JP4512800B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a result of a game is determined by a combination when a symbol display is changed for each game and then a symbol is stopped and displayed.

  In this type of gaming machine, for example, a game is displayed in which a combination of symbols is displayed using a plurality of display bodies called “reels”. Specifically, after the reel is rotated for each game and the display of the symbol is changed, when the player performs an operation for stopping the reel, the reel is stopped by the stop control corresponding to this operation. The When a predetermined symbol combination is displayed when all the reels are stopped, medals are paid out and a transition to a bonus game is performed.

  The above stop control is intended to display as much as possible the combination of symbols determined in advance by internal lottery, and the timing of the operation to stop this for each rotating reel is somewhat. Even if it is fast, control is performed to shift the stop position of the reel as much as possible (so-called “slip control”, “pull-in control”, etc.). However, stop control has an allowable range in which the reel stop position can be shifted (time limit from the stop operation until the reel is stopped), so in order to actually display the symbol combination, it is within the allowable range. The player is required to have a skill (so-called “pressing”) for performing the operation at the timing when it falls.

  The above skill varies depending on the proficiency level of the player. Usually, beginners who are unfamiliar with games have less skill, so even if they are won by lottery, it is often impossible to display a combination of symbols and miss a medal. On the other hand, the skilled player tends to acquire more medals than beginners because less medals are missed, which is unfair to an unfamiliar player.

In order to eliminate such unfairness, a prior art is known in which a reel is automatically stopped without depending on a player's operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this prior art, when the player performs an operation to rotate the reel, the reel is automatically controlled to stop thereafter, and if an internal lottery is won, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning result is automatically set. Will be displayed. In this case, since the player is not required to have a skill such as “to push”, it is considered that an amount of medals according to the lottery result can be surely obtained regardless of the skill level of the player.
JP-A-2004-255135 (page 2-3, FIG. 3)

  However, if the reel stop control is fully automated as in the prior art, the player will not have to do it after rotating the reel in every game, but will simply wait until the reel automatically stops. . During this time, there is no room for players to actively intervene, reflect their skills, or test their skills. I felt as if the machine was denied my skill, and it was rather fun. On the other hand, for unskilled players, there is no opportunity to polish or test their skills by leaving the machine to the end, so it feels as if the machine's ambition is denied to the machine, It will be fun.

  Therefore, the present invention intends to provide a technique capable of suppressing a decrease in the interest of the player and maintaining the game motivation as much as possible.

(Basic means)
When the gaming machine of the present invention receives a player's start operation in a state where a predetermined number of game values are multiplied in order to play one game, a plurality of movable display bodies having a symbol row in the circumferential direction are rotated. Then, the symbol row is changed, and thereafter, when a plurality of stop operations by the player are sequentially received, the rotation of the movable display bodies is stopped one by one in the order in which the stop operations are received, and all the movable display bodies are When the rotation of the game stops, in a gaming machine that determines the result of each game based on the combination of symbols displayed across the plurality of movable display bodies, a predetermined internal lottery for each game The internal lottery means for determining whether or not any of a plurality of types of winning results prepared in advance and a combination of symbols to be displayed when all the movable display bodies are stopped are previously displayed. A stop display mode defining means for defining the winning results in association with each other, a stop operation accepting means for accepting the stop operation one or more times to stop the plurality of movable display bodies one by one, When it is determined in the internal lottery performed by the internal lottery means that the game corresponds to at least one of the winning results, the stop operation is accepted by the stop operation accepting means while the movable display body is rotating. If it is determined, by controlling the stop position seen in the circumferential direction of each movable display based on the type of the winning result determined to be applicable, the pattern is defined in association with the type of the winning result Stop position control means that allows a combination of the two to be displayed, and the stop operation by the player for all the movable display bodies. As a result of the fact that the stop position of each of the movable display bodies is controlled by the stop position control means, the symbol stops in a manner associated with the type of the winning result determined to be applicable When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the movable display body is rotated with the start operation as a trigger, a bonus grant means for granting a bonus according to the type of the winning result to the player, Automatic stop means for automatically stopping the rotation of the movable display body in such a manner that a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning result of the type determined to be applicable is not displayed.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the stop operation of the movable display body is basically entrusted to the player, and when the player performs the stop operation, a combination of symbols corresponding to the type of the winning result at that time is displayed. Therefore, stop control of the movable display body is performed. There are a plurality of types of winning results, and the stop operation when displaying a combination of symbols depending on the type may be relatively easy or difficult. The degree of difficulty of such a stop operation differs depending on the arrangement pattern of the symbol sequence attached to the movable display body. Generally, if there are many symbols constituting a combination in one symbol sequence, the stop operation is performed accordingly. The timing tends to be easier, and conversely, if there are symbols that do not exist in the symbol row, the timing of the stop operation tends to be more difficult. Therefore, whether or not the combination of symbols is actually displayed depends on the type of the winning result and the timing of the stop operation on the rotating movable display body, so that the player has an opportunity to demonstrate his / her skills. Guaranteed.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the rotation of the movable display body, the rotation of the movable display body is automatically stopped regardless of the stop operation of the player. Yes. Such an automatic stop avoids a situation where the player intentionally spends a longer time than necessary for one game or the movable display body continues to rotate for a long time without the player. It is effective for. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, in the case of such an automatic stop, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning result is not arbitrarily displayed by the machine. Therefore, even if an internal lottery is won, the combination of symbols will not be displayed unless the player performs the stop operation himself, so the player can demonstrate his or her own skill, You will not be deprived of the opportunity to try out or improve your skills.

  According to the above basic means, even if it has a configuration that automatically stops the rotation of the movable display body, the player is surely guaranteed an opportunity to intervene and reflect their own technology, Accordingly, there is an advantage that a decrease in interest is suppressed, and that the willingness to play is not reduced. In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention can employ the following solution.

(Solution 1)
When the gaming machine of the present invention receives a player's start operation in a state where a predetermined number of game values are multiplied in order to play one game, a plurality of movable display bodies having a symbol row in the circumferential direction are rotated. Then, the symbol row is changed, and thereafter, when a plurality of stop operations by the player are sequentially received, the rotation of the movable display bodies is stopped one by one in the order in which the stop operations are received, and all the movable display bodies are When the rotation of the game stops, in a gaming machine that determines the result of each game based on the combination of symbols displayed across the plurality of movable display bodies, a predetermined internal lottery for each game The internal lottery means for determining whether or not any of a plurality of types of winning results prepared in advance and a combination of symbols to be displayed when all the movable display bodies are stopped are previously displayed. A stop display mode defining means for defining the winning results in association with each other, a stop operation accepting means for accepting the stop operation one or more times to stop the plurality of movable display bodies one by one, When it is determined in the internal lottery performed by the internal lottery means that the game corresponds to at least one of the winning results, the stop operation is accepted by the stop operation accepting means while the movable display body is rotating. If it is determined, by controlling the stop position seen in the circumferential direction of each movable display based on the type of the winning result determined to be applicable, the pattern is defined in association with the type of the winning result Stop position control means that allows a combination of the two to be displayed, and the stop operation by the player for all the movable display bodies. As a result of the fact that the stop position of each of the movable display bodies is controlled by the stop position control means, the symbol stops in a manner associated with the type of the winning result determined to be applicable When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the movable display body is rotated with the start operation as a trigger, a bonus granting means for granting a bonus according to the type of the winning result to the player, all types of An automatic stop means for stopping the rotation of the movable display body regardless of the stop operation by the player in a manner avoiding display of a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning result, and triggered by the start operation After at least one movable display body is stopped due to the stop operation by the player after the movable display body is rotated, the other movable display bodies are rotating. And a stop suppressing means for suppressing the stop by the automatic stopping means.

  In this solution, basically, the stop operation of the movable display body is entrusted to the player, and when the player performs the stop operation, it is movable to display a combination of symbols corresponding to the type of the winning result at that time. Display body stop control is performed. In the present solution, the movable display body can be automatically stopped. Such an automatic stop avoids a situation where the player intentionally spends a longer time than necessary for one game or the movable display body continues to rotate for a long time without the player. It is effective for.

  There are a plurality of types of winning results of the internal lottery, and the stop operation when displaying a combination of symbols depending on the type may be relatively easy or difficult. The degree of difficulty of such a stop operation differs depending on the arrangement pattern of the symbol sequence attached to the movable display body. Generally, if there are many symbols constituting a combination in one symbol sequence, the stop operation is performed accordingly. The timing tends to be easier, and conversely, if there are symbols that do not exist in the symbol row, the timing of the stop operation tends to be more difficult. Therefore, whether or not the combination of symbols is actually displayed depends on the type of the winning result and the timing of the stop operation on the rotating movable display body, so that the player has an opportunity to demonstrate his / her skills. Guaranteed.

  However, among the plural types of winning results, there is a case in which a combination of symbols is surely displayed by simply performing a stop operation by the player without requiring a special skill. This is because there are many symbols (such as symbols corresponding to general small roles and replays) constituting such a combination in one symbol row. Therefore, if this type of winning result is met in a certain game, if the player simply performs the stop operation for the number of times corresponding to all the movable display objects in this game, the rest is surely performed by the stop position control means. A combination of symbols will be displayed.

  As described above, for the type of winning result that is extremely easy to stop, the combination of symbols is displayed without permission even when the rotating movable display body is automatically stopped. Such a situation may occur when a simple stop operation of a player (such as performing a stop operation continuously at a certain time interval) is directly replaced with a mechanical operation. However, in this case, there is no difference in the result between when the player performs a stop operation by himself and stops the movable display body and when the machine automatically stops. The meaning of “operating” is diminished, and it is difficult to obtain the satisfaction that the player has displayed the combination of symbols.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the predetermined condition is satisfied while the movable display body is rotating, the rotation of the movable display body is stopped regardless of the stop operation by the player. Display of a combination of symbols corresponding to the type of winning result is avoided. Therefore, regardless of whether or not an internal lottery has been won, if the player does not perform a stop operation on his own and just waits for an automatic stop, the combination of symbols corresponding to any winning result will be displayed. Therefore, the player is not deprived of the opportunity to demonstrate his / her skills, test his / her skills, or improve his / her skills.

  The combinations of symbols mentioned here are not only those that are given game value by being displayed, but those that can be replayed, so-called big bonus games, regular bonus games, etc. Those that trigger the transition to a special gaming state are also included.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the present invention, when the movable display body is automatically stopped without depending on the player's stop operation, the player can stop his / her own stop operation by not displaying the combination of symbols corresponding to all winning results. However, depending on the type of the winning result, there are some combinations of symbols that do not necessarily require difficulty in the timing of the stop operation for all movable display bodies.

  For example, in the case of combining the same number of symbols as the total number of movable display bodies (3 or more), if only one particular type of symbol is included in the combination, what is the other symbol type? There is a combination (so-called “single pattern”) that does not matter. In such a combination, the player needs to carefully perform the stop operation only for a single movable display body, and no special skill is required for the stop operation of other movable display bodies.

  Then, if a player performs a stop operation with his / her skill on a single movable display body and succeeds in including a specific type of pattern in the combination at the time of the stop, the other movable display bodies are very simply It is only necessary to perform a stop operation. In this case, if the predetermined condition is satisfied while the remaining movable display body is rotating, the remaining movable display body is stopped by the automatic stop means regardless of the player's stop operation. When such an automatic stop is performed, a combination of symbols (single symbol) is displayed without reflecting the player's stop operation to the end for all the movable display bodies. This may give the impression that the combination of symbols has been automatically displayed by the machine at the end even though the player has demonstrated his / her own skill for stopping the single movable display.

  Therefore, in the present solution means, when at least one movable display body is stopped by the stop operation of the player, the other movable display bodies are prevented from being stopped by the automatic stop means. As a result, if the player carefully stops the single movable display as described above, the player respects the stop operation to the end, and the player himself also applies to the remaining movable display. It is possible to accept a stop operation.

(Solution 2)
In the solving means 1, the automatic stopping means is configured to move the movable display body when the predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the stop operation by the player is not performed once after all the movable display bodies are rotated. Stop the rotation of the display.

  In this case, after the movable display body is rotated in one game, it is possible to stop by the automatic stop means in consideration of the situation that the player has not performed the stop operation even once. For this reason, when the player performs a stop operation even once as described above, the stop by the automatic stop means can be reliably suppressed at that time.

(Solution 3)
Alternatively, in the solving means 1 and 2, the automatic stop means is provided on the condition that a predetermined time has passed without the stop operation being performed after the movable display body is rotated in response to the start operation. The rotation of the movable display can also be stopped.

  According to this solution, after the movable display body is rotated in one game, the automatic operation is performed in consideration of the situation where the player has not performed the stop operation even after a predetermined time has elapsed. The stop by the stop means can be performed. In this case, for example, by setting the above-mentioned predetermined time to an average required time for one game, it is possible to prevent a single game from taking a longer time than necessary, or a player in a game hall However, a situation in which the movable display body continues to rotate after it leaves the gaming machine seat while the movable display body is rotated is effectively avoided.

(Solution 4)
Further, in the solving means 1 and 2, the automatic stop means does not perform the stop operation in a state where the movable display body is rotated by the start operation and all the movable display bodies are rotated at a constant speed. The rotation of the movable display body can be stopped on condition that a predetermined time has passed without being performed.

  In general, the movable display body exhibits a certain degree of transient behavior during the period from the stop state to the steady rotation state. During this time, since the rotational speed of the movable display body is not stable, the manner in which the pattern fluctuates on the surface is not constant. For this reason, in order to be able to execute a game under stable conditions, it is desirable that the player can perform a stop operation after the rotation of all the movable display bodies is stabilized.

  Therefore, in this solution, it is said that the player has not performed a stop operation even after a predetermined time has elapsed after all the movable display bodies have started rotating and have entered a steady (or stable) rotating state. In consideration of the situation, the automatic stop means is used for stopping. Thereby, in addition to the solution means 3, an automatic stop can be performed under more suitable conditions.

(Solution 5)
In solving means 1 to 4, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, after the start operation, the movable display body is rotated, and at least one of the movable display bodies is caused by the stop operation by the player. As a result of stopping, even if the other movable display bodies are rotating, a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning result determined to be applicable in the current game when all the movable display bodies are stopped is displayed. When the specific condition is satisfied in a state where there is no possibility that the player will stop, the apparatus further includes specific stop means for stopping the rotation of the other movable display body regardless of the stop operation by the player.

  As described in Solution 1 above, any of the other types of symbols may be used as long as the plurality of types of winning results include one specific type of symbol in the corresponding symbol combination ( Single pattern). With regard to such symbol combinations, even if the player performs a stop operation on one movable display body, a situation may occur in which a specific type of symbol cannot be included in the combination without reaching the skill level. . In this case, even if the other movable display bodies are still rotating, it has already been determined that no symbol combination is displayed in the current game. Under such circumstances, the combination of symbols will no longer be displayed no matter how hard the player has made to stop the remaining movable display, so even if the machine is operated, the movable display stops automatically. Even if it is done, it does not mean that the player's skill is denied.

  Therefore, in the present solution, the specific condition is satisfied in a state in which the player has stopped the at least one movable display body, and there is no possibility that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning result at that time is displayed. The remaining movable display bodies are automatically stopped. In this case, there is an advantage that the player does not bother to perform the stop operation of the remaining movable display bodies in a state where it is determined that any combination of symbols is not displayed.

(Solution 6)
Alternatively, in the solving means 1 to 4, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, at least one of the movable displays caused by the stop operation by the player after the movable display body is rotated after the start operation. As a result of the body being stopped or the two movable display bodies being stopped, even if the other movable display bodies are rotating, any of the winning results when all the movable display bodies are stopped Specific stop means for stopping the rotation of the other movable display body regardless of the stop operation by the player when a specific condition is satisfied in a state where there is no possibility that a combination of symbols corresponding to Further prepare.

  In this solution, regardless of what is the result of the internal lottery at that time (winning or winning), one movable display body is stopped due to the player's stop operation, or two movable displays When the body is stopped, if the symbol has already stopped in a state where none of the combinations can be displayed, the remaining movable display bodies are automatically stopped when certain conditions are met It is supposed to be.

  For example, when the player has performed the stop operation for the first and second movable display bodies, the symbols have already been disjointed (the same symbols are not lined up on the effective line forming the combination) ) If you do your best after this, there is no possibility of getting the symbols. In this case as well, there is an advantage that the player does not have to perform the stop operation of the remaining movable display body in a state where it is determined that any combination of symbols is not displayed.

(Solution 7)
In the solving means 5 and 6, the specific stop means stops the rotation of the movable display body on condition that a predetermined time has passed without the player performing the stop operation on the rotating movable display body.

  In this case, as a result of the player performing the stop operation even once, it is confirmed that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning type at that time is not displayed (so-called “deletion confirmation”), or two When the movable display body of the eyes is stopped, the movable display body rotates as long as the player does not stop the rest of the game. The situation of continuing to do is effectively avoided. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of the player, there is an advantage that the machine stops without permission if it waits for a predetermined time without having to stop the remaining movable display by itself.

  The gaming machine of the present invention can suppress a decrease in interest and motivation by guaranteeing an opportunity for technical intervention by a player. In addition, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the operation of the gaming machine as much as possible by encouraging the player to actively perform technical intervention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a rotating game machine will be described with reference to the corresponding drawings.

(1. Overview of Embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a slot machine 1 which is an embodiment of a rotating type gaming machine. The slot machine 1 in FIG. 1 is of a type that uses, for example, medals, coins or the like as game media. In addition, there is a type using a game ball (so-called “parrot machine”) as a spinning-type game machine, and this type is also suitable as an embodiment. Further, in implementing the present invention, no substantial difference is caused regardless of which type is applied.

  The slot machine 1 includes a box-shaped housing 2 in which various components are accommodated. Moreover, the housing | casing 2 has the front door 4 in the front facing a player, and this front door 4 can be opened to the front centering on one side end (left side end in this example). The front door 4 has a flat transparent plate 6 at the middle position thereof, and a rectangular display window 8 is formed at the center thereof.

(1-1. Movable display)
The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a reel device as an example of a mechanical symbol display device, and this reel device has three reels (left reel, middle reel, right reel) 10a as a plurality of movable display bodies. , 10b, 10c. These three reels 10 a, 10 b, and 10 c are arranged at the back of the front door 4, that is, inside the housing 2, and are visible from the front side through the display window 8.

  Each reel 10a, 10b, 10c has a reel band around the outer periphery thereof, and various patterns are attached to the surface thereof. Although not shown in FIG. 1, for example, symbols such as the numbers “7” and “BAR”, bells, watermelons, plums, apples, cherries, etc., or the slot machine 1 Characters, figures, symbols and the like that characterize the model are included.

  The slot machine 1 can change or stop the display of symbols by rotating or stopping the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c. From the front surface of the slot machine 1, only a part of the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c is visible through the display window 8, and three symbols in the vertical direction for each reel 10a, 10b, and 10c when stopped. Is effectively displayed. In the present embodiment, a known reel device can be adopted, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Display areas 12 and 14 are respectively formed on both sides of the display window 8 in the transparent plate 6, and various kinds of character information and information such as figures and symbols are arranged in a predetermined arrangement in the display areas 12 and 14. It is attached. A lamp unit (not shown) is disposed behind the transparent plate 6, and information in the display areas 12 and 14 is lit and displayed by transmitting light from the lamp. For example, when a player inserts a medal through the medal insertion slot 15 for the first time, the multiplication number of medals, that is, the number of bets is added according to the number of inserted medals, and the left display area 12 corresponds to the number of bets. The active line lamp is lit up. At this time, if the medal acceptance operation in the slot machine 1 is in the credit mode, medals inserted exceeding the maximum bet number (for example, 3 bets) are stored as credits, and the credit number is numerically displayed on the display unit 16. .

  For example, up to 50 credits can be stored. If there is enough credit remaining after one game, the amount can be used for the next bet. The number of bets is selected by operating the bet buttons 18, 20, and 22. The bet buttons 18, 20, and 22 are respectively a single bet (1), 2 bets (2), and a MAX bet (3). Multiply).

  In the game of the slot machine 1, the difference in the number of bets becomes the difference in the number of effective lines defined in the display window 8 (and the lottery probability also differs). Normally, three symbols are effectively displayed in the vertical direction for each reel 10a, 10b, 10c in the display window 8, so that nine symbols are arranged in a matrix in the display window 8 as a whole. The line is a virtual line for defining a direction in which three symbols arranged in the display window 8 are viewed as one combination.

  For example, if the number of bets is 1, there is only one effective line, and the effective line in this case is defined in the horizontal direction at the middle position of the matrix. When the number of bets is increased to two, two horizontal effective lines are added to the upper and lower positions in addition to the middle position, and a total of three effective lines are defined. Then, when the number of bets reaches the maximum (= 3), two right-up and right-down effective lines, which are a combination of symbols in an oblique direction, are added, and five effective lines are defined in total. These effective lines are all linear, but there are cases where an effective line that is bent in the middle is defined in addition to these, and these are called “anomalous lines” or the like.

  In any case, when the player bets medals for each game and operates the start lever 24 in a state where the effective line lamp is lit and displayed, the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c start to rotate, and the symbol display changes. . When the player operates the stop buttons 26, 28, and 30 while the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are rotating, the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c corresponding to the right, middle, and left respectively stop rotating and the symbols are displayed. The fluctuation stops. At this time, it is determined whether or not a combination of symbols is displayed on the active line, and if a predefined symbol combination is displayed, some privilege is given to the player.

  When a medal is paid out as a privilege, the payout number is displayed on the display unit 32. In the credit mode, the paid out medals are added to the credits on the display unit 16 and stored. Of the medals paid out at this time, medals exceeding the maximum number of credits are paid out to the tray 38 through the payout opening 36. The player can also cancel the credit mode by operating the settlement button 40 and settle the medal storage (credit).

  The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a liquid crystal display 42 above the display window 8, and the liquid crystal display 42 is used to provide images for effects and various bonus games as the game progresses. The number of medals is displayed. In addition, two speakers 44 are provided on the left and right of the payout opening 36, and sound effects, BGM, sounds, and the like accompanying the progress of the game are output from these speakers 44. In addition, lamps 45, 46, and 48 are arranged at various locations on the front door 4, and these lamps 45, 46, and 48 can perform effects by light-emitting decoration according to the gaming state.

(2. Internal structure of slot machine)
FIG. 2 schematically shows configurations of various mechanism elements, electronic devices, operation members, and the like that are installed in the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 has a main control board 50 for comprehensively controlling the progress of the game. The main control board 50 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface, etc. (all not shown). Has been implemented.

  The bet buttons 18, 20, 22 and the start lever 24, the stop buttons 26, 28, 30 and the settlement button 40 are all connected to the main control board 50, and these operation buttons use sensors (not shown). The operation by the player can be detected and the operation signal can be output to the main control board 50.

  The housing 2 accommodates other devices together with the main control board 50, and various signals are input from these devices to the main control board 50. In addition to the reel device 10 having the three reels 10a to 10c, the devices include a medal selector 52 and a hopper device 54.

  The reel device 10 has a position sensor (not shown) for detecting a reference position related to the rotation of each reel 10a, 10b, 10c, and a detection signal (index signal) from these position sensors is a main control board. 50 is input. The medal selector 52 detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 15 one by one and outputs a detection signal (inserted medal signal) to the main control board 50.

  The display unit 16 is connected to the main control board 50, and the display unit 16 performs numerical display using, for example, a 7-segment LED. When the main control board 50 adds the number of credits based on the medal detection signal, the value can be displayed numerically on the display unit 16.

  A control signal is output from the main control board 50 to the reel device 10 and the hopper device 54. That is, the reel device 10 has a built-in stepping motor (not shown) for rotating the reels 10a, 10b, 10c, and a drive pulse signal for controlling the rotation and stop of these stepping motors is a main control. Output from the substrate 50. The hopper device 54 receives a drive signal from the main control board 50 in accordance with the displayed combination of symbols, and the hopper device 54 performs a medal payout operation.

  The hopper device 54 incorporates a payout sensor (not shown) that detects the payout medals one by one, and a payout medal signal for each medal is input to the main control board 50 from the payout sensor. ing. The display unit 32 can also display a numerical value by the 7-segment LED. When the main control board 50 instructs the payout of medals, the display unit 32 can display the number of payouts numerically.

  The slot machine 1 includes a sub control board 56 in addition to the main control board 50. The sub control board 56 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an interface, a VDP, a sound source IC, an audio amplifier, etc. (all of which are shown in the figure). Not implemented). The sub-control board 56 receives various command signals from the main control board 50 and controls the operation of the liquid crystal display 42 and the speaker 44, as well as decorative lamps 45, 46 and 48, and a back lamp for the reel device 10 (illustrated). The lighting or flashing is not controlled.

  Further, an external terminal board 58 is connected to the main control board 50, and the slot machine 1 is connected to the hall computer 60 in the game hall via the external terminal board 58. The external terminal board 58 relays various signals (inserted medal signal, payout medal signal, game status, etc.) transmitted from the main control board 50 to the hall computer 60.

  In addition, a power supply unit 62 is accommodated in the housing 2, and the power supply unit 62 takes in power from an external power source and generates power necessary for the operation of the slot machine 1. The electric power generated here is supplied from the power supply unit 62 to each unit.

  The power supply unit 62 is provided with a power switch 64, a setting key switch 66, a reset switch 68, and the like. None of these switches are exposed to the outside of the housing 2 and can be operated only by opening the front door 4 thereof. Among them, the power switch 64 is for turning on / off the power supply to the slot machine 1, and the setting key switch 66 is for changing the settings (for example, settings 1 to 6) of the slot machine 1. . The reset switch 68 is used to cancel an error that has occurred in the slot machine 1 and is also operated when changing the setting together with the setting key switch 66.

(3. Game processing)
Next, the flow of game processing in the slot machine 1 will be described. The following game processing proceeds in accordance with a processing procedure on a control program executed by the CPU of the main control board 50.

(3-1. Revolute game processing)
FIG. 3 shows one processing procedure for one basic game (rotating game) in the slot machine 1. One game starts from start processing (step S10). This starting process is a process for starting the rotation of the reels 10a, 10b, 10c. Here, a random number triggered by the insertion of a medal or the operation of the bet buttons 18, 20, 22 or the operation of the start lever 24 is used. A process such as lottery is performed. The details of the starting process (step S10) will be described later in detail using another flowchart.

  In one game, a stop process (step S20) is executed following the start process (step S10). This stop process stops the rotation of each of the reels 10a to 10c and controls the stop position, and this usually corresponds to a process called “reel control”. There are two types of reel control performed in the stop process, for example, a table method and a control method, and either of them may be used here. This stop process will also be described later using another flowchart.

  When the reel device 10 is stopped by the stop process, a determination process (step S30) is performed next. This determination process is for determining a combination (out) of symbols displayed when all the reels 10a, 10b, 10c are stopped, and providing a game result corresponding to the combination when it falls under a predefined combination. is there.

(3-2. Examples of symbol combinations)
For example, three symbols of the same type (for example, “bell”, “watermelon”, “replay”, “7”, “V”, “BAR”, etc.) are included in the combination of the prescribed symbols determined in the stop processing. There are combinations and combinations of multiple types of symbols (for example, “7-7-V”, “BAR-BAR-7”, etc.). In addition, as long as one type of symbol (for example, “cherry”) is present at the position of the left end (displayed on the left reel 10a), the type of the other two symbols (middle symbol / right symbol) is not limited. A single symbol combination (often written as “cherry-ANY-ANY” or the like) is also defined.

(3-3. Game results and benefits)
In addition, the benefits given to the player as a game result include, for example, payout of medals, transition to various bonus games, replay (replay), and the like. In general, a combination of symbols in which medals are paid out is referred to as “small role” or the like, and a symbol constituting the combination is referred to as “small role symbol” or the like. Replay (replay) allows the next game to be played with the same multiplier as that game, and the corresponding combination is called “replay”, and the symbols constituting the combination are “replay symbols”. Or the like. Furthermore, a symbol constituting a combination that triggers a transition to a bonus game is referred to as a “bonus symbol” or the like. The specific contents of the determination process will also be described using another flowchart after the stop process.

(3-4. Start processing)
FIG. 4 specifically shows the contents of the start process. Here, first, the insertion of medals or the operation of the bet buttons 18, 20, and 22 is awaited (step S101). As long as the player does not insert medals or bets (No), the start lever 24 is not activated, so the determination in Step S104 is denied (No) and the standby state (Step S101) continues to be looped. When a medal is inserted or a bet operation is received, an acceptance process (step S102) is performed, and an effective line lamp is turned on according to the number of bets. In the acceptance process (step S102), a medal insertion command or a bet command is transmitted from the sub control board 48 to the sub control board 56.

  Subsequent to the acceptance process (step S102), a start lever valid process (step S103) is performed, and the operation of the start lever 24 is substantially validated for the first time. In this state, when the player operates the start lever 24 (start operation), the determination in step S104 is affirmed (Yes), and the start lever invalidation process (step S105) is performed in preparation for the next game.

  When the start lever 24 is operated, random numbers are extracted in response to the operation (step S106). The random number used here may be either a software random number or a hardware random number. Further, the timing for extracting the random number after receiving the operation of the start lever 24 is not particularly defined, and an appropriate extraction timing can be set in the programming process.

  In the next flag process (step S107), an internal lottery is performed. Here, the term “internal” refers to the fact that lottery is performed in the control process of the main control board 50, and the contents of the lottery (specific random number value, winning value, etc.) are not felt by the player. It is something that has not been obtained. In any case, in the flag processing, winning / losing is determined from the extracted random number value, and a flag corresponding to the type of winning result (for example, big bonus, regular bonus, small role, replay, etc.) is turned ON, A winning flag command is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 56. Note that when a lottery is lost, a flag indicating a loss (loss) is turned ON. Further, when the random number value extracted in step S106 corresponds to a special loss, a flag indicating the special loss may be turned on.

  When the above flag processing (step S107) is performed, it is determined whether or not the wait timer started in the previous start processing has timed up (for example, 4.1 seconds have elapsed) (step S108). When time-up (Yes) is confirmed, each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is started (step S109), and a wait timer from this point to the next start is started (step S110).

  Subsequently, after the rotating drum start (step S109), it is determined whether or not all the reels 10a, 10b, 10c have reached a constant rotational speed (for example, about 80 revolutions per minute) (step S111). When it is determined that all the reels 10a, 10b, 10c have reached a constant rotational speed (Yes), counting of the automatic stop timer is started therefrom (step S112). The process using the automatic stop timer will be described in the next reel stop process.

(3-3. Reel stop processing (1))
FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show the contents of the reel stop process (1) by the table method as an example. Since a known technique can be basically applied to the reel control, the flow of processing will be schematically described here, and processing unique to the present embodiment will be described therein.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, in the reel stop process, first, a reel control table is selected according to a flag representing the winning result at that time (step S2000). A reel control table having a plurality of patterns for all the winning results is prepared in advance, and these are stored in the ROM of the main control board 50 as read-only table data.

  When the reel control table is selected, it is next determined whether or not the first reel stop flag is in an OFF state (= 0) (step S2001). When any one of the three reels 10a, 10b, and 10c is stopped first, the first reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1).

  If none of the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c has been stopped yet (step S2001 = Yes), it is next determined whether or not the automatic stop timer has expired (step S2002). The count value of the automatic stop timer can be set to about 30 to 40 seconds, for example. Therefore, even if all the three reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are rotating (step S2001 = Yes), if the automatic stop timer has not expired (step S2002 = No), the reel stop process (1) shown in FIG. ) Is carried over to the procedure of FIG. 5B (from connection symbol 1 to 1).

  Thereafter, the reel stop process (1) is in a standby state until any of the three stop buttons 26, 28, 30 is pressed (steps S202, S210, S217). That is, in these standby states, it is determined whether or not the left, middle and right reels 10a, 10b and 10c have already been stopped, and any one of the left, middle and right stop buttons 26, It is determined whether or not 28 and 30 are pressed. If none of the stop buttons 26, 28, 30 is pressed, the determinations in steps S202, S210, S217 are all denied (No). Further, since all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are not stopped at this stage, the determination in step S209 is denied (No), and the reel stop process (1) returns to the procedure of FIG. 5A (connection symbol 2 → 2 ).

(3-3-1. Processing when a stop operation is performed)
Next, processing when the player stops the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c by his / her stop operation will be described.

  For example, if the left stop button 26 is first pressed in accordance with a so-called “forward push” or “forward scissor push” procedure (step S202 = Yes), the first reel stop flag is not set at this time ( Therefore, the first reel stop process (step S204) is executed for the left reel 10a. Here, the “first reel stop process” means a process for stopping the reel first.

  Alternatively, when the center stop button 28 is first pressed in accordance with the so-called “middle push” procedure (step S210 = Yes, step S211 = Yes), the first reel stop process (step S212) is executed for the middle reel 10b. The

  In addition to this, when the right stop button 30 is first pressed in accordance with the so-called “reverse push” or “reverse scissor push” procedure (step S217 = Yes, step S218 = Yes), the right reel 10c A one reel stop process (step S219) is executed.

  When the first reel stop process (steps S204, S212, and S219) is performed for any one of the left, middle, and right reels 10a, 10b, and 10c, a plurality of patterns corresponding to the flags at that time are applied to the remaining two reels. One table pattern is newly selected from the reel control table based on the random number value (steps S206, S214, and S221). For example, if the winning type at that time is “bell”, a reel control table of a plurality of patterns is prepared in advance to stop the symbol “bell” on the reels 10a to 10c on the effective line for this winning flag. This means that one pattern is selected again. When one pattern is selected, the stop positions of the reels 10a to 10c are controlled based on the reel control table. Thereby, for example, the symbol “bell” is stopped somewhere on the active line.

  For example, taking a pattern in which the left reel 10a is stopped first along the forward pressing procedure, the first reel stop process is performed on the left reel 10a in step S204. At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (first stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the left reel 10 a to the sub control board 56.

  In the next step S206, reel control tables (stop tables) for the remaining middle and right reels 10b and 10c are determined by random lottery. Specifically, assuming that the symbol “bell” is stopped at the lower position when the left reel 10a is stopped, the effective line can be selected from the lower line or the upward line at that time (in the case of MAX betting). However, either one (for example, a line rising to the right) is selected by random number lottery here. The random number lottery distribution rate may be about half.

  When the above processing (step S206) is performed, the first reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) (step S207), and the left reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) (step S208). ). At this stage, since there is still a rotating reel, the determination in step S209 is denied (No), and the process proceeds to step S2001 in FIG. 5A. However, since the determination in step S2001 is negative (No) after the first reel stop flag is turned on, the subsequent processing returns to step S202 in FIG. 5B as it is.

  Then, since the left reel 10a is already stopped at this time (step S202 = No), when the stop button 28 at the center position is pressed second (step S210 = Yes) according to the forward pressing procedure, the first reel stops. After the flag determination (step S211 = No), the middle reel stop process (step S213) is executed. In the middle reel stop process, the stop position is controlled based on the reel control table (stop table) previously selected for the middle reel 10b. Accordingly, in the example of the above-mentioned right-up effective line, the symbol “bell” on the middle reel 10b stops at the middle position. In addition, the stop eye at this time (display mode at the time of stop) is a state in which two symbols “bells” are arranged on the left and middle reels 10a and 10b on the right rising line (so-called “right rising template”). At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (second stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the middle reel 10 b to the sub control board 56. In this case, since the middle reel 10b is in the second stop, steps S212, S214, and S215 are all bypassed, and the middle reel stop flag is only turned ON (= 1) in step S216.

  Similarly, when the right stop button 30 is finally pressed (step S217 = Yes), the stop position is controlled based on the reel control table (stop table) previously selected for the right reel 10c (step S217). S220). As a result, the symbol “bell” on the third right reel 10c stops at the upper position, so that the appearance (display mode) when all reels are stopped is a combination of three symbols “bell” on the right-up line. Is displayed. At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (third stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the right reel 10 c to the sub control board 56. In this case, since the right reel 10c is in the third stop, steps S219, S221, and S222 are all bypassed, and the right reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) in step S223.

  If the all-reel stop flag is turned on through the processing so far, the determination in step S209 is affirmed (Yes), and the processing by the main control board 50 exits this routine.

  Although not particularly illustrated, in this embodiment, a certain number (for example, 4 to 6) of symbols “bells” are arranged in all the symbols (for example, 21) on each reel 10a, 10b, 10c. Furthermore, in each symbol row, only about 4 to 5 other types of symbols (may have 6 reels) are arranged between the symbols of “bell”. For this reason, in the first reel stop process (steps S204, S212, and S219) for the left, middle, and right, even if the timing at which the player presses the stop buttons 26, 28, and 30 is not so severe, the reel control is performed. The “bell” symbol can be reliably stopped on the active line. Also, in each reel stop process after the second stop (steps S205, S213, and S220), even if the pressing timing of the stop buttons 26, 28, and 30 is not so severe, it is on the effective line determined by the first reel stop. It is possible to reliably stop the “bell” symbol.

  As a result, when the small role “Bell” is won by an internal lottery, a combination of “Bell” symbols is displayed by the player simply pressing the stop buttons 26, 28, 30. And there is an advantage that the player can surely win a medal. In the present embodiment, the same applies to “replay”.

  The above is an example of the reel stop process by the table method. In addition to this, there is a reel stop process by a control method, but since a known process can be basically applied to this, a specific description is omitted here. In this embodiment, either the control method or the table method of reel stop processing may be executed, and which method should be adopted may be determined as appropriate when constructing the control program.

(3-3-2. Automatic stop process)
Next, a process for automatically stopping the reels 10a, 10b, 10c without depending on the player's stop operation will be described.

  In the procedure of FIG. 5A, while the first reel stop flag is not yet ON (step S2001 = Yes), it is always determined whether or not the automatic stop timer has expired (step S2002). Therefore, after the start process of FIG. 4, when the automatic stop timer expires without the player pressing down the stop buttons 26, 28, 30, the determination in step S 2002 is affirmed (Yes) in the reel stop process (1). Therefore, the automatic stop process (step S2003) is executed next.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the stop eye of the reels 10a, 10b, 10c in the automatic stop process (step S2003). In this process, as shown in FIG. 6A, the three reels 10a, 10b, 10c are stopped in order from the state where all the reels 10a, 10b, 10c are rotating. Since the stop order is not particularly limited, an appropriate stop order (for example, left → middle → right) may be determined in the programming process.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the automatic stop process (step S2003), each reel 10a is displayed in such a manner that no combination of symbols is displayed on all active lines (L1 to L5). , 10b, 10c are stopped. In other words, when the automatic stop is performed here, not only the combination of the small role symbol accompanying the payout of medals, but also the display of the bonus symbol combination that triggers the transition to the bonus game is avoided. The display of a combination of games (replay) symbols is also avoided. This is generally referred to as “usually misalignment” or the like. Such “usually misalignment” is, for example, “lost” or the like for each of the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c as shown in FIG. Are often written in letters.

  On the other hand, after the player presses the stop button (26, 28, 30) for any one or two reels (10a, 10b, 10c), the other rotating reels (10a, 10b, 10c) If the stop button (26, 28, 30) is not pressed, the determination in step S2001 is negative (No), and step S2003 is not executed. This logic is effective when only one symbol out of the three symbols is indispensable as in the above “cherry” symbol, and there is a combination (single symbol) regardless of the other two symbol types.

  FIG. 7 shows a display example of a combination including a “cherry” symbol. As shown in FIG. 7A, for example, the player carefully performs a stop operation for the left reel 10a, and places the “cherry” symbol on the active line (in this case, the lower line L3 and the right-up line L4). Both of them) are successfully stopped. Here again, it is premised that “Cherry” is won in the internal lottery.

  Even if the remaining two middle reels 10b and right reel 10c are rotating at this stage, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), when all the reels 10a, 10b, 10c are stopped, the “cherry” symbol is displayed. And the combination of other symbols ("ANY" and character notation) are already displayed, and the player can then stop the reels 10b and 10c by pressing the stop buttons 28 and 30. The result will be the same even if it is stopped automatically. However, from the player's standpoint, he succeeded in stopping his “Cherry” design by demonstrating his skill on the left reel 10a. There is a potential demand to stop by hand.

  Therefore, in the reel stop process (1), when the player presses the stop button 26, 28, 30 even once, the logic is adopted in which the stop operation is respected to the end and the automatic stop process is not performed.

  Alternatively, like other “watermelon” designs, the number of arrangements on each reel 10a, 10b, 10c is small compared to the “bell” design, and a certain level of skill is required to display the combination. It is equally effective when there is. For example, it is assumed that the player performs the first reel stop and the second reel stop by himself and arranges up to two “watermelon” symbols (so-called “tempered state”). If the remaining “Watermelon” symbol can be stopped successfully, the player has succeeded in the so-called “Improvement” in the game. A long time may elapse.

  In the reel stop process (1), if the logic is allowed to proceed to the automatic stop process (step S2003) in this state, the player has to push up to two reels (10a, 10b, 10c). In spite of the hard work, the combination of “watermelon” symbols is forcibly avoided by the automatic stop process. Then, since the stop operation which the player performed with much effort is wasted, in the reel stop process (1) of this embodiment, when the player has pressed the stop button 26, 28, 30 even once, A logic that respects the operation to the end and does not execute the automatic stop process (step S2003) is employed.

  As described above, in the reel stop process (1), “after the rotation of all the reels 10a, 10b, 10c has reached a constant speed, the player does not press any of the stop buttons 26, 28, 30 and the automatic stop timer. Is the time for automatic stop. When this condition is satisfied, even if the winning is made by an internal lottery, the reel control table corresponding to the flag is discarded, and instead a combination of symbols is displayed in step S2003. A reel control table for avoiding this is selected. Note that such a reel control table may have the same content as that selected in accordance with, for example, the defeat flag.

(3-3-3. Summary of Reel Stop Processing (1))
In the present embodiment, the following advantages are brought about by the reel stop process (1).

  (1) It is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which a player leaves the slot machine 1 while rotating the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c and is left in a rotating state for a long time. Such an act of leaving the slot machine 1 causes other players to be seated despite the fact that the seat is unattended, and is often a problem as a factor that lowers the operation in the game hall. Become. In this regard, in this embodiment, even if the player leaves the game, all reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are automatically stopped when the automatic stop timer expires, and thereafter, other players are seated. Will not be reminiscent of.

  (2) Furthermore, in the case of automatic stop, the reels 10a, 10b, 10c usually stop at a gap, so that medals are paid out in the unattended slot machine 1 after the player leaves the seat, There will be no transition to the bonus game when no one is present, or no replay is possible. In this case, since it is possible to clearly appeal to the surroundings that the previous player left the slot machine 1, it is possible to minimize a decrease in operation due to the leaving act.

  (3) On the other hand, if the player has pressed the stop button 26, 28, 30 even once, the reels 10a, 10b, 10c are not forcibly stopped by the automatic stop process thereafter. Therefore, it is possible to respect the player's stop operation until the end.

(3-4. Reel stop processing (2))
Next, the reel stop process (2) will be described. In the reel stop process (1) mentioned above, the logic is such that the automatic stop process (step S2003) is executed only when the player has not pressed any of the stop buttons 26, 28, 30. In this reel stop process (2), even if the player presses one (two) stop buttons 26, 28, 30, the automatic stop process is executed through another logic. .

  8A and 8B show the contents of the reel stop process (2) by the table method. Here, similarly, a known technique can be basically applied to the reel control.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, in the reel stop process (2), first, a reel control table is selected according to a flag representing the winning result at that time (step S2000). A reel control table having a plurality of patterns for all the winning results is prepared in advance, and these are stored in the ROM of the main control board 50 as read-only table data.

  When the reel control table is selected, it is next determined whether or not the first reel stop flag is in an OFF state (= 0) (step S2001). When any one of the three reels 10a, 10b, and 10c is stopped first, the first reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1).

  If none of the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c has been stopped yet (step S2001 = Yes), it is next determined whether or not the automatic stop timer has expired (step S2002). The count value of the automatic stop timer can be set to about 30 to 40 seconds, for example. Therefore, even if all three reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are rotating (step S2001 = Yes), if the automatic stop timer has not expired (step S2002 = No), the reel stop process (2 ) Is carried over to the procedure of FIG. 8B (from connection symbol 1 ′ to 1 ′).

  On the other hand, even if all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are not stopped, if the player has performed the stop operation once or twice, the first reel stop flag has already been turned ON, so step S2001. Will be denied (No). However, in the reel stop process (2), it is next determined in step S2004 whether or not the automatic stop timer has expired.

  In any case, as long as the automatic stop timer has not timed out, both determinations in step S2002 and step S2004 are denied (No), so that the procedure from FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B is taken over (connection). (From symbol 1 'to 1').

  Thereafter, the reel stop process (2) is in a standby state until any of the three stop buttons 26, 28, 30 is pressed (steps S202, S210, S217). That is, in these standby states, it is determined whether or not the left, middle and right reels 10a, 10b and 10c have already been stopped, and any one of the left, middle and right stop buttons 26, It is determined whether or not 28 and 30 are pressed. If none of the stop buttons 26, 28, 30 is pressed, the determinations in steps S202, S210, S217 are all denied (No). Further, since all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are not stopped at this stage, the determination in step S209 is denied (No), and the reel stop process (2) returns to the procedure of FIG. 8A (connection symbol 2 ′ → 2 ').

(3-4-1. Processing when stop operation is performed)
Next, processing when the player stops the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c by his / her stop operation will be described.

  For example, if the left stop button 26 is first pressed in accordance with a so-called “forward push” or “forward scissor push” procedure (step S202 = Yes), the first reel stop flag is not set at this time ( Therefore, the first reel stop process (step S204) is executed for the left reel 10a. Here, the “first reel stop process” means a process for stopping the reel first.

  Alternatively, when the center stop button 28 is first pressed in accordance with the so-called “middle push” procedure (step S210 = Yes, step S211 = Yes), the first reel stop process (step S212) is executed for the middle reel 10b. The

  In addition to this, when the right stop button 30 is first pressed in accordance with the so-called “reverse push” or “reverse scissor push” procedure (step S217 = Yes, step S218 = Yes), the right reel 10c A one reel stop process (step S219) is executed.

  When the first reel stop process (steps S204, S212, and S219) is performed for any one of the left, middle, and right reels 10a, 10b, and 10c, a plurality of patterns corresponding to the flags at that time are applied to the remaining two reels. One table pattern is newly selected from the reel control table based on the random number value (steps S206, S214, and S221). For example, if the winning type at that time is “bell”, a reel control table of a plurality of patterns is prepared in advance to stop the symbol “bell” on the reels 10a to 10c on the effective line for this winning flag. This means that one pattern is selected again. When one pattern is selected, the stop positions of the reels 10a to 10c are controlled based on the reel control table. Thereby, for example, the symbol “bell” is stopped somewhere on the active line.

  For example, taking a pattern in which the left reel 10a is stopped first along the forward pressing procedure, the first reel stop process is performed on the left reel 10a in step S204. At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (first stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the left reel 10 a to the sub control board 56.

  In the next step S206, reel control tables (stop tables) for the remaining middle and right reels 10b and 10c are determined by random lottery. Specifically, assuming that the symbol “bell” is stopped at the lower position when the left reel 10a is stopped, the effective line can be selected from the lower line or the upward line at that time (in the case of MAX betting). However, either one (for example, a line rising to the right) is selected by random number lottery here. The random number lottery distribution rate may be about half.

  When the above processing (step S206) is performed, the first reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) (step S207), and the left reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) (step S208). ). At this stage, since there is still a rotating reel, the determination in step S209 is denied (No), and the process proceeds to step S2001 in FIG. 8A. However, since the determination in step S2001 is negative (No) after the first reel stop flag is turned ON, the processing while the automatic stop timer does not time out (step S2004 = No) is performed as it is in step S202 of FIG. 8B. Return to.

  Then, since the left reel 10a is already stopped at this time (step S202 = No), when the stop button 28 at the center position is pressed second (step S210 = Yes) according to the forward pressing procedure, the first reel stops. After the flag determination (step S211 = No), the middle reel stop process (step S213) is executed. In the middle reel stop process, the stop position is controlled based on the reel control table (stop table) previously selected for the middle reel 10b. Accordingly, in the example of the above-mentioned right-up effective line, the symbol “bell” on the middle reel 10b stops at the middle position. In addition, the stop eye at this time (display mode at the time of stop) is a state in which two symbols “bells” are arranged on the left and middle reels 10a and 10b on the right rising line (so-called “right rising template”). At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (second stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the middle reel 10 b to the sub control board 56. In this case, since the middle reel 10b is in the second stop, steps S212, S214, and S215 are all bypassed, and the middle reel stop flag is only turned ON (= 1) in step S216.

  Similarly, when the right stop button 30 is finally pressed (step S217 = Yes), the stop position is controlled based on the reel control table (stop table) previously selected for the right reel 10c (step S217). S220). As a result, the symbol “bell” on the third right reel 10c stops at the upper position, so that the appearance (display mode) when all reels are stopped is a combination of three symbols “bell” on the right-up line. Is displayed. At this time, the main control board 50 transmits a stop information command (third stop information command) indicating the stop eye of the right reel 10 c to the sub control board 56. In this case, since the right reel 10c is in the third stop, steps S219, S221, and S222 are all bypassed, and the right reel stop flag is turned ON (= 1) in step S223.

  If the all-reel stop flag is turned on through the processing so far, the determination in step S209 is affirmed (Yes), and the processing by the main control board 50 exits this routine.

  Although not particularly illustrated, in the present embodiment, a certain number of symbols “bells” are arranged on each reel 10a, 10b, 10c, and “bells” symbols are included in each symbol row. There are only about 4 to 5 other types of symbols (may have 6 reels). For this reason, in the first reel stop process (steps S204, S212, and S219) for the left, middle, and right, even if the timing at which the player presses the stop buttons 26, 28, and 30 is not so severe, the reel control is performed. The “bell” symbol can be reliably stopped on the active line. Also, in each reel stop process after the second stop (steps S205, S213, and S220), even if the pressing timing of the stop buttons 26, 28, and 30 is not so severe, it is on the effective line determined by the first reel stop. It is possible to reliably stop the “bell” symbol.

  As a result, when the small role “Bell” is won by an internal lottery, a combination of “Bell” symbols is displayed by the player simply pressing the stop buttons 26, 28, 30. And there is an advantage that the player can surely win a medal. In the present embodiment, the same applies to “replay”.

  The above is an example of the reel stop process by the table method. In addition to this, there is a reel stop process by a control method, but since a known process can be basically applied to this, a specific description is omitted here. In this embodiment, either the control method or the table method of reel stop processing may be executed, and which method should be adopted may be determined as appropriate when constructing the control program.

  In the reel stop process (2), when the player has not pressed the stop button 26, 28, 30 once, or when the player has pressed the stop button 26, 28, 30 once or twice. In any case, the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c can be automatically stopped on condition that the automatic stop timer has expired. However, the specific contents of the automatic stop processing are different in the above two cases, and the two types of automatic stop processing will be described below.

(3-4-2. Automatic stop processing A)
In the procedure of FIG. 8A, while the first reel stop flag is not yet ON (step S2001 = Yes), it is always determined in step S2002 whether the automatic stop timer has timed up. Therefore, after the start process of FIG. 4, when the automatic stop timer expires without the player pressing down the stop buttons 26, 28, 30, the determination in step S 2002 is affirmed (Yes) in the reel stop process (2). Therefore, next, automatic stop processing A (step S2003) is executed.

  An example of a stop eye of the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c in the automatic stop process A (step S2003) is the same as that shown in FIG. In this process, as shown in FIG. 6A, the three reels 10a, 10b, 10c are stopped in order from the state where all the reels 10a, 10b, 10c are rotating. Since the stop order is not particularly limited, an appropriate stop order (for example, left → middle → right) may be determined in the programming process.

  As an example, as shown in FIG. 6B, in the automatic stop process A (step S2003) of the reel stop process (2), any combination of symbols on all the effective lines (L1 to L5). Are not displayed, and the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped. In other words, in the automatic stop process A, not only the combination of small symbols accompanied by the payout of medals but also the display of a combination of bonus symbols that triggers the transition to the bonus game is avoided, and further, replay (replay) ) Is prevented from being displayed.

(3-4-3. Automatic stop process B)
In this reel stop process (2), after the player presses the stop button (26, 28, 30) for any one or two reels (10a, 10b, 10c), the other spinning reels ( Even if the stop button (26, 28, 30) is not pressed for 10a, 10b, 10c), it is always determined in the next step S2004 whether the automatic stop timer has expired. Even when the remaining two or one reel (10a, 10b, 10c) is rotating, the automatic stop timer times out without the player pressing the stop button (26, 28, 30). Then (step S2004 = Yes), the automatic stop process B (step S2005) is executed next.

  Although not particularly shown, in the automatic stop process B (step S2005), the final flag is determined based on the winning flag at that time and the stop points (display mode) of the already stopped reels (10a, 10b, 10c). Therefore, it is determined whether or not there is a possibility that a combination of symbols is displayed when all the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are stopped.

  For example, if the winning flag at that time is “CHERRY”, if the player performs a stop operation on the left reel 10a and the “CHERRY” symbol does not stop on the active line, at this stage, “ There is no longer a possibility that the “Cherry” symbol combination will be displayed. As described above, when it is determined that there is no possibility that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning flag is displayed, the automatic stop process B performs a process of automatically stopping the other reels 10b and 10c.

  Alternatively, if the winning flag at that time is “watermelon” or “bell”, the player performs a stop operation on the first reel (10a, 10b, 10c), resulting in the “watermelon” symbol or “bell”. If the symbol does not stop on any active line, the combination of the “watermelon” or “bell” symbol is no longer displayed at this stage (determination is confirmed). Alternatively, if the player performs a stop operation on two reels (10a, 10b, 10c) and two "watermelon" symbols or "bell" symbols do not stop side by side on the active line, this stage The combination is no longer possible to display.

  Similarly, in these cases, since it is determined that there is no possibility that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning flag is displayed, the automatic stop process B performs a process of automatically stopping the other reels 10b and 10c. . Here, only the small role symbol is listed here, but the same applies to the bonus symbol.

  On the contrary, if the winning flag at that time is “cherry”, if the player stops the left reel 10a and the “cherry” symbol stops on the active line, this stage It is already confirmed that the combination of “Cherry” symbols is displayed. In this case, since it is determined that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning flag may be displayed, the automatic stop process B is returned without stopping the other reels 10b and 10c.

  Alternatively, if the winning flag at that time is “watermelon” or “bell”, the player performs a stop operation on the first reel (10a, 10b, 10c), resulting in the “watermelon” symbol or “bell”. If the symbol stops on any active line, there is still a possibility that a combination of “watermelon” or “bell” symbol is displayed at this stage. Alternatively, if the player stops the two reels (10a, 10b, 10c) and the "watermelon" symbol or the "bell" symbol stops side by side on the active line, at this stage, "watermelon" Or there is a possibility that a combination of “bell” symbols is displayed (tempered state).

  Therefore, in these cases, since it is determined that there is a possibility that a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning flag is displayed, the automatic stop processing B is performed without automatically stopping the other reels (10a, 10b, 10c). Will be returned. Here, only the small role symbol is listed here, but the same applies to the bonus symbol. In addition, since the “replay” symbol is not assumed to be missed, the automatic stop process B is returned without automatically stopping the reels (10a, 10b, 10c) even when the winning flag is “replay”. .

  As described above, in the reel stop process (2), one of the automatic stop processes A and B is executed under the following two conditions.

  (1) “After the rotation of all the reels 10a, 10b, 10c reaches a constant speed, the automatic stop timer has timed out without the player pressing any of the stop buttons 26, 28, 30” automatically stops This is the first condition. When this condition is satisfied, even if the winning is made by an internal lottery, the reel control table corresponding to the flag is discarded, and instead a combination of symbols is displayed in step S2003. A reel control table for avoiding this is selected. Note that such a reel control table may have the same content as that selected in accordance with, for example, the defeat flag.

  (2) Or “all the reels (10a, 10b, 10c) as a result of the player pressing one of the stop buttons 26, 28, 30 to stop even one reel (10a, 10b, 10c)” The second condition for automatic stop is that the automatic stop timer has timed out in a state where there is no possibility that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning flag is displayed at the time of stop. In this case, the automatic stop may be performed according to the reel control table corresponding to the winning flag, or the automatic stop may be performed by replacing with the table corresponding to the lost flag as described above.

(3-4-3 Summary of reel stop process (2))
In the present embodiment, the following advantages are brought about by the reel stop process (2).

  (1) It is possible to effectively prevent a situation in which a player leaves the slot machine 1 while rotating the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c and is left in a rotating state for a long time. Such an act of leaving the slot machine 1 causes other players to be seated despite the fact that the seat is unattended, and is often a problem as a factor that lowers the operation in the game hall. Become. In this regard, in this embodiment, even if the player leaves the game, all reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are automatically stopped when the automatic stop timer expires, and thereafter, other players are seated. Will not be reminiscent of.

  (2) Furthermore, in the case of automatic stop, the reels 10a, 10b, 10c usually stop at a gap, so that medals are paid out in the unattended slot machine 1 after the player leaves the seat, There will be no transition to the bonus game when no one is present, or no replay is possible. In this case, since it is possible to clearly appeal to the surroundings that the previous player left the slot machine 1, it is possible to minimize a decrease in operation due to the leaving act.

  (3) In the case where the player has pressed the stop button 26, 28, 30 even once, the possibility of automatic stop is selectively determined depending on whether or not the combination of symbols is finally displayed. The For this reason, when the possibility remains, the player's stop operation can be respected to the end by avoiding the automatic stop. On the other hand, since the automatic stop is performed when the possibility is lost, it is possible to suppress the adverse effect caused by the player leaving the slot machine 1 without stopping all the reels 10a, 10b, 10c.

(3-4. Determination process)
The above is the contents of the two types of reel stop processing (1) and (2) according to the present embodiment, but all of the reels 10a, 10b, and 10c are processed by either of the reel stop processing (1) or (2). When stopped, the following determination process is performed. Note that when actually implementing the slot machine 1, any one of the two types of reel stop processing (1) and (2) may be selectively employed.

  FIG. 9 specifically shows the contents of the determination process. When all the reels 10a, 10b, 10c are stopped by either of the reel stop processes (1), (2), the main control board 50 subtracts the output (symbol display mode) displayed at that time. It transmits to the control board 56 (step S301).

  Next, from the outcome when all reels are stopped, whether a combination of big bonus symbols is displayed on the active line (step S302), whether a combination of regular bonus symbols is displayed (step S303), It is determined whether a combination is displayed (step S304) or a combination of replay symbols is displayed (step S305).

  At this time, if it is determined that a combination of small symbols (“bell”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, etc.) is displayed (step S304 = Yes), the main control board 50 drives the hopper device 54 to display the combination of symbols. A command for paying out medals corresponding to the type is instructed, and a payout sound command is transmitted to the sub-control board 56 (steps S306, S307, S308). Further, the sub control board 56 blinks the back lamp (attached to the reel device 10) at a position corresponding to the combination of symbols displayed at that time, or blinks the lamps 45, 46, and 48 of the housing 2. The effect which emphasizes that the combination of symbols was displayed is performed. In addition, the sub control board 56 performs an effect of outputting sound effects from the speaker 44.

  Alternatively, when a big bonus symbol or a combination of regular bonus symbols is displayed on the active line at that time (step S302 or S303 = Yes), the main control board 50 transmits a sound effect command to the sub control board 56. (Steps S306 and S307), a big bonus game process (Step S309) and a regular bonus / JAC game game process (Step S310) are executed.

  In addition, when a combination of replay symbols is displayed on the active line (step S305 = Yes), a replay process (step S311) is executed.

  When the above process is completed, the winning combination of the small role or replay is turned off (step S312), and this process ends. If no symbol combination is displayed on the active line due to lost selection or missing (step S305 = No), the winning combination of the small role or replay is simply turned OFF, and the determination process is also ended. If the process proceeds to the big bonus game process (step S309) or the regular bonus / JAC game game process (step S310), the winning flag is turned OFF during each of these processes.

(4. Special gaming state)
The above is a description of the normal game, but in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a combination of a big bonus symbol (for example, “7-7-7”) or a regular bonus symbol (for example, “BAR-BAR-BAR”) is displayed. Then, from the next game, a transition is made to special game states called “big bonus game” and “regular bonus game”, respectively. These big bonus games and regular bonus games include multiple game opportunities, and there is a possibility that symbols will be displayed in a concentrated manner during this time. It can be said that there is.

  In the big bonus game and the regular bonus game, the former includes more game opportunities. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a maximum number of times (for example, during a single big bonus game) (30 times) an opportunity to play a small role game and an opportunity to play a JAC game (regular bonus game) a maximum number of times (for example, 3 times). Since processing during a big bonus game or a regular bonus game is publicly known, a description thereof is omitted here with illustration.

It is a front view of a slot machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a slot machine. It is the flowchart which showed the process sequence of 1 game (rotational game) in a slot machine. It is a flowchart of a starting process. It is a flowchart (1/2) of a reel stop process (1). It is a flowchart (2/2) of a reel stop process (1). It is a figure showing an example of a reel stop eye by automatic stop processing. It is the figure which showed an example of the combination display mode of a single symbol. It is a flowchart (1/2) of a reel stop process (2). It is a flowchart (2/2) of a reel stop process (2). It is a flowchart of a determination process.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot machine 10 Reel device 24 Start lever 26, 28, 30 Stop button 50 Main control board

Claims (3)

A plurality of reels each having a symbol group consisting of a plurality of types of symbols;
Starting operation means capable of starting rotation of the plurality of reels;
Internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery as to whether or not to make at least one winning combination among a plurality of winning combinations based on the operation of the starting operation means,
A plurality of operation means provided corresponding to the plurality of reels, the plurality of stop operation means capable of stopping the rotation of the corresponding reel;
Based on the operation of the stop operation means, the reel stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination in the winning state among the plurality of winning combinations is displayed on a predetermined active line. A reel stop control means having an operation stop means;
When the symbol combination displayed on the predetermined active line is a symbol combination corresponding to any one of the plurality of winning combinations, a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege according to the winning combination; Prepared,
The reel stop control means includes
When a predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where all of the plurality of reels are rotating in response to the operation of the start operation means, all the corresponding to the plurality of winning combinations even if they are in a winning state Automatic stop means for stopping the rotation of the plurality of reels regardless of the operation of the stop operation means in such a way that display about the symbol combination is avoided;
At least one of the plurality of reels due to the operation of at least one of the plurality of stop operation means after the plurality of reels are rotated in response to the operation of the start operation means. When one reel is stopped, an automatic stop suppression means for suppressing the stop by the automatic stop means regardless of whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied while the other reels are rotating ;
At least one of the plurality of reels due to the operation of at least one of the plurality of stop operation means after the plurality of reels are rotated in response to the operation of the start operation means. When the predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where there is no possibility that a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the internal lottery is displayed despite the fact that one reel is stopped, A specific automatic stop means for stopping the rotation of the reel in a rotating state regardless of the operation of the stop operation means without being stopped by the automatic stop suppression means. Machine. The operation stop means is:
When none of the plurality of winning combinations is in a winning state, the plurality of reels are stopped and controlled in such a manner that display of all symbol combinations corresponding to the plurality of winning combinations is avoided. Item 1. A gaming machine according to Item 1. The operation stop means is:
Even if one of the plurality of winning combinations is in a winning state, depending on the timing at which the stop operation means is operated, a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination in the winning state may not be displayed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein stop control of the plurality of reels is performed.

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