JP4582547B2 - Slot machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that generates a specific game mode or outputs a specific effect.

  Conventionally, various lotteries are performed in the slot machine. For example, an effect pattern for notifying a player of the possibility of winning a combination is selected by lottery. Then, based on the selected performance pattern, the performance is performed during the game by various methods.

In addition, in the slot machine, the lottery of the combination is performed in order to determine the winning / non-winning of the combination, but the lottery of the effect pattern reflects the lottery result of the combination. Therefore, for example, when a winning combination is won, an effect pattern with effect is selected with a relatively high probability. On the other hand, when no winning combination is won, an effect pattern with no effect is selected with high probability.
Therefore, the player can estimate to some extent the winning combination possibility based on the presence / absence, type and frequency of the performance.

  In addition, for example, a slot machine is known that generates a game mode that is advantageous to a player under a certain condition in a normal game after a special game is won by winning a special role and the special game ends. In this slot machine, it is determined by lottery whether or not a game mode advantageous to the player is generated.

However, in the above-described conventional technology, whether or not to produce an effect, whether or not to generate a game mode advantageous to the player, etc. all depend only on the lottery performed inside the slot machine. Met.
For example, when an effect pattern for performing an effect is selected by lottery, a predetermined effect is uniformly performed according to the selected effect pattern.

  Here, there are a wide range of players from beginners to advanced players. Therefore, if the production considered to be average is performed uniformly, it will be difficult for beginners to understand the content of the production. On the other hand, if it is easy to understand the contents of the production, there is a problem that an advanced person feels that it is unsatisfactory.

  Further, during a game in a game mode advantageous for the player, the degree of advantage varies depending on the skill of the player. However, whether or not to generate a game mode advantageous to the player itself is determined only by lottery, so that there is a problem that it depends only on luck.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable the player to be involved in the presence or absence of production and the occurrence of a game mode advantageous to the player, as well as the player type such as the player's skill and personality. It is to be able to perform a production commensurate with the.

The present invention solves the above-described problems by the following means.
(Claim 1)
The invention of claim 1 includes a measuring means between specific time points for measuring an elapsed time from the first time point to the second time point during the operation of the player or the occurrence of an event caused by the player's operation, a game record storage means for storing the winning percentage as a game achievements for winning, the winning ratio stored in the game record storage unit, and on the basis of the said elapsed time measured by the specific time interval measurement means, game A game level judging means for judging a person's skill level, an effect pattern storing means for storing a plurality of kinds of effect patterns related to an effect output when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and an effect pattern is selected from the effect pattern storage means Effect pattern selection means and effect output control means for controlling the output of the effect based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means, the game level Based on the determination result by the determination means, and controls to output an effect.

In the first aspect of the invention, the measuring means between the specific time points is the first time after the power is turned on, for example, from the first time point to the second time point during the operation of the player or the occurrence of the event caused by the player's operation. The elapsed time from when the medal is inserted to when the first special role is won is measured.
Further, the game result storage means stores a winning ratio for winning the small role as a game result.
Then, the winning ratio for the winning of the small role stored in the game result storage means, and the elapsed time from the first time point to the second time point measured by the measuring means between specific time points (for example, the first medal insertion time to the first time Based on the elapsed time until winning the special role), control is performed so as to output the effect. Specifically, during a special game that is shifted by winning a special role, an effect such as notifying the winning of a specific small role is performed.

When performing an effect, the effect pattern selection means selects an effect pattern from the effect pattern storage means, and the effect output control means controls to output the effect based on the selected effect pattern.
Therefore, it is possible to perform an effect reflecting the player's operation or the length of the elapsed time based on the player's operation and the winning ratio (game result) for winning the small role .

( Claim 2 )
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to the first aspect , the means for measuring between the specific points in time is a time when the specific operation of the player is the first point in time, and when the special combination is won in the drawing of the combination or The elapsed time is measured by setting the time when the special role is won as the second time point.
In the invention of claim 2 , the elapsed time from the time of the specific operation of the player to the time of winning or winning the special role is measured. Therefore, for example, when the elapsed time is short, it is possible to perform an effect that is advantageous to the player.

( Claim 3 )
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to the first or second aspect , the measuring unit between the specific time points sets the first operation time of the player as the first time point, and sets the second operation time as the first time point. The elapsed time is measured as two time points.
In the invention of claim 3 , the elapsed time from the time of the first operation of the player to the time of the second operation is measured. Therefore, for example, depending on the length of the measured elapsed time, it is possible to perform effects and the like corresponding to the game speed of the player.

( Claim 4 )
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to any one of the first to third aspects, the measuring means between the specific points in time sets the start time of the special game as the first time point, and The elapsed time is measured with the end time as the second time point.
In the invention of claim 6, the elapsed time from the start to the end of the special game is measured. Therefore, for example, when the elapsed time is short, it is possible to perform an effect that is advantageous to the player.

( Claim 5 )
A fifth aspect of the present invention is the slot machine according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which the measurement content display means for displaying the measurement content of the measurement means between the specific points in a recognizable manner by the player. It is characterized by providing.
In the invention of claim 5 , the measurement content of the measurement means between specific time points is displayed by the measurement content display means.
Therefore, the player can play a game while grasping the elapsed time between specific time points by viewing the measurement content displayed on the measurement content display means.

( Claim 6 )
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, for directing performing a game control means for performing control relating to the progress of the game, control related effect in the game A control means is provided separately, and the effect control means includes the specific time interval measurement means, the effect pattern storage means, the effect pattern selection means, and the effect output control means.

In the invention of claim 6 , the game control means for controlling the progress of the game and the effect control means for controlling the effect during the game are separate, for example, from the main control board and the sub control board. Composed.
Therefore, by separating the part that controls the progress of the game and the part that controls the effect during the game, even if the storage capacity of the memory for the effect increases, the memory capacity such as the memory for the progress of the game is compressed. There is nothing to do. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sufficient storage capacity such as a memory for progressing games.

( Claim 7 )
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to the sixth aspect , when the production output control means receives the production output request signal, it controls to start production output. .
In the invention of claim 7 , for example, even when an effect pattern related to an effect to be output is selected by the effect pattern selection means, the effect is not immediately output based on the effect pattern, but the effect is displayed. It is controlled to output an effect when it is time to start. Thereby, when it is determined to output an effect, the effect pattern can be selected, and since it waits until the output request signal is received, the effect can be output at an appropriate time.

( Claim 8 )
The invention according to claim 8 is the slot machine according to claim 6 , wherein the effect control means determines the output time of the effect based on information transmitted from the game control means. Means are provided.
In the invention according to claim 8 , the production output timing control means determines the production output timing based on the information transmitted from the game control means. Therefore, it is not necessary to transmit information related to the output timing of the effect from the game control unit to the effect control unit. Therefore, the processing load of the game control means can be reduced.

(Claim 9)
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the slot machine according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the effect pattern selecting means is configured such that the determination result by the game level determining means satisfies a predetermined condition. When the specified small role is elected, an effect pattern for notifying the winning of the specified small role is selected, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, an effect pattern for notifying the winning of the specified small role is selected. It is characterized by that.

In the invention of claim 9, if the winning of the specific small role is notified, the player is less likely to miss the selected specific small role, which is advantageous to the player.

(Claim 10)
The invention of claim 10 is the slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the effect pattern storage means has a plurality of types of effect pattern data tables storing a plurality of types of effect patterns. The effect pattern selection means selects an effect pattern from the predetermined effect pattern data table and switches the effect pattern data table used for selecting the effect pattern based on the determination result of the game level determination means. Table switching means is provided.

In the invention of claim 10, the effect pattern storage means is provided with a plurality of kinds of effect pattern data tables, and the effect pattern data table switching means is based on the determination result of the game level determination means. Switch the effect pattern data table used for selection. The effect pattern selection means selects an effect pattern from a predetermined effect pattern data table, and the effect output control means controls the output of the effect based on the selected effect pattern.

Therefore, it is possible to select an effect pattern based on a winning ratio (game result) for winning a combination and a measurement result between specific points in time .

(Claim 1)
According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to perform an effect reflecting the player's operation or the length of the elapsed time based on the player's operation and the winning ratio (game achievement) for winning the small role .

( Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4 )
According to the invention of claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4 , depending on the length of the measured elapsed time, an effect or the like that is advantageous to the player or an effect or the like that matches the game speed of the player is performed. Will be able to.
( Claim 5 )
According to the invention of claim 5 , the player can play the game while grasping the elapsed time between specific time points by viewing the measurement content displayed on the measurement content display means.

( Claim 6 )
According to the invention of claim 6 , by separating the part for controlling the progress of the game and the part for controlling the effect during the game, even if the storage capacity of the effect memory or the like increases, Since there is no pressure on the storage capacity of the memory or the like, it is possible to give a margin to the storage capacity of the memory or the like for progressing the game.

( Claim 7 )
According to the invention of claim 7 , when it is decided to output an effect, the effect pattern can be selected, and since it waits until an output request signal is received, the effect is output at an appropriate time. Can do.
( Claim 8 )
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to transmit information related to the output timing of the effect from the game control means to the effect control means. Therefore, the processing load of the game control means can be reduced.

(Claim 9)
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, if the winning of the specified small role is notified, the player is less likely to miss the selected specific small role, which is advantageous to the player.
(Claim 10)
According to the invention of claim 10, it is possible to select an effect pattern based on a winning ratio (game performance) for winning a combination and a measurement result between specific points .

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of control of the slot machine in the present embodiment.
The control unit 50 of the slot machine 10 is a unit that performs overall control of the entire slot machine 10 including the progress and effects of the game of the slot machine 10. The control means 50 includes a CPU that performs calculations, a ROM that stores programs necessary for the progress of the game, data for presentation, and the like, and temporarily stores the captured data when the CPU performs various controls. RAM etc. which memorize automatically.

Peripheral devices such as the motor 32 described below are electrically connected to the output side (right side in the figure) of the control means 50.
The motor 32 is for rotating the reel 31, is connected to the center of rotation of the reel 31, and is controlled by the game control means 60.

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

The winning combination includes, for example, a special combination such as a big bonus, a plurality of types of small combinations, and a replay (re-playing combination).
The special role is a role for shifting from a normal game to a special game (a game advantageous to the player).
The small combination is a combination for paying out a predetermined number of medals.
Furthermore, the replay is a role that enables a re-game that maintains the number of bets (the number of bets on medals) in the game.

  A combination of symbols of the reel 31 corresponding to the above various combinations is determined in advance. When all of the reels 31 are stopped, when the combination of symbols stopped on the active line matches a predetermined combination of symbols of the winning combination, the winning combination of the winning combination is made, and a medal is paid out, etc. Profit is given to the player. For example, when the symbols “7”-“7”-“7”, which are combinations of symbols constituting the special combination, stop on the active line, the special combination is won.

Here, for example, five effective lines are set in the portion including the display window of the front panel. This effective line is composed of three horizontal upper, middle and lower lines, and two diagonally downward and leftward directions.
The three symbols that are continuous from top to bottom of the reel 31 that can be seen from each display window are positioned on three effective lines in the upper, middle, and lower stages in the horizontal direction.
The valid line is activated according to the number of inserted medals. If one medal is inserted, one effective line in the middle in the horizontal direction is activated. If it is two, three effective lines in the horizontal direction are activated. If three, all five effective lines are activated. The

The speaker 34 outputs a predetermined sound so as to perform various effects during the game.
In the present embodiment, the image display device 35 includes a liquid crystal display that displays a color image, and is provided in the front panel of the slot machine 10 so as to be visible to the player. The image display device 35 displays various images when performing an effect during the game.
Furthermore, the measurement content display means 36 displays the measurement content of the specific point-to-time measurement means 71 described later so that the player can recognize it. The image display device 35 may also serve as the measurement content display means 36.

Further, peripheral devices such as the medal sensor 45 shown below are electrically connected to the input side (left side in the drawing) of the control means 50.
The medal slot 44 is a part where the player inserts medals for gaming.
The medal sensor 45 is a sensor that detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 44.
The bet switch 43 is a switch that is operated when the player inputs the number of bets (the number of medals bet) within the credit range.

The start switch 41 is a switch operated when the player starts the rotation of the reel 31.
Three stop switches 42 are provided independently for each reel 31 and are operated when a player stops the rotation of each reel 31.

  In a normal game, the player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 44 to validate the effective line, and turns on the start switch 41. Thereby, each reel 31 is started. Then, the player presses the stop switch 42 to stop the rotation of the reel 31. When the symbol combination of the reel 31 stopped on the active line matches a predetermined combination of symbols of a certain combination, a winning is won, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination.

During each game, various effects, for example, sound output from the speaker 34, image display by the image display device 35, and the like are performed. In addition, the presentation includes a notice presentation of the possibility of winning the role.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elapsed time between specific time points in the game is measured, and an effect according to the measurement result is performed, which will be described later.

The control means 50 includes a game control means 60 and an effect control means 70.
(Game control means)
The game control means 60 performs control directly related to the progress of the game, and includes the following combination lottery means 61 and the like. The game control means 60 is not limited to the one shown below.

(Role lottery means)
The role lottery means 61 performs lottery for a role (a special role such as a big bonus, a small role, or a replay). The role lottery means 61 is based on, for example, a random number generator for hard lottery (hard random number, etc.), a random number extractor for extracting a random number generated by the random number generator, and a random value extracted by the random number extractor. Determination means for determining whether or not a winning combination has been won and a winning combination.

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

(Reel stop control means)
The reel stop control means 62 determines the stop position of the reel 31 from the gaming state (normal gaming state, special gaming state, etc.), the lottery result of the combination lottery means 61, the timing when the stop switch 42 is turned on, and the like. At the same time, the reel 31 is controlled to stop at the determined position.
The game control means 60 is provided with a stop position determination table. This stop position determination table is provided corresponding to the lottery result of the combination lottery means 61 and the gaming state, and determines the stop position of the reel 31 based on the operation timing of the stop switch 42.

The reel stop control means 62 selects a predetermined stop position determination table corresponding to the lottery result of the combination lottery means 61 and the stop position determination table is selected based on the timing when the stop switch 42 is turned on. The stop position of the reel 31 is determined with reference. The reel stop control means 62 controls the drive of the motor 32 so that the reel 31 stops at a predetermined position.
When any combination is won by the combination lottery means 61, the combination of the symbols of the reels 31 corresponding to the winning combination is controlled so as to stop on the active line as much as possible. In addition, when the winning lottery means 61 does not win the lottery, the reel 31 is controlled to stop so that a combination of symbols of a certain combination does not stop on the active line.

(Payment means)
When the reel 31 is stopped, the payout means 63 is a combination of symbols stopped on the active line. When the winning combination is a combination of symbols, a player receives a predetermined number of medals according to the winning combination. It controls to pay out against. When the above-mentioned replay is won, control is performed so that the number of medals inserted in the game is automatically inserted without paying out medals.

(Direction control means)
On the other hand, the effect control means 70 performs control related to effects in the control of the slot machine 10 and includes the following specific point-in-time measurement means 71 and the like. The production control means 70 is not limited to the one shown below.

(Measuring means between specific points in time)
The inter-specific time measuring means 71 measures the elapsed time from the first time point to the second time point when the player operates or when an event caused by the player's operation occurs.
Here, as “when the player operates”, for example, when a player inserts a medal from the medal slot 44, when the bet switch 43 is operated, when the start switch 41 is operated, or when each stop switch 42 is operated. Is mentioned.
In addition, “when an event caused by the player's operation” occurs, for example, when the reel 31 is started or stopped, when a winning combination is won by the winning lottery means 61, when winning a winning combination, or when a particular symbol combination appears Or the start or end of a special game.

Furthermore, each of the first time point and the second time point may be at the time of the player's operation, or at the time of occurrence of an event resulting from the player's operation.
As an example in which the first time point and the second time point are both when the player operates, for example, the first time point is when a medal is inserted (or when the bet switch 43 is operated), and the second time point is the last stop switch. 42 is the case of operation.
Further, as an example in which both the first time point and the second time point are the occurrence of an event caused by the player's operation, for example, the first time point is the start time of the special game, and the second time point is the end of the special game The case is time.

  Furthermore, as an example in which one of the first time point and the second time point is when the player operates, and the other time is when an event resulting from the player's operation occurs, for example, the first time point is the power of the slot machine 10 There is a case where the first medal is inserted after the insertion, and the second time point is the first time when the special combination is won after the power is turned on.

(Measurement result storage means)
The measurement result storage means 72 is for storing the measurement results obtained by the specific time-point measurement means 71 in a predetermined memory (RAM or the like). Since this measurement result is referred to when determining whether or not to perform a specific performance, the measurement result is held.

(Production pattern storage means)
The effect pattern storage unit 73 stores a plurality of types of effect patterns related to the effect reflecting the measurement result of the inter-specific time point measurement unit 71.
In the present embodiment, there are provided three types of effects reflecting the measurement results of the inter-specific time point measuring means 71 (first effect to third effect), and three types of effects respectively corresponding to these effects. Pattern data tables 73a to 73c are provided. That is, an effect pattern data table 73a storing the effect pattern of the first effect, an effect pattern data table 73b storing the effect pattern of the second effect, and an effect pattern data table 73c storing the effect pattern of the third effect. Prepare.

(Direction pattern selection means)
The effect pattern selection means 74 is for selecting an effect pattern from a predetermined effect pattern data table 73 a or the like in the effect pattern storage means 73. As a selection method, there are first a case where selection is made according to a measurement result of the inter-specific time point measuring means 71 and a second case where selection is performed by performing a lottery based on this measurement result.

Here, when selecting according to the measurement result of the measurement means 71 between specific time points, when selecting the production pattern, the measurement result of the measurement means 71 between specific time points is referred to, the production pattern corresponding to this measurement result is specified, Select a production pattern.
Further, when selecting by lottery, a predetermined random number generating means (soft random number or the like) is used. Then, any one of the production patterns is selected according to a predetermined production pattern selection probability. As a specific method, a technique equivalent to the above-described combination lottery means 61 is used.

(Production output control means)
The effect output control means 75 controls the output of the effect based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means 74. A speaker 34, an image display device 35, and the like are used as peripheral devices for outputting this effect.

(Game achievement storage means)
The game record storage means 76 is for storing a predetermined game record that is expressed based on the player's operation during the game, and is composed of a RAM or the like. Here, as a game performance, the following are mentioned, for example. However, it is not limited to these.

(1) Number of winning special roles in the past. Here, when there are a plurality of special combination winning modes, they may be stored for each mode.
(2) The number of medals earned by a player during a special game in the past.
(3) The cumulative number of games since the power was turned on.
(4) The number of games from the end of the previous special game until the time when this special role is won. Furthermore, the difference between this number of games and the number of games from the end of the previous special game to the time when the previous special role wins.
(5) Transition of past playout ratio (number of medals).

(6) The number of games in a game with benefits, the number of acquired medals, etc. when a game with benefits advantageous to the player is performed under certain conditions after the end of the special game.
(7) When a game (concentrated role) in which the winning probability of a specific role is high is provided, the number of games that the game has continued.
(8) Number of winnings and winnings for various roles. Furthermore, the winning ratio for winning a small role (how much was the winning rate when winning a small role)?
(9) Whether or not a particular symbol combination has appeared when the reel 31 is stopped, and the number of appearances.
(10) Game speed per unit time (the number of digestion games per unit time).
(11) A result of some lottery performed inside the slot machine 10 such as a lottery of a role, a lottery of a production pattern, a lottery of a predetermined data table, a lottery of a reel stop control pattern, or the like.

(Game level judgment means)
The game level determination unit 77 determines the skill level of the player based on the game result stored in the game result storage unit 76 and the measurement result of the inter-specific time measurement unit 71. First, among the game results stored in the game result storage means 76, for example, the player's skill level is judged based on the game results such as a winning ratio for winning a small role and a game speed per unit time. . Specifically, it is determined that the higher the winning ratio is, the higher the skill level of the player is, and the higher the game speed per unit time is, the higher the skill level of the player is.

  Second, among the measurement results of the inter-specific time point measuring means 71, for example, between each operation in the medal insertion operation (operation of the bet switch 43), the operation of the start switch 41, and the operation of each stop switch 42. The elapsed time is totaled, and when the elapsed time is long or when it is considered that the player is appropriately operating, it is determined that the skill level of the player is low.

Here, the case where it is thought that it is operating appropriately is the following cases, for example.
It is assumed that a predetermined small combination is won by the combination lottery means 61 and the winning of the small combination is enabled. That is, if the symbol of the small role of the two reels 31 stopped stops on the effective line and the symbol of the small role stops on the effective line when the last reel 31 (still rotating) stops, Suppose that it is in a state of winning a role.
At this time, when the last reel 31 is stopped, the stop switch 42 is turned on at such a timing that the symbol of the small role cannot be clearly stopped on the active line.
In this embodiment, it is determined to which level the player who is currently playing among the three types of beginner, intermediate, and advanced players belongs.
Also, this determination is always made during the game, and the determination result is updated as needed so that the player can quickly respond even if the player changes.

(Production pattern data table switching means)
The effect pattern data table switching means 78 switches the effect pattern data table 73b used for selecting the effect pattern based on the determination result of the game level determination means 77.
In the present embodiment, the effect pattern data table 73b includes three effect pattern data tables 73b-1 (for beginners), 73b-2 (for intermediate players), and 73b according to the determination result of the game level determination means 77. -3 (for advanced users).

  Until then, the game level determination means 77 determined that the player is a beginner and used the effect pattern data table 73b-1, but the player changed, and the player's game performance and measurement results. In some cases, the game level determination means 77 determines that the player is an advanced player. In this case, the effect pattern data table switching means 78 switches from the effect pattern data table 73b-1 to the effect pattern data table 73b-3.

Next, effects (first effect to third effect) reflecting the measurement results between specific time points in the slot machine 10 will be described.
(First production)
The first effect is an effect that is performed under certain conditions when a special role is first won after the slot machine 10 is powered on.
The specific point-to-point measuring means 71 starts measuring time with the first time point when the medal is inserted through the medal slot 44 after the slot machine 10 is powered on. Then, the time when the special combination is won first is set as the second time point, and the elapsed time from the first time point to the second time point is measured. When this elapsed time is within a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes), the first effect is performed during the special game.

Here, the special game will be outlined. First, when the combination of symbols of the special combination stops on the active line, the special combination is won, and after a predetermined number of payouts are made, the game is shifted to a special game different from the normal game.
In the special game, first, a transition is made to a general game during the special game. Then, during the general game, when the combination of symbols of the shift combination for shifting to the bonus game stops on the active line, the game is shifted to the bonus game.

In the bonus game, a gaming state is entered in which a predetermined combination wins with a high probability. Further, when the number of bonus games played reaches the specified number, or when the number of winnings in the bonus game reaches the specified number, the bonus game is ended and the game is transferred again to the general game in the special game.
As described above, during the special game, the general game and the bonus game are repeated, and when the number of games in the general game reaches the specified number, or the number of transitions from the general game to the bonus game reaches the specified number. At the end of the bonus game, the special game is ended and the normal game is resumed.

The first effect is an effect of notifying the player when a specific small role is won in a general game during a special game. Although various forms can be considered as the notification method, it is only necessary to notify the player that the specific small role has been won using the image display device 35 or the like so that the player can recognize it.
The effect pattern selection means 74 selects the effect pattern of the general game from the effect pattern data table 73a when shifting to the special game. Here, the effect pattern data table 73a includes an effect pattern for notifying the winning of a specific small role in an ordinary game during a special game, and an effect pattern not for notification.

The effect control means 70 is the first special role in the measurement results stored in the measurement result storage means 72 after the medal insertion slot 44 is first inserted after the slot machine 10 is turned on. Refers to the elapsed time up to when the player wins. When it is determined that the time is within a predetermined time (60 minutes in the present embodiment), the first effect of notifying the winning of the specific small role is performed in the general game during the special game.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time, the winning of the specific small role is not notified in the general game during the special game.
Then, when it is determined to perform the first effect, the effect pattern selection unit 74 selects an effect pattern for notifying the winning of the specific small role in the general game during the special game from the effect pattern data table 73a. . On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the first effect, the effect pattern selection means 74 selects an effect pattern that does not notify the winning of the specific small role.
The effect output control means 75 outputs effects such as sound output by the speaker 34, image display by the image display device 35, and lighting of lamps, etc., in the general game during the special game, based on the selected effect pattern. To control.

If the winning of the specific small role is notified in the general game during the special game by performing the first effect described above, the player is less likely to miss the selected small role, which is advantageous for the player. It becomes.
The measurement content display means 36 described above displays the elapsed time from the first insertion of medals after the slot machine 10 is turned on so that the player can recognize the elapsed time.

(Second production)
The second effect is an effect performed mainly using the image display device 35 during the normal game.
The measuring means 71 between specific points in time is the first point in time and the second point in time when the player inserts medals, when the bet switch 43 is operated, when the start switch 41 is operated, and when each stop switch 42 is operated. The elapsed time between each operation, the elapsed time from the insertion of medals to the last operation of the stop switch 42, etc. are continuously measured for a predetermined number of games. This measurement result is stored in the measurement result storage means 72.

  Then, the effect control means 70 totals the measurement results of the elapsed time for a predetermined number of games, and calculates, for example, an average value. The game level determination unit 77 determines the skill level of the player from the calculation result and the game results stored in the game result storage unit 76 (such as a winning ratio for winning a small role). As described above, it is determined which level one of the three levels of beginner, intermediate, and advanced belongs. The effect pattern data table switching means 78 switches to the effect pattern data table 73b (73b-1 to 73b-3) corresponding to the skill level of the player.

  Then, the effect pattern selection means 74 uses the effect pattern data table 73b selected by the effect pattern data table switching means 78 to select an effect pattern by lottery. The effect output control means 75 controls to output effects such as image display by the image display device 35 during the normal game based on the selected effect pattern.

For example, in the effect pattern data table 73b-1 for beginners, more effect patterns for notifying the possibility of winning the special role are provided than the effect patterns in the other effect pattern data table 73b. This is to prevent the player from getting bored by performing a large number of such effects when the player is a beginner. Further, when the small role is won, the production pattern for notifying the winning of the small role may be increased.
On the other hand, the effect patterns of the effect pattern data table 73b-3 for advanced users are provided with many effect patterns that output more advanced effects.
Since the above-described second effect can provide an effect commensurate with the level of proficiency of the player, it is possible to perform an appropriate effect for players of a wide range of game levels.

(Third production)
The third effect is an effect that is performed under certain conditions after the special game ends.
When the transition to the special game is made, the specific point-to-time measuring means 71 sets the special game start time as the first time point and the special game end time as the second time point, and the elapsed time from the first time point to the second time point. And the measurement result is stored in the measurement result storage means 72. Then, when the special control is finished, the effect control means 70 determines whether or not the normal game is to be a normal game with an effect under a certain condition when returning to the normal game again. The effect control means 70 determines whether or not the elapsed time from the start to the end of the special game stored in the measurement result storage means 72 is within a predetermined time, and determines that it is within the predetermined time. In some cases, the normal game with the third effect is performed under a certain condition (for example, on the condition of 100 games), and the normal game without the third effect is performed when the predetermined time is exceeded.

In the case where it is determined by the effect control means 70 to perform the normal game with the third effect, when the small role is won in this normal game, the effect pattern selecting means 74 is obtained from the effect pattern data table 73c. Select a production pattern to notify the winning of a small role.
On the other hand, if it is decided to play the normal game without the third effect, the effect pattern selection means 74 will win the small role even when the small role is won by the role lottery means 61. An effect pattern that is not notified is selected.
By performing the third effect as described above, the player can reduce missed winning combinations during the normal game in which the winning combination is notified.

Next, taking the first effect as an example, the flow of the effect will be described based on a flowchart.
2 and 3 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of the first effect. FIG. 3 is a flowchart following FIG.
First, when the power of the slot machine 10 is turned on in step S1 of FIG. 2, the process proceeds to step S2, and the game control means 60 continues to detect the first input signal from the medal sensor 45 after the power is turned on. When this signal is detected, it is determined that a medal is inserted first after the slot machine 10 is powered on, and the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S <b> 3, the inter-specific time point measuring unit 71 starts measuring elapsed time with the first time point when the medal is inserted as the first time point. Next, in step S4, the game control means 60 detects the special combination winning until the special combination is won for the first time after the power is turned on (the combination of symbols constituting the special combination stops on the active line). Keep doing. When the game control means 60 detects the winning of the first special combination, the process proceeds to step S5, and the inter-specific time measuring means 71 ends the measurement with the first special combination winning as the second time. That is, the measurement means 71 between specific time points continues measurement until the first winning of the special combination is detected after the measurement is started.
In step S6, the elapsed time from the first time point to the second time point is stored in the measurement result storage unit 72.

  Next, proceeding to step S7, the game control means 60 starts a special game. As described above, the special game is a game in which a special game, which is a game aiming for winning a small role, and a bonus game in which a winning of a predetermined role is generated with a high probability are performed until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. It is.

  In the next step S8, the game control means 60 determines whether or not the specific small role has been won during the general game of the special game. When the specific small combination is won, the process proceeds to step S9, and when not won, the process proceeds to step S11. Furthermore, in step S9, the production control means 70 determines whether or not the measurement result (elapsed time from step S3 to step S5) by the specific point-to-time measurement means 71 is within a predetermined time (60 minutes in this embodiment). to decide. This determination is made by referring to the measurement result stored in the measurement result storage unit 72. When it is determined that the time is within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S10. When it is determined that the time is not within the predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S11.

When the process proceeds to step S10, that is, when the special combination is won within a predetermined time after the first medal is inserted after the power is turned on, a first effect advantageous to the player is performed. That is, in a general game during a special game, when a specific small role is won, an effect is given to notify the player to that effect.
Therefore, in step S10, the effect pattern selection means 74 selects the effect pattern with the first effect from the effect pattern data table 73a. In step S12, the effect output control means 75 controls the output of the effect based on the selected effect pattern.
Thereby, when the specific small role is won in the general game in the special game, an effect to notify that is performed, so that the player can reduce the loss of the specific small role.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S11, that is, when the specific small role is not won or when the measured elapsed time is not within the predetermined time even when the specific small role is won (first medal insertion) When the special combination is not won within a predetermined time, the effect pattern selecting means 74 selects the effect pattern without the first effect from the effect pattern data table 73a. In step S12, the effect output control means 75 controls the output of the effect based on the selected effect pattern.
Thus, when the process proceeds to step S11, even when the specific small role is won in the general game during the special game, the player is not notified of that fact.

In the next step S13, the game control means 60 determines whether or not the special game end condition is satisfied, and when it is determined that the special game end condition is satisfied, the processing according to this flowchart is ended.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the special game end condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S8.

(Second Embodiment)
Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the game control means 60 and the effect control means 70 are provided in one control means 50.
However, in the second embodiment, although not shown, the game control means 60 and the effect control means 70 are provided separately. That is, the main control board having the game control means 60 and the sub-control board having the effect control means 70 are configured separately, and both boards are electrically connected so that information can be exchanged. At this time, each substrate is provided with a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The rest is the same as in the first embodiment.

By doing so, the burden of the storage capacity on the main control board side can be reduced. That is, since the storage capacity of one board has a certain limit, the storage capacity on the main control board side can be increased by providing the sub-control board side with production data and programs output from the image display device 35 or the like. You can make room.
In particular, when an image is displayed by the image display device 35, a large amount of image data is required, but it is possible to prevent the storage capacity on the main control board side from being pressed by this image data.

Further, the game control means 60 transmits information necessary for the above-described first effect, second effect, and third effect to the effect control means 70.
(1) Transmission / reception of information relating to the first performance The game control means 60 receives information indicating that a medal has been inserted for the first time after turning on the power and information indicating that the special role has been won for the first time after turning on the power. It transmits to the control means 70 for production. The production control unit 70 receives these pieces of information and controls the measurement by the measurement unit 71 between specific times.
In a general game during a special game, when a specific small combination is won in the combination lottery means 61 of the game control means 60, the information is transmitted to the effect control means 70. The effect control means 70 receives this information and controls the effect of notifying the winning of the specific small role.

(2) Transmission / reception of information regarding the second performance The game control means 60 indicates that the player has inserted a medal, information that the bet switch 43 has been operated, and that the start switch 41 has been operated. Information and information indicating that each stop switch 42 has been operated are transmitted to the effect control means 70. The production control unit 70 receives these pieces of information and controls the measurement by the measurement unit 71 between specific times.

(3) Transmission / Reception of Information Related to Third Effect The game control means 60 transmits information indicating that the special game has started and information indicating that the special game has ended to the effect control means 70. The production control unit 70 receives these pieces of information and controls the measurement by the measurement unit 71 between specific times.

  Further, the production output control means 75 controls to start production output when the production output request signal is received. For example, even if an effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern selection means 74, the effect is not output immediately based on the effect pattern, but is output when it is time to start the effect. Control to do. As a result, even if the production pattern selection time and the production output start time are shifted in time, the production pattern can be selected regardless of the production output start time.

  Here, the production output request signal may be transmitted from the main control board side to the sub control board side. Alternatively, the production control means 70 may be provided with production output timing control means for determining the production output timing based on the information transmitted from the game control means 60. If the production control means 70 is provided with production output timing control means, it is not necessary to transmit information on the production output timing from the main control board side to the sub control board side, so the control burden on the main control board side is reduced. Less. Thereby, the game control means 60 only needs to transmit the information to be transmitted to the effect control means 70 to the effect control means 70 sequentially, and it is not necessary to consider the transmission timing. Therefore, the control burden of the game control means 60 can be reduced. Further, the game control means 60 can transmit information at an arbitrary time.

  Even when the main control board and the sub control board are configured separately as described above, there is one power supply unit. That is, the power supply sources of the main control board and the sub control board are common.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, a specific time point is measured by the specific time point measuring means 71, and the measurement result is used in the same manner as in the first and second embodiments.
However, in the third embodiment, there is provided a specific game mode generating unit that generates a specific game mode when the measurement result of the specific point-to-time measurement unit 71 satisfies a predetermined condition. That is, in the third embodiment, the measurement result is not reflected in the effect, but is reflected in the game mode.

As a specific game mode, for example, a normal game after the end of a special game, a game mode that is advantageous to the player is generated under certain conditions.
Specifically, the measurement means 71 between specific time points measures the elapsed time from the start of the special game (first time point) to the end of the special game (second time point). If this elapsed time (time required for the special game) is within a predetermined time, the normal game after the end of the special game has a predetermined number of games (for example, 100 games). Make the game mode significantly higher.

In this game mode, replays are won frequently and non-winning games are significantly less than usual. Therefore, the player can wait for the special role to be won without reducing the number of medals owned.
By setting in this way, as in the case of the third effect, the player comes to try to shorten the game time during the special game, and as a result, the operating rate of the slot machine 10 can be increased. It becomes like this.

In this case, two lottery tables used in the role lottery means 61 in the normal game may be provided. One is a normal lottery table, and the other is a lottery table with a higher replay winning probability.
And when generating said game aspect, the latter lottery table should just be used. It should be noted that when the game in this specific game mode reaches the predetermined number of games, the game may be switched to the normal lottery table.

As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, The following various deformation | transformation are possible.
(1) For example, in the first effect, the second effect, and the third effect, it is possible to perform a plurality of effects at the same time instead of performing any one of these effects.
Specifically, when the first effect and the second effect are performed at the same time, two counters for measuring time are provided in the measurement unit 71 between specific time points. Then, after the slot machine 10 is powered on, the first counter starts time measurement with the first medal being inserted as the first time point, and finishes with the first time when the special combination is won as the second time point. . This elapsed time is stored in the measurement result storage means 72 as the first measurement result.

At the same time, the second counter starts the measurement with the medal insertion time as the first time point, and ends the measurement with the last operation of the stop switch 42 as the second time point. This elapsed time is stored in the measurement result storage means 72 as the second measurement result.
Then, the first effect may be performed based on the first measurement result, and the second effect may be performed based on the second measurement result.

(2) At the time of the first effect and the third effect, the effect pattern data tables 73a and 73c are provided with effect patterns with and without effects, respectively.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the effect pattern data tables 73a and 73c may be provided with only the effect patterns for performing the first effect and the third effect, respectively. Then, when the value based on the measurement result of the specific point-to-time measurement unit 71 satisfies a predetermined condition, the production control unit 70, when the elapsed time is within a predetermined time in the present embodiment, respectively, You may make it perform a 3rd effect.
In addition, when the value based on the measurement result of the specific point-to-time measurement unit 71 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the production control unit 70, when the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined time in the present embodiment, Do not perform stage 3. At this time, the effect pattern selection means 74 may not select an effect pattern, and only perform general effects prepared in advance.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline of control of the slot machine by this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of a 1st effect. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of the 1st production, and is a flowchart following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 slot machine 31 reel 32 motor 34 speaker 35 image display device 36 measurement content display means 41 start switch 42 stop switch 43 bet switch 44 medal slot 45 medal sensor 50 control means 60 game control means 61 role lottery means 62 reel stop control Means 63 Dispensing means 70 Production control means 71 Measurement unit between specific points 72 Measurement result storage means 73 Production pattern storage means 73a, 73b, 73c Production pattern data table 74 Production pattern selection means 75 Production output control means 76 Game performance storage means 77 Game level judging means 78 Effect pattern data table switching means

Claims (10)

A measuring means between specific time points for measuring an elapsed time from the first time point to the second time point during the operation of the player or the occurrence of an event caused by the player's operation;
Game achievement storage means for storing a winning ratio for winning a small role as a game achievement;
A game level judging means for judging a skill level of a player based on the winning ratio stored in the game result storing means and the elapsed time measured by the measuring means between the specific time points;
Effect pattern storage means for storing a plurality of types of effect patterns related to effects to be output when predetermined conditions are satisfied,
Effect pattern selecting means for selecting an effect pattern from the effect pattern storage means;
Based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means, the effect output control means for controlling the output of the effect,
A slot machine that controls to output an effect based on a determination result by the game level determination means. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein
The measuring means between the specific points in time measures the elapsed time with a specific operation of the player as the first point in time, and when the special combination is won in the lottery of the combination or when the special combination is won as the second point in time. A slot machine characterized by that. The slot machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The slot machine characterized in that the measuring means between the specific time points measures the elapsed time with the first operation time of the player as the first time point and the second operation time as the second time point. In the slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The slot machine characterized in that the specific time interval measuring means measures the elapsed time with the start time of the special game as the first time point and the end time of the special game as the second time point. In the slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A slot machine, comprising: measurement content display means for displaying the measurement content of the measurement means between the specific time points so that the player can recognize it. In the slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The game control means for controlling the progress of the game and the effect control means for controlling the effect during the game are provided separately.
The effect control means includes the specific time point measurement means, the effect pattern storage means, the effect pattern selection means, and the effect output control means. The slot machine according to claim 6, wherein
The production output control means controls to start production output when an output request signal for production is received. The slot machine according to claim 6, wherein
The slot machine characterized in that the effect control means includes effect output timing control means for determining an output timing of the effect based on information transmitted from the game control means. In the slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
When the determination result by the game level determination means satisfies a predetermined condition, the effect pattern selection means selects an effect pattern for notifying the winning of the specific small role when the specific small role is won, and satisfies the predetermined condition If not, a slot machine that selects a production pattern that does not notify the winning of the specified small role when the specified small role is won. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The production pattern storage means has a plurality of types of production pattern data tables storing a plurality of types of production patterns,
The effect pattern selection means selects an effect pattern from the predetermined effect pattern data table,
A slot machine, comprising: an effect pattern data table switching means for switching the effect pattern data table used for selecting an effect pattern based on a determination result of the game level determination means.

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