JP2012210327A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that changes a performance even if a player does not perform a special game operation, and enables easy state management in a game parlor.SOLUTION: This game machine displays a demonstration image when a game operation part has not been operated in a predetermined manner for a predetermined time while a normal performance image is displayed on an image display device, and displays the normal performance image, instead of the demonstration image, selected by a predetermined method when the game operation part is operated after a predetermined time lapses. Even when the game operation part has not been operated in the predetermined manner for the predetermined time while a special performance image is displayed on the image display device, the game machine does not display the demonstration image but displays the same special performance image.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of executing an image display effect in an aspect determined by lottery from a plurality of types using an image display device.

In this type of gaming machine, for example, a slot machine, various effects are performed using an image display device such as a liquid crystal, a lamp, a speaker, and the like, and the aspect changes depending on the gaming state. In particular, a series of effects having story characteristics may be performed over a plurality of games using an image display device, and a plurality of such effects may be set for the same gaming state. In addition, there is a case where which production is to be executed from among a plurality of production modes may be determined by lottery or may be selected by a player performing a predetermined input operation (see Patent Document 1). ).
In the gaming machine as described above, even when the power is turned off, such as when the main power is turned off, the predetermined internal information is backed up, and the selection state of the above-mentioned effect is also stored, and when the power is restored The effect display before power interruption can be continuously performed. On the other hand, when the game machine's play setting is changed, the internal state is reset. When the setting is changed, the power is turned off. The effect display before the interruption is not performed. For this reason, for example, a player who has determined that there is a high possibility that the setting has not been changed is the same as the previous day when viewing the effect display at the opening of a game store (hall) The inconvenience of concentrating on gaming machines that seem to have high avoidance settings occurs. Patent Document 2 discloses a gaming machine in which a rendering mode is selected by lottery when power is restored and when a setting is changed in order to solve such inconvenience.

JP 2007-283128 A JP 2007-209696 A

  The invention of the present application is based on the above-described conventional technology, and a gaming machine that can change the production without any special game operation by the player and can easily manage the state at the game store. The purpose is to provide.

The features of the present invention will be described below using the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In addition, the code | symbol in parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.
(Claim 1)
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a game operation unit for performing an operation necessary for executing a game, a game control device (21) for controlling a game based on an operation of the game operation unit, and a game control device (21). And an effect control device (22) for controlling an effect accompanying the game by inputting a signal from the game, and when the predetermined game condition is met, the game state is shifted to an advantageous game state different from the normal game state. Related to the gaming machine formed.

The gaming machine according to the present invention can be a slot machine, a parrot gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, in addition to the above configuration, a rotating reel (40) displaying a plurality of symbols on the surface, and a game medium at the time of winning a prize A payout device (hopper unit 65) for paying out other components may be provided. The “game medium” includes medals, game balls (pachinko balls), coins and the like used for games.
The “game operation unit” is an operation unit that can be operated by a player to operate a gaming machine, and includes a start switch (30) for rotating the rotary reel (40), and a rotary reel (40). A stop switch (50) for stopping rotation, a handle for launching a game ball on the surface of the game board, and the like are included.

The "predetermined game conditions" include winning the internal lottery, stopping the symbols displayed on the rotating reel (40) in a predetermined manner, and passing the game ball through the winning opening. Etc. are included. In addition, in the “advantageous game state”, a bonus game or a jackpot game that is started based on a game result, and a game (in which the amount of payout game media is likely to increase by notifying information on a lottery result) ( Assist time), gaming states that are determined to shift to those advantageous games (inside the bonus), or gaming states that have a high probability of transitioning to those advantageous games (high-probability games, probability variation states) Is also included.
Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes an image display device (67) as an effect device for informing a gaming state, and the effect control device (22) is configured to display a plurality of images displayed on the image display device (67). The effect image storage means (151) storing the effect image and the image effect execution for causing the image display device (67) to display the effect image stored in the effect image storage means (151) according to the gaming state. Means (152). Further, the game control device (21) or the effect control device (22) is a display management means (124) for switching the effect image displayed by the image effect execution means (152) according to a predetermined condition. ). The plurality of effect images include a plurality of normal effect images selected in the normal gaming state and a plurality of special effect images selected in the advantageous gaming state.

  Then, the display management means (124) is when the game operation unit is not operated for a predetermined time while the image effect execution means (152) is executing the display of the normal effect image. When the operation of the game operation unit is performed after the lapse of the predetermined time, the image that is being displayed by the image effect execution means (152) is changed to a normal effect image selected by a predetermined method. When the game operation unit is not operated for a predetermined time while the image effect execution means (152) is displaying the special effect image, the game operation unit is not operated after the predetermined time has elapsed. The image effect execution means (152) displays the same effect image as the effect image displayed before the fixed time has elapsed.

Here, when the operation of the game operation unit is performed after a lapse of a certain time, the `` image that the image effect execution means (152) is executing display '' is an image displayed before the lapse of a certain time. For example, when the game operation is not performed for a certain period of time and the display shifts to display of a demonstration image, the image is included. The “image” includes a moving image and a still image, and “display of the effect image” includes displaying a series of images continuously over a plurality of games.
In addition, “select by a predetermined method” means selection from a plurality of normal effect images by lottery, determination by a fixed order (ring number), or determination by conditions such as time and date. Is included.

  Furthermore, for a special effect image, “even after a certain period of time,... Displays the same effect image as the effect image that was displayed before the certain period has elapsed” Even when the unit is not operated, the same effect image as the effect image displayed before the lapse of a certain time is displayed, and the same image is displayed in the gaming state regardless of the passage of time. As long as there is no change (the end of the advantageous gaming state accompanying the progress of the game, the resetting of the flag state based on the reset operation, etc.), the same special effect image is continuously displayed. Furthermore, when the game operation unit is not operated after a certain period of time, the screen shifts to the demonstration screen, but when returning from the demonstration screen by a subsequent game operation, the effect image displayed before the lapse of the certain time and It also includes displaying the same effect image.

(Function)
In the present invention, when the gaming state is the normal state and the gaming operation is not performed for a certain period of time, the normal effect image to be displayed is selected and determined at some opportunity, and after the certain period of time has elapsed, the gaming operation unit is When the operation is performed, the determined normal effect image is displayed. Therefore, by setting the fixed time to about 30 seconds, for example, the content of the image display effect to be executed can be changed when the player interrupts the game for a fixed time. In other words, the player can make a difference by changing the displayed effect image to another type by doing nothing. Here, when the effect image to be displayed after a certain time has elapsed is determined by lottery, the same image as the effect image displayed before the certain time has elapsed may be selected. It is possible to ensure that different effect images are selected by removing the effect image displayed on the screen from the lottery object.

On the other hand, when the gaming state is advantageous, even if the gaming operation is not performed for a certain period of time, when operating the gaming operation unit after a certain period of time, the special effect image that was displayed before the certain period of time is displayed. It has come to be. For this reason, for example, if a player quits a game even if the gaming state is in an advantageous state, the store clerk knows at a glance that the internal state of the gaming machine is in an advantageous gaming state. For example, state management at the time of closing or opening of a store (resetting by changing settings, etc.) can be easily performed.
(Claim 2)
The invention described in claim 2 is characterized by the following points in addition to the features of the invention described in claim 1 described above.

  That is, the display management means (124), when the operation of the game operation stage is not performed for a predetermined time while the image effect execution means (152) is executing the display of the normal effect image. The image effect execution means (152) switches the effect image that is being displayed to a predetermined fixed image, and when the game operation unit is operated during the display of the fixed image, The image effect executing means (152) is configured to switch the fixed image that is being displayed to the normal effect image selected when switching to the fixed image or when the game operation unit is operated. Even if the operation of the game operation unit is not performed for a predetermined time while the display of the special effect image is being performed by the effect execution means (152), the switch to the fixed image is performed. Not formed It is characterized by being.

Here, the “fixed image” includes a so-called demonstration image.
The present invention includes performing an effect lottery and selecting a normal image at the time of switching to a fixed image or operating a game operation unit while displaying a fixed image.
According to the present invention, when the game operation is not performed for a certain period of time, the player can know that the normal effect image can be changed by switching to the fixed image. In addition, when the special effect image is displayed, since it is not switched to the fixed image even if the gaming operation is not performed for a certain time, the store clerk can grasp the internal state of the gaming machine at a glance.
(Claim 3)
The invention described in claim 3 is characterized by the following points in addition to the characteristics of the invention described in claim 1 or 2.

  That is, the game control device (21) is configured to execute a predetermined state effect by making the progress of the game different from normal, and stores information on a plurality of effect modes including the state effect. In addition, there is provided an effect determining means (120) capable of selecting and determining an effect mode to be executed from the plurality of effect modes by lottery according to the gaming state. The plurality of performance modes include a plurality of normal performance modes selected in the normal gaming state and a plurality of special performance modes selected in the advantageous gaming state. Are set so that the special effect image stored in the effect image storage means corresponds to the normal effect image stored in the effect image storage means, and the special effect image stored in the effect image storage means corresponds to the special effect mode. The image effect execution means (152) executes display of the effect image corresponding to the effect mode determined by the effect determination means (120).

Then, the effect determining means (120), when the display management means (124) is causing the image effect executing means (152) to display the normal effect image, for a predetermined time, When the operation of the game operation unit is not performed, when the operation of the game operation unit is performed after the lapse of the predetermined time, the execution of the normal effect mode selected by lottery is determined, and the display management unit When (124) causes the image effect execution means (152) to display the special effect image, even if the game operation unit is not operated for a predetermined time, The lottery of the production mode is not performed.
In the present invention, the execution of the production is managed by the game control device (21).

  Here, the “state effect” means that a lottery result or other gaming machine is operated by temporarily suspending the progress of the game or operating a gaming device that is an essential device for playing a game in a different operation mode. It is an effect for notifying the player of the internal state, and includes a freeze effect and a spinning effect. As a freeze effect, for example, it is controlled so that the rotating reel (40) does not start rotating even when the start switch (30) is operated, or the rotating reel (40) does not stop rotating even when the stop switch (50) is operated. Or something to control. In addition, as a spinning effect, although the rotating reel (40) starts rotating by operating the start switch (50), it rotates in the direction opposite to the normal rotating direction, the rotating speed changes, or temporarily during rotation. The operation of the rotating reel (40) is controlled so that the reel behaves differently from usual, such as stopping. Since these controls are related to the game operation, they are performed by the game control device (21).

Further, the “information relating to the effect mode” is not the effect data itself but information that can specify data for effect execution, and includes, for example, identification information attached to the effect data.
According to the present invention, by changing the management of the state effect by the game control device (21) and the image display effect by the effect control device (22), it is possible to efficiently execute the effect change according to the game state. . For example, when the transition to the game advantageous state (AT) based on the control of the effect control device (22) is notified by the state effect based on the control of the game control device (21) (for example, AT transition is confirmed when a freeze occurs) Etc.) are effective.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, a gaming machine that can change the production without any special game operation by the player and can easily manage the state in the game store. Can be provided.

FIG. 4 is an external front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an input, output and control device of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the slot machine in the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a reel rotation start process in the operation of the slot machine. 6 is a flowchart showing reel rotation stop processing in the operation of the slot machine. It is a flowchart which shows game time measurement processing. It is a flowchart which shows production stage determination processing. It is a flowchart which shows an image production process. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of effect data. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of image data.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine.
(Slot machine 10)
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 includes a square box-shaped casing 11. A front panel 12 facing the player side is formed on the casing 11, and a symbol display window 13 through which the symbols of the three rotary reels 40 can be seen is formed on the front panel 12. ing. A medal slot 14 is provided at a substantially central end of the slot machine 10.
Inside the slot machine 10, a reel unit 60 including the rotary reel 40, a hopper unit 65, and a control device 20 for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 10 are incorporated.

(Control device 20)
Although not shown, the control device 20 is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. Here, the number of CPUs is not limited to one and may be controlled by two or more CPUs. Further, the CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and the like may be integrated to form a one chip. Then, the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM, thereby configuring the game control device 21 and the effect control device 22 as shown in FIG.
(Game control device 21)
The game control device 21 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 by operating the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the medal sensor 15, the bet switch 16, the settlement switch 17, the start switch 30, and the stop switch 50 are connected to the input side of the game control device 21.

Although not specifically shown, the medal sensor 15 is a detection sensor built under the medal slot 14, and is used to detect the inserted game medal. As shown in FIG. 1, the bet switch 16 is a button switch positioned below the symbol display window 13 and is used to replace credits with coins.
Here, the credit means that a medal for use in the next game or later is stored in the gaming machine in advance, and the slot machine 10 is inserted from the medal slot 14 and the gaming medal passed through the medal sensor 15. Or up to 50 game medals to be paid out by winning a prize can be stored inside the gaming machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the checkout switch 17 is a button switch located obliquely below the symbol display window 13, and is used for paying out credits.
As shown in FIG. 1, the start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the symbol display window 13 on condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is pressed, or at the time of re-playing a predetermined game from the previous game. This is for starting the driving of the reel unit 60 on the condition of the passage of time. In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a contact sensor that is energized by contact or a light-blocking sensor that detects a swing caused by pressing the lever is provided on the inside of the housing of the start switch 30 to detect the lever pressing. The detection signal is output to the control device 20 as an operation signal.

The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the stop switch 50 includes three stop buttons corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is arranged below each rotary reel 40. Although not shown in the drawings, a contact sensor that is energized by contact or a light-blocking sensor that detects movement caused by pressing the button is provided inside the housing of each stop button. A detection signal is output to the control device 20 as an operation signal.
Then, the operation of the stop switch 50 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set so that the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops rotating.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reel unit 60 and the hopper unit 65 are connected to the output side of the game control device 21.
The reel unit 60 includes three stepping motors fixed to or supported by a frame, and three rotary reels 40 fixed to the output shafts of the respective stepping motors, although not particularly shown. Each rotary reel 40 includes a rotary drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape attached around the rotary drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape.
When the slot machine 10 is viewed from the front, three symbols of each rotary reel 40 can be visually recognized from the symbol display window 13. Although not particularly shown, each rotary reel 40 is provided with a start index as a detection unit that is detected by an index sensor (not shown) provided on the reel unit 60. The start index can be, for example, a protrusion provided on the inside of the rotating drum or on the spoke connecting the rotating drum and the stepping motor.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hopper unit 65 is a payout device provided inside the housing 11, and is for paying out medals to the player based on the result of the game.
As shown in FIG. 2, the game control device 21 includes a winning lottery means 70, a game state control means 80, a reel control means 90, a game result determination means 100, a hopper control means 110, an effect determination means 120, a game operation section. It functions as each means of invalid means 130 and game time timer 140.
(Winning lottery means 70)
The winning lottery means 70 determines by lottery whether or not a predetermined “comb” consisting of a combination of symbols displayed on the plurality of rotating reels 40 has been won. Specifically, the count value of the loop counter as the random number generation means is read and stored at the timing of receiving the operation signal of the start switch 30, and is used in any role by collating with the lottery table stored in the ROM. Determine whether you have won or did not win any of the roles.

  Here, in the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined number of game medals can be obtained by stopping a predetermined symbol (for example, a watermelon symbol, a bell symbol, a cherry symbol, etc.) on the active line as the combination. A small role to be paid out (for example, a watermelon role, a bell role, a cherry role, etc.) and a predetermined symbol (for example, a replay symbol) are aligned on the active line and stopped again without inserting a new game medal in the next game. And a bonus combination that shifts to a bonus game when predetermined symbols (for example, 7 symbols, Bar symbols, etc.) are aligned on the active line and stopped. As the bonus combination, an RB game combination that shifts to a regular bonus game (RB game) and a BB game combination that shifts to a big bonus game (BB game) are provided. The RB game is a game period that is set to increase the winning probability of a small role, and ends when a predetermined number of games are consumed or a predetermined number of wins are won. The BB game is a game period that is set so that the RB game is continuously performed, and ends when the number of paid-out medals exceeds a predetermined number.

The active line is a line that defines a sequence of symbol combinations effective for winning, replaying, or bonus operation, and as shown in FIG. The upper line connecting the symbols in the horizontal row, the middle line connecting the symbols located in the center of the symbol display window 13 in the horizontal row, the lower line connecting the symbols located in the lower row of the symbol display window 13 in the horizontal row, the upper row of the symbol display window 13 In addition, diagonal lines that diagonally connect the symbols located in the middle and lower stages can be provided, and the number and types of effective lines can be changed according to the number of game medals inserted and the game state.
The lottery table defines the count value of the loop counter as an entire area and a predetermined numerical area as a winning area corresponding to a role, and although not particularly shown, for each game setting of the slot machine 10, A plurality of lottery tables provided according to the state are provided. When performing the above-described winning determination, the winning lottery table corresponding to the set value and the gaming state of the slot machine 10 is referred to. Specifically, the lottery table includes a base game lottery table referred to in a normal game win determination, a bonus lottery table referred to in a bonus game win determination, and a game in which a bonus combination is carried over ( There is a bonus internal / medium lottery table which is referred to in the determination of winning of (internal game), and these are provided for each setting. When the setting is changed, the lottery table is changed, and the winning probability is changed. As a result, the number of medals paid out by winning is changed. In general, the higher the setting, the more balls are played.

In the base game lottery table, the winning areas of the bonus combination, the small combination, and the re-playing combination are set within a predetermined range (with a predetermined probability). The winning area for the small role is the same as the normal game lottery table, but there is a lottery table that is set so that the winning area for the re-gamer is larger (the winning probability is higher) than the normal game lottery table. Yes. A game period in which a role lottery is performed using this lottery table is referred to as a replay time (hereinafter referred to as RT).
Here, RT is a collective term of game periods that are set such that the winning probability of the re-gamer is different from the normal game state and that is started when the predetermined start trigger is met and ended when the predetermined end trigger is met. As in this embodiment, when the transition is made to RT where the winning probability of the re-gamer is set high, the number of replays that can be played without a bet increases, and the win probability of the small role does not change. Since there is less loss of medals, it becomes a kind of advantageous state. In the present embodiment, the transition opportunity to RT can be any of a case where a bonus combination is won, a case where a bonus game is completed, or a case where a combination of specific symbols is displayed during a normal game. Also, the RT end timing is either when the bonus combination is won, when the bonus combination is displayed, when a combination of specific symbols is displayed during a normal game, or when a predetermined number of games have ended Can do.

A plurality of RT lottery tables having different winning probabilities for re-gamers may be provided so that a plurality of types of RTs can be executed.
In addition, when the winning lottery means 70 determines that one of the winning combinations has been won, that is, when the read count value is included in the winning area of a predetermined winning combination in the lottery table, it corresponds to the winning combination. The winning flag is established. As the winning flag, a small winning flag that is established when the determination result is a small winning combination, a bonus winning flag (BB flag, RB flag) that is established when the determining result is a bonus winning, and the determination result is There is a re-game winning flag that is established when the re-game winning combination is won. The small role winning flag and the re-game winning flag are valid only in the game in which the winning flag is established, and are erased (reset) when the game ends. In other words, the small combination and the re-playing combination cannot carry over the winning right after the next game. On the other hand, the bonus winning flag is carried over after the next game until the symbols constituting the bonus combination are displayed on the active line.

(Game state control means 80)
The game state control means 80 is for controlling the bonus game, the game inside the bonus, and the RT game. Specifically, when a bonus combination is won, the bonus lottery table is used to control the combination lottery, and when the bonus combination is displayed, the bonus lottery table is used. Control so that a lottery is performed. Further, during the bonus game, the number of payout medals, the number of games, and the number of wins are counted, and control is performed to return to the normal game when a predetermined count value is reached.
Further, when a predetermined RT transition opportunity is met, control is performed so that a role lottery is performed using the RT lottery table, and when a predetermined RT end timing is met, the game is returned to the normal game. Control.

(Reel control means 90)
The reel control means 90 controls the rotation of the rotary reel 40 based on the effective operation signal of the start switch 30, and controls the rotation stop of the rotary reel 40 based on the result of the winning lottery and the operation signal of the stop switch 50. Is for. The reel control means 90 includes a rotation start control means and a rotation stop control means (not shown).
The rotation start control means is for performing control related to the start of rotation of the rotary reel 40. Specifically, when an operation signal of the start switch 30 is input in a bet state, a certain time (4.1 seconds, so-called wait time) has elapsed since the start of rotation of the rotary reel 40 in the previous game. As a result, a drive start signal is output to the stepping motor of the reel unit 60 to start driving the stepping motor, whereby the rotation of all the rotating reels 40 is started simultaneously or in a predetermined order. When the rotational speeds of all the rotary reels 40 reach a predetermined speed, constant speed rotation is performed at the predetermined speed.

  The rotation stop control means is for controlling the rotation stop of the rotary reel 40 when the stop switch 50 is operated. Specifically, when an operation signal for the stop switch 50 is input while all the rotating reels 40 are rotating at a constant speed, a drive stop signal is sent to the stepping motor of the rotating reel 40 corresponding to the stop switch 50. To stop the rotation of the rotary reel 40 corresponding to the stop switch 50 by stopping the driving of the stepping motor. At this time, based on the lottery result of the winning lottery means 70, it is determined at which position within the range of the predetermined number of frames the corresponding rotary reel 40 is to be stopped.

  Specifically, the rotation stop control means grasps the current rotation angle of the rotary reel 40 based on the detection signal that the index sensor provided in the reel unit 60 detects the start index of the rotary reel 40, and the stop switch 50 A symbol located on a predetermined effective line can be specified from the rotation angle of the rotary reel 40 at the time of operation. Then, with the specified symbol as a reference, the corresponding rotating reel 40 is stopped within a range from the symbol to a symbol when a predetermined number (maximum number of sliding frames, for example, five frames) is moved in the rotation direction. Is formed. In other words, the rotation stop control means determines the amount of rotation that the rotating reel 40 rotates from the time when the stop switch 50 is operated until the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops (5 frames). The stop of the driving of the stepping motor is controlled so as to be within the range.

When the winning flag relating to the predetermined combination is established, that is, when the result of the combination lottery is winning the predetermined combination, the combination of winning symbols is stopped on the active line, and The stop position of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is determined within the predetermined number of frames so that the symbols other than the winning symbol do not stop on the active line. When the winning flag is not established, that is, when the winning lottery result is lost, the rotary reel 40 is stopped so that the combination of symbols constituting any of the winning combinations does not stop on the active line.
The stop control described above may use a stop table in which a symbol stop position is determined in advance according to the operation timing of the stop switch 50, or may a predetermined symbol be stopped at a predetermined position. It may be a judgment.

(Game result judging means 100)
The game result determination means 100 determines a result of the game and performs a process based on the determination result when all of the rotating reels 40 are stopped by the operation of the stop switch 50.
Specifically, the game result determination means 100 determines the profit granting according to the combination when the symbols constituting the predetermined combination are displayed on the active line. That is, when a small role symbol is displayed on the active line, a predetermined number of medal payout decisions are made according to the combination, and when a replay symbol is displayed on the active line, an automatic bet determination is performed, When the bonus role symbol is displayed on the active line, the game state transition is determined. Further, by performing a predetermined signal output to the effect control device 22, the effect display unit 66 can perform a predetermined effect upon winning or shifting to a bonus game.

(Hopper control means 110)
The hopper control means 110 operates the hopper unit 65 and pays out medals based on the determination result of the game result determination means 100 and the operation of the settlement switch 17. In other words, when the game result determination means 100 determines the winning of the payout small role, the medal corresponding to the small role winning is paid out, and when the checkout switch 17 is operated when there are 1 or more credits, it is stored as credits. The medal that has been made is to be paid out.
(Direction determining means 120)
The effect determining means 120 determines the presence / absence of the effect execution and the effect contents based on the gaming state and the execution lottery. As shown in FIG. 2, the effect determining unit 120 includes an effect mode storage unit 121, an effect stage lottery unit 122, a freeze timer 123, and a display management unit 124. The effect determining means 120 is not limited to the above means, and other means may be provided. For example, an effect execution lottery unit that determines the presence / absence of the effect by lottery according to the result of the role lottery may be provided.

(Production mode storage means 121)
The production mode storage unit 121 stores information related to a plurality of production modes. Here, the information regarding the production mode is information that can specify production data, not production data itself. In other words, it is an index of production data.
Here, in the present embodiment, the effect display unit 66 is operated based on the state effect performed by making the progress of the game different from the normal based on the control of the game control device 21 and the control of the effect control device 22. It is formed so that the display effect performed by can be executed. Further, as the state effect, a freeze effect for temporarily stopping the progress of the game is formed.

  Each production is divided into a plurality of stages according to the contents. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, roughly divided, there are a normal stage that is executed when the gaming state is a normal state and a special stage that is executed when the gaming state is a predetermined special state. Each stage includes a plurality of individual stages. The special state is a gaming state where there is a possibility of giving a privilege by appearing. For example, the transition to advantageous games such as RT, assist time (AT) or assist replay time (ART) described later is determined. In the advantageous state, in the high-probability state in which the probability of transition to the advantageous game (AT, ART) is high, in the bonus inside, or in the bonus game. The normal state is a normal game state that does not correspond to the special state.

  The normal stage includes three individual stages A, B, and C, and the contents of the effects are different. For example, stage A has an effect mode in which a start freeze effect is performed with a predetermined probability and a predetermined image display effect is performed when the start switch 30 is operated. The start freeze effect is an effect in which the rotating reel 40 does not start rotating (the start switch 30 does not work) even if the start switch 30 is operated. In addition, stage B has an effect mode in which when the stop switch 50 is operated, a freeze effect at stop is performed with a predetermined probability and a predetermined image display effect is performed. The stop freeze effect is an effect in which the rotating reel 40 does not stop rotating (the stop switch 50 does not work) even if the stop switch 50 is operated. The stage C is an effect mode in which a freeze effect is not performed and a predetermined image display effect is performed under a predetermined condition after the rotation of the rotary reel 40 is started. For example, when the bet switch 16 is operated after the rotation of the rotary reel 40 is started, a predetermined image display effect is executed according to the operation signal although the bet is not made. The execution of the individual stages of the normal stage is determined by stage lottery described later. Note that the individual stages of the normal stage are not limited to the above three A, B, and C.

The special stage includes individual stages (ART transition determination stage, ART stage, high-accuracy stage, BB stage, etc.) according to the gaming state such as ART, high probability state, bonus game, etc. ing. Each individual stage has an effect mode in which a predetermined image display effect is performed according to the gaming state.
The production mode storage unit 121 stores information (stage information) related to the above-described production modes of the normal stage and the special stage.
Each individual stage included in the normal stage and the special stage is set so as to correspond to the effect image provided in the image display control means 150 described later, and the image display control means 150 includes the effect determination means. The display of the effect image corresponding to the effect mode determined to be executed by 120 is executed.

(Direction stage lottery means 122)
The production stage lottery means 122 is selected from the production modes stored in the production mode storage means 121.
The stage to be executed is determined by stage lottery. In the present embodiment, individual stages included in the normal stage are subject to lottery.
Here, the lottery method is the same as the lottery drawing, and the random number picked up at a predetermined time is compared with the lottery table for performing the stage lottery. The stage lottery is triggered at a predetermined timing during the game. For example, when betting or when the start switch 30 is operated (when one game is started), when any one of the stop switches 50 is operated (during one game), or when any or all of the rotating reels 40 are stopped Alternatively, it can be set at the end of medal payout by winning (at the end of one game). In addition, when the content of the performance executed by the performance stage (especially the image display effect) is a continuous performance having a story that is performed over a plurality of games, every time the story of the continuous performance is one paragraph, A stage lottery can be performed at a predetermined time. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in addition to the above-described lottery opportunity, the stage lottery is also performed when a game operation is not performed for a certain period of time. This will be described later.

  In addition, when the stage stage lottery unit 122 determines to execute the stage stage accompanied by the freeze effect by the stage lottery, the stage stage lottery unit 122 also determines whether or not to perform the freeze effect on the determined stage. Whether or not the freezing effect is performed may be performed simultaneously with the stage lottery, or may be performed separately after the stage lottery. In the former case, using a lottery table in which a region with freezing and a region without freezing are provided at a predetermined ratio in the winning region of the individual stage with the freeze effect (stages A and B described above) Perform stage lottery. In the latter case, when a stage with a freeze effect is determined as a result of the stage lottery, it is determined by lottery whether or not the freeze effect is performed at that stage. Note that the time for freezing in the freezing effect may be determined in advance or may be determined by lottery.

  Further, as will be described later in the description of the effect control device 22, the effect stage lottery means 122 also plays a role of determining whether or not to shift to the assist time (AT) among the effects based on the control of the effect control device 22. . Here, the AT is a game that increases the possibility of acquiring medals by notifying the player of information related to the result of the role lottery, and notifies the operation order of the stop switch 50 and the indicator symbol. Any of these may be used in the present embodiment. Details of the AT will be described later. And in this Embodiment, when the freeze production | generation occurs, it sets so that the probability that it may transfer to AT after that becomes high. That is, when execution of the effect stage accompanying execution of the freeze effect is determined, an AT based on the control of the effect control device 22 is started with a predetermined probability by corresponding to a predetermined AT start opportunity thereafter. It will be a thing.

  In this case, the result of the freeze lottery may be used as it is as the result of the AT lottery (if the freeze effect is executed, the process must be shifted to AT). It may be. In the former case, it is possible to create an AT high probability state in which the probability of shifting to the AT is increased by increasing the winning probability of the freeze effect and in the latter case by increasing the winning probability of the AT lottery. . A game period in the AT high probability state starts on the condition that a predetermined start opportunity, for example, winning or winning a specific role, display of a specific symbol combination, etc., and a predetermined end time, for example, winning or winning a specific role, specific It is possible to form such that it is terminated on the condition that the symbol combination is displayed and the game is digested a certain number of times. When the AT high probability state is entered, the AT execution is determined with a high probability. Therefore, the AT flag is established and stored, and the AT execution is stocked and the AT high probability state ends. The specification may be such that a plurality of ATs are successively executed later.

  Here, the expected degree of freeze when the execution of the production stages A and B is determined, that is, the probability of winning the AT is the same setting. Furthermore, when execution of stage C without a freeze effect is determined, execution of an effect triggered by the operation of the bet switch 16 after reel rotation is the same as in the case of effect stages A and B. AT lottery is performed with the winning probability. Alternatively, even when the operation of the bet switch 16 is not performed during the execution of the stage C, the AT lottery may be performed. In this embodiment, as will be described later, since the player can intentionally select the type of individual effects in the normal stage, avoid the stage where the AT lottery is not performed. Or it is consideration for preventing the capture property that an effect is selected aiming at the effect with high probability of AT winning.

(Freeze timer 123)
The freeze timer 123 is for measuring a time during which the game operation is invalidated during execution of the freeze effect. The freeze timer 123 receives the operation signal of the start switch 30 when executing the start freeze effect, and receives the operation signal of any stop switch 50 when executing the freeze effect at the stop. The time count starts when triggered. Then, when a predetermined time determined in advance or determined by lottery elapses, the time count is ended, and a time-up signal is transmitted to the game operation unit invalidating means 130 described later. While the freeze timer 123 is counting time, the output of the drive signal to the reel unit based on the operation of the start switch 30 is suspended, and the game operation unit invalidating means 130 invalidates the operation of the stop switch 50, so that the game progresses. It will be in a paused state.

(Display management means 124)
The display management means 124 is for managing the image display effect performed by the effect control device 22 according to the gaming state.
Specifically, the display management unit 124 determines that the stage stage lottery unit 122 determines to execute a predetermined stage, and the stage stage to be executed is executed by the stage control device 22 when the stage corresponds to the stage of execution of the stage. A signal for performing an image display effect corresponding to, for example, effect information (stage number or the like) for specifying the determined stage is output. Thereby, based on the control of the effect control device 22, a predetermined effect image is displayed on the image display device 67.

In addition, when the image display effect being executed is an image display effect corresponding to the normal stage (that is, when the normal effect image is displayed on the image display device 67), a time-up signal is output from a game time timer 140 described later. Is transmitted, a signal (demo screen transition signal) for switching the displayed effect image to a demonstration image as a fixed image is output to the effect control device 22. As a result, a predetermined demonstration image is displayed on the image display device 67.
On the other hand, as described above, the effect stage lottery means 122 performs stage lottery even when a game operation is not performed for a certain period of time. In other words, when a time-up signal is transmitted from the game time timer 140, a stage lottery is performed at that time or at a predetermined time thereafter, and an effect mode to be executed from among the individual stages included in the normal stage is selected. decide.

  Then, the display management means 124, after outputting the demonstration screen transition signal, when the bet is placed when the effect control device 22 displays the demonstration image on the image display device 67, that is, the medal of the medal sensor 15. When a detection signal or an operation signal for the bet switch 16 is received, a signal for ending the demonstration image being displayed is sent to the effect control device 22, for example, the effect stage lottery means 122 is selected by a lottery after a predetermined time has elapsed. Production information for performing an image display production corresponding to the decided production stage is output. As a result, a normal effect image selected and determined by the effect stage lottery means 122 is displayed on the image display device 67 instead of the predetermined demonstration image.

In this case, the effect stage lottery means 122 selects the lottery so that the normal effect image displayed before the demonstration image is displayed and the normal effect image displayed after the demonstration image is displayed are of different types. At that time, the effect mode to be executed may be selected by lottery from the individual stages other than the individual stage corresponding to the currently displayed effect image. For example, when a certain amount of time has elapsed without performing a game operation during the display of an effect image corresponding to stage A (see FIG. 9), the effect stage lottery means 122 may include B, C,.・ Determine the production mode to be executed next.
Here, in the present embodiment, the display management means 124, when the image display effect being executed is an image display effect corresponding to the special stage (that is, when the special effect image is displayed on the image display device 67) ) Does not determine whether a time-up signal is transmitted from the game time timer 140 (or does not accept it even if it is transmitted). Therefore, when the special effect image is displayed on the image display device 67, even if the game operation is not performed for a certain period of time, switching to the demonstration image is not performed.

(Game operation part invalid means 130)
The game operation unit invalidating means 130 is for invalidating the operation of a predetermined game operation unit, in this embodiment, the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50, and can pause the progress of the game It is. In other words, the game operation unit invalidating means 130 also functions as a freeze effect executing means.
Here, the game operation unit invalidating means 130 is the start switch 30 or the game switch invalidating unit 130 when it falls into a predetermined game operation invalid period such as when the game time limit has not elapsed even when the freeze effect is not performed. The operation of the stop switch 50 is disabled. The game time limit is called a so-called wait time, and a predetermined time has elapsed even after one game is over so that the player cannot insert excessive medals at a certain time. If not, the time is set so that the next game cannot be performed. Specifically, the game time per game is calculated based on the rule that the bet amount used per minute does not exceed 400 yen, and the time between the start of the game and the start of the next game is It is specified as 4.1 seconds or more. In the present embodiment, the start switch 30 in the next game is not validated until 4.1 seconds have passed since the rotation of the rotating reel 40 (the rotating reel 40 does not start rotating, but after betting). (If the role lottery is performed).

  Further, the game operation invalid period is a period during which the game operation is invalid even when the game time limit has elapsed, and the start switch 30 is of course during rotation of the rotary reel 40. Even after the rotary reel 40 is stopped, the start switch 30 is not activated when the hopper unit 65 is paying out medals or when a bet is not placed. Further, regarding the stop switch 50, not only when each rotating reel 40 is stopped, but also after the rotating reel 40 starts rotating, the rotating speed of all the rotating reels 40 reaches the steady rotating speed and all the rotating reels 40 rotate. The stop switch 50 is not activated until the index sensor corresponding to the reel 40 first detects the index.

  Specifically, a predetermined signal blocking means (not shown) is provided in an electrical connection path connecting the detection sensors of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50 and the control device 20, and the signal blocking means is activated. The detection signal of the sensor is not communicated to the control device 20 when the signal is interrupted, and the detection signal of the sensor is communicated to the control device 20 when the signal blocking means is inactive. The signal cutoff means may be a logic circuit means or a switch means provided in the electric circuit, or may be one in which such a program is incorporated in the control device 20. When the game operation unit invalidation means 130 corresponds to the above-mentioned game limit time or game operation invalid period, the signal cut-off means is activated, the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50 are invalidated, and the game limit time is Alternatively, when the gaming operation invalid period has elapsed, the signal blocking means is deactivated to cancel the invalid state of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50.

Then, the gaming operation unit invalidating means 130 activates the signal blocking means during the time counting of the above-described freeze timer 123 regardless of whether or not the above-mentioned gaming time limit or gaming operation invalid period has elapsed. When the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50 are disabled and the freeze timer 123 times out, the signal blocking means is deactivated to cancel the disabled state of the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50.
(Game time timer 140)
The game time timer 140 measures the time during which no game operation is performed. Specifically, the game time timer 140 starts a time count of a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds, triggered by the end of one game (for example, full stop of the rotating reel 40), and the bet signal Each time (the detection of the medal sensor 15 or the operation signal of the bet switch 16) is received, the time is counted while resetting the timer. Then, when a certain time has elapsed without receiving a bet signal, the time count is ended and a time-up signal is transmitted to the effect determining means 120.

(Production control device 22)
The effect control device 22 is for controlling the effect display unit 66 such as the lamp 68 and the speaker 69 based on the output signal from the game control device 21 and the operation signal of the operation means such as the start switch 30.
As shown in FIG. 2, an effect display unit 66 (an image display device 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69) is connected to the output side of the effect control device 22.
The effect display unit 66 displays various effects. Specifically, the effect display unit 66 includes an image display device 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69. The image display device 67 is a window provided above the rotating reel 40, and is used for performing a predetermined image display effect using a liquid crystal display device, a CRT, or the like. Note that the image display device 67 is not limited to the above-described one, and for example, a rotary reel dedicated to the production may be provided, and the production may be displayed by the design or characters of the reel. The lamp 68 and the speaker 69 are used for notifying a winning or the like by lighting or blinking of the light emitter and generating a winning sound.

The effect control device 22 functions as an image display control means 150 and an AT control means 160 as shown in FIG.
(Image display control means 150)
The image display control means 150 is for controlling an image to be displayed on the image display device 67, and includes an image data storage means 151 and an image effect execution means 152, as shown in FIG.
(Image data storage means 151)
The effect image storage means 151 stores a plurality of image data to be displayed on the image display device 67.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the image data includes image data of effect images corresponding to each effect stage and image data of fixed images. As described above, the effect images are provided corresponding to the individual stages included in each effect stage, and correspond to the stages A, B, C (see FIG. 9) of the normal stage. Normal effect images for A, B, C,... Are provided. Further, the special stage ART stage, high-accuracy stage, BB stage,... Are provided with special effect images for ART, high-accuracy, BB,. The fixed image is a demonstration image in which, for example, the model name or series name of the slot machine 10 is displayed. Multiple types of demonstration images may be provided.

The image data of the effect image is mainly moving image data, but still image data may be included. It may constitute a series of continuous effects performed over a plurality of games. The image data of the fixed image may be still image data or moving image data.
(Image production execution means 152)
The image effect execution means 152 is for causing the image display device 67 to display an effect image or a fixed image corresponding to the effect stage to be executed based on the determination of the effect determination means 120. That is, when predetermined production information is input from the display management means 124, the production image corresponding to the production stage indicated by the production information is displayed on the image display device 67, and a demo screen transition signal is input from the display management means 124. In such a case, a demonstration image is displayed on the image display device 67.

(AT control means 160)
The AT control means 160 is means for controlling the assist time (AT). In other words, if the AT decision is made as a result of the AT lottery of the effect determining means 120, the AT game is started when a predetermined AT start condition (for example, BB game end, etc.) is met, and the predetermined AT When the end condition (for example, the predetermined number of games, the number of notifications, the number of winnings, the winning or winning of a specific winning combination) is met, the AT game is ended.
Note that an AT game may be played during RT. In the so-called ART (assist replay time) in which an AT game is played during an RT in which the winning probability of the re-gamer is set higher than usual, not only the decrease of the medals on hand is reduced, but also the stop operation is performed according to the notification. As a result, the medal acquisition by the small role winning is surely increased, so that the gaming state becomes more advantageous than the case where only AT is performed.

  Here, when performing the so-called push order AT for notifying the operation order of the stop switch 50 during the AT, the reel control means 90 specifies the stop switch 50 when a specific combination is won as stop data. Stop data for drawing the symbols constituting the specific combination into the active line and stopping them when operated in the order of operations. Then, the AT control means 150 is provided with display data corresponding to the type of operation order, and when the game control device 21 receives a winning signal for a combination for which a specific operation order is set, the AT control means 150 responds to the operation order. Display data is selected and displayed on the image display device 67, for example. For example, the operation order of each of the three stop switches 50 is displayed with numbers 1, 2, and 3, and the stop button to be stopped first is displayed with characters such as left, middle, and right. A thing, a forward push, a reverse push, etc. may be displayed with an arrow. Further, the notification of the operation order is not limited to that using the image display device 67. For example, a light emitter may be provided inside the stop button of each stop switch 50, and the stop switch 50 to be operated may be notified by changing the emission color of the stop button from, for example, red to blue.

  If the stop switch 50 is operated in a specific operation order according to the notification, an advantageous result is obtained for the player. For example, when a small role that depends on the operation order whether or not to win a prize is elected, the operation order in which the small role wins is notified, and when the player operates the stop switch 50 according to the operation order, The small role can be won (depending on the design of the rotating reel 40), and when a small role with a different payout number is selected at the same time, the operation order in which the small role set with a large number of payouts wins is selected. When the player operates the stop switch 50 in accordance with the operation order, the small combination with a large number of payouts can be won. Or, when a small winning combination and a small winning single winning combination are simultaneously elected, the operation order in which the overlapping winning small combination wins is notified, and the player operates the stop switch 50 according to the operating order. It is possible to earn many medals by winning multiple prizes. Even when the notification is not performed, if the player operates the stop switch 50 in the operation order that brings about the advantageous result as described above, the advantageous result may be obtained. However, notification is performed, and by following the notification, an advantageous result can be surely obtained.

In the case of performing AT for reporting the indicator symbol, for example, a small role consisting of symbol combinations of “white 7 bell bell” “red 7 bell bell” “blue 7 bell bell” is provided. , “White 7”, “Red 7”, and “Blue 7” are arranged on the left reel 41 at positions that cannot be aimed at the same time. Then, the AT control means 160 displays “white 7”, “red 7”, or “blue 7” on the image display device 67, for example, according to the selected small role. By following the notification and operating the stop switch 50 aiming at each symbol, the small combination can be won efficiently.
(Operation of slot machine 10)
Next, an outline of the operation of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described based on the flow of FIG.

First, in step 100 shown in FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not a prescribed number of medals have been inserted. Here, the prescribed number of medals is the number of medals that can be used for a single game, and the slot machine 10 can be used for up to three medals. The prescribed number may be changed according to the gaming state. For example, the prescribed number can be set to one during a bonus game. The medal insertion includes a bet switch operation. If the prescribed number of medals is not inserted, the process returns to step 100. If the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the process proceeds to the next step 101.
In step 101, it is determined whether or not the start switch 30 is turned on. If the start switch 30 is not turned ON, the process returns to step 101. If the start switch 30 is turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step 102.

In step 102, a winning lottery process by the winning lottery means 70 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 103.
In step 103, the reel control means 90 performs a rotation start process of the rotary reel 40. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 104.
In step 104, the reel control means 90 performs rotation stop processing for the rotary reel 40. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 105.
In step 105, a game result determination process is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 106, and processing according to the game result is performed. That is, when a symbol combination constituting a predetermined combination is displayed on the active line, a profit is given according to the combination. Specifically, when a combination of bonus symbols constituting the bonus combination is displayed, the transition to the bonus game (BB game, RB game) is determined, and the combination of replay symbols configuring the replay combination is displayed. In the case of the medals for the next game is automatically inserted (the display of the bet display section is automatically displayed up to the specified number), and when the combination of small role symbols constituting the small role is displayed, The winning medals are paid out according to the role. Then, one game is finished. On the other hand, when the symbol combination stopped on the active line does not constitute any combination, one game is finished as it is.

Next, the reel rotation start process in step 103 will be described based on the flow of FIG.
First, in step 200 of FIG. 4, whether or not to execute the start freeze effect, that is, whether or not the effect determination means 120 determines to execute the effect stage (stage A) with the freeze effect when the start switch 30 is operated ( Whether or not) is determined. When the start freeze effect is executed, the process proceeds to the next step 201.
In step 201, the freeze timer 123 starts the time count set for the start freeze effect. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 202.

In step 202, it is determined whether the freeze timer 123 has timed up, that is, whether a time-up signal has been transmitted. If the time is not up, the process returns to step 202. If the time is up, the process proceeds to the next step 203.
If no freeze effect is performed in step 200, the process skips steps 201 and 202 and proceeds to step 203.
In step 203, output of a drive signal to the stepping motor of the reel unit 60 is started. Thereby, all the rotating reels 40 start to rotate at a predetermined acceleration. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 204.

In step 204, it is determined whether or not the rotational speed of the rotary reel 40 has reached a predetermined steady rotational speed. It can be determined whether or not the rotation reel 40 has been rotated in a steady manner depending on whether or not the acceleration control program for acceleration data used in the game has ended. Further, the elapsed time from the start of rotation of the rotary reel 40 may be measured, and it may be determined that the steady rotation has been reached when a predetermined time according to the acceleration data used is reached. Alternatively, a rotation detection sensor may be provided in the stepping motor to detect the rotational speed of the drive shaft.
If the rotating reels 40 have reached steady rotation, it is determined in the next step 205 whether or not the first index has been detected for all the rotating reels 40. When the index is detected, the symbol position determination is started. In step 206, it is determined whether the game time limit (wait time) has elapsed. If the game time limit has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 207.

In step 207, the invalidation of the stop operation is canceled. Then, the reel rotation start process ends.
The reel rotation stop process in step 104 of FIG. 3 will be described based on the flow of FIG.
First, in step 300 of FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the stop operation is in an invalid state, that is, whether or not a stop-time freeze effect is being executed. If the stop operation is not in an invalid state, the process proceeds to step 303.
In step 303, it is determined whether any one of the stop switches 50 is turned on. If the stop switch 50 is not turned ON, the process returns to step 300. If any stop switch 50 is turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step 304.

In step 304, the stop position is specified based on the stop table. That is, the design to be stopped at a predetermined position is specified. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 305, where it is determined whether or not the rotating reel 40 has rotated to the specified stop position. If the rotary reel 40 has rotated to the stop position, a stop signal is output in the next step 306, and the process proceeds to the next step 307.
In step 307, whether or not to execute the freeze effect at the stop, that is, the effect stage 120 performs the freeze effect when the stop switch 50 is operated in the effect stage (stage B) accompanied by the freeze effect when the stop switch 50 is operated. It is determined whether or not it has been decided. When the stop freeze effect is executed, the process proceeds to step 308, where the freeze timer 123 starts the time count set for the stop freeze effect, and the game operation unit invalidating means 130 disables the stop switch 50. State. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 309.

In step 307, when the stop freeze effect is not executed, the process skips step 308 and proceeds to step 309.
In step 309, it is determined whether all the rotating reels 40 have stopped. When all the rotating reels 40 are not stopped, that is, when there are rotating reels 40 that are rotating, the process returns to step 300, and when all the rotating reels 40 are stopped, the reel rotation stopping process is ended.
In step 300, if the stop operation is invalid, that is, if the freeze timer 123 is activated in step 308, the process proceeds to step 301.

In step 301, it is determined whether or not the freeze timer 123 has expired. If the freeze timer 123 has expired, the invalidation of the stop operation is canceled in the next step 302. Then, the flow proceeds to the next step 303.
Next, game time measurement processing by the game time timer 140 will be described based on the flow of FIG.
First, in step 400 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not one game has been completed, specifically, whether or not all of the rotating reels 40 have been stopped or the payout of winning medals has been completed. If one game has not ended, the process returns to step 400. If one game has ended, the process proceeds to the next step 401.

In step 401, time counting is started. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 402.
In step 402, it is determined whether a bet has been placed, that is, whether the medal sensor 15 has detected insertion of a medal or whether the bet switch 16 has been operated. If the bet is not made, it is determined in the next step 403 whether a certain time has elapsed, that is, whether the time count has reached a predetermined count value. If the fixed time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 402. If the fixed time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 404.

In step 404, a time-up signal is transmitted, and the game time measurement process is terminated. On the other hand, if a bet has been placed in step 402, the process proceeds to step 405 and the timer is reset. Then, the game time measurement process ends.
In this way, the game time timer 140 interrupts the time measurement when the next game is started after the game is completed, and a betting operation is performed within a predetermined time after one game is completed. If there is not, that is, if the rotating reel 40 does not start in the next game, a time-up signal is sent to the effect determining means 120.
Subsequently, the effect stage determination process by the effect determination means 120 will be described based on the flow of FIG.

  First, in step 500 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not to change the effect stage. This determination is made, for example, at the time of betting (medal insertion or operation of the bet switch 16). In the case of a special stage, a predetermined transition condition can be satisfied (AT high probability period, AT start, etc.). When the production stage is not changed, the current production stage is maintained, and the process is terminated as it is. At this time, information indicating that the stage is not changed may be output to the effect control device 22. When changing the production stage, the process proceeds to the next step 501.

In step 501, it is determined whether or not the stage is changed to a special stage. If it is not a change to the special stage, the process proceeds to the next step 502.
In step 502, stage lottery is performed by the production stage lottery means 122. Based on the result, an individual stage for execution is determined in step 503. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 504.
In step 504, the stage control information of the determined stage is output to the stage control device 22. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 505.
In step 505, it is determined whether or not the game timer 140 has timed up, that is, whether or not a time-up signal has been sent from the game timer 140. If the game timer 140 has timed up, that is, if no game operation has been performed for a certain time, the process proceeds to the next step 506.

In step 506, a demonstration screen transition signal is output to the effect control device 22. Then, in the next step 507, stage lottery is performed by the production stage lottery means 122, and in the next step 508, an individual stage for execution is determined. Information relating to the determination is held in a predetermined storage unit. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 509.
In step 509, it is determined whether a predetermined game operation, that is, a bet operation has been performed. If no game operation is performed, the process returns to step 509. If a game operation is performed, the process proceeds to step 510.
In step 510, the stage production information determined in step 508 is output to the production control device 22. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 511.

In step 511, it is determined whether or not it is a trigger for determining whether or not there is a stage change. The stage change opportunity can be at the time of betting, when the start switch 30 is operated, at the time of reel stop (at the end of the game), etc. When it does not correspond to a stage change opportunity, it returns to step 505, and when it corresponds to a stage change opportunity, a process is complete | finished. Thereafter, in step 500, it is determined whether or not there is a stage change.
In step 501, if the effect determined to be changed is an effect related to the special stage, the process proceeds to step 520.

In step 520, an individual stage corresponding to the gaming state is determined as an individual stage for execution. For example, when shifting to ART, the ART stage is determined, and when shifting to BB is determined, the BB stage is determined. Then, in the next step 521, the effect information of the determined stage is output to the effect control device 22. Then, the process ends.
In the above flow, when a game operation is not performed and a certain amount of time has elapsed, stage lottery is performed in response to demo screen transition signal output, but the stage lottery time is when the game timer 140 is timed up Alternatively, it may be when a game operation is performed after transition to the demo screen.

In the present embodiment, for the sake of simplicity of explanation, the special stage has a single effect content (for ART, high accuracy, etc.) for each state, but a plurality of stages for each state as in the normal stage. There may be a setting in which the freeze mode at each stage and other effects are different. In this case, in the above flow, even when the execution of the effect related to the special stage is determined, the stage lottery is performed and the individual stage related to the execution is determined.
Next, the image effect processing by the image display control means 150 will be described based on the flow of FIG.
First, in step 600 of FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the effect information from the effect determining means 120 has been input. If no effect information is input, the process returns to step 600. If effect information is input, the process proceeds to the next step 601.

In step 601, it is determined whether or not the input effect information is information related to the normal stage. If the effect information is information related to the normal stage, the process proceeds to the next step 602.
In step 602, an effect image corresponding to the normal stage is selected, and in the next step 603, the selected effect image is displayed on the image display device 67. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 604.
In step 604, it is determined whether or not effect information has been input. If the effect information has been input, the process ends. On the other hand, when the production information is not input, the process proceeds to the next step 605, and it is determined whether or not the demonstration screen transition signal is input. If the demo screen transition signal has not been input, the process returns to step 603. If the demo screen transition signal has been input, the process proceeds to the next step 606.

In step 606, the demonstration image is displayed on the image display device 67. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 607.
In step 607, it is determined whether or not effect information has been input. If no effect information is input, the process returns to step 606. If effect information is input, the process proceeds to the next step 608. In step 608, the display of the demonstration image is terminated, and the process proceeds to step 602.
In step 601, if the input effect information is not information related to the normal stage, the process proceeds to step 610, and an effect image corresponding to the special stage is selected. In the next step 611, the selected effect image is displayed as an image. Displayed on device 67. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 612.

In step 612, it is determined whether or not effect information has been input. If no effect information is input, the process returns to step 611, and if effect information is input, the process ends.
(Summary)
As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the stage performance is performed, that is, when the gaming state is the normal state, the game screen is shifted to the demonstration screen if no gaming operation is performed for a certain period of time. When returning to the effect screen by a subsequent game operation, an effect display of an effect stage different from that before the transition to the demo screen is performed. Such a situation can occur, for example, not only when the player is away from the seat and the game operation is not performed, but also when the player does not intentionally perform the game operation. That is, it is possible to change the type of effect performed by not performing the game operation. For this reason, a player can select a favorite effect without specially providing an effect selection switch, which is effective in preventing boredom.

On the other hand, for special stages that can be expected to have added value, such as popping balls, the effect image will not change even if there is no game operation for a certain period of time, so it will be easier to check the state when the store is closed in the hall. There are benefits.
By the way, the slot machine 10 is formed so as to be able to adjust the setting of the number of balls in a plurality of stages. However, according to the sales policy of the hall, the setting is changed when the store is closed or when the store is opened. When the setting change is performed, information stored in the RAM of the game control device 21 and the effect control device 22 is usually reset, but if the setting change is not performed, even if the power of the slot machine 10 is turned off, The flag state relating to the role lottery, the selected stage, etc. are stored as backup data. Therefore, when the hall is opened, if the production displayed on a certain stand is the same as the production displayed before closing the previous day, the player will perceive that the setting has not been changed. .

  In this regard, according to the present embodiment, even if the setting is not changed for the table for which the normal stage is selected, if the game operation is not performed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds), the display shifts to the demonstration screen. When a game operation is performed, the result of a new stage lottery is reflected. And, assuming that it is unlikely that the player will perform a gaming operation immediately after the slot machine 10 is turned on, and that the control as in this embodiment is performed, Even if the same effect display is performed on the same stand, it is not possible to determine whether or not the setting has been changed based only on the event, so that the so-called setting change bar as described above can be prevented.

Here, for the special stage, the stage is not re-drawn, so if you do not change the setting, you will know that, but even on the hall side, the stand is an internal state corresponding to the special stage Since it can be easily known, for example, it is possible to return to the normal state by taking measures such as changing the setting or re-setting the same setting.
In the present embodiment, the presence / absence and type of execution of all effect stages are performed by the effect determination means 120 provided in the game control means 21 (the game control means 21 performs management of all effect stages). However, the effect control device 22 may manage an effect stage that is not related to the control of the game control means 21 (an effect stage not accompanied by a freeze effect) among the effect stages. For example, for an effect that only displays an image, an effect that only the blinking mode of the lamp 68, an effect that only outputs sound from the speaker 69, and an effect that is a combination thereof, the presence / absence of execution and the execution timing and type are controlled by effect control. The device 22 may be determined based on, for example, an operation signal from the game operation unit or role lottery information (lottery result) output from the game control means 21.

In the present embodiment, an example in which a freeze effect is performed as the state effect based on the control of the game control device 21 has been described, but the state effect is not limited to the freeze effect. For example, the rotation speed or the rotation direction of the rotary reel 30 is changed to a mode different from the normal rotation mode until the rotary reel 40 reaches a steady rotation (that is, a period until the stop operation becomes effective). The trunk effect may be executable. In this case, it is possible to provide an effect stage in which the spinning effect is performed with a predetermined probability together with the image display effect, and it is possible to provide an effect stage with a freeze and an effect stage with a spinning effect.
(Modification)
In the above-described embodiment, while the effect relating to the special stage is being executed, the effect image of the special stage is not changed by not shifting to the demonstration screen, but the effect relating to the special stage is being executed. Even if the game operation is not performed for a certain period of time, the display is shifted to the demo screen, but the stage effect is not executed, so that the same effect image is displayed when returning from the demo screen during the subsequent game operation. It may be formed.

Even if formed in this manner, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained, and in particular, when a liquid crystal display device is used as the image display device 67, it is effective for protecting the liquid crystal screen and saving power. It is.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, it is configured to shift to the demo screen when the gaming operation is not performed for a certain period of time. However, when power is interrupted (including power failure and power switch OFF), It is good also as a structure which transfers to a demo screen immediately after a disconnection. In such a case, the stage re-lottery is given immediately after the setting change or the power-on at the time of opening the store, which is effective in preventing the presence or absence of the setting change due to the above-described effect contents.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the execution effect is determined by the stage lottery in the game operation after the game operation has not been performed for a certain time, but the stage that is executed in response to the game operation after a certain time has elapsed. Is not limited to being determined by lottery. For example, it may be determined in the order of stages A, B, and C, or may be determined according to the number of games, game time, and other gaming machine states.
The present invention can also be applied to gaming machines other than slot machines. For example, the present invention can be applied to a parrot game machine that uses a game ball (pachinko ball) as a game medium to perform a game similar to a slot machine. Further, in a pachinko gaming machine, the present invention can be applied to effect determination control when the effect stage is different between the normal state, the jackpot state, and the probability variation state. In this case, the game operation can be defined as an operation of a handle for firing a game ball on the surface of the game board.

10 slot machine 11 chassis
12 Display window 13 Symbol display window
20 Controller 21 Game controller
22 Production control device
30 Start switch 40 turn reel
50 Stop switch 60 Reel unit
65 Hopper unit 66 Production display
70 Winning lottery means 90 Reel control means
120 Production determining means 121 Production mode storage means
122 Stage stage lottery means 123 Freeze timer
124 Display management means 140 Game time timer
150 Image display control device 151 Production image storage means
152 Image production execution means

Claims (3)

A game operation unit for performing operations necessary for the execution of the game, a game control device for controlling a game based on the operation of the game operation unit, and a signal from the game control device are input to control an effect associated with the game And a production control device that
In a gaming machine that is configured to transition to an advantageous gaming state different from the normal gaming state when triggered by a predetermined gaming condition,
As an effect device that notifies the gaming state, it has an image display device,
The effect control device includes effect image storage means for storing a plurality of effect images to be displayed on the image display device;
An image effect executing means for causing the image display device to display an effect image stored in the effect image storage means according to a gaming state,
The game control device or the effect control device includes display management means for switching the effect image displayed by the image effect execution means according to a predetermined condition,
The plurality of effect images include a plurality of normal effect images selected in the normal gaming state and a plurality of special effect images selected in the advantageous gaming state,
The display management means includes
If the operation of the game operation unit is not performed for a predetermined time while the display of the normal effect image is being performed by the image effect execution unit, the game operation unit When the operation is performed, the image that the image effect execution means is executing is switched to the normal effect image selected by a predetermined method,
If the operation of the game operation unit is not performed for a predetermined time while the image effect execution means is executing the display of the special effect image, the image effect is performed even after the fixed time has elapsed. A gaming machine, characterized in that the execution means displays a special effect image that is the same as the special effect image displayed before the predetermined time has elapsed. The display management means includes
While the display of the normal effect image is being executed by the image effect execution means, if the operation of the game operation stage is not performed for a predetermined time, the image effect execution means is executing the display. The effect image is switched to a predetermined fixed image, and when the game operation unit is operated during the display of the fixed image, the fixed image that the image effect execution means is executing is displayed, When switching to a fixed image or when the operation of the game operation unit is performed, switch to the normal effect image selected,
While the image effect execution means is executing the display of the special effect image, even if the game operation unit is not operated for a predetermined time, the switching to the fixed image is not performed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is formed as described above. The game control device is configured to be able to execute a predetermined state effect by making the progress of the game different from normal,
Information relating to a plurality of effect modes including the state effect is stored, and an effect determining means capable of selecting and determining an effect mode to be executed from among the plurality of effect modes according to a gaming state by lottery,
The plurality of performance modes include a plurality of normal performance modes selected in the normal gaming state and a plurality of special performance modes selected in the advantageous gaming state. The normal effect image stored in the effect image storage means is set so that the special effect image stored in the effect image storage means corresponds to the special effect mode, and the image effect is stored. The execution means executes display of the effect image corresponding to the effect mode determined by the effect determination means,
The production determining means
When the display management means causes the image effect execution means to display the normal effect image, if the operation of the game operation unit is not performed for a predetermined time, the predetermined time When the game operation unit is operated after the lapse of time, the execution of the normal performance mode selected by the lottery is determined,
When the display management means causes the image effect execution means to display the special effect image, even if the operation of the game operation unit is not performed for a predetermined time, the effect 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the lottery of the aspect is not performed.

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