JP4216288B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine in which reel stop control is changed based on a predetermined condition.

In a conventional slot machine, a lottery of a combination is performed in the slot machine at the start of a game, and reels are controlled to stop based on the lottery result.
That is, in the lottery of the winning combination, when no winning combination is won, the reels are controlled to stop so that the combination of symbols of any winning combination does not stop on the active line.
On the other hand, when any of the winning combinations is won in the lottery of the winning combination, the reels are set so that the combination of symbols of the winning combination is stopped on the effective line as much as possible within the range where the stopping control of the reels is possible. Stop control.

  However, in the above-described conventional technique, although the reel stop control differs depending on whether or not the winning combination is won, only a certain reel stopping control is performed depending on whether or not the winning combination is won. . For this reason, there has been a problem that the combination of symbols when the reels are stopped tends to be biased toward a specific one. As a result, it is difficult to give the player a sense of expectation for winning the special role according to the combination of symbols when the reels are stopped.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to change the reel stop control based on factors other than the presence / absence of a winning combination, and to make various combinations of symbols at the time of reel stop.

The present invention solves the above-described problems by the following means.
(Claim 1)
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of reels displaying a plurality of types of symbols, a stop switch provided corresponding to each of the reels and operated by a player when the rotation of the reels is stopped, And a reel stop control for controlling the reel to stop by any one of a plurality of different stop controls when the stop switch is operated based on a result lottery result by the role lottery means. Means, a rotation time measuring means for measuring the time from the start of rotation of the reel to the operation of the stop switch, and determining whether or not the time measured by the rotation time measuring means has passed a predetermined time And a stop control switching means for switching the stop control of the reel stop control means based on the determination result, wherein the stop control switching means Time measured by between measuring means, and based on the presence and winning combination of winning winning combination by the combination selecting means, to switch the stop control of the reel stop control means, in the lottery of winning by the combination lottery means; When a special combination for shifting to a special game advantageous to the player is won, any one stop control of the reel stop control means stops the combination of symbols of the special combination on the effective line. In other words, the stop control prioritizes the appearance of a combination of symbols that means that a special combination can be won, and the other stop control of the reel stop control means is performed when the stop switch is operated. The position where the stop is possible is searched from the position of the reel, and the symbols constituting the special role are stopped on the effective line within the range of the stop possible position. When bets are possible it is characterized in that a priority stopping control that stops the reel in position.

In the first aspect of the invention, when the rotation of the reel is started by the operation of the start switch or the like, the time from the start of the rotation of the reel to the operation of the stop switch is measured by the rotation time measuring means.
When the stop switch is operated, the stop control switching means determines whether the time measured by the rotation time measuring means has passed a predetermined time, and based on the determination result, the reel stop control means Stop control is switched. The reel stop control means controls the reel to stop according to the stop control switched by the stop control switching means. Further, the reel stop control is switched based on the time measured by the rotation time measuring means, the presence / absence of winning of the winning combination by the winning lottery means, and the winning winning combination.
In addition, in games that are selected for special roles, the special combination is selected by stopping the combination of special characters on the active line according to the time from the start of reel rotation until the stop switch is operated. Stop control that gives priority to the appearance of a combination of symbols that means that there is a possibility, or stop control that preferentially stops symbols that make up the special role on the active line is performed.

Therefore, the stop control varies depending on the time from the start of reel rotation until the stop switch is operated. Therefore, the reel stop control can be changed based on factors other than the presence / absence of the winning combination, and the combinations of symbols when the reels are stopped can be varied. Thereby, according to the combination of symbols when the reels are stopped, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation for winning the special role. Further, the reel stop control can be switched depending on the measurement time and the winning combination.
Furthermore, in games that have been won for special roles, depending on which stop control is used, there will be a difference in the winning rate of special roles and the appearance rate of symbol combinations, which means that there is a possibility of winning special roles. It is possible to add a feature to each stop control. In addition, when the player knows that the special role is won, the time from the start of reel rotation until the stop switch is operated so that the stop control with the higher winning rate of the special role is performed. Can be determined.

(Claim 2)
The invention according to claim 2 is the slot machine according to claim 1, wherein in the lottery of the combination by the combination lottery means, when the combination other than the special combination is won, the reel stop control unit It is characterized by performing stop control for preferentially winning .

In the invention of claim 2 , when winning a role other than the special role, the winning combination is controlled to win.

(Claim 3)
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to the first or second aspect, when the predetermined time is measured by the rotation time measuring means without the stop switch being operated, the reel The stop control means controls the stop of the reel by any stop control regardless of the operation of the stop switch .

In the invention of claim 3, when the time measured by the rotation time measuring means has passed a predetermined time, the reel is automatically controlled to stop regardless of the operation of the stop switch.
Therefore, when the reel rotation time is longer than necessary, the reel rotation can be automatically stopped. Further, even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of reel rotation, when a predetermined time has elapsed, another stop control can be performed.

(Claim 4)
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the effect output means for outputting an effect during the game and the type of stop control of the reel stop control means. According to the present invention, there is provided an effect output control means for controlling the effect output means to output the effect with different contents .

In the fourth aspect of the invention, the effect output control means and the effect output means output different effects depending on the type of stop control of the reel stop control means.
Therefore, the player can know what kind of stop control has been used to stop the reel by the output effect.

(Claim 5)
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the player is informed whether the time measured by the rotation time measuring means has passed a predetermined time. A measuring time notifying unit for notifying the user is provided .

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the measurement time notification means notifies the player whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of reel rotation.
Therefore, the player can know which kind of stop control is used to stop the reel when the stop switch is operated by notifying whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the rotation of the reel.

(Claim 1)
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the stop control varies depending on the time from the start of reel rotation until the stop switch is operated. Therefore, the reel stop control can be changed based on factors other than the presence / absence of the winning combination, and the combinations of symbols when the reels are stopped can be varied. Thereby, according to the combination of symbols when the reels are stopped, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation for winning the special role. Further, the reel stop control can be switched depending on the measurement time and the winning combination.
Furthermore, in games that have been won for special roles, depending on which stop control is used, there will be a difference in the winning rate of special roles and the appearance rate of symbol combinations, which means that there is a possibility of winning special roles. It is possible to add a feature to each stop control. In addition, when the player knows that the special role is won, the time from the start of reel rotation until the stop switch is operated so that the stop control with the higher winning rate of the special role is performed. Can be determined.

( Claim 2 )
According to the invention of claim 2 , when winning a role other than the special combination, the winning combination can be given priority.

( Claim 3 )
According to the invention of claim 3 , when the reel rotation time is longer than necessary, the rotation of the reel can be automatically stopped. Further, even after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of reel rotation, when a predetermined time has elapsed, another stop control can be performed.

( Claim 4 )
According to the invention of claim 4 , the player can know which kind of stop control is used to stop the reel by the output effect.

( Claim 5 )
According to the invention of claim 5 , when the player operates the stop switch by notifying whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of rotation of the reel, the reel is controlled to be stopped by any kind of stop control. Can know.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a first embodiment of a slot machine according to the present invention.
The game control means 60 of the slot machine 10 is a means for comprehensively controlling the entire slot machine 10 including the progress and effects of the game of the slot machine 10. The game control means 60 includes a CPU that performs calculations, a ROM that stores programs necessary for the progress of the game, data for production, and the like, and data that is captured when the CPU performs various controls. RAM and the like that are temporarily stored.

Peripheral devices such as the motor 32 described below are electrically connected to the output side (right side in FIG. 1) of the game control means 60.
The motor 32 is for rotating the reel 31, is connected to the center of rotation of the reel 31, and is controlled by the game control means 60.

The reel 31 has a ring shape, and a reel tape on which a plurality of types of symbols (such as symbols constituting a winning combination) are printed is attached to the outer peripheral surface thereof. One reel 31 is provided with, for example, 21 symbols at equal intervals.
In the present embodiment, three reels 31 are provided in parallel. Each reel 31 is arranged so that three symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction can be seen from a display window (not shown) provided on the front panel of the slot machine 10. Therefore, nine symbols are arranged so that a total of nine symbols can be seen from the display window of the slot machine 10.
When the reel 31 is rotated by the motor 32, the symbols on the reel 31 are moved and displayed in the vertical direction in the display window at a predetermined speed.

Various combinations corresponding to combinations of symbols on the reel 31 are determined in advance. When all the reels 31 are stopped, if the combination of symbols stopped on the active line (described later) matches a predetermined combination of symbols, a winning combination of the symbol is awarded.
Examples of the winning combination include a special combination, a plurality of types of small combinations, and a replay (re-playing combination).

  The special role is a role that shifts from a normal game to a special game (a game that is advantageous to the player). Examples of the special role include a big bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as BB), a regular bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as RB), a single bonus (hereinafter abbreviated as SB), and the like. As a result of winning the special roles of BB, RB, and SB, the base game is shifted to the special games of the BB game, the RB game, and the SB game, respectively.

A small combination is a combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out, and usually a plurality of types are provided.
In addition, the replay is a role that allows a re-game to be performed while maintaining the number of inserted medals (the number of bets) in the game.

Here, although not shown, for example, five effective lines are set in the portion including the display window of the front panel. This effective line is composed of three horizontal upper, middle and lower lines, and two diagonally downward and leftward directions.
The three symbols that are continuous from top to bottom of the reel 31 that can be seen from each display window are positioned on three effective lines in the upper, middle, and lower stages in the horizontal direction.
Also, this valid line is validated according to the number of inserted medals. If one medal is inserted, one effective line in the middle in the horizontal direction is activated. If it is two, three effective lines in the horizontal direction are activated. If three, all five effective lines are activated. The

The effect output means is a peripheral device for outputting an effect during the game, and includes a back lamp 33, a speaker 34, and an image display device 35 in the present embodiment.
The back lamp 33 is fixedly disposed on the inner peripheral side of each reel 31 and illuminates a symbol located on the effective line from behind. The back lamp 33 outputs an effect of emitting light in a specific pattern in addition to making the design easy to see.

The speaker 34 outputs a predetermined sound when a predetermined condition is satisfied in order to perform various effects during the game.
The image display device 35 performs an effect of displaying various effect images, predetermined information, and the like during the game, and includes a liquid crystal image display device, a dot display, and the like.

Further, the peripheral devices shown below are electrically connected to the input side (left side in FIG. 1) of the game control means 60.
The start switch 41 is a switch operated when the player starts the rotation of the reel 31.
Three stop switches 42 are provided independently for each reel 31 and are operated when a player stops the rotation of each reel 31.

Next, an outline of the game in the slot machine 10 in the present embodiment will be described.
First, in a normal game, a player inserts a medal from a medal insertion slot (not shown) or operates a bet switch (not shown) for inserting a stored medal to set an effective line. It is activated and the start switch 41 is turned on. Thereby, all the reels 31 are started. Then, the player presses each stop switch 42 to stop the rotation of each reel 31. When all of the reels 31 are stopped, if the combination of symbols on the reels 31 on the active line matches a predetermined combination of symbols of a certain combination, the winning combination is awarded, and a medal is paid out according to the winning combination. Is done.

  For example, if the combination of symbols of BB is set to “7”-“7”-“7”, “7” of each reel 31 is placed on any effective line when all the reels 31 are stopped. When the symbol stops, BB wins. And when winning BB, it shifts from a normal game to a BB game.

  The BB game has a first mode game and a second mode game. When the normal game shifts to the BB game, the BB game first shifts to the first mode game. In the first aspect game, only a small combination and a lottery of a transition combination for shifting to the second aspect game are performed. When the transition combination wins in the first mode game, the game shifts from the first mode game of the BB game to the second mode game (bonus game).

  In the second mode game, a game in which a predetermined combination wins with a high probability is performed for a specified number of winnings or a specified number of games. In this second mode game, when the specified number of wins or the specified number of games is reached, the game is returned to the first mode game again. Then, until the number of games of the first mode game reaches the specified number of times, or until the number of times of transition from the first mode game to the second mode game reaches the specified number of times, the first mode game and the second mode game are repeat. When the number of transitions from the first mode game to the second mode game is the specified number of times, the BB game is ended by the end of the second mode game.

When the RB wins, the game shifts from the normal game to the RB game. In the RB game, one set of the second mode games (bonus games) in the BB game described above, that is, a game in which a predetermined role is won with a high probability is performed for the specified number of winnings or the specified number of games.
Furthermore, when SB wins, the game shifts from normal game to SB game. In the SB game, a game in which the predetermined role in the second mode game of the BB game or the RB game is won with a high probability is performed only for one game.
After each special game is over, the game returns to the normal game.

Next, the game control means 60 will be described in more detail.
As shown in FIG. 1, the game control means 60 includes the following means. The following means in the present embodiment are examples, and the game control means 60 is not limited to the means shown in the present embodiment.
(Role lottery means)
The role lottery means 61 performs lottery of a role (special role, small role, replay, etc.). The role lottery means 61 is based on, for example, a random number generator for hard lottery (hard random number, etc.), a random number extractor for extracting a random number generated by the random number generator, and a random value extracted by the random number extractor. Determination means for determining whether or not a winning combination has been won and a winning combination.

  The random number generation means of the role lottery means 61 generates random numbers in a predetermined area (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation). The random number extracting means extracts the random number generated by the random number generating means at a predetermined time, in this embodiment, when the start switch 41 is turned on by the player. The determination unit determines the combination corresponding to the area to which the random number value belongs by comparing the random number value extracted by the random number extraction unit with the lottery table. For example, when the extracted random number value belongs to the special combination winning area, it is determined that the special combination is won, and when it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be non-winning.

The lottery table of the role lottery means 61 defines the winning probabilities for each role. As described above, the combination includes a plurality of types of special combinations, small combinations, and replays, each of which has a winning probability.
The lottery table has an area for random numbers generated by the random number generation means, and this area is divided into a winning area and a non-winning area for each combination.

(Rotation time measuring means)
The rotation time measuring means 62 measures the time from the start of rotation of the reel 31 until the stop switch 42 is operated, and includes a timer and the like. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is measured whether 10 seconds have passed since the start of rotation of the reel 31 and whether 60 seconds have passed. When the start switch 41 is turned on by the player and the reel 31 is rotated, a rotation signal of the reel 31 is transmitted to the rotation time measuring means 62. The rotation time measuring unit 62 measures time while receiving the rotation signal of the reel 31.

(Rotation time notification means)
The rotation time notification means 63 notifies the elapsed time from when the reel 31 is rotated. In this embodiment, the rotation time notification means 63 notifies using the above-described effect output means (back lamp 33 or the like). That is, the elapsed time is notified by lighting the back lamp 33 in a specific pattern, outputting a specific sound from the speaker 34, outputting a specific image by the image display device 35, and the like.
Further, in the present embodiment, it is notified whether 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of the rotation of the reel 31. In this case, for example, notification is made by outputting a different sound depending on whether 10 seconds have elapsed.

(Reel stop control means, stop position determination table)
The reel stop control means 64 has a plurality of different stop controls based on the game state (normal game state, special game state), the lottery result of the combination lottery means 61, the timing when the stop switch 42 is turned on, and the like. (In this embodiment, the reel 31 is controlled to be stopped by any one of the first stop control and the second stop control).

  Here, the reel stop control means 64 includes a plurality of stop position determination tables 65 determined so as to perform the first stop control or the second stop control, and the reel 31 is controlled by using any one of the stop position determination tables 65. When the stop position is determined and the stop position of the reel 31 is determined, the motor 32 is driven and controlled, and the reel 31 is controlled to stop at the determined position.

The stop position determination table 65 includes stop position determination tables 65a to 65d that are used during normal games. Detailed stop control of each stop position determination table 65 will be described later.
In the special game, a stop position determination table 65 dedicated to the special game is provided, but illustration and description are omitted in the present embodiment.

(Stop control switching means)
The stop control switching means 66 determines whether or not the time measured by the rotation time measuring means 62, that is, the time from when the reel 31 starts to rotate until the stop switch 42 is operated has passed a predetermined time. Based on the determination result, the stop control of the reel stop control means 64 is switched.
In the present embodiment, the stop control switching means 66 switches the stop position determination table 65 used by the reel stop control means 64 depending on whether or not the time measured by the rotation time measuring means 62 has passed 10 seconds. .

  When any stop switch 42 is operated before the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of rotation of the reel 31, the stop control switching means 66 performs stop control of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42. When one of the other stop switches 42 is operated after a predetermined time has elapsed after the predetermined time has elapsed, the stop control of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 is set to the second stop control.

FIG. 2 is a time chart showing the relationship between the time measured by the rotation time measuring means 62 and the stop control of the reel stop control means 64.
In FIG. 2, when the rotation of the reel 31 is started, the time from the start of the rotation of the reel 31 is simultaneously measured by the rotation time measuring unit 62.

When the stop switch 42 is operated within 10 seconds from the start of the rotation of the reel 31, the reel stop control means 64 controls to stop the reel 31 by the first stop control.
On the other hand, when the stop switch 42 is operated 10 seconds after the start of the rotation of the reel 31, the reel stop control means 64 controls the reel 31 to stop by the second stop control.

  Note that after 60 seconds have elapsed from the start of rotation of the reel 31, the reel stop control means 64 performs automatic stop control of the reel 31 even when the stop switch 42 is not operated. When the reel 31 is automatically stopped, the reel 31 may be controlled to stop by any one of the first stop control, the second stop control, and other stop controls.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining stop position determination tables 65a to 65d and switching thereof.
In FIG. 3, when the time measured by the rotation time measuring means 62 is within 10 seconds, the stop control switching means 66 uses the stop position determination table 65 used by the reel stop control means 64 as the stop position determination table 65a or Switch to 65b. The stop position determination table 65a or 65b performs the first stop control. In this case, the stop position determination table 65a is used for games when the special role is not won (games that are not won for special roles), and the game is stopped when the special role is won (games won for special roles). A position determination table 65b is used.

  Further, after the time measured by the rotation time measuring means 62 has passed 10 seconds, the stop control switching means 66 changes the stop position determination table 65 used in the reel stop control means 64 to the stop position determination table 65c or 65d. Switch. The stop position determination table 65c or 65d performs second stop control. In this case, the stop position determination table 65c is used for the game when the special combination is not won, and the stop position determination table 65d is used for the game when the special combination is won.

Next, the first stop control and the second stop control will be described.
In FIG. 3, “losing eyes” means a combination of symbols that means that the special role is not won, that is, a combination of symbols that do not have the possibility of winning the special role (the winning expectation is 0). .
The “chance” does not necessarily mean that a special role is won, but it is a combination of symbols that means that a special role can be won.
Furthermore, the “reach eyes” means a combination of symbols meaning that a special role is won, that is, a special role winning decision.

The “special role non-winning control” is a stop position of the reel 31 based on the operation timing of the stop switch 42 so that the combination of symbols of the special role does not stop on the active line (so that the special role does not win). Is defined.
On the other hand, the “special role winning control” is based on the operation timing of the stop switch 42 so that the combination of symbols of the special role stops on the effective line within the possible range of stop control of the reel 31 (special The stop position of the reel 31 is determined (so that the winning combination is won).

  Here, when one of the winning combinations is won in the lottery in the slot machine 10, if the symbol related to the winning combination does not stop on the active line at the position where the stop switch 42 is detected, the reel 31 By controlling the movement at the time of stopping, the symbol related to the winning combination is positively stopped on the active line, thereby increasing the winning probability of the winning winning combination. The possible range of stop control of the reel 31 is set within 5 symbols, counting from the position where the stop switch 42 is detected.

  The first stop control is a stop control for giving priority to the special role non-winning control and causing the losing eyes or chances to appear in the game when the special role is not won (stop by the stop position determination table 65a). control). Here, the loss eyes are given priority over the chance eyes. In this game when the special role is not won, no reach will appear.

  Further, the first stop control is a stop control in which priority is given to the appearance of reach or chance in the game when the special role is won, and the special role winning control is performed (stop control by the stop position determination table 65b). However, the special prize winning control by the first stop control constitutes the special combination when a symbol constituting the special combination is present up to two symbols before the position where the stop switch 42 is detected. The stop position of the reel 31 is determined so that the symbol stops on the effective line.

  In addition, the second stop control is a stop control that gives priority to the special role non-winning control in the game when the special role is not won, and causes the losing eyes or chances to appear randomly (stop position determination table 65c). Stop control). In this game when the special role is not won, no reach will appear.

  Furthermore, the second stop control is a stop control that gives priority to the special role winning control in the game when the special role is won, and causes the reach or chance to appear at random (stop by the stop position determination table 65d). control). Here, the special combination winning control by the second stop control is configured when the symbols constituting the special combination exist in the symbols up to 5 symbols before counting from the position where the stop switch 42 is detected. The stop position of the reel 31 is determined so that the symbol to be stopped stops on the active line. That is, the stop position determination table 65b and the stop position determination table 65d are different in the range from the position of the reel 31 to the stoppable position when the stop switch 42 is operated in the game when the special role is won.

With the above stop control, when the stop switch 42 is operated within 10 seconds from the start of rotation of the reel 31, the reel 31 is controlled to stop by the first stop control.
As a result, in the game when the special role is not won, a lot of losing eyes appear. Further, in the game when the special role is won, a lot of reach or chances appear as the special role wins.

  When the stop switch 42 is operated within 10 seconds from the start of rotation of the reel 31, the player operates the stop switch 42 with the aim of stopping the symbols constituting the special role on the active line. It is thought that there are not many cases. Therefore, in this case, in the game winning the special role, the first stop control causes the reach or chance to appear preferentially so that the player has won the special role. Can be notified. Even in this case, the special combination winning control is performed. However, in the first stop control, the range of the stop control of the reel 31 is narrower than that in the second stop control.

  When the stop switch 42 is operated after 10 seconds from the start of the rotation of the reel 31, the player operates the stop switch 42 with the aim of stopping the symbols constituting the special role on the active line. It is thought that there are many cases. Therefore, in this case, in the game won for the special combination, the stop control in accordance with the player's intention can be performed by performing the stop control that gives priority to the special combination winning.

  Furthermore, in the above stop position determination tables 65a to 65d, when a combination other than the special combination (small combination or replay) is won by the combination lottery means 61, the reels are selected so that the selected combination is preferentially won. 31 stop positions are defined.

  The stop position determination table 65b is provided with a combination of symbols (premium reach) that does not appear when the reel 31 is stopped depending on the stop position determination table 65d. Therefore, when the stop position determination table 65b is used, the stop control unique to the stop position determination table 65b can be shown to the player.

Returning to FIG.
(Production output control means)
The effect output control means 67 controls the output of the effect during the game. For example, the effect output control means 67 should be output when the reel 31 starts rotating (when the start switch 41 is operated), when each reel 31 is stopped (when the stop switch 42 is operated), after all the reels 31 are stopped, or the like. It has a data table in which various production patterns are defined, and a predetermined production pattern is selected from the data table with reference to the gaming state and the lottery result of the combination lottery means 61, and production is performed according to the production pattern. Is controlled to output.

  Particularly in the present embodiment, the effect output control means 67 controls the effect output means to output effects having different contents depending on the type of stop control of the reel stop control means 64. For example, the lighting pattern of the back lamp 33 is changed or a different sound is output from the speaker 34 depending on whether the reel 31 is stopped by the first stop control or the reel 31 is stopped by the second stop control. Or the content of the image displayed by the image display device 35 is changed.

(Winning process means)
The winning processing means 68 includes a winning determining means for determining the presence / absence of a winning combination, and a payout means for performing processing such as payout according to the winning combination when there is a winning combination.
The winning determination means determines whether or not the combination of symbols stopped on any one of the active lines matches the predetermined combination of symbols for any combination when the reel 31 is stopped. The winning determination means determines the symbol on the active line by detecting, for example, the angle when the motor 32 is stopped, the number of steps, and the like, and based on this, determines the presence / absence of a winning combination.

The payout means determines a predetermined number of medals according to the winning combination when it is determined by the winning determination means that the combination of symbols stopped on the active line when the reel 31 is stopped matches the combination of symbols of any combination. It pays out to the player or performs processing such as credit addition.
When a replay is won, control is performed so that the number of medals inserted in the game is automatically inserted without paying out medals.

(Special game execution means)
When the special game execution means 69 wins the special role (BB, RB or SB) by the winning lottery means 61 and the combination of symbols of the special role stops on the active line and wins, the special game is changed from the normal game to the special game. The game is shifted to (BB game, RB game or SB game) and a special game is performed.
The special game executing means 69 controls to perform various effects in order to notify the player that the game is to be shifted to the special game at the time of shifting to the special game.

  Further, during the special game, the special game execution means 69 controls the progress of the game during the special game. For example, a means for counting the number of winnings of a predetermined role in the second mode game in the BB game, the number of games of the first mode game and the second mode game, and the number of transitions from the first mode game to the second mode game are counted. Various means, such as means for determining whether or not a special game end condition is satisfied, and means for controlling to end the special game when it is determined that the special game end condition is satisfied.

Next, based on a flowchart, the switching process of the stop control of the reel 31 in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of stop control switching processing in the first embodiment.
First, the player inserts a medal to activate the valid line, and turns on the start switch 41. In step S1, the game control means 60 continues to detect whether the start switch 41 is turned on. When ON is detected, the winning lottery means 61 performs lottery of the winning combination and proceeds to the next step S2, and the game control means 60 drives and controls the motor 32 to start the rotation of the reel 31.

  In step S3, the rotation time measuring unit 62 starts measuring the time from the start of rotation of the reel 31. In step S4, it is determined whether or not N seconds (10 seconds in this embodiment) have elapsed since the start of rotation of the reel 31. When the elapsed time is within N seconds, the process proceeds to step S5, and when N seconds have already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S5, the rotation time notification means 63 notifies the player that N seconds have not elapsed. For example, the back lamp 33 blinks in a specific pattern, a specific sound is output from the speaker 34, or a specific image is displayed by the image display device 35.

  In the next step S6, the game control means 60 determines whether or not the stop switch 42 is turned on. When it is determined that it is not turned on, the process returns to step S4, and when it is determined that it is turned on, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the reel stop control unit 64 controls the reel 31 to stop by the first stop control based on the lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery unit 61 and the timing when the stop switch 42 is operated.

  That is, when the special combination is not won, the reel 31 is controlled to stop using the stop position determination table 65a. When the special combination is won, the reel 31 is controlled to stop using the stop position determination table 65b. Furthermore, in step S7, the effect output control means 67 outputs an effect peculiar to the first stop control when the reel 31 is stopped. For example, a specific sound is output from the speaker 34 as the operation sound of the stop switch 42.

  Next, proceeding to step S8, the game control means 60 determines whether or not all the reels 31 have stopped. When determining that all the reels 31 have not stopped yet, the process returns to step S4 to determine that they have stopped. If so, the process proceeds to step S14.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S4 to step S9, it is determined whether or not M seconds (60 seconds in this embodiment) have elapsed since the start of rotation of the reel 31. If the elapsed time is within M seconds, the process proceeds to step S10, and if M seconds have already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S10, the rotation time notifying unit 63 notifies the player that N seconds have elapsed. Similar to step S5, for example, the back lamp 33 blinks in a specific pattern, a specific sound is output from the speaker 34, or a specific image is displayed by the image display device 35.

  In the next step S11, the game control means 60 determines whether or not the stop switch 42 is turned on. When it is determined that it is not turned on, the process returns to step S9, and when it is determined that it is turned on, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the reel stop control unit 64 controls the reel 31 to stop by the second stop control based on the lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery unit 61 and the timing when the stop switch 42 is operated.

  That is, when the special combination is not won, the reel 31 is controlled to stop using the stop position determination table 65c. When the special combination is won, the reel 31 is controlled to stop using the stop position determination table 65d. Furthermore, in step S12, the effect output control means 67 outputs an effect peculiar to the second stop control when the reel 31 is stopped. For example, a specific sound is output from the speaker 34 as the operation sound of the stop switch 42. After the process of step S12, the process proceeds to step S8.

  When the process proceeds from step S9 to step S13, the reel stop control means 64 performs automatic stop control on all the reels 31 that are rotating regardless of whether or not the stop switch 42 is operated. As the stop control of the reel 31 at this time, any kind of control may be used, but when a winning combination that is not won by the winning lottery means 61 is not won, and a special winning combination is not won, Stop control so that reach eyes do not appear. After the process of step S13, the process proceeds to step S14.

  When it is determined in step S8 that all the reels 31 have stopped, or when all the rotating reels 31 are controlled to be stopped in step S13, the process proceeds to step S14, and the rotation time measuring means 62 measures the time. Exit. In the next step S15, the time measurement value is cleared. This is to prepare for time measurement in the next game. Next, the process proceeds to step S <b> 16 and shifts to a winning determination process by the winning processing means 68.

(Second Embodiment)
Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the reel 31 is controlled to be stopped by the first stop control until the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the rotation of the reel 31, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the reel 31 is controlled by the second stop control. Was controlled to stop.
However, in the second embodiment, when the first stop switch 42 is operated before a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reels 31, the stop control of all the reels 31 is set to the first stop control, When the stop switch 42 is operated after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of rotation of the reels 31, the stop control of all the reels 31 is set to the second stop control.

That is, when the first stop switch 42 is operated before a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of rotation of the reels 31, all the reels 31 are operated even if the other stop switches 42 are operated after the predetermined time has elapsed. The stop control is set to the first stop control.
By doing in this way, it becomes the same stop control (1st stop control or 2nd stop control) about all the reels 31. FIG.

5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the flow of the stop control switching process in the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart following FIG.
First, the player inserts a medal to activate the valid line, and turns on the start switch 41. In step S21, the game control means 60 continues to detect whether the start switch 41 is turned on. When ON is detected, the winning lottery means 61 performs lottery of the winning combination and proceeds to the next step S22, and the game control means 60 controls the motor 32 to start rotation of the reel 31.

  Next, proceeding to step S <b> 23, the rotation time measuring means 62 starts measuring the time from the start of rotation of the reel 31. In step S24, it is determined whether or not N seconds (10 seconds in the present embodiment) have elapsed since the start of rotation of the reel 31. When the elapsed time is within N seconds, the process proceeds to step S25, and when N seconds have already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S27.

  In step S25, the rotation time notification means 63 notifies the player that N seconds have not elapsed. For example, the back lamp 33 blinks in a specific pattern, a specific sound is output from the speaker 34, or a specific image is displayed by the image display device 35. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.

  On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S24 to step S27, it is determined whether or not M seconds (60 seconds in the present embodiment) have elapsed since the start of rotation of the reel 31. When the elapsed time is within M seconds, the process proceeds to step S28, and when M seconds have already elapsed, the process proceeds to step S29. In step S28, the rotation time notification means 63 notifies the player that N seconds have elapsed. Similar to step S25, for example, the back lamp 33 blinks in a specific pattern, a specific sound is output from the speaker 34, or a specific image is displayed by the image display device 35. Then, the process proceeds to step S26.

  On the other hand, in step S29, the reel stop control means 64 performs automatic stop control on all the reels 31 that are rotating regardless of whether or not the stop switch 42 is operated. As the stop control of the reel 31 at this time, any kind of control may be used, but when a winning combination that is not won by the winning lottery means 61 is not won, and a special winning combination is not won, Stop control so that reach eyes do not appear. After the processing in step S29, the process proceeds to step S39 in FIG.

In step S26, the game control means 60 determines whether or not the first stop switch 42 is turned on. When it is determined that it is not turned on, the process returns to step S24, and when it is determined that it is turned on, the process proceeds to step S30 in FIG.
In step S30, when the first stop switch 42 is turned on, it is determined whether or not N seconds have passed since the reel 31 started to rotate. When it is determined that N seconds have not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S31. When it is determined that N seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S31, all reels 31 are controlled to be stopped by the first stop control. That is, the reel stop control means 64 controls the reel 31 to stop by the first stop control based on the lottery result of the winning combination by the winning lottery means 61 and the timing when the stop switch 42 is operated. Specifically, when the special combination is not won, the reel 31 is controlled to stop using the stop position determination table 65a.

  When the special combination is won, the reel 31 is controlled to stop using the stop position determination table 65b. Furthermore, in step S31, the effect output control means 67 outputs an effect peculiar to the first stop control when the reel 31 is stopped. For example, a specific sound is output from the speaker 34 as the operation sound of the stop switch 42. Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, the game control means 60 determines whether or not all the reels 31 are stopped. When it is determined that all the reels 31 are not stopped yet, the process proceeds to step S33. Proceed to step S39.

In step S33, it is determined whether or not M seconds have elapsed since the reel 31 started to rotate. If it is determined that M seconds have not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S34, and the game control means 60 determines whether or not another stop switch 42 is turned on. When it is determined that it is not turned on, the process returns to step S33, and when it is determined that it is turned on, the process returns to step S31 to perform stop control of the reel 31.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S33 that M seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S29 in FIG. 5, and automatic stop control of all the rotating reels 31 is performed.

  On the other hand, if it progresses to step S35, all the reels 31 will be stop-controlled by 2nd stop control. In other words, the reel stop control unit 64 controls the reel 31 to stop by the second stop control based on the lottery result of the combination by the combination lottery unit 61 and the timing when the stop switch 42 is operated. Specifically, when the special combination is not won, the reel 31 is controlled to stop using the stop position determination table 65c. When the special combination is won, the reel 31 is controlled to stop using the stop position determination table 65d.

Further, in step S35, the effect output control means 67 outputs an effect specific to the second stop control when the reel 31 is stopped. For example, a specific sound is output from the speaker 34 as the operation sound of the stop switch 42. Then, the process proceeds to step S36.
In the next step S36, step S37, and step S38, processing similar to that in step S32, step S33, and step S34 in the first stop control described above is performed.

  When it is determined in step S32 or step S36 that all the reels 31 are stopped, or when all the rotating reels 31 are controlled to be stopped in step S29, the process proceeds to step S39, and the rotation time measuring means 62 End time measurement. In the next step S40, the time measurement value is cleared. This is to prepare for time measurement in the next game. Next, the process proceeds to step S41, and shifts to a winning determination process by the winning processing means 68.

(Third embodiment)
Subsequently, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the reel 31 is controlled to be stopped by the first stop control until the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the rotation of the reel 31, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the reel 31 is controlled by the second stop control. Was controlled to stop.
On the other hand, the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the reel 31 is controlled to be stopped by the first stop control until the predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the rotation of the reel 31. . However, in the third embodiment, after the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the rotation of the reel 31, whether the reel 31 is controlled to stop by the first stop control or the second stop control is determined by lottery. The stop control lottery means to perform is provided.

  As a result, when all the stop switches 42 are operated before the predetermined time elapses after the reel 31 starts rotating, all the reels 31 are controlled to be stopped by the first stop control. However, when any one of the stop switches 42 is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of rotation of the reel 31, the stop control of the reel 31 corresponding to the stop switch 42 is performed by the first stop control or the second stop control 42. Which of the stop controls is to be determined by lottery.

  Here, when the stop switch 42 is operated after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the rotation of the reel 31, the probability of being determined as the first stop control or the second stop control may be 50%. Alternatively, in the game at the time of winning the special role, the probability of determining the second stop control may be, for example, about 90% in order to increase the chance of winning the special role. Further, in this case, in order to prevent the player from knowing which stop control has caused the reel 31 to be stopped, the effect at the time of the stop control of the reel 31 as in the first and second embodiments. May not be output.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the stop control switching process in the third embodiment, and shows the main part thereof. The flowchart of the third embodiment is obtained by replacing a part of the flowchart of FIG. 4 (first embodiment) with the process shown in FIG.

In the third embodiment, when it is determined in step S4 in FIG. 4 that N seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S51 in FIG. In step S51, it is determined whether M seconds (60 seconds in the present embodiment) have elapsed since the start of rotation of the reel 31. When it is determined that M seconds have not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S52, and the rotation time notification means 63 notifies the player that N seconds have elapsed. Here, as in step S10 of FIG. 4, for example, the back lamp 33 blinks in a specific pattern, a specific sound is output from the speaker 34, or a specific image is displayed by the image display device 35.
On the other hand, when it is determined that M seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG.

In step S53, the game control means 60 determines whether or not the stop switch 42 is turned on. When it is determined that it is not turned on, the process returns to step S51, and when it is determined that it is turned on, the process proceeds to step S54.
In step S54, the stop control lottery means determines by lottery whether the stop control of the reel 31 is the first stop control or the second stop control using, for example, a soft random number.

  Then, in the next step S55, the result of the lottery in step S54 is determined, and when it is the first stop control, the process proceeds to step S7 in FIG. 4, and the reel 31 is stopped by the first stop control. On the other hand, when it is not the first stop control (when it is the second stop control), the process proceeds to step S12 of FIG. 4 and the stop control of the reel 31 is performed by the second stop control.

  In FIG. 4, after step S7 or step S12, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, it is determined whether or not all the reels 31 are stopped. When it is determined that all the reels 31 are stopped, the process proceeds to step S13 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the reels 31 are not stopped, the process returns to step S4. However, since it is determined that N seconds have elapsed in step S4, the process proceeds again to step S51 in FIG.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications such as the following are possible.
(1) In this embodiment, the stop position of the reel 31 is determined using the stop position determination table 65 (65a to 65d). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the stop control of the reel 31 can be performed without using the stop position determination table 65. For example, when the stop switch 42 is turned on, the stoppable position of the reel 31 is searched, and within the range of the stoppable position, the lottery result of the combination in the combination lottery means 61 and the game state (normal game state, special It is also possible to perform stop control for determining an appropriate stop position based on the gaming state) and either stop control of the first stop control or the second stop control.

  (2) In the present embodiment, the first stop control and the second stop control are described as examples of the types of stop control. However, more types of stop control (stop control different from the first stop control and the second stop control) may be provided. In this case, as shown in the third embodiment, which stop control is used may be determined by lottery. Alternatively, the first stop control is performed before N1 seconds have elapsed since the start of rotation of the reel 31, the second stop control is performed after N1 seconds and N2 seconds have elapsed, and the third stop control is performed after N2 seconds and N3 seconds have elapsed.・ You may do as follows.

  (3) In the present embodiment, when the special role is won, the first stop control is set to stop control that gives priority to the appearance of reach or chance, and the second stop control is set to stop control that gives priority to winning the special role. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, stop control may be provided in which a chance eye appears but a reach eye does not appear even when a special role is won. Furthermore, a stop control that does not perform the special prize winning control even when the special prize is won may be provided.

  (4) In this embodiment, N seconds is set to 10 seconds and M seconds is set to 60 seconds. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any number of seconds may be set. Furthermore, after the first stop switch 42 is operated, measurement of the rotation time of the other reel 31 can be started, and stop control of the other reel 31 can be determined according to the measurement result.

(5) In the present embodiment, the first stop control and the second stop control are performed so that when a small combination is won, the small combination is won. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of different stop controls may be provided when a small role is won.
For example, in the game at the time of winning a specific small role, in the first stop control, stop control is performed so that the specific small role wins as much as possible, and in the second stop control, the specific small role is not won or won. Hard stop control may be performed.

  In this case, for example, three types of time zones are provided: 10 seconds before the reel 31 starts rotating, 10 seconds after, 20 seconds before, and 20 seconds after. When the stop switch 42 is operated during a specific time zone, the first stop control is performed so that the selected small role winning as much as possible wins. When the stop switch 42 is operated during other time zones, The stop control is switched so as to perform the second stop control in which the selected small combination is not won or difficult to win.

Here, as in the first embodiment, for each reel 31 corresponding to each stop switch 42, the first stop control is performed when operated in a specific time zone, and the reels 31 are operated in other time zones. Sometimes, the second stop control may be performed. Therefore, in this case, unless all the stop switches 42 are operated in a specific time zone, the selected specific small combination is not always awarded.
Alternatively, as in the second embodiment, if the first stop switch 42 is operated in a specific time zone, the other stop switches 42 correspond to all the stop switches 42 regardless of the operated time zone. You may make it perform 1st stop control about the reel 31. FIG.

  Furthermore, the time zone in which the first stop control is performed when the specific small role is won may be set in advance, but the time zone in which the first stop control is performed every time the specific small role is won. Which time zone to set may be determined by lottery or the like.

Further, in order to notify the player of a specific time zone in which the first stop control is performed by the rotation time notification unit 63, the production output control unit 67, and the production output unit (back lamp 33, etc.), It may be controlled to output a specific effect.
Moreover, you may provide the alerting | reporting game aspect which alert | reports the specific time slot | zone in which 1st stop control is performed, and the non-notification game aspect which does not alert | report it. When a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, a predetermined number of games after the end of the BB game, a first mode game of the BB game when the predetermined condition is satisfied and the game is shifted to the BB game, etc.) It is also good.

  Furthermore, during a normal game or the like, it may be determined by lottery whether to use the notification game mode or the non-notification game mode. When a lottery that shifts to a notification game mode game is won, a lottery that shifts to a non-notification game mode game is performed during this game, and the lottery is not won in this lottery. As long as the game in the notification game mode is continued.

1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a first embodiment of a slot machine according to the present invention. FIG. It is a time chart which shows the relationship between the time measured by the rotation time measurement means, and the stop control of a reel stop control means. It is a figure explaining a stop position determination table and its switching. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the switching process of stop control in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the switching process of stop control in 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of stop control switching processing in the second embodiment, which is continued from FIG. 5. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the switching process of stop control in 3rd Embodiment, and shows the principal part.

Explanation of symbols

10 slot machine 31 reel 32 motor 33 back lamp (production output means)
34 Speaker (Production output means)
35 Image display device (production output means)
41 Start switch 42 Stop switch 60 Game control means 61 Role lottery means 62 Rotation time measurement means 63 Rotation time notification means 64 Reel stop control means 65 (65a-65d) Stop position determination table 66 Stop control switching means 67 Production output control means 68 Winning processing means 69 Special game execution means

Claims (5)

Multiple reels displaying multiple types of designs,
A stop switch provided for each of the reels and operated by a player to stop the rotation of the reels;
A role lottery means for drawing a role;
Reel stop control means for controlling to stop the reel by any one of a plurality of different stop controls when the stop switch is operated based on the result of lottery by the role lottery means,
A rotation time measuring means for measuring a time from the start of rotation of the reel until the stop switch is operated;
Determining whether or not the time measured by the rotation time measuring means has passed a predetermined time, and based on the determination result, a stop control switching means for switching the stop control of the reel stop control means,
The stop control switching means switches the stop control of the reel stop control means based on the time measured by the rotation time measuring means, the presence / absence of a winning combination by the winning lottery means, and the winning combination ,
In the lottery of the role by the role lottery means, when winning a special role for shifting to a special game advantageous to the player,
The stop control of any one of the reel stop control means prioritizes the appearance of a combination of symbols that means that the special combination can be won, rather than stopping the combination of the special combination on the active line. Stop control to
Another stop control of the reel stop control means searches for a stoppable position from the position of the reel at the time of operation of the stop switch, and displays a symbol constituting a special role within the range of the stoppable position as an effective line. The slot machine is characterized in that the stop control gives priority to stopping the reel at the position when it is possible to stop the reel . The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein
In the lottery of the combination by the combination lottery means, when a combination other than the special combination is won, the reel stop control unit performs stop control for preferentially winning the selected combination. . The slot machine according to claim 1 or 2,
When the predetermined time is measured by the rotation time measuring means without operating the stop switch, the reel stop control means performs the stop control by any stop control regardless of the operation of the stop switch. A slot machine characterized by stop control of a reel . In the slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Production output means for outputting production during the game,
A slot machine comprising: an effect output control means for controlling the effect output means to output an effect having different contents depending on the type of stop control of the reel stop control means . In the slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A slot machine comprising: a measuring time notifying means for notifying a player whether or not the time measured by the rotating time measuring means has passed a predetermined time .

Images