequent steps S11 and thereafter are the same as in the second embodiment.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the selected standby mode can be changed to a standby mode different from the previous time, so that the player's interest in the gaming device during the standby period is increased. This can be further increased as compared with the second embodiment, and the probability that the player can select the slot machine during the waiting period can be further improved.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the effect control means in the sub-control circuit of the slot machine of the fourth embodiment of the present invention selects the standby mode. Compared to the second embodiment, the fourth embodiment notifies the standby mode before the standby mode ends when the notification is determined by lottery or the like, and ends the notification when the standby mode ends. The point is different. Other configurations and the like are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. In the following description, the same step numbers are assigned to blocks that perform the same processing as in the second embodiment described above, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

  Steps S1, S2, S11, and S12 are the same as in the second embodiment. Next, the mode notification determination unit 910 receives the current elapsed time and end time of the selected special standby mode execution period detected by the mode period measurement unit 820, and the remaining period starts from each received time. It is determined whether it is less than a possible predetermined value (for example, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes, etc.) (S22). If the remaining period is not less than the predetermined value at which the game can be started (S22: NO), the mode notification determining unit 910 performs, for example, a lottery in order to determine whether or not to notify that it is the special standby mode. Implement (S23). For example, the lottery in this case may be determined randomly using a random number table or the like, and in the case of notification, a lottery for the notification period may be further performed. If the remaining period is less than the predetermined value (S23: YES), the process proceeds to step S13 without performing a lottery on whether to notify.

  The mode notification unit 920 determines whether the notification lottery by the notification determination unit 910 has been won (S24). When it is determined that the lottery for notification by the notification determination unit 910 has been won (S24: YES), the mode notification unit 920 notifies that the selected special standby mode is selected (S25). If the notification determination unit 910 cannot determine that the notification lottery has been won (S24: NO), the mode notification unit 920 proceeds to step S13 without notification.

  Generally, a slot machine displays a demonstration screen during standby when no game is being played. The notification of the special standby mode by the mode notification means 920 displays a notification screen different from the normal standby demonstration screen. For example, when the image data of the notification screen is stored in the ROM 208 or the like and the special standby mode is notified, the image data of the notification screen is read from the ROM 208 or the like by the mode notification means 920 and displayed. You may display on the apparatus 70 grade | etc.,. Further, not only the image but also the sound data of the notification sound is stored in the ROM 208 or the like, and when the special standby mode is notified, the sound information of the notification sound is read from the ROM 208 or the like by the mode notification means 920. Alternatively, the sound may be output from the speaker 64 or the like.

  On the other hand, in the normal standby mode, the mode notification unit 920 may display the normal demonstration screen as it is. For example, the demonstration image data is stored in the ROM 208 or the like, and in the normal standby mode, the demonstration image data is read from the ROM 208 or the like by the mode notification unit 920 and displayed on the display device 70 or the like. May be. In addition to the case of the normal standby mode, even in the special standby mode, if the lottery notifying the special standby mode is not won, the demonstration will be performed in the same manner as in the normal standby mode. The screen may be displayed on the display device 70 or the like. In other words, when the lottery for notifying the special standby mode is not won, an effect equivalent to the demonstration standby effect output during the normal standby mode is output during standby. In this case, the player cannot recognize from the notification content of the standby mode that the player is in the special standby mode.

  The notification by the mode notification means 920 includes notification by display and sound that the end of the special standby mode is near. This notification allows the player to recognize that he is in the special standby mode. As an applied example, the end of the special standby mode may be counted down with a numerical display or voice. Also, not limited to the countdown, for example, it is possible to make the player recognize that the end of the special standby mode is near, such as increasing the light emission amount or illuminance of the display, increasing the volume, etc. Other methods may be used.

  Also, when counting down, there are a case of counting down in accordance with the actual end time of the special standby mode, and a case of counting down in accordance with a time that is advanced by a predetermined time from the end time of the actual special standby mode. For example, when the remaining time until the end of the actual special standby mode is “20 seconds”, the countdown advanced by a predetermined time is notified by the mode notification means of “remaining 10 seconds”. The advance time can be set to any time as long as the special standby mode is in effect.

  Then, although it is actually in the special standby mode period, the countdown ends 10 seconds before the end. Thus, for example, a player who is about to start a game just before the end of the countdown in the special standby mode may not be able to start the game in time for the end of the countdown in the special standby mode period when the work speed is slow. There are, however, such players can be rescued. In addition, in the example of FIG. 11 to be described later, in order to rescue such a player, a special control process is performed by the effect control means 540 to extend the period. However, when the countdown is advanced ahead, such a special control process is performed. The player can be relieved without performing any control process.

  Next, the mode notification means 920 determines whether or not the notification period of the selected special standby mode has ended (S26). If the notification period has not ended (S26: NO), the process proceeds to step S13. If the notification period has ended (S26: YES), the notification ends (S27), and the process proceeds to step S13. In the present embodiment, the case where the operation is performed so as to set the notification period again until the execution period of the standby mode ends is shown, but the notification may be ended when the notification period ends.

  Steps S13 and S4 and subsequent steps are substantially the same as in the second embodiment, but when the start detection unit 640 cannot determine that the next game has started (S4: NO), the notification determination unit 910 again performs step S22. Returning to step S3, it is determined whether the end of notification in the special standby mode is less than a predetermined value. However, for example, in the process up to step S13, the remaining period in step S22 is greater than a predetermined value, and the lottery for notification in step S24 is won, and the notification period determination in step S26 is not ended (NO) In the case of), the lottery and determination from step S22 to step S24 may not be performed, and the process may return to the determination of the end of the notification period in step S26. If it is determined that the game has started (S4: YES), the process is the same as in the second embodiment.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effect of the second embodiment, the special notification standby mode is notified before the end of the mode, so the player's interest in the gaming device during the standby period Can be further increased as compared with the second embodiment, and the probability that the player can select the slot machine during the waiting period can be further improved.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart when the effect control means in the sub-control circuit of the slot machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention selects the standby mode. Compared to the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment determines whether or not a game start preparation signal has been received before the execution period ends when the notification is determined by lottery or the like. When the preparation signal is received, the contents of the standby mode at that time are held in the memory, and the execution period of the standby mode is extended by a period during which the game can be started. Other configurations and the like are the same as those of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. In the following description, the same step number is assigned to a block that performs the same processing as in the above-described fourth embodiment, and redundant description is omitted.

  Steps S1, S2, S11, S12, and S22 to S25 are the same as in the fourth embodiment. The mode notification means 920 determines whether or not a game start preparation signal has been received before the execution period after the notification is over (S28), and if no preparation signal is received (S28: NO) Proceed to step S13. When the mode notification means 920 receives the preparation signal (S28: YES), the mode notification means 920 holds the content of the standby mode in the memory, and further, the execution period of the standby mode is only the period during which the game can be started (for example, 30 seconds). Or extend for 1 minute) (S29). The subsequent steps S26 and S27 are the same as in the fourth embodiment.

  Next, the mode selection unit 610 receives the measurement result obtained by measuring the mode execution period selected by the mode period measurement unit 820, and determines the end of the standby mode execution period (S13). If it is extended in S29, the end of the standby mode implementation period is determined according to the extended period. The subsequent processing after the determination in step S13 is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

  The means for detecting a game start preparation signal in step S28 (game preparation detection means) is means for detecting that a game will be started in the near future before detecting the game start. For example, FIG. It is provided in standby mode control unit 600. For example, in the case where the game start is detected by the player inserting a predetermined number of game media, the game preparation detection means includes a start switch 50, a stop switch, and a 1-bet bet before the predetermined number of game media are inserted. By detecting at least one of the detection of the operation of the switch 32, the 2-bet bet switch 34, and the maximum bet switch 36, and the detection of the insertion of the game media that does not reach the predetermined number of game media, A game start preparation signal can be detected.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the execution period of the special standby mode is extended by using the game start preparation signal. A player who tries to start a game just before the end of the mode can be relieved. Specifically, for example, the situation where the player is rescued is that the player has noticed the existence of a slot machine that is informing that the end of the special standby mode is almost over, and tried to start the game with that slot machine. However, there may be a case where a predetermined number (for example, three) of game media to be inserted into the slot machine for starting a game is not owned. In that case, as described above, the player can receive the special standby mode benefit by extending the execution period of the special standby mode by detecting the game start preparation signal and obtaining the required number of game media in the meantime. The game can be started.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart when the effect control means in the sub-control circuit of the slot machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention selects the standby mode.
Compared to the second embodiment, the sixth embodiment detects the start of the game by the next player, and if the previous standby mode is the special standby mode before the standby mode is canceled, By retaining the contents of the standby mode for a predetermined period during which the game can be started, a difference is that the player can surely obtain the special standby mode privilege. Other configurations and the like are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIGS. In the following description, the same step number is assigned to a block that performs the same processing as in the above-described fourth embodiment, and redundant description is omitted.

  Steps S1, S2, S11, S12, S13, and S4 are the same as in the second embodiment. When the start detection unit 640 cannot determine that the next game has started (S4: NO), the mode selection unit 610 returns to step S13 again to determine the end of the standby mode implementation period. If it is determined that the game has started (S4: YES), it is determined whether or not the standby mode stored in the selection mode content storage means 720 is the special standby mode (S32). When the standby mode is the special standby mode (S32: YES), the standby mode information stored in the selection mode content storage means 720 can be used for a predetermined time during which an effect in the game started by the next player can be set. And the process proceeds to step S5. If the standby mode is not the special standby mode (S32: NO), the process proceeds to step S5 without holding the stored contents. Subsequent step S5 and subsequent steps are the same as in the second embodiment.

  Thus, according to the fifth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the second embodiment, the mode effect control means 660 can set the effect based on the information of the immediately preceding special standby mode even after the special standby mode ends. Therefore, when the player is seated just before the end of the special standby mode, even if the special standby mode is ended, a relief measure that gives the special standby mode privilege at the time of seating becomes possible.

1 is a view showing an appearance of a slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a main control circuit 100. FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a sub control circuit 200. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a basic functional block diagram of control of the slot machine 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main routine of control processing performed by a main control circuit 100. It is a block diagram which shows the main functional blocks in the presentation control means in the sub control circuit of the slot machine of 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart in case the production control means in the sub-control circuit of the slot machine of the first embodiment selects the standby mode. It is a flowchart in case the presentation control means in the sub-control circuit of the slot machine of 2nd Embodiment of this invention selects standby mode. It is a flowchart in case the presentation control means in the sub-control circuit of the slot machine of 3rd Embodiment of this invention selects standby mode. It is a flowchart in case the presentation control means in the sub-control circuit of the slot machine of 4th Embodiment of this invention selects standby mode. It is a flowchart in case the presentation control means in the sub control circuit of the slot machine of 5th Embodiment of this invention selects standby mode. It is a flowchart in case the presentation control means in the sub-control circuit of the slot machine of 6th Embodiment of this invention selects standby mode.

Explanation of symbols

10 slot machines,
38 game media slot,
32, 34, 36 Bet switch,
40L, 40C, 40R reel,
50 start switch,
52L, 52C, 52R Stop switch,
64 speakers,
70 display device,
80L, 80C, 80R stepping motor,
100 main control circuit,
106 CPU,
108 ROM,
110 RAM,
112 random number generator,
114 motor drive circuit,
124 indicator lamp,
200 sub-control circuit,
220 display drive circuit,
300 operating means,
310 stop operation means,
410 role lottery means,
420 random number extraction means,
430 random number determination means,
440 reel control means,
450 winning process control means,
460 replay control means,
510 image control means,
520 voice control means,
530 lamp control means;
540 production control means,
600 standby mode control unit,
610 mode selection means,
611 mode period selection means,
620 mode selection instruction means,
630 mode setting means,
640 (game) start detection means,
650 (game) end detection means,
660 mode detection control means,
670 mode content comparison means,
700 storage unit,
710 mode information storage means,
720 selection mode content storage means,
730 mode period storage means,
740 mode selection count storage means,
800 timekeeping part,
810 Waiting period measuring means,
820 mode period measuring means,
900 mode notification unit,
910 notification determining means,
920 mode notification means,
930 person detection means.

Claims (6)

In the effect control means during the waiting period from the end of the previous game to the start of the new game based on the reel stop or payout process in the game device using the game medium, the effect of the game device at the start of the new game Mode selection for selecting one standby mode at least once from the normal standby mode that is controlled so as to be in the normal start state and the at least one special standby mode that is controlled so as to be in the special effect mode Means,
Mode information storage means for storing information on the effect control in the normal standby mode and information on the effect control in the at least one special standby mode;
An end detecting means for detecting the end of the game of the player based on the elapsed time counted from the reel stop or payout process in the gaming device,
The game apparatus characterized in that the mode selection means selects a standby mode from among the modes stored in the mode information storage means when the end detection means detects the end of the game. The production control means includes
Start detecting means for detecting a game start after the end of the waiting period in the gaming device;
2. The gaming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising mode effect control means for controlling the effect according to information on the effect control in the standby mode selected when the start detection means detects the start of a game. . The gaming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the effect control means includes mode period selection means for selecting a mode execution period of the selected standby mode. Mode period storage means for storing the mode execution period selected by the mode period selection means;
Mode period measuring means for measuring the mode execution period and detecting its end time;
The game apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising mode selection instruction means for outputting a selection signal for causing the mode selection means to select the next standby mode at the end of the mode execution period. Selection mode content storage means for storing the content of the selected standby mode;
A mode content comparison means for comparing the contents of the newly selected standby mode with the contents of the previous standby mode stored in the selection mode content storage means;
The mode selection unit selects, from the mode information storage unit, information on a standby mode different from the previous standby mode when the mode execution period ends and the standby mode is updated. 4. The gaming device according to 4. The mode period measuring means determines the remaining period until the end time of the mode implementation period,
Notification determining means for determining whether or not to notify the special standby mode when the special standby mode is selected by the mode selection means;
A mode in which when the special standby mode is selected by the mode selection means and the notification determining means determines to notify, if the remaining period is not less than a predetermined value at which a game can be started, the mode is informed that it is a special standby mode. The gaming device according to claim 4, further comprising: a notification unit.

Images