JP6041931B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Kind Code: A1 To provide a gaming machine having different game results according to the player's ability to push. A slot machine includes a rotary reel unit 2 including a plurality of rotary reels 20 in which symbols are arranged and a plurality of stepping motors 21, a start switch 43 for starting the rotation of the rotary reel 20, and the rotary reel 20. A rotation stop switch 40 to be stopped, a rotation reel detection unit 612a for detecting a step of the stepping motor 21, a symbol table 612b having information on steps from when the rotation stop switch 40 is operated until the rotation reel 20 stops, A sliding frame number calculating unit 618 that calculates the number of sliding symbols on the one or more rotating reels 20 from when the rotation stop switch 40 is operated based on the step and the symbol table 612b until the rotating reels 20 are stopped; Depending on the number of sliding symbols, the game state changes from the current game state. Whether and a state transition determination unit 615 for determining. [Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a slot machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine in which, for example, an additional number of games in an ART gaming state is performed when an additional number of games is won during an ART (assist replay time) gaming state (Patent Document 1). In a conventional gaming machine, an extra lottery is performed separately from a lottery for a winning combination. Specifically, when a so-called rare role such as watermelon or cherry is won, a separate lottery is performed. Then, when the winning lottery is won, the number of games is added.

JP 2014-213047 A

  However, it is not limited to the extra lottery in the ART gaming state, and whether or not the gaming state shifts to a state advantageous to the player is strongly dependent on luck. Therefore, it cannot be said that the conventional gaming machine has sufficient interest. In particular, if you are a skilled player who can do so-called pushes, the game results will be determined regardless of your own push ability with conventional gaming machines, and it cannot be said that you have enough interest. It was.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having different game results according to the player's ability to push.

A gaming machine of the present invention comprises a rotating reel unit comprising a plurality of rotating reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged thereon, and a plurality of stepping motors for rotating the plurality of rotating reels, respectively.
A start switch for starting rotation of the plurality of rotating reels based on a player's operation;
A plurality of rotation stop switches that are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of rotation reels, and that stop the rotation reels that are rotating based on the operation of the player;
A rotating reel detector for detecting a step of the stepping motor;
A symbol table comprising information on the steps from when the rotation stop switch is operated by the player until the rotation reel stops;
Based on the step detected by the rotary reel detection unit and the symbol table, the player in the at least one rotary reel from when the player operates the rotation stop switch until the rotary reel stops. A sliding frame number calculating unit for calculating the number of sliding frames of the design;
Based on an operation to the start switch by the player, a role lottery unit for drawing a role corresponding to a combination of symbols of the plurality of rotating reels;
A special game control unit that switches a game state between a normal game state and a special game state that is one of an ART game state and a bonus state;
A specific section setting unit for setting a specific section for calculating the number of sliding symbols in the special gaming state;
A state transition determination unit configured to determine whether or not the gaming state is more advantageous to the player than the current gaming state, according to the number of sliding symbols in the specific section;
The number of sliding symbols to be targeted by the player, and a notification unit for notifying the player that the player has entered the specific section;
With
In the specific section, the state transition determination unit is a case where a rare combination is won by drawing the combination, and when the number of sliding symbols when the rare combination wins is zero, to extend the Yu technique period of the special game state.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide gaming machines having different game results according to the player's ability to push.

It is a front view of the slot machine concerning the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing an arrangement of symbols on a rotating reel in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an effective line of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view for explaining RT transition of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a view showing a format of information included in a symbol table of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the format contained in the role lottery table of the slot machine of FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the format contained in the role lottery table of the slot machine of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a format included in an ART extra lottery table when a rare role is played in the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a normal gaming state process of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a special extra lottery process in the ART gaming state of the slot machine of FIG. 1.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a slot machine as an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention.
The slot machine 1 includes a housing 10 as shown in FIG. A front door 100 is provided on the front surface of the housing 10.

  The front door 100 includes a light-transmitting reel window 200 at the center thereof. The reel window 200 is arranged such that a plurality of symbols displayed on the surface of each rotary reel 20 described later can be visually recognized.

  Above the reel window 200, a liquid crystal display unit 3, an electric decoration unit (not shown), and a speaker (not shown) are provided. The liquid crystal display unit 3 displays various effect videos during the game. The illumination part is turned on or off in a predetermined pattern when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The speaker outputs predetermined BGM and SE (sound effect) when a predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, various effects during the game are performed by the liquid crystal display unit 3, the electrical decoration unit, and the speaker.

  An operation unit 4 is provided below the reel window 200. The operation unit 4 includes an insertion slot 41 for inserting a medal as an example of a game medium, a bet switch 42 for betting a medal, a lever 43 as a start switch for rotating each rotary reel 20, and each rotation. Each rotation stop switch 40 is provided corresponding to the reel 20 and stops each rotating reel 20 being rotated. Each switch of these operation units 4 outputs an operation signal based on the player's operation. In addition, a medal sensor (not shown) is provided at the insertion port 41. The medal sensor detects the insertion of a medal into the insertion slot 41 by the player and outputs a detection signal. Further, in addition to these, the operation unit 4 is provided with a settlement switch (not shown), a stored medal display unit (not shown), and the like.

  Furthermore, a payout port 51 for paying out medals and a lower tray 52 for storing medals paid out from the payout port 51 are provided at the lower part of the operation unit 4.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1. FIG. 3 is a view showing an arrangement of symbols on the rotary reel 20 of the slot machine 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an effective line L of the slot machine. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the RT transition of the slot machine 1.

  In addition to the bet switch 42, the lever 43, and the rotation stop switch 40, the slot machine 1 includes a rotary reel unit 2 and a controller 6 that controls the entire slot machine 1 as shown in FIG. The rotary reel unit 2 and the control unit 6 are disposed inside the housing 10 together with a power supply device (not shown) for turning on / off the main power supply of the slot machine 1.

<Description of the game>
In playing a game in the slot machine 1, the player first inserts a medal from the insertion slot 41 or uses a medal (credit) stored by operating the bet switch 42 to use the slot machine 1. Bet a medal on When a predetermined number of medals are bet on the slot machine 1, the activated line L is activated and the lever 43 can be operated, that is, the game can be started.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the effective line L includes one horizontal upper line. In the present embodiment, when three sheets of Max Bet (Max Bet) are used, one effective line L (upper line) is activated.

  One game in the present embodiment refers to a series of operations in which a player operates the bet switch 42, the lever 43, and the rotation stop switch 40 to obtain a game result. Specifically, when the lever 43 is operated in a state where a game can be started, a winning combination is performed and the rotation of each rotary reel 20 is started. In this state, when any one of the rotation stop switches 40 is operated, the rotary reel 20 corresponding to the operated rotation stop switch 40 is stopped. All the rotating reels 20 are stopped, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the combination of symbols aligned (winned) on the effective line L. Thereby, one game is completed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the gaming state includes a normal gaming state (RT0, RT1), an ART and bonus preparation state (RT2), a bonus state (RT3), and an ART gaming state (RT4). . The transition of the game state is performed when winning of each transition replay or when a predetermined combination (here, a bell) is missed. It should be noted that “missing a predetermined combination” means that a symbol corresponding to the predetermined combination was not prepared on the effective line L although the predetermined combination was won.

  The normal gaming state is a gaming state when the player does not hit the ART and bonus preparation state transition combination (RT2 transition replay), bonus transition combination (RT3 transition replay), and ART transition combination (RT4 transition replay).

  The ART and bonus preparation state has hit the ART and bonus preparation state transition combination (RT2 transition combination replay) from the normal gaming state, but the gaming state has not transitioned to the bonus state or ART gaming state (RT3 transition replay and RT4 transition) The game state when none of the replays are hit.

  The ART gaming state is a RT (replay time) in which the probability of replaying (replay) is higher than that in the normal gaming state, and medals are less likely to be reduced. This is a gaming state in which an AT (assist time), which is navigation for reliably acquiring an order, etc., is performed. Further, the bonus state is an advantageous state for the player, which is different from the ART gaming state.

<Description of rotating reel unit>
As shown in FIG. 2, the rotary reel unit 2 includes three rotary reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and three stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c that drive them. The rotary reel unit 2 is disposed near the center inside the housing 10.

  The rotary reel 20 has a symbol displayed on each surface and a reference point (see FIG. 6) for detecting the rotational position of the rotary reel 20. This reference point is arranged at the center of the symbol 1 of the rotary reel 20 in this embodiment.

  The stepping motor 21 in the present embodiment is set to stop the rotation within 190 ms after the rotation stop switch 40 is operated. Further, the stepping motor 21 makes one rotation in 504 steps and rotates the rotating reel at a speed of 80 rotations / minute. That is, the step advanced within 190 ms is 127 steps.

  The rotation reel 20 and the stepping motor 21 are controlled to be rotated and stopped by a rotation start control unit 611 and a rotation stop control unit 612 described later.

<Description of control unit>
The control unit 6 includes a CPU that performs calculations and the like, a ROM and a RAM that store programs or data necessary for the progress of games, and the like. The control unit 6 includes a main control unit 61 and a sub control unit 62 as shown in FIG.

  The main control unit 61 performs control for advancing the game. The main control unit 61 controls the stepping motor 21 and controls the start or end of rotation of the rotary reel 20 based on the player's operations on the bet switch 42, the lever 43, and the rotation stop switch 40.

  Further, the sub control unit 62 performs control for performing various effects and the like. The sub-control unit 62 determines the production content based on the signal transmitted from the main control unit 61, and controls the notification unit 621, the illumination unit, the speaker, and the output of the decided production content. I do.

[Main control section]
As shown in FIG. 2, the main control unit 61 includes a combination drawing unit 610 having a plurality of combination drawing tables T1, a rotation start control unit 611, a rotation stop control unit 612, a game result determination unit 613, a hopper control unit 614, a state It includes a transition determination unit 615, an ART control unit 616, a specific section setting unit 617, and a sliding frame number calculation unit 618.

  Based on the operation signal of the lever 43, the combination lottery unit 610 performs combination drawing corresponding to the combination of symbols on the rotary reel 20. Specifically, based on the random number acquired when the operation signal of the lever 43 is output and the combination drawing table T1, a combination is determined and the combination won by the drawing is determined. The lottery result of the combination is output as a combination lottery result signal. The outputted winning lottery result signal is transmitted from the winning lottery unit 610 to the rotary reel unit 2 and the sub control unit 62.

  The operation signal of the bet switch 42 is output when a predetermined number of medals are stored and the bet switch 42 is operated during the bet acceptance period (when the bet switch is turned on).

    Note that whether or not an operation signal for each switch has been output is determined for each game. In the present embodiment, an operation on each switch means an operation in which an operation signal of each switch is output.

  7 and 8 are diagrams for explaining the format of information included in the role lottery table T1. The combination drawing table T1 includes information on combination drawing conditions in the gaming state as shown in FIG. 7, and information on combinations of symbols corresponding to winning combinations and pressing order as shown in FIG. The combination lottery table T1 has a plurality of regions (numerical region) in which a combination corresponding to a random number acquired when the lever 43 is operated is stored. Note that the role lottery unit 610 selects a different role lottery table according to the game state (RT transition state) or the like.

The role lottery table T1 will be described in detail below.
As shown in FIG. 7, the role lottery table T1 is provided for each gaming state (RT transition) of RT0 to RT4. In addition, the lottery table T1 includes information on lottery classifications that may be won by the lottery of the role lottery unit 610. In the combination lottery table T1, a column marked “◯” for each RT transition is a lottery category that may be won, and a blank column is a lottery category that is not likely to win. For example, it can be seen from the “pure loss” column in FIG. 7 that “pure loss” may hit in RT0 and RT1, but not in RT2 to RT4.

  As shown in FIG. 8, among the combinations stored in the combination lottery table T1, some small combinations and replays are a winning combination to win when the rotation stop switch 40 is operated in a predetermined order, and The push order unquestionable part which can win regardless of the push order is included. The push order of the push order is notified when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  A small role is a combination of symbols in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out when winning a prize. Replay is a combination of symbols that enables the next game without betting medals when winning.

  As described above, the lottery table T1 is provided with a plurality of areas in which a combination corresponding to a random number acquired when the lever 43 is operated is stored. Each of these areas is associated with a lottery section in a column “◯” in FIG.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the lottery section information stored in the winning lottery table T1 includes information on one or more combinations set for each lottery section. For example, the information on the push order that is a winning combination when the rotation stop switch 40 is operated in a predetermined order for the winning combination includes information on the set push order and the corresponding rotation stop switch 40. Information on the order of operations.

  In addition, in FIG. 8, the order of operation of the rotation stop switch 40 in which the pressing order can be won is indicated by three numbers at the top of the table. For example, if “123”, the rotation stop switch 40a corresponding to the left rotation reel 20a, the rotation stop switch 40b corresponding to the middle rotation reel 20b, and the rotation stop switch 40c corresponding to the right rotation reel 20c are rotated in this order. It shows that the stop switch is operated. The pushing order of the pushing order combination is navigated (notifying the pushing order) when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

  In the present embodiment, all the combinations associated with the winning lottery category are won simultaneously. For example, when the lottery section 610 wins the lottery division “middle bell 1” as a result of the role lottery, the middle bell and the middle bell 1 win simultaneously. When the player presses the rotation stop switch 40 in accordance with the pressing order for winning the middle bell (“213” or “231”), the middle bell is aligned according to the pressing order of “213” and “231”. . Similarly, for example, when the player presses the rotation stop switch 40 according to the pressing order (“123”, “132”, “312”, or “321”) for winning the middle bell 1, There is also a possibility that the middle bell 1 wins (there is a possibility of spilling the bell as will be described later).

  In FIG. 8, there is “middle bell 1 or bell spill” in the column of the push order set for the lottery category “middle bell 1” because the middle bell 1 depends on the operation timing of the rotation stop switch 40 by the player. This indicates that the push order does not win, that is, the push order that may be missed. Specifically, the lottery division “middle bell 1” is won and the rotation stop switch 40 is operated in the order in which the middle bell 1 can win. However, the player misses the operation timing and misses the middle bell 1. If this happens, the bell will spill. In the case of a bell spill, no medals are paid out. In addition, the watermelon etc. which are mentioned later are the roles which may be missed depending on the operation timing by the player regardless of the pressing order.

  The rotation start control unit 611 controls the stepping motor 21 of the rotary reel unit 2 based on the operation signal of the lever 43 to start the rotation of the rotary reel 20. The rotation start control unit 611 controls the stepping motor 21 so that the rotating reel 20 rotates at a speed of, for example, 80 rotations / minute.

  The rotation stop control unit 612 includes a rotation reel detection unit 612a, a symbol table 612b, and a symbol determination unit 612c. The rotation stop control unit 612 controls the stepping motor 21 of the rotary reel unit 2 based on the combination drawing result signal output from the combination drawing unit 610, the operation signal of the rotation stop switch 40 by the player, and the symbol table 612b. . As a result, the rotation of the rotary reel 20 is stopped.

  The rotating reel detection unit 612a detects the position of the rotating reel 20 that is rotating. Specifically, the rotary reel detection unit 612a detects the passage of the reference point of each rotary reel 20 after the rotation of the rotary reel 20 is started. When the passage of the reference point of each rotating reel 20 is detected, the rotating reel detection unit 612a outputs a detection signal indicating that the reference point of each rotating reel 20 has passed. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the effective line L is set as a detection position that is an absolute position of the slot machine 1. The detection signal is detected every time the reference point of each rotary reel 20 passes this detection position.

  The rotating reel detection unit 612a receives the detection signal indicating that the reference point of the rotating reel 20 has passed the effective line L (that is, every time the rotating reel makes one rotation). The measured value of the step (hereinafter simply referred to as “step”) is cleared to zero, and the step is measured from 0 again. Thereby, the rotating reel detection unit 612a measures the step.

  Further, the rotating reel detection unit 612a detects the step of the reference point of each rotating reel 20 from the detection position that is an absolute position in the slot machine 1 based on the measured step. The position of the rotating reel 20 is detected from the detected reference point step. The detected position of the rotating reel 20 is output as a rotating reel position detection signal by the rotating reel detector 612a. The rotating reel detection unit 612a can be arbitrarily arranged according to the design of the slot machine 1 or the like as long as it can detect that the reference point of the rotating reel 20 has passed the detection position. The output detection signal is transmitted from the rotating reel detection unit 612a to the control unit 6.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the symbol table 612 b includes information on steps assigned to each symbol displayed on each rotary reel 20. In the symbol table 612b, 24 steps are assigned to each symbol. The reference point of the rotary reel 20 is set to zero, and the steps assigned to the symbols are defined by numbers 0 to 503.

  FIG. 6 shows only the step at the center of each symbol. The number of steps assigned to each symbol is 12 steps on the upstream side in the rotational direction and 11 steps on the downstream side in the rotational direction from the central step. For example, when the rotary reel 20 rotates in the direction X, the steps assigned to the symbol 1 are 493 to 503 steps and 0 to 12 steps. Moreover, the symbols 1-21 shown in FIG. 6 are the symbols corresponding to the numbers 0-20 shown in FIG.

  Further, the symbol table 612b is a rotating reel that is determined according to the symbol that is won as a result of the symbol of the symbol extracting unit 610 and the symbol on the effective line L when the operation signal of the rotation stop switch 40 is output. It also has information on 20 stop positions. The information on the stop position of the rotary reel 20 includes a rotation stop switch according to the combination won as a result of the combination of the combination lottery unit 610 and the position of the rotation reel 20 when the rotation stop switch 40 is operated. Step information of the stepping motor 21 (the number of sliding pieces of the symbol) from when the 40 is operated until the rotary reel 20 stops is included.

  The symbol determination unit 612c determines a symbol on the effective line L when all the rotary reels 20 are stopped based on the rotation reel position detection signal output from the rotation reel detection unit 612a and the symbol table 612b. The determination result is output as a symbol determination signal by the symbol determination unit 612c.

  The rotation stop control of the rotary reel 20 is based on the symbol lottery result signal output from the symbol lottery unit 610 by the rotation stop control unit 612, the symbol detection signal output from the symbol determination unit 612c, and the symbol table 612b. Done. For example, rotation stop control (so-called pull-in control) of the rotary reel 20 is performed so that the symbols corresponding to the winning combination are aligned on the effective line L, or the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is the effective line L. Rotation stop control (so-called kick control) of the rotary reel 20 is performed so as not to align with the top. The rotation stop control unit 612 outputs the result of the rotation stop control of the rotary reel 20 as a rotary reel stop signal. The output rotation reel stop signal is transmitted from the rotation stop control unit 612 to the game result determination unit 613 and the like.

  In addition, in the case of winning the “middle bell 1” among the lottery categories shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the role lottery result signal, the symbol detection signal, and the symbol table 612b, the push order determination output from the rotation stop control unit 612 Based on the signal and the symbol determination signal output from the symbol determination unit 612c, rotation stop control of the rotary reel 20 is performed.

  The game result determination unit 613 determines a game result based on the combination drawing result signal output from the combination drawing unit 610 and the rotation reel stop signal output from the rotation stop control unit 612. That is, the game result is determined based on the symbols aligned on the active line L whether or not the winning combination has won. Specifically, the game result determination unit 613 determines that the winning combination is won when the combination of symbols stopped on the active line L matches a predetermined combination of symbols. This determination result is output as a game result determination signal. The output game result determination signal is transmitted from the game result determination unit 613 to the hopper control unit 614 and the sub control unit 62.

  The hopper control unit 614 is based on a game result determination signal output from the game result determination unit or an operation signal output by operating a settlement switch (not shown) of the operation unit 4. To control. As a result, medals are paid out. The medals paid out based on the game result determination signal (medals won by winning and winning) are first stored as credits. Then, as a result of storing medals, the hopper control unit 614 controls the hopper unit when the upper limit of credits (for example, 50) is exceeded. Then, medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out from the hopper unit. When there is one or more stored medals (when the credit is 1 or more) and the settlement switch is operated, the hopper control unit 614 controls the hopper unit, and the stored medals are removed from the hopper unit. To be paid out.

  When the game state is the ART gaming state, the state transition determination unit 615 performs lottery such as adding the number of ART games when receiving a combination drawing result signal indicating that the player has won a predetermined combination. The lottery result is transmitted from the state transition determination unit 615 to the ART control unit 616 and the effect control unit 620 as an ART lottery result signal. In the present embodiment, the state transition determination unit 615 performs control related to the ART addition, but unlike this, the ART control unit 616 described later may have the function of the state transition determination unit 615. it can.

  In addition, the state transition determination unit 615, for example, draws whether or not to shift the gaming state to the advantageous ART gaming state (or bonus state) (ART lottery) or with a probability according to the winning combination Whether or not to shift the transition probability to the gaming state (RT4) to the high probability state is determined (high probability state transition lottery). These lotteries are performed based on a combination drawing result signal output from the combination drawing unit 610.

  Note that the above-described advantageous state is a state in which the expectation level for medal acquisition is higher than in the normal gaming state. The advantageous state includes, for example, an ART winning high probability state in the normal gaming state (RT1) in addition to the bonus state (RT3) and the ART gaming state (RT4).

  Specifically, in the ART lottery, for example, when a predetermined combination is won, whether or not to shift the gaming state to the ART gaming state based on the ART drawing state at the time of winning the predetermined combination I do. When the state transition determination unit 615 determines that the ART lottery has been won, a game period (number of ART games) that can be played in the ART game state is also determined.

  Specifically, in the high-probability state transfer lottery, for example, if the ART lottery is not won, it is determined whether to shift the ART lottery state to the high-probability state with a probability corresponding to the winning combination. Do. The state transition determination unit 615 outputs the result of the high probability state transition lottery as a high probability state lottery result signal. The output high probability state lottery result signal is transmitted from the state transition determination unit 615 to the effect control unit 620 of the sub-control unit 62.

  The ART control unit 616 determines whether or not to change (fall) the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the ART gaming state or from the ART gaming state to the normal gaming state. Then, the ART control unit 616 shifts the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the ART gaming state or from the ART gaming state to the normal gaming state based on the determination result.

  Whether or not to shift the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the ART gaming state is determined based on the ART lottery result signal output from the state transition determining unit 615. When it is determined that the gaming state is shifted from the normal gaming state to the ART gaming state, the ART control unit 616 outputs the determination result as an ART preparation signal. The output ART preparation signal is transmitted from the ART control unit 616 to the effect control unit 620 and the notification unit 621.

  Whether or not to shift the gaming state from the ART gaming state to the normal gaming state is performed as follows, for example. First, based on the game period after the transition to the ART gaming state (the number of ART-digested games) and the total number of ART games plus the number of ART games added to the number of ART games determined when winning the ART lottery Then, it is determined whether or not the number of ART digest games has reached the total number of ART games.

  When it is determined that the number of ART-digested games has reached the total number of ART games and it is determined that the gaming state is to be shifted from the ART gaming state to the normal gaming state, the ART control unit 616 determines that the determination result is normal. Output as a game state preparation signal. The output normal game state preparation signal is transmitted from the ART control unit 616 to the effect control unit 620 and the notification unit 621. Specifically, when a specific push order is won during the ART gaming state, but it is determined that the specific push order has not won, the ART control unit 616 changes the gaming state from the ART gaming state to the normal state. Transition to the gaming state.

  Further, the ART control unit 616 outputs an ART end signal indicating that the gaming state has shifted from the ART gaming state to the normal gaming state. The output ART end signal is transmitted from the ART control unit 616 to the effect control unit 620 and the like.

  The specific section setting unit 617 determines whether or not to set a specific section for calculating the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols during the ART gaming state. The specific section is a section set between the ART gaming state and the end of the ART gaming state, and is a game obtained by subtracting the digested game number from the number of games given for the ART gaming state. This is a section to which the number of games less than the number is given. A predetermined number of games (for example, 20G) is given as this specific section. The specific section setting unit 617 may determine the number of games to be given as a specific section by lottery when setting the specific section.

  Based on the step detected by the rotating reel detector 612a and the symbol table 612b, the sliding frame number calculator 618 slides the symbol until the corresponding rotating reel 20 stops after the rotation stop switch 40 is operated. Calculate the number of frames. In the present specification, the sum of the number of sliding symbols of three rotating reels 20 in a certain game is referred to as a sum value, and the sum of the sum values during a specific section is referred to as a cumulative value.

  The cumulative value signal of the number of sliding frames calculated in this way is transmitted to the state transition determination unit 615. Then, in the state transition determination unit 615, the following extra lottery is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the watermelon that plays a rare role includes a weak watermelon and a strong watermelon. As shown in FIG. 9, when a weak watermelon is won in the ART gaming state, the lottery process for adding the number of ART games is performed with a probability of 20% in normal times. Further, when a strong watermelon is won in the ART gaming state, the lottery process for adding the number of ART games is performed with a probability of 50% in normal times.

  On the other hand, when a special extra lottery process described later is performed, the following process is performed. For example, if the weak watermelon is hit once in total throughout the specific section and the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols is 6 or less, the extra lottery probability increases from 20% to 40%. In addition, when a weak watermelon is won twice in total throughout the specific section and the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols is 14 or less, the extra lottery probability increases from 20% to 40%.

  In addition, when the strong watermelon is won once in all the specific sections and the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols is 6 or less, the extra lottery probability increases from 50% to 70%. When a strong watermelon is hit twice in total and the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols is 14 or less, the extra lottery probability increases from 50% to 70%. In FIG. 9, the case of hitting a weak watermelon or a strong watermelon three or more times is omitted for convenience of explanation.

[Sub-control unit]
As shown in FIG. 2, the sub control unit 62 includes an effect control unit 620 and a notification unit 621. The effect control unit 620, for example, the role lottery result signal output from the role lottery unit 610, the ART lottery result signal output from the state transition determination unit 615, or the ART transition signal output from the ART control unit 616 and the normal An effect pattern is selected for each game according to the game state transition signal. The selection of the production pattern is performed based on a table (production table T2) in which the content of the production corresponding to the winning combination or the gaming state is stored. The effect control unit 620 controls the notifying unit 621, the illumination unit, and the speaker based on the selected effect pattern, and outputs the effect. The effect table T2 includes, for example, an ART effect table that is selected when an ART lottery is won.

<Normal gaming state processing>
The normal state game process of the slot machine 1 will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 10, when the player operates the bet switch 42, an operation signal for the bet switch 42 is output (step S10).

  After the operation signal of the bet switch 42 is output, when the lever 43 is operated by the player (lever on), the operation signal of the lever 43 is output (step S11). When the operation signal of the lever 43 is output, the hand drawing part 610 performs the hand drawing (step S12). The lottery result of the combination is output as a combination lottery result signal by the combination drawing unit 610. The output role lottery result signal is transmitted from the role lottery unit 610 to the effect control unit 620 and the like.

  Next, the rotation start control unit 611 controls the stepping motor 21 to start the rotation of the rotary reel 20 (step S13). When the rotation stop switch 40 is operated by the player, an operation signal for the rotation stop switch 40 is output (step S14). When the operation signal of the rotation stop switch 40 is output, the rotation stop control unit 612 controls the stepping motor 21 to stop the rotation reel 20 (step S15).

  When the rotation stop switch 40 is operated while the rotary reel 20 is rotating, the rotation stop switch 40 is stopped within 4 frames (4 symbols) or within 190 ms from the position where the rotation stop switch 40 is operated based on the winning combination result signal. In addition, pull-in control or kick-off control is performed.

  Further, when the operation signal of the rotation stop switch 40 is output, the rotation stop control unit 612 determines whether or not all the rotation reels 20 are stopped (Step S16). When it is determined that all the rotating reels 20 are not stopped (S16: NO), the process returns to step S14. Steps S14 to S16 are repeated until all the rotating reels 20 are stopped.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that all the rotating reels 20 are stopped (S16: YES), after the rotating reel stop signal is transmitted to the game result determining unit 613, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S <b> 17, the game result determination unit 613 determines whether or not a winning combination is won based on the winning combination result signal and the rotating reel stop signal. Based on this result determination, processing such as paying out medals is performed.

  When the processes of steps S10 to S17 are executed, the main control unit 61 determines that one game (one game period) has ended. That is, after step S17, the process returns to step S10, and the main control unit 61 waits for the player to operate the bet switch.

<Special lottery processing>
Next, a process when a special extra lottery to which the present invention is applied is performed in the ART gaming state will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 11, the specific section setting unit 617 determines whether or not to set a specific section (step S201). When the specific section setting unit 617 does not set a specific section (S201: NO), a normal extra lottery process is performed (S202). On the other hand, when the specific section setting unit 617 determines to set the specific section (S201: YES), the specific section setting unit 617 determines the number of games to be given in the specific section and sets the specific section (step S203). .

  The subsequent steps S204 to S208 are the same as the normal game state process (that is, the processes of steps S10 to S15 in FIG. 10). Next, it is determined whether or not a rare role (watermelon) is won (step S209). When the rare combination is won (S209: YES), the sliding frame number calculation unit 618 calculates the total value of the sliding frames number of the three rotating reels 20 in a certain game, and in the specific section. The cumulative value of the number of sliding frames is calculated (step S210). Next, it is determined whether or not all the reels 20 have been stopped (step S211). If all the reels 20 have not stopped (S211: NO), the process returns to step S208.

  On the other hand, when all the reels 20 are stopped (S211: YES), the game result is determined (step S212). Next, it is determined whether or not the specific section has ended (step S213). If the specific section has not ended (S213: NO), the process returns to step S204. On the other hand, when the specific section has ended (S213: YES), it is determined whether or not the cumulative value of the number of sliding frames is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S214). When it is determined that the cumulative value of the number of sliding frames is equal to or less than the predetermined value (S214: YES), special extra lottery is performed with reference to the special extra lottery probability set with a high extra lottery probability (step S215). ). When it is determined that the cumulative value of the number of sliding frames exceeds a predetermined value (S214: NO), a normal extra lottery process is performed as in the case where the specific section is not set (S201: NO). (Step S202). In the normal extra lottery process, the extra lottery is performed using the normal extra lottery probability when a rare role is won.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the example of raising the extra lottery probability (special extra lottery process) when the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols in the specific section is equal to or less than the predetermined value has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, when a player wins a rare role in a specific section, if the player wins the rare role by so-called bitter press, the number of games can be increased with a probability of 100%. In addition, the number of additions can be changed from the normal 20G to 100G without changing the addition lottery probability. Furthermore, the number of extras can be increased while increasing the extra lottery probability.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example of the special addition lottery process in an ART game state is described, this invention is not limited to this. That is, the present invention may be configured to calculate the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols not only during the ART gaming state but also during the normal gaming state. In this case, for example, according to the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols in a specific section provided during the normal gaming state, a high probability zone having a high probability of transition to the ART gaming state can be provided to the player.

  In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the smaller the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols, the more advantageous results are obtained for the player. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the larger the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols, the more advantageous the player can be.

  Further, the control unit may be provided with a determination unit that determines whether the control unit shifts to an advantageous state or a disadvantageous state as the cumulative value of the number of sliding frames increases. For example, after the specific section is set, the determination unit performs a lottery process to determine whether to give a player an advantageous state or an unfavorable state.

  Moreover, although the example which calculates the cumulative value of the number of sliding frames of three rotary reels was described in the said embodiment, this invention is not limited to this. That is, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which only the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols on the rotating reel corresponding to the rotation stop switch that the player has operated first is calculated. In addition to this, for example, the cumulative value of the number of sliding frames of only the left rotating reel can be calculated. Note that this configuration can be applied not only to cherries in which winning is determined depending on the stop shape of the left rotating reel, but also to other roles such as watermelon. In addition, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the state transition is determined based only on the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols of three rotating reels in a certain game, instead of a specific section composed of a plurality of games. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which it is randomly determined which of the rotating reels the cumulative number of sliding frames is to be calculated. Furthermore, it can be configured to change which of the accumulated values of the number of sliding symbols of which rotating reel is calculated according to the winning combination.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the effective line was 1 line of the upper stage, even if it is multiple lines, such as 5 lines, this invention is applicable.

  In the embodiment, the notification unit may notify whether or not the specific section has been entered. In this case, after entering a specific section, when a notification is given that suggests that a rare role will be won, the player should look forward and reduce the number of sliding symbols (or increase it) ) The rotating reel can be stopped.

  Furthermore, the structure which alert | reports the cumulative value of the target number of sliding symbols by an alerting | reporting part is also employable. In this case, the player can enjoy a game different from the conventional game in which the rotation stop switch is operated so as to achieve the target number of sliding symbols.

  In the above embodiment, the winning combination that triggers the calculation of the number of sliding symbols is a rare combination, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be implemented using a special combination such as a so-called bonus combination in which the winning flag is carried over to the next game. In addition, the present invention can be applied based on the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols for all winning combinations, including a pure deviation.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the example which performs special addition lottery by the opportunity of one kind of winning combination, such as weak watermelon or strong watermelon, was described, this invention is not limited to this. That is, it is possible to trigger a special extra lottery for any combination of a plurality of types of rare roles that are won during a specific section. For example, the number of sliding symbols may be calculated when either strong watermelon or weak cherry is hit or when weak watermelon, strong watermelon or weak cherry is hit.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it determined whether it transfers to the game state different from the present game state based on the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols, this invention is not limited to this. That is, the game state transition determination may be performed based on the cumulative value of the stepping motor steps instead of the cumulative value of the number of sliding symbols.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 10 Housing | casing 100 Front door 2 Rotary reel unit 20 (20a, 20b, 20c) Rotary reel 21 (21a, 21b, 21c) Stepping motor 200 Window 3 Liquid crystal display part 4 Operation part 40 (40a, 40b, 40c) Rotation Stop switch 41 Insert port 42 Bet switch 43 Lever 51 Discharge outlet 52 Lower tray 6 Control unit 61 Main control unit 610 Role extraction unit 611 Rotation start control unit 612 Rotation stop control unit 612a Rotation reel detection unit 612b Symbol table 612c Symbol determination unit 613 Game result determination unit 614 Hopper control unit 615 State transition determination unit 616 ART control unit 617 Specific section setting unit 618 Sliding frame number calculation unit 62 Sub control unit 620 Production control unit T1 Role lottery table T2 Production table

Claims (1)

A rotating reel unit comprising a plurality of rotating reels each having a plurality of symbols arranged thereon, and a plurality of stepping motors for rotating the plurality of rotating reels, respectively.
A start switch for starting rotation of the plurality of rotating reels based on a player's operation;
A plurality of rotation stop switches that are provided corresponding to each of the plurality of rotation reels, and that stop the rotation reels that are rotating based on the operation of the player;
A rotating reel detector for detecting a step of the stepping motor;
A symbol table comprising information on the steps from when the rotation stop switch is operated by the player until the rotation reel stops;
Based on the step detected by the rotary reel detection unit and the symbol table, the player in the at least one rotary reel from when the player operates the rotation stop switch until the rotary reel stops. A sliding frame number calculating unit for calculating the number of sliding frames of the design;
Based on an operation to the start switch by the player, a role lottery unit for drawing a role corresponding to a combination of symbols of the plurality of rotating reels;
A special game control unit that switches a game state between a normal game state and a special game state that is one of an ART game state and a bonus state;
A specific section setting unit for setting a specific section for calculating the number of sliding symbols in the special gaming state;
A state transition determination unit configured to determine whether or not the gaming state is more advantageous to the player than the current gaming state, according to the number of sliding symbols in the specific section;
The number of sliding symbols to be targeted by the player, and a notification unit for notifying the player that the player has entered the specific section;
With
In the specific section, the state transition determination unit is a case where a rare combination is won by drawing the combination, and when the number of sliding symbols when the rare combination wins is zero, to extend the Yu technique period of the special game state,
Gaming machine.

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