JP2019141389A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a slot machine capable of executing a performance by suitably using a display area other than the display area corresponding to the position to be determined for winning.SOLUTION: The visibility of an invalid area 3B varies more widely when the display result corresponding to a watermelon in an upper stage is derived between cases when the display result corresponding to a normal replay is derived and when the display result corresponding to the watermelon in the upper stage that is more advantageous than the normal replay is derived.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention includes a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each identifiable. After the variable display unit is variably displayed, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit. The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of generating a winning according to the display result.

  As a slot machine, in a gaming machine in which a 3 × 3 matrix display area is configured on a special symbol display device, the effective line is changed for each variable display, and the effective line is indicated by lighting of a backlight (lamp). There was a thing (for example, patent document 1).

JP 2002-45493 A

  However, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, although the effect on the display area corresponding to the active line that is the winning determination target is considered, the effect on the display area corresponding to the other display areas is also considered. There wasn't.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine capable of providing an effect by suitably using a display area other than the display area corresponding to the position to be determined for winning. The purpose is to do.

(1) Provided with a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each capable of being identified,
After displaying the variable display unit in a variable manner, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and in a slot machine capable of generating a prize according to the display result,
Display of any one of a plurality of display results including a predetermined display result (for example, a display result at the time of normal replay winning) and a specific display result (for example, a display result at the time of upper watermelon winning) more advantageous than the predetermined display result Derivation control means for deriving the result (for example, main control unit 41 that performs reel control);
Among the identification information constituting the derived display result, winning determination means for determining whether or not a winning has occurred based on the identification information derived at a specific position (for example, main control unit 41 that performs winning determination); ,
Change means (for example, sub-control unit 91 for controlling the reel LED 55) for changing the visibility of the display area where the player can visually recognize the display result,
The display area includes an effective area (for example, effective area 3A) corresponding to the specific position, and an invalid area (for example, invalid area 3B) different from the effective area,
When the specific display result is derived, the changing means changes the visibility of the invalid area more widely than when the predetermined display result is derived (for example, as shown in FIG. When the display result corresponding to the advantageous upper watermelon is derived, the visibility of the invalid area 3B changes in a wide range).

(2) In the slot machine according to (1),
A plurality of the variable display units, and a winning can be generated according to a display result combination that is a combination of display results of a plurality of variable display units,
The winning determination means performs a winning determination based on a combination of identification information on a predetermined line (for example, a winning line LN) straddling the effective area among the derived display result combinations,
The predetermined display result and the specific display result are both display result combinations,
Of the predetermined display result and the specific display result, one display result combination is a display result combination in which the same or similar identification information is arranged on the predetermined line, and the other display result combination is the predetermined line and the predetermined line. Is a display result combination in which the same or similar identification information is arranged on different lines (for example, invalid line LM).

(3) In the slot machine according to (1) or (2),
A pre-determining means (for example, a main control unit 41 that performs an internal lottery) for determining a display result that permits derivation;
Derivation operation means (for example, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) operated to derive a display result,
The determination result of the pre-determining means is a specific determination result (for example, a display result corresponding to the middle bell) and a specific determination result that allows derivation of the predetermined display result (for example, the display result corresponding to the upper bell) ( For example, a push order bell win)
The derivation control means includes
When the determination result of the prior determination means is the specific determination result and the derivation operation means is operated in a specific manner (for example, correct procedure), the specific display result is derived,
The predetermined display result is derived when the derivation operation means is operated in a predetermined mode (for example, a procedure different from the correct answer procedure) in which the determination result of the prior determination unit is a specific determination result and is different from the specific mode. .

(4) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (3),
A pre-determining means (for example, a main control unit 41 that performs an internal lottery) for determining a display result that permits derivation;
Control means (for example, the main control unit 41 for controlling the advantageous section) for controlling the normal state (for example, the normal section) and the advantageous state (for example, the advantageous section) more advantageous than the normal state;
Determining means for determining whether or not to control to the advantageous state (for example, the main control unit 41 for performing the transfer lottery),
The determination means determines whether or not to control to the advantageous state when the prior determination means permits the derivation of the specific display result (for example, the main control unit 41 sets the upper watermelon or the middle watermelon to (Transition lottery is performed when winning)

(5) In the slot machine according to (4),
When the specific display result (for example, a middle stage watermelon) is derived, the changing means changes when it changes to visibility depending on whether or not the determining means determines control to the advantageous state. The aspect is changed (for example, the sub control unit 91 changes the aspect of the reel effect according to the probability of winning the transition lottery).

(6) In the slot machine according to any one of (1) to (5),
The changing means is
By changing the display area from a non-lighting state in which the display area is not lit to a lighting state in which the display area is lit, the visibility of the display area is changed,
When changing the visibility of the display region, the lighting is performed so that a period from the lighting state to the non-lighting state is equal to a period from the non-lighting state to the lighting state. The change from the state to the non-lighting state is repeated.

(A) is a front view of the slot machine according to the present embodiment, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a main internal configuration of the slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a figure for demonstrating a small part and a re-game player. It is a figure for demonstrating the lottery object combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the reel control at the time of pushing order winning combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the transition of a gaming state. It is a figure for demonstrating reel LED and a display area. It is a figure which shows the reel production from which the area | region which changes visibility according to the derived | led-out display result differs. It is a figure which shows the reel production from which the frequency | count of changing visibility changes according to the derived | led-out display result. It is a figure which shows the reel effect with respect to another display result. It is a figure which shows the example which changes the aspect of a reel production according to the probability which has won the transfer lottery to an advantageous state. It is an effect mode determination table. It is a figure which shows the example which changes the aspect of a reel production according to the probability which has won the transfer lottery to an advantageous state. It is an effect mode determination table.

  A mode for carrying out a slot machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples. In the following embodiments, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

[Configuration of slot machine]
FIG. 1A is a front view of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a main internal configuration of the slot machine 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the symbol arrangement of the reels.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the slot machine 1 is provided with a liquid crystal display 51 on the front door 1b. A transparent window 3 is formed in the decorative panel 1c located below the liquid crystal display 51 in the front door 1b. The player can visually recognize the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R arranged in parallel inside the housing 1a through the see-through window 3. As shown in FIG. 2, on each reel, a plurality of types of symbols that can be identified are arranged in a predetermined order. As an example of changing means for changing the visibility of the display result displayed through the fluoroscopic window 3, a reel LED 55 (FIG. 7) that irradiates the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R from the back side inside the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. (See (a)). The reel LED 55 includes nine LEDs corresponding to three consecutive symbols of the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and can irradiate each symbol independently.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the front door 1b has a medal insertion unit 4 into which a game medium (medal) is inserted, and a credit range stored as a game value (number of medals) owned by the player. A maximum bet switch 6 that is operated when setting a predetermined number of bets determined in accordance with the gaming state, a start switch 7 that is operated when starting a game, and a rotation of the reel. Stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, etc. are provided.

  When the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and the settlement switch 10 are operated, a detection signal for detecting the operation is input to the main control unit 41. The main control unit 41 detects operations on these various switches based on detection signals from these various switches.

  The front door 1b is provided with a game display unit 13 for notifying information related to the game. The game display section 13 is advantageous in that it is called an advantageous section by turning on the game auxiliary display 12 that displays information such as the number of paid-out medals and the operation mode of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. An advantageous section lamp 19 or the like that suggests that the vehicle is in a state is provided. The game auxiliary indicator 12 also functions as a payout indicator that displays the number of medals to be paid out when a small combination wins.

  The game auxiliary display 12 displays information corresponding to the operation mode of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R by displaying 7 segments of numbers corresponding to the order of pressing. The advantageous section lamp 19 is turned on when it is in the advantageous section, and is turned off when it is not in the advantageous section. Thereby, the advantageous section lamp 19 can indicate to the player whether or not it is in the advantageous section.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the slot machine 1 has a main control unit 41 for controlling the progress of the game (which can be said to control the game) and outputting various commands in accordance with the progress of the game. It has been. The main control unit 41 includes a main CPU 41a that executes various processes, a RAM 41c that stores various data, and the like.

  The main control unit 41 detects an operation on the MAXBET switch 6, the start switch 7, or the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R and the like. The main control unit 41 controls the 7-segment display of the game auxiliary display 12 included in the game display unit 13 and the on / off of the advantageous section lamp 19.

  Inside the slot machine 1, there is provided a sub-control unit 91 that controls the production according to a command from the main control unit 41. The sub-control unit 91 includes a main CPU 91a that executes various processes, a RAM 91c that stores various data, and the like. The sub-control unit 91 detects an operation on the effect switch 56. The sub control unit 91 controls image display of the liquid crystal display 51, sound output of the speakers 53 and 54, and lighting of the reel LED 55.

  Note that FIG. 1B is merely an example, and the slot machine 1 is provided with other configurations.

[Outline of the game in the slot machine]
Next, an outline of the game in the slot machine 1 will be described. Here, in the present embodiment, operating the start switch 7 to rotate the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is also referred to as lever-on. Further, when the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are rotated by the operation of the start switch 7, the first reel is stopped by the first operation (first operation) among the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. To stop the second reel by the first stop operation and the second operation (second operation), and to stop the third reel by the second stop operation and third operation (last operation). This is also referred to as a third stop operation or a final stop operation.

  When a game is played in the slot machine 1, first, a prescribed number of bets (maximum of 3 in the present embodiment) is set by inserting medals into the medal insertion unit 4 or operating the MAXBET switch 6. As a result, the winning line LN becomes valid and the operation to the start switch 7 becomes valid, and the game can be started. In addition, invalid lines LM1 to LM4 (see FIG. 1) are provided to make it easy to recognize that the combination of symbols constituting the winning line is aligned with the winning line LN. The invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are not determined as winning lines, but when a combination of specific winning symbols (so-called disparity) is aligned on the winning line LN, any of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 has a predetermined symbol. By arranging the combinations (for example, watermelon-watermelon-watermelon), it is easy to recognize that the combinations of symbols constituting a specific winning combination are arranged on the winning line LN.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state where the game can be started, the main control unit 41 determines a display result that allows derivation. When the start switch 7 is operated, the main control unit 41 rotates the reels 2L, 2C, 2R to display the symbols in a variable manner. When the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated, the main control unit 41 stops the rotation of the corresponding reel. By stopping the rotation of the reel, three symbols are derived and displayed as display results on the upper, middle, and lower stages of the fluoroscopic window 3. The main control unit 41 is based on the display result that allows derivation, the timing at which the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, and the order in which the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated. Thus, reel control for stopping the rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R is performed. Here, the player's derivation operation means that the player operates the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R in order to stop the reels 2L, 2C, 2R and derive the display result.

  When the combination of winning symbols stops on the winning line LN and a winning occurs, the main control unit 41 executes a process corresponding to the winning. The process corresponding to the winning includes, for example, a process of giving a privilege. Here, in the slot machine 1 that is a gaming machine, it is necessary to set a prescribed number of bets in order to execute one game, so that a medal that is a gaming value is consumed each time one game is played. The benefits include the provision of gaming value, the right to play a game without consuming the gaming value, the right to control to an advantageous state such as an advantageous section to be described later, and the like.

  Here, the “game (also referred to as unit game)” in the slot machine 1 means, in a narrow sense, from when the start switch 7 is operated until all reels stop. Since the setting of the bet number before operation 7 and the payout of medals and the transition of the game state are performed after all reels are stopped, these incidental processes are also included in the “game” in a broad sense.

[Winners]
The winning combination includes a small combination and a re-playing combination. The small role is a role for giving a medal. The replaying role (replay) is a role for giving a replaying. Here, the re-game means that the next game can be performed without using the game value (for example, credit) owned by the player. In other words, re-game means that the reel can be changed without using the game value owned by the player. In this embodiment, when a re-game player is won, a prize is won regardless of the operation timing of the stop switch. As a modification, even if the re-playing winning combination is won, depending on the operation timing of the stop switch, it may be a winning combination (that is, a winning combination).

  The winning combination will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a small combination and a re-playing combination. In the name column of FIG. 3, the name of the winning combination is shown, and in the symbol combination column, the symbol combination in which the winning combination is won is shown. Further, in the symbol combination column aligned with the invalid line, the symbol combination that stops at any one of the invalid lines LM1 to LM4 when the winning symbol combination stops at the winning line and is recognized by the player. Easy-to-use symbol combinations are shown, and “/” in the figure means “or”. In the granting column, values (medal payout, replay granting, etc.) given at the time of winning are shown.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the small combinations of the winning combinations include a cherry that goes up to the right, an upper watermelon, a middle bell, and upper bells 1 to 8 (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “upper bell”). Each small combination is set with a symbol combination.

  Here, the middle bell is a winning combination that can be derived regardless of the operation timing. On the other hand, “white BAR” and “black BAR” of the middle reel 2C constituting each of the upper bells 1 to 8 are not arranged within 5 frames in the middle reel 2C. Further, the “white BAR” and “black BAR” of the right reel 2R constituting each of the upper bells 1 to 8 are not arranged within 5 frames in the right reel 2R. For this reason, even if the upper bells 1 to 8 are won by an internal lottery to be described later, if the stop operation of the middle reel 2C or the right reel 2R is not performed at an appropriate timing, the winning upper bells 1 to 8 are won. It is not possible to miss the winnings of the upper bells 1-8. Note that the missed eye derived at this time is a symbol combination for shifting the gaming state, and is also referred to as a transition outcome. When a symbol combination corresponding to each small combination is derived, a small combination winning occurs, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

  Among the winning combinations, the replaying combination includes normal replay, falling replay, promotion replay, special replay, and control replays 1 and 2. All the replaying combinations shown in FIG. 3 are winning combinations that can be derived regardless of the operation timing. Note that the small combination and re-playing combination shown in FIG. 3 are examples, and other winning combinations may be provided.

[Lottery eligible role]
Next, the lottery target combination will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a lottery object combination. The lottery target combination is a combination that is a target of an internal lottery executed by the slot machine 1. The internal lottery is a lottery executed by the main control unit 41 to determine a symbol combination (winning combination) that allows derivation. In addition, the fact that the derivation of the symbol combination is permitted by the internal lottery is also referred to as winning.

  The lottery target field in FIG. 4 shows the name of the lottery target part, the combination field shows the combination of winning combinations allowed to be derived when winning the lottery target part, and the game status field shows the RT type Each circle will indicate the lottery role to be selected for lottery, the setting difference column will indicate whether there is a setting difference, and the advantageous zone transition column will indicate whether there is an advantageous zone winning. Yes.

  “+” In the winning combination column means that the winning combination is won simultaneously. For example, if the right bell 1 is won, winning of the middle bell, the upper bell 1 and the upper bell 2 is permitted. In other words, when the right bell 1 is won in the internal lottery, the middle bell, the upper bell 1 and the upper bell 2 are simultaneously won.

  The main control unit 41 controls the gaming state among RT0 to RT4, and performs an internal lottery according to the controlled RT. For example, during RT3, the main control unit 41 performs an internal lottery so that a lottery target with a circle in the RT3 column is an internal lottery target, and other lottery target roles are not won. Do.

  The presence / absence of a setting difference means whether or not there is a change in the winning probability according to a value called a setting value indicating an advantage for the player. A lottery target role with a circle in the setting difference “present” column is a lottery target role whose winning probability changes according to the set value. On the other hand, a lottery target role with a circle in the setting difference “none” column is a lottery target role whose winning probability does not change regardless of the set value. For example, a bell is a lottery subject with a setting difference. On the other hand, push order bells such as the left bell 1 to 4, the middle bell 1 to 4, and the right bell 1 to 4 are lottery target roles without setting difference.

  The presence / absence of winning an advantageous section means whether or not to win a transition lottery that determines a transition from an ordinary section to an advantageous section that is more advantageous than the normal section. In addition, winning the transfer lottery is also referred to as advantageous section winning. If a winning lottery with a circle in the “Available” section is selected, a transition lottery is performed, and if the transition lottery is won, the next game is controlled (transferred) to the advantageous section. . Note that the lottery target combination that triggers the execution of the transfer lottery is also referred to as a transition target combination.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a category combination without a setting difference can be a transfer target combination, but a category combination with a setting difference is not a transfer target combination. For example, cherries and watermelons are categories that have no setting difference, and are defined as transition target roles. On the other hand, the bell is a role of a category with a setting difference, and is not defined as a transfer target role.

  Further, the winning probability of the transfer lottery does not change according to the set value. Since there is no setting difference in the transfer target combination and the winning probability of the transfer lottery does not change according to the set value, the probability of shifting to the advantageous section is the same regardless of the set value.

  In RT0 to RT3, the winning probability of the transfer lottery does not change. Specifically, in RT0 to RT3, the probability of winning the transfer target combination is the same, and the winning probability of the transfer lottery when winning each transfer target combination is also equal in RT0 to RT3. For example, the probability of winning a cherry is equal to 1% in RT0-3, and the probability of winning a transition lottery when winning a cherry is also equal to 60% in RT0-RT3.

[Reel control when multiple winning teams win simultaneously]
With reference to FIG. 5, the reel control when a plurality of winning combinations are won simultaneously will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the reel control at the time of winning the pushing order combination.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the winning combination column indicates the winning lottery combination. The push order column indicates the order in which the stop switch is operated. For example, “first left stop” means that the left stop switch 8L is first operated and the subsequent operation procedure is not limited. The symbol combination column to be stopped indicates a winning combination that is generated when the stop operation is performed in the pressing order shown in the pressing order column.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4, the right bells 1 to 4, and the promoted lips 1 to 3 have different display results derived according to the push order (push order). , Maintenance slips 1 to 3 and special lips 1 to 3 are included.

  For example, when one of the left bells 1 to 4 is elected and the pressing order is the first left stop, the symbol combination constituting the middle bell is derived so that the middle bell wins. If one of the left bells 1 to 4 is elected and the pressing order is other than the first stop at the left, the symbol combination constituting the upper bell is derived or transferred so that the upper bell wins. The outcome is derived. The transition outcome is a symbol combination (combination of display results) derived when the top bell prize is missed, and is a symbol combination that does not generate any prize. The transition outcome is an outcome (combination of display results) that is allowed to be derived only when one of the left bell 1 to 4, the middle bell 1 to 4, or the right bell 1 to 4 is won.

  Therefore, when the pushing bells such as the left bell 1 to 4, the middle bell 1 to 4, and the right bell 1 to 4 are won, the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated by the operation procedure for deriving the middle bell. In the case where it is made, it is possible to win a middle bell where medals are paid out regardless of the operation timing. On the other hand, when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated according to an operation procedure different from the operation procedure for deriving the middle bell, a transition outcome that does not cause the medal to be paid out is derived depending on the operation timing.

  In addition, when the slot machine 1 does not win any lottery target in the internal lottery, a symbol combination that does not generate any winnings and that is different from the transition event is derived. Here, the fact that the slot machine 1 did not win the lottery role in the internal lottery is also said to have lost the internal lottery.

  In addition, when the promotion lip 1 is won and the pressing order is the first left stop, the promotion replay is derived. On the other hand, when the promotion lip 1 is won and the pushing order is other than the first left stop, the normal replay is derived.

  Note that the pressing order is not limited to “first left stop”, “first middle stop”, and “first right stop”, but “right stop switch 8R, left stop switch 8L, middle stop switch 8C”. It may include operating in order.

  The push order combination shown in FIG. 5 is a combination in which advantages and disadvantages can occur for the player depending on the operation sequence or operation timing. For example, when the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in the push order that can lead out the middle bell when the push bell is won, the middle bell is a winning combination regardless of the operation timing. Therefore, the middle bell is derived. On the other hand, when the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated in a pushing order different from the pushing order capable of deriving the middle bell, the upper bell or the transition point is derived. When the transition outcome is derived, there is no medal payout and the game state transition occurs (see FIG. 6).

  In other words, comparing the display results that make up the middle bell and the transition outcome, the display results that make up the middle bell are more advantageous for the player, and the push order in which the middle bell can be derived Is an advantageous operation procedure for the player. Hereinafter, an operation procedure advantageous to the player is also referred to as a correct answer procedure. In addition, if a winning combination that may be advantageous / disadvantageous to the player depending on the operation sequence or operation timing is selected during the advantageous section, the correct procedure is notified, and such a pressing combination is indicated as a navigation target combination. Also called.

[Game state]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the gaming state. As shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine 1, RT0, RT1, RT2, and RT3 are provided as controllable gaming states. RT2 and RT3 are gaming states with a higher replay win probability than RT0 and RT1. RT3 is a gaming state with a higher replay win probability than RT2. Note that the winning probability of the small role is not changed between RT0 and RT3.

  After the setting is changed, control is first performed to RT0. In RT0, when the winning bell is won, if the winning of the lower right bell or the upper bell is missed, the transitional outcome is derived, and the gaming state transitions to RT1 on condition that the transitional outcome is derived.

  In RT1, when the promotion replay wins, the gaming state shifts to RT2. On the other hand, in RT2, when the special replay wins, the gaming state shifts to RT3. In RT2, the process shifts to RT1 on condition that the winning of the fall replay or the derivation of the transfer event is derived. In RT3, the process proceeds to RT1 on condition that the transition event is derived.

  The player wants to stay as much as possible in RT2 or RT3, which is more advantageous than RT0 and RT1, among RT0 to RT3. Therefore, the player wants to derive the promotion replay or the special replay without deriving the transition outcome and the fall replay as much as possible. However, there is a possibility that the transition roll and fall replay may be derived depending on the pressing order and operation timing, and the promotion replay or special replay is not derived unless operated in the pressing order corresponding to these roles (see FIG. 5). . In other words, whether to stay in the current advantageous gaming state, to shift to a more advantageous state, or to fall to an unfavorable gaming state depends on the pressing order of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R.

[Game section]
The main control unit 41 controls a plurality of types of gaming sections as a concept of a state different from the gaming state (RT state). The game section includes a normal section and an advantageous section. In addition, although provided with the right to transfer to an advantageous area, you may provide the standby area which waits for the transfer to an advantageous area.

(Normal section and advantageous section)
The normal section is a section in which the navigation information (correct answer procedure) cannot be notified. The advantageous section is a section in which the navigation information can be notified, and is a section having a performance related to an instruction function for instructing the player to operate the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. Hereinafter, reporting the navigation information is also referred to as navigation notification. In the advantageous section, the navigation notification in which a winning in which the maximum payout number is obtained occurs is executed at least once. Specifically, when the push order bell shown in FIG. 5 is won, navigation notification that notifies the correct answer procedure (advantageous operation mode) is executed. The advantageous section is a section (state) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal section in that navigation notification in which a winning in which a maximum payout number is obtained is generated is executed at least once.

  The navigation notification includes navigation notification executed by the main control unit 41 and navigation notification executed by the sub control unit 91. The main control unit 41 performs navigation notification using the game auxiliary display 12. Specifically, the main control unit 41 performs navigation notification by displaying a symbol such as a number corresponding to the order of pressing that is the correct answer procedure on the game auxiliary display 12. In addition, the main control unit 41 transmits a push order command that can specify the correct procedure to the sub control unit 91, so that the sub control unit 91 performs navigation notification using the liquid crystal display 51. For example, as an example of navigation notification, the sub-control unit 91 displays a number “123” indicating that the left stop switch 8L, the middle stop switch 8C, and the right stop switch 8R are operated in this order on the liquid crystal display 51. .

  After changing the setting, the main control unit 41 first controls the normal section, and controls the advantageous section based on the decision to shift to the advantageous section. The main control unit 41 determines the transition to the advantageous section when a predetermined condition is established. In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes a transfer lottery that determines whether or not to shift from the normal section to the advantageous section when the winning combination is won during the normal section.

  The main control unit 41 controls the next game to the advantageous section when the transition to the advantageous section is determined by the transfer lottery. In addition, the main control unit 41 notifies that the transition to the advantageous section has been confirmed by turning on the advantageous section lamp 19 from the start of the game won in the transition lottery to the start of the next game. The advantageous section lamp 19 is kept on until the control to the advantageous section is finished.

  When the winning section is won when the winning combination (cherry, watermelon in FIG. 4) is won, the advantageous section is shifted to. The advantageous section includes at least the AT section and other sections. When the advantageous section is won, a lottery is performed to determine whether the advantageous section is the AT section or another section. The other section includes, for example, a CZ section having a high probability of transition to the AT section. The AT section has a higher degree of advantage than the other sections. For example, the AT section is guaranteed to have a longer period during which navigation notification can be executed than the other sections. Alternatively, the number of times that navigation notification can be executed in the AT section is guaranteed more than in other sections. Thus, since the AT section is guaranteed to have a longer navigation notification period than the other sections, for example, it is possible to increase the number of games for winning the leading role (the role that increases the number of net increase) when winning the push order bell. Yes, the degree of advantage is higher than other sections.

  Further, during the AT section, navigation notification may be executed without fail when the winning combination shown in FIG. 5 is won. If the navigation notification is always made when the navigation target role is won during the AT section, the operation mode corresponding to the derivation of the promotion replay is notified and maintained when one of the promotion replies 1 to 3 is won. When one of the flips 1 to 3 is won, the operation mode corresponding to the derivation of the normal replay is notified, and when one of the special lips 1 to 3 is won, the special replay is derived. The operation mode is notified. Therefore, during the AT period, as long as the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated according to the operation mode indicated by the navigation notification, the RT3 continues to be controlled to RT3 having a higher replay probability than other gaming states. That is, the AT section is more advantageous than the other sections.

[Reel LED and display area]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the reel LED and the display area. Inside the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, a reel LED 55 for irradiating the reels 2L, 2C, 2R from the back is provided. The reel LED 55 can independently irradiate nine symbols visible through the see-through window 3 when the reels 2L, 2C, 2R are stopped. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the reel LED 55 includes reel LEDs 551 to 559. The sub control unit 91 can control lighting of the reel LEDs 551 to 559 independently. For example, the sub-control unit 91 can change only the visibility of the area in which the symbol stopped at the upper left is displayed by controlling only the reel LED 551 to light.

  Here, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not a prize has been won based on a combination of symbols derived at a specific position on the winning line LN. In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 including a plurality of reels 2L, 2C, and 2R is taken as an example. However, the slot machine 1 including only one reel may be used. Based on the symbol derived to the specific position (on the winning line LN), the main control unit 41 determines whether or not the winning is made.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the display area from which the display result that can be viewed by the player through the transparent window 3 is derived is the effective area 3A corresponding to the winning line LN (specific position) and the effective area 3A. And an invalid area 3B other than the area 3A. In FIG. 7B, the area indicated by the diagonally right diagonal line is the effective area 3A, and the area indicated by the diagonally diagonal left line is the invalid area 3B.

[Reel production]
When the display result is derived, that is, when all the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are stopped, the sub control unit 91 can execute a reel effect that changes the visibility of the display area. The reel effect is one of the effects for notifying the derived display result. The sub-control unit 91 determines a reel effect mode based on the derived display result.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a reel effect in which a region whose visibility is changed in accordance with the derived display result. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a reel effect in which the number of changes in visibility is changed according to the derived display result.

  When the main control unit 41 stops the reels 2L, 2C, and 2R and derives the display result, the main control unit 41 determines whether or not a winning is made based on the symbols stopped on the winning line LN, and indicates a winning determination result. The command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 91. The sub-control unit 91 determines the execution of the reel effect and the mode of the reel effect based on the command indicating the winning determination result.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the main control unit 41 wins the normal lip and the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R are operated, a display result in which the replay symbols stop on the winning line LN is derived. The reel control is performed as described above (normally replay wins). When the normal replay wins, the sub-control unit performs a reel effect that changes only the visibility of the effective area 3A. That is, the visibility of the invalid area 3B is not changed. Specifically, the sub-control unit 91 turns on the reel LEDs 552, 555, and 558, and keeps the remaining reel LEDs 551, 553, 554, 556, 557, and 559 off. In other words, the visibility of the three effective cells that are the effective region 3A changes, but the visibility of the six invalid cells that are the invalid region 3B does not change.

  On the other hand, when the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in an operation mode in which the main control unit 41 wins the watermelon and derives the display result corresponding to the upper watermelon, the display result that the watermelon symbol stops on the invalid line LM1. Is controlled (so that the upper watermelon wins). When the upper watermelon wins, the sub-control unit 91 performs a reel effect that changes the visibility of the entire invalid area 3B in addition to the effective area 3A. That is, the sub control unit 91 turns on the reel LEDs 551 to 559. In other words, the visibility of the three effective cells that are the effective region 3A is changed, and the visibility of the six invalid cells that are the invalid region 3B is also changed.

  When a replay is won, a replay is given. On the other hand, when the upper stage watermelon wins, in addition to the payout of 5 sheets, an advantageous section transition lottery is performed. In the present embodiment, since a maximum of three medals are required to execute one game, giving a re-game is equivalent to giving at most three medals. That is, when comparing the normal replay and the upper watermelon, the upper watermelon is a more advantageous winning combination for the player in terms of medals awarded. In addition, when the upper watermelon wins, there is a possibility that an advantageous section transition lottery is performed and there is a possibility that the upper watermelon has shifted to the advantageous section, and the upper watermelon is a winning combination that is more advantageous to the player than the normal replay.

  Although not shown in FIG. 8, when a right-up cherry is won, a reel effect is performed to change the visibility of the entire invalid area 3 </ b> B in addition to the effective area 3 </ b> A, as in the case where the upper watermelon is won. It is. The fact that the cherry that goes up to the right won the prize means that the cherry was won. That is, it means that the lottery for shifting to the advantageous section has been performed. Therefore, the cherry that rises to the right is a winning combination that is more advantageous to the player than the normal replay in that there is a possibility that the advantageous lot transition lottery has been performed and there is a possibility of shifting to the advantageous zone.

  In addition, when the sub-control unit 91 wins the push order bell, the sub-control unit 91 executes a reel effect in a different mode based on the derived display result. Specifically, the main control unit 41 wins the push order bell and performs reel control so that the middle bell wins when the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated in the correct answer procedure. When the middle bell wins, 8 payouts occur. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the sub-control unit 91 blinks the reel LED 55 three times.

  On the other hand, the main control unit 41 performs reel control so that the upper bell wins when the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are operated in a procedure different from the correct procedure. When the upper bell wins, three payouts occur. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the sub-control unit 91 causes the reel LED 55 to blink once.

  Here, one blinking means changing the visibility of the display area once. That is, the visibility of the display area changes more when the middle bell wins than when the upper bell wins. Comparing the middle bell and the upper bell, the middle bell is more advantageous than the upper bell in that the number of payouts is larger.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, when blinking a plurality of times, the time t1 from turning on to turning off and the time t1 from turning off to turning on are the same time. The sub control unit 91 blinks the reel LED 55.

[Main effects]
(1) As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sub-control unit 91 can execute a reel effect that changes the visibility of not only the effective area 3 </ b> A but also the invalid area 3 </ b> B. For this reason, it is possible to perform an effect suitably using the invalid area 3B other than the valid area 3A corresponding to the winning line LN.

  (2) As shown in FIG. 8, when the display result corresponding to the normal replay is derived and when the display result corresponding to the upper watermelon that is more advantageous than the normal replay is derived, it corresponds to the upper watermelon. When the display result is derived, the visibility of the invalid area 3B changes in a wider range (the number of invalid cells whose visibility changes is larger). Therefore, when a more advantageous display result is derived, the visibility can be changed over a wide area in the display area, and the effect when the display result is advantageous can be increased.

  (3) As shown in FIG. 9, when the display result corresponding to the upper bell is derived and when the display result corresponding to the middle bell more advantageous than the upper bell is derived, the display corresponds to the middle bell. When the display result is derived, the visibility of the invalid area 3B changes more frequently. For this reason, when a more advantageous display result is derived, the number of times the visibility changes is set, so that an effect in the case of an advantageous display result can be boosted.

  (4) As shown in FIG. 8, the display result corresponding to the normal replay and the upper watermelon is that one display result is a display result in which the same symbols are arranged on the winning line LN, and the other display result is the invalid line LM. This is a display result in which the same symbols are lined up. Specifically, the display result corresponding to the normal replay is a display result in which the replay symbols are aligned on the winning line LN. On the other hand, the upper watermelon is a display result in which watermelon symbols are aligned on the invalid line LM.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 9, the display results corresponding to the middle and upper bells are the display results in which one display result is the same symbol on the winning line LN and the other display result is in the invalid line LM. It is a display result where the same symbols are arranged. Specifically, the display result corresponding to the middle bell is a display result in which bell symbols are aligned on the winning line LN. On the other hand, the upper bell is a display result in which bell symbols are aligned on the invalid line LM.

  In other words, the winning result is easy to understand because the display result is that similar symbols are arranged on a predetermined line. In this embodiment, the display result in which the same symbols are aligned on a predetermined line is taken as an example, but the display result in which similar symbols are aligned may be displayed, and the display in which the same symbol and similar symbols are aligned is also possible. It may be a result.

  (5) The upper watermelon is a display result more advantageous than the normal replay in that the display result corresponding to the upper watermelon is a display result indicating that the lottery for shifting to the advantageous section has been performed. For this reason, the player can obtain an advantageous result (the effect that the visibility of the display area changes in a wide range) by deriving the display result corresponding to the upper watermelon and producing a more exciting effect than when the normal replay is derived. It can be expected that it has moved.

  (6) Both the upper bell and the middle bell are display results derived when winning the push order bell. The middle bell wins when the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in the correct procedure, while the upper bell wins when the stop switch 8L, 8C, 8R is operated in a procedure different from the correct procedure. . Thus, since the derived display result is different depending on the operation procedure, and the aspect of the reel effect when derived is also different, the interest of the game is improved.

  (7) As shown in FIG. 9, when the reel LED 55 blinks, the sub-control unit 91 sets the reel so that the time from turning on to turning off is equal to the time from turning off to turning on. Perform the production.

  Therefore, since the blinking interval is constant, the reel effect is easy to understand. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a reel effect that blinks the reel LED 55 may also be performed. In this case as well, an easy-to-understand reel effect can be provided to the player by making the blinking interval constant. .

[Modification]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, other modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[Other embodiments of reel production]
In the present embodiment, as an example of a reel effect, a pattern that changes only the visibility of the effective area 3A and a pattern that changes the visibility of the effective area 3A and the ineffective area 3B are given as examples. However, other embodiments may be used.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating reel effects for other display results. For example, FIG. 10A shows an example of a reel effect when the re-game combination includes a winning combination in which replay symbols are aligned on an invalid line LM4 diagonally downward to the left, and the winning combination wins. As shown in FIG. 10A, the reel effect is an effect that changes the visibility of the area (a part of the effective area 3A and a part of the invalid area 3B) located on the invalid line LM4 diagonally downward to the left. is there.

  FIG. 10B shows a case where a small combination includes a winning combination (middle watermelon) with watermelon symbols on the winning line LN, and a lottery for shifting to an advantageous state is performed when the middle watermelon is won. It is an example of a reel production when a middle watermelon wins. As shown in FIG. 10B, the reel effect is an effect that changes the visibility of the entire display area.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10 as well, it is advantageous in that there is a possibility that the winning of the middle watermelon may shift to an advantageous state as compared with the winning of the re-gamer, and when the advantageous middle watermelon wins, a wide range of invalidity Since the visibility of the region 3B changes, the same effect as the effect described above can be obtained.

  Further, when a winning combination with watermelon symbols on the winning line LN wins, the reel effect mode may be changed according to the probability of winning the lottery for the transition to the advantageous state.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the aspect of the reel effect is changed according to the probability of winning the lottery to shift to the advantageous state. In the example shown in FIG. 11, an example is given in which the range of the invalid area 3B in which the visibility is changed differs according to the probability of winning the lottery to the advantageous state, and the AT section is exemplified as the advantageous state. Are listed.

  When there is a high possibility that the vehicle has shifted to the AT section (AT winning expectation is high), as shown in FIG. 11A, a reel effect is performed in which one reel LED 55 corresponding to the invalid area 3B is lit. When the possibility of shifting to the AT section is neither high nor low (at the AT winning expectation), as shown in FIG. 11B, the reel effect in which three reel LEDs 55 corresponding to the invalid area 3B are lit. Is done. When the possibility of shifting to the AT section is low (AT winning expectation is low), as shown in FIG. 11C, a reel effect is performed in which six reel LEDs 55 corresponding to the invalid area 3B are lit.

  FIG. 12 is an effect mode determination table. As shown in FIG. 12, when the AT is won, the number of invalid cells to be lit (the number of the reel LEDs 55 corresponding to the invalid area 3B to be lit) is larger than when the AT is not won (non-winning). The aspect of the reel effect is determined so as to decrease. In other words, the smaller the number of LEDs that are lit among the reel LEDs 55 corresponding to the invalid area 3B, the higher the possibility that the AT is won.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the reel production mode is changed according to the probability of winning the lottery for the advantageous state. The example shown in FIG. 13 is an example in which the number of times the visibility is changed according to the probability of winning the transition lottery to the advantageous state, and the AT section is taken as an example of the advantageous state. In the example shown in FIG. 13, lighting means that all the reel LEDs 55 are lit.

  When there is a high possibility that the vehicle has shifted to the AT section (AT winning expectation degree is high), as shown in FIG. 13A, a reel effect that changes visibility three times is performed. When the possibility of shifting to the AT section is neither high nor low (at the AT winning expectation degree), as shown in FIG. 13B, a reel effect that changes visibility five times is performed. When there is a low possibility that the vehicle has shifted to the AT section (AT winning expectation is low), as shown in FIG. 13C, a reel effect that changes the visibility seven times is performed.

  FIG. 14 is an effect mode determination table. As shown in FIG. 14, when the AT is won, the reels are turned off so that the number of times the invalid cell is turned on (the number of times the visibility is changed) is smaller than when the AT is not won (non-winning). The mode of production is determined. In other words, the smaller the number of times the visibility is changed, the higher the possibility of winning the AT.

  As described above, since there are a plurality of patterns of modes that change the visibility, the production patterns are increased and the interest of the game is improved. Moreover, the attention degree to an effect pattern can be raised by changing an effect pattern according to the transition probability to an advantageous state.

[Advantageous state]
In the present embodiment, an advantageous section is given as an example of the advantageous state. In addition, it is not necessary to consider the AT section in the advantageous section, not the advantageous section, as the advantageous state and other sections other than the AT section as the advantageous state. In addition, the advantageous state is not limited to the advantageous section in which the navigation notification is performed, but may be a so-called bonus state in which the probability of winning a small role is higher than the normal state, and the probability of shifting to an advantageous state is also possible. The state may be higher than the normal state.

[Display result]
In the present embodiment, advantageous display results are advantageous in that (1) a lottery drawing for shifting to an advantageous state is performed, and (2) the number of payouts is large. For example, an advantageous display result may be used that is advantageous in that it is an opportunity to shift to an advantageous state with a high replay probability, such as promotion replay. In addition, an advantageous display result may be obtained by providing an advantageous amount for controlling to an advantageous state.

  In addition, both the one display result and the display result more advantageous than the one display result are display results in which the same or similar symbols are aligned on either the winning line LN or the invalid line LM. However, it is not necessary to have the same or similar symbols. In this embodiment, the display result in which the same or similar symbols are aligned on the upper invalid line LM1 is taken as an example, but the lower invalid line LM2, the diagonally upper left invalid line LM3, the diagonally lower left invalid The display result may be that the same or similar symbols are aligned on the line LM4. It is not necessary that the symbols aligned on the line match, and it is sufficient that the symbols that can be recognized as similar at first glance are aligned on the line.

[Range and number of times to change visibility]
In the present embodiment, an example in which the visibility is changed between the normal replay winning and the upper watermelon winning is shown. In other words, the display result that is advantageous in that the display result is advantageous in that a lottery for shifting to a more advantageous state than the one display result is performed, and the visibility of the invalid area 3B in a wider range is more favorable in the advantageous display result. An example to do. It should be noted that one display result and a display result that is advantageous in that a lottery for shifting to a more advantageous state than the one display result is performed, and the advantageous display result increases the number of times the visibility changes. You may comprise.

  In the present embodiment, the middle bell is operated by the correct procedure when the middle bell is won by operating in the correct procedure and when the upper bell is operated by a procedure different from the correct procedure. An example is shown in which the number of changes in visibility increases when the prize is won. In addition, you may comprise so that the visibility of the invalid area | region 3B of a wide range may be changed when it is operated in the correct procedure and the middle stage bell wins.

  It should be noted that when an advantageous display result is derived than the one display result, the visibility changes more frequently when the advantageous display result is derived, and a wide range of invalid areas 3B are visually recognized. You may comprise so that property may change. In this case, the blinking intervals are the same, and the blinking is performed so that the period from turning on to turning off is equal to the period from turning off to turning on.

  Further, the number of times the visibility is changed is not limited to the number given in the above example, and may be one or more. For example, the visibility may be continued until an operation for starting the next game is performed. It may be a predetermined number of times.

[Change in visibility]
In the present embodiment, as an example of a method for changing the visibility, an example in which the reel LED 55 is turned on has been described. Note that the visibility of the display area (the display result through the fluoroscopic window 3) may be changed by other methods. For example, the visibility of the display area may be changed by configuring the transparent window 3 with a transparent liquid crystal and displaying a predetermined image on the transparent liquid crystal. For example, a shooting star image may be displayed on the transparent liquid crystal, or an image showing the same design as the display result derived on the transparent liquid crystal may be displayed.

  In addition, a shutter is provided in front of the see-through window 3 or between the see-through window 3 and the reels 2L, 2C, 2R, and the shutter is normally opened to check the fluctuation and stop of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R. It may be configured so that the visibility of the display area is changed by closing the shutter at the time of reel production.

[Reel production execution conditions]
It may be determined whether or not the reel effect is executed according to the gaming state and the gaming section. For example, the reel effect may be performed when the operation procedure for the push order bell is notified, and the reel effect may not be performed when the operation procedure is not notified. During the period when the operation procedure is informed, the player is aware of the operation procedure of the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R. In such a case, when a reel effect is performed, the player's attention to the display result derived by his / her own operation further increases, and the interest of the game is improved. In addition, since the period during which the operation procedure is notified is an advantageous period for the player, the production during the advantageous period becomes flashy and the interest of the game is improved.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reel, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 40 game control board, 41 main control part, 51 liquid crystal display, 56 effect switch, 90 effect control board, 91 sub-control part.

Claims (1)

A variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each capable of being identified,
After displaying the variable display unit in a variable manner, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and in a slot machine capable of generating a prize according to the display result,
A derivation control means for deriving any one of a plurality of display results including a predetermined display result and a specific display result more advantageously than the predetermined display result;
Among the identification information constituting the derived display result, winning determination means for determining whether or not a winning has occurred based on the identification information derived at a specific position;
Changing means for changing the visibility of the display area in which the player can visually recognize the display result,
The display area includes an effective area corresponding to the specific position, and an invalid area different from the effective area,
The changing unit is a slot machine that changes the visibility of the invalid area more widely when the specific display result is derived than when the predetermined display result is derived.

Images