JP2014012096A - Game machine and external terminal for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that efficiently outputs various kinds of game information to the outside thereof.SOLUTION: A slot machine 1 comprises: special game result determination means 76 for determining a game result; light emission control means 79 for, when any one of special game results for which multiple kinds are set is determined as a game result, allowing a specific LED to emit light so that light emission patterns differ according to the special game result; and a light detection means installation part for installing a light sensor unit 451 provided at a relay unit 45 so as to detect the light emission of the specific LED.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that outputs game information to an external terminal.

  Conventionally, many gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko gaming machines are provided with a sub control board (sub board) for production in addition to a main control board. The main control board executes a lottery execution of a combination and a process related to output of an external signal of the management device and the calling lamp. The sub-control board executes processing related to the execution of the effect.

  In recent years, the number of slot machines that generate an AT state in which a player is informed of a pressing order and a symbol to be aimed at, thereby facilitating winning of an internal winning combination is increasing. The notification of the pushing order under the AT state and the symbol to be aimed at is an effect and is executed as a process of the sub-control board. In general, the sub-control board does not have a function of outputting a signal to the outside, and does not output information that can specify that it is in the AT state to the main control board. Therefore, the conventional gaming machine cannot output a signal that can specify that it is in the AT state to an external terminal or the like.

  As a technique for enabling the external terminal side to specify that it is in the AT state, a technique using an optical sensor that detects light emission of a lamp that is turned on during the AT state has been realized (for example, Patent Documents). 1). If it is an external terminal or the like that can capture the detection signal of such an optical sensor, it can be specified that the corresponding gaming machine is in the AT state.

  However, even if an optical sensor that detects the light emission of the lamp that is turned on during the AT state is provided, it is only possible to specify whether or not the AT state is in effect, and whether or not a gaming state other than the AT state has occurred. It is difficult to specify. For gaming machines that generate multiple types of gaming states, it is necessary to provide multiple optical sensors corresponding to the multiple types of gaming states in order to grasp the gaming state that is occurring in detail on the external terminal side. Various problems such as an increase in the amount of time, an increase in the time required for installation work, and complicated handling of signal lines are induced, which is not realistic.

JP 2012-29774 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that efficiently outputs various game information to the outside.

One aspect of the present invention is a special game result determining means for determining a game result;
Light emission control for causing the light emitting means to emit light so that the light emission pattern differs according to the special game result when any of the special game results set by the special game result determining means is determined as the game result. Means,
A gaming machine comprising: a light detecting means installing portion for installing a light detecting means provided in an external terminal for a gaming machine so as to detect light emission of the light emitting means (Claim 1).

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the light emission pattern of the light emitting means differs according to the special game result. If the light emission pattern of the light emitting means is detected, the special game result in the corresponding gaming machine can be specified. This gaming machine has a light detection means installation portion for installing a light detection means provided in an external terminal for gaming machines. If the light detection means is installed in the light detection means installation portion, it is possible to specify a plurality of types of special game results on the gaming machine external terminal side.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently output a plurality of types of special gaming results to the outside, and to allow the gaming machine external terminal to specify the special gaming results.

Examples of the gaming machine according to the present invention include a pachinko gaming machine having a pachinko ball winning opening, a slot machine that generates a winning according to a combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed. The pachinko gaming machine may be a type that uses a pachinko ball as a gaming value, but may be a so-called enclosed type that does not use a pachinko ball as a gaming value. The slot machine may be a slot machine that uses medals or coins as game media, but may be a so-called complete credit type slot machine that does not use game media. Further, in the case of a slot machine, a parrot (R) that uses a pachinko ball as a game medium may be used.
As an external terminal for a gaming machine in the present invention, a device installed separately corresponding to a gaming machine, such as a call lamp, a relay device that relays a gaming signal output from the gaming machine, or a gaming media rental device, etc. Can be adopted.

The light emitting means included in the gaming machine according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is provided at a position where the player can visually recognize the light emitted from the light emitting means.
The light emission control means causes the light emission means to emit light so that the light emission pattern is different from the normal control in which the light emission means emits light for the effect to the player and the light emission pattern in the normal control and according to the special game result. Special control is executed (claim 2).

  As the light emission patterns by the light emitting means, there are a light emission pattern capable of specifying a special game result and a light emission pattern for production. With such a light emitting means, it is not necessary to provide a light emitting means for specifying a special game result separately from the light emitting means for production. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which it is necessary to provide a light emitting means that emits light only when a special game result is obtained, it is possible to suppress an increase in cost and to restrict restrictions on the installation position of the light emitting means.

  The special control by the light emission control means provided in the gaming machine of a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a first special control for causing the light emission means to emit light so that a light emission pattern varies according to the special game result, and the normal control. There is a second special control for causing the light emitting means to emit light before the execution of the first special control with a light emission pattern different from the light emission pattern in (3).

  The light emitting means emits light with a light emission pattern different from the normal light emission pattern before emitting light with a different light emission pattern according to the special game result. The light detection means may identify the execution of the light emission pattern based on the special game result when the light emission pattern is detected based on the second special control. That is, the light detection means does not specify the light emission pattern based on the special game result unless it detects the light emission pattern based on the second special control. Therefore, there is little risk of erroneously specifying the light emission pattern due to the special game result due to the influence of noise or the like.

  The light emission control means provided in the gaming machine according to a preferred aspect of the present invention makes the light emission pattern in the first special control corresponding to at least one special game result the same as the light emission pattern in the normal control. ).

  Some light emission patterns by the first special control have the same light emission pattern as the light emission pattern by the normal control. The external terminal for gaming machines can specify that a special game result has occurred when the light emission pattern by the first special control occurs after the light emission pattern by the second special control. On the other hand, even if the light emission pattern is the same as the one light emission pattern based on the first special control, if the light emission pattern based on the second special control has not occurred before that, the special game result can be prevented from being specified. That is, the light emission pattern based on the second special control only needs to be different from the light emission pattern based on the normal control, and the light emission pattern based on the first special control can be set to the same pattern as the light emission pattern based on the normal control. Thereby, the design freedom of the light emission pattern for specifying a special game result can be ensured highly.

The light emission control means included in the gaming machine according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is such that the time from the start to the end of the second special control is longer than the time from the start to the end of the first special control. Each special control is executed in (5).
The light emission pattern by the second special control is longer than the light emission pattern by the first special control. This makes it easier for the light emission detection means to specify that the light emission pattern for specifying the special game result is to be started. That is, if the light emission pattern by the second special control is relatively long, it is possible to suppress the possibility that the light detection means erroneously detects that the light emission pattern by the second special control has occurred due to the influence of noise or the like.

An external terminal for gaming machines that constitutes one aspect of the present invention corresponds to a gaming machine that includes a light emission control unit that repeatedly executes the special control a plurality of times.
The light detection means identifies the light emission pattern of the light emission means corresponding to one special control among the special control repeatedly executed a plurality of times, so that the game result corresponding to the light emission pattern is generated. When the light emission pattern of the light emitting means corresponding to one special control is specified, a special time longer than the time for the light emission control means to repeatedly execute the special control a plurality of times. After the elapse of time, the specification of the light emission pattern of the light emitting means is resumed (Claim 6).

  Among special controls that are repeatedly executed a plurality of times, if one special control can be detected, it is possible to identify that a special game result has occurred on the external terminal side for gaming machines. Since the special control is repeatedly executed a plurality of times, it is possible to suppress the possibility that a situation in which the fact cannot be specified on the external terminal side for the gaming machine despite the occurrence of the special game result will occur. Further, when one special control is detected among a plurality of times, the other special control executed a plurality of times is not specified. Therefore, there is no possibility that the external terminal side for gaming machines will erroneously specify that the special game result is generated a plurality of times for one special game result.

A gaming machine according to a preferred aspect of the present invention includes a main control unit capable of outputting a signal to the gaming machine external terminal;
A sub-control unit that includes the light emission control unit and the special game result determination unit, and that receives a signal from the main control unit and does not output a signal to the external terminal for the gaming machine. (Claim 7).
If the gaming machine has a sub-control unit that is not connected to a wired signal line or the like for directly outputting signals to the main control unit or the external terminal for gaming machines, the special game result is given to the external terminal for gaming machines by the light emission pattern. The effect of the present invention that can be specified becomes more useful.

The system diagram which shows the structure of the game system in an Example. The front view which shows the slot machine in an Example. The front view which shows the pedestal lamp part with which the slot machine in an Example is provided, and an AA arrow directional cross-sectional view. Explanatory drawing explaining the winning line set to the symbol display window in an Example. The expanded view which expands and shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol arrange | positioned in the outer periphery of the reel in an Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the role of the slot machine of a slot machine, a winning symbol, and profit in an Example. The block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the game system in an Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the number of winning random numbers of each combination in the internal winning combination lottery table in the embodiment. The state transition diagram which shows the transition of the game state in the slot machine in an Example. The time chart figure which illustrates the production information output pattern of production 3 in an example. The time chart figure explaining the difference in the production | presentation information output pattern for every production in an Example. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the relay apparatus in an Example. The front view which shows the display screen of the production 1 by the call lamp in an Example. The front view which shows the display screen of the production 2 by the calling lamp in an Example. The front view which shows the display screen of the production 3 by the calling lamp in an Example. The front view which shows the display screen of the effect 4 by the calling lamp in an Example (the figure of the upper stage is AT entry effect screen by a slot machine).

The embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the following examples.
(Example)
This example is an example relating to a slot machine (game machine) 1 that externally outputs game information by blinking control of a specific LED (light emitting means) 560S, and a relay device (external terminal for game machine) 45 that can capture this game information. is there. The contents will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the game hall of this example, a game hall system 3 including the slot machine 1 and the relay device 45 is constructed. In this game hall system 3, the slot machine 1, the call lamp 41, the lending device 42, and the like are connected to the on-site network 300 via the relay device 45 and managed by the game hall management device 30. At the amusement hall, it is possible to enjoy the game of the slot machine 1 using medals borrowed from the lending device 42. In this game hall system 3, two slot machines 1, call lamps 41, and lending devices 42 are connected to the relay device 45.

  The relay device 45 has a function of relaying game signals and game information taken in from the slot machine 1 side to the calling lamp 41 or sending them to the in-place network 300. The relay device 45 is electrically connected to the corresponding slot machine 1 via a signal line. Further, although omitted in FIG. 1, the relay device 45 of this example is electrically extended with a light sensor unit (light detection means) 451 for detecting the light emission pattern of the specific LED 560S (FIG. 3). ing.

  The optical sensor unit 451 of this example is a unit in which a light receiving element or the like is accommodated inside a substantially cylindrical casing. The optical sensor unit 451 outputs a detection signal when the light emission of the specific LED 560S is detected, and holds the output at the zero level and stops the signal output when not detecting.

  The call lamp 41 is a device disposed on the upper side of the corresponding slot machine 1. The call lamp 41 includes a display unit 410 for displaying various game information in addition to the call lamp 41 for calling an employee. The display unit 410 displays game data, game information, and the like of the corresponding slot machine 1 and game information of the surrounding slot machines 1. The game data displayed on the display unit 410 includes game data such as the number of bonuses, the number of ARTs, and the number of games between bonuses. The game information includes information indicating that the player has entered a specific gaming state, information indicating the possibility of rushing, and the like.

  The slot machine 1 is a gaming machine that generates a bonus state in response to winning of a bonus combination. As the non-bonus state, in addition to the normal state RT0 state and RT1 state, an advantageous RT2 state is set because the winning probability of the replay combination is high. If the RT2 state occurs with the AT state, the most advantageous ART state is obtained in the non-bonus state. The RT1 state is hotter than the RT0 state in that the possibility of promotion to the RT2 state becomes higher.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the front surface of the slot machine 1 is formed by a front frame 10 provided with a substantially rectangular symbol display window 11. In the front frame 10, a liquid crystal display unit 53, a table lamp unit 56 including a plurality of LEDs 560, and a speaker 57 are disposed above the symbol display window 11. Below the symbol display window 11, a base portion 100 that forms the base of the slot machine 1 is provided.

  The table lamp portion 56 is formed by laminating a protective plate 563 made of a transparent resin on the surface side of the LED holding plate 561 that holds the plurality of LEDs 560 (see FIG. 3). In the LED holding plate 561, a plurality of LEDs 560 are arranged in a rectangular area. One specific LED 560S in the upper right corner among the plurality of LEDs 560 constituting the left pedestal lamp unit 56 is used not only for game effects but also for outputting game information. In the protective plate 563 constituting the left pedestal lamp unit 56, a light detection means installation unit 565 for attaching the optical sensor unit 451 is formed at a position corresponding to the specific LED 560S. The light detection means installation portion 565 of this example is a substantially cylindrical recess for accommodating the substantially cylindrical light sensor unit 451.

  The base portion 100 is formed so as to protrude relatively with respect to the symbol display window 11 located behind the player. The base unit 100 has a shelf-like operation surface 14 at the upper end adjacent to the symbol display window 11, a tray 15 for paying out medals at the lower end, and is operated adjacent to the lower side of the operation surface 14. A panel 13 is provided. On the right side of the symbol display window 11, there is an ART lamp portion 555 that is lit during the occurrence of the ART state, a payout amount display portion 551 that displays the number of payouts at the time of winning, and a credit display portion 552 that displays the number of credited medals. Has been placed.

  On the operation surface 14, a bet button 64 for inserting a medal credited by the credit function, a credit settlement button 65, and a medal insertion slot 630 for directly inserting a medal are arranged. On the operation panel 13, a start lever 62 for starting the symbol variation of the reel 21 and a stop button 61 for stopping the symbol variation are arranged.

  In the slot machine 1 of this example, when the bet button 64 is operated in the non-bonus state of the three-bet game, a 3-bet signal indicating the number of insertions 3 is generated. On the other hand, when the bet button 64 is operated under the bonus state (BB state, RB state) of the two-wager game, a 2-bet signal is generated. However, when the remaining credit is insufficient, a 1 bet signal or the like is generated, and when the credit is zero, no bet signal is generated.

  In the slot machine 1, the start lever 62 is set to the valid state in response to direct insertion of medals or insertion of medals by operating the bet button 64. When the replay winning combination is won, a state is set in which a medal is directly inserted or a medal is automatically inserted without a betting operation, that is, a state where the next game can be started.

  The symbol display window 11 is a display window including symbol display areas 110L, C, and R. Each of the symbol display areas 110L, C, and R is a symbol display area for three symbols. In the entire symbol display window 11, symbol display regions for nine symbols arranged in a two-dimensional matrix composed of three rows and three columns are formed. The symbol display window 11 is formed of a transparent resin plate so that the symbol 20 can be seen from the player side. In a symbol display area in which nine symbols 20 are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, winning lines 211 to 214, which are the arrangement direction of winning symbols to be awarded, are set (see FIG. 4). The winning line in this example is composed of four lines including two horizontal winning lines 211 and 214 and diagonal winning lines 212 and 213 except for the lowest stage.

  On the back side of each symbol display area 110L, C, R, cylindrical reels 21L, C, R constituting the symbol variation display means 2 (see FIG. 7) are respectively arranged. The reels 21L, 21C, and 21R are rotary reels in which 21 symbols 20 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof at substantially constant intervals (see FIG. 5).

  In the slot machine 1, as shown in FIG. 6, a BB role that triggers the BB state, an RB role that triggers the RB state, a small role including six types of five-piece roles A to F, a normal replay role, a promoted replay role, And three types of fall replay roles A to C are set. The promoted replay role is a role that triggers the promotion to the RT2 state, which is a highly replayed state. The fall replay combination is a combination that triggers a fall from the normal RT1 state to the RT0 state. In the figure, the names of the winning combinations are shown in the left column, the winning symbols are shown in the middle column, and the profits corresponding to the winnings are shown in the right column. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this example, the falling symbol from the RT2 state or the RT1 state to the RT0 state is set.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the slot machine 1 is electrically configured with a main controller 31 as a center. In addition to the configuration described above, the main control unit 31 includes an inserted medal detection unit 63 that detects a medal inserted as a game medium, a display control unit (sub control unit) 32 that controls game effects, and a reel 21. A reel drive unit 22 that rotates, a reference position detection unit 66 that detects the rotational position of the reel 21, a medal payout unit 54 that pays out medals to the tray 15, and a setting value for selecting a setting value that represents the player's advantage The operation unit 68 and the like are electrically connected.

An external output terminal 319 for outputting a signal toward the relay device 45 is extended in the main control unit 31. The main control unit 31 via this external output terminal 319 outputs an out signal indicating consumption of medals, a safe signal indicating payout of medals in accordance with winnings, and a bonus signal (BB signal, RB signal indicating the occurrence of a bonus state) ) Is output.
The display control unit 32 is electrically connected to various display units 556 for producing a game, a sound output unit for controlling the speaker 57, a stand lamp unit 56, an ART lamp unit 555, a liquid crystal display unit 53, and the like. .

The reel drive unit 22 includes a stepping motor (not shown) that can be controlled in units of steps, and rotationally drives the reel 21 by the rotational driving force of the stepping motor.
The reference position detector 66 detects the passage of the reference position piece for each of the reels 21L, 21C, and R, and outputs a detection signal.
The set value operation unit 68 can be operated using the set key 680, and can change the set value that defines the winning probability of the bonus combination in six stages according to the operation.

  The main control unit 31 includes a CPU 311, ROM 312 and RAM 313 as memory means, an I / O unit 314 that outputs game signals to the outside via signal lines, and a random number extraction unit 315 that extracts random numbers for internal winning combination lottery. And a random number generator 316 for generating random numbers. The display control unit 32 includes a CPU 321, a ROM 322 / RAM 323, an I / O unit 324, and the like, like the main control unit 31.

  The main control unit 31 and the display control unit 32 execute the software programs read from the ROMs 312 and 322 by the CPUs 311 and 321, thereby realizing the functions as the following means. Of the following means, each means (1) to (6) is realized by the main control unit 31, and each means (7) to (10) is realized by the display control unit 32.

(1) Lottery means 71: means for determining an internal winning combination by internal lottery and establishing an internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination.
(2) Flag control means 710: means for controlling the internal winning flag established by the lottery means 71.
(3) Reel control means 72: means for controlling the variation of the design of the reel 21.
(4) Winning combination determining means 73: means for determining whether or not the combination of the symbols 20 that the three reels 21L, 21C, 21R stop display is a predetermined winning symbol.
(5) Profit granting means 74: means for giving a profit corresponding to the winning combination determined by the winning combination determining means 73.
(6) Game state control means 75: means for controlling the start / end of the RT0 state, the RT1 state, and the RT2 state in addition to generating a bonus state in accordance with the winning of the bonus combination.

(7) Special game result determining means 76: means for determining a game result. When an ART generation condition to be described later is satisfied, a special game result of determining the ART state is determined.
(8) Display control means 77: means for controlling effect display by the liquid crystal display unit 53.
(9) AT state generating means 78: means for generating an AT state.
(10) Light emission control means 79: means for controlling blinking of each LED 560 of the table lamp unit 56 including the specific LED 560S.

The ROM 312 of the main control unit 31 stores an internal winning combination lottery table (not shown) and a reel control table (not shown).
The ROM 322 of the display control unit 32 stores an ART lottery table (not shown) applied to the ART lottery.
The storage area of the RAM 323 of the display control unit 32 is provided with an ART right number counter that stores the number of acquired ART rights (rights necessary for executing the ART state over one set of 50 games).

The reel control table is a control table applied to stop control of the reel 21. In the reel control table, a stop position where the stop can be made is defined on the winning line.
As an ART lottery table, an ART lottery table that is executed when an ART opportunity (6 and 2) is internally elected under normal conditions, and an internal lottery for 1 sheet is awarded in the BB state. An ART lottery table for ART lottery executed at times is prepared.

  The internal winning combination lottery table is a lottery table in which a winning random number for each combination is defined among the random numbers for internal winning combination lottery of 0 to 65535. In this internal winning combination lottery table, the number of winning random numbers for each combination is set as shown in FIG. In the figure, the number of winning random numbers is shown only for the replay winning combination and the small winning combination, and the winning random number display is omitted for the bonus winning combination. The internal winning combination lottery table is applied to the RT0 state and the RT1 state which are normal states, the table applied to the RT2 state which becomes the ART state if the AT is won, and the RB state. And a table applied to the BB state.

  As is known from FIG. 8, in the slot machine 1 of this example, with respect to the 5-stakes A to F, the case where the 5-stakes A is independently won internally and at the same time any one of the 5 There are 6 cases in all, and in all cases, only the 5 winning combination A wins. However, if any one of the five winning combinations B to F is won simultaneously, the “bell” is controlled to stop at the upper or middle stage of the middle reel 21C according to the combination and the pressing order. When stopped at the upper stage (single winning with one active line), 5 medals are paid out when stopped at the middle stage (triple winning with three active lines). Note that when the five-piece combination A is elected alone, the “bell” stops at the middle stage of the middle reel 21C regardless of the pressing order.

  Specifically, when five winning combinations are won at the same time, the “bell” stops at the middle stage according to the following operations, and stops at the upper stage when other operations are performed. When the “bell” is stopped at the upper stage of the middle reel 21C, the other reels 21L and 21R are controlled so that the “bells” are arranged along the winning line 214 in the upper horizontal direction. At this time, the falling symbol is always stopped and displayed along the pay line 213 in the diagonally lower right direction.

・ In the case of simultaneous winning of 5-stakes A + 5-stakes B, the middle reel 21C is first stopped (middle ⇒ right ⇒ left or middle ⇒ left ⇒ right).
・ Left ⇒ middle ⇒ right when 5 winning combination A + 5 winning combination C are won simultaneously.
・ Left ⇒ right ⇒ middle operation when 5 winning combination A + 5 winning combination D are won at the same time.
・ Right ⇒ middle ⇒ left when 5 winning combinations A + 5 winning combinations E are won simultaneously.
・ Right ⇒ left ⇒ middle operations when 5 winning combinations A + 5 winning combinations F are won simultaneously.

As for the replay combination, simultaneous winning including a fall replay combination occurs in the RT1 state, while there is no simultaneous winning in the RT0 state and the RT2 state, and only the normal replay combination is selected. When the replay combination is won simultaneously in the RT1 state, the normal replay combination or the promoted replay combination wins according to a predetermined operation in each of the following cases, and the fall replay combination wins when other operations are performed.
The operation of first stopping the left reel 21L when the normal replay role or the promoted replay role + falling replay role A + falling replay role B is simultaneously won.
An operation of first stopping the right reel 21R in the case where the normal replay role or the promoted replay role + the falling replay role B + the falling replay role C is simultaneously won.
An operation to stop the middle reel 21C first when the normal replay role or the promoted replay role + falling replay role C + falling replay role A is simultaneously won.

  In the slot machine 1 of this example configured as described above, when the start lever 62 is effectively operated with a specified number of medals bet (three in the non-bonus state and two in the bonus state), An internal lottery for determining the winning combination is executed, and the symbol variation of the reel 21 is started. At this time, an out signal indicating consumption of medals is output via the external output terminal 319. The number of outputs of the out signal is the number of times that matches the specified number.

  In the internal lottery, first, random numbers for internal winning combination lottery are extracted from a predetermined range of random numbers generated by the random number generation unit 316. The random numbers for the internal winning combination lottery are collated with the winning random numbers of the respective combinations defined in any of the internal winning combination lottery tables selected according to the gaming state, thereby determining the internal winning combination.

  When any winning combination is determined as an internal winning combination, an internal winning flag corresponding to the internal winning combination is set. The internal winning flags of other combinations other than the bonus combination are reset to the off state (zero) by the time the next game is started regardless of whether or not the game in which the internal winning flag is established is won for the first time. Therefore, if each combination other than the bonus combination is not won in the internal winning game, all will be missed. On the other hand, regarding the bonus combination flag which is an internal winning flag of the bonus combination, the established state of the internal winning flag is sequentially carried over to the next game until winning, and is reset to the off state according to the winning.

  The main control unit 31 inputs a control pulse to the stepping motor constituting the reel driving unit 22 and rotates the reel 21 by rotating the stepping motor by one step for each pulse. The main control unit 31 during the symbol variation of the reel 21 counts the number of control pulses input to the reel drive unit 22, that is, the number of steps rotated by the stepping motor. Since the number of steps is reset to zero each time the detection signal of the reference position piece of each reel 21 is captured, the number of steps is the number of steps generated after the latest detection signal.

  When the stop button 61 is operated, so-called pull-in control is executed in which the symbols 20 within a predetermined pull-in range determined by rules (rules for game machine authorization, type verification, etc.) are stopped on the winning line. In this example, a range corresponding to 4 symbols is set as the pull-in range. Specifically, the number of steps when the stop button 61 is operated is acquired, and the stop position is determined by checking the number of steps against a reel control table in which a stop position that can be stopped is defined on the winning line. The If there is a symbol 20 corresponding to the internal winning flag within the pull-in range, the symbol is drawn into the determined stop position and the reel 21 is stopped.

  When all the reels 21 are stopped, the winning combination is determined according to the combination of the symbols 20 stopped on the winning lines 211 to 214. Specifically, after each reel 21L, C, R stops, the number of steps of each corresponding stepping motor (reel drive unit 22) is taken into the main control unit 31. Based on the number of steps, the type of the symbol 20 stopped on the winning lines 211 to 214 is obtained, and it is determined whether or not a winning combination is established for the combination of the symbols 20.

When any of the winning combinations wins, a privilege corresponding to the type of winning combination is granted. For example, if there are 6 winning combinations, 6 medals are awarded. When a medal is awarded, a safe signal is output from the external output terminal 319 once for each medal.
If the bonus combination is a winning combination, a bonus state occurs. The bonus state includes a BB state corresponding to the BB combination and an RB state corresponding to the RB combination. The BB state is the most advantageous bonus state that ends when the number of medals awarded exceeds 300. The RB state is a bonus state that ends in response to eight small part winnings. While the BB state and the RB state are generated, the BB signal and the RB signal are output to the outside, respectively.

  In the slot machine 1 of this example, the following four types of ART generation conditions are prepared for the ART state. When any ART generation condition is satisfied, the ART right number counter is incremented once. This ART right number counter is used when the ART state is started in response to the promotion to the RT2 state, or when the ART state of the next set is started in response to the expiration of the ART state of one set of 50 games. Subtracted once in response to the start of a new ART state.

(1) Winning in an ART lottery that is executed when an AT opportunity (6 or 2) is internally won under normal conditions (RT0 and RT1).
(2) Winning in an ART lottery executed when a single winning combination is won internally in the BB state.
(3) The bonus combination is won internally during the ART state.
(4) Winning a promotion replay role by himself without receiving AT assistance under RT1 condition.

  When the ART lottery is executed under the normal state, an AT lottery roulette in which a three-digit number is displayed in a variable manner is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 53, and AT entry is determined according to the stop display of 777. The case where the AT entry effect (see FIG. 16) is executed is set. When this AT entry effect is executed, an effect 4 (FIG. 16), which will be described later, is executed on the calling lamp 41, while when the AT entry effect is not executed, an effect 3 (FIG. 15), which will be described later, is executed. .

The transition of the gaming state in the slot machine 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG.
(RT0 state)
This is a normal state that occurs in response to the end of the BB state or the RB state. The RT0 state ends in response to a bonus combination winning or a transition to the RT1 state in response to a missing single combination. If the ART rights counter is at least once, an AT condition occurs. In the AT state under the RT0 state, in the simultaneous winning game including the five-player role A, the pushing order for stopping the “bell” in the middle row of the middle reel 21C (triple winning of the five-player role A) and the single-player role An internal winner will be notified. Note that the slot machine 1 of this example has a specification in which an AT signal that can specify whether or not an AT state is occurring is not output to the outside.

(RT1 state)
The RT1 state, which is a normal state, is a normal state that occurs when a single winning combination internally won in the RT0 state is missed. When the state shifts to the RT1 state, the main control unit 31 side cannot identify whether a single winning combination has been accidentally missed and the state has shifted to the RT1 state or is in the AT state. This RT1 state ends in response to a bonus combination winning, a transition to the RT2 state corresponding to the promotion replay winning, or a fall to the RT0 state corresponding to the falling replay winning. In the RT1 state, any two types of the fall replay combination may be internally won simultaneously with the promoted replay combination or the normal replay combination. The simultaneous winning probability including the promoted replay role is 1/30, and the simultaneous winning probability including the normal replay role is 1/4. When a replay combination is won simultaneously, one of the replay combinations wins according to the order of pressing. If you win the promotion replay role, you can be promoted from the RT1 state to the RT2 state.

  If the ART rights counter is at least once, an AT condition occurs. In this AT state, in the simultaneous winning game including the five-player role A, the “bell” is stopped at the middle stage of the middle reel 21C, the pushing order to obtain the triple winning, the normal replay role or the promoted replay in the simultaneous winning game of the replay role. The order of pushing for winning a combination is notified.

(RT2 state)
The RT2 state is an advantageous gaming state (replay high probability state) with a high internal winning probability of the replay role. The RT2 state occurs when the promoted replay combination wins in the RT1 state, and ends in accordance with the transition to the RT0 state according to the winning of the bonus combination and the stop display of the falling symbol. There are two types of winning for the promoted replay role in the RT1 state: winning with AT assistance and winning without AT assistance. When AT assistance is not provided, the above ART generation condition is satisfied, and the ART right number counter is set to one time. Therefore, an ART state for one set of 50 games is started at the time of transition to the RT2 state regardless of the presence or absence of AT assistance.

  At the start of the ART state, the ART right number counter is decremented once. When one set of ART states is completed, a new ART state is started if the AT right number counter is one or more times. If the ART right number counter is zero, the AT ends and the RT state (the gaming state in which the winning probability of the replay time is high) is entered.

  In the ART state, the pressing order for triple winning of the 5-player combination A is notified in the simultaneous winning game of 5-player combinations. While the ART state is occurring, the ART lamp unit 555 (FIG. 2) is lit to notify that effect, but a signal that can specify that the ART state is occurring is output to the outside via a signal line. It will never be done. In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the specification in which the information indicating that the ART state is in effect is not output from the display control unit 32 to the main control unit 31, it is impossible to grasp that the main control unit 31 is in the ART state. It has become.

  During the game of the slot machine 1 of this example, an effect by blinking the stand lamp unit 56 is executed. For example, while a bonus state is occurring, blinking of a predetermined color is repeated. At this time, the specific LED 560S is applied with normal control similar to the other LEDs 560, and functions exclusively as a lamp for production. During the occurrence of the bonus state, a bonus signal (BB signal, RB signal) is output to the relay device 45 via the external output terminal 319. The game information indicating that the bonus state has occurred is output to the calling lamp 41 via the relay device 45, and a bonus effect (not shown) is started on the display unit 410.

  On the other hand, when any of the ART generation conditions is satisfied or when the ART lottery is executed, an effect is performed by the stand lamp unit 56, and game information (effect information) indicating the fact is controlled by blinking control of the specific LED 560S. Is output. This effect information is specified by the relay device 45 including the optical sensor unit 451. The relay device 45 outputs the effect information specified in this way to the corresponding call lamp 41 or the call lamp 41 of another slot machine 1. The call lamp 41 executes an effect according to the effect information.

As the production information that the slot machine outputs externally using the specific LED 560S, for example, there are information on the following four types of production.
(1) Production 1: Production when the AT state occurs under normal conditions.
(2) Production 2: Production when the ART state occurs.
(3) Production 3: Production when 2 or 6 roles are won internally under normal conditions.
(4) Effect 4: Effect when executing AT entry effect.

  At the start of these effects by the stand lamp unit 56, the effect information indicating the type is output by a predetermined light emission pattern by the blinking control of the specific LED 560S. The specification of the light emission pattern by specific LED560S is demonstrated with reference to FIG.10 and FIG.11. As shown in FIG. 10, in the slot machine 1 of this example, when the effect by the stand lamp unit 56 is started, the effect information output pattern by blinking of the specific LED 560S is repeatedly executed twice. The specific LED 560S blinks in the same color as the other LEDs 560 so that the specific LED 560S does not stand out when blinking to externally output the effect information.

  Each production information output pattern includes a start control section (control section by the second special control) representing the start of production information output, and an production number output section (control section by the first special control) representing the type of production (production number). And an end control section indicating the end of output. While the light emission patterns of the start control section and the end control section are common regardless of the type of effect, the light emission pattern of the effect number output interval differs depending on the type of effect. In addition, the start control section is set to be longer in time than the production number output section, so that the output start of production information can be reliably detected on the relay device 41 side.

  FIG. 10 is an illustration of the effect information output pattern corresponding to effect 3, and the effect information output pattern corresponding to other effects is as shown in FIG. Each production number output section of each production includes a 16 millisecond signal waveform in which a 14 millisecond off period occurs following a 2 millisecond on period (Hi) period. The number of repetitions of the waveform is different for each performance. For the effects 1, 2, 3, and 4, the number of repetitions is once, twice, three times, and four times, respectively. Therefore, the time length of the production number output section differs depending on the type of production and is 16 to 64 milliseconds. For this reason, the effect information output pattern has a time length of 160 to 208 milliseconds for each effect.

  In the game hall system 3 of this example, when any of the effects 1 to 4 is started by the stand lamp unit 56 provided in the slot machine 1, the effect information output pattern (FIG. 11) is repeatedly executed by blinking by the specific LED 560S. Is done. The effect number is specified from the effect information output pattern, and the effect information is output to the calling lamp 41.

  The operation flow of the relay device 45 at this time is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The relay device 45 samples the detection signal of the optical sensor unit 451 over the past 1 second and records the light emission pattern (S101). The relay device 45 tries to detect the start control section and the end control section from the recorded light emission patterns (S102). When both the start control section and the end control section that are temporally adjacent with an interval of 16 to 64 milliseconds can be detected (S103: YES), an effect number output section sandwiched between these two sections is specified ( S104), an effect number is specified based on the light emission pattern (S105).

  In the slot machine 1 of this example, the effect information output pattern is repeated twice. The relay device 45 first attempts to specify the production number based on the production information output pattern that precedes in time. If the effect number can be specified, the effect number based on the effect information output pattern that follows in time is not specified. When the identification of the production number based on the preceding production information output pattern has failed for some reason such as noise, the production number is identified based on the production information output pattern that temporally follows.

  When the relay device 45 can identify the effect number, the relay device 45 outputs the effect number toward the calling lamp 41 corresponding to the slot machine 1 from which the effect information is output (S106). Thereafter, it waits until a wait time of 1 second elapses (S107). In this example, as this wait time, a wait time (for example, 250 milliseconds) longer than the time for which the longest (208 milliseconds) effect information output pattern is repeated twice is set. If you wait for the elapse of the wait time set in this way, the production number will be specified twice according to one production, and the possibility that the same production will be repeated twice will be eliminated in advance. it can.

The call lamp 41 or the like that receives the output of the production number from the relay device 45 operates as follows according to the production number.
For example, when the relay device 45 specifies that the production 1 is started in the 7th slot machine 1, the 7th call lamps 41 incorporating this production information are displayed in the AT state along with the presentation of the gaming method in the AT state. The display of the screen which displays that it rushed into is started (the left figure of FIG. 13). Furthermore, this call lamp 41 gives the effect information that the effect 1 has been started at the 7th level to the call lamp 41 of another slot machine 1 of the same model arranged in the same row as the 7th level in the game island. Send. The call lamp 41 that has received the effect information starts displaying a display screen indicating that the seventh series has entered the AT state (the figure on the right).

When the relay device 45 specifies that the production 2 has started in the seventh slot machine 1, the seventh calling lamp 41 that has taken in the production information has entered the ART state and has entered the ART state continuously. The display of the screen indicating that the state has entered the ART state is started together with the presenting number of times (the number of continuous changes in the ART state) (left figure in FIG. 14). Further, the call lamp 41 provides effect information indicating that the effect 2 has been started at the seventh level to the call lamp 41 of another slot machine 1 of the same model arranged in the same row as the seventh level on the game island. Send. The call lamp 41 that has received the effect information starts displaying a display screen indicating that the seventh platform has entered the ART state (the figure on the right).
In addition, if the number of occurrences of production 2 is totaled, the number of occurrences of the ART state can be specified on the calling lamp 41 side. It is also useful to display the number of occurrences of the ART state with the call lamp 41.

  When the relay device 45 specifies that the production 3 has started in the seventh slot machine 1, the seventh calling lamp 41 incorporating the production information presents that the ART trigger has won the game internally. Display of a display screen that prompts the user to continue is started (the left diagram in FIG. 15). Further, the call lamp 41 provides effect information indicating that the effect 3 has been started at the seventh level with respect to the call lamp 41 of another slot machine 1 of the same model arranged in the same row as the seventh level on the game island. Send. The call lamp 41 that has received this effect information starts displaying a display screen indicating that the ART trigger has been internally won at the seventh level (the figure on the right).

  For example, when it is specified by the relay device 45 that the AT entry effect illustrated in the upper part of FIG. 16 is started at the 7th level, the 7th calling lamps 41 incorporating the production information are aligned with 7 in the AT lottery roulette. In this case, display of a display screen to enter the AT state is started (left figure in the lower part of FIG. 16). Further, the call lamp 41 provides effect information indicating that the effect 4 has been started at the seventh level to the call lamp 41 of another slot machine 1 of the same model arranged in the same row as the seventh level in the game island. Send. The call lamp 41 that has received the effect information starts displaying a display screen indicating that the AT lottery roulette is being generated at the seventh level (the figure on the right).

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this example, the game information is wirelessly output by the blinking of the specific LED 560S controlled by the display control unit 32. The relay device 45 including the optical sensor unit 451 can acquire the game information according to the light emission pattern of the specific LED 560S. The slot machine 1 of this example can efficiently output a plurality of types of game information other than the game information output by the main control unit 31 by wire according to the combination of the light emission patterns. Further, before and after the time of the light emission pattern representing the game information (effect number), a light emission pattern section representing the start of game information output and a light emission pattern section representing the end are arranged. Therefore, on the relay device 45 side, there is little possibility of erroneously detecting the light emission pattern due to the effect of the stand lamp unit 56 as game information.

  It should be noted that the stand lamp unit 56 of the slot machine 1 of the present example repeatedly executes a blinking operation of three fast blinks → interval → three fast blinks when the bonus state occurs. This three-time flashing light emission pattern is the same as the light emission pattern (FIG. 11) in the production number output section representing production 3. Whether the light emitting pattern is a light emitting pattern sandwiched between the start control section and the end control section or not is the light emitting pattern representing the bonus state or the light emitting pattern representing the production 3. , To distinguish.

Instead of this example, a configuration shown as a modified example as follows may be employed. Furthermore, the modification which combined suitably the following modifications can also be employ | adopted.
This example is an example in which the content determined by the display control unit 32 is externally output based on the light emission pattern of the specific LED 560S. Instead of this, the specific LED 560S may be caused to emit light in order to detect the content determined by the main control unit 31. For example, when a predetermined combination is won, the specific LED 560S may be blinked in a predetermined light emission pattern to notify the outside that the combination has been won. That is, the main control unit 31 may be configured to correspond to special game result determination means.

  For example, the occurrence of the bonus game may be output externally by the light emission pattern of the specific LED 560S. In addition, it may be externally output that the winning combination has been won at a predetermined timing. For example, it may be externally output by a light emission pattern that a bonus winning combination has been won in one game after the bonus ends. .

  The light emission pattern by the specific LED 560S, the configuration of the stand lamp unit 56 including the specific LED 560S, the mounting position of the optical sensor unit 451, and the like are not limited to this example. For example, in the case of a full liquid crystal gaming machine, some gaming information may be output to the outside by a light emission pattern by flashing of some liquid crystal regions.

  The configuration of the light detection means installation unit 565 to which the optical sensor unit 451 is attached is not limited to this example. For example, if there is a space in which the light sensor unit 451 can be installed, it can be used as the light detection means installation unit 565. That is, the light detection means installation unit 565 is not limited to a dedicated part where the optical sensor unit 451 is installed, such as a recess, and the installation part and the structure of the installation part may be arbitrarily changed.

  Moreover, the relationship between the time length of the production | presentation number output area by 1st special control and the time length of the start control area by 2nd special control is not limited to this example. Both may be the same length, and the relationship between long and short may be reversed.

  In this example, the display screen of the call lamp 41 is switched according to the specific content by the relay device 45 including the optical sensor unit 451. Instead of or in addition to this, the specific content by the relay device 45 may be aggregated as management data of the game hall management device 30. For example, the number of times of entering the AT state may be managed by the game hall management device 30.

In this example, a slot machine 1 is adopted as a gaming machine. As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine may be used. If it is a pachinko gaming machine, it may be output externally by the light emission pattern of the specific LED 560S that a predetermined effect such as a reach effect, a so-called pseudo-continuous effect, or a continuous effect has occurred. Further, the fact that the ball has passed through a predetermined location in the game area (a ball has won a predetermined location) may be output externally using a light emission pattern. For example, when a ball wins a so-called saddle zone, the winning may be output externally using a light emission pattern.
This example is an example in which the relay device 45 is employed as an external terminal for a gaming machine including an optical sensor unit. Instead of this, a call lamp including an optical sensor unit may be employed as an external terminal for gaming machines.

  In this example, a light emission pattern that does not appear during normal performance is adopted as the light emission pattern of the start control section. Instead, it may be distinguished that the light emission pattern is different from the normal effect based on a combination of a series of light emission patterns of the start control section, the production number output section, and the end control section.

In this example, the light sensor unit 451 detects the light emission of the LED 560S used for normal performance. Instead, a dedicated light source that is detected by the optical sensor unit 451 may be provided.
In this example, the production information output pattern is repeated twice. It may be executed only once without repetition, or the production information output pattern may be repeated three or more times by increasing the number of repetitions.
A configuration in which the wiring of the optical sensor unit 451 can be connected to the external output terminal 319 may be employed. In this case, once wiring of the optical sensor unit 451 is performed, a light emission pattern can be acquired in the same manner as the signal output from the main control unit 31 is detected.

  As described above, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail as in the embodiments. However, these specific examples merely disclose an example of the technology included in the scope of claims. Needless to say, the scope of the claims should not be construed as limited by the configuration, numerical values, or the like of the specific examples. The scope of the claims includes techniques obtained by variously modifying or changing the specific examples using known techniques, knowledge of those skilled in the art, and the like.

1 slot machine (game machine)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Game hall system 30 Game hall management apparatus 31 Main control part 319 External output terminal 32 Display control part (sub control part)
41 Call lamp 410 Display unit 42 Lending device 45 Relay device (external terminal for gaming machine)
451 Photosensor unit (light detection means)
53 Liquid crystal display part 56 Stand lamp part 560 LED
560S specific LED (light emitting means)
561 LED holding plate 565 Light detection means installation section 61 Stop button 62 Start lever 64 Bet button 71 Lottery means 72 Reel control means 73 Winning combination determination means 74 Profit grant means 75 Bonus state generation means 76 Special game result determination means 77 Display control means 78 AT state generation means 79 Light emission control means

Claims (7)

Special game result determining means for determining a game result;
Light emission control for causing the light emitting means to emit light so that the light emission pattern differs according to the special game result when any of the special game results set by the special game result determining means is determined as the game result. Means,
A gaming machine comprising: a light detecting means installing portion for installing a light detecting means provided in an external terminal for a gaming machine so as to detect light emission of the light emitting means. The light emitting means is provided at a position where a player can visually recognize the light emitted from the light emitting means,
The light emission control means causes the light emission means to emit light so that the light emission pattern is different from the normal control in which the light emission means emits light for the effect to the player and the light emission pattern in the normal control and according to the special game result. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein special control is executed.   As the special control by the light emission control means, the first special control for causing the light emission means to emit light so that the light emission pattern varies according to the special game result, and the light emission pattern different from the light emission pattern in the normal control. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein there is a second special control for causing the light emitting means to emit light before the execution of the first special control.   The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the light emission control means makes the light emission pattern in the first special control corresponding to at least one special game result the same as the light emission pattern in the normal control.   The light emission control means executes each special control such that a time from the start to the end of the second special control is longer than a time from the start to the end of the first special control. The gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4. The light emission control means repeatedly executes the special control a plurality of times,
The light detection means identifies the light emission pattern of the light emission means corresponding to one special control among the special control repeatedly executed a plurality of times, so that the game result corresponding to the light emission pattern is generated. When the light emission pattern of the light emitting means corresponding to one special control is specified, a special time longer than the time for the light emission control means to repeatedly execute the special control a plurality of times. 6. The gaming machine external terminal according to claim 2, wherein after the elapse of time, the specification of the light emission pattern of the light emitting means is resumed. A main control unit capable of outputting a signal to the external terminal for gaming machines;
A sub-control unit that includes the light emission control unit and the special game result determination unit, and that receives a signal from the main control unit and does not output a signal to the external terminal for the gaming machine. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a gaming machine.

Images