JP4294368B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to a slot machine provided with an effect variable display device (so-called fourth reel) driven by a mechanical operation different from that of a variable display device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A slot machine is generally provided with a variable display device having a plurality of (usually three) reels having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the outer periphery thereof, and a prize is awarded according to a display mode when rotation of each reel is stopped. It is what happens. Depending on the type of winning, the medal as a valuable value is not paid out, but the game shifts to a special gaming state called a big bonus or regular bonus (hereinafter collectively referred to as a bonus). The game progresses in a state advantageous to the player.
[0003]
In order for a winning combination including a bonus to occur, it is necessary to win the winning combination in an internal lottery performed in advance (usually when the start lever is operated) and to set a corresponding winning flag. The winning flag other than the bonus is deleted only for the game regardless of whether or not a normal winning has occurred, but the bonus winning flag is carried over after the next game if no winning is generated. Further, unlike the winning of other combinations, the bonus winning is accompanied by a transition of the gaming state and greatly affects the number of medals that can be obtained by the player. For this reason, the setting status of the bonus winning flag is the information that the player wants to know most.
[0004]
When notifying the player of the setting status of the bonus winning flag, a notice that indicates the setting definitely with a probability of 100%, and a notice that indicates that there is a possibility that it is not a probability of 100%. There is something called. There are so-called reach eyes (notifications) and chance eyes (notices) that inform the player of the setting status of the bonus winning flag other than the lighting of the bonus notification lamp. However, reach and chance are difficult for beginners to understand. Thus, some recent slot machines use a bonus notification lamp or an effect device other than a variable display device to notify and notify the setting status of the bonus winning flag.
[0005]
An effect device used for this is one that uses a fourth reel that is rotationally varied and can be stopped by the player's operation, separately from the main reel that is used for the progress of the original game. The fourth reel as the effect device can notify (notify or notify) the setting status of the winning flag with the type of symbol derived and displayed when the rotation is stopped (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0006]
By the way, in such a slot machine having the fourth reel, there are many cases where the control of the start and stop of the rotation fluctuation is automatically performed as a series of processes. However, there has also been proposed one in which the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel can be stopped at an arbitrary timing by the player performing a predetermined operation (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-61040 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-58794 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
If all the processes from the start to the stop of the rotation variation are automatically controlled as in Patent Document 1, it is possible to prevent the fourth reel from rotating until no effect is required. On the other hand, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, in the case where the fourth reel is stopped based on the player's operation, the state of the fourth reel is not changed even if the player does not perform the operation as it is. The rotation may continue.
[0009]
Therefore, even if there is no operation by the player, it is necessary to forcibly stop the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel, when the effect is no longer necessary. In the normal case where the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel is stopped based on the player's operation, since the stop is performed, the stop is performed with various control patterns from the viewpoint of improving the interest of the effect. It is possible to make it.
[0010]
On the other hand, if the production is not required and the fourth reel is forcibly stopped, the production is not performed by the stop, so the idea of improving the production interest is necessary. Absent. In particular, in the case of the fourth reel that can rotate in both directions, there are forward rotation, reverse rotation, a difference in rotation speed, and the like as modes of the rotation fluctuation at the time when the rotation fluctuation needs to be stopped.
[0011]
As described above, the fourth reel rotates and fluctuates in various modes. However, if the fourth reel is to be stopped in accordance with each mode, a control program corresponding to each mode is required. In addition, since it is necessary to accurately determine the mode of rotational fluctuation, the control load also increases. Further, if the stop of the fourth reel is not performed as an effect, it is not necessary to select which symbol to stop each time.
[0012]
The present invention reduces the control burden when stopping the variation of the production variable display device in the slot machine provided with the production variable display device (for example, the fourth reel) capable of a plurality of types of variation by mechanical operation. The purpose is to do.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention includes:
  By setting the number of bets for one game, it is possible to start the game. When the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed, one game ends, and the variable display device (variable display device 2). In a slot machine that can generate a predetermined prize according to the display result of
  Decide in advance whether or not to allow the occurrence of the predetermined prizeMeans for determining whether or not to allow the occurrence of a special prize accompanying a transition to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state as the predetermined prizeA pre-determining means (step S3);
  It is provided separately from the variable display device, and can be changed in a plurality of types by mechanical operation. By changing the display state, the display state is changed, and the predetermined display is made by stopping the change. A variable display device for presentation (fourth reel 3F) capable of deriving and displaying a result and indicating the possibility of occurrence of the predetermined winning by the predetermining means;
  In the operation effective period set in the effect period from when the effect variable display device starts to fluctuate at a timing related to the progress state of the predetermined game until the predetermined condition is satisfied, the effect for the effect is determined by the player's operation. Production stop operation means (fourth stop button 12F) for deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device;
  Production variable display control means (steps S104, S110, S118) for controlling the production variable display device;
  The production variable display control means includes:
  A variation mode selection means (step S106) for selecting a variation mode from a plurality of types of variation modes until the production variable display device starts varying until it stops varying.
Before the production stop operation means is operated, one of the plurality of types of stop operation modes predetermined for the production variable display device is selected, and the production variable is selected. Stop mode selection means (step S106, FIG. 7) for selecting a stop position for stopping fluctuations of the display device;
  Fluctuation control means (step S110) for varying the effect variable display device according to the variation aspect selected by the variation aspect selection means;
  When the production stop operation means is operated during the operation effective period, a first change of the production variable display device is stopped so that a display result corresponding to the display position at the time of the operation is derived and displayed. Stop control means (step S118);
  When the predetermined condition is satisfied without operating the production stop operation means, the production variable display device is provided regardless of the variation mode of the production variable display device when the predetermined condition is established. Second stop control means (step S104) for stopping at a specific position after making a change according to one predetermined mode.See
The first stop control means stops the change of the effect variable display device according to the stop operation mode selected by the stop mode selection means, and changes the display according to the display position when operating the effect stop operation means. The change of the effect variable display device is stopped at the stop position selected by the stop mode selection means (step S118),
The stop mode selection means determines that the specific position is allowed as the stop position of the effect variable display device, and that the special prize is allowed to be generated when it is determined that the special prize is allowed to be generated. Decide with a higher probability than when not
  It is characterized by that.
[0014]
  In the slot machine, the production variable display device can be changed in a plurality of modes, but when the player operates the production stop operation means and stops by the first stop control means, the operation is changed. The variation of the effect variable display device is stopped so as to obtain a display result corresponding to the display position at the time. For this reason, the operation result of the stop operation means for the production is also related to the display result that is derived and displayed after the variation of the production variable display device is stopped, which increases the fun of the production and improves the interest of the game. it can. The effect variable display device is always stopped at a specific position after being changed by a predetermined one type of aspect by the second stop control means. For this reason, the second stop control means does not need to have a plurality of control patterns for stopping the effect variable display device at a specific position, and can reduce the control burden.
In addition, the number of stop operation modes when stopping the change of the production variable display device is abundant, and the entertainment of the game can be improved.
[0015]
Note that the timing related to the progress status of the predetermined game at which the variable display device for production starts to fluctuate is displayed from the start timing of the game when the variable start condition of the variable display device is satisfied (when the start lever 11 is operated). It is possible to set a predetermined timing until the game end timing at which the result is derived and displayed. When the variable display device has a plurality of variable display units, the timing at which the change in each variable display unit stops is set as the timing related to the progress of a predetermined game at which the variable display device for production starts to change. Also good.
[0016]
The slot machine is
Variable start operation means (start lever 11) for starting variable display by the variable display device by the player's operation;
Variable stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) for deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device by a player's operation may be further provided. In this case,
The predetermined condition may be established by operating the variable start operation means with respect to a game after the game that triggered the variable display device for presentation.
[0017]
In this case, the change of the effect variable display device may be continued until the variable start operation means is operated with respect to a game after the game that triggered the change. However, the effect due to the change of the effect variable display device is not continued as it is to the game after the game that should be ended, so that the player is not confused.
[0018]
Further, since the change of the effect variable display device is stopped by the second stop control means by the operation of the variable start operation means instead of the setting of the bet number, By automatically setting the number of bets based on the replay winning, it is possible to prevent the effect due to the variation of the effect variable display device from being canceled.
[0021]
In this case, the slot machine is
A game control means (game control board 101) for transmitting control information including determination result control information (winning status notification command) indicating the determination result of the prior determination means, including the prior determination means;
Provided separately from the game control means, including at least the effect variable display control means, receiving control information transmitted from the game control means, and controlling execution of the effect based on the received control information It is good also as a thing provided with the production control means (production control board | substrate 102) to perform. here,
The variation mode selection unit may select the variation mode based on the determination result control information received from the game control unit,
The stop operation mode selection unit may select the stop operation mode based on the determination result control information received from the game control unit.
[0022]
In this case, the stop operation mode of the effect variable display device changes according to the determination result of the prior determination means. Therefore, the degree of expectation can be varied depending on the difference in the stop operation mode, and the interest of the game can be improved. In addition, the game control means only transmits the determination result control information indicating the determination result of the prior determination means, and the effect control means determines the change mode and the stop operation mode, so the load on the game control means is reduced. be able to.
[0023]
In the above slot machine,
The variation of the effect variable display device can be started at any one of a plurality of types of start timing preset in one game (FIGS. 7 and 10).
[0024]
The variable display device includes a plurality of variable display units, the display results are sequentially derived in each variable display unit, and the display results are derived and displayed on all the variable display units, whereby the display result as the entire variable display device is displayed. Can be grasped based on the relationship with the number of variable display sections from which the display result is derived and displayed, whether the start timing of the change of the effect variable display device is early or late. For example, when there are three variable display units, the time when the number of variable display units from which the display result is derived and displayed is 1, 2, or 3 is prepared as the start timing of the variation of the effect variable display device. can do.
[0025]
Thereby, since the timing when starting the change of the production variable display device is varied for each game and the production mode is rich, the interest of the game can be improved.
[0026]
In this case,
The display result stopped by the first stop control unit indicates determination result information regarding the determination result of the prior determination unit, and the probability of matching with the determination result of the prior determination unit increases as the variation start timing is later. It may be expensive (FIG. 7).
[0027]
In this case, even if the display result of the effect variable display device is the same, the reliability varies depending on the start timing. Thereby, the aspect of a production becomes abundant and the interest of a game can be improved.
[0028]
In the above slot machine,
The specific position (triple ★) may be provided only at one place (14 to 16 places on the fourth reel 3F) in the production variable display device.
[0029]
In this case, since the operation for stopping the effect variable display device by the second stop control means at a specific position can be simplified, the control load can be reduced.
[0030]
The slot machine is
Predetermining means (step S3) for determining in advance whether or not to allow the predetermined winning to occur may be further provided. In this case,
The display results (triple ★) when the variation of the effect variable display device is stopped at the specific position by the second stop control means are all determination results that can be determined by the prior determination means. It may be possible to show determination result information regarding.
[0031]
In this case, the display result when the player stops the change of the effect variable display device by the second stop control means is displayed when the change of the effect variable display device is stopped by the first stop control means. Even if the display result is misunderstood, the display result can be any determination result of the prior determination means. For this reason, it can prevent giving a player a big misunderstanding by the display result when the fluctuation | variation of the production variable display apparatus is stopped by the 2nd stop control means.
[0032]
In the above slot machine,
The timing at which the operation effective period is set can be when the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed (steps S111 and S112).
[0033]
In this case, the display result of the effect variable display device is not derived and displayed until at least the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed. For this reason, it is possible to maintain the player's expectation for the result of the effect by the effect variable display device until after the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed.
[0034]
The slot machine is
Variable stop operation means (stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R) for deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device by the player's operation may be further provided. In this case,
It is preferable that the production stop operation means (fourth stop button 12F) is configured to be distinguishable from the variable stop operation means.
[0035]
In this case, the player can easily discriminate between the stop operation means for production and the variable stop operation means, thereby preventing erroneous operation.
[0036]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0037]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view showing an internal structure visually recognized with the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 opened. FIG. 3 is a view showing the structure of the rear side of the front door of the slot machine of FIG. The front door of the slot machine 1 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 (FIG. 1) and turning it clockwise.
[0038]
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a variable display device 2 is provided on the upper front side of the slot machine 1. Inside the variable display device 2, there is provided a reel unit 3 composed of three main reels 3L, 3C, 3R used for original games and a fourth reel 3F for performance. The fourth reel 3F has the same shape as the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and is arranged side by side.
[0039]
The reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and 3F are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR, and 3MF, respectively. The main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated in only one direction, but the fourth reel 3F can be rotated in both directions. Regarding the rotation direction of the fourth reel 3F, the same direction as the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is defined as the forward direction. A state rotating in the forward direction is referred to as forward rotation, and a state rotating in the reverse direction is referred to as reverse rotation.
[0040]
In the reel unit 3, reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR, and 3SF for detecting the reference positions of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and 3F are provided. However, the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR and reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR for the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R for gaming, and the reel motor 3MF and reel sensor 3SF for the fourth reel 3F for presentation will be described later. So that it is controlled by another system. Furthermore, reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and 3F are provided with reel lamps 3LP that emit light from the back. The control system of each reel lamp 3LP is the same.
[0041]
On the outer periphery of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, as shown in FIG. 4, “no color 7”, “color 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “ Symbols such as “bell” are drawn in a predetermined order. On the outer periphery of the fourth reel 3F, as shown in FIG. 4, in addition to “no color 7”, “colored 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, a blank design "★" is drawn. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and 3F are displayed on the variable display device 2 in upper, middle, and lower three stages. When stop control is performed at the timing when the reel sensor 3SF detects the reference position while the fourth reel 3F is rotating in the forward direction, the triple symbol “★” is displayed in the upper, middle and lower stages. ing.
[0042]
Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 is composed of a game number display 51 by a 7-segment display, and displays the value of a counter that counts the number of games and the number of winnings at the time of a big bonus or a regular bonus described later.
[0043]
The credit display unit 22 is constituted by a credit display 52 by a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out coins as will be described later. The payout display unit 23 is composed of a 7-segment display payout display 53, and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is achieved.
[0044]
On the left side of the variable display device 2, a one-bet display unit 24, two-bet display units 25 and 26, and three-bet display units 27 and 28 are provided. The 1, 2, and 3 bet display sections 24 to 28 correspond to the activated lines according to the number of bets (hereinafter referred to as “active lines”), respectively. When 58 is turned on, an effective line in each game is shown to the player. The 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting display sections 24 to 28 are also configured so that the 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting lamps 54-58 are in a blinking state when a winning combination to be described later is made, The active line that won the combination to be described later is shown to the player.
[0045]
On the right side of the variable display device 2, an insertion instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, a weight display unit 31, a replay display unit 32, and a game over display unit 33 are provided. The insertion instruction display unit 29 indicates that a medal can be inserted when the insertion instruction lamp 59 is turned on. The start display unit 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 is turned on, so that the start can be started, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted. The weight display unit 31 indicates that a weight to be described later is applied when the weight lamp 61 is turned on. The replay display unit 32 indicates that a replay winning to be described later has been made when the replay lamp 62 is turned on. The game over display unit 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped when the game over lamp 63 is turned on.
[0046]
On the upper side of the variable display device 2, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as a production means. The liquid crystal display 4 displays various effect images according to the gaming state. The effect on the liquid crystal display 4 may be independent from the effect on the fourth reel 3F or may be interlocked. Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game.
[0047]
A medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a checkout button 16 are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2. The BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 5), which are turned on when the number of bets can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data, are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15. Has been.
[0048]
The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when the insertion medal sensor 44 detects the insertion of a medal when the insertion instruction unit 29 is lit, the number of bets is set. Alternatively, credits are accumulated as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When it is detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 5) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 5), the bet number from the credit is set. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing to pay out credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 5), medals corresponding to credits accumulated as data are paid out.
[0049]
On the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion, the start lever 11, stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R for instructing to stop the fluctuation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F are stopped. A fourth stop button 12F for instructing is provided. The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R and the fourth stop button 12F include the color of the translucent plastic cover that covers the operation effective lamps 63L, 63C, 63R, and 63F (see FIG. 5) and the color of the surrounding decorative part. The difference makes it easy for the player to identify. Further, a panel that covers the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, and 12F is applied as the bonus notification section 36.
[0050]
The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 5), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are started to be driven. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate. The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at a desired timing, respectively, and the operations are the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 5). ), The rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.
[0051]
The fourth stop button 12F is a button operated to stop the rotation of the fourth reel 3F. When the operation is detected by the stop switch 42F, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is stopped. The triple symbol “★” on the fourth reel 3F is displayed on the fourth reel 3F regardless of the display result derived and displayed on the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and regardless of the setting status of the winning flag described later. It is a symbol that can be derived and displayed by stopping rotation. Further, when the rotation of the fourth reel 3F continued from the previous game is stopped by the operation of the start lever 11, it is always stopped at only one position where the triple symbol “★” is derived and displayed. It will be.
[0052]
When the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R, and 12F is enabled, the operation enable lamps 63L, 63C, 63R, and 63F (see FIG. 5) provided therein are turned on, so that the game To the person. The bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that a big bonus winning flag or a regular bonus winning flag, which will be described later, is set with a probability of 100% by turning on the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 5). To do. Further, on the right side of the fourth stop button 12F, there is provided a medal jam clearing button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.
[0053]
On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 to the outside. The hopper 80 includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation, and a payout sensor 81 that detects the medal payout. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 5) installed therein. A full tank sensor 90 is provided inside the overflow tank 95 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper 80 to detect that the stored medals are full.
[0054]
Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R are provided as rendering means on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of winning, big bonus and regular bonus entry, and output of alarm sound at the time of abnormality, and also output sound for various effects according to the gaming state Do.
[0055]
Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, a game effect display unit 5 </ b> A that produces an effect by light by light emission of the game effect lamps 75 </ b> A to 75 </ b> M as an effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. ~ 5M are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5M perform effects by light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. Note that the light emission colors of the game effect display units 5A to 5M may be either single colors or multiple colors.
[0056]
Further, inside the slot machine 1, there are a setting switch 91 for setting a winning probability for an internal lottery to be described later, a setting key switch 92 for enabling the setting switch 91 to be operated by an unlocking operation, and an internal state (RAM 112 (see FIG. 6). )) Is reset, and a power supply unit 9 is provided that includes a main switch 94 for switching the power ON / OFF. A first reset switch 48 having the same function as the second reset switch 93 is provided at a position corresponding to the locking device 19 on the rear side of the front door.
[0057]
As a control board for controlling each of the above parts, a power supply board 100 arranged on the lower side inside the game, a game control board 101 arranged on the upper side inside, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, an external output board 105, and An effect control board 102 arranged on the back side of the front door is provided. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine 1 including the control boards 100 to 105. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wirings mounted on the game control board 101 and the effect control board 102.
[0058]
The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 5, only the game control board 101 and the hopper 80 are connected, but power is supplied to other parts. In addition, a setting switch 91, a setting key switch 92, a second reset switch 93, and a main switch 94 are connected to the power supply board 100, and detection signals from these switches are sent to the game control board 101.
[0059]
The game control board 101 is a control board on the main side that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1, and includes a control unit 110 including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. It is installed. Further, a random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, a buffer circuit 117, a switch circuit 118, a motor circuit 119 and other circuits are mounted.
[0060]
The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1. To control. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program, and is provided with a storage area for various winning flags, various gaming state flags, or various counter values described later. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.
[0061]
The random number generation circuit 115 is configured by a counter that counts at a predetermined time interval (for example, 2 milliseconds), and the sampling circuit 116 acquires a numerical value generated by the random number generation circuit 115. The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 according to the processing to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function). The CPU 111 transmits various commands to be described later to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114 and the buffer circuit 117. Note that information is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 in only one direction, and no information is sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101.
[0062]
Connected to the game control board 101 are a single BET switch 45, a MAXBET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a throw-in medal sensor 44. Detection signals from the switches / sensors are input. In addition, detection signals of the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR are input via the reel relay substrate 103. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.
[0063]
The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a game number display 51, a credit display 52, a payout display 53, a loading instruction lamp 59, a single betting lamp 54, two betting lamps 55, 56, Three betting lamps 57 and 58, a game over lamp 63, a start lamp 60, a replay lamp 62, BET button lamps 70a and 70b, and operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R are connected, and the CPU 111 follows the progress of the game. These operations are controlled.
[0064]
The game control board 101 is connected to reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR via a reel relay board 103. When the stop button 12L, 12C, or 12R is operated, the CPU 111 operates the motor circuit 119 and Pull-in control of a maximum of 4 frames is performed on the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R via the reel relay substrate 103.
[0065]
The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of effects in the slot machine 1, and is equipped with a control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124. Yes. In addition, the random number generation circuit 125 and the sampling circuit 126 are mounted, and the CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126, so that the hardware random number function similar to that of the game control board 101 is obtained. Is forming.
[0066]
The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform processing related to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The performance is executed based on a command received from the game control board 101 via the buffer circuit 127 and the I / O port 124.
[0067]
The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.
[0068]
A stop switch 42F is connected to the effect control board 102, and its detection signal is input. Also connected to the effect control board 102 are an operation valid lamp 63F, a bonus notification lamp 66, game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L, 7R and 7U, a fluorescent lamp 6 and a weight lamp 61. In order to drive these, a speaker driving circuit 131, a display driving circuit 132, a lamp driving circuit 133, and the like are provided.
[0069]
A reel lamp 3LP, a reel motor 3MF, and a reel sensor 3SF are connected via a reel lamp relay substrate 104. The control unit of the effect control board 102 performs these effects by controlling each of these parts, and also performs pull-in control of a maximum of four frames (other frame numbers are possible) for the fourth reel 3F. However, unlike the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, the fourth reel 3F can be rotated in both directions, so that the direction of the frame that is controlled to be pulled in is different between when it is rotating forward and when it is rotating backward. It has become.
[0070]
The reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105 and the reel unit 3. The reel relay substrate 103 is also connected with a full sensor 90, and its detection signal is input. The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer and receives a big bonus medium signal, regular bonus medium signal, reel control signal, stop signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. The switch signal, medal IN signal, and medal OUT signal are output to the external device.
[0071]
In the slot machine 1, a winning is awarded when the symbols are arranged on the active line set according to the betting number of the variable display device 2. In order for a winning to occur, the internal winning flag of the combination needs to be set, and details thereof will be described later. At the time of winning a prize, medals are paid out, and the gaming state is changed with the winning. Hereinafter, the “combination” determined as the winning will be described.
[0072]
In a normal gaming state, when, for example, three “BARs” are arranged on an active line corresponding to the number of bets, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. The regular bonus is a game called a regular bonus game (JAC game) that is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) or a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) ("JAC" is displayed on the active line). To finish). The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings thereof. It should be noted that the state that has shifted to the regular bonus, that is, the gaming state in which the regular bonus game is provided is called a first special gaming state, and a regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the gaming control board 101.
[0073]
For example, when three “colored 7” or three “colorless 7” are arranged on the active line corresponding to the bet number, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus. In the big bonus, up to 30 games called small role games can be played. In this small role game, “JAC” is arranged on the active line with a relatively high probability (JACIN), and when the JACIN is performed, the regular bonus described above is provided (up to 3 times).
[0074]
The big bonus ends when 30 small-games end or when a regular bonus based on the third JACIN ends. When this end condition is satisfied, a big bonus end command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of small role games, the number of JACIN, the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings thereof, and the number of medals acquired in the big bonus. Note that the state shifted to the big bonus is referred to as a second special game state, and a big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101.
[0075]
Also, in games other than regular bonus games (including those offered during the big bonus), when “watermelon” or “bell” is aligned on the active line, or “cherry” appears on the left reel 3L In this case, it becomes a small role prize. When “JAC” is arranged on the active line, except for the small role game and the regular bonus game (including the big bonus) provided during the big bonus period, a replay win is awarded.
[0076]
Next, the internal lottery will be described. In the internal lottery, it is determined in advance whether or not winnings to each of the above-mentioned roles is permitted. The random number for internal lottery acquired using the hardware random number function, the setting by the setting switch 91, and the player setting Based on the number of bets placed and the current gaming state, the winning determination table prepared in the ROM 113 is referred to, and the CPU 111 performs such a determination means. When the internal lottery is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the RAM 112 of the game control board 101.
[0077]
Depending on the result of the above internal lottery, a big bonus winning flag, a regular bonus winning flag, a small role winning flag (multiple depending on the type of small role), a replay winning flag, and a JACIN winning flag (replay winning flag in the big bonus) In the regular bonus, the JAC winning flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101. Only one winning flag is newly set in one game, but only the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag are carried over from the next game until the actual winning.
[0078]
Based on the information related to various winning flags set in the RAM 112 based on the result of the internal lottery described above, a winning status notification command is generated by the CPU 111 and sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 for each game. It is done. In order not to give the result of the internal lottery to the outside completely, the content of the winning status notification command is converted with a very low probability and transmitted to the production control board 102 within a range that does not affect the bonus notification. It is good.
[0079]
The rotation / stop control of the fourth reel 3F is performed according to the winning status notification command. That is, the timing at which the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is started, the series of fluctuation modes (rotation direction and rotation speed) from when the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is started to when it stops, and when the rotation is stopped The stop mode (the type of stop symbol and the stop operation (no vibration, weak vibration or strong vibration)) is determined according to the winning status notification command.
[0080]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth reel fluctuation start / stop mode determination table for determining the rotation start timing and stop mode of the fourth reel 3F. This table is stored in advance in the ROM 123 of the effect control board 102. A table (not shown) for determining the variation mode of the fourth reel 3F is also stored in advance in the ROM 123. The extracted random number value for determining the variation mode and the setting status of the winning flag indicated by the winning status notification command By referring to this table, the variation mode of the fourth reel 3F is determined from a plurality of types of variation modes.
[0081]
Random numbers (0 to 20) for determining the rotation start timing are extracted in order to determine whether or not to start the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F and the start timing when starting the rotation. In order to determine the stop mode of the fourth reel 3F, random numbers (0 to 16383) for determining the stop mode are extracted. By referring to the table according to the values of these random numbers and the setting status of the winning flag indicated by the winning status notification command, the start timing and stop operation mode of the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F are determined. If the winning status notification command indicates that both the bonus winning flag and the small role winning flag are set by carrying over the bonus winning flag or converting the command, the small winning flag for the game only Takes precedence.
[0082]
Here, the triple symbol “★” may be derived and displayed as the display result of the fourth reel 3F regardless of the setting status of the winning flag indicated by the winning status notification command. If it is derived and displayed, it will be a notice that the bonus has been won. The probability that the triple symbol of “★” is derived and displayed is shown when the bonus is not won (in FIG. 7, only the case where the “Bell” small role is won and the case where it is lost) is shown. It is the same regardless of the start timing of the fourth reel 3F according to the winning situation. In addition, the distribution of random numbers when winning a small role other than “Bell” is exactly the same as or slightly different from the case where “Bell” small role is won. .
[0083]
On the other hand, when the bonus is won, the probability that the triple symbol “★” is derived and displayed increases as the start timing of the rotational fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is delayed. As a result, the later the start timing of the rotational fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F, the higher the probability that a bonus is won when the triple symbol “★” is derived and displayed. The degree will be high.
[0084]
The probability that the stop operation mode of the fourth reel 3F is no vibration, weak vibration, and strong vibration is almost the same when the bonus is won, but when no bonus is won, there is no vibration, weak vibration, strong vibration. It has come to take an overwhelmingly high probability in the order of. As a result, when the triple symbol “★” vibrates strongly and stops, there is a higher probability of winning the bonus than when it vibrates weakly and stops, and when it stops weakly and vibrates, it vibrates. There is a higher probability of winning the bonus than when you stop without. For this reason, when the triple symbol “★” stops, the reliability as the bonus notice increases in the order of no vibration, weak vibration, and strong vibration.
[0085]
However, no matter what the winning situation is, if the extracted rotation start timing determination random number is in the range of 10 to 20, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F will not start. As a matter of course, as long as the rotation does not start, a stop mode of the fourth reel 3F does not appear, so that a bonus notice cannot be made. Although not shown in FIG. 7, there are cases where symbols other than the triple symbol “★” are derived and displayed as the stop symbol of the fourth reel 3F. In that case, it has the meaning that the advance notice of any kind of combination is given according to the kind of symbol that is derived and displayed and its stop operation mode, but detailed explanation is omitted.
[0086]
The rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is started when one, two, or three of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R starts to rotate, but is stopped when the fourth stop button 12F is operated. The The stop mode at that time is determined in advance according to the fourth reel fluctuation start / stop mode determination table. However, the type of symbols determined at the timing when the fourth stop button 12F is operated must be at a position where the symbols can be drawn. For example, regardless of the determined stop mode, the symbol located at that time is stopped without vibration. Only when the determined type of symbol is in a retractable position, the stop control of the fourth reel 3F is performed according to the determined stop mode.
[0087]
However, if the fourth stop button 12F is not operated, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is continued even if the process proceeds to the next game. However, even if the next game is started with the fourth reel 3F rotating, if the start lever 11 is operated, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is temporarily stopped at that timing. If the fourth reel 3F is stopped, no particular control is performed.
[0088]
In the stop control in this case, if the fourth reel 3F is forwardly rotated when the start lever 11 is operated, the triple symbol “★” is continuously stopped by the forward rotation as it is. If the fourth reel 3F is rotating in the reverse direction when the start lever 11 is operated, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is once stopped and then rotated forward to stop the triple symbol “★”. Thus, once it is determined that the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is once stopped after the start lever 11 is operated, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is again started at the determined start timing. It will be a start.
[0089]
Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, “game” includes a series of processes from setting the bet number to rotating / stopping the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Furthermore, when some processing (for example, payout of medals or transition of gaming state) is performed after the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R stop rotating, this is also included as processing within one game. And
[0090]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing for one game executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. When the process of one game is started, an initial process is first performed (step S1). When a game is normally progressing, nothing is performed as an initial process. In other words, this initial processing is to check the settings, restore the backed up information, etc. when the power is turned on or when the error is restored.
[0091]
Next, the number of bets is set by operating one BET button 14 or MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and operating the start lever 11 to substantially change the game. A BET process for instructing the start is performed (step S2). However, if the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same number of bets as in the previous game are automatically set by the replay flag (the replay flag is erased at this stage), so the start lever 11 is operated as it is. You can tell the start of the game.
[0092]
When the number of bets is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, a lottery process is performed to determine whether or not winning as described above is permitted (step S3). Various winning flags are set in the RAM 112 based on the lottery result in the lottery process, and a winning status notification command indicating the status is sent to the effect control board 102.
[0093]
When the lottery process ends, a reel fluctuation start process is performed (step S4). In the reel fluctuation start process, on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in the previous game, The reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to start rotation of all the left, middle, and right main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Thereby, the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display device 2. If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of rotation in the previous game, the rotation display waits and the weight display unit 31 is notified by lighting the weight lamp 61. The order in which the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate may be changed according to the state of various flags set in the RAM 112. At the start of rotation, the reel stop timer and the timing of one game timer for the next game are started.
[0094]
Thereafter, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S5). In the reel fluctuation stop process, after a predetermined condition is established from the start of reel rotation (the reference position is detected by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed), the stop buttons 12L, 12C , 12R is made effective, and the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are stopped driving by being operated by the player, and the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.
[0095]
At this time, based on the various winning flags set in the RAM 112 and the gaming state, the stop symbol is selected by pull-in control for controlling the driving stop of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Further, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses by the time measured by the reel stop timer, the driving of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is forcibly stopped. When the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped in the reel fluctuation stop process, a reel stop command is transmitted to the effect control board 102 each time.
[0096]
When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, whether or not any of the above-mentioned roles has been arranged on the active line corresponding to the number of bets set in the BET process in step S2 in the display mode at the time of stopping. A winning determination process is performed (step S6). If it is determined in this winning determination process that any of the winning combinations has been won, various processes (including setting of the number of payouts) corresponding to the winning generated on the game control board 101 are performed.
[0097]
When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step S7). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of payout scheduled medals set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the hopper motor 82 is driven to pay out an excess number of medals from the medal payout slot 71. Also, processing such as counting the number of games at the time of bonus and ending the bonus is performed. When the payout process ends, the process for one game ends, and the process for the next one game starts.
[0098]
In the repetition of the game as described above, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 performs a transition of the game state between the normal game state, the regular bonus, and the big bonus, and controls the effects according to the progress of the game. It is transmitted to the substrate 102. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an effect by an original process based on the command received from the game control board 101. This effect includes a notice of the winning situation by the fourth reel 3F.
[0099]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing command reception / fourth stop operation standby processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. On the side of the effect control board 102, it is determined whether or not a command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S101). When any command is received from the game control board 101, it is determined what kind of the received command is (step S102).
[0100]
When the type of the received command is the winning status notification command transmitted in the lottery process in step S3 by operating the start lever 11, the fourth reel 3F is rotating (here, It is determined whether or not the rotation started in the previous game is continuing (step S103). Here, except for the case where the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is stopped, it is determined that it is in a rotating state regardless of the rotation direction or rotation speed. Further, when the fourth reel 3F is temporarily stopped in a series of fluctuation modes, it is determined that the fourth reel 3F is rotating. If the fourth reel 3F is not rotating, the process proceeds to step S106.
[0101]
If the fourth reel 3F is in a rotating state, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is stopped so that the triple symbol "★" is stopped at the upper, middle and lower stages of the variable display device 2 (step S104). . Here, only one type of variation mode until the triple symbol “★” is stopped is determined regardless of the variation mode of the fourth reel 3F at the timing when the start lever 11 is operated. However, pre-control for performing one kind of variation mode is necessary.
[0102]
For example, when the fourth reel 3F is rotating forward when the start lever 11 is operated, the rotation speed of the fourth reel 3F is set to a predetermined speed regardless of the rotation speed at that time. If the fourth reel 3F is rotating in the reverse direction, it temporarily stops and then reverses and rotates forward, and then the rotation speed of the fourth reel 3F is set to a predetermined speed. This is the pre-control. When the reference position is detected after the rotation speed of the fourth reel 3F reaches a predetermined speed, the time when the triple symbol “★” is first positioned at the upper, middle and lower stages of the variable display device 2 The rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is stopped.
[0103]
When the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is thus stopped, the operation enable flags (1) and (2) of the fourth stop button 12F are erased, and the operation is invalidated (step S105). Then, the process proceeds to step S106.
[0104]
In step S106, a random number for determining the rotation start timing and a random number for determining the stop mode are extracted, and the fourth reel fluctuation start / stop mode determination table is referenced according to the setting status of the winning flag indicated by the received winning status notification command. Then, the fluctuation start timing for starting the rotation of the fourth reel 3F (that is, the number of reel stops) and the stop mode of the fourth reel when the fourth stop button 12F is operated are determined. Further, a series of fluctuation modes from the start to the stop of the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F are determined (step S106).
[0105]
Also, when the winning status notification command is received, the start lever 11 is operated, and all of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are started to rotate, so that the variable indicating the number of reel stops is 0. Is substituted (step S107). Then, the process returns to step S101.
[0106]
If the type of the received command is a reel stop command transmitted when the left, middle or right main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped in the reel fluctuation stop processing in step S5, the main reel 3L Since one of 3C and 3R in the stopped state is increased by 1, the variable indicating the number of reel stops is incremented by 1 (step S108).
[0107]
Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable indicating the number of reel stops coincides with the change start timing determined when the winning status notification command is received (step S109). If it does not coincide with the fluctuation start timing, the process directly proceeds to step S111. If it coincides with the fluctuation start timing, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is started (step S110). The variation of the fourth reel 3F that has started rotating variation is controlled in accordance with a series of variation modes determined in step S106 until it is stopped thereafter. Then, the process proceeds to step S111.
[0108]
In step S111, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable indicating the number of reel stops is 3, that is, whether or not all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped and the display result of the variable display device 2 is derived and displayed ( Step S111). If the value of the variable indicating the number of reel stops is not 3, the process returns to step S101. If the value of the variable indicating the number of reel stops is 3, the operable flag (1) of the fourth stop button 12F is set. Here, if the operable flag (2) is set, the fourth stop button 12F can be operated (step S112). Then, the process returns to step S101.
[0109]
If the received command type is another command, processing corresponding to the type of each command (the details are omitted because it is not related to the present invention) is executed (step S113). Thereafter, the process returns to step S101.
[0110]
If it is determined in step S101 that the command from the game control board 101 has not been received, the fourth reel 3F is rotating (here, the rotation started in the previous game is continued). It is determined whether or not there is a state in which the rotation is started in the current game) (step S114). If the fourth reel 3F is not rotating, the process returns to step S101.
[0111]
If the fourth reel 3F is rotating, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition that enables the reel sensor 3SF to stop the fourth reel 3F is detected (step S115). If this predetermined condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S117. If this predetermined condition is satisfied, the operable flag (2) of the fourth stop button 12F is set. Here, if the operable flag (1) is set, the fourth stop button 12F can be operated (step S116). Then, the process proceeds to step S117.
[0112]
In step S117, it is determined whether the fourth stop button 12F has been operated. Here, it is determined that the fourth stop button 12F has been operated only when both the operation enable flags (1) and (2) are set and the fourth stop button 12F is enabled. If the fourth stop button 12F has not been operated, the process returns to step S101.
[0113]
If the fourth stop button 12F is operated, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is stopped. Here, if the symbol of the stop mode determined in step S106 is in a retractable position (different between forward rotation and reverse rotation), the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is stopped according to the stop mode. If it is not in the retractable position, the symbol positioned at that time is stopped without vibrating (step S118). Note that the rotational speed of the fourth reel 3F at the time of drawing the symbol follows the rotational speed at the timing when the fourth stop button 12F is operated. Further, both the operable flags (1) and (2) of the fourth stop button 12F are erased, and the operation is invalidated (step S119). Then, the process returns to step S101.
[0114]
As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the fourth reel 3F can be rotated and changed bidirectionally in the effect operation, but the rotation change is caused by the player by the fourth stop button 12F. Or when the start lever 11 is operated after moving to the next game (that is, when a winning status notification command is transmitted).
[0115]
Here, when the start lever 11 is operated, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is always stopped at the position where the triple symbol “★” is derived and displayed. In this case, the fourth reel 3F is not stopped at the time of operating the start lever 11 until the triple symbol “★” is derived and displayed and stopped (except for a temporary stop in a series of fluctuation modes). As long as the rotation fluctuation mode (rotation direction and rotation speed) is limited, the rotation is stopped in one type of fluctuation mode after a predetermined rotation speed is obtained by forward rotation by the pre-control.
[0116]
That is, only one type of stop control pattern for rotational fluctuation until the fourth reel 3F is stopped when the start lever 11 is operated may be prepared. In practice, the pre-control need not be prepared exclusively for the stop control pattern. For this reason, the program is simplified, and it is not necessary to make a complicated determination of the mode of rotational fluctuation, so that the control burden at this time is reduced. In addition, since the triple symbol “★” is provided only at one location on the fourth reel 3F, the control when the fourth reel 3F is stopped is simplified, and the control load can be reduced.
[0117]
Further, if the fourth stop button 12F is not operated, the rotation variation of the fourth reel 3F continues even after the game is started from the game where the rotation variation has started as a process on the game control board 101 side. turn into. However, when the start lever 11 is operated and the next game is practically started, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is stopped, so that the effect by the fourth reel 3F is continued until the next game. I can't continue. For this reason, even if it becomes a new game, the situation where the production in the previous game continues can be avoided, so that the player is not confused.
[0118]
In addition, the triple symbol “★” that is stopped for the fourth reel 3F by the operation of the start lever 11 is derived and displayed regardless of the display result derived for the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and the setting state of the winning flag. It is possible. Even if the player misunderstands that this indicates the setting status of the winning flag as the content of the production, the player will not be misunderstood.
[0119]
By the way, when the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped and the display result is derived and displayed, there are many players who unconsciously continue to operate the single BET button 14 or the MAXBET button 15 as a series of operations. . Here, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is not stopped by the operation of the single BET button 14 or the MAXBET button 15 after substantially moving to the next game, but by the operation of the start lever 11. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the effect realized by stopping the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F from being canceled by an unconscious operation of the player. In addition, the bet number is automatically set in the next game in which a replay win has been won, and the effect realized by stopping the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is not canceled. In the case where the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F starts when the number of reel stops is 3, this effect is remarkable.
[0120]
The variation mode (rotation direction and rotation speed) from the start to the stop of the rotation variation of the fourth reel 3F is selected from a plurality of types of variation modes according to the setting status of the winning flag. In this way, the fourth reel 3F rotates and fluctuates according to various fluctuation modes before stopping, so that the aspect of the production becomes rich and the entertainment of the game can be improved.
[0121]
Further, the stop mode (stop symbol and stop operation mode) when the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is stopped by the operation of the fourth stop button 12F is also selected according to the setting state of the winning flag. In particular, since the change is also made depending on the stop operation mode (no vibration, weak vibration, or strong vibration), the aspect of the production becomes rich and the entertainment of the game can be improved.
[0122]
Further, the reliability as a bonus notice when the triple symbol “★” is stopped increases in the order of no vibration, weak vibration, and strong vibration. Since the player's expectation can be varied depending on the difference in the stop operation mode, the interest of the game can be improved. Here, since the determination of the stop mode is uniquely performed in the effect control board 102 based on the winning status notification command, no extra load is applied to the game control board 101.
[0123]
However, even if the stop mode of the fourth stop reel 3F is determined in advance according to the setting status of the winning status, the determined stop depending on the position of the symbol when the fourth stop button 12F is operated. The fourth reel 3F is not always determined in the manner. For this reason, unlike the conventional slot machine in which the rotation start and stop of the fourth reel 3F are all automatically controlled, the operation timing of the fourth stop button 12F affects the result of the effect, and the effect of the effect increases. The interest of the game can be improved.
[0124]
The rotation of the fourth reel 3F is not started in each game, or at any timing when the first, second and third of the main reels 3L, 3C and 3R are stopped. Sometimes it is made. In this way, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is not started for each game, and even when it is started, the timing is varied, so that the aspect of the production becomes rich and the interest of the game is improved. be able to. In addition, the difference in the start timing of the rotational fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is caused by a difference in reliability as a bonus notice when the triple symbol “★” is derived and displayed as a display result. Can become more abundant and improve the fun of games.
[0125]
The rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F may be started when one or two of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate, but the fourth stop button 12F is used for the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. If none of the three starts rotating, the operation is not effective. Therefore, the display result of the fourth reel 3F is not derived and displayed until all the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped and the display result is derived and displayed. It is possible to maintain the player's expectation for the flag setting status notice).
[0126]
The fourth stop button 12F is distinguished in color from the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R for stopping the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and the player can easily recognize the difference. Further, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation with the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R being stopped. However, since the structure does not change between the fourth stop button 12F and the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R, it can be manufactured at low cost.
[0127]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.
[0128]
In the above embodiment, the start timing and stop mode of the rotation variation of the fourth reel 3F are determined according to the setting state of the winning flag. As the stop mode, the type of symbols to be stopped and the stop operation mode (presence / absence of vibration) have been determined, but only one of them may be determined. Furthermore, the rotation direction of the fourth reel 3F may be determined according to the setting status of the winning flag. Thereby, the aspect of an effect becomes further rich.
[0129]
In the above-described embodiment, after the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is started, when the reference position is detected and the number of reel stops is 3, the first lever 11 is operated in all periods until the start lever 11 is operated. The operation of the 4 stop button 12F is assumed to be valid. On the other hand, for example, only when the variation mode of the fourth reel 3F is in a predetermined mode within this period, the fourth stop button 12F may be set as a period during which the operation is valid. Thereby, since the case where the 4th reel 3F can be stopped by operation of the 4th stop button 12F follows the change mode, the fun as an effect increases further and the interest of a game can be improved.
[0130]
In the embodiment described above, the timing at which the fourth reel 3F is stopped regardless of the operation of the fourth stop button 12F is when the start lever 11 is operated (when the winning status notification command is transmitted). . However, even if the start lever 11 is operated, the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are immediately activated, and the display result cannot be derived and displayed on the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The fourth stop reel 3F may be stopped at an arbitrary timing during a period from the operation of the start lever 11 until the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are enabled (until the predetermined condition in Step S101 is satisfied). .
[0131]
Further, the stop condition of the fourth reel 3F not depending on the operation of the fourth stop button 12F can be established by other than the operation of the start lever 11. For example, the fourth reel 3F is stopped when the single BET button 14 or the MAXBET button 15 is operated, or when the bet number is automatically set based on the replay winning of the previous game. You can also. In this case, since the fourth reel 3F can be stopped before the start lever 11 is activated, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F may be started even when the start lever 11 is operated. It may be a thing.
[0132]
The fourth reel 3F can also be stopped when the slot machine 1 is not operated for a certain period of time and a demo command for performing a demonstration effect is transmitted from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102. Also, when the number of reel stops reaches 3 (when all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped), the timer starts counting, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the fourth reel 3F is Can be stopped. The stop mode of the fourth reel 3F in the case of stopping under stop conditions that do not depend on these fourth stop buttons 12F can be the same as the stop mode when the start lever 11 is operated.
[0133]
In the above embodiment, when the start lever 11 is operated in the next game without operating the fourth stop button 12F, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is surely stopped. However, even if the start lever 11 is operated, it is not always necessary to stop the rotational fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F. For example, when the start lever 11 is operated, whether or not the fourth reel 3F is rotationally changed in the game is determined first, and when it is determined that the rotation is not changed, the rotational fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F started in the previous game is determined. It may be continued. Here, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F may be continued over a plurality of games.
[0134]
Also in this case, it can be seen that the effect by the fourth reel 3F whose rotation fluctuation is stopped by the operation of the start lever 11 is an effect for the previous game. It can be seen that the effect by the fourth reel 3F in which the rotation fluctuation is stopped by the operation of the fourth stop button 12F is the effect by the game that is substantially started by the operation of the start lever 11 immediately before. As described above, unless the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is temporarily stopped, the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is not started as a new game effect, so that the player is not confused. .
[0135]
In the embodiment described above, the start timing of the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is when one, two, or three of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate. The rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F may start before the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate. However, in this case, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F continues from the previous game and may be stopped by the operation of the start lever 11. Therefore, after the start lever 11 is operated, It is necessary to perform control so that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is not valid for a period in which the rotation fluctuation is temporarily stopped and restarted.
[0136]
In the above embodiment, the reliability as a bonus notice when the triple symbol “★” is stopped for the fourth reel 3F varies depending on the number of reel stops when the fourth reel 3F starts to rotate. It was. Of course, even if the timing of starting the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is different, nothing is known at the time of starting the rotation, and nothing is known unless the triple symbol "★" is finally stopped. It was. On the other hand, depending on the timing at which the fourth reel 3F starts to rotate, the reliability as a bonus or other type of advance notice may be changed at the time of starting rotation.
[0137]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth reel fluctuation start timing determination table applied to this modification. The reliability of the bonus or other types of winning combination as a notice varies depending on the stopping mode when the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is stopped, but here, the timing of starting the rotation of the fourth reel 3F ( Alternatively, only the distribution of “no rotation” is shown, that is, only the reliability of the fourth reel 3F can be known before the stop mode is known.
[0138]
When the number of reel stops is 1, 0-1638 is extracted as a random number for determining the rotation start timing regardless of whether winning, watermelon, bell, cherry, or replay is won. In this case, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is started. In this case, it can be seen that the probability that each winning combination is won or lost is the same as the winning probability of the internal lottery.
[0139]
When the number of reel stops is 2, 1639 to 4917 are extracted as random numbers for determining the rotation start timing when the bonus is won, and when 1639 to 9830 is extracted as the random number when the watermelon is won. If the random number 1639-14744 is extracted when winning the bell, and the random number 1639-3276 is extracted when winning the cherry, the random number is selected when winning the replay. When 1639 to 4917 are extracted, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is started. In other cases, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is not started at this timing. In this case, it can be seen that some combination is won, but the probability of winning a bonus is low.
[0140]
When the number of reel stops is 3, 4918 to 14744 are extracted as the random numbers for determining the rotation start timing when the bonus is won, and 9831 to 14744 are extracted as the random numbers when the watermelon is won. Then, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is started. In other cases, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is not started at this timing. Here, if the ratio of the winning probability of the bonus and the watermelon is about 2: 1, it can be understood that the bonus is won or the watermelon is won with a probability of almost 50%.
[0141]
Even if the number of reel stops is three, if a bonus is won and 14745-16383 is extracted as a random number for determining the rotation start timing, if watermelon is won and 14745-16383 is extracted as the random number, If the winning number is 14745-16383 as the random number, if the cherry is won and 3277-16383 is extracted as the random number, the replay is won and 4918-16383 is extracted as the random number In this case, and when 1639 to 16383 are extracted as the random numbers due to the loss, the rotation of the fourth reel 3F is not started. In this case, there is a possibility of winning and losing for any role, but the probability of losing is very high, and even if it is winning, it is often replay or cherry, and the probability of winning a bonus is very high It turns out that it is low.
[0142]
As described above, the reliability of the winning notices of various roles varies depending on the difference in the rotation start timing (or no rotation) of the fourth reel 3F, so that the stop mode of the fourth reel 3F appears. It is possible to raise the player's expectation before and improve the interest of the game. In addition, when the number of reel stops where the display result of the variable display device 2 is not derived and displayed is 1 or 2, if the fourth reel 3F has started rotating, the winning of each combination has been announced Therefore, the winning announcement of the small role in which the winning flag is not carried over after the next game can be made meaningful.
[0143]
In the above embodiment, the effect by the fourth reel 3F is applied for the advance notice of the setting status such as the bonus winning flag, but can also be applied for other types of effects. Even when the fourth reel 3F is applied to other types of effects, the rotational fluctuation is started at the start timing described above, and the rotational fluctuation is stopped on condition that the fourth stop button 12F or the start lever 11 is operated. It can be made to. In this case, when the rotation fluctuation of the fourth reel 3F is stopped on condition that the start lever 11 is operated, it is stopped at a specific position (for example, a triple symbol of “★”) after the forward rotation. can do.
[0144]
In the above embodiment, the fourth reel 3F used for effects such as bonus notices is arranged side by side with the same shape as the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. However, the 4th reel 3F is not restricted to this, It is good also as what is arrange | positioned in the upper position (arrangement position of the liquid crystal display 4) of the variable display apparatus 2. FIG. Further, instead of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, it is possible to use a virtual display that variably displays symbols on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device.
[0145]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the invention of claim 1, the display result derived and displayed after the stop of the fluctuation of the production variable display device is also related to the operation timing of the production stop operation means, and the production is more interesting. The interest of the game can be improved. In addition, the second stop control means does not need to have a plurality of control patterns because the variable display device for production is caused to change at a specific position by changing according to a specific type of predetermined manner, and the control burden is reduced. Can be reduced.In addition, the number of stop operation modes when stopping the change of the production variable display device is abundant, and the entertainment of the game can be improved.
[0146]
According to the invention of claim 2, the effect due to the variation of the effect variable display device is not continued as it is to the game after the game that should originally be ended, so that the player is not confused. In addition, it is possible to prevent the production by the production variable display device from being canceled by the player's unconscious setting operation of the number of bets and automatic setting of the number of bets based on the replay winning.
[0148]
  Claim3According to the invention, since the stop operation mode of the production variable display device changes according to the determination result of the pre-decision means, the degree of expectation can be varied depending on the difference in the stop operation mode, and the interest of the game is improved. Can be made. Moreover, since the effect control means determines the change mode and the stop operation mode, the load on the game control means can be reduced.
[0149]
  Claim4According to this invention, since the timing when starting the change of the production variable display device is varied for each game and the production mode is abundant, the entertainment of the game can be improved.
[0150]
  Claim5According to the invention, even if the display result of the production variable display device is the same, the reliability varies depending on the difference in the start timing, and there are a variety of production modes to improve the interest of the game. be able to.
[0151]
  Claim6According to this invention, the operation for stopping the effect variable display device by the second stop control means at a specific position is simplified, and the control load can be reduced.
[0152]
  Claim7According to this invention, it is possible to prevent the player from being misunderstood by the display result when the change of the effect variable display device is stopped by the second stop control means.
[0153]
  Claim8According to the invention, the player's expectation on the result of the effect by the effect variable display device can be maintained until at least the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed.
[0154]
  Claim9According to this invention, the stop operation means for production and the variable stop operation means can be easily identified, and the erroneous operation can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an overall structure of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a view showing an internal structure visually recognized in a state in which a front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1 is opened.
3 is a view showing the structure of the back side of the front door of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of symbols on each reel constituting the variable display device.
5 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing circuit components and signal wirings mounted on a game control board and an effect control board.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth reel variation start / stop mode determination table stored in a ROM in the effect control board.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the control unit in the game control board for each game.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing command reception / fourth stop operation standby processing executed by the control unit of the effect control board.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth reel fluctuation start timing determination table applied to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 slot machine
3L, 3C, 3R main reel
3F 4th reel
12L, 12C, 12R Stop button
12F 4th stop button
101 Game control board
102 Production control board

Claims (9)

By setting the number of bets for one game, it is possible to start the game. When the display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed, one game is completed, and according to the display result of the variable display device In a slot machine where a predetermined winning can occur,
A means for determining in advance whether or not to allow the occurrence of the predetermined prize, wherein the generation of a special prize accompanying a transition to a special gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state as the predetermined prize Pre-determining means including special deciding means for deciding whether to allow ,
It is provided separately from the variable display device, and can be changed in a plurality of types by mechanical operation. By changing the display state, the display state is changed, and the predetermined display is made by stopping the change. A variable display device for presentation capable of deriving and displaying a result, and indicating the possibility of occurrence of the predetermined winning by the pre-determining means;
In the operation effective period set in the effect period from when the effect variable display device starts to fluctuate at a timing related to the progress state of the predetermined game until the predetermined condition is satisfied, the player can perform the effect Stop operation means for production for deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device;
An effect variable display control means for controlling the effect variable display device;
The production variable display control means includes:
From a plurality of types of variation modes, variation mode selection means for selecting a variation mode from the start of variation of the production variable display device until the variation stop,
Before the production stop operation means is operated, one of the plurality of types of stop operation modes predetermined for the production variable display device is selected, and the production variable is selected. Stop mode selection means for selecting a stop position for stopping fluctuations of the display device;
Fluctuation control means for varying the effect variable display device according to the variation aspect selected by the variation aspect selection means;
When the production stop operation means is operated during the operation effective period, a first change of the production variable display device is stopped so that a display result corresponding to a display position at the time of the operation is derived and displayed. Stop control means;
When the predetermined condition is satisfied without operating the stop operation means for the effect, the variable display device for the effect is displayed regardless of the variation mode of the variable display device for the effect when the predetermined condition is satisfied. after the variation due to predetermined one type of embodiment, seen including a second stop control means for stopping at a particular predetermined positions,
The first stop control means stops the change of the effect variable display device according to the stop operation mode selected by the stop mode selection means, and changes the display according to the display position when operating the effect stop operation means. Stop the variation of the production variable display device at the stop position selected by the stop mode selection means,
The stop mode selection means determines that the specific position is allowed as the stop position of the effect variable display device, and when the special prize is allowed to be generated, the special prize is generated. A slot machine characterized by a higher probability than when not . Variable start operation means for starting variable display by the variable display device by a player's operation;
Variable stop operation means for deriving and displaying the display result of the variable display device by the player's operation,
The said predetermined condition is satisfied when the said variable start operation means is operated regarding the game after the game used as the opportunity for the said variable display device for production to start fluctuating. Slot machine. Game control means including the prior decision means, and transmitting control information including decision result control information indicating the decision result of the prior decision means,
Provided separately from the game control means, including at least the effect variable display control means, receiving control information transmitted from the game control means, and controlling execution of the effect based on the received control information Production control means for
The variation mode selection unit selects the variation mode based on the determination result control information received from the game control unit,
The stop operation mode selecting means, based on the determination result control information received from the game control means, the slot machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that selecting the stopping operation mode. Variation of the effect variable display, in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is started in any of the start timing of the predetermined plurality of types of start timing in one game The described slot machine. The display result stopped by the first stop control means indicates the determination result information regarding the determination result of the prior determination means, and the probability that the display start result is more consistent with the determination result of the prior determination means as the start timing of the fluctuation is later. The slot machine according to claim 4 , wherein the slot machine is high. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the specific position is provided at only one place in the production variable display device. The display result when the change of the effect variable display device is stopped at the specific position by the second stop control means indicates determination result information regarding all the determination results that can be determined by the prior determination means. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the slot machine is capable of. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the operation valid period is set when a display result of the variable display device is derived and displayed. A variable stop operation means for deriving and displaying a display result of the variable display device by a player's operation
The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the production stop operation means is configured to be distinguishable from the variable stop operation means.

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