JP5898353B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of executing an effect display corresponding to a gaming state by using an image display device or the like and performing a predetermined demonstration display when a game is not performed for a certain period of time.

  In this type of gaming machine, for example, a slot machine, various effects are performed using an image display device such as a liquid crystal, a lamp, a speaker, and the like, and the aspect changes depending on the gaming state. Also, in such a gaming machine, even when the main power is turned off, for example, when the power is turned off, the predetermined internal information is backed up, the execution state of the above-mentioned effect is stored, and the power is turned on. At the time of raising, the effect display before power interruption can be continuously performed. However, when the game machine's play setting is changed, the internal state is reset. When the setting is changed, the power is turned off. The effect display before the interruption is not performed. For this reason, for example, a player who has determined that there is a high possibility that the setting has not been changed is the same as the previous day when viewing the effect display at the opening of a game store (hall) There is a problem of concentrating on gaming machines that seem to have high avoidance settings.

  On the other hand, display units of gaming machines such as electric lamps and liquid crystal display devices are generally shifted to predetermined demonstration displays to save power and protect the liquid crystal screen when there is no game for a certain period of time. Has been done. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that returns from a standby mode to a normal gaming mode when a touch sensor provided in any of the operation switches detects contact.

JP 2008-307290 A

  Here, assuming that the player has stopped the game by leaving the seat, for example, when returning from the demonstration display, when the player is about to start the game, the production screen before the transition to the demonstration display It is preferable to return to. However, when the player performs a preparatory operation for starting a game (such as slotting a medal in the case of a slot machine), such as immediately after the power is turned on as described above, Since the internal state of the gaming machine is known before the start (before the start operation), the preparatory operation once performed is canceled (the inserted medal is refunded with the checkout switch) and moved to another game machine. Is possible. Such an action not only hinders the operation for the store side, but is also not preferable from the viewpoint of fairness among players.

  In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention can prevent so-called setting change barre at the opening of the store so that the internal state cannot be confirmed unless at least one game is played. In addition, an object is to provide a gaming machine that can promote the operation of a game store.

The features of the present invention will be described below using the embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings.
In addition, the code | symbol in parenthesis shows the code | symbol used in embodiment of invention, and does not limit the technical scope of this invention.
(Claim 1)
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a game can be started by a predetermined start preparation operation, and after the start preparation operation, the game is started by a predetermined start operation, and before performing the start operation, the game is started by a predetermined cancel operation. An effect display unit (66) that is formed so as to be able to cancel the start preparation operation and performs a predetermined effect display, a display control means (image display control means 150) for controlling the operation of the effect display unit (66), A gaming machine comprising at least

  The gaming machine according to the present invention can be a slot machine, a parrot gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, in addition to the above configuration, a rotating reel (40) displaying a plurality of symbols on the surface, and a game medium at the time of winning a prize A payout device (hopper unit 65) for paying out other components may be provided. The “game medium” includes medals, game balls (pachinko balls), coins and the like used for games.

  Here, the “start preparation operation” is an operation required to operate the main gaming device of the gaming machine. Taking the slot machine (10) as an example, the reel unit (60) as the main gaming device For example, in the case of a pachinko gaming machine (P), a prize opening as a main gaming device is applicable to a bet operation in which a medal is inserted or a bet switch (16) is operated to activate a start switch (30) for driving Touch the handle (500) to launch the game ball on the game board (200) with (230, 240, 260), turn the handle (500), or launch the game ball to launch on the game board (200) (400) corresponds to the action of setting to the throwing or ball launching operation.

  Here, the “start operation” is an operation for actually playing a game by operating the main gaming device of the gaming machine. In the slot machine (10) as an example, the start switch (30) is operated. In this case, the reel unit (60) is driven to rotate the rotating reel (40), and in the case of a pachinko gaming machine (P), the handle (500) is turned, and the handle (500) is turned to play a game. It corresponds to hitting a game ball on the board (200) or to enter any of the winning holes (230, 240, 260) provided on the game board (200).

  The “cancel operation” is an operation to return a gaming machine that can start a game by a start preparation operation to a state in which a game cannot be started. In the case of a slot machine, a bet medal is canceled. For example, in the case of a pachinko machine, if the start preparation operation is to touch the handle (500), the act of releasing the handle (500) If the start preparation operation is to turn the handle (500), the act of returning the game ball launched by operating the handle (500) from the game board (200) to the ball tray (400) as a foul ball is applicable However, if the start preparation operation is an action to insert the game ball into the ball tray (400) or set to the ball launch operation, the game ball set into the ball tray (400) and set to the ball launch operation is used as a ball release button, etc. Applicable to refund by operating That.

  In addition, the “effect display section” includes an image display means (67) for displaying an image using a liquid crystal screen, a lamp (68) for lighting and blinking a light emitter, and a speaker (69) for outputting sound. The “display control means” includes an image display control means (150) for controlling an image displayed on the image display means (67), a light emission display control means for controlling lighting / flashing of the lamp (68), a speaker, Voice output control means for controlling the voice output from (69) is included.

  Furthermore, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, the display control means (150) can execute a specific effect display that is an effect state in which the advantage of the game state can be determined, and no game operation is performed for a certain period of time. In this case, the specific effect display being executed by the effect display unit (66) is interrupted and a predetermined demonstration display is executed. When the start preparation operation is performed during execution of the demonstration display, the demonstration display is ended, and another presentation display different from the specific presentation display is executed, and the start preparation operation is performed. The specific effect display is executed on condition that the start operation is performed.

  Here, the “specific effect display” is an effect display in which an aspect of the effect display executed according to the game state is determined, and the advantage of the game state can be determined by looking at the effect display. For example, if the bonus game is being won or the transition to an advantageous game such as AT is confirmed, and the case where it is not so, the production mode is set differently, and it is in a special gaming state or not An effect display that suggests or informs is included.

  The “demonstration display” causes the effect display unit (66) to perform a standby display of a predetermined pattern regardless of the game state, and displays a predetermined demonstration image on the image display device (67). , Turning on and blinking the lamp (68) in a standby pattern, and outputting a standby sound volume or content from the speaker (69).

(Function)
In the present invention, when the start preparation operation is performed during the execution of the demonstration display, the demonstration display is ended first, and another effect display different from the specific effect display is executed. Then, the specific effect display is executed on the condition that the start operation is performed after the start preparation operation is performed. That is, the specific effect display is not executed unless a substantial game is started and the start preparation operation cannot be canceled.

  According to the present invention, since another effect display different from the specific effect display is executed in response to the start preparation operation, it is possible to quickly return from the demonstration display to the effect screen. In addition, the other effect display is different from the specific effect display in that the advantage of the gaming state cannot be determined. Therefore, the effect executed by performing the start preparation operation is confirmed, and for example, the effect display does not correspond to the high setting. If this happens, it will not be possible to cancel the start preparation operation and move to another game machine. As described above, in order to check the gaming state based on the contents of the production, it is necessary to start one game, and as a result, one game has to be consumed, so that the operation of the store can be promoted. It will be a thing.

  According to the present invention, when waiting for a customer, the internal state cannot be confirmed unless at least one game is played, so that it is possible to prevent so-called setting change barre and promote the operation of the game store. Can do.

FIG. 4 is an external front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an input, output and control device of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the slot machine in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows game time measurement processing. It is a flowchart which shows a demonstration execution flag setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a demonstration display process. It is a modification of this Embodiment, Comprising: It is a flowchart which shows a demo display process. It is an application example of the present embodiment, and is an external front view of a pachinko gaming machine.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a slot machine as an example of a gaming machine.
(Slot machine 10)
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 includes a rectangular box-shaped casing 11 that opens on the front side, and a front door 3 that can open and close and lock the front opening of the casing 11.
Inside the casing 11, a reel unit 60 having three rotating reels 40 is installed at the upper part of the opening, and a hopper unit 65 and a power supply unit 5 are provided at the lower part of the opening. A control device 20 for controlling the overall operation of the slot machine 10 is disposed above the reel unit 60.

  The front door 3 is a plate-like door that is rotatably attached to the housing 11 via a hinge (not shown) in the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 1, an upper panel 12 facing the player is provided above the front door 3. In the center of the upper panel 12, the symbols of the three rotary reels 40 are provided. Is displayed. The lower side of the symbol display window 13 is a counter-like operation unit 3A provided with operation switches (the bet switch 16, the settlement switch 17, the start switch 18, and the stop switch 19) for operating the slot machine 10. The medal slot 14 is provided at the right end of the operation unit 3A. A medal selector 4 is provided below the medal slot 14 and behind the front door 3 for detecting the inserted medal and determining the medal.

(Control device 20)
Although not shown, the control device 20 is configured around a CPU and includes a ROM, a RAM, an I / O, and the like. Here, the number of CPUs is not limited to one and may be controlled by two or more CPUs. Further, the CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O, and the like may be integrated to form a one chip. Then, the CPU reads the program stored in the ROM, thereby configuring the game control device 21 and the effect control device 22 as shown in FIG.
(Game control device 21)
The game control device 21 is for controlling the rotation and stop of the rotary reel 40 by operating the start switch 30 and the stop switch 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the medal sensor 15, the bet switch 16, the settlement switch 17, the start switch 30, and the stop switch 50 are connected to the input side of the game control device 21.

Although not specifically shown, the medal sensor 15 is a detection sensor built under the medal slot 14, and is used to detect the inserted game medal. As shown in FIG. 1, the bet switch 16 is a button switch positioned below the symbol display window 13 and is used to replace credits with coins. The medal insertion and the operation of the bet switch 16 correspond to the start preparation operation for enabling the game to start.
As shown in FIG. 1, the settlement switch 17 is a button switch located obliquely below the symbol display window 13, and is used for canceling a bet and paying out credits. It should be noted that the operation of the settlement switch 17 corresponds to a cancel operation for canceling the start preparation operation.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the start switch 30 is a lever that is positioned obliquely below the symbol display window 13 on condition that a game medal is inserted or the bet switch 16 is pressed, or at the time of re-playing a predetermined game from the previous game. This is for starting the driving of the reel unit 60 on the condition of the passage of time. In addition, although not shown in the drawing, a contact sensor that is energized by contact or a light-blocking sensor that detects a swing caused by pressing the lever is provided on the inside of the housing of the start switch 30 to detect the lever pressing. The detection signal is output to the control device 20 as an operation signal. The operation of the start switch 30 corresponds to a start operation for starting a game.

  The stop switch 50 is for stopping the driving of the reel unit 60. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the stop switch 50 includes three stop buttons corresponding to each rotary reel 40, and one stop switch 50 is arranged below each rotary reel 40. Although not shown in the drawings, a contact sensor that is energized by contact or a light-blocking sensor that detects movement caused by pressing the button is provided inside the housing of each stop button. The detection signal is output to the control device 20 as an operation signal. The operation of the stop switch 19 corresponding to the rotating reel 40 is set so that the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops rotating.

As shown in FIG. 2, the reel unit 60, the hopper unit 65, the bet display unit 18, and the credit display unit 19 are connected to the output side of the game control device 21.
The reel unit 60 includes three stepping motors fixed to or supported by a frame, and three rotary reels 40 fixed to the output shafts of the respective stepping motors, although not particularly shown. Each rotary reel 40 includes a rotary drum made of a synthetic resin and a tape-like reel tape attached around the rotary drum. A plurality of (for example, 21) symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel tape.
When the slot machine 10 is viewed from the front, three symbols of each rotary reel 40 can be visually recognized from the symbol display window 13. Although not particularly shown, each rotary reel 40 is provided with a start index as a detection unit that is detected by an index sensor (not shown) provided on the reel unit 60. The start index can be, for example, a protrusion provided on the inside of the rotating drum or on the spoke connecting the rotating drum and the stepping motor.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hopper unit 65 is a payout device provided inside the housing 11, and is for paying out medals to the player based on the result of the game.
As shown in FIG. 1, the bet display unit 30 is a display unit provided below the symbol display window 13 for displaying the number of medals (the number of bets) inserted to play a single game. Is.
The credit display unit 31 is configured to display up to 50 in excess when medals are inserted from the medal slot 14 exceeding the maximum number of bets (three).
As shown in FIG. 2, the game control device 21 includes an insertion control means 70, a winning lottery means 80, a game state control means 90, a reel control means 100, a game result determination means 110, a hopper control means 120, and an effect determination means. It functions as each means of 120 and game time timer 130.

(Input control means 70)
The insertion control means 70 performs control related to the insertion of game medals. That is, based on the detection signal of the medal sensor 15 and the operation signal of the bet switch 16, the bet display unit 18, the display of the credit display unit 19, and the operation of the medal cancellation device (not shown) provided in the medal selector 4 are performed. It is something to control.
Here, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment allows a maximum of three game medals to bet (hang) per game by inserting game medals from the medal insertion slot 14. Is formed. Note that the maximum number of cards (specified number) in one game may be formed so as to change according to the game state.

Further, the game medals inserted into the slot machine 10 are formed so as to be electronically stored (credited) up to a predetermined number (for example, 50). The number of credited game medals is displayed on the credit display unit 19. When the number of credit medals is displayed on the credit display unit 19, instead of inserting a game medal into the medal slot 14, a bet on the game medal is made by operating the bet switch 16, and the start switch 30 Can be made operable.
Specifically, the insertion control means 70 inserts a game medal from the medal insertion slot 14 when the display on the credit display unit 19 is “0” when the prescribed number is three (from the medal sensor 15). When the detection signal is received), the bet display unit 18 displays a bet for the first three cards. The display on the credit display unit 19 is added for the amount inserted exceeding three. When the bet number is not displayed on the bet display unit 18 and the display on the credit display unit 19 is “3” or more and the bet switch 16 is operated, the display on the credit display unit 19 is changed to “3”. ”Is subtracted, and three bets are displayed on the bet display unit 18 and three game medals are bet. If the bet switch 16 is operated when the display on the credit display unit 19 is less than “3”, the game medals displayed on the credit display unit 19 are treated as bet. If the specified number is 3 or less and the bet switch 16 is operated, the display on the credit display unit 19 is subtracted by the specified number, and the specified number of bets are displayed on the bet display unit 18. Suppose that a specified number of game medals bet. Further, when the settlement switch 17 is operated (the settlement operation) before the start switch 30 is operated while the bet display is on the bet display section 18 (betting is made), the display on the bet display section 18 is displayed. Is reset, and the display on the credit display unit 19 is returned to the value before the subtraction to treat the bet as canceled.

Here, the settlement process based on the settlement operation will be described in detail. If there is no credit in the bet state, the bet display is reset based on the settlement operation and the display on the credit display unit 19 is added by the amount corresponding to the bet. And credits are returned. In addition, if there is a credit while the bet is placed, the bet is returned to the credit as much as there is an available credit. If there is no available credit (when the credit reaches 50), A hopper control means 120 (to be described later) is operated to pay out the excess credit from the hopper unit 65.
In addition to the above, the settlement process may include a method of resetting the bet display by the settlement operation and paying out the bet amount from the hopper unit 65 when the bet is placed and there is no credit. If there is a credit in the state where the bet is placed, the bet display is reset by the settlement operation, and only the bet is paid out from the hopper unit 65. There is also a method of resetting the display and credit display and paying out all the bet and credit from the hopper unit 65. Incidentally, when a betting operation is performed when a bet is not made and there is only credit, the credit amount is paid out from the hopper unit 65 based on the control of the hopper control means 120.

Further, when the display on the credit display unit 19 reaches “50”, the medal canceling device is operated to insert the game medal remaining in the medal selector 4 and thereafter from the medal insertion slot 14. The medal is canceled from the medal selector 4. Canceled game medals are paid back to the lower plate.
In a predetermined case such as when the rotating reel 40 is rotating or the hopper unit 65 is paying out medals, the insertion control means 70 does not accept the operation signal of the bet switch 16, and at the same time, the medal canceling device To prevent players from betting. As will be described later, betting is automatically performed in a predetermined case.

(Winning lottery means 80)
The winning lottery means 80 determines by lottery whether or not a predetermined “comb” consisting of a combination of symbols displayed on the plurality of rotating reels 40 has been won. Specifically, the count value of the loop counter as the random number generation means is read and stored at the timing of receiving the operation signal of the start switch 30, and is used in any role by collating with the lottery table stored in the ROM. Determine whether you have won or did not win any of the roles.
Here, the slot machine 10 is awarded when a predetermined symbol combination is aligned on the active line by the operation of the stop switch 50, and a profit corresponding to the combination is given. The combination includes a combination of a predetermined small role symbol (for example, watermelon symbol, bell symbol, cherry symbol, etc.), and a small role (for example, watermelon role, bell role, cherry role, etc.) in which a predetermined number of game medals are paid out by winning a prize. ) And a predetermined replay symbol combination, a re-gamer who can play again without newly inserting a game medal in the next game by winning, and a predetermined bonus symbol (for example, 7 symbol, Bar symbol, etc.) It consists of a combination and has a bonus combination that shifts to a bonus game upon winning. As the bonus combination, an RB game combination that shifts to a regular bonus game (RB game) and a BB game combination that shifts to a big bonus game (BB game) are provided. The RB game is a game period that is set to increase the winning probability of a small role, and ends when a predetermined number of games are consumed or a predetermined number of wins are won. The BB game is a game period that is set so that the RB game is continuously performed, and ends when the number of paid-out medals exceeds a predetermined number.

The effective line is a line that defines an arrangement of symbol combinations that are effective for winning a prize, and as shown in FIG. 1, an upper line that connects the symbols located in the upper stage of the symbol display window 13 in a horizontal line, The middle line connecting the symbols located in the center of the symbol display window 13 in a horizontal row, the lower line connecting the symbols located in the lower row of the symbol display window 13 in a horizontal row, the symbols located in the upper, middle, and lower rows of the symbol display window 13 An oblique line that diagonally connects the game medals can be provided, and the number and types of effective lines can be changed according to the number of game medals inserted and the game state.
The lottery table defines the count value of the loop counter as an entire area and a predetermined numerical area as a winning area corresponding to a role, and although not particularly shown, for each game setting of the slot machine 10, A plurality of lottery tables provided according to the state are provided. When performing the above-described winning determination, the winning lottery table corresponding to the set value and the gaming state of the slot machine 10 is referred to. Specifically, the lottery table includes a base game lottery table referred to in a normal game win determination, a bonus lottery table referred to in a bonus game win determination, and a game in which a bonus combination is carried over ( There is a bonus internal / medium lottery table which is referred to in the determination of winning of (internal game), and these are provided for each setting. When the setting is changed, the lottery table is changed, and the winning probability is changed. As a result, the number of medals paid out by winning is changed. In general, the higher the setting, the more balls are played.

In the base game lottery table, the winning areas of the bonus combination, the small combination, and the re-playing combination are set within a predetermined range (with a predetermined probability). The winning area for the small role is the same as the normal game lottery table, but there is a lottery table that is set so that the winning area for the re-gamer is larger (the winning probability is higher) than the normal game lottery table. Yes. A game period in which a role lottery is performed using this lottery table is referred to as a replay time (hereinafter referred to as RT).
Here, RT is a collective term of game periods that are set such that the winning probability of the re-gamer is different from the normal game state and that is started when the predetermined start trigger is met and ended when the predetermined end trigger is met. As in this embodiment, when the transition is made to RT where the winning probability of the re-gamer is set high, the number of replays that can be played without a bet increases, and the win probability of the small role does not change. Since there is less loss of medals, it becomes a kind of advantageous state. In the present embodiment, the transition opportunity to RT can be any of a case where a bonus combination is won, a case where a bonus game is completed, or a case where a combination of specific symbols is displayed during a normal game. In addition, the RT may be terminated when the bonus combination is won, when the bonus combination is won, when a combination of specific symbols is displayed during a normal game, or when a predetermined number of games have been completed. it can.

A plurality of RT lottery tables having different winning probabilities for re-gamers may be provided so that a plurality of types of RTs can be executed.
If the winning lottery means 80 determines that one of the winning combinations has been won, that is, if the read count value is included in the winning area of a predetermined winning combination in the lottery table, it corresponds to the winning combination. The winning flag is established. As the winning flag, a small winning flag that is established when the determination result is a small winning combination, a bonus winning flag (BB flag, RB flag) that is established when the determining result is a bonus winning, and the determination result is There is a re-game winning flag that is established when the re-game winning combination is won. The small role winning flag and the re-game winning flag are valid only in the game in which the winning flag is established, and are erased (reset) when the game ends. In other words, the small combination and the re-playing combination cannot carry over the winning right after the next game. On the other hand, the bonus winning flag is carried over after the next game until the symbols constituting the bonus combination are displayed on the active line.

(Game state control means 90)
The game state control means 90 is for controlling the bonus game, the game inside the bonus, and the RT game. Specifically, when a bonus combination is won, the bonus lottery table is used to control the combination lottery, and when the bonus combination is displayed, the bonus lottery table is used. Control so that a lottery is performed. Further, during the bonus game, the number of payout medals, the number of games, and the number of wins are counted, and control is performed to return to the normal game when a predetermined count value is reached.
Further, when a predetermined RT transition opportunity is met, control is performed so that a role lottery is performed using the RT lottery table, and when a predetermined RT end timing is met, the game is returned to the normal game. Control.

(Reel control means 100)
The reel control means 100 controls the rotation of the rotating reel 40 based on an effective operation signal of the start switch 30, and controls the rotation stop of the rotating reel 40 based on the result of the winning lottery and the operation signal of the stop switch 50. Is for. The reel control means 100 includes a rotation start control means and a rotation stop control means, although not particularly shown.
The rotation start control means is for performing control related to the start of rotation of the rotary reel 40. Specifically, when an operation signal of the start switch 30 is input in a bet state, a certain time (4.1 seconds, so-called wait time) has elapsed since the start of rotation of the rotary reel 40 in the previous game. As a result, a drive start signal is output to the stepping motor of the reel unit 60 to start driving the stepping motor, whereby the rotation of all the rotating reels 40 is started simultaneously or in a predetermined order. When the rotational speeds of all the rotary reels 40 reach a predetermined speed, constant speed rotation is performed at the predetermined speed.

  The rotation stop control means is for controlling the rotation stop of the rotary reel 40 when the stop switch 50 is operated. Specifically, when an operation signal for the stop switch 50 is input while all the rotating reels 40 are rotating at a constant speed, a drive stop signal is sent to the stepping motor of the rotating reel 40 corresponding to the stop switch 50. To stop the rotation of the rotary reel 40 corresponding to the stop switch 50 by stopping the driving of the stepping motor. At this time, based on the lottery result of the winning lottery means 80, it is determined at which position within the range of the predetermined number of frames the corresponding rotating reel 40 is to be stopped.

  Specifically, the rotation stop control means grasps the current rotation angle of the rotary reel 40 based on the detection signal that the index sensor provided in the reel unit 60 detects the start index of the rotary reel 40, and the stop switch 50 A symbol located on a predetermined effective line can be specified from the rotation angle of the rotary reel 40 at the time of operation. Then, with the specified symbol as a reference, the corresponding rotating reel 40 is stopped within a range from the symbol to a symbol when a predetermined number (maximum number of sliding frames, for example, five frames) is moved in the rotation direction. Is formed. In other words, the rotation stop control means determines the amount of rotation that the rotating reel 40 rotates from the time when the stop switch 50 is operated until the corresponding rotating reel 40 stops (5 frames). The stop of the driving of the stepping motor is controlled so as to be within the range.

When the winning flag relating to the predetermined combination is established, that is, when the result of the combination lottery is winning the predetermined combination, the combination of winning symbols is stopped on the active line, and The stop position of the corresponding rotary reel 40 is determined within the predetermined number of frames so that the symbols other than the winning symbol do not stop on the active line. When the winning flag is not established, that is, when the winning lottery result is lost, the rotary reel 40 is stopped so that the combination of symbols constituting any of the winning combinations does not stop on the active line.
The stop control described above may use a stop table in which a symbol stop position is determined in advance according to the operation timing of the stop switch 50, or may a predetermined symbol be stopped at a predetermined position. It may be a judgment.

(Game result judging means 110)
The game result determination unit 110 determines a result of the game and makes a process based on the determination result when all the rotating reels 40 are stopped by the operation of the stop switch 50.
Specifically, when a predetermined winning combination is won, the game result determining means 110 determines the profit granting according to the winning combination. That is, a predetermined number of medals to be paid out according to the winning combination is determined in the case of a small winning combination, an automatic bet determination is performed in the case of a replay winning, and a game state transition determination is performed in the case of a bonus winning. Further, by performing a predetermined signal output to the effect control device 22, the effect display unit 66 can perform a predetermined effect upon winning or shifting to a bonus game.

(Hopper control means 120)
The hopper control means 120 operates the hopper unit 65 and pays out medals based on the determination result of the game result determination means 110 and the operation of the settlement switch 17. That is, when the game result determination means 110 determines the winning of the payout small role, when the payout switch 17 is operated after the game ends when the medal corresponding to the small role winning is paid out and the credit is 1 or more, Refund medals stored as credits.
(Game time timer 130)
The game time timer 130 measures the time during which no game operation is performed. Specifically, the game time timer 130 is determined in advance when the slot machine 10 is started (power switch is turned on) or when one game is finished (the rotation reel 40 is completely stopped or the payout is finished by winning). A time count of a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds is started, and the time is counted while resetting the timer each time a bet signal (detection of the medal sensor 15 or operation signal of the bet switch 16) is received. When a certain time has elapsed without receiving a bet signal, the time count is ended and a time-up signal is output to the effect control device 22 described below.

(Production control device 22)
The effect control device 22 is for controlling the effect display unit 66 such as the lamp 68 and the speaker 69 based on the output signal from the game control device 21 and the operation signal of the operation means such as the start switch 30.
As shown in FIG. 2, an effect display unit 66 (an image display device 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69) is connected to the output side of the effect control device 22.
The effect display unit 66 displays various effects. Specifically, the effect display unit 66 includes an image display device 67, a lamp 68, and a speaker 69. The image display device 67 is a window provided above the rotating reel 40, and is used for performing a predetermined image display effect using a liquid crystal display device, a CRT, or the like. Note that the image display device 67 is not limited to the above-described one, and for example, a rotary reel dedicated to the production may be provided, and the production may be displayed by the design or characters of the reel. The lamp 68 and the speaker 69 are used for notifying a winning or the like by lighting or blinking of the light emitter and generating a winning sound.

The effect control device 22 functions as effect determination means 140, image display control means 150, and AT control means 160, as shown in FIG. In addition to the above, the production control device 22 includes a light emission display control means for controlling the lighting / flashing pattern of the lamp 68, a sound output control means for controlling a sound pattern output from the speaker 69, and the like. In this embodiment, the description is omitted.
(Direction determining means 140)
The effect determining means 140 determines the presence / absence of the effect execution and the effect contents based on the gaming state and the execution lottery. Specifically, the effect determining means 140 stores a plurality of effect modes and determines an effect mode to be executed according to the gaming state or by lottery.

  Each production is divided into a plurality of stages according to the contents. For example, a normal stage that is executed when the gaming state is a normal state and a special stage that is executed when the gaming state is a predetermined special state are set, and each stage has a plurality of individual stages. It is included. The special state is a gaming state where there is a possibility of giving a bonus by playing a ball. For example, the transition to an advantageous game such as RT, assist time (AT) or assist replay time (ART) described later is determined. In the advantageous state, in the high-probability state in which the probability of transition to the advantageous game (AT, ART) is high, in the bonus inside, or in the bonus game. The normal state is a normal game state that does not correspond to the special state.

  As the normal stage, a plurality of individual stages corresponding to the normal state are provided. For example, a stage to be executed is determined by lottery triggered by a bet. As the special stage, there are provided individual stages (ART transition determination stage, ART stage, high-accuracy stage, BB stage, etc.) respectively corresponding to advantageous game states such as ART, high probability state, bonus game and the like. Each individual stage has an effect mode in which an effect display including a predetermined image display is performed according to the gaming state. That is, if the effect display is seen, the advantage of the gaming state can be determined. Thus, the effect display of the individual stages included in the normal stage and the special stage corresponds to the “specific effect display corresponding to the gaming state” recited in the claims.

Each individual stage included in the normal stage and the special stage is set so as to correspond to the effect image provided in the image display control unit 150 described later, and the image display control unit 150 includes the effect determination unit. The display of the effect image corresponding to the effect mode determined to be executed by 120 is executed.
(Image display control means 150)
The image display control means 150 is for controlling an image to be displayed on the image display device 67. As shown in FIG. 2, the image display storage means 151, the demonstration display control means 152, and the image effect execution means 153 It has.

(Image data storage means 151)
The effect image storage means 151 stores a plurality of image data to be displayed on the image display device 67.
Here, although not particularly illustrated, the image data includes image data of effect images corresponding to each effect stage and image data of specific images. As described above, the effect image is provided corresponding to the individual stage included in each effect stage. The specific image is a demonstration image in which, for example, the model name or series name of the slot machine 10 is displayed. Multiple types of demonstration images may be provided.

The image data of the effect image is mainly moving image data, but still image data may be included. It may constitute a series of continuous effects performed over a plurality of games. The image data of the specific image may be still image data or moving image data.
In addition to the specific image and the effect image corresponding to each effect stage, general image data not corresponding to the gaming state may be provided as the image data.
(Demo display control means 152)
The demonstration display control means 152 is for controlling the display (demonstration display) of the demonstration image displayed on the image display device 67.

Specifically, when receiving a time-up signal from the game time timer 130, the demo display control means 152 determines the transition to the demo display and interrupts the effect image displayed on the image display unit 67. , Switch to the demonstration image. In addition, when a bet operation (medal insertion or operation of the bet switch 16) is performed after determining the transition to the demo display, the end of the demo display is determined and the display of the effect image that has been interrupted is restored. .
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the demonstration display control means 152 performs a bet operation and operates the start switch 30 when the display is switched to the demonstration display first (before the game is started) after the power is turned on. With this condition, the effect image is restored. That is, the demonstration display control means 152 is provided with a demonstration execution flag setting means (not shown), and is configured to store the transition to the first demonstration display. The trigger for terminating the demonstration display is controlled based on the presence or absence of the demonstration execution flag, which will be described later in detail.

(Image production execution means 153)
The image effect execution means 153 is for causing the image display device 67 to display an effect image corresponding to the effect stage to be executed or a specific image based on the determination of the effect determination means 120 and the demonstration display control means 152. . Specifically, when the predetermined effect information is input from the effect determining means 120, the image data of the effect image corresponding to the effect stage indicated by the effect information is output to the image display device 67, and is sent to the image display device 67. A predetermined effect image is displayed. On the other hand, when the demonstration display control means 152 decides to shift to the demonstration display, the output of the image data of the effect image is interrupted, the image data of the specific image is output, and the demonstration image is displayed on the image display device 67. Let When the demonstration display control means 152 decides to end the demonstration display during the demonstration display, the output of the image data of the specific image is stopped, the image data of the effect image that has been interrupted is output, The image is restored.

  When the slot machine 10 is activated, predetermined image data is read from data stored as backup data when the power is turned off. The image effect execution means 153 causes the image display unit 67 to display a predetermined image based on the read data. Here, the slot machine 10 is formed so that the setting of the ball can be adjusted in a plurality of stages. However, if the setting is changed, information stored in the RAM of the game control device 21 or the effect control device 22 is usually stored. Is reset. On the other hand, when the setting is not changed, even when the power of the slot machine 10 is turned off, the flag state related to the winning lottery, the selected stage stage, etc. are saved as backup data. Therefore, the image displayed at this time corresponds to the stage before the power interruption when the setting is not changed. Further, when the setting is changed and the internal information is reset, for example, a preset initial image is displayed.

(AT control means 160)
The AT control means 160 is means for controlling the assist time (AT). In other words, if the AT decision is made as a result of the AT lottery of the effect determining means 120, the AT game is started when a predetermined AT start condition (for example, BB game end, etc.) is met, and the predetermined AT When the end condition (for example, the predetermined number of games, the number of notifications, the number of winnings, the winning or winning of a specific winning combination) is met, the AT game is ended.
Note that an AT game may be played during RT. In the so-called ART (assist replay time) in which an AT game is played during an RT in which the winning probability of the re-gamer is set higher than usual, not only the decrease of the medals on hand is reduced, but also the stop operation is performed according to the notification. As a result, the medal acquisition by the small role winning is surely increased, so that the gaming state becomes more advantageous than the case where only AT is performed.

  Here, when performing a so-called push order AT for notifying the operation order of the stop switch 50 during AT, the reel control means 100 specifies the stop switch 50 when a specific combination is won as stop data. Stop data for drawing the symbols constituting the specific combination into the active line and stopping them when operated in the order of operations. Then, the AT control means 150 is provided with display data corresponding to the type of operation order, and when the game control device 21 receives a winning signal for a combination for which a specific operation order is set, the AT control means 150 responds to the operation order. Display data is selected and displayed on the image display device 67, for example. For example, the operation order of each of the three stop switches 50 is displayed with numbers 1, 2, and 3, and the stop button to be stopped first is displayed with characters such as left, middle, and right. A thing, a forward push, a reverse push, etc. may be displayed with an arrow. Further, the notification of the operation order is not limited to that using the image display device 67. For example, a light emitter may be provided inside the stop button of each stop switch 50, and the stop switch 50 to be operated may be notified by changing the emission color of the stop button from, for example, red to blue.

  If the stop switch 50 is operated in a specific operation order according to the notification, an advantageous result is obtained for the player. For example, when a small role that depends on the operation order whether or not to win a prize is elected, the operation order in which the small role wins is notified, and when the player operates the stop switch 50 according to the operation order, The small combination can be won (depending on the design of the rotating reel 40), and when a small combination with a different number of payouts is selected at the same time, the operation order in which the small combination with a large number of payouts wins is selected. When the player operates the stop switch 50 in accordance with the operation order, the small combination with a large number of payouts can be won. Or, when a small winning combination and a small winning single winning combination are simultaneously elected, the operation order in which the overlapping winning small combination wins is notified, and the player operates the stop switch 50 according to the operating order. It is possible to earn many medals by winning multiple prizes. Even when the notification is not performed, if the player operates the stop switch 50 in the operation order that brings about the advantageous result as described above, the advantageous result may be obtained. However, notification is performed, and by following the notification, an advantageous result can be surely obtained.

In the case of performing AT for reporting the indicator symbol, for example, a small role consisting of symbol combinations of “white 7 bell bell” “red 7 bell bell” “blue 7 bell bell” is provided. , “White 7”, “Red 7”, and “Blue 7” are arranged on the left reel 41 at positions that cannot be aimed at the same time. Then, the AT control means 160 displays “white 7”, “red 7”, or “blue 7” on the image display device 67, for example, according to the selected small role. By following the notification and operating the stop switch 50 aiming at each symbol, the small combination can be won efficiently.
(Operation of slot machine 10)
Next, an outline of the operation of the slot machine 10 having the above configuration will be described based on the flow of FIG.

First, in step 100 shown in FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not a prescribed number of medals have been inserted. Here, the prescribed number of medals is the number of medals that can be used for a single game, and the slot machine 10 can be used for up to three medals. The prescribed number may be changed according to the gaming state. For example, the prescribed number can be set to one during a bonus game. The medal insertion includes a bet switch operation. If the prescribed number of medals is not inserted, the process returns to step 100. If the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the process proceeds to the next step 101.
In step 101, it is determined whether or not the start switch 30 is turned on. If the start switch 30 is not turned ON, the process returns to step 101. If the start switch 30 is turned ON, the process proceeds to the next step 102.

In step 102, a winning lottery process by the winning lottery means 80 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 103.
In step 103, the reel control means 100 performs rotation start processing of the rotary reel 40. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 104.
In step 104, the reel control means 100 performs rotation stop processing of the rotary reel 40. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 105.
In step 105, a game result determination process is performed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 106, and processing according to the game result is performed. That is, when a predetermined winning combination is won, a profit is given according to the winning combination. Specifically, in the case of a bonus winning, a transition to a bonus game (BB game, RB game) is determined, and in the case of a re-game winning, automatic insertion of medals for the next game (the display of the bet display section is automatically displayed). In the case of winning a small part, a payout medal corresponding to the combination is paid out. Then, one game is finished. On the other hand, when the symbol combination stopped on the active line does not constitute any combination, one game is finished as it is.

Next, game time measurement processing by the game time timer 130 will be described based on the flow of FIG.
First, time counting is started in step 200 of FIG. As described above, the game time timer 130 is triggered when the power is turned on or when one game is finished (specifically, all the rotating reels 40 are stopped or the payout of the winning medals is finished). Start time measurement. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 201.
In step 201, it is determined whether or not a bet has been placed, that is, whether or not the medal sensor 15 has detected insertion of a medal or the bet switch 16 has been operated in the presence of credit. If the bet is not made, it is determined in the next step 202 whether or not a certain time has elapsed, that is, whether or not the time count has reached a predetermined count value. If the fixed time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 201. If the fixed time has elapsed, the process proceeds to the next step 203.

In step 203, a time-up signal is output and the game time measuring process is terminated. On the other hand, if a bet is placed in step 201, the process proceeds to step 204, where the timer is reset. Then, the game time measurement process ends.
In this way, the game time timer 130 stops the time measurement when the game is started, and the betting operation is not performed after the power is turned on or within a predetermined time after one game is completed. In this case, that is, when the rotating reel 40 does not start in the next game (the game is not started), a time-up signal is output to the effect control device 22.
(Demo execution flag setting process)
Next, the demonstration execution flag setting process under the control of the demonstration display control means 152 will be described based on the flow of FIG.

  First, in step 300 of FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not a demonstration display has been executed. This demonstration display is the first demonstration display after power-on (a demonstration display before the first game start), and there are two patterns. That is, a demonstration display executed when no betting operation is performed after the power is turned on, and a game is not performed for a predetermined time after the first betting operation is performed within a predetermined time after the power is turned on. Demo display to be executed. Note that the latter pattern is not included when the specification is such that the demonstration display is not executed when a bet operation is performed. If the first demonstration display is not executed, the process returns to step 300. If any one of the above demonstration displays is executed, the process proceeds to the next step 301.

In step 301, the demonstration execution flag is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 302.
In step 302, it is determined whether or not the power has been turned off. This power-off includes not only the case where the power switch is turned off, but also the drop in the supply voltage to the slot machine 10 due to a power failure or other factors. If the power is not cut off, the process returns to step 302. If the power is cut off, the process proceeds to the next step 303.
In step 303, the demonstration execution flag is turned OFF. Then, the process ends.
Here, as described above, when the supply voltage falls below a certain value, the slot machine 10 performs backup processing on the winning flag and the data related to the presentation before the supply voltage is cut off, but there is no need for backup. The predetermined data is reset. The demonstration execution flag OFF is performed as part of these processes.

(Demo display process)
Next, the demonstration display process under the control of the demonstration display control means 152 will be described based on the flow of FIG.
First, in step 400 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not a time-up signal is input from the game time timer 130. If a time-up signal is input, the process proceeds to the next step 401.
In step 401, it is determined whether or not the demonstration execution flag is ON, that is, whether or not the first demonstration display has been executed. If the demonstration execution flag is not ON, that is, if this is the first demonstration display after the power is turned on, the process proceeds to the next step 402.

In step 402, the effect display being executed is interrupted, and a predetermined demo image is displayed on the image display device 67. At this time, the demonstration execution flag is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to next Step 403.
In step 403, it is determined whether or not a bet is made. If a bet is made, the process proceeds to the next step 404. In step 404, it is determined whether or not the start switch 30 is turned on. If the start switch 30 is turned on, the process proceeds to step 407.
If the demonstration execution flag is ON in step 401, that is, if the first demonstration display has already been executed, the process proceeds to step 405.

In step 405, a demonstration image is displayed. If a bet is made in step 406, the process proceeds to step 407.
In step 407, the display of the demo image is terminated, and the suspended effect display is restored. Then, the process ends.
(Summary)
As described above, in this embodiment, when the first demonstration display is performed after the power is turned on, the return timing to the normal screen (effect display) is not a bet operation as a start preparation operation, but a game The game is actually started by the operation of the start switch 30 as the start operation.

  Here, in the hall, the setting is changed usually when the store is closed or when the store is opened. As described above, when the setting is changed, the flag state relating to the role lottery, the game state, and the data related to the selected stage are reset. Also, assuming that the time until transition to the non-game demonstration image display is set to about 30 seconds, for example, it is considered that the player rarely performs a game operation immediately after the slot machine 10 is turned on. Therefore, when the player enters the hall, it is assumed that the demo image is already displayed on the image display unit 67. In such a case, if the return from the first demonstration display is performed at the timing of the betting operation, the effect displayed on the platform when the betting operation (medal insertion) is performed at the beginning of the store opening will be If it is the same as the effect that was displayed before the store closed, the player would perceive that the setting was not changed. When the setting is not what the player desires, there is a possibility that the medal inserted by operating the settlement switch 17 is canceled and moved to another table.

In this respect, according to the present embodiment, the demonstration display in the morning does not return to the normal screen unless a medal is inserted and the start switch 30 is operated. In this case, for example, even if the setting is such that a specific effect display related to the internal state is executed in response to a bet operation, the display is not performed at the time of betting. After the start operation, medals bet for the game cannot be canceled, so in order to infer the internal state of the gaming machine by the effect display, the game must be performed at least once. . In this way, the operation of the slot machine 10 in the hall can be promoted.
Note that when the store clerk performs a bet operation to check the internal state of the gaming machine immediately after the power is turned on (before a certain time elapses), the internal state can be confirmed by a specific effect display of the betting opportunity. Of course, if you cancel the bet, you do not need to play. After that, if a certain time has passed until the player enters the store (usually, it seems to have elapsed), the demonstration display being executed is not finished unless the start operation is performed. If the internal state is confirmed and it is determined that it is necessary to reset, the internal state can be reset by performing a predetermined RAM clear operation or setting change (including re-setting of the same setting). .

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, except for returning from the first demonstration display, it is configured to return to the normal screen by a bet operation. Therefore, after executing the first demonstration display, the bet is triggered. A specific effect display is performed. Therefore, it is possible to respond to the request of the player who wants to know the internal state of the gaming machine as soon as possible.
When returning from the first demonstration display, it is determined whether or not execution of the specific effect display with the bet as a trigger is determined. If execution of the specific effect display is determined, the start operation is performed. You may make it perform the specific production | presentation display determined as the opportunity. That is, the execution time of the specific effect display may be shifted. Alternatively, the determined specific display may not be performed (cancelled). In short, it is only necessary that the specific effect display capable of estimating the internal state of the gaming machine is not executed when the bet can be canceled.

(Modification)
In the above-described embodiment, except for returning from the first demonstration display, since it is configured to return to the normal screen by a bet operation, there is a merit that the production screen can be returned early, for example, After the power is turned on, a player plays a game once to determine the internal state, and immediately leaves the game stand, but after a certain period of time, other players attached to the stand can easily There is a possibility that the bet cancellation as described above may be performed by observing the state.
Therefore, it is possible to return from all the demonstration displays at the start operation so that the internal state of the gaming machine cannot be grasped unless at least one game is started. Hereinafter, a control example in this case will be described based on the flow of FIG. In this modification, since the presence / absence of the demonstration execution flag is not determined, the demonstration display control unit 152 does not perform the demonstration execution flag setting process.

First, in step 500 in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a time-up signal is input from the game time timer 130. If a time-up signal is input, the process proceeds to the next step 501.
In step 501, it is determined whether or not execution of a specific effect display triggered by a bet has been determined. If execution of the specific effect display is determined, the process proceeds to the next step 502.
In step 502, the effect display being executed is interrupted, and a predetermined demo image is displayed. Then, the process proceeds to the next step 503.

In step 503, it is determined whether or not a bet is made. If a bet is made, the process proceeds to the next step 504. In step 504, it is determined whether or not the start switch 30 is turned on. If the start switch 30 is turned on, the process proceeds to step 505.
In step 505, the display of the demonstration image is terminated, and in the next step 506, the specific effect display that has been determined to be executed at the time of betting is executed. Then, the process ends.
If it is determined in step 501 that execution of a specific effect display triggered by a bet has not been determined, the process proceeds to step 507.

The flow from step 507 to 510 is the same as the flow from step 502 to 505 described above. Then, after the display of the demo image is finished, the processing is finished as it is.
If execution of the specific effect display triggered by the bet is determined in step 501 of the above flow, the execution of the specific effect display determined in step 506 may be canceled.
Alternatively, it may be determined whether to execute the start operation or to cancel the execution according to the type of the specific effect display among the specific effect displays triggered by the bet. For example, a specific effect display that suggests or reports an advantageous state is triggered by a start operation, and other specific effect displays are canceled, or conversely, a specific effect display that suggests or reports a normal state is started. The operation may be executed as an opportunity, and the other specific effect display may be canceled.

By the way, the slot machine 10 in the above-described embodiment and modification is formed so as to shift to the demonstration display when the gaming operation is not performed for a certain time after the power is turned on. The present invention can also be applied to a slot machine configured to shift to a demonstration display immediately after startup. In this case, the return from the demonstration display by power-on can be the start operation after the bet, and the subsequent return from the demonstration display can be the bet time.
Further, in the above-described embodiment and modification, the demonstration display is formed to end at the start operation, but in the present invention, if the effect display is returned at the start operation, The end of the demonstration display is not limited to the start operation. For example, although the demonstration display ends when the player is seated in a chair or bets, other displays that are not presentation displays corresponding to the gaming state will be displayed, and then the start operation will be displayed at the time of betting. The specific effect display may be performed.

(Application examples)
By the way, the present invention can be applied to gaming machines other than slot machines. For example, the present invention can be applied to a parrot gaming machine that uses a game ball (pachinko ball) as a game medium to perform a game similar to a slot machine. Further, in the pachinko gaming machine, the present invention can also be applied to cases where the production stage is set to be different between the normal state, the big hit state, and the probability variation state.
Here, the pachinko gaming machine will be briefly described.
(Pachinko machine P)
FIG. 8 is an external front view of the pachinko gaming machine P. This pachinko gaming machine P is called a so-called digital machine, and is roughly divided into a rectangular frame-shaped housing, a front door 300 that is detachably attached to the housing, and an inner side of the front door 300. It consists of a game board 200.

The case is fixed at a game machine installation place called “island” of the game hall. Below the case is a ball tray 400 that is open on the upper side, and is located at the lower right end of the ball tray 400 on the front side. A protruding handle 500 is provided. Here, the ball tray 400 is a tray that can store the game balls paid out by winning, and the handle 500 operates a ball launcher (not shown) provided therein by the operation. belongs to. In addition, a control device for controlling the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided inside the housing, although not particularly illustrated.
The front door 300 is a plate-like door having a window portion at the center, and a glass frame is provided inside the window portion so as to close the window portion. Through the glass frame, the board surface of the game board 200 can be seen from the front side. In addition, a speaker 600 and an effect lamp 700 are provided on the upper part of the front door 300.

The game board 200 is a plate member having a game area 200 a surrounded by the guide rail 210. On the board surface of the game board 200, although not shown in particular, a flow regulation changing member such as a windmill or a plurality of nails for regulating the flow direction of the game ball and changing the flow direction is provided. The guide rail 210 is for guiding a game ball launched from the ball launcher by operating the handle 500 to the game area 200a.
In the center of the game board 200, a variable display section 220 is provided for performing various displays such as characters, figures, and moving images using a liquid crystal display device and a rotating reel. Also, below the variable display section 220, a general winning port 230 where a predetermined number of game balls are paid out by winning, a starting winning port 240 where a special symbol lottery is performed in response to the winning, and the starting winning port 240 A big winning opening 250 is provided as a special variable winning device that is located below and opened when a big hit game is won. Further, on the upper right side of the board, there is provided a gate 260 in which a normal symbol lottery is performed when a game ball passes. In the middle of the lowermost part of the game area 200a of the game board 200, an out-out port 270 is provided for discharging game balls that have not won any of the prize-winning holes to the back of the game board 200 outside the game area 200a. ing.

The variable display unit 220 displays a variable display game when displaying the lottery result, and displays the above-mentioned lottery result when the variable display game is missed. In addition, various presentational displays are performed, and animation display of characters is also performed. A peripheral wall is provided around the variable display unit 220 so that game balls flowing down the game area 200a do not flow in, and a movable accessory for performance is provided above the peripheral wall.
The start winning opening 240 is composed of two winning openings arranged vertically. The first start port 241 disposed on the upper side can receive a game ball from the upper side. The second starting port 242 arranged on the lower side is provided with an electric accessory called a so-called electric chew. At the second starting port 242, the two left and right movable pieces constituting the electric accessory are normally closed, and no game ball directly enters the second starting port 242. The movable piece is opened for a preset time based on the lottery result, and the game ball can be received from the side. That is, when the movable piece is closed, the game ball wins only at the first start opening 241, and when the movable piece is open, the game ball can win at both the upper and lower start winning openings 240.

The special winning opening 250 is an opening provided with an opening / closing door called an attacker, and is normally closed so that the opening / closing door does not allow game balls to flow in. When it is a win, the game ball is opened and opened so that game balls can easily flow in, and is repeatedly opened and closed for a predetermined number of rounds determined by lottery.
An information display unit 280 is provided on the lower right side of the variable display unit 250. The information display unit 280 includes at least a special symbol display unit 281, a normal symbol display unit 282, and a reserved display unit (not shown). The special symbol display unit 281 is for variably displaying and stopping the special symbol representing the lottery result of the winning lottery performed by the control device. The normal symbol display unit 282 is for variably displaying and stopping the normal symbol representing the lottery result of the open lottery performed by the control device. The hold display section is for displaying the number of holds. In addition to the above, the information display unit 280 may include a display unit that displays the number of rounds during the big hit game and a display unit that displays whether the game state is a normal state or a probable change state.

An outline of the game of the pachinko gaming machine P having such a configuration will be described.
A game ball launched from the ball launcher by operating the handle 500 is guided to the game area 200a, and when the game ball wins the general winning opening 230, a predetermined number of game balls are thrown from a ball payout device (not shown). It is paid out to the tray 400.
When a game ball guided to the game area 200a wins the start winning opening 240, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the ball tray 400, and an opportunity to start a variable display game with a special symbol is given. In the variable display game, a predetermined symbol (decorative symbols such as numbers and pictures) displayed on the variable display unit 220 and a numerical value displayed on the special symbol display unit 281 are sequentially switched to display a single numerical value. Stop display. Here, the variable display unit 220 and the special symbol display unit 281 display the variable display game corresponding to the same single lottery result almost simultaneously, and the variable display unit 220 and the special symbol display unit 281 have the same lottery. The results are displayed sequentially. In other words, the variable display on the variable display unit 220 and the variable display on the special symbol display unit 281 are performed almost simultaneously, and the winning lottery results displayed are the same. The variable display unit 220 and the special symbol display unit 281 have substantially the same variable display time (the start timing and stop timing of the variable display), and the result of the hit error is the same, and other displays are different. It's okay. For example, the combination of the decorative symbols that are the winning symbols that are stopped when the variable display game is finished may be different from the combination of the special symbols that are the winning symbols.

And, in the special symbol variation display game, when the combination of the special symbols stopped and displayed in each display area becomes a predetermined combination (predetermined stop symbol) (when winning), a special game state (big hit game) Will occur. Note that the result of the missed hit is determined by a lottery performed by the control device in response to detection of a ball entering the start winning opening 240.
When the special gaming state is entered, the open / close door of the special prize opening 250 is opened. The opening / closing door is closed when one of the two conditions of winning a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) and winning a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls to the big prize opening 250 is achieved. At the same time, the control is performed so that the opening again and the closing based on the establishment of the condition are repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). The period from the opening of the special winning opening 250 to the closing is referred to as a round.

In addition to the above, the special game state is set to open the doors for 2 rounds for 2 seconds, or after the specified round is over, the advantageous state (the winning probability of the special symbol lottery, the fluctuation of the normal symbol) Some have been set to shift to a shorter time than usual and to increase the number of lotteries per unit time. These are performed by winning the symbol corresponding to each type of winning as a result of the lottery of the special symbol lottery.
On the other hand, when the game ball guided to the game area 200a passes through the gate 260, an opportunity to start the normal symbol variation display game is given. In the normal symbol variation display game, the numerical values displayed on the normal symbol display unit 282 are sequentially switched and displayed in a variable manner, then one numerical value is stopped and displayed. If the numerical value that is stopped and displayed is a predetermined hit value such as 7 It is a hit. In addition, the result of the hit failure is determined by a lottery performed by the control device when the ball of the gate 260 is detected.

When the normal symbol variation display game is won, the movable piece of the second start opening 242 is released, the winning rate of the game ball to the start winning opening 240 is increased, and the chance of starting the variation display game is increased. It is like that.
(Demo display process)
Now, in the pachinko gaming machine P described above, an effect stage is determined according to the game state such as a big hit or a probability change. For example, the variable display unit 220 displays an image corresponding to the effect stage. On the other hand, also in the pachinko gaming machine P, when a game is not performed for a certain period of time, a predetermined demo image is displayed on the variable display unit 220, and when the game is started, the demo display is ended and an effect image is displayed. It comes to return. That is, the control device of the pachinko gaming machine P is also provided with an image display control means including a game timer, an effect determining means, and a demo display control means, similar to the slot machine 10.

Here, in the pachinko gaming machine P, the start preparation operation corresponding to the betting operation of the slot machine 10 is performed by touching the handle 500 or inserting a game ball into the ball tray 400 (set in a bullet launcher), or It is possible to turn the handle 500 (drive the bullet firing device). In addition, the start operation corresponding to the start operation of the slot machine 10 is to turn the handle 500 to launch a game ball into the game area 200a, or to start winning a prize (entering one of the winning holes) or a special symbol variation game. Or a normal symbol variation game can be started.
Then, as in the above-described embodiment, the demonstration display control means performs normal display (predetermined until the start preparation operation is performed and the start operation is performed after the transition to the first demonstration display after the power is turned on. Display of the production image) is not restored. That is, the demonstration display is not terminated in a state where the start preparation operation can be canceled before the start operation. Specifically, the canceling operation in the pachinko gaming machine P means that if the start preparation operation is to touch the handle 500 (the game timer starts counting time when the touch to the handle 500 is detected), the handle When the release from 500 is applicable, and the start preparation operation is to insert a game ball into the ball tray 400 (the game timer starts counting the time when the ball insertion is detected in the ball tray 400) In this case, the game ball is taken out from the ball tray 400 by operating a predetermined operation unit, and the start preparation operation turns the handle 500 (the game timer starts counting the time when the bullet launcher is driven). In some cases, this corresponds to turning the ball into a foul ball (a ball returning to the ball tray 400 by returning to the guide rail 210 without entering the game area 200a) by operating the handle.

By forming in this way, even in the pachinko gaming machine P, the gaming machine in which the demonstration display is performed, the internal state of the gaming machine is perceived from the contents displayed without actually playing the game. It is possible to prevent the act of arbitrarily selecting.
Also in this application example, if the specific effect display is not performed in response to the start preparation operation, the end timing of the demonstration display is not limited to the start operation.
Furthermore, in this specification, the display of the demo image by the image display device 67 has been described as the demonstration display, but the demo display is not limited to the image display. For example, a demonstration display indicating a standby state can be performed by the lighting and blinking mode of the lamp 68, the output sound from the speaker 69, or a combination thereof.

10 slot machine 11 chassis
12 Display window 13 Symbol display window
20 Controller 21 Game controller
22 Production control device
30 Start switch 40 turn reel
50 Stop switch 60 Reel unit
65 Hopper unit 66 Production display
80 Winning lottery means 130 Game time timer
140 Production determining means 150 Image display control device
151 Image data storage means 152 Demo display control means P Pachinko machine 200 Game board
240 start prize opening 260 gate
400 ball tray 500 handle

Claims (1)

A game can be started by a predetermined start preparation operation,
After the start preparation operation, the game is started by a predetermined start operation,
Before performing the start operation, the start preparation operation can be canceled by a predetermined cancel operation,
An effect display unit for performing a predetermined effect display;
In a gaming machine comprising at least display control means for controlling the operation of the effect display unit,
The display control means includes
A specific effect display that is an effect state in which the advantage of the gaming state can be determined can be executed,
When a game operation is not performed for a certain period of time, the specific effect display being executed in the effect display unit is interrupted, and a predetermined demonstration display is executed,
When the start preparation operation is performed during the execution of the demonstration display, the demonstration display is terminated, and another presentation display different from the specific presentation display is executed.
A gaming machine, wherein the specific effect display is executed on condition that the start operation is performed after the start preparation operation is performed.

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