JP2012020200A - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine executing freeze control to bring game progress control into a standby state for a predetermined time period according to the remaining number of game mediums dispensed during a specific game, and displaying a predetermined presentation image during the freeze control, thereby providing the specific game of new game entertainment level, and increasing the player's interest in the specific game.SOLUTION: The gaming machine includes: a symbol combination lottery unit 410 for executing a symbol combination lottery for deciding at least one symbol combination from a plurality of symbol combinations; a game control unit 430 for shifting a game to the specific game advantageous to the player compared with a general game, when predetermined starting conditions are satisfied; a counter unit 440 for counting the remaining number of game mediums to be dispensed; and a freeze control unit 450 for bringing the game progress control into the standby state for a predetermined time period. When the remaining number of game mediums to be dispensed in the specific game reaches a value within a predetermined range, the freeze control unit 450 is controlled to bring the game progress control into the standby state the predetermined time period.

Description

  The present invention relates to a revolving game machine such as a slot machine, and in particular, a control process related to the progress of a game is in a standby state for a predetermined period according to the number of game media paid out or acquired during a specific game, or the number of games. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a freeze control is performed, and a predetermined effect image is displayed during the freeze control, thereby giving a new game a new game characteristic and enhancing the player's preference for the specific game.

  In general, in a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a role lottery is performed by a control means, and when a symbol corresponding to a winning combination in this role lottery stops and a prize is won, a game according to a mode corresponding to the winning role is performed. It has become. Such a combination includes a special combination such as a big bonus combination and a middle bonus combination described later, a small combination in which a predetermined number of game media are paid out, or a re-playing game that can be re-executed without inserting a game medium. and so on.

  In addition, recent gaming machines are provided with image display means such as a liquid crystal display device. For example, when a special role is won in a lottery, a special role can be expected or announced. There are some which produce a game more interesting by displaying an effect image including information.

  Here, the conventional gaming machine performs, for example, freeze control that invalidates any one of insertion of game media, start switch operation, or stop switch operation, and a predetermined effect image is displayed during the freeze control. In some cases, the effect image is prevented from being canceled halfway. However, when there are a plurality of effect images accompanied by freeze control, the main control is performed for a predetermined freeze control period (ex. “30 seconds”, “20 seconds”, “10 seconds”, etc.) corresponding to the display period of the effect image. There is a problem that lottery must be performed in the circuit, and data such as random values and tables for performing the lottery increase.

  In view of this, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-20707 (Patent Document 1) proposes a gaming machine in which the number of credited game media and a plurality of freeze control periods are associated with each other. According to such a configuration, it is possible to select a predetermined freeze control period without using lottery, and it is possible to reduce data such as random values and tables for performing lottery.

JP 2007-20707 A

  However, the above-described gaming machine of Patent Document 1 simply selects one of a plurality of freeze control periods based on the number of credited game media, It was not something that created a new playability by combining. In particular, when the player manipulates the number of game media that are intentionally credited, a desired freeze control period, that is, a desired effect image can be displayed, which is not surprising. .

  On the other hand, in slot machines, in comparison with general games such as special games such as Big Bonus (BB) and Middle Bonus (MB), and replay time (RT) where the winning probability of re-gamer is high, There are various specific games that proceed in an advantageous manner. When these specific games have a predetermined payout number or earned number or a predetermined number of games as an end condition, there is a possibility that the game will become monotonous. The monotony of the game in such a specific game was not solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and freezes a control process related to the progress of a game for a predetermined period of time depending on the number of paid out or acquired game media or the number of games during a specific game. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of performing control and displaying a predetermined effect image during this freeze control to give a new game a new gameability and enhance the player's preference for the specific game.

  To achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is a game in which a game medium is inserted and a process from turning a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed to being stopped is a unit. A combination lottery means for performing a combination lottery for determining at least one combination from a plurality of combinations, and an advantage for a player over a general game when a predetermined start condition is reached. A game control means for shifting to a specific game to progress, a counter means for counting the number of payouts or acquisitions of the game medium, and a freeze control means for setting a control process relating to the progress of the game to a standby state for a predetermined period, When the number of paid-out or acquired game media in the specific game reaches a predetermined value or a value within a predetermined range, the freeze control means performs control processing related to the progress of the game for a predetermined period. And performing control to the standby state.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, a process until a game medium is inserted and a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed is rotated and stopped is regarded as one unit. A game machine capable of repeatedly performing a game, and a role lottery means for performing a role lottery for determining at least one of a plurality of roles, and a player rather than a general game when a predetermined start condition is reached In the specific game, there is provided a game control means for making a transition to a specific game that proceeds advantageously, a counter means for counting the number of games, and a freeze control means for setting a control process relating to the progress of the game to a standby state for a predetermined period. When the number of played games reaches a predetermined value, the freeze control means performs control to put a control process related to the progress of the game into a standby state for a predetermined period.

  According to such a configuration, in a specific game such as a special game or a replay time, freeze control is performed according to the number of paid out or acquired game media, or the number of games, and a predetermined effect described later is performed during the freeze control. By displaying the image, it is possible to give a new game a new game, and the player's preference for the specific game can be increased.

  Here, “game media” includes a wide variety of media that are thrown into gaming machines in order to play games such as coins, medals, chips, and ball. In addition, the game medium is not limited to a real thing, and for example, an electromagnetically acting medium such as a magnetic card can be applied. In addition, “inserting” a game medium is a predetermined number of credits previously given to a storage medium of a gaming machine in addition to the actual insertion of a gaming medium such as a coin into a gaming medium slot of the gaming machine. The use of other game media is also included.

  “Multiple reels on which multiple symbols are displayed” uses not only real reels that are physically rotated and stopped by a motor or the like, but also CG (computer graphics) displayed on the image display means. The virtual reel that was there is also included.

  In general, a “comb” can be divided into a “special role” and a “small role”. For example, a “small role” that pays out a predetermined number of game media when winning a prize, and a game medium are input. "Re-game player (also referred to as replay)" that can re-execute the game without being included. On the other hand, the special combination includes, for example, a combination that can be shifted to a “special game” in which the game proceeds advantageously for the player. However, the “combination” is not limited to “special combination” and “small combination”, and various other combinations can be added depending on the game mode. In addition, it can be considered that the “out of” which is the subject of the role lottery is also one of the roles.

  A general description of such a “combination” will be given. The “small role” is a combination in which a predetermined number of game media are paid out when a small role is won by lottery and a symbol corresponding to the small role is won. “Regame” is a “regame” that can be re-executed without throwing in game media when a symbol corresponding to the replay is stopped and a prize is won when a winning combination is won. Replay) ”.

  The “special combination” includes a wide range of so-called bonus combinations. For example, a game in which a predetermined combination is won with a high probability by lottery can be transferred to a “first special game” in which a predetermined number of times are performed under a certain condition. A “first special role” and a “second special role” that can be transferred to a “second special game” in which at least one of the games corresponding to the general game and the first special game can be played. Is included.

  The first special combination is a combination that shifts to the first special game, which is one of special games, and includes a combination called a regular bonus (RB) combination. In the first special game, a game in which a predetermined combination is won with a high probability can be performed a predetermined number of times under a certain condition. The second special combination is a combination that is transferred to the second special game, which is one of the special games, and includes a combination called a big bonus (BB) combination. The second special game is a game in which at least one of the general game and the game corresponding to the first special game can be performed until the number of payout of game media reaches a predetermined value.

  In addition, the special combination includes a so-called middle bonus (MB) combination and a single bonus (SB) combination. The MB combination is a combination that allows at least one reel to stop within a predetermined short time from the operation of pressing a stop switch as compared with other reels, thereby allowing a predetermined combination to be won. The SB combination is a combination in which a special game can be performed only once in the next game by winning the combination.

  Here, the “specific game” in the present application includes the various special games described above, and in addition to this, the game state advantageous to the player such as replay time (RT) is widely included. RT refers to a gaming state in which the winning probability of the re-gamer fluctuates with a high probability compared to general games.

  In the “role lottery” for determining one combination, for example, it is desirable to determine one winning combination based on the value of the generated random number. Regarding the generation of random numbers, it may be generated on software such as a random number generator or a computer.

  The “payout number” of game media refers to the number of game media to be paid out from the gaming machine when winning a predetermined combination. Note that the payout of the game medium includes a case where the game medium is actually paid out and a case where credit is used instead of the actual payout. On the other hand, the “acquired number” of game media refers to the number obtained by subtracting the “input number” of medium media spent for playing a game from the number of game media paid out. The “number of games” is the number of times that a unit game is performed with one unit of the process from the rotation of the reel to the stop.

  When the number of game media paid out or acquired, or the number of games reaches a predetermined value or a value within a predetermined range, the timing for performing freeze control is determined, and the specific value is particularly limited. It is not something. For example, it is assumed that a specific game has a payout of 254 or more game media as an end condition, and that 15 game media are paid out for winning one small role and 2 for other small roles. In this case, at the timing when the payout number of game media is 225 or the remaining payout number is 29, when an effect image including information on other small roles is displayed, a game to be awarded to one small role is displayed. A game for winning 15 other prizes can be played 15 times.

  In the above example, the “predetermined value” corresponds to a case where a single value is determined such that the number of payout game media is “225 or more” or the remaining payout number is “29 or less”. On the other hand, the “value within a predetermined range” is a value within a certain range in the above example, such that the number of paid out game media is “210 to 225” or the remaining number of paid out is “44 to 29”. This applies to cases where they are defined. When the “value within a predetermined range” is set, even when game media are randomly paid out in a specific game, before the game media payout number is 225 or more or the remaining payout number is 29 or less, An effect image including information on the transitional combination is surely displayed, and a game for winning another small combination can be performed at least 15 times.

  The "control process related to the progress of the game" in which the freeze control means is in a standby state for a predetermined period of time, for example, a unit game proceeds such as a control process related to game medium insertion, bet, reel rotation and stop, and game medium payout A part or all of the control processing for performing is included. Here, the freeze control by the freeze control means is a timing at which the number of paid out or acquired game media reaches a predetermined value or a value within a predetermined range during a specific game, or a timing at which the number of games reaches a predetermined value. Therefore, the purpose is to ensure that the predetermined effect image is displayed for a predetermined period without being canceled.

  For example, control processing based on detection of game medium input or bet switch operation after the end of the previous game is put into a standby state, or control processing based on start switch or stop switch operation is put into a standby state after the next game bet processing. As a result, the progress of the game is temporarily stopped, and the predetermined effect image can be displayed for a predetermined period without being canceled. Note that the length of the “predetermined period” during which the freeze control is performed is not particularly limited, but may be a time sufficient to display a predetermined effect image.

  Preferably, in the gaming machine of the present invention described above, image display means capable of displaying an effect image, and image control means for causing the image display means to display the effect image, wherein the freeze control means The image control means may display the predetermined effect image including the information regarding the specific game when the control process regarding the progress is in a standby state for a predetermined period.

  According to such a configuration, freeze control is performed in accordance with the number of game media paid out or acquired in a specific game, or the number of games, and during a predetermined period in which the freeze control is performed, a predetermined game containing information related to the specific game is performed. The effect image can be displayed without being canceled. Thereby, it becomes possible to give a new game to a specific game, and it is possible to increase the player's preference for the specific game.

  Here, the “predetermined effect image including information related to the specific game” includes, for example, explanation of the game play of the specific game, the number of games to be paid out or the number of games as the end condition of the specific game, and the current game of the specific game A wide variety of effect images including information regarding the number of medium payouts or the number of games, the symbol of a predetermined role that is a condition for shifting from one specific game to another specific game, and the end or continuation of the specific game are included. The new gameability created by displaying such a predetermined effect image will be described in detail in the embodiment of the present invention.

  Preferably, in the gaming machine of the present invention described above, operation means for performing an operation for advancing the game is provided, and the specific game has the number of payout or acquisition of the game medium or the number of games as an end condition. The freeze control means is configured to operate the operation means when the remaining payout number or acquisition number of the game media reaches a predetermined value or a value within a predetermined range, or the number of games reaches a predetermined value. May be invalidated for a predetermined period, and during the predetermined period, the image control means may display the predetermined effect image including information relating to the continuation of the specific game.

  According to such a configuration, the operation of the operation means such as the bet switch, the start switch, or the stop switch is predetermined at a timing when the number of paid out or acquired game media or the number of games during a specific game reaches a predetermined value. By invalidating only the period, it is possible to display a predetermined effect image including information relating to the continuation of the specific game without being canceled during the predetermined period.

  Here, in the “predetermined effect image including information relating to the continuation of the specific game”, the end, continuation or extension of the specific game, or another specific game, in relation to the number of payout or acquisition of game media or the number of games The effect image including information regarding whether or not the gaming state advantageous to the player continues, such as transition of the game, is widely included.

  For example, at the timing when the number of game media paid out or acquired or the number of games reaches a predetermined value, a role that becomes a condition for shifting from an MB game that is one specific game to an RT game that is another specific game The case where the effect image containing a design is displayed corresponds. In addition, after displaying the effect image for notifying that the BB game or RT game has reached the end condition at the above timing, an effect image for notifying that the BB game or RT game continues or extends may be displayed. Applicable.

  Preferably, in the gaming machine according to the present invention described above, the image control means may perform a plurality of the effects according to a predetermined value or a value within a predetermined range of the number of payouts or the number of acquired game media in the specific game. You may make it perform control which selects and displays the said one effect image from images.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to display effect images having different contents according to the number of paid out or acquired game media in the specific game, and it is possible to make the specific game more interesting. For example, when the number of game media paid out or acquired in RT games exceeds a predetermined value, the effect image that informs positively of the end of RT games, conversely, the predetermined value has not been reached. In this case, it is possible to display an effect image that notifies the end of the RT game in a negative (negative) manner, and to give various variations to the effect of the specific game.

  Preferably, in the gaming machine of the present invention described above, the combination includes a re-playing combination capable of performing the next game without inserting the gaming medium, and the specific game is included in the combination lottery. It is good also as being the re-game high probability state which set the winning probability of the re-game player to a higher value.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform freeze control based on the number of game media paid out or acquired, or the number of games during the so-called replay time in which the winning probability of the re-gamer is set to a higher value. By displaying a predetermined effect image including information related to the replay time during the freeze control, it is possible to give the replay time a new gameability, and to increase the player's preference for the replay time.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, in specific games such as various special games and replay times, freeze control is performed when the number of game media paid out or acquired or the number of games reaches a predetermined value. By displaying a predetermined effect image relating to the specific game inside, it is possible to give the specific game a new game characteristic, and to increase the player's preference for the specific game.

It is a front view showing an appearance of the slot machine (game machine) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of the said slot machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function of control of the said slot machine. It is a block diagram which shows the main control circuit which controls the said slot machine. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a sub control circuit that controls the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine which controls the progress of the game performed in the said main control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows a part lottery process subroutine of a part lottery process and a flag-on process performed subsequently. It is a flowchart which shows the reel fluctuation | variation / stop subroutine which performs control for rotation and a stop of a reel. It is a flowchart which shows the flag-off process subroutine which shows the control processing after a symbol stops by the subroutine of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the part process process subroutine at the time of a winning combination which is a part of control process of a flag-off fixed process subroutine. It is a flowchart which shows the freeze control processing subroutine during MB game of the main control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the MB game effect control processing subroutine of a sub control circuit. The same figure (a), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the effect image displayed on an image display means. It is a figure which shows the Example of the lottery table at the time of BB operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the Example of the lottery table at the time of MB operation | movement. It is a figure which shows the Example of RT lottery table at the time of BB non-operation. It is a figure which shows the Example of the general lottery table at the time of BB non-operation. It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the slot machine (game machine) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram showing a sub control circuit of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows the sub control circuit subroutine for performing the control of rotation / stop effect of a liquid crystal reel. It is a flowchart which shows the BB game freezing control processing subroutine of a main control circuit. FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing effect images displayed on the image display means during the freeze control. It is a flowchart which shows the freeze control processing subroutine during RT game of the main control circuit. FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing effect images displayed on the image display means during the freeze control.

[First Embodiment]
First, a slot machine that is a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the game that is advantageous for the acquisition of more game media in the MB game (referred to as “acquisition zone” in the present embodiment) and the game that is advantageous by shifting to the replay time after the MB game ends. The game has two different game characteristics, which are game characteristics aimed at continuing the state (referred to as “life extension zone” in this embodiment). Freezing control is performed when the remaining payout number of game media reaches a value within a predetermined range during MB game, and an effect image that triggers the “life extension zone” is displayed at an appropriate timing. It is interesting.

<Description of the overall structure of the slot machine>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of the slot machine (game machine) according to the present embodiment. In the figure, a front panel 20 is provided on the front surface of the housing of the slot machine 10. In the center of the front panel 20, a horizontally long transparent display window 20a is formed.

  Five winning lines are defined on the front surface of the display window 20a. These five winning lines include 3 horizontal winning lines (center L1, upper L2A, lower L2B) and two diagonal winning lines (diagonally upward L3A, obliquely downward L3B). A winning line (hereinafter referred to as an effective line) that is activated according to the number of played game media (in the present embodiment, medals are used) is displayed.

  A substantially horizontal operation panel unit 30 is provided below the display window 20a. A 3-bet switch 36 is disposed on the left side of the operation panel unit 30, and a game medium insertion port 38 for inserting game media is provided on the right side of the operation panel unit 30.

  When a predetermined number or more of game media are input from the game medium insertion port 38, the predetermined number or more is stored as a credit number in a RAM 110 (see FIG. 4) described later.

  The 3-bet switch 36 is a switch for making three medals out of the number of credits a game bet. When the player inserts three game media or operates the 3-bet switch 36, all five pay lines, that is, L1, L2A, L2B, L3A and L3B are activated. Here, the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment plays a game with three game media as a gamble target during a general game, and plays a game with two game media as a target for BB and MB games. It is.

  In the present embodiment, the number of gaming media based on the insertion from the gaming media insertion slot 38 or the operation of the 3-bet switch 36 is referred to as “the number of bets”, and then the number of bets stored and set in the RAM 110. Is referred to as “set bet number”.

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

  Inside the casing of the slot machine 10, three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are rotatably provided. Each of the reels 40L, 40C and 40R has a ring shape, and a reel tape on which a pattern is printed is attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof. On this reel tape, for example, 21 symbols as shown in FIG. 2 are drawn. The arrangement of these symbols differs for each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. Each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is visible through the display window 20a described above. When the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are stopped, a total of nine symbols are visible through the display window 20a.

  As will be described later, each of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), and the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are displayed from the top to the bottom in the display window 20a. Move towards.

  A start switch (start lever) 50 is tiltably provided on the left side of the front surface of the operation panel unit 30, and three stop switches 52 </ b> L, 52 </ b> C, and 52 </ b> R are provided at the center of the front surface of the operation panel unit 30. It is provided. The stop switch 52L corresponds to the left reel 40L, the stop switch 52C corresponds to the middle reel 40C, and the stop switch 52R corresponds to the right reel 40R.

  When the player tilts the start switch 50, the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R described above start to rotate all at once. When the rotational speeds of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R reach a constant speed, the operation of the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R by the player becomes effective.

  When the player pushes the stop switch 52L, the left reel 40L stops. When the stop switch 52C is pushed, the middle reel 40C stops. When the stop switch 52R is pushed, the right reel 40R stops.

  When each reel 40L, 40C, or 40R is stopped, stop control is performed so that the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces are positioned on the above five winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B. .

  A sound transmission hole 60 is provided on the lower right side of the housing of the slot machine 10 for outputting sound emitted from a speaker housed inside the housing (see the speaker 64 shown in FIG. 5) to the outside of the housing. It is. A game medium payout port 62 is provided at a central portion below the casing of the slot machine 10. When each reel 40L, 40C or 40R stops and the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the active line becomes a predetermined combination, that is, the symbol combination constituting the winning combination, and when winning a winning combination, Thus, a predetermined number of game media are paid out from the game media payout opening 62.

  As described above, the game in the slot machine 10 is such that a game result is determined by a combination of symbols of the plurality of reels 40L, 40C, and 40R stopped. This game is performed every time the player tilts the start switch 50, and the process from the start of rotation to the stop of rotation of the plurality of reels 40L, 40C and 40R can be repeated as one unit of game. .

<Combination of roles and designs>
The combinations of symbols of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R shown in FIG. 2 include, for example, a small combination, a replay combination, an MB combination, a BB combination, an SB combination, and a disengagement as shown in the general lottery table when the BB is not operating in FIG. Form multiple types of roles. Hereinafter, the correspondence between the combination of the role name and symbol shown in FIG. 17 and the symbol shown in FIG. 2 will be described. 2 and 17 are examples, and the design, arrangement, combination, and type and number of combinations of symbols can be freely set.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the slot machine 10, “small role 1”, “small role 2”, “small role 3”, “small role 4”, “re-playing role”, “MB role 1”, “MB role” “2”, “BB1 role”, “BB2 role”, “SB role”, and “out of” are set.

  “Small 1” is a winning combination by stopping only the left reel with the symbol “cherry” (see symbol 18 in the left column in FIG. 2). The payout number of the game medium of “small role 1” is set to 2 when winning a prize during a general game, and 15 when winning a prize during a special game.

  “Small 2” is a winning combination by aligning all the left, middle and right reels with “bells” (see symbol 0 in the left column in FIG. 2). The payout number of the game medium of “small role 2” is set to 15 regardless of winning in the general game or the special game. “Small 3” is a winning combination by aligning all left, middle, and right reels with “watermelon” (see symbol in the left column of FIG. 2). The payout number of the game medium of “Small 3” is set to 5 when winning a prize during a general game and 15 when winning a prize during a special game.

  “Small 4” is a winning combination by aligning the left reel with “red BAR” (see symbol in the left column of FIG. 2) and the middle right reel with “bell”. This “small role 4” is also a transitional role that is a condition for shifting a winning in the MB game, which will be described later, from the MB game to the replay time (RT = replay high probability state). The payout number of the game medium of “small role 4” is set to 2 regardless of winning in the general game or the special game.

  The “re-playing combination” is a combination for winning a prize by aligning all the left, middle and right reels with “replay” (see the symbol in the left column of FIG. 2). When winning the “re-game”, the next game can be played without consuming game media.

  For the “MB1 role”, the left middle reel is aligned with “red 7” (see the symbol in the left column of FIG. 2) and the right reel is aligned with “blue 7” (see the symbol in the left column of FIG. 2). It is a role to win a prize. The “MB2 combination” is a combination of winning by aligning the left middle reel with “blue 7” and the right reel with “red 7”. When winning the “MB1 combination”, MB games can be performed up to the limit of payout of 254 or more game media, and when winning the “MB2 combination”, MB games can be performed up to the limit of payout of 154 or more game media.

  In this MB game, reel control is performed to stop the left reel within a predetermined short period of time (within ex. 75 ms) from the pushing operation of the stop switch, so that the left reel is “cherry”, “bell”, The operation stops at one of the “red BARs” (see symbol arrangement of “cherry”, “bell”, and “red BAR” in the left column of FIG. 2). Then, by pushing the stop switch in the order of left → middle → right, “bells” are aligned on the middle right reel, and any of “small role 1”, “small role 2” or “small role 4” I'm trying to win a crab.

  The “BB1 combination” is a combination for winning a prize by aligning all the left middle right reels with “red 7”. The “BB2 combination” is a combination for winning a prize by aligning all left, middle and right reels with “blue 7”. In the case of winning the “BB1 role” or “BB2 role”, it is possible to play BB games with a maximum of 346 game media payouts. This BB game is a game in which a general game and a bonus game in which a predetermined small role is won with a high probability can be repeated until the number of game media paid out reaches 346 or more.

  The “SB role” is a role that is won by aligning the left reel with “Blue 7”, the middle reel with “White BAR” (refer to the symbol in the left column 17 in FIG. 2), and the right reel with “Red 7”. . When winning the “SB combination”, a bonus game in which a predetermined small combination is won with a high probability can be performed only once. This “SB combination” is also the above-mentioned end of the MB game. When the “SB combination” is won during the MB game, the SB flag is turned on (step S49 in FIG. 7), and the MB game ends at that time. To do.

<Explanation of functional block diagram>
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram relating to the control of the slot machine 10. In the figure, as a control circuit, a main control circuit 100 and a sub control circuit 200 are electrically connected. The operation means 300 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 100, and motors 80L, 80C and 80R provided on the reels 40L, 40C and 40R, respectively, are electrically connected. The sub-control circuit 200 is electrically connected with a notification unit 600, and the notification unit 600 includes an image display unit 70, a lamp unit 21, and a speaker 64.

  The operation means 300 includes a stop operation means 310, a start switch 50, and a 3-bet switch 36. The stop operation means 310 is composed of three stop switches 52L, 52C and 52R. These operation means 300 are not limited to switches and buttons, and any means can be applied as long as it generates an operation signal based on an operation using the player's limbs.

<< Description of Main Control Circuit 100 >>
The main control circuit 100 includes a bet control means 400, a role lottery means 410, a reel control means 420, a game control means 430, a counter means 440, and a freeze control means 450.

  The bet control means 400 generates a new bet on the basis of the inserted number counted by the game medium counter installed at the lower part of the game medium insertion port 38 or a bet operation signal transmitted when the 3-bet switch 36 is operated. The number is set, and the bet number is subtracted from the credit number as necessary. Further, the bet control unit 400 converts the results of these processes into signals and transmits them to the sub-control circuit 200.

  The role lottery means 410 performs the above-mentioned lottery by the role lottery process. The role lottery means 410 includes, for example, a random number generator 412 (hard random number or the like) for a role lottery, a random number extraction means 414 for extracting a random number generated by the random number generator 412, and a random value extracted by the random number extraction means 414 And random number determination means 416 for determining the presence / absence of a winning combination and a winning combination based on the winning combination.

  The reel control means 420 receives the reel rotation start signal transmitted from the start switch 50, thereby controlling the motors 80L, 80C, 80R to rotate the reels 40L, 40C, 40R, and the stop switch 52L. , 52C, and 52R, and control on the reel operation for stopping the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R is performed in response to reception of a reel stop signal transmitted from a predetermined time. In the stop control, the symbol combination control is performed so that the stop symbols are aligned corresponding to the winning combination.

  The game control means 430 wins a special combination, a small combination, and a re-playing combination in the combination lottery process, and when it is determined that a symbol corresponding to each combination is prepared by determining a winning symbol related to the stopped symbol, the winning combination Proceed with the process corresponding to. The game control means 430 in this embodiment includes a special game control means 431 and a re-game high probability state control means 432 in addition to paying out a predetermined number of game media, and performs control processing relating to special games and replay times. Is going.

  The special game control means 431 controls the above-described BB game, MB game, and SB game, and payout of a predetermined number of game media during these special games. As described above, when the special game control unit 431 sets the gaming state to MB game, the reel control unit 420 sets the left reel 40L within a predetermined short time (within ex.75 ms) from the pushing operation of the stop switch 52L. ) To stop the left reel 40L at any one of “cherry”, “bell”, and “red BAR” (“cherry”, “bell”, “red BAR” in the left column of FIG. 2). Refer to the symbol arrangement of At this time, when the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R are pushed in the order of left → middle → right, “bells” are aligned on the middle right reels 40C and 40R, respectively, and the small combination 1, small combination 2 or small Reel control for winning one of the combination 4 is performed.

  Further, the special game control means 431 controls to turn on the SB flag (step S49 in FIG. 7) and end the MB game at that time when the SB combination (end combination) is won in the combination lottery during the MB game. I do. As a result, the game won for the SB role is in the general game state, but in this embodiment, the game control means 430 performs control to maintain the control state of the previous game only for the game won for the SB role. It is like that. That is, in the game won for the SB role, the reel control during the MB game described above is maintained, so the left reel 40L is pushed to win either the small role 1, the small role 2 or the small role 4. It becomes possible. When winning the small combination 4 (transfer combination) in the game, the re-game high probability state control means 432 described below changes the game state to the re-game high probability state (replay time = RT).

  The replay high probability state control means 432 changes the game mode to a replay high probability state in which the winning probability of the regame player is extremely high in the role lottery when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, Thereafter, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, control is performed to terminate the replay high probability state. In this embodiment, when the SB role that is the ending role is won in the above-described MB game, and the small role 4 that is the transitional role is won in the game that is won as the SB role, the re-game high probability state starts. Is done. The re-game high probability state is terminated on condition that the number of games has reached 100, for example. In addition, the completion condition of the re-gaming high probability state may be that a predetermined combination winning (such as a bonus) in RT game and a combination of predetermined symbols are prepared.

  Here, in the re-game high probability state, the role lottery is performed using the RT lottery table when BB is not operating shown in FIG. In the RT lottery table when the BB is not activated, the winning probability of the re-gamer is set to “1 / 1.54” (about 65%), and the re-game player in the general lottery table when the BB is not activated shown in FIG. Compared with the winning probability “1 / 7.3” (about 14%), the winning probability is extremely high.

  The counter means 440 counts the number of game media paid out, the remaining payout number, and the acquired number of games during the game. The counting result of the counter means 440 is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 and is reflected in the number of payouts, the remaining payout number and the acquired number in the effect image. Further, in the present embodiment, based on the remaining payout number of game media in the MB game counted by the counter means 440, the freeze control means 450 described below performs a predetermined freeze control.

  The freeze control means 450 performs control for setting the control processing relating to the progress of the game to a standby state for a predetermined period when the remaining payout number of game media in the MB game becomes a value within a predetermined range. The control processing to be set in the standby state includes, for example, insertion of game media into the game media insertion slot 38, operation of the 3-bet switch 36, operation of the start switch 50, operation of the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R, game media A part or all of the control process for proceeding with the unit game, such as the control process for paying out the game, is included.

  In this embodiment, after the game medium payout process during the MB game, the remaining payout number N of game media is counted, and freezes when the remaining payout number N reaches a value within the range of 44 or less and 29 or more. Control is performed (see steps S101 to S108 in FIG. 11). As described at the beginning, in the present embodiment, the MB game includes different game characteristics of the “acquisition zone” and the “life extension zone”, and a game in which more game media are acquired in the “acquisition zone” was performed. At the time, it is possible to play a game that shifts to the replay time in the “life extension zone”. Therefore, freeze control is performed at the best timing for switching from the “acquisition zone” to the “life extension zone” (when the number N of game media payouts reaches a value within the above range), and the effect image shown in FIG. The message is displayed without being canceled only for a predetermined period of time, and the timing for switching to the “life extension zone” is notified.

  Note that the length of the predetermined period for performing the freeze control is not particularly limited, but the extent that the player can recognize the contents of the effect image and the player does not feel stress when the MB game is interrupted. It is preferable to set it as the length. In the case of the effect image shown in FIG. 13B, for example, it is conceivable to set the predetermined period of freeze control to 5 seconds to 10 seconds. Also, a predetermined period of freeze control may be selected according to the number of paid out game media, the number of acquired games, or the number of games.

<< Description of Sub-Control Circuit 200 >>
The sub control circuit 200 includes an image control unit 500, an image storage unit 510, a lamp control unit 520, and a sound control unit 530. The image control unit 500 mainly reads and notifies various image data stored in the image storage unit 510 (actually part of the storage area of the ROM 208 or RAM 210 shown in FIG. 5) based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100. A predetermined effect image is displayed on the image display means 70 of the means 600.

  In the present embodiment, the image control means 500 displays the effect image shown in FIG. 13A at the start of the MB game, and the remaining payout number N of the game media during the MB game is 44 or less and 29 or more. When the value falls within the range, the effect image shown in FIG. 13B is displayed. By displaying the effect image in FIGS. 13A and 13B at such timing, the player can recognize the characteristic playability of the MB game including the “acquisition zone” and the “life extension zone”. Is possible.

  Here, the effect images in FIGS. 13A and 13B will be further described in detail. The effect image of FIG. 13A is for very simply explaining the gameability of the “acquisition zone” during the MB game, and the “bell, bell, bell” symbol image 71 representing the small role 2; A notification image 72 of “Acquisition zone Blue 7 looking for! 15G (game)” is included. The “acquisition zone” is for enjoying the original game characteristics of MB games that acquire more game media. For example, when winning the MB1 role and the MB game ends with the payout of 254 or more game media, when the “blue 7” is pressed according to the effect image of FIG. ”And can win a small combination 2 (15 payouts). A total of 225 game media are paid out by allowing the small role 2 to win 15 times from the start of the MB game.

  Then, the effect image of FIG. 13B is displayed at the timing when the remaining payout number N of the game media reaches within the range of 44 or less and 29 or more. The effect image of FIG. 13B is for explaining the game play of the “life extension zone” very simply. The symbol image 71 of “red BAR, bell, bell” representing the small role 4 and “life extension”. A notification image 73 of “15G (game)” is included. The “life extension zone” is for enjoying the playability of allowing the transitional role 4 to win and shifting to the replay time. Since the payout number when winning the small role 4 is 2, the game in the “life extension zone” can be played 15 times from the time when the remaining payout number N reaches 29.

  Here, in this embodiment, the remaining payout number N is set within the range of 44 or less and 29 or more, so even if 15 payouts and 2 payouts are mixed in the “acquisition zone”, the remaining payout number The effect image shown in FIG. 13B is displayed before the number becomes 29, and the number of games in the “life extension zone” is secured 15 times.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the other components of the sub-control circuit 200 will be described. In the image storage means, the effect images shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b) and other various types displayed on the image display means 70 during the game. The image data of the effect image is stored. Further, the lamp control means 520 reads the lamp lighting data stored in the ROM 208 based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100, and controls the lamp driving circuit 222 (see FIG. 5) to control the lamp in the notification means 600. The means 21 is turned on. Furthermore, the voice control means 530 controls BGM and sound effects during the game as described above. The voice control means 530 reads the voice data stored in the ROM 208 (see FIG. 5) based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100, controls the speaker drive circuit 224 (see FIG. 5), and A predetermined sound is emitted from the speaker 64.

<Description of Control Unit of Slot Machine 10>
The control means for controlling the slot machine 10 includes the main control circuit 100 and the sub control circuit 200 as described above. Here, FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main control circuit 100, and FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the sub control circuit 200 electrically connected to the main control circuit 100.

<< Main control circuit 100 >>
In FIG. 4, the above-described start switch 50 is connected to the interface circuit 102 of the main control circuit 100, and the interface circuit 102 is connected to the input / output bus 104. The reel rotation start signal transmitted from the start switch 50 is converted into a desired signal by the interface circuit 102 and then supplied to the input / output bus 104. A data signal or an address signal is input / output to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 106 via the input / output bus 104.

  In addition, the stop switch 52L, 52C, 52R and the 3-bet switch 36 are also connected to the interface circuit 102 described above. Signals generated from these buttons and switches are also supplied to the interface circuit 102, converted into desired signals, and then supplied to the CPU 106 via the input / output bus 104.

  A ROM 108 and a RAM 110 are also connected to the input / output bus 104 described above. The ROM 108 stores a control program for controlling the entire flow of the slot machine and initial data for executing the control program. For example, a main routine shown in FIG. 6 to be described later, a subroutine shown in FIGS. 7 to 11, and initial data for use in these programs are stored. The RAM 110 can temporarily store flags and variable values used in the control program described above.

  A random number generator 412 for generating random numbers is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The random number generator 412 generates a random number included in a certain range of numerical values, for example, 0 to 65535 (2 to the 16th power). Note that a random number may be generated by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 106.

  A motor drive circuit 114 is connected to the input / output bus 104. The motor driving circuit 114 is connected to stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R that rotationally drive each of the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. The stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R are provided inside the three reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, respectively, and are attached so that the rotation shafts of the stepping motors 80L, 80C, and 80R are the rotation centers of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R. It is.

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

  Each of the reels 40L, 40C and 40R is provided with a rotation angle position sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation angle position, and each rotation angle position sensor is connected to the reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116. is there. Signals indicating the rotation angle positions of the reels 40L, 40C, and 40R emitted from the rotation angle position sensors are supplied to the reel rotation angle position detection circuit 116, converted into predetermined signals, and then supplied to the input / output bus 104. Is done. The CPU 106 calculates a symbol number from the supplied rotation angle position, and identifies a symbol stopped at the position of the display window 20 a of the front panel 20.

  Further, a connection line 118 is also connected to the interface circuit 102. The sub control circuit 200 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 100 by the connection line 118.

<< Sub-control circuit 200 >>
In FIG. 5, the connection line 118 described above is connected to the interface circuit 202 of the sub-control circuit 200, and the interface circuit 202 is connected to the input / output bus 204. A signal transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 200 is converted into a desired signal by the interface circuit 202 and then supplied to the input / output bus 204. A data signal or an address signal is input / output to / from a central processing circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 206 via the input / output bus 204.

  A ROM 208 and a RAM 210 are also connected to the input / output bus 204 described above. The ROM 208 stores a control program for controlling the display driving device 221, the lamp driving circuit 222, and the speaker driving circuit 224, and initial data for executing this control program. For example, an MB game effect control subroutine shown in FIG. 12, which will be described later, various effect image control programs displayed on the image display means 70, a control program for lighting the lamp means 21, BGM, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 64 Audio data for generating audio is stored.

  That is, the CPU 206 reads out the data relating to the image, lamp lighting and sound stored in the ROM 208 in accordance with the control signal supplied from the main control circuit 100, and reads the data into the display driving device 221, the lamp driving circuit 222, and the speaker driving. Supply to circuit 224. Thereby, the effect image is displayed on the image display means 70, the lamp means 21 is turned on, and a predetermined sound is emitted from the speaker 64.

<Description of Control Processing of Slot Machine 10>
Hereinafter, various controls performed by the control unit of the slot machine 10 described above will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts.

  FIG. 6 shows a main routine of control processing performed in the main control circuit 100 of the slot machine 10. 7 to 10 show subroutines that are control processes performed in the main routine.

  FIG. 7 shows a part lottery processing subroutine for performing part lottery performed by the part lottery means 410 and flag-on processing performed following the part lottery. FIG. 8 shows a reel fluctuation / stop subroutine in which the reel controller 420 performs control for rotating and stopping the reel. FIG. 9 shows a flag-off process subroutine which is a control process after the symbol is stopped by the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine. FIG. 10 shows a winning combination process subroutine which is a part of the control process of the flag off process subroutine.

  In the control process described below, the slot machine 10 is activated in advance, and variables used in the main control circuit 100 and the sub control circuit 200 of the slot machine 10 described above are initialized to predetermined values and operate in a steady state. It shall be.

<< Description of main routine >>
The control process of the main routine will be described using the flowchart of FIG. The main routine shows a control process when a unit game is performed once until a process based on a result of rotating and stopping a plurality of reels displaying a plurality of symbols.

  First, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is set to the re-gaming state. The re-gaming state is set in step S91 of the winning combination processing subroutine shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the re-gaming state is not set (NO), the process proceeds to step S11, and it is determined whether or not a game medium is inserted. If it is determined that a game medium has been inserted (YES), the process proceeds to step S15, and the inserted number is detected as the number of bets. Note that the number of bets when a game medium is inserted is detected by a game medium counter installed at the lower portion of the game medium insertion port 38. When the number of game media exceeding the specified number (three in this embodiment) is inserted, the game media exceeding the specified number is stored in the RAM 110 as the number of credits.

  If it is determined in step S11 that no game medium has been inserted (NO), the process proceeds to step S12 to determine whether there is a credited game medium. If it is determined that there is a credited game medium (YES), the process proceeds to step S13 to determine whether or not the 3-bet switch 36 is turned on. If it is determined in step S13 that the 3-bet switch 36 is turned on (YES), the process proceeds to step S15 and the number of three bets is detected.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that there is no credited game medium (NO), or if it is determined in step S13 that the 3-bet switch 36 is not turned on (NO), both detect the number of bets. Therefore, the determinations in steps S11 to S13 are repeated.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the game is set to the re-gaming state (YES), the process proceeds to step S14, and the setting of the re-gaming state is canceled. In this case, the game can be played again with the number of three bets without newly inserting a game medium or consuming the credited game medium.

  After step S14 or S15, the process proceeds to step S16, and it is determined whether or not the start switch 50 is turned on. If it is determined that the start switch 50 is not turned on (NO), the process of step S16 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the start switch 50 has been turned on (YES), the routine proceeds to the hand lottery processing subroutine of step S17.

  In the combination lottery processing subroutine of step S17, combination lottery processing is performed by the combination lottery means 410, and the BB flag, MB flag, SB flag, replay flag, and corresponding small combination flag are turned on according to the winning combination. Etc., flag on processing is performed. Details of this subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Subsequent to the role lottery processing subroutine (step S17), a reel fluctuation / stop subroutine (step S18) for performing a control process related to the movement of the reels to be stopped after rotating the reels 40L, 40C, 40R is performed based on the result of the role lottery. Is called. This reel fluctuation / stop subroutine is performed by the reel control means 420, and details of this subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, after the reels are stopped by the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine, a winning symbol determination is performed, and a flag-off processing subroutine (step S19) for performing a flag-off process based on the determination result is performed. Details of this subroutine will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Then, a payout process (step S20) for paying out a predetermined number of game media corresponding to the winning combination is performed based on the results of the winning combination lottery and winning symbol determination. In this payout process, it is possible to actually pay out game media from the game media payout outlet 62, but instead of paying out, it is also possible to credit a predetermined number of game media. The unit game is completed by the above control process. Then, by repeating the control process shown in this main routine, the player can play a plurality of unit games.

  Although not shown in the main routine of FIG. 6, for example, detection of insertion of game media, pushing operation of the 3-bet switch 36, tilting operation of the start switch 50, pushing of the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R When there is an operation or the like, a signal is transmitted from the main control circuit 100 to the sub control circuit 200 for each detection or operation.

<< Role lottery processing subroutine >>
The combination lottery process and the flag-on process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the game mode is a BB game (step S30). When it is determined that the game mode is BB game (YES), the lottery table for BB operation stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S31). Here, FIG. 14 shows an example of the BB operation lottery table.

  In the BB operation lottery table shown in FIG. 14, the small numbers 1 to 4 of the symbol numbers 1 to 4 and the divergence of the symbol number 5 are set. For example, when the small role 2 is won, It is set to win when all the reels have the “bell” symbol. In the winning lottery performed in step S39, which will be described later, the winning probability of the small role 2 is set to be very high as “1 / 1.51” (about 66.25%). /3.26 "(about 30%). In this way, during the BB game, there is a very high possibility of winning the small role 2, and the player can play an advantageous game.

  If it is determined in step S30 that the game mode is not BB game (NO), the process proceeds to step S32, and it is determined whether or not the game mode is MB game. When it is determined that the game mode is the MB game (YES), the MB operating lottery table stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S33). Here, FIG. 15 shows an example of the MB operation lottery table.

  The MB operating lottery table shown in FIG. 15 includes small roles 1 to 4 with symbol numbers 1 to 4 for convenience of explanation. The small role 4 is not a target for the lottery in the MB game. As described above, during the MB game, the reel control is performed that can win the small combination 1, the small combination 2, and the small combination 4 without going through lottery. In the MB game of the present embodiment, a lottery of a small combination 3 of symbol number 3, a SB combination of symbol number 5 and a failure of symbol number 6 is performed. As described above, the SB combination is an MB game end combination, and the MB game ends when the SB combination is won. In the present embodiment, the winning probability of the small role 3 is “1/80” (1.25%), the winning probability of the SB role is “1/10” (10%), and the deviation is “about 1 / 1.127”. It is set to (about 88.75%), and it is set as the probability of winning the SB combination when 30 games are played. If the SB combination is won, the MB game ends, but it is also an opportunity to shift to the replay time after the end.

  If it is determined in step S32 that the game mode is not an MB game (NO), the process proceeds to step S34, and it is determined whether or not the game mode is an SB game. When it is determined that the game mode is SB game (YES), the SB operation lottery table stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S35). In the SB game, the BB game won by the small role 2 with a high probability is performed only once. Although not shown, the SB operation lottery table has the same contents as the BB operation lottery table shown in FIG. ing.

  In step S34, when it is determined that the game mode is not SB game (NO), the process proceeds to step S36, and it is determined whether or not the game state is RT game. When it is determined that the gaming state is the RT game (YES), the process proceeds to and the RT lottery table when the BB is not operating stored in the ROM 108 is read (step S37). Here, FIG. 16 shows an example of the RT lottery table when the BB is not operating.

  In the BB non-operating RT lottery table shown in FIG. 16, as described above, the winning probability of the re-gamer is set to “1 / 1.54” (approximately 65%), which is very high. Is set to a very low value of “about 1 / 7.18” (about 13.92%). With such a winning probability, a predetermined number of games can be played without consuming game media during the replay time.

  If it is determined in step S36 that the game mode is not RT game (NO), the process proceeds to step S38, and the BB non-operating general lottery table stored in the ROM 108 is read. Here, an example of the general lottery table when the BB is not operated is shown in FIG.

  BB non-operating general lottery table shown in FIG. 17 is a lottery table used in a normal game state that is not BB game, SB game, MB game, RT game, small figures 1-4 of symbol numbers 1-4, Symbol number 5 re-playing role, symbol number 6 MB1 role, symbol number 7 MB2 role, symbol number 8 BB1 role, symbol number 9 BB2 role, symbol number 10 SB role, symbol number 11 off Has been.

  In step S31, S33, S35, S37 or S38 as described above, after reading the lottery table corresponding to the state of the game, the process proceeds to step S39, where the lottery for obtaining the random number and performing the lottery determination is performed.

  Thereafter, in steps S40 to S53, determination of the lottery result and necessary flag-on processing are performed. That is, in steps S40, S42, S44, S46, S48, S50, and S52, it is determined whether or not the BB1 role, the BB2 role, the MB1 role, the MB2 role, the SB role, the replaying role, and the small role are won. If it is determined that any of the winning combinations is won in these steps (YES), the BB1 flag, the BB2 flag, the MB1 flag, the MB2 flag, the SB flag, the replay flag, the small flag corresponding to the winning combination One of the combination flags is set to ON (steps S41, S43, S45, S47, S49, S51, S53).

  After the flag processing in steps S41, S43, S45, S47, S49, S51, and S53 is completed, the process proceeds to step S54, and a signal related to the result of the winning lottery is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200. Then, the winning symbol number and symbol data are stored in the RAM 110 (step S55). Also, if it is determined in step S52 that none of the small roles has been won (NO), the process proceeds to step S54, and a signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200. In this case, the off symbol number and control symbol data are stored in the RAM 110 (step S55).

  The symbol number and control symbol data stored in the RAM 110 in step S55 are used in a reel fluctuation / stop subroutine described later. The combination lottery processing subroutine is thus completed.

<< Description of reel fluctuation / stop subroutine >>
Next, in the main routine of FIG. 6, when the combination lottery processing subroutine (step S17) is completed, the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine (step S18) is performed. The reel fluctuation / stop control will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the symbol number and control symbol data stored in step S55 of FIG. 7 are read (step S61). Then, it is determined whether or not a predetermined shortest time has elapsed (step S62). If it is determined that the shortest time has not elapsed (NO), the determination process in step S62 is repeatedly executed. As a result, the rotation of the reel which is the next step cannot be started until the shortest time has elapsed. By this control, the number of games played in a certain time is controlled to be within a predetermined number.

  If it is determined in step S62 that the shortest time has elapsed (YES), a reel rotation start signal is transmitted (step S63). Based on this signal, the motor drive circuit 114 of FIG. 4 operates to start the rotation of the motors 80L, 80C, 80R, and the reels 40L, 40C, 40R start to rotate.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the reel that has started rotating is rotating at a constant speed (step S64). If it is determined that the rotation of the reel has not yet reached a constant speed (NO), the determination process in step S64 is repeated. As a result, the reel stop control that is the next step cannot be performed until the rotation of the reel reaches a constant speed.

  If it is determined in step S64 that the rotation of the reel is a constant speed rotation (YES), it is next determined whether or not a reel stop signal has been received (steps S65 to S67).

  The reel stop signal is transmitted when the player pushes any one of the stop switches 52L, 52C, 52R. That is, when the stop switch 52L for the first reel is pushed in step S65 (YES), the first reel stop signal (operation signal) is transmitted, and the stop control of the motor 80L that rotates the first reel 40L is performed. Is performed (step S68). Similarly, when the stop switch 52C for the second reel is pushed in step S66 (YES), a second reel stop signal (operation signal) is transmitted, and the motor 80C that rotates the second reel 40C is stopped. Control is performed (step S68). If the stop switch 52R for the third reel is pushed in step S67 (YES), a third reel stop signal (operation signal) is transmitted, and the stop control of the motor 80R that rotates the third reel 40R is performed. Is performed (step S68).

  When it is determined that none of the first reel stop signal, the second reel stop signal, or the third reel stop signal is received, the determination process in steps S65 to S67 is repeated, and the stop control in step S68 is not performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that any one of the first reel stop signal, the second reel stop signal, or the third reel stop signal is received, the process proceeds to step S68.

  In step S68, it is determined whether or not there is a winning combination. If it is determined that there is a winning combination, a range that can be stopped on the winning line (see L1, L2A, L2B, L3A, and L3B in FIG. 1). If there is a symbol corresponding to the winning combination, the symbol is stopped on the winning line.

  As described above, when the state of the game is an MB game, in step S68, the reel control for stopping the left reel 40L within a predetermined short time (within ex. 75 ms) from the pushing operation of the stop switch 52L. The left reel 40L is controlled to stop at any one of “cherry”, “bell”, and “red BAR”. For example, in the symbol arrangement shown in FIG. 2, when control is performed to stop the left reel 40L within 75 ms from the pressing operation of the stop switch 52L, the symbol within two frames including the symbol from the position where the pressing operation is performed. Can stop moving. For example, assuming that the portion surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 2 is the display window 20a of the slot machine 10, the stop switch 52L is pushed when “red BAR” is displayed at the position of the left column 12 in FIG. When operated, “red 7” (see symbol in the left column 13) on one frame of “red BAR” or “red BAR” can be stopped at the position of the left column 12th. The above-described control is not limited to the left reel stop control, and may be applied to the middle reel or the right reel with respect to at least one reel depending on the reel arrangement and the small part configuration.

  At this time, when the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R are pushed in the order of left → middle → right, “bells” are aligned on the middle right reels 40C and 40R, respectively, and the small combination 1, small combination 2 or small Reel control for winning one of the combination 4 is performed. Further, when the SB combination is won in the combination lottery during the MB game, the reel control of the MB game which is the previous game is maintained only for the game won the SB combination.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S69, where it is determined whether or not all reels are stopped. If it is determined that all reels are not stopped (NO), the process returns to step S65, and steps SS65 to S67 are performed until all reels are stopped. These determination processes, the stop control in step S68, and the determination of all reels stop in step S69 are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that all reels have stopped (YES), this subroutine is terminated as it is.

<< Description of Flag Off Processing Subroutine >>
In the main routine of FIG. 6, when the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine (step S18) is completed, a flag-off process subroutine (step S19) including a winning determination is performed. The flag off process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S71, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is BB gaming. If it is determined that the BB game is being played (YES), the process proceeds to step S72, and the BB game process is performed.

  In the BB game process, a game-related control process using the BB operation lottery table of FIG. 14 is performed until a predetermined end condition is reached. As the end condition, for example, the number of paid out or acquired game media, the number of games, the number of winnings, or the like during a BB game can be set. In the present embodiment, the BB game end condition when winning the BB1 or BB2 combination is a payout of 346 or more game media.

  If it is determined in step S71 that the gaming state is not BB gaming (NO), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is MB gaming (step S73). If it is determined that an MB game is being played (YES), the process proceeds to step S74, and MB game processing is performed.

  In the MB game process, a game-related control process using the MB operation lottery table of FIG. 15 is performed until a predetermined end condition is reached. Also, the MB game processing includes special stop control of each reel 40L, 40C, 40R as described above, and freeze control based on the remaining payout number of game media. In addition, when winning the SB role in the MB lottery lottery, only the game won for the SB role performs a control process that maintains the reel control of the MB game as the previous game. Included in MB game processing.

  If it is determined in step S73 that the gaming state is not an MB game (NO), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is an SB game (step S75). If it is determined that the gaming state is SB gaming (YES), the process proceeds to step S76, and SB gaming processing is performed.

  In the SB game process, only for the next game winning the SB role, control related to the game using a lottery table (a lottery table substantially similar to the BB operation lottery table in FIG. 14) in which the winning probability of the predetermined small role is set high. Process. As a result, it is possible to perform an SB game that is a one-time bonus game.

  If it is determined in step S75 that the gaming state is not SB gaming (NO), it is determined whether or not the gaming state is RT gaming (step S77). If it is determined that the gaming state is the RT game (YES), the process proceeds to step S78, and RT game processing is performed.

  In the RT game process, a control process related to a game using the RT lottery table when BB is not operating in FIG. This RT game process also includes a control process in which the bet number of the previous game is set as it is and the next game is performed without inserting a game medium.

  After performing the above-described game processing of steps S72, S74, S76, and S78, or when it is determined in step S77 that the RT game is not being played (NO), the process proceeds to step S79, and whether or not there is a winning combination to decide. If it is determined that there is a winning combination (YES), the process proceeds to step S80, and the control process of the winning time process subroutine shown in FIG. 10 is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S79 that there is no winning combination (NO), the flag-off process subroutine is terminated as it is.

<< Explanation of processing subroutine at the time of role selection >>
The winning combination process will be described with reference to FIG. This winning combination processing subroutine is a part of the control processing of the flag off processing subroutine, and is executed when any combination is won in any of the BB gaming, MB gaming, SB gaming, RT gaming or general gaming state. Is done.

  First, a winning symbol determination is made as to whether or not the reel symbol stopped by the reel fluctuation / stop subroutine is winning (step S81). Then, as a result of the winning symbol determination, it is determined whether or not the BB1 role has been won (step S82). If it is determined that the BB1 combination is won (YES), the BB1 flag is turned off and the BB1 gaming state is set (step S83), and this subroutine is terminated. By setting the BB1 game state, the next game is determined to be in the BB1 game.

  If it is determined in step S82 that the BB1 combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not the BB2 combination has been won (step S84). If it is determined that the BB2 combination has been won (YES), the BB2 flag is turned off and set to the BB2 gaming state (step S85), and this subroutine is terminated. By setting the BB2 game state, the next game is determined to be a BB2 game.

  If it is determined in step S84 that the BB2 combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not the MB1 combination has been won (step S86). If it is determined that the MB1 winning combination has been won (YES), the MB1 flag is turned off and the MB1 gaming state is set (step S87), and this subroutine is terminated. By setting the MB1 game state, the next game is determined to be an MB1 game.

  If it is determined in step S86 that the MB1 combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not the MB2 combination has been won (step S88). If it is determined that the MB2 role has been won (YES), the MB2 flag is turned off and the MB2 gaming state is set (step S89), and this subroutine is terminated. By setting the MB2 game state, the next game is determined as an MB2 game.

  If it is determined in step S88 that the MB2 combination has not been won (NO), it is determined whether or not the re-game combination has been won (step S90). If it is determined that the re-game player has been won (YES), the re-game flag is turned off to set the re-game state (step S91), and this subroutine is terminated. By setting the replay state, the next game is determined to be a replay.

  If it is determined in step S90 that the re-playing combination has not been won (NO), the process proceeds to step S92, and the flag corresponding to the winning SB combination or small combination 1-4 is selected regardless of the winning symbol determination result. After turning off, this subroutine is finished.

<< Description of the main routine (continued) >>
As described above, the flag-off process subroutine shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 ends. Here, returning to the main routine of FIG. 6, the winning determination and flag-off process subroutine in step S19 is terminated, the payout process in step S20 is terminated, and the main routine is terminated. Thereby, the control process for performing a unit game in which one process from the time the symbol changes until it stops is completed.

<Description of MB game in this embodiment>
Hereinafter, control processing during the MB game of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the MB control freeze control processing subroutine of the main control circuit. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an MB game effect control process subroutine of the sub-control circuit. FIGS. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing effect images displayed on the image display means.

  The MB game illustrated below is an example of an MB game when winning the MB1 role, and this MB game is selected as the SB role that is the end role when the payout number of game media reaches 254 or more. Exit if you do. In addition, in the game won for the SB role, the control state during the MB game is maintained, and when the small role 4 (transfer role) is won in the game, the game state shifts to the replay time. ing.

  In the present embodiment, the MB game has different game characteristics of the “acquisition zone” and the “life extension zone”. In other words, with the remaining payout number of game media during MB game as a guideline, the 30 games in the first half of the MB game are designated as “acquisition zones” for winning a small role 2 (15 payouts), and the 30 games in the second half of the MB game are It is a “life extension zone” for winning a small role 4 (two payouts). In the “Acquisition Zone”, a player who wins 15 small payouts and wins more game media, and in the “Life Extension Zone”, wins a transitional role of 4 and wins a shift to replay time. It has become sex. Then, in order to notify the player of the appropriate switching timing from the “acquisition zone” to the “life extension zone”, freeze control is performed based on the remaining 29 payouts of game media as a guideline, which triggers the “life extension zone” The effect image of FIG. 13B is displayed.

<< MB Freezing Control Processing Subroutine for MB Games >>
First, in step S101, the game control means 430 of the main control circuit 100 shown in FIG. 3 determines whether or not the current gaming state is an MB game. If it is determined that the MB game is not being played (NO), the standby state in which the determination in step S101 is repeated is entered.

  If it is determined in step S101 that the current gaming state is an MB game (YES), the process proceeds to step S102, and the remaining payout number N of game media in the MB game is counted. The remaining payout number N of game media is calculated by the counter means 440 shown in FIG.

  In step S103, it is determined whether or not the remaining payout number N of game media is 44 or less. If it is determined that the remaining payout number N of game media is 44 or less (YES), the process proceeds to step S104, and it is determined whether or not the remaining payout number N of game media is 29 or more.

  That is, in steps S103 and S104, it is determined whether or not the remaining payout number N of game media is within a range of 44 to 29. This 44 ≧ N ≧ 29 is a condition for performing freeze control, which will be described later, and displaying the effect image of FIG. 13B that triggers the “life extension zone”. By setting this condition to a predetermined range of 44 ≧ N ≧ 29, even when game media are randomly paid out in the “acquisition zone”, before the remaining payout number of game media becomes 29 or less, FIG. The effect image of (b) is surely displayed, and the “life extension zone” game can be played at least 15 times.

  If it is determined in steps S103 and S104 that the remaining payout number N of game media is within the range of 44 to 29 (YES), the process proceeds to step S105 to determine whether or not freeze control has already been executed. If it is determined that the freeze control is not being executed (NO), the process proceeds to step S106 and the freeze control is executed.

  This freeze control is performed by the freeze control means 450 shown in FIG. 3, for example, a game such as a control process based on the operation of the 3-bet switch 36, the start switch 50, and the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R. The control process for advancing is set in a standby state for a predetermined time. Within this predetermined time, the effect image of FIG. 13B that triggers the “life extension zone” is displayed without being canceled (step S136 of FIG. 12).

  Here, in this embodiment, even if the remaining payout number N of game media is within a range of 44 to 29 (steps S103 and S104), freeze control is performed only once (step S105). This freeze control is for displaying the effect image shown in FIG. 13 (b) that triggers the “life extension zone” without being canceled for a predetermined time. Note that the number of freeze controls is not limited to one. You may make it display the effect image of FIG.13 (b) in multiple times by performing freeze control in multiple times. Furthermore, you may make it display a different production image for every freeze control of multiple times.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S107, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO), the determination in step S107 is repeated and freeze control is continued as it is (step S106). On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES), the process proceeds to step S108, and the freeze control is terminated. As a result, the control process for proceeding with the game of the slot machine 10 is restored and the game is ready.

  If the determination result of steps S103 and S104 described above is NO, if it is determined that the freeze control has already been executed in S105 (YES), if the freeze control is terminated via step S108, the process proceeds to step S111 in either case. As a result of the lottery (step S39 in FIG. 7), it is determined whether or not the SB combination which is the end combination is won.

  If it is determined in step S111 that the SB combination has been won (YES), the process proceeds to step S112 to end the MB game. That is, when the SB combination is won, the SB flag is turned on (step S49 in FIG. 7), and the MB game ends at that time. As a result, the game won in the SB combination is in the general gaming state.

  Proceeding to step S113, the control state of the previous game is maintained only for the game won in the SB combination. That is, the MB game process of step S74 shown in FIG. 9 is continued only for the game. As a result, in the game, as in the MB game, it is possible to win the small combination 4 which is the transition combination.

  In step S114, it is determined whether all reels have stopped. If it is determined that all reels are not stopped (NO), this determination is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the reels are stopped (YES), the process proceeds to step S115, and it is determined whether or not the small combination 4 which is a transition combination in the game is won.

  If it is determined in step S115 that the small role 4 has been won (YES), the process proceeds to step S116, and the replay high probability state control means 432 shown in FIG. 3 changes the game state to the replay high probability state (replay time = RT). As a result, the replay time starts after the end of the MB game, and the gaming state advantageous to the player is continued even after the end of the MB game.

  If it is determined in step S115 that the small combination 4 has not been won (NO), this subroutine is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S111 described above that the SB combination which is the end combination is not won (NO), the process proceeds to step S117, and the number of game medium payouts is 254 or more, which is the condition for the end of the MB game. Judge whether or not. If it is determined that the number has reached 254 or more (YES), the MB game is terminated (step S118), and then this subroutine is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S117 that the number of game media paid out has not reached 254 or more (NO), this subroutine is terminated as it is. In this case, since the MB game continues in the next game, the process returns to step S101 and the control process of this subroutine is performed again.

<< MB Game Effect Control Subroutine >>
Next, the MB game effect control process subroutine will be described with reference to FIGS. This subroutine is executed in parallel with the above-described MB game freeze control processing subroutine by the image control means 500 of the sub-control circuit 200 shown in FIG.

  First, in step S131, it is determined whether or not the MB combination has been won. If it is determined that the MB combination has not been won (NO), a standby state is repeated in which the determination in step S131 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the MB combination has been won (YES), the process proceeds to step S132, and a dedicated effect for MB games using the image display means 70, the lamp means 21 and the speaker 64 shown in FIG.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S133, and it is determined whether a reel rotation start signal from the main control circuit 100 has been received. If it is determined that the reel rotation signal has not been received (NO), the determination in step S133 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S133 that the reel rotation signal has been received (YES), the effect image shown in FIG. The effect image of FIG. 13A includes a notification image 72 of “Looking at acquisition zone blue 7! 15G (game)”, and more game media until 1 to 15 games in the MB game. It is notified that it is an “acquisition zone” for acquiring

  In this “acquisition zone”, “blue 7” (see symbol number 2 in FIG. 2) of the left reel 40L is displayed in accordance with the display of “press blue 7!” Included in the notification image 72 in FIG. When the stop switch 52L is pushed and operated, reel control is performed to stop the left reel 40L within 75 ms from the pushing operation. As a result, the left reel 40L is moved up or down two frames of “blue 7”. It stops at “Bell” (see symbol number 4 or 0 in FIG. 2). At this time, if the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R are pushed in the order of left → middle → right, reel control is performed in which “bells” are aligned on the middle right reels 40C and 40R, respectively, and the small part 2 is awarded. As a result, 15 games with a payout number of game media of 15 games can be played and a total of 225 game media payouts can be received.

  Proceeding to step S135, it is determined whether or not the remaining payout number N of game media is 44 or less. This step S135 defines the conditions corresponding to step S103 in FIG. 11. It is determined whether or not the remaining payout number N of game media has reached 44 or less, and the above-described freeze control is performed. The effect image shown in FIG. 13B that triggers the “life extension zone” is displayed.

  If it is determined in step S135 that the remaining payout number N of game media is 44 or less (YES), the process proceeds to step S136, and the effect image shown in FIG. The effect image of FIG. 13B includes a notification image 73 of “Aiming for the life extension zone red BAR! 15G (game)”. It is notified that it is a “life extension zone” in which the winning combination 4 is won and the transition to the replay time is expected. When the effect image of FIG. 13B is displayed, freeze control is executed at the same time (step S106 in FIG. 11), and until a predetermined time elapses (step S107 in FIG. 11), “ The effect image of “life extension zone” is displayed without being canceled.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S137, and it is determined whether or not the SB combination which is the end combination is won. When it is determined that the SB combination is won (YES), the process proceeds to step S138, and it is determined whether or not the small combination 4 which is a transition combination is won. If it is determined that the small role 4 has been won (YES), the process proceeds to step S141, and the effect mode of the MB game currently being performed is changed to the effect mode of the RT game.

  If it is determined in step S137 that the SB combination has not been won (NO), or if it is determined in step S138 that the small combination 4 has not been won (NO), the process proceeds to step S139, and the number of game media to be paid out However, it is determined whether or not the number of 254 cards, which is the condition for ending the MB game, has been reached. If it is determined that the number has reached 254 or more (YES), the process proceeds to step S140, and after changing the effect mode of the MB game to the effect mode of the general game, this subroutine is finished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S135 described above that the remaining payout number N of game media has not reached 44 or less (NO), the process proceeds to step S142, and it is determined whether or not the SB combination which is the end combination is won. To do. If it is determined that the SB combination is not won (NO), the determination in step S135 is repeated until the remaining payout number N of game media reaches 44 or less.

  If it is determined in step S142 that the remaining payout number N of game media has reached 44 or less (YES), the process proceeds to step S136 and is shown in FIG. 13 (b). The effect image is displayed on the image display means 70. Since the display here is performed regardless of the freeze control in step S106 in FIG. 11, for example, there are cases where the display is canceled by an operation of advancing a game such as the stop switches 52L, 52C, 52R. However, according to the effect image of FIG. 13 (b), if the small combination 4 which is the transition combination is awarded, the game state can be shifted from the next game to the replay time.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S137, and it is determined whether or not the SB combination which is the end combination is won. However, since it is already determined that the SB combination is won in step S142 (YES), the process proceeds to step S138 as it is. It is determined whether or not the small combination 4 which is a transfer combination is won. Thereafter, the same control processing as in steps S139 to 141 described above is performed, and this subroutine is terminated.

<Operation and Effect of First Embodiment>
As described above, according to the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, freeze control is performed based on the number N of game media to be paid out in the MB game, and during the predetermined period during which this freeze control is performed, FIG. It is possible to display the effect image of the “life extension zone” shown in FIG. As a result, an “life extension zone”, which is a game to be shifted to the replay time, is added to the “acquisition zone”, which is the original game of the MB game, and a combination of these different game characteristics allows more games at the discretion of the player. A new gameability of shifting to the replay time while acquiring the medium is created, and the MB game can be made more interesting.

  In the above-described embodiment, one specific game is an MB game and the other specific game is an RT (replay time) game. However, the present invention is not limited to this combination, and a general game such as a BB game, an RB game, or the like. Any game that proceeds more advantageously for the player than the game can be the subject of the present invention as a specific game. In addition, the end combination of one specific game is not limited to the SB combination, and various combinations can be set as the end combination. For example, the RB combination may be set as the end combination.

  In the above-described embodiment, the freeze control is automatically started when the payout number of game media during the MB game reaches a value within a predetermined range. However, the present invention is not limited to this. is not. Freeze control is started when the payout number of game media reaches a predetermined value or a value within a predetermined range, and the player performs a predetermined operation (ex. 3-bet switch operation). Also good.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the number of game media paid out reaches a value within a predetermined range, the effect image of the “life extension zone” shown in FIG. 13B is displayed. This effect image may be displayed when the number of acquired game media reaches a predetermined value or a value within a predetermined range.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a slot machine that is a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The slot machine according to the present embodiment is configured to include a main reel with a real reel attached with a pattern, and a sub reel as an image displayed on an image display means such as a liquid crystal display device. Then, a BB1 role that ends when paying out 254 or more game media and a BB2 role that ends when paying out 136 or more game media are set, and whether the BB1 role is won or the BB2 role is won? It is difficult to discriminate the person (such a BB game is simply referred to as “BB game” in this embodiment), and in this BB game, freeze control is performed when the number of payouts of game media reaches 136, By displaying an effect image informing the end and continuation of the BB game, the player's interest is intensified, making the BB game more interesting.

<Explanation of actual reel and liquid crystal reel of slot machine>
FIG. 18 is a front view showing an appearance of the slot machine (game machine) according to the present embodiment. In the figure, three real reels 40L, 40C and 40R are rotatably provided at the upper part of the housing of the slot machine 10. Each real reel 40L, 40C and 40R has a ring shape, and a reel tape printed with a plurality of types of symbols 41, 41, 41... It is.

  Each of the symbols 41 on the real reels 40L, 40C, and 40R includes symbols such as “cherry”, “bell”, “watermelon”, “replay”, “red 7”, “blue 7” and the like (FIG. 2 described above). However, in this embodiment, it is difficult to determine which role has been won even if the combination of the stopped symbols 41 is seen by making all the symbols 41 into face symbols in this embodiment. It is said.

  On the other hand, an image display means 70 composed of a large liquid crystal display panel is provided on the front surface of the housing of the slot machine 10, and the above-described three liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C and 70R are displayed on the image display means 70. Is done. In each of the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C and 70R, symbol images 71, 71, 71... Such as “cherry”, “bell”, “watermelon”, “replay”, “red 7”, “blue 7”, etc. Is displayed. As in the first embodiment, the image display means 70 is not limited to the liquid crystal display panel, and any display device capable of displaying a reel image and other effect images can be used. is there.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is difficult to determine the winning combination by the symbols (face symbols) 41 of the real reels 40L, 40C, and 40R, and the symbols constituting the role are the symbol images of the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, and 70R. 71 is displayed. Therefore, the game of the slot machine 10 is performed while watching the symbol images 71 of the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, and 70R exclusively.

  In this embodiment, the BB1 role is won or the BB2 role is won by using the display forms of the symbols 41 and 71 by the real reels 40L, 40C and 40R and the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C and 70R. There is an effect that makes it difficult to identify the player. For example, when winning the BB1 role (combination of “red 7, red 7, red 7” as the winning symbol) or the BB2 role (combination of “blue 7, blue 7, blue 7” as the winning symbol) shown in FIG. In addition, effect control for stopping each of the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C and 70R is executed by a combination of special “bonus symbol” symbol images 71 that do not exist in FIGS. The design of the symbol image 71 is not particularly limited as long as the symbol image 71 of the “bonus symbol” can be used to imply that a bonus combination has been won. Further, instead of displaying such a “bonus symbol” symbol image 71, it is also possible to display an effect image informing that a bonus combination has been won.

  By such effect control, a winning combination of some sort is created, but it is difficult to determine whether the winning combination is the BB1 combination or the BB2 combination. Then, when the symbol images 71 of “bonus symbols” are prepared, an effect different from that during the general game (for example, an effect of notifying that the game state has shifted to the bonus stage) is started, and the game state is Inform the player that the game has shifted to the bonus game. In the subsequent game, winning of the small role 2 frequently occurs (see FIG. 14), so that the player recognizes that the current gaming state is a BB game. However, it cannot be determined from the current gaming state whether the BB1 game is ended by paying out 254 or more game media or the BB2 game is ended by paying out 136 or more game media. In such a BB game, freeze control is performed at the timing when the payout number of game media reaches 136, and an effect image (FIG. 22 (a) informing the end of the BB game during a predetermined period during which this freeze control is performed. )) Is displayed, and if the BB1 role has been won, an effect image (see FIG. 22 (b)) for notifying the continuation of the BB game is further displayed to continue the BB game that has been finished once. Or an extended production is possible.

<Description of Sub Control Circuit 200>
FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing the sub control circuit 200 of the slot machine 10. In the figure, the sub control circuit 200 includes an image control means 500, an image storage means 510, a lamp control means 520, and a sound control means 530. The lamp control unit 520 and the sound control unit 530 have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The image control means 500 includes a liquid crystal reel effect control means 501 and an effect image control means 502. The image storage unit 510 includes a design image data storage unit 511 and an effect image data storage unit 512.

  The liquid crystal reel effect control unit 501 performs effect control of the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, and 70R based on the signal received from the main control circuit 100. For example, the rotation effect of the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C and 70R is started based on the operation signal of the start switch 50, and the stop effect of the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C and 70R is started based on the stop signal of the stop switches 52L, 52C and 52R. Do. In addition, the liquid crystal reel effect control means 501 uses the liquid crystal reels 70L and 70L so as to be a combination of the symbol images 71 corresponding to the winning combination (including a loss) based on the result of the winning lottery by the winning lottery means 410 shown in FIG. 70C and 70R are stopped. The image data of the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C and 70R, and the symbol image 71 is stored in the symbol image data storage unit 511.

  The effect image control means 502 performs effect control other than the effect control of the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, and 70R described above. For example, an effect image for notifying the end of the BB game shown in FIG. 22A, an effect image for notifying the continuation of the BB game shown in FIG. 22B, and other notification images such as a winning combination using a character image or the like. Is displayed. Various image data including the effect images shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B are stored in the effect image data storage unit 512.

<Description of Sub Control Circuit Subroutine>
FIG. 20 shows a sub-control circuit subroutine for controlling the rotation / stop effect of the liquid crystal reel. Hereinafter, the control processing of the rotation / stop effect of the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C and 70R by the liquid crystal reel effect control means 501 of the sub control circuit 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S121, it is determined whether or not the result of the lottery in the main control circuit 100 has been received. The result of the role lottery is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200 in step S54 of FIG. If it is determined that the result of the lottery is not received (NO), the determination in step S121 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S121 that the result of the winning lottery has been received (YES), the process proceeds to step S122, and a combination of predetermined symbol images 71 corresponding to the winning combination (including a loss) is selected.

  Here, in step S122, when the BB1 combination or the BB2 combination is won, a combination of a special “bonus symbol” symbol image 71 that does not exist in FIGS. 2 and 7 may be selected. That is, in the BB game freezing control processing subroutine of FIG. 21, when the BB1 role or BB2 role is won in the role lottery in the main control circuit 100 (step S145 in FIG. 21), the special game control means 431 performs freeze control. Whether or not to execute is determined by lottery (step S146 in FIG. 21). When the freeze control is executed (YES), a signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200, and based on this signal, the liquid crystal reel effect control means 501 selects a combination of the symbol images 71 of “out”.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S123, and it is determined whether or not the real reels 40L, 40C, and 40R have started to rotate. Whether or not the real reels 40L, 40C, and 40R have started to rotate is determined based on the reel rotation start signal transmitted in step S63 of FIG. 8 described above. Thereby, the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C and 70R start to rotate in synchronization with the start of rotation of the real reels 40L, 40C and 40R.

  If it is determined in step S123 that the real reels 40L, 40C, and 40R have not started rotating (NO), the determination in step S123 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the real reels 40L, 40C, and 40R have started rotating (YES), it is determined whether a reel stop signal has been received (steps S125 to S127).

  As described in steps S65 to S67 in FIG. 8, the reel stop signal is transmitted when the player pushes any one of the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R. If the stop switch 52L for the first reel is pushed in step S125 (YES), a first reel stop signal is transmitted, and an effect of stopping the first liquid crystal reel 70L is performed (step S128). Similarly, when the stop switch 52C for the second reel is pushed in step S126 (YES), a second reel stop signal is transmitted to produce an effect of stopping the second liquid crystal reel 70C (step S128). . If the stop switch 52R for the third reel is pushed in step S127 (YES), a third reel stop signal is transmitted, and an effect of stopping the third liquid crystal reel 70R is performed (step S128).

  When it is determined that none of the first reel stop signal, the second reel stop signal, or the third reel stop signal is received, the determination process in steps S125 to S127 is repeated, and the stop control in step S128 is not performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that any one of the first reel stop signal, the second reel stop signal, or the third reel stop signal is received, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, the liquid crystal reel 70L is arranged so that the three symbol images 71, 71, 71 corresponding to the winning combination selected in step S122 are aligned on any virtual winning line (see the five chain lines in FIG. 18). , 70C and 70R are stopped.

  Here, in the above-described step S122, when the winning combination is the BB1 combination or the BB2 combination and the combination of the “bonus symbol” symbol image 71 is selected, the symbol “bonus symbol” is selected in this step S128. An effect of stopping the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, and 70R by combining the images 71, 71, and 71 is performed. In this case, since the symbols 41 of the real reels 40L, 40C, and 40R are used as face symbols, it is difficult to determine whether the player has won the BB1 role or the BB2 role, and has won some bonus role. It is difficult to determine whether the winning combination BB1 or BB2 is won.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S129, and it is determined whether or not the stop effect of all the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, and 70R is completed. When it is determined that the stop effects of all the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, and 70R are not completed (NO), the control processing of steps S125 to S129 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the stop effects of all the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, and 70R have been completed (YES), this subroutine is terminated as it is.

<Freeze control processing subroutine during BB game>
Next, the BB gaming freeze control processing subroutine will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a BB gaming freeze control processing subroutine of the main control circuit. FIGS. 22A and 22B are explanatory views showing effect images displayed on the image display means during the freeze control.

  First, in step S145, it is determined whether or not the special game control means 431 of the main control circuit 100 has won the BB1 combination or the BB2 combination in the combination lottery. If it is determined that the BB1 role or the BB2 role is not won (NO), the determination in step S150 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the BB1 combination or the BB2 combination is won (YES), the process proceeds to step S146, and it is determined whether or not freeze control is executed. This determination is made based on, for example, a lottery using random numbers. If it is determined that the freeze control is not to be executed (NO), this subroutine is terminated as it is. In this case, a normal BB1 game or a BB2 game is performed. That is, the BB game in FIG. 21 is executed under a predetermined probability by the lottery in step S146.

  If it is determined in step S146 that the freeze control is to be executed (YES), the process proceeds to step S147, and it is determined whether or not the BB game is started. If it is determined that the BB game has not yet started (NO), the determination in step S147 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S146 that the freeze control is to be executed (YES), a signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200. In step S122 of FIG. 20, the liquid crystal reel effect control means 501 causes the liquid crystal reel 70L, As a stop symbol of 70C and 70R, a combination of a special “bonus symbol” symbol image 71 that does not exist in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7 is selected. Thereafter, when the player wins the BB1 role or the BB2 role by the stop operation of the stop switches 52L, 52C, 52R, the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, 70R are stopped at the “bonus symbol” symbol images 71, 71, 71. The production to be performed is performed. As a result, a state in which it is difficult to determine which of the BB1 combination or the BB2 combination has been won although a bonus combination is won. An effect different from the normal game is executed in response to this “out of game”, and the player is notified that the game has shifted to some kind of bonus game.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S147 that the BB game has started (YES), the process proceeds to step S148, and the counter means 440 counts the number of game media paid out during the BB game. Then, the process proceeds to step S149, and it is determined whether or not the number of game media paid out has reached 136 or more. The number 136 of payouts of game media is a BB2 game end condition. If it is determined in step S149 that the number of sheets has not reached 136 (NO), the control processes of steps S148 and S149 are repeated.

  At this point, the player recognizes that the current gaming state is a BB game due to frequent winning of the small role 2 (see FIG. 14), but the BB1 game is terminated by paying out 254 or more game media. Whether it is a BB2 game that is ended by paying out 136 or more game media cannot be determined from the current game state.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S149 that the number of paid-out game media has reached 136 or more (YES), the flow proceeds to step S150, and the freeze control means 450 executes freeze control. By this freeze control, control processing for proceeding with the game, such as control processing based on operations of the 3-bet switch 36, the start switch 50, and the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R, is in a standby state for a predetermined time. In step S151, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO), the freeze control in step S150 is continued.

  Then, the effect image shown in FIG. 22A is displayed by the image control means 500 of the sub-control circuit 200 within this predetermined time. The effect image shown in FIG. 22A notifies the end of the BB game. In FIG. 22A, when the payout number of game media reaches 136 or more, freeze control is started. At the same time, the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C and 70R are reduced and displayed on the upper end side of the image display means 70. The notification image 74 of “Payout!” And “A large amount of coins” is displayed large. The player who sees the notification image 74 of FIG. 22A notifies that the display of “136 payouts!” Has reached the payout number of game media, which is the current BB game end condition. recognize.

  If it is determined in step S151 that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES), the process proceeds to step S152 to determine whether the current winning combination of the BB game is the BB1 combination. If it is determined that the winning combination is the BB1 combination (YES), the process proceeds to step S153, and it is further determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO), the determination in step S153 is repeated, and the freeze control in step S150 is continued until the predetermined time has elapsed.

  Within this predetermined time, the image control means 500 switches the effect image shown in FIG. 22A to the effect image shown in FIG. In FIG. 22B, the continuation of the BB game is notified, and a notification image 75 of “bonus continuation!” And “more coins” is displayed large. In other words, the BB game that has been finished once with the effect image of FIG. 22A performs an effect that makes it seem that the effect image of FIG. 22B is continued or extended.

  If it is determined in step S153 that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES), the process proceeds to step S154 to end the freeze control. Next, the process proceeds to step S155, and it is determined whether or not the number of game media paid out, which is the BB1 game end condition, has reached 254 or more. If it is determined that the number of paid-out game media has not reached 254 or more (NO), the determination in step S155 is repeated, and the player continues until the number of pay-out of game media reaches 254 or more. BB games can be played. Thereafter, when it is determined in step S155 that the number of game media paid out has reached 254 or more (YES), the process proceeds to step S157, and the BB game of this subroutine is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S152 described above that the current winning combination of the BB game is not the BB1 combination (NO), the process proceeds to step S158 to end the freeze control, and then the BB game of this subroutine is ended ( Step S157). In this case, since the current winning combination of the BB game is the BB2 combination, the BB game is finished by paying out 136 game media according to the contents of the effect image shown in FIG. The production that continues again is not executed.

<Operation / Effect of Second Embodiment>
As described above, according to the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the effect images shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B are displayed at the timing when the payout number of game media reaches 136. It is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the BB game that has been completed may continue, and even if the BB game uses a predetermined number of game media to be paid out as a termination condition, It is possible to increase the preference for BB games.

  Also, since the effect images in FIGS. 22A and 22B are displayed in combination with the freeze control, the number of game media to be paid out is 136 without canceling the effect using these effect images. It can be performed reliably at the timing reached.

  In the above-described embodiment, two types of BB roles are provided: a BB1 role that ends when paying out 254 or more game media, and a BB2 role that ends when paying out 136 or more game media. Not limited to this, two or more types of BB 1, 2, 3,... Are provided, and freeze control is performed step by step at the timing when the number of game media paid out as the end condition of each BB game is reached. A combination effect with the effect image of b) may be executed. For example, each time BB11, 2, 3,..., A game end condition is reached, the game medium is paid out N1, 2, 3,... , BB game can be made more interesting.

  In the above-described embodiment, when winning the BB1 role or the BB2 role, the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, and 70R are stopped by a combination of the special “bonus symbol” symbol image 71 that does not exist in FIGS. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the liquid crystal reels 70L, 70C, and 70R may be stopped by a combination of “displacement” to shift to a bonus game so that the player is less likely to notice. In addition, when winning the BB1 role, the combination of the winning symbols of the BB2 role “Blue 7, Blue 7, Blue 7” is stopped, and other combinations of the existing winning combinations shown in FIG. 17 are also stopped. It is also possible to create an effect such that a character suggesting a special game appears instead of a symbol display. In these cases as well, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to make it difficult to determine whether the player has won the BB1 combination or the BB2 combination.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a slot machine that is a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The slot machine of the present embodiment performs freeze control when the number of RT games reaches a predetermined value, and notifies the end of RT games according to the number of game media acquired at this time. An effect image is selected and displayed. After that, by displaying an effect image informing the continuation of the RT game, the player's interest is intensified, making the RT game more interesting.

<RT game freeze control processing subroutine>
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a freeze control processing subroutine during RT game of the main control circuit. FIGS. 24A and 24B are explanatory views showing effect images displayed on the image display means during the freeze control.

  First, in step S161, the replay high probability state control means 432 of the main control circuit 100 determines whether or not the RT game start condition is satisfied. As the RT game start conditions, for example, winning of the end combination (SB combination) in the MB game as described in the first embodiment, and winning of the transitional combination (small combination 4) in the game selected as the end combination Can be set. In addition, it is possible to set the end of the BB game or the winning of a predetermined role as the start condition of the RT game.

  If it is determined in step S161 that the RT game start condition is not satisfied (NO), the determination in step S161 is repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the RT game start condition is satisfied (YES), the process proceeds to step S162, and it is determined whether or not to execute freeze control. This determination is made based on, for example, a lottery using random numbers. If it is determined that the freeze control is not to be executed (NO), this subroutine is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S162 that the freeze control is to be executed (YES), the process proceeds to step S163 to determine whether or not the RT game has been started. If it is determined that the RT game has not yet started (NO), the determination in step S163 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S163 that the RT game is started (YES), the process proceeds to step S164, and the counter means 440 counts the number of games and the number of game media acquired during the RT game. The number of acquired game media is calculated from the difference between the number of inserted game media and the number of paid-out media during the RT game.

  Proceeding to step S165, it is determined whether or not the number of RT games has reached a predetermined value. In step S165, it is determined whether or not to perform freeze control. In the present embodiment, the RT game end condition is set to 100 games, and the predetermined value in step S165 is set to “50” so that freeze control is performed when 50 games of half are reached.

  If it is determined in step S165 that the number of RT games has not reached the predetermined value (NO), the counting in step S164 and the determination in step S165 are repeated. If it is determined in step S165 that the number of RT games has reached a predetermined value (YES), the process proceeds to step S166, and it is determined whether or not the number of game media currently acquired has reached a predetermined value.

  As will be described in detail later, based on the determination result of step S166, the effect image control means 502 of the sub-control circuit 200 selects an RT game end notification image according to the number of acquired game media at the present time. In the present embodiment, an effect image of FIG. 24 (a) that notifies the end of RT game positively and an effect image of FIG. 24 (b) that notifies negatively are prepared.

  Here, the predetermined value in step S166 can be freely set according to the contents of the effect by the sub-control circuit 200. For example, when the predetermined value is set to “1” and the acquired number of game media in 50 games is positive, the effect image of FIG. 24A is displayed, and conversely, when negative, FIG. 24B is displayed. The effect image may be displayed. In addition, when this setting value is set to “25” and the number of game media acquired in 50 games is 25 or more (0.5 or more games are acquired), the effect image of FIG. 24A is displayed. On the contrary, when the number is less than 25, the effect image of FIG. 24B may be displayed.

  If it is determined in step S166 that the currently acquired number of game media has reached a predetermined value (YES), a first signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of acquired game media at the current time has not reached the predetermined value (NO), a second signal is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 200. The sub-control circuit 200 selects either the effect image shown in FIG. 24A or 24B based on the first or second signal.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S169, where the freeze control means 450 executes freeze control. By this freeze control, control processing for proceeding with the game, such as control processing based on operations of the 3-bet switch 36, the start switch 50, and the stop switches 52L, 52C, and 52R, is in a standby state for a predetermined time. Then, it progresses to step S170 and it is judged whether predetermined time passed. If it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO), the determination in step S170 is repeated and the freeze control is continued as it is.

  Then, within this predetermined time, one of the effect images shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B is displayed by the image control means 500 of the sub-control circuit 200. The effect image in FIG. 24 (a) positively notifies the end of the RT game, and includes a notification image 76 of “25 coins acquired in 50G (game)!” And “a large number of coins”. . On the other hand, the effect image in FIG. 24 (b) is used to notify the end of the RT game in a negative manner, and includes a notification image 77 of “skeletal” and “9G acquired number in 50G (game)”. Yes. The player recognizes that such a notification image 76 or 77 notifies the end of the RT game.

  Next, the image control unit 500 switches the effect image shown in FIG. 24A or 24B to the effect image shown in FIG. FIG. 24 (c) notifies the continuation of the RT game, and includes a notification image 78 of “remaining 50G (game) replay continuation!”. That is, the RT game that has been ended once by the effect image of FIG. 24 (a) or (b) performs an effect that makes it seem that it is continued or extended by the effect image of FIG. 24 (c).

  Thereafter, if it is determined in step S170 that the predetermined time has elapsed (YES), the process proceeds to step S171, freeze control is terminated, and this subroutine is terminated.

<Operation and Effect of Third Embodiment>
As described above, according to the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the effect images shown in FIGS. 24A and 24C or FIGS. 24B and 24C are displayed at the timing when the number of games reaches 50 games. By doing so, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the RT game which has been finished once may continue, and it is possible to increase the player's interest in RT games due to unexpected effects. In particular, depending on the number of game media acquired during the RT game, different effect images in either FIG. 24 (a) or (b) can be displayed, and various variations can be provided in the effect during the RT game. it can.

  In the above-described embodiment, the freeze control is automatically started when the number of games in the RT game reaches a predetermined value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Freeze control may be started when the number of games reaches a predetermined value and the player performs a predetermined operation (ex. 3-bet switch operation).

  As described above, according to the slot machine 10 according to the first to third embodiments, in a specific game such as various special games and replay times, the number of game media paid out or acquired, or the number of games reaches a predetermined value. When freeze control is performed, by displaying a predetermined effect image related to the specific game during the freeze control, it becomes possible to give the specific game a new game, and the player's preference for the specific game Can be increased. Note that the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described first to third embodiments, and can be widely applied to, for example, a spinning-type gaming machine using a gaming medium other than medals. It is.

10 Slot machines (gaming machines)
36 3-Bet switch 40L, 40C, 40R Reel 50 Start switch 52L, 52C, 52R Stop switch 70 Image display means 100 Main control circuit 200 Sub control circuit 410 Role lottery means 420 Reel control means 430 Game control means 431 Special game control means 432 Replay high probability state control means 440 Counter means 450 Freeze control means 500 Image control means 510 Image storage means 520 Lamp control means 530 Audio control means

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of repeatedly performing a game in which a process of inserting a game medium and rotating and stopping a plurality of reels on which a plurality of symbols are displayed is one unit,
A role lottery means for performing a role lottery for determining at least one role from a plurality of roles;
Game control means for making a transition to a specific game that proceeds more favorably for the player than the general game when a predetermined start condition is reached;
Counter means for counting the number of paid out or acquired game media;
Freeze control means for setting the control process relating to the progress of the game to a standby state for a predetermined period;
When the number of payouts or the number of acquired game media in the specific game reaches a predetermined value or a value within a predetermined range, the freeze control means sets the control process relating to the progress of the game to a standby state for a predetermined period. A gaming machine characterized by performing control.

Images