JP2011019586A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of adjusting the amount of game media stored in storage means so as not to exceed a storable amount. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes the storage means MT for storing supplied game media, detection means SC for detecting a first excess state wherein the amount of the game media stored in the storage means MT reaches a prescribed amount, and specified processing means 180 for performing specified processing for setting a special game in which the game media are put out more easily than in a normal game. The specified processing means 180 performs the specified processing during the first excess state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine (rotational gaming machine, slot machine) having a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on an outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to game media such as medals and pachinko balls, and performs a game for acquiring such game media. In addition, this type of gaming machine has an internal lottery triggered by the player's rotation start operation and starts rotating a plurality of reels, and the player's stop operation triggers an aspect according to the result of the internal lottery. The control is performed to stop a plurality of reels. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in a state where the plurality of reels are stopped, and medals are paid out according to the game result.

  In this type of gaming machine, the game media thrown into the gaming machine by the player is stored in the storage means provided inside the gaming machine, and when the game media is paid out, the game media is stored in the storage means. The game media is paid out to the player. Here, if the situation where the number of game media paid out to the player is small relative to the number of game media inserted by the player continues, the amount of game media stored in the storage means continues to increase and the storable amount increases. It may exceed. In such a case, the conventional gaming machine outputs an error signal to notify the store clerk of the store where the gaming machine is installed that the amount of gaming media stored in the storage means exceeds the storable amount. (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-215730 A

  However, if the amount of game media stored in the storage means exceeds the storable amount, the store clerk needs to collect the excess game media in the storage means, and for this reason, the game Since it was interrupted, there was a problem that the player's willingness to play was reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that can be adjusted so that the amount of gaming media stored in the storage means does not exceed the storable amount. is there.

  (1) The present invention is a gaming machine that executes a game when a game medium is inserted, and has a storage means for storing the inserted game medium, and an amount of the game medium stored in the storage means. Detecting means for detecting the first excess state that has reached a fixed amount, internal lottery means for performing internal lottery to determine whether or not a winning combination is made for each game, and rotating the reel for each game triggered by the rotation start operation, and stopping In response to the operation, reel control means for performing control to stop the reel in a stop mode according to the result of the internal lottery, and paying out the game medium of the storage unit to the payout device according to the stop mode of the reel Based on the detection result of the detection means, the specific processing means for performing a specific process for setting a special game in which the game medium is more likely to be paid out than the normal game, and the first excess And a first judging means for judging whether the condition or not, the particular processing unit is related gaming machine and performing said specific process when the first is the excessive state.

  In the present invention, when the game is in the first excess state, the amount of game media stored in the storage means is easily reduced by setting a special game in which the game media is easily paid out. Accordingly, in the present invention, the amount of game media stored in the storage means can be adjusted so as not to exceed the storable amount.

  (2) In the gaming machine of the present invention, the specific processing means may perform the specific processing for a given number of games in the first excess state.

  In this way, a special game can be set in the first excess state, and the amount of game media stored in the storage means can be reduced.

  (3) In the gaming machine of the present invention, the specific processing means performs a specific lottery to determine whether or not to perform the specific process when the first excess state is not satisfied, and the result of the specific lottery is a win Alternatively, the specific process may be performed.

  In this way, the player discriminates that the specific process has been performed by being in the first excess state, and that the specific process has been performed by winning the specific lottery but not the first excess state. You can make it impossible.

  (4) In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the specific processing means is in the first excess state, the specific processing means is more in the case of the first excess state than in the case of the first excess state. You may make it perform the said specific lottery so that a winning probability may become high.

  If it does in this way, when it is the 1st excess state, the frequency with which a special game is set can be raised, and the quantity of the game media stored in the storage means can be decreased.

  (5) In the gaming machine of the present invention, the monitoring means for monitoring the difference number corresponding to the difference between the number of inserted game media and the number of game media paid out, and the first excess state And a second determination means for determining whether or not the second excess state has reached a predetermined number, and an error signal output means for outputting an error signal when the difference is in the second excess state. May be.

  In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the amount of game media stored in the storage means has reached the upper limit of the storable amount due to the change in the number of differences after the first excess state.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the functional block of the game machine concerning this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the structure of the lottery table of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the symbol arrangement | sequence of the reel of the gaming machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the winning combination and symbol combination in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the inside of the housing | casing of the game machine of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the game machine which concerns on this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In addition, this embodiment demonstrated below does not unduly limit the content of this invention described in the claim. In addition, all the configurations described in the present embodiment are not necessarily essential configuration requirements of the present invention.

1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a so-called slot machine or spinning-type gaming machine, and is a type of gaming machine that performs games using medals as gaming media.

  In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a reel unit including a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (a plurality of reels) is housed in a box-shaped casing including a storage box BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD. It has been. A hopper unit (not shown) as a medal payout device is housed in the lower portion of the reel unit in the housing. In the gaming machine casing of the present embodiment, a CPU, ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM, and the like are mounted, and a control board for controlling the operation of the gaming machine is also housed.

  Each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 shown in FIG. 1 is divided into 21 regions (each region is referred to as “frame”) at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surface, and each frame has a plurality of types of symbols. One is arranged. The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are pivotally supported by a step motor (reel driving means: not shown), and are each driven to rotate around the axis of the step motor. By controlling the width or the like, it is possible to stop in units of frames (a predetermined rotation angle unit, a predetermined rotation amount unit). That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the step motor rotates and drives the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 in accordance with the drive pulse supplied from the control board, and the supply of the drive pulse from the control board is interrupted, As the rotation of the step motor stops, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop.

  The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be individually openable and closable, and the front upper door UD has a display window DW that allows observation of the rotation state and the stop state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Is provided. In the stopped state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are continuously arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The three symbols (the upper symbol, the middle symbol, and the lower symbol) can be observed through the display window DW from the front of the gaming machine.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the upper, middle, and lower stages are provided for each reel as display positions for observing the symbol through the display window DW, and the winning determination line is determined by the combination of the symbol display positions for each reel. L1 to L4 are set.

  The game result is determined by a symbol combination stopped and displayed on any of the four winning determination lines L1 to L4 in the display window DW, and the symbol combination on the winning determination line corresponds to a predetermined combination. In the case of, medals are paid out from the hopper unit as the winning combination. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, the so-called prescribed insertion number is set to three, and four prizes are awarded based on the insertion of the prescribed insertion number of medals. All of the determination lines L1 to L4 are validated. Note that the prescribed number of insertions may differ depending on the gaming state, and when multiple types of prescribed insertions are set, the number of winning determination lines that are activated differs depending on the prescribed number of insertions. May be.

  The front upper door UD is provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section DS is composed of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or earned in one game, and the remaining number of bonus games. The

  In addition, the front upper door UD is provided with a liquid crystal display LCD for performing game effects. On the liquid crystal display LCD, various videos (or images) for assisting the game or for exciting the game are displayed. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a plurality of speakers (not shown) for performing a game effect are provided for the front upper door UD and the front lower door DD. From the speaker, various sounds for assisting the game or for exciting the game are output.

  The front lower door DD is provided with various operation means. As the operation means, an operation that triggers the start of the game by rotating the bet button (insertion operation means) B0 and the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 for performing an operation of inserting a credited (stored) medal. A start lever (rotation start operation means) SL for performing a stop operation, and a stop button (stop operation for performing a stop operation as a trigger for stopping each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that is rotationally driven by a step motor. Means) B1 to B3 are provided.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the player starts rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot MI or performing an operation of pressing the bet button B0. Is set to a possible ready state. When the player depresses the start lever SL, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are started to rotate on the control board by driving the step motor, and an internal lottery using a random number value is performed, so that the first reel R1 On the condition that the rotation speed of the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed, the pressing operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (validated).

  Thereafter, when the player presses down the stop buttons B1 to B3 at an arbitrary timing, stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, a photo sensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure) built in each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 A sensor or the like) performs an ON operation, and changes a reel stop signal input to the control board from the OFF state to the ON state.

  When the player releases the stop buttons B1 to B3 that are in the pressed state at an arbitrary timing, the stop switch of each button is turned off, and the reel stop signal input to the control board is changed from the on state to the off state. .

  And the control board is at a stop position according to the result of the internal lottery based on the change from the off state to the on state of the reel stop signal whose signal state changes according to the pressing timing and release timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3. The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped.

  Further, a medal payout opening MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the lower part of the front lower door DD, and a number of medals according to the game result are paid out from the medal payout opening MO to the medal tray MP. Yes.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

  The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a game control means (control board) 100. The game control means 100 receives input signals from input means such as the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240, etc., and performs various calculations for executing the game, and based on the calculation results. The operation control of the output means such as the reel unit 310, the hopper unit 320, the display device 330, the acoustic device 340 is performed. The functions of the game control means 100 are stored in advance in various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or hardware such as RAM, ROM, etc. It is realized by software consisting of a given program.

  The game control means 100 includes an insertion receiving means 105, a random number generating means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a first determination means 152, a monitoring means 154, and a second determination. Means 156, error signal output means 158, replay processing means 160, gaming state transition control means 170, effect control means 180, and storage means 190.

  The insertion accepting unit 105 accepts a medal insertion operation for each game, and based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the specified number of insertions, the first reels R1 to R3 for the start lever (rotation start operation unit) SL. Processing to validate the rotation start operation of the reel R3 is performed. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the pressing operation of the start lever SL is an opportunity to start the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and an opportunity to execute the internal lottery.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot MI (an example of an insertion operation), the insertion accepting unit 105 has a prescribed insertion number 3 as the medal insertion switch 210 is activated. The inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to the limit (used for gaming). In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when the bet button B0 is pressed (an example of a throwing operation) in a state where medals are credited to the gaming machine, the throwing acceptance unit 105 is activated in accordance with the bet switch 220 being activated. However, the credited medals are set to the inserted state, up to the prescribed number of inserted 3 sheets. Then, the input accepting unit 105 performs a process of validating the pressing operation of the start lever SL.

  The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is made based on a start signal from a start switch 230 that is operated by a player pressing a start lever (rotation start operation means) SL. A lottery table selection process, a random number determination process, a lottery flag setting process, and the like are performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the plurality of lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage unit 1911 of the storage unit 190 is to be used for internal lottery. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the internal lottery table storage unit 1911 stores four types of lottery tables A to D as shown in FIG. In each lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay (normal replay, special replay), small role (bell, special small role 1 to special small value) Various combinations such as a combination 3, watermelon, cherry) and a big bonus (BB) are associated with each other.

  In particular, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, in the lottery table A to the lottery table C, one of the six types of special replays (special replay A to special replay F) must always win in combination with the normal replay. Correspondence with numerical value is set. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in each internal lottery table, the three types of special small roles (special small portion 1 to special small portion 3) are combined with a combination of random numbers and random numbers so that they do not win each other. Correspondence is set.

  In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a plurality of types of gaming states can be set: a normal state, a replay time state (RT state), a bonus establishment state (BB establishment state), and a big bonus state (BB state: bonus state). In the lottery table selection process, one of the lottery tables A to D is selected as a lottery table to be used in the internal lottery according to the gaming state.

  In the random number determination process, a random value (lottery random number) is acquired from the random number generator 110 for each game based on the start signal from the start switch 230, and the internal lottery table storage unit 1911 of the storage unit 190 for the acquired random number value. It is determined whether or not the winning combination is won with reference to the lottery table stored in the table.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to a winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage unit 1912 of the storage unit 190.

  In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a lottery flag (carry-over possible flag) that can carry on the winning state for the next game until winning, and a non-winning state without carrying the winning state on the next game regardless of winning. A lottery flag (a carry-over impossible flag) that is reset to the winning state is prepared. As a combination with which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, there is a big bonus (BB), and other combinations (for example, small combination, replay) are associated with the latter carry-over impossible flag.

  In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, when the big bonus is won by the internal lottery, the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over until the big bonus is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery for determining whether or not a role other than the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game where the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the big bonus lottery flag and the internal lottery already won The lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of combinations including the small combination won or the replay lottery flag are set in the winning state.

  The reel control means 130 is based on a start signal from a start switch 230 that is actuated by a player pressing the start lever (rotation start operation means) SL (rotation start operation). The reel R3 is rotated by a step motor, and the reels that are rotating in a state in which the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has reached a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: approximately 80 rotations per minute). Control for permitting the pressing of the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to (stop operation) is performed, and the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that are rotationally driven by the step motor are set in a lottery flag setting state (internal lottery Control to stop according to the result.

  Then, the reel controller 130 allows the player to press the stop buttons B1 to B3 when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 in a state where the pressing operations (stopping operations) on the stop buttons (stop operation means) B1 to B3 are permitted (validated). When 240 is activated, the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signal) to the step motor of the reel unit 310 is stopped based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, whereby the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Control to stop each reel.

  That is, the reel controller 130 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 each time the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. The reel is stopped at the stop position. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, pressing the stop button B1 corresponds to the stop operation of the first reel R1, and pressing the stop button B2 corresponds to the stop operation of the second reel R2, and the stop button B3 Pressing corresponds to a stop operation of the third reel R3. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the pressing order of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is changed, the stopping order of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is changed.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button within 190 ms from the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. Control state is set. That is, the stop position of each rotating reel is determined within the range of 0 frame to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range) from the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed until each reel R1 to R3 stops. Is done. The reel control means 130 displays the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel corresponding to the stop button that has been pressed among the stop buttons B1 to B3. When the button is pressed, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is displayed at the display position on the winning determination line when it is located within the range of 0 to 4 frames with respect to the display position on the winning determination line. As described above, control is performed to stop the rotating reel corresponding to the stop button that has been pressed.

  Specifically, the reel control means 130 obtains a stop control table stored in the stop control table storage means 1913 of the storage means 190 and a process for obtaining the stop position of the rotating reel by logic calculation (logic calculation process). A process for determining the stop position of the rotating reel (table reference process) is performed with reference.

  First, in the logic calculation process, 0 to 4 frames from the pressing detection position that is the position of the reel at the time of operation of the stop switch 240 (when the pressing operation of the stop button is detected) according to the priority order data determined for each combination. Priorities are obtained for the stop position candidates for five frames existing in the range. Then, the stop position candidate with the highest priority among the priorities of the respective stop position candidates is determined as the actual stop position. However, in logic calculation processing, the same priority may be obtained for a plurality of stop position candidates depending on the result of the internal lottery, the pressed detection position, etc., and there are a plurality of stop position candidates with the highest priority. In such a case, the actual stop position is determined by a table reference process described later. In this way, when the stop position is determined by the logic calculation process, it is not necessary to determine the stop position by the table reference process. Therefore, when designing the stop control table, detailed verification is performed on all data. The game machine development environment can be improved as much as it is not necessary to perform work.

  In particular, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the priority order is determined in the order of “replay> small role> big bonus (BB)”, and in the logic operation processing, the lottery flags regarding two or more types of roles are in the internal winning state. If it is set, according to the priority associated with each combination, a winning combination of a combination with a higher priority than a candidate for a stop position including a symbol that forms a winning combination of a combination with a lower priority is configured. The priority is determined so that the stop position candidate including the symbol has a higher priority. Note that when multiple types of replays (normal replay and special replay) are won in the internal lottery, the logic calculation process obtains the priority so that there are a plurality of stop position candidates with the highest priority. As for the priorities of the small roles, the priorities are set according to the number of medals to be paid out based on a predetermined dividend for each small role. The higher the priority, the higher the priority. Is set.

  In the logic calculation process, so-called pull-in process and kick-out process are performed as processes for obtaining candidate reel stop positions. The pull-in process is a process of obtaining reel stop position candidates so that a winning combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state can be won as much as possible. On the other hand, the kicking process is a process of obtaining reel stop position candidates so that a combination whose lottery flag is set to a non-winning state cannot be won. In this way, the reel control means 130 can stop the symbol of the winning combination with the lottery flag set in the winning state while winning the symbol of the winning combination with the lottery flag set in the non-winning state. Logic calculation processing is performed to obtain a candidate stop position of the reel so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the reel unit 310 includes a reel index 315 made of a photosensor, and the reel control means 130 is based on a reference position signal detected by the reel index 315 every time the reel makes one revolution. Thus, the current rotation state of the reel can be monitored by obtaining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the step motor) from the reel reference position (the frame detected by the reel index). ing. That is, the reel control unit 130 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch 240 is operated by obtaining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

  In the table reference process, when a plurality of stop position candidates with the highest priority are obtained as a result of the logic operation process, the stop control table storage means of the storage means 190 indicates which position is set as the stop position. This is determined with reference to the stop control table stored in 1913.

  Here, in the stop control table, depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, the actual position is detected from the pressed detection position, which is the position of the reel when the stop switch 240 is activated (when the stop button is pressed), and the pressed detection position. A correspondence relationship with the number of sliding symbols indicating the amount of rotation up to the stop position is set. In the stop control table, the correspondence relationship between the pressed detection position and the actual stop position may be set according to the setting state of the lottery flag.

  For example, when the normal replay and the special replay are won in the internal lottery, the logic operation process stops the position corresponding to the symbol constituting the symbol combination indicating the normal replay and the symbol indicating the special replay. The stop positions corresponding to the symbols constituting the combination are candidates for the highest priority stop position. In this case, in the stop control table referred to in the table reference process, the symbol combination indicating the special replay is configured. The correspondence relationship between the pressed detection position and the number of sliding symbols is set so that the symbol is displayed at the display position on the winning determination line in preference to the symbol constituting the symbol combination indicating normal replay. In the logic operation process, by setting the priority in the order of “special replay> normal replay”, the symbols constituting the symbol combination indicating the special replay have priority over the symbols constituting the symbol combination indicating the normal replay. It may be displayed at the display position on the winning determination line.

  Here, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the interval between the replay symbols “RP” and the bell symbols “BL” arranged on the outer peripheral surface of each reel is within 4 frames. In this way, the replay symbol “RP” and the bell symbol “BL” can be drawn to the display position on an arbitrary winning determination line regardless of the pressing timing and pressing order of the stop buttons B1 to B3. It has a possible symbol arrangement.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the black 7 symbol “black 7”, the red 7 symbol “red 7”, and the white 7 symbol “white” arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the first reel R1. For “7”, the symbols are arranged so that the interval is 6 frames, and one of the symbols is alternatively drawn into the display position on the winning determination line according to the pressing timing of the stop button B1. It has a symbol arrangement that can.

  The winning determination means 140 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stop mode of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage unit 1914 of the storage unit 190, the display is made on the winning determination line when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped. It is determined whether or not the symbol combination that has been set is a predetermined winning combination.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, with respect to the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 constituting the reel unit 310, a black 7 symbol “black 7”, a red 7 symbol “red 7”, A white 7 symbol “white 7”, a bell symbol “BL”, a cherry symbol “CH”, a replay symbol “RP”, and a watermelon symbol “WM” are arranged. Then, depending on the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in a state where each reel is stopped, as shown in FIG. 5, a big bonus (BB), normal replay, special replay A to special replay F, bell, watermelon, cherry In addition, a winning determination table is prepared so that it is possible to determine whether or not special small combinations 1 to 3 have been won. Note that “ANY” in the symbol combination indicating the winning type of cherry shown in FIG. 5 indicates that any symbol arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel may be used.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when the symbol combination “red 7, red 7, red 7” is displayed on the winning determination line, it is determined that the big bonus (BB) has been won, When the symbol combination “RP / RP / RP” is displayed on the winning determination line, it is determined that the normal replay has been won, and the symbol combination “red 7, RP / RP” is displayed on the winning determination line. If it is determined that Special Replay A has won, and the symbol combination “Black 7 / RP / RP” is displayed on the winning determination line, it is determined that Special Replay B has won, and the winning determination line When the symbol combination “White 7 / RP / RP” is displayed above, it is determined that the special Replay C has won, and the symbol combination “RP / RP / Red 7” is displayed on the winning determination line. Special replay D When the symbol combination “RP / RP / Black 7” is displayed on the winning determination line, it is determined that the special replay E has won, and “RP / RP / White 7” is displayed on the winning determination line. When the symbol combination “is displayed, it is determined that the special replay E has won. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the symbol combination “BL / BL / BL” is displayed on the winning determination line, it is determined that the bell has won, and the symbol “WM / WM / WM” is displayed on the winning determination line. When the combination is displayed, it is determined that the watermelon has won, and when the symbol combination “red CH / ANY / ANY” is displayed on the winning determination line, it is determined that the red cherry has won, and the winning determination When the symbol combination “Red 7, BL, BL” is displayed on the line, it is determined that the special small role 1 has won, and the symbol combination “Black 7, BL, BL” is displayed on the winning determination line. If it is determined that the special small role 2 has been won, and if the symbol combination of “white 7, BL, BL” is displayed on the winning determination line, it is determined that the special small role 3 has won. .

  The payout control means 150 performs payout control processing relating to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a predetermined payout for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are assigned to the hopper unit 320 ( The payout device is controlled to pay out.

  In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when one type of small role is repeatedly won in a plurality of winning determination lines, the payout control means 150 receives a winning determination that the small role has won in the payout of the winning small role. The result of multiplying the number of lines is determined as the number of medals paid out in the game. For example, when a cherry wins, a cherry winning form is always displayed on two winning determination lines, so the number of medals to be paid out for winning a cherry is four.

  In addition, when medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper unit 320, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage unit 190 (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals. As a result of the game, when a replay or big bonus (BB) is won, as shown in FIG. 5, no payout is set for the replay and the big bonus. Although not performed, a process (0 sheet process) is performed in which formally 0 medals are paid out.

  As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the winning combination is won based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140, the payout control means 150 pays out a medal or adds a credit medal. Function as a means for executing a winning process.

  Here, details of the hopper unit 320 of the present embodiment will be described. The hopper unit 320 performs an operation of paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the payout control means 150. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the hopper unit 320 is stored below the reel unit storage space SS in the storage box BX, and stores a medal storage tank MT for storing medals inserted from the medal insertion slot MI. , A payout motor (not shown) composed of a step motor and a rotary disk (not shown) pivotally supported by the payout motor, and the rotary disk is rotationally driven by the payout motor to pay out medals in units of one sheet. It is configured to be able to.

  The hopper unit 320 is provided with a payout medal detection switch 325 that operates every time a medal is paid out. The payout control means 150 receives a signal from the hopper unit 320 based on an input signal from the payout medal detection switch 325. The number of medals actually paid out can be managed. The medal storage tank MT of the present embodiment is formed so as to be able to store up to about 2000 medals, and generally stores about 1000 medals in an initial state before operating the gaming machine. When the game is started, the medal inserted from the medal slot MI is accepted. The hopper unit 320 pays out the medals stored in the medal storage tank MT to the player from the medal payout opening MO in accordance with an instruction from the payout control means 150.

  In the gaming machine of this embodiment, two bar-shaped conductors SC (an example of detection means) are provided in parallel as the medal amount detection sensor 250 shown in FIG. 2 above the medal storage tank MT shown in FIG. Yes. When the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 1800 (an example of a predetermined amount) (an example of the first excess state), the rod-shaped conductors SC are electrically connected via the medals. Thus, it can be detected that the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT. Further, when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT exceeds about 2,000 storable amounts (an example of a second excess state), the hopper unit 320 is configured to send surplus medals to the surplus medal storage tank BT. Yes.

  The first determination unit 152 determines whether or not the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT has reached about 1800 based on the detection result of the medal amount detection sensor 250. That is, the first determination unit 152 determines whether or not the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT.

  The monitoring means 154 monitors the difference number corresponding to the difference between the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot MI and the number of medals paid out from the medal payout slot MO. Specifically, the monitoring means 154 adds +1 to the count value indicating the difference number every time one medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot MI, and each time one medal is paid out from the medal payout slot MO. +1 is subtracted from the count value indicating the difference number. In particular, the monitoring unit 145 detects the count value corresponding to the difference number in the first difference number counter from when the medal amount detection sensor 250 detects that the medal storage tank MT has reached about 1800 medals. Start the update.

  The second determination means 156 is configured to increase the number of difference sheets after the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 1800 sheets (an example of a predetermined number) (an example of the second excess state). ) Or not. Specifically, the second determination unit 156 determines whether or not the count value of the first difference sheet counter has reached +200. That is, the second determination unit 156 determines whether or not the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT has reached approximately 2000, which is the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT (an example of a second excess state). judge.

  The error signal output means 158 outputs an error signal when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 2000 sheets that can be stored in the medal storage tank MT. When this error signal is output, the game is interrupted and the lamp indicating the error is turned on.

  When the replay is won, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (regame process) for setting the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when a replay is won, a medal with the same specified number of insertions as the previous game is automatically put into the inserted state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The set automatic insertion process is performed, and the game machine waits for the rotation start operation (the press operation of the start lever SL by the player) in the next game with the same winning determination line as that of the previous game enabled. Is set.

  As described above, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when it is determined that the replay has been won based on the determination result of the winning determination unit 140, the replay processing unit 160 causes the player's medal (credit medal to be obtained). It functions as a means for executing a replay process that allows the next game to be executed as a winning process.

  The game state transition control means 170 performs control to shift the game state between the normal state, the replay time state (RT state), the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state. As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the RT state or the bonus establishment state is possible. Further, in the normal state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to the lottery table A in which the big bonus (BB) is set as the lottery object among the lottery tables A to D shown in FIG.

  The RT state is a gaming state in which, in the normal state, a transition is made when any of special replay A to special replay F is displayed on the winning determination line. In the game in the RT state (an example of a special game), among the lottery table A to the lottery table D shown in FIG. 3, BB is set as an internal lottery target and is replayed more than a game in the normal state (an example of a normal game). An internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table B in which the correspondence between the combination and the random number value is set so that the winning probability of the game is high. Control is performed. In other words, in the RT state, replays are won more frequently than in other game states, so that the player can play the game without using the player's medals (including credit medals). It is easier for the player to pay out medals than any other game (an example of a normal game), and the game is advantageous to the player. Further, in the RT state, when the symbol combination “CH / ANY / ANY” indicating the winning type of the cherry is displayed on the winning determination line, control for shifting the gaming state to the normal state is performed.

  The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when the big bonus (BB) is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, in the lottery table A to lottery table D shown in FIG. 3, refer to the lottery table C in which the winning probability of the small role is set to be the same as the normal state and the big bonus (BB) is excluded from the lottery target. The internal lottery is performed.

  Also, in the bonus establishment state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus (BB) is won, and the symbol combination “red 7, red 7, red 7” indicating the winning type of the big bonus is won. When displayed on the determination line, the gaming state transition control means 170 performs control to shift the gaming state from the bonus establishment state to the bonus state. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when it is determined that the big bonus (BB) has been won based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140, the gaming state transition control means 170 changes the gaming state to the bonus establishment state. It functions as means for executing a winning process for shifting from the bonus state to the bonus state.

  The bonus state is a gaming state in which a transition is made when the symbol combination “red 7, red 7, red 7” indicating the big bonus winning mode is displayed on the winning determination line in the bonus establishment state. In the bonus state, among the lottery tables A to D shown in FIG. 3, the big bonus (BB) and the replay are excluded from the internal lottery targets, and the winning probability of the small role is higher than that of the lottery tables A to C. An internal lottery with reference to the set lottery table D is performed. That is, in the bonus state, the game state is more advantageous to the player than the normal state or the bonus establishment state in that the small role is won more frequently than the other game states.

  Further, in the bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and medals exceeding a predetermined payout upper limit number are paid out according to the type of bonus won. Then, the gaming state transition control means 170 performs control to end the bonus state and return the gaming state to the normal state. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game exceeds 300, it is determined that the end condition is satisfied.

  The effect control unit 180 uses the display device 330 (an example of the effect device) such as a lamp, an LED, and a liquid crystal display based on the effect data stored in the effect data storage unit 1920 and the sound device 340 (effect). Control relating to the sound effect performed using an example of the apparatus is performed. Specifically, a lamp or LED is turned on or blinked according to the occurrence of various game events such as insertion of medals, operations on the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, changes in game state, By changing the display content of the liquid crystal display LCD or outputting sound from the speaker, the game is boosted or effect control is performed to assist the game.

  The effect control means 180 shifts the effect state among a plurality of types of effect states including the normal effect state, the first assist time state (first AT state), and the second assist time state (second AT state). Then, in the game in which the production state is the first AT state and the game in which the production state is the second AT state, the production control means 180 displays a notification production informing the type of the replay or small role won in the internal lottery. Control to be executed by the device 340 is performed. A variety of effects can be adopted as the notification effect, and an effect image suggesting the type of replay or small role winning in the internal lottery is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, or the replay or small role winning in the internal lottery is displayed. A voice suggesting the type can be output from the speaker, or a lamp suggesting the type of replay or small role winning in the internal lottery can be turned on. As a result, in a game in which the production state is the first AT state and a game in which the production state is the second AT state, the average replay and small prize winning probabilities in the game in which the production state is the normal production state (an example of a normal game) In contrast, it is possible to increase (an example of fluctuation) the probability of winning a replay or a small role.

  In detail, when the gaming state is the normal state, the effect control means 180, when any of the special replay A to special replay F is won by internal lottery (an example of a predetermined condition), the AT lottery table storage means. An effect lottery (an example of a specific lottery) is determined with reference to the first AT lottery table stored in 1921 to determine whether or not to shift the effect state to the first AT state. When the effect lottery is won, the effect control means 180 sets the first AT flag in the AT flag storage means 1922 to shift the effect state to the first AT state, and any of special replay A to special replay F is an internal lottery. In the game won in the first replay A to the special replay F, a first notification effect for informing the type of the special replay won in the internal lottery is performed (an example of a specific process). Then, the effect control unit 180 performs control to end the first AT state by canceling the setting of the first AT flag in the AT flag storage unit 1922. That is, when the effect lottery is won, the effect control means 180 sets a game won by any of the special replay A to the special replay F in the internal lottery as a game in the first AT state (an example of a specific process).

  Here, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, according to the symbol combination showing the winning pattern shown in FIG. 5, the special replay A to the special replay C have different display symbols on the first reel R1, and the special replay A wins. The red 7 symbol “red 7” which is the display symbol of the first reel R1 in the form, the black 7 symbol “black 7” which is the display symbol of the first reel R1 in the special replay B prize type, and the special replay C winning According to the symbol arrangement of the first reel R1 shown in FIG. 4, the white 7 symbol “white 7” which is the display symbol of the first reel R1 in the form is arranged with a space of 6 frames or more from each other. ing. Therefore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the special replay A is won, if the stop button B1 is pressed aiming at the black 7 symbol “black 7” or the white 7 symbol “white 7”, the special replay A cannot be won. When special replay B is won, if the stop button B1 is pressed aiming at the white 7 symbol “white 7” or the red 7 symbol “red 7”, the special replay B cannot be won, and the special replay C is red. When the stop button B1 is pressed aiming at the 7 symbol “red 7” or the black 7 symbol “black 7”, the special replay C cannot be won. (The winning probability of special replay A to special replay C is low).

  Similarly, according to the symbol combination indicating the winning pattern shown in FIG. 5, the special replay D to the special replay F have different display symbols on the third reel R3, and the display of the third reel R3 in the special replay D winning pattern. A red 7 symbol “Red 7” as a symbol, a black 7 symbol “Black 7” as a display symbol of the third reel R3 in the special Replay E winning form, and a display of the third reel R3 in the special Replay F winning type. According to the symbol arrangement of the third reel R3 shown in FIG. 4, the white 7 symbol “white 7”, which is a symbol, is arranged with a space of 6 frames or more from each other. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the special replay D is won, if the stop button B3 is pressed aiming at the black 7 symbol “black 7” or the white 7 symbol “white 7”, the special replay D cannot be won. If special stop button B3 is pressed aiming at white 7 symbol “white 7” or red 7 symbol “red 7” when special replay E is won, special replay E cannot be won and red when special replay F is won. When the stop button B3 is pressed aiming at the 7 symbol “red 7” or the black 7 symbol “black 7”, the special replay F cannot be won. (Special Replay D to Special Replay F have a low winning probability).

  On the other hand, in a game in which the production state is the first AT state, an auxiliary production image that assists the winning of the selected special replay in a game in which any of special replay A to special replay F is won in the internal lottery is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD. Is displayed. Specifically, in this embodiment, an auxiliary effect image indicating the symbol combination of the special replay that has been won is displayed. Therefore, in a game in which the performance state is the first AT state, when the player presses the stop button B1 corresponding to the first reel R1 aiming at the symbol combination corresponding to the displayed auxiliary effect image, the special replay A to the special replay A It becomes easy to win the winning special replay among the replays F, and the winning probabilities of special replay A to special replay F are increased.

  In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the special replay A to the special replay F are won, the production control unit 180 sets the second AT flag in the AT flag storage unit 1922, thereby changing the production state to the second AT state. To migrate. And in the 2nd AT state, in the game where any of the special small roles 1 to 3 is won by the internal lottery, the type of the special small role won by the internal lottery among the special small roles 1 to 3 is notified. The third notification effect is performed to notify that the cherry is won in the internal lottery in the game where the cherry is won.

  In the second AT state, the effect control means 180 has a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 100 times) in the AT game number counter 1923 for determining whether or not to end the AT state (for example, 100 times). 100) is set. That is, the second AT state can be continued until the number of games set in the AT game number counter 1923 is performed, and the second AT state ( A production state in which the end condition is difficult to be satisfied, and a production state advantageous to the player).

  Then, when the production state is set to the AT state, the production control unit 180 changes the stored value of the AT game number counter 1923 by a certain value every time a game is performed (every time the update condition is satisfied) ( Decrement update to be subtracted (for example, by 1), and when the stored value of the AT game number counter 1923 reaches the initial value (for example, 0), the setting of the second AT flag is canceled and the second AT state is ended. To control. In addition, when the production state is set to the second AT state and the BB wins, the production control unit 180 determines that the forced termination condition is satisfied, and the stored value of the AT game number counter 1923 is the initial value. Even if not, the setting of the second AT flag is canceled to end the second AT state. That is, when any of the special replay A to the special replay F wins, the effect control means 180 sets a game for a predetermined number of times or a game until BB wins as a game in the second AT state (an example of a special game).

  The effect control means 180 resets the stored value of the AT game number counter 1923 to the initial value when forcibly terminating the second AT state, but when setting the second AT state, a predetermined number of games. When the AT game number counter 1923 is overwritten and set, the stored value of the AT game number counter 1923 is not reset to the initial value even when the second AT state is forcibly terminated. Also good.

  Here, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, according to the symbol combination indicating the winning form of special small role 1 to special small role 3 shown in FIG. 5, the display symbol of the first reel R1 is different for each special small role, The red 7 symbol “red 7”, which is the display symbol of the first reel R1 in the special pocket 1 winning format, and the black 7 symbol “black 7”, which is the display symbol of the first reel R1 in the special bonus 2 winning format. According to the symbol arrangement of the first reel R1 shown in FIG. 4, the white 7 symbol “white 7”, which is the display symbol of the first reel R1 in the special small role 3 winning form, is at least 6 frames apart from each other. Are arranged apart from each other. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the special small role 1 is won, the special small role 1 can be won by pressing the stop button B1 aiming at the black 7 symbol “black 7” or the white 7 symbol “white 7”. If you cannot win the special small role 2 and press the stop button B1 aiming at the white 7 symbol “White 7” or the red 7 symbol “Red 7”, you will not be able to win the special small role 2 If the stop button B1 is pressed aiming at the red 7 symbol “red 7” or the black 7 symbol “black 7” at the time of winning 3, the special small role 3 cannot be won (special small roles 1 to 3). The chance of winning a special small role 3 is low).

  On the other hand, in a game in which the production state is the second AT state, an auxiliary production image that assists the winning of the selected special small role in a game in which one of special special roles 1 to 3 is won by internal lottery. It is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD. Specifically, in the present embodiment, an auxiliary effect image indicating the symbol combination of the selected special small role is displayed. Therefore, in a game in which the effect state is the second AT state, the player aims at the symbol corresponding to the displayed auxiliary effect image and presses the stop button B1 corresponding to the first reel R1, thereby causing the game to be in the normal effect state game. In comparison, it is easy to win the winning special bonus among the special bonus 1 to 3 and the winning probability of the special bonus 1 to 3 is increased. Thereby, in the game in the second AT state, medals can be paid out more easily than in the game in the normal performance state (an example of the normal game), and the game is advantageous to the player.

  Furthermore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as described above, when the gaming state is the normal state, the gaming state transition control means 170 is triggered by any one of the special replay A to the special replay F winning. The gaming state is shifted to the RT state. That is, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, when the gaming state is the normal state, when the special replay A to the special replay F wins, the effect state is shifted to the second AT state, and the gaming state Is transferred to the RT state. Here, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the RT state, when the symbol combination “CH / ANY / ANY” indicating the winning type of the cherry is displayed on the winning determination line as described above, the gaming state is changed to the normal state. Control to shift is performed. However, in the game in which the effect state is the second AT state, the effect control means 180 informs the winning of the cherry by the third notification effect, so that the RT state ends with the winning of the cherry (from the RT state to the normal state). The player can avoid the fall of the game state). As described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the effect control unit 180 performs the second notification effect for assisting the special prize winning and also performs the execution control of the third notification effect for assisting the avoidance of the winning of the cherry.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the gaming state is the normal state, the game in the first AT state is an effect lottery performed when any one of the special replay A to the special replay F is won by the internal lottery. Is selected, a first notification effect (an example of a specific process) for notifying the type of the special replay won in the internal lottery among the special replay A to the special replay F is performed. The special replay elected in can be won, the production state can be shifted to the second AT state, and the gaming state can be shifted to the RT state. In a game in the second AT state (an example of a special game), it is easier to pay out medals than in a game in the normal performance state, and a game advantageous to the player is performed. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the effect control means 180 (an example of the specific processing means) sets a game in the second AT state (an example of a special game) in which medals can be paid out more easily than a game in the normal effect state. For this purpose, a first notification effect (an example of a specific process) is performed.

  In particular, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the effect control means 180 uses the excess flag storage means when the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 1800 when the gaming state is the normal state. The first excess flag is set in 1924 (set to the ON state). Then, when any of special replay A to special replay F is won (an example of a predetermined condition) with the first excess flag set, the production control means 180 depends on the result of the production lottery. Without changing the effect state to the first AT state. Specifically, the effect control means 180 does not perform the effect lottery in such a case (unconditionally), and sets the first AT flag in the AT flag storage means 1922 to shift the effect state to the first AT state. In a game in which any one of the special replay A to the special replay F is won by the internal lottery, a first notification effect for informing the type of the special replay won by the internal lottery among the special replay A to the special replay F is performed. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT, it is easier to pay out medals than in the normal performance state. The amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is reduced by performing the game in the first AT state that assists the special replay winning as an opportunity for setting the game in the second AT state. I have to.

  Then, when the effect state is shifted to the second AT state, the effect control means 180 cancels the setting of the first excess flag in the excess flag storage means 1924 (sets it to the OFF state). The effect control means 180 also reduces the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT to less than about 1800 even if the effect state is not shifted to the second AT state, and the two rod-shaped conductors SC are connected via the medals. When the continuity is lost or the big bonus (BB) is won, the setting of the first excess flag in the excess flag storage unit 1924 is canceled.

  Note that the functional block configuration of the present embodiment can also be applied to a computer system (including a game system). In these systems, the function is realized by downloading a program that causes the computer to function as the game control means 100 of the present embodiment from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or a Web server on the Internet via a network. be able to. In the above computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240 and the like virtually function their functions with respect to operation means such as a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, etc.), or a controller. This can be realized by assigning. In the above computer system, the reel unit 310, the hopper unit 320, and the like are not indispensable constituent elements. These device units virtually control their functions by controlling images displayed on the display (display device 330). Can be realized.

2. Control Method According to this Embodiment Hereinafter, a control method employed in the gaming machine according to this embodiment will be specifically described.

2-1. Avoiding medal over error by specific processing In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as described above, medals inserted from the medal insertion slot MI are stored in the medal storage tank MT, and a combination for which a medal payout is determined wins. The number of medals corresponding to the winning combination from the medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is paid out to the player. Accordingly, when the number of medals to be paid out to the player is larger than the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot MI, the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT decreases, and from the medal insertion slot MI. When the number of medals paid out to the player is smaller than the number of inserted medals, the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT increases.

  Here, the medal storage tank MT of the present embodiment is formed so as to be able to store about 2000 medals as described above, but the frequency of winning a winning combination for the insertion of medals or the winning frequency of winning winning combinations. When the state where the payout of medals to the player is low due to the small number of medals continues, the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT gradually increases, reaching about 2000, which is the upper limit of the storable amount. Then, a medal over error signal is output and the progress of the game is interrupted. Then, an administrator such as a store clerk of the store where the gaming machine is installed opens the front lower door DD of the gaming machine as shown in FIG. 6, and the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is 1000 sheets. When the surplus medals are collected to the extent and the error release switch is pressed, the progress of the game is restored.

  As described above, when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT exceeds the upper limit of the storable amount, the payout of medals is less with respect to the player's medal insertion, and the progress of the game is interrupted. Therefore, even if the progress of the game is returned, the player's willingness to play is likely to decline, and the player may end the game.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown by the white arrow pointing to the right in FIG. 7, the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT increases, and the medal amount detection sensor 250 described above causes the medal storage tank. When it is detected that the amount of medals stored in the MT has reached about 1800, which is close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT (A1), the first excess flag is set (A2). If any of special replay A to special replay F is won in the internal lottery with the first excess flag set (A3), the production state is set to the first AT state and the prize is won in the internal lottery. A first notification effect in which the type of the special replay is notified is executed (A4). Specifically, in the internal lottery, the first notification effect is executed until the pressing operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is validated for the game won by any of the special replay A to the special replay F.

  Then, the player who saw the first notification effect wins the internal lottery by depressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 aiming at the symbols constituting the symbol combination of the special replay that is won by the internal lottery. When the special replay is won (A5), the production state is set to the second AT state and the gaming state is set to the RT state. Then, from the next game of the game in which the special replay is won, a second notification effect is performed in which the type of the special small combination that is won in the internal lottery among the special small combinations 1 to 3 is notified (A6). ), It becomes easy to win the special small role won in comparison with the game in the normal performance state.

  Here, according to the payout of the special small roles 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5, when any of the special small roles 1 to 3 wins, 15 medals are paid out. In a game in which the state is the second AT state, more medals are paid out compared to a game in the normal performance state. That is, when the second notification effect is executed, the number of medals paid out increases.

  Further, according to the internal lottery table B referred to in the RT state shown in FIG. 3, the winning state probability of normal replay is higher than the internal lottery table referred to in other gaming states, so that the gaming state is in the RT state. If this is the case, the number of times that the game is played increases without requiring the player's handed medal as compared to other game states. That is, the number of medals inserted into the medal insertion slot MI decreases due to frequent winning of replays.

  Thus, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT, the number of medals paid out is increased and the medal insertion port MI is increased. By reducing the number of inserted medals, the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT can be reduced as shown by the white arrow pointing left in FIG. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is avoided that the game is interrupted by the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT exceeding the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT, and the store clerk It is possible to reduce the burden of collecting surplus medals and to prevent the player's willingness to play from being reduced due to the game being interrupted.

  Here, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, as indicated by the white arrow pointing to the right in FIG. 8, the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT increases, and the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT increases. When it is detected that the amount has reached about 1800 (B1) and the first excess flag is set (B2), any one of special replay A to special replay F wins in the internal lottery (B3 ) In spite of the execution of the first notification effect (B4), a situation may occur in which the player cannot win the special replay won by the player (B5). However, in such a case, the setting state of the first excess flag is maintained. In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the special replay A to the special replay are performed after the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 1800 and reaches the upper limit of about 2,000 that can be stored. The winning probabilities of special replay A to special replay F are set so that one of F wins multiple times.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, one of special replay A to special replay F is often won again (B6) until the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 2000. The first notification effect is often executed again (B7). Accordingly, in any of the plurality of games in which the first notification effect is performed, if the player wins the special replay won by the internal lottery (B8), the second notification effect is executed from the next game. (B9), a lot of medals are paid out, and the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT can be reduced as shown by the white arrow pointing left in FIG. It is possible to prevent the game from being interrupted when the amount of stored medals exceeds about 2000.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT has not reached about 1800, which is close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT. When the 1 excess flag is not set (C1), if any of the special replay A to the special replay F is won (C2), an effect lottery for determining whether or not to execute the first notification effect is performed. (C3). And when this effect lottery is won, the 1st alerting | reporting effect which alert | reports the kind of special replay currently won by the internal lottery is performed (C4). When the player can win the special replay won by the internal lottery (C5), the second notification effect is executed from the next game (C6). Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, when the first excess flag is set, the game in the first AT state is set without performing the effect lottery (A4), and FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the player cannot distinguish the case where the result of the effect lottery is won and the game in the first AT state is set (C4) because the first excess flag is not set. As a result, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the player is informed that the first excess flag is set, thereby preventing the gaming machine from being perceived to be in a state where the payout of medals is low. is doing.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown by the white arrow pointing to the right in FIG. 10, the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT increases, and the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT. Is detected (D1), the first excess flag is set (D2), and when BB is won in the internal lottery (D3), the gaming state is set to the BB establishment state. (D4). Here, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the second notification effect is further executed in the BB formation state in which it is internally determined that a lot of medals will be paid out to the player by winning the BB. An excessive number of medals will be paid out to the person.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when BB is won in the internal lottery, the setting state of the first excess flag is canceled (D5). In this case, even if any of special replay A to special replay F wins before winning BB wins (D6), the effect lottery is not performed and the first notification effect is not performed. Therefore, in this case, it is difficult for the player to win the special replay won in the internal lottery, so the number of medals paid out is difficult to increase, and the medal stored in the medal storage tank MT It is difficult to reduce the amount. However, if the player wins the winning BB before the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 2000 (D7), the gaming state is set to the BB state (D8). ), And many medals are paid out due to frequent winning of the small role, and the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT can be reduced as shown by the white arrow pointing left in FIG. It is possible to prevent the game from being interrupted when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT exceeds about 2000.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the white arrow pointing to the right in FIG. 11 is displayed with BB won in the internal lottery (E1) with the gaming state set to the BB established state (E2). When the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT increases and the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is detected to reach about 1800 as shown in FIG. E3), the first excess flag is not set (E4). In this case, as in the case of FIG. 10, even if any of the special replay A to special replay F wins before the winning BB wins (E5), the production lottery is not performed. 1 Although no notification effect is performed, if the player wins the winning BB before the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 2000 (E6), the gaming state is It is set to the BB state (E7), and many medals are paid out when the small role is frequently won, and the game is interrupted when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT exceeds about 2000. Can be avoided.

2-2. In this way, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the game is prevented from being interrupted when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT exceeds about 2000. The player is prevented from detecting that the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT. So that excessive medals are not paid out. However, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the special replay, special small role, or BB that is won by the player can be won before the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 2000. If this is not possible, a situation occurs where the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT exceeds the storable amount.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in order to cope with such a situation, as shown by the white arrow pointing to the right in FIG. 12, the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT increases, and the medal storage tank When it is detected that the amount of medals stored in the MT has reached about 1800 (F1), the first excess flag is set (F2), and the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot MI. Then, the update of the first difference number counter that counts the difference number corresponding to the difference between the number of medals paid out from the medal payout slot MO is started (F3). Then, when any of special replay A to special replay F is won in the internal lottery (F4, F7), the player is won regardless of the fact that the first notification effect is executed (F5, F8). As a result, the number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT continues to increase as shown by the white arrow pointing to the right in FIG. When the count value of the counter reaches +200 (F10), it is determined that the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT has reached approximately 2000, which is the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT. Is output (F11).

  Thus, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in addition to the bar-shaped conductor SC shown in FIG. 6 as the medal amount detection sensor 250, the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT. Even if a sensor for detecting that the medals have been reached is not provided, the rod-shaped conductor SC causes the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT to be close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT (in the first excess state). And whether or not the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT has reached the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT (an example of a second excess state). Can be determined.

3. Process Flow of Present Embodiment Next, an example of a process for realizing the control method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first excess flag setting process performed by the effect control means 180. As shown in FIG. 13, in the first excess flag setting process, first, when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 1800, the medal amount detection sensor 250 is turned on. (Y in step S10), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is the normal state (step S12). If the gaming state is the normal state (Y in step S12), the first excess flag is set to the ON state (step S14). . Then, if any of special replay A to special replay F wins, the first AT flag is set to the ON state (Y in step S16), BB is won (Y in step S18), or the medal storage tank When the medal amount detection sensor 250 is turned off because the amount of medals stored in the MT is less than about 1800 (Y in step S20), the first excess flag is set to the off state ( Step S22).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first AT game setting process performed by the effect control means 180. As shown in FIG. 14, in the first AT game setting process, first, if any of special replay A to special replay F is won in the internal lottery (Y in step S30), is the first excess flag set to the ON state? It is determined whether or not (step S32). If the first excess flag is set to ON (Y in step S32), the effect state is set to the first AT state (step S34), and the first notification effect is executed (step S36). ), The setting of the first AT state is canceled (step S38).

  On the other hand, if the first excess flag is not set to the ON state (N in step S32), an effect lottery for determining whether or not the effect state is set to the first AT state is performed (step S40). When winning by lottery (Y in step S42), the production state is set to the first AT state (step S34), and when the first notification production is executed (step S36), the setting of the first AT state is canceled. (Step S38). If the winning lottery is not won (N in step S42), the effect state is maintained in the normal state, and the first notification effect is not executed.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second AT game setting process performed by the effect control means 180. As shown in FIG. 15, in the second AT game setting process, first, when any of special replay A to special replay F wins (Y in step S50), the effect state is set to the second AT state (step S52). In a game after the next game in which one of Replay A to Special Replay F wins, if any of Special Small Role 1 to Special Small Role 3 is won (Y in Step S54), the second notification effect is executed. (Step S56). Then, if the game state is set to the second AT state and the game is played 100 times, the value of the AT game number counter 1923 becomes 0 (Y in step S58), BB wins or Cherry wins Thus, when the RT state ends (Y in step S60), the setting of the second AT state is canceled (step S62).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second excess flag setting process performed by the effect control means 180. As shown in FIG. 16, in the second excess flag setting process, first, when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches about 1800, the medal amount detection sensor 250 is turned on. (Y in step S70), the value of the first difference number counter indicating the difference number corresponding to the difference between the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot MI and the number of medals paid out from the medal payout slot MO. Update is started (step S72). When the value of the first difference sheet counter reaches +200 (Y in step S74), the second excess flag is set to the ON state (step S76). Then, a medal over error signal is output, the game is interrupted, and when an error release switch is pressed by an administrator such as a store clerk (Y in step S78), the second excess flag is set to an OFF state ( Step S80).

  On the other hand, while the value of the first difference sheet counter does not reach +200 (N in step S74), the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is reduced to about 1800 or less, whereby the medal amount detection sensor 250 is activated. If it is in the OFF state (Y in step S82), the count value of the difference sheet counter is reset (step S84).

4). Modifications The present invention is not limited to those described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. Modifications will be introduced below. Note that various methods described as modifications in the above embodiment and the following can be appropriately combined and used as a method for realizing the present invention.

4-1. Modification 1
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the two bar-shaped conductors SC are provided in parallel with the upper part of the medal storage tank MT as the detection means for detecting the first excess state has been described. If there are two bar-shaped conductors SC at the upper part of the surplus medal storage tank BT and the medal stored in the surplus medal storage tank BT exceeds a predetermined amount (an example of the first excess state), the two bar-shaped conductors SC By conducting through medals, it may be detected that the amount of medals stored in the surplus medal storage tank BT is close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the surplus medal storage tank BT.

4-2. Modification 2
In the above embodiment, as a special game in which the game medium is more likely to be paid out than a normal game, an example is described in which a game in which the production state is the second AT state and the game state is the RT state is set. As a special game, a game whose effect state is the second AT state or a game whose game state is the RT state may be set.

4-3. Modification 3
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the specific process for setting a special game demonstrated and demonstrated the example which is a process which sets a production | presentation state to a 1st AT state and performs a 1st alerting | reporting production | presentation, It may be processing for setting the 2AT flag. In this case, if it is not the first excess state, the effect lottery is performed, and if the effect lottery is won, the second AT flag is set, and if it is the first excess state, the effect AT lottery is not performed and the second AT flag is set. You may make it set.

4-4. Modification 4
Further, in the above embodiment, when the gaming state is the normal state and any of special replay A to special replay F is won by internal lottery (an example of a predetermined condition), a specific process is performed or a specific lottery is performed. An example of performing is described. For example, when the first excess state is detected, the detection unit performs a specific process triggered by the detection of the first excess state. The lottery may be performed every time a predetermined number of games are performed. In addition, when the first excess state is present, the specific process is performed when the specific symbol combination is displayed on the winning determination line. When the first excess state is not the first excess state, the specific symbol combination is determined to be the winning determination. You may make it perform a specific lottery by having displayed on the line.

4-5. Modification 5
Moreover, in the said embodiment, when it is a 1st excess state, a specific process is performed without performing an effect lottery, and when it is not a 1st excess state, a specific lottery is performed and a specific process is performed when a specific lottery is won. In the case of the first excess state, the specific lottery is performed so that the specific process is won with a relatively high probability, and the specific process is performed if it is not the first excess state. However, the specific lottery may be performed so as to win with a relatively low probability, and the specific process may be performed when the specific lottery is won in any case.

  In this example, for example, in the case of the first excess state, when a predetermined combination is won or a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the winning determination line, the random value corresponding to the winning of the specific process is relative. When a specific lottery is performed with reference to the first specific lottery table set in a large amount and the first excess state is not established, a predetermined combination is won or a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the winning determination line. You may make it perform a specific lottery with reference to the 2nd specific lottery table in which the random value corresponding to winning of a specific process was set relatively small.

4-6. Modification 6
In the above embodiment, the AT game number counter is set when the game in the second AT state is set when the game is in the first excess state, and when the game in the second AT state is set when the game is not in the first excess state. Although the example in which the value corresponding to the number of games in the second AT state set in 1923 is the same (100 times) has been described, the case where the special game is set in the case of the first excess state, The number of special games may be different depending on whether or not a special game is played when it is not over 1 state.

  In this example, for example, when a special game is set in the first excess state, for example, 500 pieces of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT can be sufficiently reduced. The special game setting state is maintained until medals are paid out. When the special game is set when the first excess state is not reached, the special game setting state is maintained until the number of medals won in the lottery drawing are paid out. You may make it do. The number that can be determined by the lottery may include the number of medals to be paid out by the special game set in the first excess state. In this example, when the special game is set in the first excess state, 500 medals are paid out by starting to update the count value corresponding to the difference number in the second difference number counter. You may make it maintain the setting state of a special game until.

  Further, in this example, when a special game is set in the first excess state, for example, 100 times so that the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT can be sufficiently reduced. The special game setting state is maintained until the game is performed. If the special game is set when the first excess state is not reached, the special game setting state is maintained until the number of games won in the lottery is performed. You may make it do. The number of times that can be determined by the number-of-times lottery may include the number of special games set in the first excess state.

4-7. Modification 7
Further, in the above embodiment, the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT is in the first excess state close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT by the bar-shaped conductor SC shown in FIG. The number of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches the upper limit of the storable amount of the medal storage tank MT. Although the example which determines whether it is 2 excess state was given and demonstrated, the 1st rod-shaped conductor (1st) which detects the 1st excess state where the quantity of the game media stored in the storage means reached the 1st quantity was explained. An example of one detection means) and a second rod-shaped conductor (second detection means of the second detection means) for detecting a second excess state in which the amount of game media stored in the storage means has reached a second amount greater than the first amount. One example) and the storage means and the first rod It is detected by the conductor that the amount of medals stored in the storage means is in a first excess state that is close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the storage means, and the medal stored in the storage means is detected by the second rod-shaped conductor. You may make it detect that it is the 2nd excess state which quantity reached | attained the upper limit of the storage possible quantity of a storage means.

  In addition, a first rod-like conductor (an example of the first detection means) that detects a first excess state in which the amount of game media stored in the storage means has reached the first amount, and a game medium stored in the storage means A third rod-shaped conductor (an example of a third sensing means) that detects a third excess state in which the amount reaches a third amount that is less than the first amount, and is stored by the third rod-shaped conductor. It is detected that the amount of medals stored in the means is in a third excess state that is close to the upper limit of the storable amount of the storage means, and the amount of medals stored in the storage means is determined by the first rod-shaped conductor. You may make it detect that it is the 1st excess state which is still near the upper limit of storable amount. In this example, if the specific processing means is in the third excess state, the specific lottery is performed and if the win is won in the specific lottery, the specific processing is performed, and if the specific processing means is in the first excess state, the specific lottery is not performed. Specific processing may be performed. Further, the specific processing means performs a specific lottery so that the winning probability is relatively low when it is in the third excess state, and the winning probability is relatively high when it is in the first excess state. A specific lottery may be performed, and a specific process may be performed when winning by a specific lottery.

4-8. Modification 8
Further, in the above embodiment, when the first notification effect is performed, the control to end the first AT state by canceling the setting of the first AT flag regardless of whether or not the player has won the special replay that has been won. However, when the first notification effect is performed and the player can win the special replay that is won, the first AT flag is canceled to cancel the first AT flag. If the player is unable to win the special replay that the player has won even if the first notification effect is performed, the first AT state is maintained by maintaining the setting of the first AT flag. You may make it make it. In this example, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 14, for example, when the first excess flag is ON (Y in Step S32) and when winning in the effect lottery (Y in Step S42), the AT flag storage means 1922 The first AT flag is overwritten (step S34), and if the production lottery is unfair (N in step S42), it is determined whether or not the first AT state is continued, and the first AT state is continued. If so, the first AT state may be terminated by canceling the setting of the first AT flag.

BX storage box, UD front upper door, DD front lower door, DW display window,
L1-L4 winning decision line, DS game information display part, LCD liquid crystal display,
R1 first reel, R2 second reel, R3 third reel,
B0 bet button, SL start lever, B1-B3 stop button,
MI medal slot, MO medal outlet, MP medal tray,
100 game control means, 104 setting change means, 105 input acceptance means,
110 random number generating means, 120 internal lottery means, 130 reel control means,
140 winning determination means, 150 payout control means, 152 first determination means,
154 monitoring means, 156 second determination means, 158 error signal output means,
160 replay processing means, 170 gaming state transition control means, 180 effect control means,
190 storage means, 1911 lottery table storage means, 1912 lottery flag storage means,
1913 stop control table storage means, 1914 winning determination table storage means,
1920 production data storage means, 1921 AT lottery table storage means,
1922 AT flag storage means, 1923 AT game number counter,
1924 excess flag storage means,
210 medal insertion switch, 220 bet switch, 230 start switch,
240 stop switch, 250 medal amount detection sensor, 310 reel unit,
315 reel index, 320 hopper unit,
325 payout medal detection switch, 330 display device, 340 sound device

Claims (5)

A gaming machine that executes a game when a game medium is inserted,
A storage means for storing the inserted game media;
Detection means for detecting a first excess state in which the amount of game media stored in the storage means reaches a predetermined amount;
An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination is made for each game;
Reel control means for rotating the reel for each game triggered by a rotation start operation, and for controlling the reel to stop in a stop mode according to the result of the internal lottery triggered by a stop operation;
A payout control means for causing the payout apparatus to pay out the game medium of the storage means in accordance with the stop mode of the reel;
A specific processing means for performing a specific process for setting a special game in which a game medium is more likely to be paid out than a normal game;
First determination means for determining whether or not the first excess state based on a detection result of the detection means;
The specific processing means includes
A gaming machine, wherein the specific process is performed when the first excess state is established. In claim 1,
The specific processing means includes
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific processing is performed for a given number of games in the first excess state. In claim 1 or 2,
The specific processing means includes
A gaming machine that performs a specific lottery to determine whether or not to perform the specific process when the first excess state is not satisfied, and performs the specific process when a result of the specific lottery is a win. In claim 3,
The specific processing means includes
In the first excess state, the specific lottery is performed so that the winning probability of the specific lottery is higher in the case of the first excess state than in the case of not being in the first excess state. To play. In any one of Claims 1-4,
Monitoring means for monitoring the difference number corresponding to the difference between the number of inserted game media and the number of game media paid out;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the second excess state in which the difference number after reaching the first excess state has reached a predetermined number;
The gaming machine further comprising an error signal output means for outputting an error signal when the second excess state is established.