JP3746943B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

【００５２】
上記表１に示すように、上記点灯色抽選部３４では、ＢＢゲームの遊技処理については赤色又は黄色のいずれかが選択され、ＲＢゲームの遊技処理については青色又は緑色のいずれかが選択される。ここで、ＢＢゲームでは、赤色に比べて黄色の当選確率が非常に低く設定されている。具体的には、例えば、赤色が２４０／２５６で、黄色が１６／２５６となるように設定する。また、ＲＢゲームでは、青色に比べて緑色の当選確率が非常に低く設定されており、その確率は、ＢＢゲームの場合と同様である。このような設定により、ほとんどの場合、ＢＢゲームが終了したときには赤色が、ＲＢゲームが終了したときには青色が、報知パネル２０に点灯されることになる。よって、報知パネル２０が点灯確率の低い黄色や緑色に点灯した場合には、遊技者の興味を誘うことができる。
【００５３】
一例を挙げて説明すると、ＲＢゲームが終了した後、点灯色抽選部３４の抽選により青色が当選した場合、図６に示したように、点灯色抽選部３４は、報知パネル２０の点灯制御装置２６に青色発光体２４の点灯を命令する。この命令を受けた点灯制御装置２６は、青色発光体２４を点灯させる。この青色発光体２４は、次回のボーナスゲームが終了するまで点灯し続ける。そして、次回のボーナスゲームがＢＢゲームであって、その終了時に赤色が当選した場合には、赤色発光体２２の点灯命令を受けた点灯制御装置２６は、前回のボーナスゲームがＲＢゲームであった旨を報知する青色発光体２４を消灯し、代わりに、赤色発光体２２を点灯させる。
【００５４】
このようにして、報知パネル２０に上記点灯色抽選部３４で当選した点灯色が点灯されると、報知パネル２０は、次回にＲＢゲーム又はＢＢゲームが行われるまで、その点灯色に点灯したままの状態になる。よって、これまで遊技を行っていた遊技者が遊技をやめた場合、本スロットマシン１で次に遊技を行おうとする遊技者に対して、前回行われたボーナスゲームがＢＢゲームだったのか、あるいは、ＲＢゲームだったのかを知らせ、遊技者がスロットマシンの選択を行う際の判断材料として提供することができる。
【００５５】
尚、ここでは、ＢＢゲームについては、赤色又は黄色のいずれかから選択される設定になっているが、例えば、ＢＢゲームについては、赤色及び黄色のほか、ＲＢゲームの報知に使用される青色も選択可能なように設定してもよい。具体的には、例えば、赤色が２２０／２５６で、青色が２０／２５６で、黄色が１６／２５６となるように設定する。すなわち、原則として、青色は、ＲＢゲームの報知に使用される報知態様であるので、ＢＢゲームの終了時に青色を点灯することで、遊技者に猜疑心を持たせ、別の楽しみを提供することができる。尚、ＲＢゲームについても、赤色を選択可能に設定してもよい。
【００５６】
また、上記点灯色抽選部３４において、複数の色を選択するようにしてもよい。オレンジ色や黄緑色など、報知パネルを種々の色で発光させることができる。また、この場合に、選択された色の発光強度を所定の確率に応じて抽選してもよい。これにより、例えば、報知パネル２０が赤色に発光しているときには、前回行われたボーナスゲームは確実にＢＢゲームであり、その赤色に混じって黄色の発光強度が強くなるにつれて、前回のボーナスゲームが実はＲＢゲームであるという確率が高くなるような趣向を凝らすこともできるようになる。すなわち、この場合には、報知パネル２０がオレンジ色になるに従って、前回のボーナスゲームがＢＢゲームでない確率が高くなる。
【００５７】
また、本実施形態は、図５に示したキャビネット２の内部に設けられた回路基板１２上のＯＮ／ＯＦＦスイッチ１６により、遊技者に前回行われたボーナスゲームの種類を報知パネル２０で報知するか否かを切り換えることができる。このＯＮ／ＯＦＦスイッチ１６をＯＦＦにすることで、上記中央制御装置３０の点灯色抽選部３４の機能が停止し、点灯抽選は行われない。このとき、点灯制御装置２６は、所定色の発光体２１，２２，２３，２４を点灯させるか、すべての発光体を消灯する。尚、ＯＮ／ＯＦＦスイッチ１６をＯＦＦにしたときの点灯色を選択できるように構成してもよい。
【００５８】
また、本実施形態では、上記回路基板１２上のパターン切換スイッチ１７を操作することで、本スロットマシン１で使用する報知パターンを切り換えることができる。本実施形態では、このパターン切換スイッチ１７を設定１にした場合には、報知パネル２０のみにより報知が行われる。また、設定２では、設定１と同じ報知パネルによる報知に加えて、音楽による報知も行われる。また、設定３は、設定１と同じ報知パネルによる報知に加えて、設定２で使用する音楽パターンと異なる音楽による報知を行う。設定２と設定３による報知では、前回のボーナスゲームの種類に応じた音楽が、それぞれの音楽パターンに基づいて選択され、選択された音楽がスピーカ９から流されることになる。
【００５９】
〔実施形態２〕
次に、本発明を、上記実施形態１と同様に、スロットマシンに適用した他の実施形態（以下、本実施形態を「実施形態２」という。）について説明する。本実施形態は、上記実施形態１の報知パネル２０部分が異なる以外、その構成及び動作は、ほぼ同様であるので、同様の部分についての説明は省略する。
【００６０】
図１０は、本実施形態に係るスロットマシン１００の外観図である。このスロットマシン１００は、前面パネル３のの前面側上部に、報知手段としての報知ランプ群１２０が設けられている。この報知ランプ群１２０は、５個の履歴ランプ１２１，１２２，１２３，１２４，１２５と、これら履歴ランプの点灯切り換え等を行う図示しない点灯制御装置とを有している。この点灯制御装置は、中央制御装置３０の点灯色抽選部の抽選結果に基づいて、各ランプの点灯を制御する。履歴ランプ１２１，１２２，１２３，１２４，１２５は、ボーナスゲームの種類を示す履歴特別遊技情報を報知するものであり、遊技者から見て右端の第１履歴ランプ１２１が直前のボーナスゲームの種類を示し、左側に向かうにつれて古い履歴特別遊技情報を示すようになっている。
【００６１】
各履歴ランプ１２１，１２２，１２３，１２４，１２５は、それぞれ、透明アクリル板と、その背後に設けれた４個の発光体とで構成されている。これら発光体は、上記点灯制御装置の制御により、上記表１に示した赤色、黄色、青色、緑色の４色をそれぞれ発光する。
【００６２】
上記スロットマシン１において、ＲＢゲーム又はＢＢゲームが終了すると、上記実施形態１と同様に、点灯抽選が行われ、点灯する色が選択される。ここで、例えば、ＲＢゲームが終了して青色が当選した場合、その抽選結果が上記点灯制御装置に送られる。そして、点灯制御装置は、右端にある第１履歴ランプ１２１の青色発光体を発光させる。
【００６３】
上記履歴ランプ１２１，１２２，１２３，１２４，１２５は、ボーナスゲームの種類について、左側から順に古い履歴情報が報知されているが、上記ＲＢゲームの終了により、この履歴情報は更新される。すなわち、第２〜第５の履歴ランプ１２２，１２３，１２４，１２５の点灯色は、上記点灯制御装置により、右隣の履歴ランプが点灯していた点灯色で点灯するように制御される。そして、第１履歴ランプ１２１には、今回のボーナスゲームに係る点灯色の青色が点灯する。
【００６４】
以上、本実施形態によれば、遊技者は、過去５回のボーナスゲームの種類という履歴情報を知ることが可能であり、その履歴情報をスロットマシン１００の選択の際の判断基準として利用することができる。
尚、上記履歴ランプの数は、過去何回分の履歴情報を遊技者に提供するかに応じて決定され、本実施形態のように５個に限られるものではない。
【００６５】
尚、上記実施形態１及び上記実施形態２では、点灯色抽選部３４による抽選により点灯色を選択する場合について説明したが、ＢＢゲームについては赤色、ＲＢゲームについては青色というように、前回行われたボーナスゲームの種類を遊技者に完全な形で知らせるようにしてもよい。この場合、点灯色抽選部３４を設けずに、ＲＢ又はＢＢの終了判定処理におけるフラグクリア後、そのボーナスゲームに対応した点灯色（赤色又は青色）を選択する。
【００６６】
また、上記実施形態１及び上記実施形態２では、報知パネル２０や報知ランプ群１２０を用い、ボーナスゲームの種類を発光色の違いにより報知するものであったが、例えば、報知パネル２０や報知ランプ群１２０の代わりに、図１１に示すような液晶パネル２２０を利用することも可能である。この液晶パネル２２０には、過去３回分のボーナスゲームの種類が表示されているが、各種類の表示の間には、そのボーナスゲーム間に行われたゲーム回数が表示されている。このように、ボーナスゲームの種類以外の他の情報も遊技者に報知することで、スロットマシン選択の際の判断材料を多く提供でき、判断の楽しみを増やすことができる。
【００６７】
また、このような液晶パネル２２０を設けた場合、上記点灯色抽選部３４の代わりに、例えば、各ボーナスゲームの報知のために複数用意された報知態様である動画や静止画像を抽選により選択する画像抽選部を設ける。これにより、液晶パネル２２０には、前回行われたボーナスゲームの種類又はボーナスゲームの履歴情報を、動画等により表示して、遊技者に提供することができる。尚、この液晶パネル２２０に表示する動画等は、上記パターン切換スイッチ１７等の報知パターン選択手段により切り換えることが可能に構成することで、初期設定された動画等のほか、例えば、このスロットマシンが設置されるパチンコ店独自の動画等を液晶パネルに表示することができる。また、遊技者が操作できる場所に報知パターン選択手段である切換スイッチを設ければ、例えば、遊技者の好きなテーマに沿った動画等を液晶パネルに表示させ、遊技者に遊技以外の楽しみを提供することもできる。
【００６８】
尚、ボーナスゲームの種類を遊技者に報知するための報知方法は、報知パネル２０や報知ランプ群１２０又は液晶パネルのように、遊技者の視覚を通じて報知するものに限らず、音楽や音声による案内など、遊技者の聴覚を通じて報知する報知方法や、ストップボタン７ａ，７ｂ，７ｃに振動させるなどして、遊技者の触覚を通じて報知する報知方法を利用することもできる。
【００６９】
また、上記実施形態１及び上記実施形態２では、パチンコ店に設置されるスロットマシンについて説明したが、ゲームセンタに配置されるスロットマシンにも同様に適用することができる。また、スロットマシンではなく、液晶画面等の可変表示装置を備え、その液晶画面等に特定の図柄が揃うと、特別遊技状態を行うことができるようなパチンコ機などにも適用することが可能である。
【００７０】
【発明の効果】
請求項１及び２の発明によれば、遊技者が遊技機の選択を行う際の判断材料となる直前に行われた特別遊技状態の種類を、遊技者に報知することができるので、遊技者による遊技機選択を容易ならしめることが可能となるという優れた効果がある。
【００７６】
また、請求項２の発明によれば、例えば、遊技機が設置されるパチンコ店等の運営者や遊技者自身が、好みに応じて、報知手段による報知パターンを選択でき、遊技者に遊技以外の楽しみ等を提供することができるという優れた効果がある。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】実施形態１に係るスロットマシンのＲＢ終了判断処理の流れを示すフローチャート。
【図２】同スロットマシンの外観図。
【図３】同スロットマシンの報知パネルの断面図。
【図４】同スロットマシンの報知パネルの一例を示す拡大図。
【図５】同スロットマシンの内部構造を示す概略構成図。
【図６】同スロットマシンの中央制御装置による機能を示す機能ブロック図。
【図７】同スロットマシンのゲーム進行の流れを示すフローチャート。
【図８】同スロットマシンのリール駆動制御部によるリール回転停止処理を示すフローチャート。
【図９】同スロットマシンのＢＢ終了判定処理の流れを示すフローチャート。
【図１０】実施形態２に係るスロットマシンの外観図。
【図１１】報知手段の変形例を示す液晶パネルの外観図。
【符号の説明】
１ スロットマシン
４ａ，４ｂ，４ｃ リール
６ スタートレバー
７ａ，７ｂ，７ｃ ストップボタン
２０ 報知パネル
２１ 透明アクリル部材
２２，２３，２４，２５ 発光体
２６ 点灯制御装置
３０ 中央制御装置
３１ ゲーム制御部
３２ 内部抽選部
３３ リール駆動制御部
３４ 点灯色抽選部
１２０ 報知ランプ群
１２１，１２２，１２３，１２４，１２５ 履歴ランプ
２２０ 液晶パネル[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a pachinko machine having a winning mode selection means for selecting an arbitrary winning mode from a plurality of winning modes including two or more special winning modes necessary for performing different types of special gaming states, The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, there is known a slot machine that rotates a plurality of reels, which are variable display devices each having a plurality of symbols, and operates a stop button or the like to stop all the reels. In this slot machine, when a combination of symbols included in the winning mode is aligned on a predetermined winning line, medals are paid out according to the combination. In such a slot machine, in general, when a player operates a predetermined start lever, an internal lottery for determining an arbitrary winning mode is performed by a winning mode selecting means constituted by a microcomputer or the like. In this internal lottery, when a predetermined winning mode is won, reel stop control is performed so that the combinations of symbols related to the winning mode are easily aligned. On the other hand, if any winning mode is not won in the internal lottery, the symbols included in the winning mode cannot be arranged regardless of the operation timing of the stop button or the like by the player.
[0003]
The above-mentioned winning modes can be broadly classified into general winning modes and special winning modes. The general winning mode is a winning mode in which a predetermined number of medals can be paid out and replayed when a combination of symbols related to the general winning mode such as “Cherry” and “Bell” is prepared. On the other hand, the special winning mode is a winning mode in which a bonus game which is a special gaming state in which a combination of symbols from which a predetermined number of medals are paid out can be arranged with high probability can be performed a predetermined number of times.
[0004]
Among the above special winning modes, a BB winning mode and a regular bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”) game capable of playing a big bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as “BB”) game can be played. There are some types in which a plurality of types of winning modes such as an RB winning mode are prepared. The number of medals to be paid out in the BB game is normally set to be larger than that in the RB game. For this reason, many players play with the goal of winning the BB winning mode in which the BB game can be performed among the special winning modes.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When a player visits a pachinko shop or a game center where a plurality of the above-mentioned gaming machines are installed, the player selects which gaming machine to play before starting the game. At the time of this selection, many players look for a gaming machine that is likely to win the BB winning mode by internal lottery. The selection criteria for a gaming machine are left to the player's subjectivity, but the selection is mainly based on the player's experience and whether or not the player is interested in various effects of the gaming machine. . In order to make this selection easy, it is necessary to provide useful judgment materials for the player.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a judgment material for a player to select a gaming machine and to facilitate the selection of the gaming machine by the player. It is to provide a gaming machine capable of.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 includes a variable display device that variably displays a combination of a plurality of symbols,Variable display stop means operated by a player to stop variable display of the variable display device;A winning mode selection means for selecting an arbitrary winning mode from a plurality of winning modes, including a special winning mode required for performing two or more different types of special gaming states.Based on the operation timing of the variable display stop means,In a gaming machine provided with a control means for controlling the variable display device in order to stop and display a combination of symbols according to the winning style selected by the winning style selection means on the winning line, Indicates the type of special gaming stateLighting colorTheCorresponds to the special gaming state performed immediately beforepluralLighting colorOut ofThe pluralityofLight upcolorBy lottery based on the probability set for eachSelectedControl lighting of the light emitter with the selected lighting colorThe, The type of special gaming state performed immediately beforeNotification means for notifying the playerAnd, when a combination of symbols corresponding to the special winning mode is aligned on the winning line, performing a flag setting process for setting a game flag according to the type of the special gaming state corresponding to the special winning mode, Flag processing means for performing a flag clear process for clearing the game flag when the special game state ends, and a part of the plurality of lighting colors is different from the special game state to be notified In common with the lighting color corresponding to the state, after the flag clearing process by the flag processing unit is performed, the notification unit controls the lighting of the light emitter with the selected lighting color, and the next special gaming state The lighting control is continued untilIt is characterized by this.
[0008]
  In this gaming machine, it is possible to notify the player of the type of special gaming state performed immediately before at the gaming machine. Thus, for example, when this gaming machine has a special gaming state that is two types of bonus games, that is, a BB game and an RB game, the player has played the BB game immediately before the bonus game played on the gaming machine. Or whether it was an RB game. Therefore, the player says, “Because the previous bonus game was an RB game, the next will be a BB game.” Or “Because the previous bonus game was a BB game, the BB game will be played continuously. ”Or the like, it becomes possible to select a gaming machine based on the selection criteria specific to each player. Note that the special gaming state is not limited to the BB game and the RB game, but a single bonus (SB) game in which a so-called JAC game that is set so that a predetermined medal payout pattern is arranged with high probability, Also included are challenge time or chance time (CT) games that allow variable display to be stopped at the player's stop button operation timing without stop control..
[0010]
  Also,In this gaming machine, the variable display on the variable display device is controlled by the control means based on the timing when the variable display stop means for stopping the variable display on the variable display device is operated by the player. A slot machine is known as a gaming machine having such a configuration. So bookGame machineTherefore, in such a slot machine, it is possible to provide the player with the type of the special gaming state that was performed last time as a useful judgment material when selecting the gaming machine.
[0014]
  Also,In this gaming machine, the same special gaming state is notified.Lighting colorPrepare multiple items for eachAcquaintanceDepending on the stage, there are multipleLighting colorAnyLighting colorSelect. And after the special gaming state is over, the selectedLighting colorTo inform the player of the type of the special gaming state. In particular, DoubleHas several lighting colorsUses illuminantAnd reportAcquaintanceIn order to notify the same special gaming state by the stagePointAfter selecting the light color, depending on the selected lighting colorLuminous bodyLit to inform the player of the type of special gaming state.
[0015]
  MaReportAcquaintanceA stage has a plurality of stages corresponding to the special gaming state.Lighting colorAny one of them may be selected, or some or all of them may be selected. For example, for the same special gaming state,Lighting colorIs availableAcquaintanceDepending on the stage, only one of them may be selected and notified, or both may be selected and notified. In addition, it differs for each type of special gamingLighting colorMay be prepared, but a plurality of the same special gaming state is notified.Lighting colorAll of the other special gaming statesLighting colorNeed not be different.
[0017]
  Also,In this gaming machine, a plurality of machines corresponding to the same special gaming state are used.Lighting colorNotify the player based on the probability set for eachLighting colorSelect. For example, corresponding to the same special gaming stateLighting colorIf two are prepared, one of themLighting colorIs set to a very low probability,Lighting colorThe frequency of notification is greatly reduced. Therefore, the player has a low probabilityLighting colorIt is rare to meet the gaming machines that are informed by. As a result, players can rarely be met.Lighting colorIt is possible to raise interest in the game and promote games on the game machine.
[0019]
  In addition, it is not always preferable to reliably convey the type of special game state. For example, if an RB game was played last time, in a gaming machine that is set to play the BB game with a very high probability for the next game, it is reported that the previous bonus game was definitely an RB game. This is because, for the player, the next bonus game is a result of reducing the pleasure of determining whether the game is a BB game or an RB game. Therefore, in the gaming machine of this claim, lighting colors common to a plurality of special gaming states are prepared. For this reason, when the notification is performed with the common lighting color, the player cannot always correctly recognize the type of the special gaming state performed immediately before. Therefore, it is possible to give the player suspicion “Is the next bonus game really a BB game?” And provide enjoyment of judgment.
[0022]
  Claims2The invention of claim1'sIn the gaming machine, for each special gaming stateLighting colorOut of a plurality of notification patterns in a set,Lighting controlA notification pattern selection means for selecting a notification pattern to be used, and the notification means is based on the notification pattern selected by the notification pattern selection means.NoAnd aboveControl lightingIt is characterized by this.
[0023]
  In this gaming machine, a plurality of notification patterns that can be notified by the notification unit are prepared, and a notification pattern used for notification by the notification unit is selected by the notification pattern selection unit. And the special gaming statetypeIs included in the selected notification pattern.Lighting colorNotification is performed using. This notification pattern selection means may be operated by a player or may be operated by a person other than the player. For example, when the notification pattern selection means is operated by an operator of a pachinko store or the like where the gaming machine is installed, a notification pattern unique to the pachinko store or the like can be used. Further, the notification pattern selection means is not operated by a human but may be selected by a computer or the like according to a predetermined condition.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is a kind of gaming machine (hereinafter, this embodiment will be referred to as “Embodiment 1”) will be described. The slot machine of this embodiment is installed in a pachinko parlor.
First, the configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is an external view of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The slot machine 1 includes a box-shaped cabinet 2 and a front panel 3 attached to the front side of the cabinet 2 so as to be freely opened and closed. The front panel 3 is provided with a display window 4 for displaying three reel symbols constituting the variable display device for each reel, and a medal slot 5. A medal discriminating device (not shown) connected to the medal slot 5 is provided on the back side of the front panel 3. This medal discrimination device discriminates the authenticity and number of medals inserted. The front panel 3 is operated by the player, such as a start lever 6 as variable display start means, stop buttons 7a, 7b, 7c as variable display stop means provided for each reel, and the like. Is also provided. Further, the front panel 3 has a lamp 8 and a speaker 9 for performing various effects, a medal tray 10 having a medal payout box 10a, a game remaining number display 18 for displaying the remaining number of bonus games, and a display as a notification means. An information panel 20 as a means is also provided.
[0027]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the notification panel 20. The notification panel 20 includes a substantially hemispherical transparent acrylic member 21 provided at the upper part on the front side of the front panel, and four light emitters 22, 23, 24, and 25 provided behind the transparent acrylic member 21. And a lighting control device 26 for switching the lighting of these light emitters. The four light emitters are a red light emitter 22 that emits red light, a yellow light emitter 23 that emits yellow light, a blue light emitter 24 that emits blue light, and a green light emitter 25 that emits green light. The lighting control device 26 can individually control whether or not the light emitters 22, 23, 24, and 25 are turned on, light emission timing such as blinking, light emission intensity, and the like. As the light emitter, a light emitting diode, a colored light bulb, or the like can be used. Further, the transparent acrylic member 21 does not need to be plain, and for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a pattern or a character that attracts the player's interest may be formed on the surface of the transparent acrylic member 21. .
[0028]
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the internal structure of the slot machine 1. Inside the cabinet 2, there are three reels 11a, 11b, 11c having a plurality of symbols printed on the outer peripheral surface, a circuit board 12 on which an electronic circuit is formed by various electronic components such as a CPU, ROM, and many medals. A medal payout device 13 having a medal hopper 13a that can accommodate sheets, an error release switch 14, an internal speaker 15, and the like are incorporated. Further, on the circuit board 12, an ON / OFF switch 16 serving as a notification presence / absence switching unit that switches whether to perform notification by the notification panel 20, and a notification pattern selection unit that selects a notification pattern in the slot machine 1. Pattern changeover switch 17 is provided.
[0029]
Next, the game procedure of the player who uses the slot machine 1 and the operation of the slot machine 1 will be described.
When the player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 5, the medal is first guided to the medal discrimination device. Then, this medal determination device sends a medal determined to be normal as a valid medal in accordance with a predetermined condition to a medal counter (not shown) included therein. The medals counted by the medal counter are sent to the medal hopper 13a. On the other hand, medals determined to be abnormal are not counted by the medal counter and are returned to the player from the medal payout opening 10a.
[0030]
When valid medals are counted, the game can be started. When starting the game, the player pushes down the start lever 6 downward. As a result, the three reels 11a, 11b, and 11c start to rotate by a reel driving device (not shown) configured by a stepping motor. When the player presses the stop buttons 7a, 7b, and 7c, the corresponding reels 11a, 11b, and 11c are stopped. When all the reels 11a, 11b, and 11c are stopped, the symbols of the reels are stopped and displayed on the winning line displayed on the display window 4 of the front panel 3. When a combination of a predetermined winning mode is arranged on the winning line, the medal payout device 13 pays out a predetermined number of medals or does not insert additional medals according to the type of the arranged combination. Replay is possible, and a bonus game in a special gaming state can be performed. On the other hand, if no combination is made, no medals are paid out and no gaming privilege is given.
[0031]
Next, the configuration and operation of the central control apparatus that controls each part of the slot machine 1 and performs various processes will be described.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the central control device 30. As shown in FIG. The central control device 30 includes a microcomputer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, various interfaces, and the like. Each function shown in the figure is realized by the CPU executing a computer program recorded in the ROM. Moreover, the structure which reads the computer program recorded on the external recording medium to RAM, and performs it may be sufficient.
[0032]
The central control device 30 is a game control unit 31 that controls the progress of the entire game in response to a predetermined request from the medal counter, and an internal lottery as a winning mode selection means that selects any one of a plurality of combinations. Unit 32, reel drive control unit 33 as stop control means for controlling the drive of each reel 11a, 11b, 11c based on the lottery result, notification mode selection means for selecting a lighting color as a notification mode of the notification panel 20 Each of the functions of the lighting color lottery section 34 as
[0033]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of game progress by the game control unit 31. First, based on a signal from the medal counter, it is determined whether a medal is inserted into the medal slot 5 or a BET recorded in a predetermined RAM remains (S1). When the start lever 6 is operated by the player (S2), a game start signal is output to the internal lottery unit 32, and an internal lottery process is performed (S3).
[0034]
In this internal lottery process, when the internal lottery unit 32 receives a game start signal from the game control unit 31, it generates a random number for lottery and a winning probability table that describes the correspondence between the respective roles and their occurrence probabilities. The winning combination is determined based on the generated random number for lottery. Among the pre-prepared roles, a replay role that is a general winning mode in which the game can be played again, a small role that is a general winning mode such as cherry, watermelon, and bell, where medals are paid out, and a BB game Alternatively, a bonus combination which is a special winning mode capable of playing an RB game is prepared. Due to the lottery in the internal lottery unit 32, the winning combination may not be determined, and a loss may be determined. In the internal lottery process, a winning flag for the winning combination won is set, and the lottery result is sent to the reel drive control unit 33.
[0035]
The game control unit 31 outputs a game start signal to the reel drive control unit 33 when the start lever 6 is operated by the player. Then, the reel drive control unit 33 controls the reel drive device to start rotation of all the reels 11a, 11b, 11c (S4). In addition, the game control unit 31 controls the lamp 8 and the speaker 9 to perform various effect processes (S5). When all the reels 11a, 11b, 11c reach a certain number of revolutions, the operation of the stop buttons 7a, 7b, 7c becomes effective. Then, when the player operates the stop buttons 7a, 7b, 7c, the reels 11a, 11b, 11c corresponding to the stop buttons are stopped (S6).
[0036]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing reel rotation stop processing by the reel drive control unit 33. When the reel drive control unit 33 receives a stop signal from the stop button 11a on the left side as viewed from the player, for example, by the player's first button operation (S6-1), the reel drive control unit 33 receives the signal from the internal lottery unit 32. Based on the lottery result, the reel driving device is controlled to perform a stop control process for stopping the reel 7a corresponding to the stop button 11a (S6-2). In this stop control process, for example, if a watermelon as a small role is won in the internal lottery unit 32, the drive of the reel 7a is controlled so that the design of the watermelon is aligned on the winning line, and the reel 7a is stopped. Let In this stop control, when there is a watermelon symbol within about 4 symbols from when the stop button is operated, the watermelon symbol is controlled to stop on the winning line. On the other hand, if there is no watermelon symbol within 4 symbols from the time of operating the stop button, for example, the reel is immediately stopped. Thereby, even if the watermelon is a winning combination, the watermelon design does not stop on the winning line.
[0037]
Thereafter, similarly, when the player performs the second and third button operations, for example, stop signals from the middle stop button 11b and the stop button 11c on the right side when viewed from the player are reel drive control. The reels 7b and 7c corresponding to the stop buttons 11b and 11c are stopped (S6-4 and S6-6).
[0038]
Here, the case where the player performs the button operation in order from the stop button 11a on the left side when viewed from the player is described, but the order of pressing the stop button is not limited to this, for example, A random order may be used so that the stop button 11b in the middle is pressed for the first time.
[0039]
Returning to FIG. 7, when the reels are stopped in this way, processing is performed according to the combination of symbols arranged on the winning line (S7, S13, S15, S17). When the combination of symbols arranged on the winning line is a medal payout symbol (S7), the number of medals corresponding to the combination is paid out (S8). When the medal payout is completed, the winning flag of the winning combination related to the medal payout symbol is cleared. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a medal payout symbol, the medal number is not paid out and the process proceeds to the next step.
[0040]
Further, when the combination of symbols arranged on the winning line is a winning combination of RB (S13), a flag setting process for setting an RB game flag is performed (S14). In this flag setting process, various effects that an RB game has been won, a display process for displaying the number of remaining games on the game remaining number display 18, and the like are performed. While the RB game flag is set, a maximum of 8 JAC games can be played, and the internal lottery unit 32 uses a winning probability table for JAC games. In this embodiment, the winning probability table for the JAC game uses a table that is set so that the replay role is won almost certainly. The replay symbol during the JAC game is used as a medal payout symbol in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out.
[0041]
If the combination of symbols arranged on the winning line is a winning combination of BB (S15), a flag setting process for setting a BB game flag is performed (S16). In this flag set process, the same process as in the case of RB is performed. In this BB game, the player is given the right to play the same game as the RB game (hereinafter referred to as “JAC bonus game”) three times. In the internal lottery unit 32, the JAC bonus game entry pattern is given. The winning probability table in which the winning probability of the replay role or the like is set higher than the other roles is used. When the JAC bonus game entry symbols are arranged during the BB game, the JAC bonus game can be performed, and when the JAC bonus game ends, the BB game can be continued again.
[0042]
If the combination of symbols arranged on the winning line is a replay symbol (S17), the medal used to start the current game is carried over to the next time. Therefore, in the next game, the game can be started by operating the start lever 6 without using a medal (S2).
[0043]
In addition, if an RB or BB bonus combination is won by an internal lottery, but the BB symbol or RB symbol does not appear on the winning line, the bonus combination winning flag will be carried over after the next game. Even in the next and subsequent games, the BB symbol or the RB symbol can be arranged on the winning line. The winning flags other than the bonus combination will not be carried over after the next game even if the symbols are not available.
[0044]
Next, the bonus game after the RB game flag or the BB game flag is set in S14 or S16 will be described.
Also in the bonus game, as in the case of the general gaming state, the game is started using medals (S1, S2), the internal lottery is performed (S3), the reels are rotated (S4), and the effects during the game are played. Processing (S5), reel rotation stop processing (S6), and medal payout processing are performed as required (S7, S8). After performing the medal payout process, it is determined whether or not the RB game or the BB game is being performed (S9, S11). When the RB game flag or the BB game flag is set, it is determined in this processing that the RB game or the BB game is being played. Then, an RB end determination process or a BB end determination process is executed (S10, S12).
[0045]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of RB end determination processing, and FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of BB end determination processing.
In the RB end determination process, after the number of JAC games played in the RB game is counted by 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the replay symbols that are medal payout symbols, which are the RB end conditions, are arranged eight times, or JAC It is determined whether or not the game has been played 12 times (S10-1). If it is determined that the end condition has not been reached, it is determined whether or not the replay symbols are aligned on the winning line in the current game (10-5). When the replay symbols are ready, display processing for displaying the number of games obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of games displayed on the game remaining number display 18 is performed (S10-6). Then, in the next game, the JAC game is advanced again. On the other hand, when the replay symbols are not prepared, the next game is also performed as a JAC game.
[0046]
If it is determined in S10-1 that the end condition has been reached, the RB game flag is cleared (S10-2). Thereby, it returns to a general game state again from the next game. After clearing the RB game flag, a lighting color for informing the type of bonus game played this time is selected by lottery (10-3). The selection of the lighting color is performed by the lighting color lottery unit 34. The lighting color lottery unit 34 controls the lighting control device 26 of the notification panel 20 to turn on the light emitters 22, 23, 24, and 25 corresponding to the selected lighting color (S10-4).
[0047]
In addition, in the BB end determination process, after the number of games played in the BB game is counted by 1, as shown in FIG. 9, JAC bonus game entry symbols (replay symbols) are arranged on the winning line in this game. It is determined whether or not (S12-1). If it is a JAC bonus game entry symbol, a flag setting process for setting a JAC bonus flag is performed (S12-2). On the other hand, if it is not a JAC bonus game entry symbol, it is determined based on the JAC bonus flag whether or not a JAC bonus game is in progress (S12-3). If it is determined in this determination that the game is in the JAC bonus game, it is determined whether or not the same JAC bonus game end condition as the RB end condition shown in FIG. 1 has been reached (S12-4). . Here, the processing after it is determined that the end condition has not been reached is the same as in the case of the RB game shown in FIG. 1 (S12-5, S12-6). If it is determined that the JAC bonus game end condition has been reached, the JAC bonus game flag is cleared (S12-7).
[0048]
If it is determined in S12-3 that JAC is not being performed, or if it is determined in S12-4 that the JAC bonus game end condition has been reached and the JAC bonus game flag is cleared, the BB end condition is set. It is determined whether or not it has been reached (S12-8). The BB end condition is a condition that either the JAC bonus game is ended three times or the BB game is executed thirty times. If it is determined that the BB end condition has not been reached, and if it is determined in S12-4 that the JAC bonus game end condition has been reached, the game remaining number display 18 is displayed. A display process for displaying the number of games obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of JAC bonus games is performed.
[0049]
If it is determined in S12-8 that the BB termination condition has been reached, the BB game flag is cleared (S12-9). Thereby, it returns to a general game state again from the next game. When the BB game flag is cleared, the lighting color for notifying the type of the bonus game played this time is selected by lottery (S12-10), as in the case of the RB game shown in FIG. The light emitters 22, 23, 24, and 25 corresponding to the above are turned on (S12-11).
[0050]
Next, the lottery of the lighting color for notifying the bonus game type, which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described.
When the RB game flag or the BB game flag is cleared, the lighting color lottery unit 34 generates a random number for lottery, and a lighting color determination table that describes the correspondence relationship between the lighting color that is a notification mode and the occurrence probability thereof The lighting color is determined based on the generated random number for lottery. Table 1 below shows an outline of the lighting color determination table. Note that immediately after the slot machine 1 is turned on, the notification panel is set to light red.
[0051]
[Table 1]

[0052]
As shown in Table 1, the lighting color lottery unit 34 selects either red or yellow for the game processing of the BB game, and selects either blue or green for the game processing of the RB game. . Here, in the BB game, the winning probability of yellow is set very low compared to red. Specifically, for example, the red color is set to 240/256 and the yellow color is set to 16/256. In the RB game, the green winning probability is set to be very low compared to blue, and the probability is the same as in the BB game. With such a setting, in most cases, the notification panel 20 is lit in red when the BB game is over and in blue when the RB game is over. Therefore, when the notification panel 20 lights in yellow or green with a low lighting probability, it is possible to invite the player's interest.
[0053]
To explain with an example, when the blue color is won by lottery of the lighting color lottery unit 34 after the RB game is over, the lighting color lottery unit 34 controls the lighting control device of the notification panel 20 as shown in FIG. 26 is instructed to turn on the blue light emitter 24. Upon receiving this command, the lighting control device 26 turns on the blue light emitter 24. The blue light emitter 24 continues to be lit until the next bonus game is finished. If the next bonus game is a BB game and red is won at the end of the game, the lighting control device 26 that has received the lighting command for lighting the red light emitter 22 determines that the previous bonus game was an RB game. The blue light emitter 24 for informing the effect is turned off, and the red light emitter 22 is turned on instead.
[0054]
In this way, when the lighting color won by the lighting color lottery unit 34 is lit on the notification panel 20, the notification panel 20 remains lit in that lighting color until the next RB game or BB game is performed. It becomes the state of. Therefore, when a player who has played a game has stopped playing, whether the bonus game played last time was a BB game for the player who wants to play the next game in this slot machine 1, or It can be notified whether the game was an RB game, and can be provided as a judgment material when a player selects a slot machine.
[0055]
Here, the BB game is set to be selected from either red or yellow, but for the BB game, for example, red and yellow as well as blue used for notification of the RB game are also available. You may set so that selection is possible. Specifically, for example, the red is set to 220/256, the blue is set to 20/256, and the yellow is set to 16/256. That is, in principle, blue is a notification mode used for notification of the RB game, so that the player is suspicious by providing blue at the end of the BB game and provides another enjoyment. Can do. Note that the red color may be set to be selectable for the RB game.
[0056]
Further, the lighting color lottery unit 34 may select a plurality of colors. The notification panel can emit light in various colors such as orange and yellow-green. In this case, the light emission intensity of the selected color may be drawn in accordance with a predetermined probability. Thus, for example, when the notification panel 20 emits red light, the bonus game played last time is surely a BB game, and as the yellow light emission intensity increases with the red color, the previous bonus game is In fact, it is possible to make a taste that increases the probability of being an RB game. That is, in this case, as the notification panel 20 turns orange, the probability that the previous bonus game is not a BB game increases.
[0057]
Further, in the present embodiment, the notification panel 20 notifies the player of the type of bonus game played last time by the ON / OFF switch 16 on the circuit board 12 provided in the cabinet 2 shown in FIG. It can be switched. By turning this ON / OFF switch 16 OFF, the function of the lighting color lottery section 34 of the central control device 30 is stopped, and the lighting lottery is not performed. At this time, the lighting control device 26 turns on the light emitters 21, 22, 23, and 24 of a predetermined color or turns off all the light emitters. Note that the lighting color when the ON / OFF switch 16 is turned off may be selected.
[0058]
In the present embodiment, the notification pattern used in the slot machine 1 can be switched by operating the pattern changeover switch 17 on the circuit board 12. In the present embodiment, when the pattern changeover switch 17 is set to 1, the notification is performed only by the notification panel 20. In setting 2, in addition to notification by the same notification panel as in setting 1, notification by music is also performed. In addition, in the setting 3, in addition to the notification by the same notification panel as in the setting 1, notification by music different from the music pattern used in the setting 2 is performed. In the notification by the setting 2 and the setting 3, music corresponding to the type of the previous bonus game is selected based on each music pattern, and the selected music is played from the speaker 9.
[0059]
[Embodiment 2]
Next, as in the first embodiment, another embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine (hereinafter, this embodiment is referred to as “second embodiment”) will be described. Since the configuration and operation of the present embodiment are substantially the same except for the notification panel 20 portion of the first embodiment, the description of the same portion is omitted.
[0060]
FIG. 10 is an external view of the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment. The slot machine 100 is provided with a notification lamp group 120 as notification means on the front side upper portion of the front panel 3. The notification lamp group 120 includes five history lamps 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125, and a lighting control device (not shown) for switching lighting of these history lamps. The lighting control device controls lighting of each lamp based on the lottery result of the lighting color lottery unit of the central control device 30. The history lamps 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 notify history special game information indicating the type of bonus game, and the first history lamp 121 on the right end as viewed from the player indicates the type of bonus game immediately before. The old history special game information is shown toward the left side.
[0061]
Each of the history lamps 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125 includes a transparent acrylic plate and four light emitters provided behind the transparent acrylic plate. These light emitters emit light of four colors of red, yellow, blue and green shown in Table 1 under the control of the lighting control device.
[0062]
When the RB game or the BB game ends in the slot machine 1, a lighting lottery is performed and a color to be lit is selected as in the first embodiment. Here, for example, when the RB game is over and blue is won, the lottery result is sent to the lighting control device. Then, the lighting control device causes the blue light emitter of the first history lamp 121 at the right end to emit light.
[0063]
In the history lamps 121, 122, 123, 124, and 125, old history information is notified in order from the left side regarding the type of bonus game, but this history information is updated when the RB game ends. That is, the lighting colors of the second to fifth history lamps 122, 123, 124, and 125 are controlled by the lighting control device so that the lighting colors of the history lamps on the right are lit. Then, the first history lamp 121 is lit in blue as a lighting color related to the current bonus game.
[0064]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the player can know the history information of the types of the past five bonus games, and use the history information as a determination criterion when selecting the slot machine 100. Can do.
The number of history lamps is determined according to how many times history information is provided to the player, and is not limited to five as in this embodiment.
[0065]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case where the lighting color is selected by the lottery performed by the lighting color lottery unit 34 has been described. However, it is performed last time, such as red for the BB game and blue for the RB game. Alternatively, the player may be informed of the type of bonus game in a complete form. In this case, without providing the lighting color lottery unit 34, after clearing the flag in the RB or BB end determination process, the lighting color (red or blue) corresponding to the bonus game is selected.
[0066]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the notification panel 20 and the notification lamp group 120 are used to notify the type of bonus game based on the difference in emission color. For example, the notification panel 20 and the notification lamp Instead of the group 120, it is also possible to use a liquid crystal panel 220 as shown in FIG. The liquid crystal panel 220 displays the types of bonus games for the past three times, and the number of games played between the bonus games is displayed between each type of display. Thus, by notifying the player of information other than the type of bonus game, it is possible to provide a lot of judgment materials when selecting a slot machine and increase the pleasure of judgment.
[0067]
When such a liquid crystal panel 220 is provided, instead of the lighting color lottery unit 34, for example, a plurality of moving images and still images that are prepared for notification of each bonus game are selected by lottery. An image lottery section is provided. As a result, the type of bonus game executed last time or the history information of the bonus game can be displayed on the liquid crystal panel 220 as a moving image or the like and provided to the player. The moving image displayed on the liquid crystal panel 220 can be switched by the notification pattern selecting means such as the pattern changeover switch 17 so that, for example, the slot machine The pachinko store's unique video, etc., can be displayed on the LCD panel. Also, if a changeover switch, which is a notification pattern selection means, is provided at a place where the player can operate, for example, a video or the like along the favorite theme of the player is displayed on the liquid crystal panel, and the player can enjoy other than games. It can also be provided.
[0068]
Note that the notification method for notifying the player of the type of bonus game is not limited to the notification method such as the notification panel 20, the notification lamp group 120, or the liquid crystal panel, but is provided by music or voice. For example, a notification method for notifying through the player's hearing, or a notification method for notifying through the player's tactile sense by vibrating the stop buttons 7a, 7b, and 7c may be used.
[0069]
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the slot machine installed in the pachinko parlor has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to the slot machine installed in the game center. Also, it can be applied not to slot machines but to pachinko machines that have a variable display device such as a liquid crystal screen, and can perform a special gaming state when specific patterns are provided on the liquid crystal screen. is there.
[0070]
【The invention's effect】
  Claim 1And 2According to the invention, since the player can be notified of the type of special gaming state performed immediately before becoming a judgment material when the player selects a gaming machine, the player can select a gaming machine. There is an excellent effect that it can be easily adjusted.
[0076]
  Claims2According to the invention, for example, an operator of a pachinko parlor where a gaming machine is installed or a player himself can select a notification pattern by a notification means according to his / her preference and provide the player with fun other than games. There is an excellent effect that can be done.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of RB end determination processing of a slot machine according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an external view of the slot machine.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a notification panel of the slot machine.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing an example of a notification panel of the slot machine.
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an internal structure of the slot machine.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the central controller of the slot machine.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of game progress in the slot machine.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing reel rotation stop processing by a reel drive control unit of the slot machine.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of BB end determination processing in the slot machine.
FIG. 10 is an external view of a slot machine according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an external view of a liquid crystal panel showing a modification of notification means.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 slot machine
4a, 4b, 4c reel
6 Start lever
7a, 7b, 7c Stop button
20 Information panel
21 Transparent acrylic material
22, 23, 24, 25 Light emitter
26 Lighting control device
30 Central control unit
31 Game control unit
32 Internal lottery club
33 Reel drive controller
34 lighting color lottery
120 Notification lamp group
121, 122, 123, 124, 125 History lamp
220 LCD panel

Claims (2)

A variable display device that variably displays a combination of a plurality of symbols;
Variable display stop means operated by a player to stop variable display of the variable display device;
A winning mode selection means for selecting an arbitrary winning mode from a plurality of winning modes, including a special winning mode required for performing two or more different types of special gaming states.
Control means for controlling the variable display device in order to stop and display a combination of symbols according to the winning mode selected by the winning mode selection unit on the winning line based on the operation timing of the variable display stopping unit; In a gaming machine equipped with
Based on the probabilities set for each of the plurality of lighting colors from among the plurality of lighting colors corresponding to the special gaming state performed immediately before, the lighting color indicating the type of the special gaming state performed immediately before Informing means for selecting by lottery, controlling the lighting of the light emitter with the selected lighting color, and notifying the player of the type of the special gaming state performed immediately before ,
When a combination of symbols corresponding to the special winning mode is aligned on the winning line, flag setting processing is performed for setting a game flag corresponding to the type of special gaming state corresponding to the special winning mode, and the special winning mode is set. Flag processing means for performing a flag clear process for clearing the game flag when the gaming state ends,
Some of the plurality of lighting colors are common to lighting colors corresponding to special game states different from the special game state to be notified,
The notification means controls the lighting of the light emitter with the selected lighting color after the flag clearing process by the flag processing means, and continues the lighting control until the next special gaming state is performed. game machine and said. In 請 Motomeko 1 of the game machine,
From a plurality of notification patterns in which the lighting color for each special gaming state is set, there is a notification pattern selection means for selecting a notification pattern used for lighting control in the notification means,
It said notification means is based on the notification pattern that has been selected by the notification pattern selecting means, gaming machine and performs the lighting control.

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