JP2015054199A - Gaming machine and gaming method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine that improves interactivity between the gaming machine and a player, and a gaming method.SOLUTION: A gaming machine includes a hold-down button that is held down by a player, a sensor part, and a control part. The sensor part detects information on the strength or speed of a hold-down button operation. The control part determines game contents depending on the result of detection performed by the sensor part, and displays the game contents in a display area.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a gaming method.

  In Patent Document 1, when an input signal of a play button (start button) is detected a plurality of times or continuously for a long time, it is determined that the player requests a change in the progress speed of the game, and the player himself There is described a gaming machine that shifts to a state in which it is possible to selectively input the progress speed of the game.

JP 2004-097463 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it cannot be said that the interactivity between the gaming machine and the player is sufficient. In this technical field, a gaming machine and a gaming method that improve the interactivity between the gaming machine and the player are desired.

  A gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes a push button that is pressed by a player, a sensor unit, and a control unit. The sensor unit detects information related to the strength or speed of the operation of the push button. A control part determines the content of a game according to the detection result of a sensor part.

  According to this gaming machine, information related to the strength or speed of the operation of the push button is detected by the sensor unit, and the content of the game is determined according to the detection result by the control unit. As described above, various inputs can be received by using not only binary information by ON / OFF but also information on the strength or speed of the operation of the push button. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interactivity between the gaming machine and the player.

  In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include an output device that is controlled by the control unit and outputs sound or light, and the control unit may determine control of the output device according to a detection result of the sensor unit. In one embodiment, the control unit may determine the display mode of the game according to the detection result of the sensor unit. With the configuration described above, the game effect can be improved.

  In one embodiment, the control unit may determine the progress speed of the game according to the detection result of the sensor unit. With this configuration, a play rhythm suitable for the player can be provided without requiring a separate operation.

  In one embodiment, the control unit may determine a payout or a winning probability according to the detection result of the sensor unit. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a payout or winning probability suitable for the player without requiring a separate operation.

  In one embodiment, the control unit may determine the content of the game according to the detection result of the sensor unit when a predetermined condition regarding the game is satisfied. By configuring in this way, for example, when a monotonous play continues, the game content is changed so as to determine the content of the game according to the detection result of the sensor unit, so that the interest of the game can be improved.

  In one embodiment, the control unit executes the special game mode when a predetermined condition regarding the game is established, and determines the game result based on the detection result of the sensor unit while the special game mode is being executed. Good. By comprising in this way, since the several game from which game property differs can be provided, the interest of a game can be improved.

  In one embodiment, the control unit may determine the content of the game based on a temporal change in the strength of the operation of the push button or a temporal change in the speed. With this configuration, various inputs can be received more.

  In the gaming method according to another aspect of the present invention, information related to the strength or speed of the operation of the push button pressed by the player is detected, and the content of the game is determined according to the detection result. According to this method, it is possible to accept various inputs by using not only binary information by ON / OFF but also information on the strength or speed of the operation of the push button. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interactivity between the gaming machine and the player.

  Provided are a gaming machine and a gaming method with improved interactivity between the gaming machine and a player.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system in the gaming machine of FIG. 1. It is an example of a symbol area. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. It is a graph which shows an example of consumption game value dependence of the strength or speed of operation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same or an equivalent part, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment provides a game in exchange for the consumption of gaming value, such as a slot machine, a poker machine, a kino machine, a bingo machine, a pachinko machine, a pachislot machine, etc. that provide a game to a player at a casino. It can be adopted as a machine. The game value is a concept including tangible objects such as coins, banknotes, coins, medals, and tickets, or electronic data having a value equivalent to these. Such game value can be used in the form of being converted into the number of credits as a consumption unit when it is inserted into the gaming machine 1 and providing a game to the player by consuming the accumulated credit. . In the following, a case where the gaming machine 1 is a slot machine that includes a reel having a plurality of symbols, stops after rotating the reel, and determines the presence or absence of winning according to the symbol displayed when the reel is stopped. Explained as an example.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 has a vertical casing 19 that extends in the vertical direction (z direction). A display unit 18 is provided on the front surface 19 a of the housing 19. The display unit 18 has a function of displaying the contents of the game. The display unit 18 may include at least one of a window that allows a mechanical reel to be visually recognized and a liquid crystal display device that displays a virtual reel. Here, the display unit 18 includes a window 17 where the operation of the mechanical reel 2 can be visually recognized, a lower display device 9 provided below the window 17, and an upper display device 15 provided above the window 17. Have.

  The housing 19 includes a reel box 12 that houses a plurality of reels 2 therein. The reel box 12 accommodates a mechanism for rotating the plurality of reels 2 independently. The window 17 described above is provided on the front surface 12 a of the reel box 12. Through the window 17, the player can visually recognize the operation of the plurality of reels 2 and the symbols drawn on the plurality of reels 2 from the outside of the reel box 12. The lower display device 9 described above is provided on the front surface 12 a of the reel box 12. The lower display device 9 can display an image or video related to the content of the game.

  An upper box 13 is provided above the reel box 12. The upper display device 15 described above is provided on the front surface of the upper box 13. The upper display device 15 may display an image or video related to the content of the game.

  A control panel 3 is provided below the display unit 18. The control panel 3 is provided in the bottom cabinet 10 provided below the reel box 12. An insertion port 4, an output port 5, and an operation unit 30 are provided on the surface 3 a of the control panel 3. A game value as a consideration for executing the game is input to the insertion slot 4 by the player. As an example of the game value, coins or bills are used here. From the output port 5, for example, in response to an operation of a payout button described later, a medium on which credit information stored in the gaming machine 1 is printed is output. The output port 5 may be configured to further read credit information printed on the medium and store it in the gaming machine 1.

  The operation unit 30 receives various instructions from the player to the gaming machine 1. The operation unit 30 includes, for example, a spin button 7 and a plurality of buttons 6. The spin button 7 receives an instruction to start a game (reel rotation start). The plurality of buttons 6 include, for example, a bet button group, a line designation button group, a max bet button, or a payout button. The bet button group receives an operation for instructing a game value to be betted by the player by a predetermined unit amount. The line designation button group accepts an operation for designating a line (hereinafter referred to as an effective line) to be a winning determination target. The max bet button accepts an operation for instructing to bet the maximum gaming value that can be bet at one time. The payout button accepts an operation for instructing payout. Below the control panel 3, a payout tray 24 for paying out game value is provided. The payout tray 24 is provided in the bottom cabinet 10. When the payout button is operated, the gaming machine 1 may output the accumulated credit information from the output port 5 or pay out from the payout tray 24 as a game value. One is selected by. It is good also as a structure which selects either according to a player's designation | designated.

  The spin button 7 and the plurality of buttons 6 are configured to be capable of outputting ON / OFF binary information based on player operations. The spin button 7 and the plurality of buttons 6 are provided on the control panel 3 so as to be exposed on the control panel 3 in order to receive the player's push-down operation, and below the operation button unit. Each has a micro switch, a photo interrupter, and the like that detect that a push-down operation has been performed and output binary information. Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the spin button 7 and the plurality of buttons 6 is provided with a sensor that measures a numerical value related to an operation performed on the operation button. For example, such a sensor can be configured to measure at least one of the strength of the operation force applied to the operation button and the speed of the operation. Hereinafter, a case where the sensor is provided to measure a numerical value related to the operation of the spin button (press button) 7 will be described as an example. As a sensor, for example, a pressure sensor that detects a pressure when the player presses the operation button part of the spin button 7, or a unit time of the operation button part when the player presses the operation button part of the spin button 7 A position detection sensor or the like that detects the perimeter movement distance (speed) is employed. As the position detection sensor, a proximity sensor or a displacement sensor using light or ultrasonic waves can be used. Such a sensor may be incorporated in the spin button 7 or may be configured externally.

  A lower box 11 is disposed between the reel box 12 and the bottom cabinet 10. A plurality of speakers 8 are provided on the front surface of the lower box 11. The plurality of speakers 8 may output sound according to the progress of the game, for example. The plurality of speakers 8 may output sound even when the gaming machine 1 does not provide a game.

  An extended upper box 14 is disposed above the upper box 13. The extended upper box 14 is provided with a plurality of light projecting units 16.

  FIG. 2 shows an outline of a control system in the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 includes a control unit 20. The control unit 20 is configured as a computer unit including a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU) 21 and a memory 22 that can be referred to by the CPU 21. The memory 22 may include a non-volatile storage medium such as a magnetic or optical storage medium or an EEPROM. The memory 22 stores a game program necessary for executing the game and game data to be referred to in the game program. The CPU 21 reads and executes the game program to determine the content of the game and advance the slot game according to a predetermined procedure. Here, the game content refers to content for controlling each part of the gaming machine 1 in the process and result of the game, and the content of the game will be described later.

  An operation unit 30, a sensor unit 32, and an identification unit 31 are connected to the CPU 21 via an I / O port (input / output port) 23. The operation unit 30 receives a player instruction and outputs a signal corresponding to the player instruction to the CPU 21. The sensor unit 32 detects at least one of the strength and speed of the player's operation and outputs it to the CPU 21. The identification unit 31 identifies the gaming value (coin or bill) inserted from the insertion slot 4 and outputs a signal corresponding to the identified amount to the CPU 21.

  The CPU 21 determines the content of the game based on the player's instruction, the bet game value, and the like. Further, the CPU 21 determines the content of the game based on at least one of the strength and speed of the player's operation. The game content includes, for example, game rules, game display modes, game effects, game progress speeds, betting content settings, or combinations thereof. The game rules include the number of reels arranged, a winning pattern, a payout, a winning probability, volatility, or a combination thereof. Volatility is determined by dividends and winning probabilities. The display mode of the game includes the type or color of the symbol. The effects of the game include operation control of each reel 2, light emission control of the light projecting unit 16, which is electrical decoration, output sound control of the speaker 8, or a combination thereof. The progress speed of the game is, for example, the time from the start to stop of each reel 2. The game setting includes setting of an effective line, which will be described later, the amount of gaming value to bet, or a combination thereof.

  For example, the CPU 21 may classify the operation status of the player into a plurality of categories based on at least one of the strength and speed of the operation of the player, and determine the game content according to the category. For example, when the strength or speed of the player's operation exceeds the first threshold, the category may be classified as “large”. For example, when the strength or speed of the player's operation is equal to or lower than the first threshold and exceeds the second threshold smaller than the first threshold, the category “medium” may be classified. For example, when the strength or speed of the player's operation is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the category “small” may be classified. Alternatively, the CPU 21 sets the category “medium” on the basis of the strength or speed of the first operation of the player, and sets the category “large” when the strength or speed of the first operation is greater than the predetermined value by the first operation. A case where the intensity or speed is smaller than the predetermined value by a predetermined value or more may be classified as the category “small”. In this case, since the category is set relatively, it is possible to appropriately categorize by eliminating the influence of individual differences between players. CPU21 may determine the game content according to the said category. Alternatively, the CPU 21 is proportional to at least one of the player's operation strength and speed, the game progress speed, the rotation speed of each reel 2, the light emission intensity of the light projecting unit 16, and the output sound intensity of the speaker 8. Alternatively, a combination of these may be determined. Details of the determination of the game content will be described later.

  Further, the lower display device 9, the upper display device 15, the reel 2, the light projecting unit 16, the speaker 8, and the payout unit 36 are connected to the CPU 21 via the I / O port 23. The CPU 21 operates at least one of the lower display device 9, the upper display device 15, and the reel 2 in accordance with the determined game content, and displays the game content in the display area. Here, the display region is a display panel portion of the display device when the display unit 18 is a display device. When the display unit 18 is a window, the reel 2 or the like is visible by the window. It is. The CPU 21 controls the rotation of the reel 2 in accordance with the determined game content. CPU21 can carry out lighting control of the light projection part 16 according to the content of the determined game. CPU21 can adjust the light of the display apparatuses 9 and 15 according to the content of the determined game. The CPU 21 can control the speaker 8 according to the determined game content. That is, the light projecting unit 16, the display devices 9 and 15, and the speaker 8 can be configured as an output device. The CPU 21 causes the payout unit 36 to manage the payout of the game value to the payout tray 24 and causes the output port 5 to manage printing and outputting the accumulated credit number information on the medium. In addition, devices necessary for executing the slot game are appropriately connected to the control unit 20, but illustration of them is omitted.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a game screen displayed on the display unit 18 under the control of the CPU 21. As shown in FIG. 2, a game screen 40 is displayed in the window 17 (display area). The game screen 40 is provided with a symbol area 41 for displaying a symbol of the reel 2. Here, the symbol area 41 is defined so that a plurality of cells 42 as symbol stop positions form a matrix of 3 rows in the vertical direction and 5 columns in the horizontal direction. In the following, the horizontal direction of the game screen 40 may be referred to as the row direction, and the vertical direction may be referred to as the column direction. The boundary line of the cell 42 may be displayed on the display unit 18 in such a manner that the player can grasp it visually, or the display may be omitted. That is, it is sufficient that the cell 42 is logically or conceptually defined inside the gaming machine 1 as the symbol stop position, and it is not always necessary that the boundary between them be visible.

  A symbol 43 is displayed for each cell 42 in the symbol area 41. These symbols 43 are arranged on each of the plurality of reels 2. By arranging the reels 2 in a predetermined arrangement, the symbols 43 are displayed in a matrix area vertically and horizontally in the symbol area 41. Various symbols such as numbers, letters or figures can be appropriately adopted for the symbol 43.

  The effective line is a line for designating a plurality of cells 42 to be a target of winning determination in the slot game, and is set so as to straddle the plurality of reels 2. When the player operates the line designation button group of the operation unit 30, the effective line is appropriately set. As an example, the horizontal line A connecting all the cells 42 located in the center in the vertical direction of the symbol area 41 can be set as an effective line. In addition, as the effective line, a line extending in the diagonal direction of the symbol area 41, a line drawing a V shape or an inverted V shape in the symbol area 41, and the like can be set. When the player operates the bet button group to designate the number of units to bet in one slot game and selects an effective line by the line designation button group, the CPU 21 recognizes the selection contents. Thereafter, when the player operates the spin button 7, the CPU 21 moves (scrolls) each symbol 43 in the column direction in the symbol area 41, and one symbol 43 appears in one cell 42 at a predetermined stop time. In this way, the scrolling of the symbol 43 is stopped. When the symbol 43 is stopped, a winning pattern is formed when the symbols 43 displayed in the cells 42 on the active line match or form a predetermined relationship. When the reels 2 are mechanically configured, the symbols 43 are arranged on the surface of each reel 2, the symbols 43 are scrolled by rotating the reels 2, and the symbols 43 are stopped by stopping the reels 2. To do. On the other hand, when the reel 2 is a virtually configured video reel, the symbol 43 is predetermined as a virtual reel strip that is a virtually arranged symbol array corresponding to each reel 2, It is recorded in the memory 22 as part of the data. The CPU 21 controls the display of the reel 2 on the game screen 40 with reference to the data recorded in the memory 22.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart (gaming method) showing a routine executed by the CPU 21 at an appropriate cycle in order to control the display of the reel 2 when the slot game is executed. Below, the case where the sensor part 32 is provided in the spin button 7 is demonstrated to an example. In addition, when the sensor unit 32 detects the strength of the operation, the operation is the same regardless of whether the speed of the operation is detected. Therefore, hereinafter, the case where the sensor unit 32 detects the strength of the operation. Will be described as an example.

  When the routine of FIG. 4 is started, the CPU 21 determines the start of the game (S10). When the game value as a consideration for executing the game is input to the insertion slot 4, the identification unit 31 outputs a signal to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 determines the game start based on the signal from the identification unit 31. If the game start is not instructed, the determination is repeated, and if the game start is instructed, the process proceeds to S12.

  In the process of S12, the CPU 21 determines game settings. The operation unit 30 (the plurality of buttons 6) receives an instruction from the player and outputs a signal corresponding to the instruction from the player to the CPU 21. The CPU 21 determines the game setting based on the signal from the operation unit 30. If the game setting is not instructed, the determination is repeated. When the game setting is instructed, the game setting is determined, and the process proceeds to S14. If the game setting is changed according to the operation state of the spin button 7 instead of the operation of the plurality of buttons 6, the process of S12 is skipped and the process proceeds to S14.

  In the process of S14, the CPU 21 receives the signal of the spin button 7. Here, the CPU 21 inputs not only the binary information of ON / OFF of the spin button 7 but also the strength of operation of the spin button 7. If the signal of the spin button 7 is not input, the determination is repeated, and when the signal of the spin button 7 is input, the process proceeds to S15.

  In the process of S15, the CPU 21 determines the content of the game based on the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. The CPU 21 determines at least one of game contents described below.

(Game settings: active line or gaming value to bet)
The CPU 21 may determine an effective line or the amount of game value to bet based on the strength of operation of the spin button 7. For example, the CPU 21 sets the number of effective lines in proportion to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. Specifically, the CPU 21 sets a larger number of active lines as the operation strength of the spin button 7 is larger, and sets a smaller number of active lines as the operation strength of the spin button 7 is smaller. After the number of valid lines is set, valid lines may be set at random. For example, the CPU 21 determines the amount of game value to bet in proportion to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. Specifically, the CPU 21 sets the amount of game value to bet larger as the strength of operation of the spin button 7 is larger, and sets the amount of game value to bet smaller as the strength of operation of the spin button 7 is smaller. To do. Note that when an activated line or a gaming value for betting is set by operating a plurality of buttons 6, the setting of the game may not be performed.

(Game rules: Number of reels arranged)
The CPU 21 may set the number of reels arranged based on the strength of operation of the spin button 7. For example, the CPU 21 classifies the player's operations into the above-mentioned category “large”, category “medium”, and category “small” according to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7 and sets the number of reels arranged. For example, when the strength of the operation of the spin button 7 belongs to the category “large”, the CPU 21 sets the number of reel arrangements displayed in the symbol area 41 as a 3 × 5 matrix. For example, when the strength of the operation of the spin button 7 belongs to the category “medium”, the CPU 21 sets the number of reel arrangements displayed in the symbol area 41 as a 3 × 4 matrix. For example, when the strength of the operation of the spin button 7 belongs to the category “small”, the CPU 21 sets the number of reel arrangements displayed in the symbol area 41 as a 3 × 3 matrix. The change in the number of reels may be realized by using a shutter member or the like provided on the window 17 in the case of the mechanical reel 2.

(Game rules: winning pattern)
The CPU 21 may set a winning pattern based on the strength of operation of the spin button 7. For example, the CPU 21 classifies the player's operation into the above-mentioned category “large”, category “medium”, and category “small” according to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7 and sets a winning pattern. For example, when the strength of the operation of the spin button 7 belongs to the category “large”, the CPU 21 sets a winning pattern when there are five or more specific symbols displayed in the symbol area 41 on the active line. For example, when the strength of the operation of the spin button 7 belongs to the category “medium”, the CPU 21 sets the winning pattern when there are three or more specific symbols displayed in the symbol area 41 on the active line. For example, when the strength of the operation of the spin button 7 belongs to the category “small”, the CPU 21 sets a winning pattern when there are two or more specific symbols displayed in the symbol area 41 on the active line.

(Game rules: Bonus game settings)
When the gaming machine 1 provides a free game as a bonus game, the CPU 21 may set the number of free games in proportion to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. Specifically, the CPU 21 decreases the number of free games as the operation strength of the spin button 7 increases, and conversely, the CPU 21 increases the number of free games as the operation strength of the spin button 7 decreases. Good.

(Game rules: Volatility)
When the winning pattern is changed as described above, the CPU 21 may set a payout according to the winning probability. For example, on the basis of a payout when a winning pattern is used when two or more specific symbols exist on the active line, the CPU 21 sets the winning pattern when there are three or more specific symbols on the active line. Set a high dividend. Similarly, the CPU 21 sets a higher payout for the winning pattern when there are five or more specific symbols on the active line.
Further, the CPU 21 may set a payout according to the number of free games when the number of free games is changed as described above. For example, the CPU 21 may set the payout higher as the number of free games is smaller, and conversely may set the payout lower as the number of free games is higher.
Alternatively, the CPU 21 may change only the volatility without changing the winning pattern or the number of free games. For example, the CPU 21 may simply change only the volatility in proportion to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. Specifically, the CPU 21 decreases the winning probability and increases the dividend as the strength of the spin button 7 is increased, and conversely increases the winning probability and decreases the dividend as the strength of the spin button 7 is decreased. May be.

(Game display mode)
The game display mode can be changed when the reel is displayed on the display device. CPU21 may set the display mode of a game according to a winning pattern, when a winning pattern is changed as mentioned above. For example, in the case where the specific symbol is “7” and two or more symbols “7” exist on the active line and the winning pattern is set, the CPU 21 sets the symbol “7” to blue. Similarly, when the CPU 21 sets a winning pattern when there are three or more symbols “7” on the active line, the CPU 21 sets the symbol “7” to green. Similarly, the CPU 21 sets the symbol “7” in red when the winning pattern is set when five or more symbols “7” exist on the active line. Alternatively, the CPU 21 may change only the game display mode without changing the winning pattern. For example, the CPU 21 may change the color, size, or movement of the symbol according to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7.

(Game production)
The CPU 21 may determine the game effect according to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. For example, the CPU 21 may set the rotation speed of the reel 2 in proportion to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. Specifically, the CPU 21 increases the rotation speed of the reel 2 as the operation strength of the spin button 7 increases, and conversely, the CPU 21 decreases the rotation speed of the reel 2 as the operation strength of the spin button 7 decreases. Good. Alternatively, the CPU 21 may set the rotation direction of the reel 2 according to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7.
For example, the CPU 21 may set the volume of sound from the speaker 8 in proportion to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. Specifically, the CPU 21 may increase the volume as the intensity of operation of the spin button 7 increases, and conversely decrease the volume as the intensity of operation of the spin button 7 decreases.
Further, for example, the CPU 21 may set the light amount of the light projecting unit 16 or the display devices 9 and 15 in proportion to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. Specifically, the CPU 21 may increase the light amount as the intensity of operation of the spin button 7 increases, and conversely decrease the light intensity as the intensity of operation of the spin button 7 decreases.

(Game progress speed)
The CPU 21 may determine the progress speed of the game according to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. For example, the CPU 21 sets the time from the start to the stop of each reel 2 in proportion to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. Specifically, the CPU 21 shortens the time from the start of rotation to the stop of each reel 2 as the operation strength of the spin button 7 increases, and conversely, as the operation strength of the spin button 7 decreases, each reel 2 The time from the start of rotation 2 to the stop may be set longer.

  When the CPU 21 determines the content of the game based on the strength of the operation of the spin button 7, the process proceeds to S16.

  In the process of S16, the CPU 21 rotates the plurality of reels 2 based on the contents of the game set in the process of S15. Further, the operation of the speaker 8, the light projecting unit 16, or the display devices 9 and 15 is started based on the content of the game set in the process of S15. In the following description, the Xth reel from the left is described as reel (X). When the CPU 21 rotates all the reels, the process proceeds to S18. In the process of S18, the CPU 21 sets n = 1 as an initial process. After the setting, the process proceeds to S20.

  In the process of S20, the CPU 21 acquires a random number. After acquisition, the process proceeds to S22. In the process of S22, the CPU 21 determines the stop position of the reel (n) based on the random number acquired in the process of S20. After the determination, the process proceeds to S24. In the process of S24, the CPU 21 sets n = n + 1. After the setting, the process proceeds to S26. In the process of S26, the CPU 21 determines whether or not n> X is satisfied. If n> X is not satisfied, the process proceeds to S20. Thereby, the processing of S20 to S26 is repeatedly executed until n> X is satisfied. Thus, the stop position is determined from reel (1) to reel (X). If n> X is satisfied, this means that stop positions have been determined for all reels, and the process proceeds to S28.

  In the process of S28, the CPU 21 stops each reel (X) based on the stop position of each reel (X) determined in the process of S22. At this time, the operations of the speaker 8, the light projecting unit 16, or the display devices 9 and 15 may be terminated based on the content of the game set in the process of S15. After each reel (X) is stopped, the process proceeds to S30. In the process of S30, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the combination of the symbols 43 appearing in the cells 42 of the symbol area 41 forms a predetermined bonus pattern. If no bonus pattern is formed, the process proceeds to S32.

  In the process of S32, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the combination of the symbols 43 appearing in the cells 42 of the symbol area 41 forms a predetermined winning pattern. If no winning pattern is formed, the control process shown in FIG. 4 is terminated. On the other hand, if a winning pattern is formed, the process proceeds to S36. In the process of S36, a prize amount corresponding to the formed winning pattern is calculated, and a game value equivalent to the calculated prize amount is given to the player. The given game value can be used for betting in the slot game after the next time. When the player operates the payout button, a prize equivalent to the game value stored at that time is paid out from the payout unit 36 to the payout tray 24, or the information on the accumulated credit number is printed on the medium. Output from the output port 5. Above, the control process shown in FIG. 4 is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, if a bonus pattern is formed in the process of S30, the process proceeds to S34. In the process of S34, the CPU 21 provides a bonus game (special game mode). For example, the CPU 21 provides a predetermined number of free games based on the contents of the game set in the process of S15. Alternatively, the CPU 21 may provide a game in which the game result is determined according to the strength of the operation of the spin button 7. For example, the CPU 21 may classify the player's operation status into a plurality of categories based on the strength of the player's operation, and provide a game that is won when the specified category is operated. Specifically, the CPU 21 classifies the operation strength of the spin button 7 into 10 categories K1 to K10. When the operation strength of the spin button 7 is the smallest, the operation of the category K1 and the spin button 7 is performed. The case where the strength is the largest is set as category K10. In this case, the CPU 21 selects and selects one or more selected categories in descending order of the operation strength of the spin button 7 and one or more selected categories in descending order of the operation strength of the spin button 7. The winning category is set in a category other than the selected category. As a result, the player needs to adjust the power level of the operation without simply operating the spin button 7 strongly or weakly. Therefore, the player is provided with a different type of interest from the slot game. be able to.

  After the bonus game ends, the process proceeds to S36. In the process of S36, a prize amount corresponding to the result of the bonus game is calculated, and a game value equivalent to the calculated prize amount is given to the player. When the player operates the payout button, a prize equivalent to the game value stored at that time is paid out from the payout unit 36 to the payout tray 24, or the information on the accumulated credit number is printed on the medium. Output from the output port 5. Above, the control process shown in FIG. 4 is complete | finished.

  The control process shown in FIG. 4 can be executed at an appropriate cycle. Here, the CPU 21 records the strength or speed of the operation of the spin button 7 in the memory 22 for each cycle or operation of the spin button 7, and changes the game according to the change in the strength or speed of the operation of the spin button 7. The contents may be changed. For example, the CPU 21 grasps the tendency of the operation of the spin button 7 using the time change (time-dependent change) of the operation or speed of the spin button 7 and changes at least one of the game progress speed and the effect. May be.

  For example, the CPU 21 records a change in the strength or speed of the operation of the spin button 7 depending on the consumed game value. FIG. 5 is an example of a graph showing the relationship between the strength or speed of operation of the spin button 7 and the consumed game value, where the horizontal axis represents the consumed game value, and the vertical axis represents the strength or speed of the operation. Here, it is assumed that the strength or speed of the operation is classified into the above-mentioned categories “large”, “medium”, and “small”. Further, it is assumed that the player bets game value M5. That is, it is assumed that when the consumed game value becomes M5, all the game values bet by the player are consumed. Here, it is assumed that there is a correlation between the consumption game value and the elapsed time.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the section where the consumed game value is 0 to M1, since the game has just started, the player's expectation is high, so the strength or speed of the operation is the category “large”. . On the other hand, in the section where the consumed game value is M1 to M2, the player has become accustomed to the game, and the strength or speed of the operation is the category “medium”. In the section where the consumed game value is M2 to M3, the player is satisfied with the game and is normal, and the strength or speed of the operation is the category “small”. Thereafter, in the section where the consumed game value is M3 to M5, as the remaining game value decreases, the player's emotions increase, and the strength or speed of the operation becomes the category “medium” or “large”. Thus, the strength or speed of the operation of the spin button 7 changes according to the player's emotion.

  The CPU 21 obtains a graph showing the relationship between the strength or speed of the operation of the spin button 7 and the consumed game value as shown in FIG. 5, grasps the tendency of the operation, and changes the progress speed and effect of the game. . The tendency of operation is the inclination of the graph indicating the dependence of the spin button 7 operation strength or speed on the consumption game value, or the inclination of the graph indicating the spin button 7 operation intensity or speed time dependency. But you can.

  For example, if a state in which the intensity or speed of the operation does not change more than a predetermined threshold is continued for a predetermined period, monotonous play may continue and the concentration of the player may be interrupted There is. Therefore, the CPU 21 changes at least one of the game progress speed and the effect. For example, in a section where the consumed game values M1 to M2 or M2 to M3 shown in FIG. Change at least one of the progress speed and direction. Alternatively, when the period during which the strength or speed of the operation is determined to be the category “small” continues for a predetermined value or more, the concentration of the player may be interrupted. Therefore, the CPU 21 changes at least one of the game progress speed and the effect. For example, when the section of the consumed game values M2 to M3 shown in FIG. 5 continues for a predetermined value or more, the CPU 21 changes at least one of the game progress speed and the effect. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the interest of the game, and as a result, it is possible to control so that the player does not get bored with the game.

  Further, for example, when the period in which the operation strength or speed is determined to be the category “large” continues for a predetermined value or more, the CPU 21 may increase the player's emotion more than necessary. is there. Therefore, the CPU 21 changes at least one of the game progress speed and the effect. For example, when the section of the consumed game values M4 to M5 shown in FIG. 5 continues for a predetermined value or more, the CPU 21 slows down the game progress speed. Thereby, it can control so that a player may avoid being overwhelmed with a game too much.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine 1 and the gaming method according to the present embodiment, information regarding the strength or speed of the operation of the spin button 7 is detected by the sensor unit 32, and the content of the game is determined by the control unit 20 according to the detection result. It is determined. Thus, since not only binary information by ON / OFF but also various inputs can be accepted, it becomes possible to determine the contents of the game according to the player's emotions. Furthermore, the game content can be determined by predicting the player's emotion by using information on the strength or speed of the operation of the spin button 7.

  For example, a player who has current momentum or feels currently lucky is likely to strongly operate the spin button 7. Similarly, a player who has made a large bet tends to strongly operate the spin button 7. For this reason, when the operation of the spin button 7 is strong, the player feels that the gaming machine 1 understands the feeling of the player by increasing the effective line and increasing the amount of gaming value to bet. Therefore, the interactivity between the gaming machine 1 and the player is improved. In addition, since the game can be set with a single operation, it is possible to advance the game without reducing the increase in emotion. Therefore, it is possible to promote the player's expectation and emotion transfer.

  Further, according to the gaming machine 1 and the gaming method according to the present embodiment, since the number of reels can be changed according to the player's intention, the interactivity between the gaming machine 1 and the player can be improved. . In addition, a player who has a momentum of himself or feels currently lucky is likely to strongly operate the spin button 7. Such players tend to prefer a larger matrix because they have a strong expectation of winning the game. For this reason, when the operation of the spin button 7 is strong, by increasing the number of reels arranged, the player feels that the gaming machine 1 understands the player's feelings. Therefore, between the gaming machine 1 and the player Interactivity can be improved.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine 1 and the gaming method according to the present embodiment, the winning pattern can be changed by the player's intention, so that the interactivity between the gaming machine 1 and the player can be improved. In addition, a player who has a momentum of himself or feels currently lucky is likely to strongly operate the spin button 7. Such players have a strong expectation that they can win the game, and therefore tend to challenge even more difficult winning patterns. For this reason, when the operation of the spin button 7 is strong, since the player feels that the gaming machine 1 understands the feelings of the player by making the winning pattern more difficult, the gaming machine 1 feels like the player's feelings. Interactivity can be improved.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine 1 and the gaming method according to the present embodiment, since the setting of the bonus game, volatility, and the display mode of the game can be changed by the player's intention, the interactive operation between the gaming machine 1 and the player is possible. Can be improved. Further, it is possible to provide a dividend or a winning probability according to the player's psychological state.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine 1 and the gaming method according to the present embodiment, since the player's emotion can be accurately recognized, the game display mode, the game effect, or the game progress speed can be changed according to the player's emotion. It becomes possible to decide. Therefore, it is possible to provide a realistic game to the player, promote emotion transfer into the game, and control the player's emotion. In addition, it is possible to provide an optimal play rhythm for the player.

  Further, according to the gaming machine 1 and the gaming method according to the present embodiment, when a monotonous play continues, a game with a sense of reality is provided to the player, or emotion transfer to the game is promoted. Therefore, it is possible to improve the interest of the game, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the player from getting bored with the game.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine 1 and the gaming method according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a game using the operation of the spin button 7 in the bonus game, so that it is possible to improve the interest of the game. It becomes possible to avoid the player getting bored with the game.

  Furthermore, according to the gaming machine 1 and the gaming method according to the present embodiment, the tendency of the operation of the spin button 7 is grasped by using the change in the strength or speed of the operation of the spin button 7 to determine the game progress speed and Since the presentation is changed, it is possible to control the player's emotions and improve the interest of the game, and as a result, the player can be prevented from getting bored with the game.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in an appropriate form. For example, the number of reels arranged in the symbol area is not limited to the above example. Although all the reels have been described as physical reels in the above embodiment, some or all of the reels may be virtual reels (video reels) displayed as images on the screen of the display device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Gaming machine, 2 ... Reel, 3 ... Control panel, 7 ... Spin button (press button), 8 ... Speaker (output device), 16 ... Light emission part (output device), 18 ... Display part, 20 ... Control part .

Claims (9)

A push button pressed by the player,
A sensor unit for detecting information on the strength or speed of the operation of the push button;
A control unit for determining the content of the game according to the detection result of the sensor unit;
A gaming machine equipped with. An output device controlled by the control unit and outputting sound or light;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the output device according to a detection result of the sensor unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines a game display mode according to a detection result of the sensor unit.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit determines a progress speed of the game according to a detection result of the sensor unit.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit determines a payout or a winning probability according to a detection result of the sensor unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the content of the game according to a detection result of the sensor unit when a predetermined condition regarding the game is satisfied.   The said control part performs special game mode when the predetermined condition regarding a game is satisfied, and determines the result of a game based on the detection result of the said sensor part during execution of the said special game mode. The gaming machine according to any one of 6.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit determines a game content based on a temporal change in strength of an operation of the push button or a temporal change in speed. Detects information about the strength or speed of the push button operation pressed by the player,
A gaming method for determining the content of a game according to a detection result.

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