JP2005103095A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine surely notifying that there is the change in game status to a player. <P>SOLUTION: The game status shifts from a normal game status to big bonus or regular bonus according to the kind of a role of a won prize, and normal game status is restored when respective stop conditions are effected. The big bonus comprises small role games of 30 games and three times or lesser of regular bonus. A game status shift flag is set according to the game status after change when there is such a change in game status. In a reel varying start process which is started after performing inner lot by operation of a start lever by the player, whether the game status shift flag is set is determined, if the flag is set, the progress of the game is temporarily stopped until the predetermined freeze time lapses. When the freeze time lapses, the reel constituting variable display device is started to rotate after removing the game status shift flag. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, and more particularly to a device that notifies a player of a change in gaming state.

  The slot machine generally includes a variable display device having a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on the outer periphery, and a winning is generated according to a display mode when rotation of each reel is stopped. Depending on the type of winning, the medal as a valuable value is not paid out, but the game shifts to a special gaming state called a big bonus or a regular bonus (hereinafter collectively referred to simply as a bonus). The game progresses in a state advantageous to the player.

  In order for a winning combination including a bonus to occur, it is necessary to win the winning combination in an internal lottery performed in advance (usually when the start lever is operated) and to set a corresponding winning flag. However, the range where the symbol can be pulled in when the reel is stopped is usually limited to the range of 4 frames, so depending on the type of the winning combination, each stop to stop the rotation of the reel The button operation procedure (including both operation timing and operation sequence) will be different.

  However, many players end up playing games in a certain procedure if they do not know what role they have won. Especially when winning a bonus or JACIN during a big bonus, the progress of the game to be performed by the player changes. If the game continues without knowing this, the player's disadvantage will increase. In general, slot machines that notify the player of internal lottery results such as JACIN and JACIN through various effects (in particular, JACIN winning is often announced at a rate of 100%).

  However, if the notification of the internal lottery result is performed independently of the progress of the game itself, the player may miss the notification. In particular, when winning a bonus or winning JACIN, if you play the game without noticing this, the player's disadvantage may increase, so the player can operate the stop button after operating the start lever. There has been a slot machine in which notification is surely performed by a freeze effect related to the progress of a game including a time delay until an instruction based on the instruction is received (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent No. 328621 JP 2003-144618 A

  However, the game progression method to be performed by the player may change even when the bonus is won or JACIN is won. This is when the game shifts to a big bonus or a regular bonus by winning a bonus, or when the game is finished and the game state is restored. In the conventional slot machine, there is a case where such a change in the gaming state is notified by effects such as sound output from a speaker or light emission of a lamp.

  However, such an effect of notifying the change in the game state was not performed in direct relation to the progress of the game, and the player sometimes overlooked. If the player overlooks this effect and plays the game in the same manner as in the previous gaming state, it may not be possible to obtain the profit that should have been obtained in the new gaming state.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that can reliably notify a player that a game state has changed.

To achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention includes:
A game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and a display result is displayed on a variable display device (variable display device 2) that displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified. In a slot machine in which one game is completed by deriving and displaying and a predetermined prize can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
Game progress control means (CPU 111 of the game control board 101) for controlling the progress of the game;
When a predetermined transition condition is satisfied, gaming state switching control means for performing switching control for switching the gaming state to any one of a plurality of types of gaming states (steps S206, S210, S305, S308, S311). )When,
Determination means (step S101) for determining whether or not the gaming state switching control has been performed by the gaming state switching control means;
The game progress control means includes:
Interruption control means (steps S105 to S108) for interrupting the progress of the game when the determination means determines that the switching control of the gaming state has been performed;
It is characterized by comprising restart control means (step S110) for restarting the progress of the game after a lapse of a predetermined time after the progress of the game is interrupted by the interrupt control means.

  In the slot machine, when the game state switching control is performed, the progress of the game is interrupted by the interrupt control means. This makes it possible to reliably notify the player that there has been a change in the gaming state. Since the progress of the game is interrupted in this way, the game cannot be directly advanced even if the player performs an operation in the same manner as the game state before the change.

  Note that the gaming state switching control by the gaming state switching control means can be performed at an arbitrary timing from the start to the end of the game. For example, when the game state switching control is performed at the end of the game, it is determined whether the game state switching control is performed at the end of the previous game and the progress of the game is interrupted. Also good. On the other hand, when the game state switching control is performed at the start of the game, it is determined whether the advantageous state switching control has been performed at the start of the game, and before the game ends, The progress may be interrupted.

  Note that the interruption control means interrupts the progress of the game when changing to any type of gaming state, or interrupts the progress of the game when changing to a predetermined type of gaming state. You can also. The interruption control means can interrupt the progress of the game in the game in which the gaming state has been changed or in the immediately following game, but after a few games after the switching control of the gaming state is performed. Including those that interrupt the progress of

In the above slot machine,
The gaming state switching control means may perform switching control for switching to a gaming state in which the player obtains a different profit from the gaming state before switching.

  In this case, the profit obtained by the player also changes as the gaming state changes. When the profit obtained by the player changes in this way, the progress of the game is caused by the interruption control means. Interrupted. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably notify the player that the profit level has changed, and it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

In the above slot machine,
The game state switching control means is a stop operation for instructing the variable display device to derive and display the display result by the player's operation with respect to whether or not to display the winning display mode on the variable display device. Switching control for switching between a gaming state that is greatly influenced by the operation timing of the means and a gaming state that is less affected by the operation timing can be performed.

  Here, the stop operation means may be constituted by, for example, a stop button and a switch that detects an operation of the stop button and outputs a detection signal. The player's operation on the stop operation means is physically performed on the stop button, and the variable display device is configured to derive and display the display result on the variable display device by outputting a detection signal by the operation. The control means is instructed. The operations and instructions of the start operation means described later have the same meaning.

  Note that the gaming state in which the influence of the operation timing of the stop operation means is small on whether or not to display the winning display mode is the stop operating unit when the winning display mode is allowed to be derived and displayed. This means a gaming state in which the rate at which the winning display mode is actually derived and displayed does not change even if the operation timing is different. On the other hand, the game state having a great influence is actually derived and displayed by the operation timing of the stop operation means when the winning display mode is permitted to be derived and displayed. A gaming state where the ratio changes greatly.

  In this case, since the progress of the game is interrupted when the game state is greatly affected by the operation timing of the stop operation means, the stop operation means is operated in the same manner as in the previous game. It is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged. Of course, when the game state changes with little influence due to the operation timing of the stop operation means, the player's disadvantage is not increased even if the stop operation means is operated in the same operation procedure as the previous game, so the progress of the game is interrupted. You don't have to.

In the above slot machine,
The game state switching control means is a procedure notification game for notifying an operation procedure for generating the predetermined winning with respect to a stop operation means that instructs the variable display device to derive and display a display result by a player's operation. Switching control for switching the gaming state to the state can be performed.

  In this case, since the progress of the game is interrupted when the procedure notification gaming state for notifying the operation procedure of the stop operation means for generating a winning is made, the operation procedure informed of the player It is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

In the above slot machine,
The gaming state switching control means can perform switching control for switching from a gaming state in which an end condition is indefinite to another gaming state.

  Here, the game state in which the end condition is indefinite includes, for example, a game state in which the end condition is determined based on an internal lottery result and the player does not know from the outside that the end condition is satisfied. It includes a gaming state in which even a condition for performing a lottery to determine whether the end condition is satisfied is completely unknown from the outside. The end condition is determined at the time of transition of the gaming state, and determines whether or not to end the gaming state by lottery for each game even if the gaming state ends when the determined termination condition is satisfied. It may be.

  In this way, when the gaming state with the end condition being undefined is switched to another gaming state, it is difficult for the player to understand the change in the gaming state. In such a case, by interrupting the progress of the game, it is possible to reliably notify the player that the game state has changed.

In the above slot machine,
The determination means may comprise a type determination means for determining the type of gaming state switched by the gaming state switching control means,
The interruption control means can interrupt the progress of the game in accordance with the interruption control mode corresponding to the type of gaming state determined by the type determination means (steps S107, S405, S408).

  Here, when the progress of the game is interrupted due to a change in the gaming state, the interruption control mode corresponds to the gaming state after the change. For this reason, the player can know not only that the game state has changed, but also the game state after the change. You can avoid receiving.

  The slot machine may include notifying means for notifying a player of a change in the gaming state by the gaming state switching control means only by interrupting the progress of the game by the interruption control means.

  This notifying means notifies the player of the game state change in relation to the progress of the game itself, that is, the interruption of the game progress without informing the player of the change of the game state by other methods. You won't be unaware of state changes. However, when the notification means includes other means for notifying a change in the gaming state by a method not directly related to the progress of the game (for example, display of a predetermined image), the other means Even if the player is not aware of the notification, the change in the gaming state can be reliably notified to the player by the notification of the change in the gaming state that the game progress is interrupted.

The slot machine is
After the start operation means for instructing to start the variable display on the variable display device is operated by the player's operation, the display result is displayed on the variable display device by the player's operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied. When the stop operation means for instructing the derivation display is operated, it is possible to further include a stop enabling means that can accept an instruction based on the operation. In this case,
The restart control means can restart the progress of the interrupted game until the instruction from the stop operation means can be accepted.

  Here, since the instruction from the stop operation means cannot be accepted while the progress of the game is interrupted, the player operates the stop operation means when the progress of the game is interrupted. However, since the instruction based on the operation is not accepted, the display result is not derived and displayed on the variable display device. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to this embodiment. The front door of the slot machine 1 can be opened by inserting a key into the locking device 19 and rotating it clockwise. A variable display device 2 is provided on the upper front side of the slot machine 1. Inside the variable display device 2, a reel unit 3 including three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is provided. The reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are rotated / stopped by driving the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR (see FIG. 2), respectively.

  On the outer periphery of each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, a plurality of mutually distinguishable items such as “colorless 7”, “colored 7”, “BAR”, “JAC”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, and “bell”, respectively. Types of symbols are drawn in a predetermined order. Among them, “JAC” is arranged at intervals of 5 frames for the left reel 3L, but other than that, it is arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less. The symbols drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are displayed on the variable display device 2 in the upper, middle, and lower three stages. In the reel unit 3, reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR (see FIG. 2) for detecting the reference position of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and a reel lamp 3LP for irradiating light from the back surface are provided. And are provided.

  Various display units are provided around the variable display device 2. Below the variable display device 2, a game number display unit 21, a credit display unit 22, and a payout display unit 23 are provided. The game number display unit 21 is configured by a game number display 51 (see FIG. 2) using a 7-segment display, and displays the value of a counter that counts the number of games and the number of winnings when a big bonus or a regular bonus described later.

  The credit display unit 22 includes a credit display 52 (see FIG. 2) using a 7-segment display, and displays the number of credits accumulated as data according to the number of inserted medals and the number of paid-out coins as will be described later. The payout display unit 23 is composed of a 7-segment display payout display 53 (see FIG. 2), and displays the number of medals to be paid out when winning is achieved.

  On the left side of the variable display device 2, a one-bet display unit 24, two-bet display units 25 and 26, and three-bet display units 27 and 28 are provided. One piece, two pieces, and three pieces bet display sections 24 to 28 correspond to lines activated according to the number of bets (1, 2, or 3) (hereinafter referred to as valid lines), respectively. When the three betting lamps 54 to 58 (see FIG. 2) are turned on, the active line in each game is shown to the player. The 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting display sections 24 to 28 are also configured so that the 1-sheet, 2-sheet, 3-sheet betting lamps 54-58 are in a blinking state when a winning combination to be described later is made, The active line that won the combination to be described later is shown to the player.

  On the right side of the variable display device 2, an insertion instruction display unit 29, a start display unit 30, a weight display unit 31, a replay display unit 32, and a game over display unit 33 are provided. The insertion instruction display unit 29 indicates that a medal can be inserted by turning on the insertion instruction lamp 59 (see FIG. 2). The start display unit 30 indicates that the start lamp 60 (see FIG. 2) is turned on, so that the start can be started, that is, the operation of the start lever 11 can be accepted. The weight display unit 31 indicates that a weight to be described later is applied when the weight lamp 61 (see FIG. 2) is turned on. The replay display unit 32 indicates that a replay winning to be described later has been made when the replay lamp 62 (see FIG. 2) is in a lighting state. The game over display unit 33 indicates that the slot machine 1 has been stopped by turning on the game over lamp 63 (see FIG. 2).

  On the upper side of the variable display device 2, a liquid crystal display 4 is provided as a production means. The liquid crystal display 4 displays various effect images according to the gaming state. Further, the liquid crystal display 4 can display various information directly or indirectly related to the game.

  A medal slot 13, a single BET button 14, a MAXBET button 15, and a checkout button 16 are provided on a horizontal surface of a trapezoidal portion provided below the variable display device 2. The BET button lamps 70a and 70b (see FIG. 2) that are turned on when the number of bets can be set from the credits (maximum 50) accumulated as data are arranged inside the single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15. Has been.

  The medal insertion slot 13 is for a player to insert a medal from here, and when the insertion medal sensor 44 detects the insertion of a medal when the insertion instruction unit 29 is lit, the number of bets is set. Alternatively, credits are accumulated as data. The single BET button 14 and the MAX BET button 15 are buttons operated by the player when setting the number of bets (1, 3 respectively) from the credits accumulated as data. When detected by the sheet BET switch 45 (see FIG. 2) or the MAXBET switch 46 (see FIG. 2), the number of bets from the credit is set. The settlement button 16 is a button for instructing to pay out credits. When an operation is detected by the settlement switch 47 (see FIG. 2), medals corresponding to credits accumulated as data are paid out.

  A start lever 11 and stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are provided on the vertical surface of the trapezoidal portion. The start lever 11 is operated by the player when starting the game. When the operation is detected by the start switch 41 (see FIG. 2), the reel drive motors 3ML, 3MC, 3MR are started to be driven. 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate.

  The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are buttons that the player operates to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at a desired timing, respectively, and the operations are stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R (see FIG. 2). Is detected, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. The fact that the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is possible is indicated to the player by turning on the operation effective lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R (see FIG. 2) provided therein.

  Further, a panel that covers the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R is applied as the bonus notification section 36. The bonus notification unit 36 notifies the player that a big bonus winning flag or a regular bonus winning flag, which will be described later, is set with a probability of 100% by turning on the bonus notification lamp 66 (see FIG. 2). To do. Further, on the right side of the stop button 12R, there is provided a medal clogging elimination button 18 that mechanically vibrates the slot machine 1 when a medal is jammed.

  On the lower front side of the slot machine 1, a medal payout port 71 and a medal storage tray 72 are provided. The medal payout port 71 discharges medals paid out by the hopper 80 (see FIG. 2) to the outside. The medal storage tray 72 is for storing paid-out medals. The front panel on the medal storage tray 72 is irradiated with light emitted from the fluorescent lamp 6 (see FIG. 2) installed therein.

  Speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R are provided as rendering means on the lower front side of the slot machine 1 and on the left and right sides of the upper front side, respectively. The speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R output sound effects at the time of winning a prize, output an alarm sound at the time of abnormality, and output sound for various effects according to the gaming state.

  Further, on the front side of the slot machine 1, an effect by light is performed by light emission of game effect lamps 75 </ b> A to 75 </ b> M (see FIG. 2) as effect means so as to surround the variable display device 2 and the liquid crystal display 4. Game effect display sections 5A to 5M are provided. The game effect display units 5A to 5M perform effects by light in various patterns according to the progress of the game. Note that the light emission colors of the game effect display units 5A to 5M may be either single colors or multiple colors.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the control circuit of the slot machine 1. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the slot machine 1 is roughly divided into a power supply board 100, a game control board 101, an effect control board 102, a reel relay board 103, a reel lamp relay board 104, and an external output board 105. .

  The power supply board 100 transforms an external power supply voltage of AC 100V and supplies operating power to the game control board 101 and other parts of the slot machine 1. In FIG. 2, the game control board 101, the hopper 80, and the switches 91 to 94 are illustrated as being connected to each other, but the power supply board 101 also supplies power to other units. The power supply board 100 is provided in the slot machine 1 and is connected to a hopper 80 that includes a hopper motor 82 that performs a medal payout operation and a payout sensor 81 that detects a medal payout operation.

  The power supply board 100 sets a winning probability for an internal lottery to be described later, and a setting switch 91 and a setting switch 91 for changing setting values (setting 1 to setting 6) of medal payout rates calculated based on the probability. Are connected to a setting key switch 92 for enabling the operation, a second reset switch 93 for resetting the internal state (RAM 112), and a main switch 94 for switching the power ON / OFF, and detection of these switches. A signal is sent to the game control board 101. These switches 91 to 94 are provided inside the slot machine 1.

  The game control board 101 is a control board on the main side that controls the overall flow of the game in the slot machine 1, and includes a control unit 110 including a CPU 111, a RAM 112, a ROM 113, and an I / O port 114. It is installed. A random number generation circuit 115, a sampling circuit 116, and other circuits are mounted.

  The CPU 111 has a timekeeping function and a timer interrupt function, executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 113 to perform processing related to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls each part of the control circuit in the slot machine 1. To control. The RAM 112 is used as a work area when the CPU 111 executes a program. The ROM 113 stores programs executed by the CPU 111 and fixed data. The I / O port 114 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the game control board 101.

  The random number generation circuit 115 is constituted by a counter that counts up and updates the value every time the system clock generates a predetermined number of pulses, for example, and the sampling circuit 116 acquires the numerical value counted by the random number generation circuit 115. . The random number generation circuit 115 is provided for each type of random number used for the progress of the game, and a range of numerical values to be counted for each type of random number is determined. The CPU 111 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit 116 according to the processing to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit 115 as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a hardware random number function).

  The CPU 111 also has a function of updating the numerical value of the specific address in the RAM 112 by timer interrupt processing and acquiring the updated numerical value as a random number (hereinafter, this function is referred to as a software random number function). The CPU 111 transmits various commands to the effect control board 102 via the I / O port 114. Note that information (commands) is sent from the game control board 101 to the effect control board 102 only in one direction, and no information (commands) is sent from the effect control board 102 to the game control board 101.

  Connected to the game control board 101 are a single BET switch 45, a MAXBET switch 46, a start switch 41, stop switches 42L, 42C, 42R, a settlement switch 47, a first reset switch 48, and a throw-in medal sensor 44. Detection signals from the switches / sensors are input. In addition, detection signals of the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, and 3SR are input via the reel relay substrate 103. In accordance with the detection signals of these switches / sensors input via the I / O port 114 or the detection signals of various switches input via the power supply board 100 as described above, the CPU 111 on the game control board 101 Processing is in progress.

  The game control board 101 also includes a flow path switching solenoid 49, a game number display 51, a credit display 52, a payout display 53, a loading instruction lamp 59, a single betting lamp 54, two betting lamps 55, 56, Three betting lamps 57 and 58, a game over lamp 63, a start lamp 60, a replay lamp 62, BET button lamps 70a and 70b, and operation valid lamps 63L, 63C, and 63R are connected, and the CPU 111 follows the progress of the game. These operations are controlled.

  The game control board 101 is connected to reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR via a reel relay board 103. The CPU 111 refers to the reel control table corresponding to the gaming state in the ROM 113, controls the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3ML via the reel relay board 103, and stops the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The effect control board 102 is a sub-side control board that controls the execution of effects in the slot machine 1, and is equipped with a control unit 120 including a one-chip microcomputer including a CPU 121, a RAM 122, a ROM 123, and an I / O port 124. Yes. In addition, the random number generation circuit 125 and the sampling circuit 126 are mounted, and the CPU 121 obtains the value counted by the random number generation circuit 125 by the sampling circuit 126, so that the hardware random number function similar to that of the game control board 101 is obtained. Is forming. It also has a software random number function by interrupt processing.

  The CPU 121 executes a program (described later) stored in the ROM 123 to perform processing related to the execution of the effect, and controls each circuit in the effect control board 102 and each circuit connected thereto. The performance is executed based on a command received from the game control board 101 via the buffer circuit 127 and the I / O port 124. The RAM 122 is used as a work area when the CPU 121 executes a program. The ROM 123 stores programs executed by the CPU 121 and fixed data. The I / O port 124 inputs and outputs control signals to and from each circuit connected to the effect control board 102.

  The effect control board 102 is connected with game effect lamps 75A to 75M, a liquid crystal display 4, speakers 7L, 7R, and 7U, a fluorescent lamp 6, a weight lamp 61, and a bonus notification lamp 66. A reel lamp 3LP is connected via a reel lamp relay substrate 104. The control unit of the effect control board 102 performs these effects by controlling these parts.

  The reel relay board 103 relays between the game control board 101, the external output board 105 and the reel unit 3. The reel relay substrate 103 is also connected with a full sensor 90, and its detection signal is input. The full tank sensor 90 is provided inside the slot machine 1 and detects that the medals in the overflow tank storing the medals overflowed from the hopper 80 are full.

  The reel lamp relay board 104 relays between the effect control board 102 and the reel unit 3. The external output board 105 is connected to an external device such as a hall management computer and receives a big bonus medium signal, regular bonus medium signal, reel control signal, stop signal input from the game control board 101 via the reel relay board 103. The switch signal, medal IN signal, and medal OUT signal are output to the external device.

  In the slot machine 1, a winning is awarded when the symbols are arranged on the active line set according to the betting number of the variable display device 2. In order for a winning to occur, the internal winning flag of the combination needs to be set, and details thereof will be described later. At the time of winning a prize, medals are paid out, and the gaming state is changed with the winning. Hereinafter, the “combination” determined as the winning will be described.

  In a normal gaming state, when, for example, three “BARs” are arranged on an active line corresponding to the number of bets, the gaming state shifts to a regular bonus. The regular bonus is a game called a regular bonus game (JAC game) that is performed a predetermined number of times (for example, 12 times) or a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) ("JAC" is displayed on the active line). Complete: JAC prize).

  The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of regular bonus games and the number of winnings thereof. It should be noted that the state that has shifted to the regular bonus, that is, the gaming state in which the regular bonus game is provided is called a first special gaming state, and a regular bonus flag is set in the RAM 112 in the gaming control board 101.

  For example, when three “colored 7” or three “colorless 7” are arranged on the active line corresponding to the bet number, the gaming state shifts to a big bonus. In the big bonus, up to 30 games called small role games can be played. In this small role game, “JAC” is arranged on the active line with a relatively high probability (JACIN), and when the JACIN is made, the above-described regular bonus (JAC game) is provided (up to three times). The big bonus ends when 30 small-games end or when a regular bonus based on the third JACIN ends.

  The game control board 101 is provided with a counter for counting the number of small role games, the number of JACIN, the number of regular bonus games, and the number of winnings thereof. Note that the state shifted to the big bonus is referred to as a second special game state, and a big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101. In the regular bonus (JAC game) during the big bonus, in addition to the big bonus medium flag, the regular bonus medium flag is also set in the RAM 112. In other words, the big bonus has two states, a small role game and a JAC game.

  Expected value of the number of medals that can be earned by a player during that period (subtracting the set number of bets) when the game state is shifted to the big bonus or regular bonus due to winning a big bonus or regular bonus Is a plus. On the other hand, the expected value of the number of medals that the player can acquire in the normal gaming state when the gaming state is not in the bonus is negative.

  When there is a winning combination as described above, the number of medals corresponding to each winning combination is paid out (except for the case where the winning combination is 50 until the number of credits reaches 50). A corresponding number of credits are accumulated as data, and in this case as well, medals are paid out as valuable value). In addition, the number of medals to be paid out is 15 in all cases, except that there are 8 bell small roles and 2 cherry small roles. Note that the simple bonus includes all of the big bonus small role game, the JAC game, and the regular bonus.

  Next, the internal lottery will be described. In the internal lottery, it is determined in advance whether or not winnings to each of the above-mentioned roles is permitted. The random number for internal lottery acquired using the hardware random number function, the setting by the setting switch 91, and the player setting Based on the number of bets placed and the current gaming state, the winning determination table prepared in the ROM 113 is referred to, and the CPU 111 performs such a determination means. When the internal lottery is won, a winning flag corresponding to the winning combination is set in the RAM 112 of the game control board 101.

  Depending on the results of the above internal lottery, a big bonus winning flag, a regular bonus winning flag, a small role winning flag (multiple depending on the type of small role), a replay winning flag, and a JACIN winning flag (replay winning flag in the big bonus) In the regular bonus, the JAC winning flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game control board 101. The winning flag won in the game is valid in one game, but only the big bonus winning flag and the regular bonus winning flag are carried over from the next game until the actual winning.

  As described above, the slot machine 1 has a gaming state of a normal gaming state, a regular bonus, a small role game in a big bonus, and a regular bonus in a big bonus.

  Here, when the gaming state is different, the profit obtained by the player also changes. For example, in regular bonuses (including those in the big bonus), even if the number of bets is only 1, JAC is won with a very high probability (99% or more), so the player wins per game. Expected medals are about 14 pieces. Even in a small bonus game with a big bonus, those that do not win a replay or bonus, but win a small role or JACIN with a very high probability. The expected value of medals that can be earned can be positive. On the other hand, in the normal gaming state, the winning probability of each role is kept low, so even if the player has a relatively high skill, the expected value of medals that can be obtained by the player per game Will be negative.

  In addition, when the game state is different, the player's way of proceeding the game also changes. For example, in the case of regular bonuses (including those in the big bonus), if JAC is won, as long as the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R are operated in order from the left, the so-called stop timing is not required. Since “JAC” can be drawn in due to the arrangement of symbols, JAC can be awarded. That is, the influence of the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is small on the occurrence of the JAC winning.

  In the normal game state or in the small bonus game in the big bonus, even if the same role is won, the winning symbol is generated by displaying the symbol of the role depending on the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R. There is a difference in whether or not That is, the occurrence of these winnings is greatly affected by the operation timing of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R. Therefore, when changing to these game states, it is necessary to push each, but in the small role game during the big bonus, “colored 7” or “colorless 7” cannot be won, Since the winning probabilities are different, the symbols that the player should aim for will be different.

  Therefore, in this slot machine 1, in the game in which the game state has changed from the previous game, a change in the game state is notified to the player as a freeze effect that delays the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. It is supposed to be. In order to perform this freeze effect, when there is a change in the gaming state, that is, when a big bonus, regular bonus, or JACIN is won, and when a big bonus, regular bonus, or regular bonus in the big bonus ends, A game state transition flag corresponding to the game state after the transition is set in the RAM 112.

  If the game state transition flag is set in the RAM 112 when the start lever 11 is operated, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 freezes, for example, using a counter updated by a timer interrupt every 2 milliseconds. A timer is used to delay the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R until a predetermined freeze time elapses. Note that the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is delayed even when the elapsed time from the start of the previous game has not reached the minimum game time (for example, 4.1 seconds). The rotation start delay in is set to a time longer than the minimum game time.

  In addition, when the freeze effect is performed, the lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP is performed together with the delay control of the rotation start of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The freeze time during which the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is delayed in the freeze effect is the same regardless of which gaming state is entered, but the lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP is performed in the transitioned gaming state. It depends on the type.

  In the freeze effect when transitioning to a small role game (including when returning from a JAC game provided midway), the reel lamp 3LP is also turned off during the freeze time when the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is delayed. Be made. In the freezing effect when returning to the normal gaming state, the reel lamp 3LP is blinked for a certain period shorter than the freezing time. However, in the freeze effect when shifting to the regular bonus (including those in the big bonus), the reel lamp 3LP only maintains the normal lighting state, and no special lighting control is performed.

  In order to enable such lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP, when a transition is made to a small role game or when a freeze effect is performed after returning to a normal gaming state, the type of gaming state (small role game or normal) is changed. An identifiable freeze command is transmitted to the effect control board 102. The CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP as described above according to the freeze command.

  In the slot machine 1, in addition to the above-described freeze effect, in the game after the game state has changed, an effect that allows the player to know that the game state has changed is not performed. However, when winning (big bonus winning, regular bonus winning or JACIN winning) with game state transition (game just before the game state transitions) is the same as when winning without game state transition. The predetermined sound effects are output from the speakers 7U, 7L, and 7R.

  Hereinafter, a gaming operation in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the following description, the term “game” means, in a narrow sense, from the operation of the start lever 11 until the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. However, when a game is played, the number of bets before the operation of the start lever 11 is set, and medals are paid out and the game state is shifted after the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped. Is also included in the “game” in a broad sense.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing for one game executed by the CPU 111 of the game control board 101. This process is also executed after the power is turned on and a predetermined boot process is performed, or immediately after the setting is changed by operating the setting switch 91. When the process of one game is started, first, an initial process including a process of clearing a predetermined area of the RAM 112 is performed (step S1).

  Next, the number of bets is set by operating one BET button 14 or MAXBET button 15 or by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 13, and operating the start lever 11 to substantially change the game. A BET process for instructing the start is performed (step S2). However, if the player has won a replay in the previous game, the same number of bets as the previous game are automatically set by the replay flag (the replay flag is erased at this stage), so the start lever 11 is operated as it is. You can tell the start of the game.

  When the number of bets is set by the BET process and the start lever 11 is operated, a lottery process is performed to determine whether or not winning as described above is permitted (step S3). In this lottery process, a winning flag for each combination is set based on each lottery result.

  When the lottery process ends, a reel fluctuation start process is performed (step S4). In the reel variation start process, on the condition that the time counted by one game timer from the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the previous game has passed the minimum game time (for example, 4.1 seconds). The reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are driven to start rotation of all the left, middle, and right reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Thereby, the symbols are variably displayed on the variable display device 2.

  However, in the game in which the game state has changed, a freeze effect is performed, and the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is delayed. When a predetermined time has not elapsed since the start of rotation in the previous game, the start of rotation is awaited, and the weight display unit 31 is notified by lighting the wait lamp 61 by transmitting a wait command. At the start of rotation, the reel stop timer and the timing of one game timer for the next game are started. Details of the reel variation start process will be described later.

  Thereafter, reel fluctuation stop processing is performed (step S5). In the reel fluctuation stop process, after a predetermined condition is established from the start of reel rotation (the reference position is detected by the reel sensors 3SL, 3SC, 3SR after the rotation speed reaches a certain speed), the stop buttons 12L, 12C , 12R is made effective, and the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are stopped by being operated by the player, and the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is stopped. Further, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses for the time measured by the reel stop timer, the driving of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is forcibly stopped. At this time, the driving stop of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is controlled within a pull-in range of 4 frames or less according to the setting status of the winning flag of each combination in the RAM 112.

  When the driving of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, in the display mode at the time of stopping, is any of the above-mentioned role symbols derived and displayed on the active line corresponding to the bet number set in the BET process in step S2 A winning determination process for determining whether or not is performed (step S6). If it is determined in this winning determination process that a winning combination has been won, various processes corresponding to the winnings generated on the game control board 101 are performed.

  Such processing includes setting of a replay flag when a replay is won, and setting of a payout amount when winning other than the replay. When a bonus is won, the bonus winning flag is deleted and a bonus bonus flag is set, which causes a change in the gaming state. Also, a winning information command indicating the presence / absence of a winning and the type of winning is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Details of the winning determination process will be described later.

  When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed (step S7). In the payout process, the credit is increased by the number of payout scheduled medals set in the winning determination process. However, when the number of credits accumulated as data reaches 50, the hopper motor 82 is driven to pay out an excess number of medals from the medal payout slot 71. Various settings not related to winning are also made, and especially at the end of the bonus, the bonus-in-progress flag is erased, causing a change in the gaming state. Details of the payout process will be described later. Then, the process for one game ends, and the process for the next one game starts.

  Next, the reel fluctuation start process in step S4 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing in detail the reel fluctuation start process executed by the CPU 111 in step S4. First, it is determined whether or not the game state transition flag is set in the RAM 112 by the process in the previous game (step S101). If the game state transition flag is not set, whether or not the time counted by one game timer that started timing in the previous game has passed a predetermined minimum game time (for example, 4.1 seconds) Determination is made (step S102).

  If the minimum game time has not elapsed, a wait command is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S103), and the process returns to step S102. Until the minimum game time elapses, the processing of steps S102 and S103 is repeated, and the weight display section indicates that the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are waiting to start rotation by the weight lamp 61 that is lit during this time. The player will be notified from 31. If the minimum game time has elapsed or has already elapsed, a wait release command is transmitted to the effect control board 102 (step S104), and the process proceeds to step S110.

  If the game state transition flag is set in the RAM 112 in step S101, the freeze timer starts to measure a predetermined freeze time (step S105). Next, it is determined whether or not the game state transition flag set in the RAM 112 indicates the transition to the regular bonus (step S106). If it indicates a shift to the regular bonus, the process proceeds to step S108 as it is.

  If it does not indicate the transition to the regular bonus, a freeze command capable of specifying the game state to be transferred (in this case, the small role game or the normal game state) is generated and transmitted to the effect control board 102 (Step S107). Then, the process proceeds to step S108.

  In step S108, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the freeze timer started in step S105 has exceeded a predetermined freeze time. If the freeze time has not elapsed, the process of step S108 is repeated and waits until the freeze time elapses. If the freeze time has elapsed, the game state transition flag set in the RAM 112 in the previous game is erased (step S109). Then, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the reel motors 3ML, 3MC, and 3MR are controlled to start the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Further, the reel stop timer for forcibly terminating the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R within a predetermined time is started (step S111). In addition, the timing of one game timer for controlling the time interval between games to be equal to or longer than the minimum game time is started (step S112). Then, the reel fluctuation start process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  The stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R become effective after the transition to the reel fluctuation stop process, and the operation is not valid while the reel fluctuation start process is being performed. Therefore, even if the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated when the freeze effect is performed and the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is delayed, the operation is not accepted because the operation is not valid. Therefore, the rotation cannot be stopped unless the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are operated again after the freeze time elapses and the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate.

  Next, the winning determination process in step S6 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing in detail the winning determination process executed by the CPU 111 in step S6. First, it is determined whether any of the symbols of the active line set according to the number of bets has been prepared (step S201). If no symbols are available, the process proceeds to step S216 described later. If any symbols are available, it is determined whether or not a winning flag corresponding to the type of symbols that has been set has been set in the RAM 112 (step S202).

  If the winning combination corresponding to the symbols on the active line has not been won internally, the process ends in error. If the winning combination corresponding to the symbol on the active line is won internally, the winning combination will be awarded and the winning symbol will be aligned among the 1, 2, or 3 betting lamps 54-58. The one corresponding to the valid line is blinked (step S203).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the symbols arranged on the active line are “no color 7” or “colored 7” and a big bonus is won (step S204). If the big bonus is won, the big bonus winning flag set in the RAM 112 is deleted (step S205), and the big bonus medium flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S206). A game state transition flag is set in the RAM 112 indicating that the game shifts from the next game to the small role game in the big bonus due to the big bonus winning (step S207). Then, the process proceeds to step S215.

  If it is not a big bonus prize, whether the symbols on the active line in the normal gaming state are “BAR” and the regular bonus is won, or the symbols on the active line in the small role game Is “JAC” and it is determined whether or not the regular bonus in the big bonus has been won (that is, JACIN has been made) (step S208). If the regular bonus is won, the regular bonus winning flag set in the RAM 112 is deleted (except for JACIN) (step S209), and the regular bonus flag is set (when JACIN is a big bonus) In addition to the flag, the RAM 112 is set (step S210). A gaming state transition flag is set in the RAM 112 to indicate that the regular bonus (including the one in the big bonus) is shifted from the next game by winning the regular bonus (step S211). Then, the process proceeds to step S215.

  If the regular bonus has not been won, it is determined whether or not the symbols arranged on the active line in the normal gaming state are “JAC” and a replay has been won (step S212). If it is a replay winning, a replay flag is set in the RAM 112 (step S213), and the process proceeds to step S216. If it is not a replay winning, it is determined whether or not another winning (small winning, JAC winning) is made according to the gaming state and the types of symbols arranged on the active line (step S214). If it is another winning, the process proceeds to step S215. If no other winning is achieved, the process proceeds to step S216.

  In step S215, since it is a case where a winning combination for paying out medals is won, the planned payout number of medals corresponding to the type of winning is set in the RAM 112. Then, the process proceeds to step S216. In step S216, a winning information command indicating the presence / absence of a winning combination and the type of winning combination if a winning combination is generated is transmitted to the effect control board 102. Then, the winning determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, the payout process in step S7 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing in detail the payout process executed by the CPU 111 in step S7. First, until the planned number of payouts becomes 0, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is discharged by controlling the hopper 80 and discharging medals one by one while subtracting the planned number of payouts one by one. Pay out. However, if the number of credits has not reached 50, the number of credits is incremented by 1 instead of discharging medals one by one (step S301).

  Next, referring to the state of the big bonus medium flag and the regular bonus medium flag in the RAM 112, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the bonus state (step S302). If the current gaming state is not in bonus, the process proceeds to step S313. If the current gaming state is a bonus, the various counters of the RAM 112 are used, and the number of digested games since the gaming state has been transferred to the bonus (in the case of a big bonus, the number of small role games and the regular bonuses within them) The number of games is counted separately (in the regular bonus, the number of winnings is also counted) (step S303).

  As a result of the counting, it is determined whether or not the regular bonus that is not in the big bonus has ended (step S304). When the regular bonus is ended, the regular bonus medium flag set in the RAM 112 is erased (step S305). In addition, a game state transition flag indicating that the normal game state is returned from the next game upon completion of the regular bonus is set in the RAM 112 (step S306). Then, the process proceeds to step S313.

  If the regular bonus that is not in the big bonus has not ended, it is determined whether or not the big bonus has ended (step S307). When the big bonus is ended, the big bonus medium flag set in the RAM 112 is deleted (step S308). In addition, a gaming state transition flag indicating that the next game is returned to the normal gaming state by the end of the big bonus is set in the RAM 112 (step S309). Then, the process proceeds to step S313.

  If it is not the end of the big bonus, it is determined whether or not the regular bonus has ended (that is, the first or second set of JAC games has ended) (step S310). When only the regular bonus in the big bonus is ended, the regular bonus medium flag set in the RAM 112 is erased (step S311). Further, a game state transition flag indicating that the next game is changed to the small bonus game in the big bonus due to the end of the regular bonus is set in the RAM 112 (step S312). Then, the process proceeds to step S313.

  In step S313, if the small role winning flag or the replay winning flag (including the JACIN winning flag and the JAC winning flag) is set in the RAM 112, it is deleted so as not to carry over after the next game (step S313). S313). Then, the payout process is terminated, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the repetition of the game as described above, the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 performs a transition of the game state between the normal game state, the regular bonus, and the big bonus, and controls the effects according to the progress of the game. It is transmitted to the substrate 102. On the other hand, the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 performs an original effect based on the command received from the game control board 101. Hereinafter, processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102 to perform various effects (in particular, control of the reel lamp 3LP in the freeze effect) will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the CPU 121 of the effect control board 102. On the side of the effect control board 102, it is determined whether or not a command sent from the game control board 101 has been received (step S401). Until the command is received, the process of step S401 is repeated and the reception of the command is awaited. When any command is received from the game control board 101, it is determined what kind of the received command is (step S402).

  If the received command type is the freeze command transmitted in step S107, it is determined whether or not the freeze command indicates a shift to a small role game (step S403). When the transition to the small role game is indicated, the measurement of a predetermined freeze time is started by the freeze timer provided on the effect control board 102 side (step S404). Following this, the reel lamp 3LP is turned off (step S405).

  Next, it is determined whether the time measured by the freeze timer started in step S403 has passed a predetermined freeze time (step S406). If the freeze time has not elapsed, the process of step S406 is repeated and waits until the freeze time elapses. If the freeze time has elapsed, the reel lamp 3LP turned off in step S405 is turned on again (step S407). Then, the process returns to step S401.

  On the other hand, if the received freeze command indicates a shift to the normal gaming state instead of a shift to the small role game, the reel lamp 3LP is controlled to blink for a certain time shorter than a predetermined freeze time. (Step S408). Then, the process returns to step S401. Even when the game state shifts, when the transition to the regular bonus occurs, the freeze command is not transmitted, so the lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP is not performed.

  If the received command type is the wait command transmitted in step S102, the wait lamp 61 is turned on (step S409), and the process returns to step S401. If the received command type is the wait release command transmitted in step S104, the wait lamp 61 is turned off, or the extinguished state is maintained if the extinguished state (step S410). The process returns to step S401.

  If the received command type is another command, processing corresponding to the type of each command (the details are omitted because it is not related to the present invention) is executed (step S411). Thereafter, the process returns to step S401.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, when a factor causing a change in the gaming state occurs, the gaming state transition flag is set in the RAM 112. If the game state transition flag is set in the RAM 112 in the game immediately after the game state is changed, a freeze effect in which the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is delayed is performed. The rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is an event directly related to the progress of the game. By notifying the change of the game state with the freeze effect associated with this, the change of the game state is surely notified to the player. Can do.

  When a change occurs in the gaming state in the slot machine 1, the degree of profit that the player can obtain and the game method to be performed by the player (especially the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R is required) Will also change. In this way, by performing the freeze effect in accordance with the change of the game state, it is surely notified that the degree of profit that the player can obtain has changed and that the game method to be performed by the player has changed. For example, as described below, the player can be prevented from being disadvantaged.

  Here, while the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is delayed during the freeze time, at least the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R are not activated. For this reason, even if the player performs a physical operation on the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R in a manner similar to the previous game while the freeze effect is being performed, the reel 3L is based on this operation. Since the rotation of 3C, 3R will not be stopped later, the operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is not carried out by the operation that is performed in spite of the fact that the game state that needs to be pushed is entered. The rotation is never stopped. Thereby, a player does not receive a disadvantage.

  The freeze time in which the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is delayed is the same regardless of the gaming state, but the lighting control of the reel lamp 3LP during this period is the game after the change. It depends on the situation. For this reason, the player can know not only that the gaming state has changed but also what the gaming state after the change is due to the difference in lighting state of the reel lamp 3LP during the freezing effect. Accordingly, the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R can be reliably operated according to the changed gaming state, and can be surely pressed when the gaming state that requires pressing is reached. The player will not be penalized.

  By the way, in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment, the freeze effect is performed when the gaming state is changed, but the sound output from the speakers 7U, 7L, 7R, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 In other types of effects such as the light emission of the game effect LEDs 75A to 75M, no change in the game state is notified. However, since the freeze effect is an effect that is related to the progress of the game itself, this ensures that the player knows the change in the game state, and whether or not there is a need to look forward to it without any other effects. As a result, the player is not disadvantaged.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

  In the above embodiment, the freeze time in which the rotation start of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is delayed is the same regardless of which gaming state is entered, but by controlling the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP, The player can know which game state has been changed. On the other hand, the freeze time for delaying the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R may be different depending on the gaming state that has been transferred. The difference in freeze time and the difference in lighting state of the reel lamp 3LP can be used together to indicate the type of gaming state that has been transferred.

  In the above embodiment, the change in the gaming state in each game is notified only by a freeze effect including a delay in the rotation start of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. On the other hand, by outputting a predetermined sound from the speakers 7U, 7L, 7R, displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display 4, or lighting the game effect LEDs 75A to 75M in a predetermined mode. The change of the gaming state may be notified. However, these sound, image, and light effects are not directly related to the progress of the game, and the player is likely to be overlooked, so the player is not overlooked by the freeze effect. The effect that the change can be notified can still be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, in the game after the game state has changed, the time from when the start lever 11 is operated until the reels 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate is delayed, and the freeze effect is performed. . On the other hand, if the start lever 11 is operated, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate without delay (except for the delay by one game timer), but after that, the stop buttons 12L, 12C The freeze effect may be performed by delaying the time until 12R is activated.

  Even by delaying the time until the operation of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R becomes effective, the player unknowingly operates the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R with a sense of the gaming state in the previous game. However, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are not stopped. As a result, the player can recognize that the game state has changed because the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are not stopped in this way, so that a freeze effect that delays the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and Similar effects can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the game after the game state has changed, the freeze effect according to the game state after the transition is performed. In addition to the game when the gaming state changes, a freeze effect may also be performed in a game when winning a bonus or winning JACIN. The freeze effect that is performed when the bonus or JACIN is selected can be different from the freeze effect that is performed when the gaming state changes, for example, by controlling the lighting mode of the reel lamp 3LP. As a result, it is possible to reliably determine the symbol to be pressed and determine whether to perform so-called replay removal by executing the freeze effect.

  In the above embodiment, the gaming state in the slot machine 1 is only a normal gaming state, a regular bonus, and a big bonus including a small role game and a regular bonus (JAC game). On the other hand, in the slot machine including specific game states such as AT (Assist Time), CT (Challenge Time), RT (Replay Time), AR (AT + RT), etc., the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 at least generates and terminates it. If the control is performed, the freeze effect can be performed in the game in which the specific gaming state has been shifted or in the next game in which the specific gaming state has ended.

  These specific game states may be generated in a lottery unrelated to the display result of the variable display device 3, and even if the player closely monitors the results of the previous game, It may occur completely independently of the result. The opportunity to perform the lottery may also be completely independent of the previous game results. By performing the freeze effect when such a change in the gaming state occurs, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged without noticing the change in the gaming state.

  In particular, in AT and AR, when a predetermined small role is won, the operation procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, 12R for winning the small role is announced (the order of operating each is notified). And the case where the type of symbol to be stopped is announced). In this way, when the freeze effect is performed in the game at the time of transition to AT and AR, the player overlooks that the operating procedure of the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R has been announced and proceeds with the game. Can be prevented.

  In addition, in a slot machine having a so-called stock function, even if the bonus winning flag is set, the gaming state (impossible state) in which the bonus winning is impossible or difficult is canceled, and the normal gaming state is changed to the bonus winning. When it becomes possible or easy, a freeze effect can be performed. Here, if the freeze effect is not performed in the game immediately after the disabled state is canceled, and the freeze effect is performed by lottery after the disabled state is canceled, the meaning of the freeze effect is a bonus notification. It will have.

  In the above-described embodiment, the big bonus ends when the regular bonus based on the 30 small role games or the third JACIN ends. Regular bonuses (including those in the Big Bonus) ended when 12 games were consumed or JAC was awarded 8 times. However, the end conditions of the big bonus and regular bonus are not limited to this.

  For example, the end condition of the big bonus may be indefinite without fixing the number of small role games and JACIN in the big bonus. The number of small role games and the number of JACIN can be pre-determined by lottery when entering the big bonus, but it is also possible to decide by lottery whether or not to end the big bonus at the end of each small role game or regular bonus it can. Similarly, the number of games and the number of JAC winnings that are conditions for ending a regular bonus (including those in the big bonus) may be indefinite.

  Further, there may be a plurality of types of big bonuses such as normal big and super big depending on the distinction other than the number of small role games and the number of JACIN. You may be promoted from normal big to super big in the middle of a big bonus. The promotion in the middle can be determined in advance by lottery at the time of entering the big bonus, or can be determined by lottery in each game during normal big. If the CPU 111 of the game control board 101 controls the normal big or the super big, the freeze effect can be performed even when the normal big changes to the super big.

  In this way, if the Big Bonus and Regular Bonus end conditions are indefinite, even if the number of games and winnings are counted, the player can know the end of the Big Bonus and Regular Bonus from the outside. Can not. Even when the big bonus is promoted from normal big to super big, if it is determined internally by lottery, the player cannot know the promotion from the outside. By performing the freeze effect in such a case, it is possible to reliably notify the player of the change in the gaming state, so that the player is not disadvantaged.

  Furthermore, in a slot machine having a specification that can configure one gaming state as a whole by combining a plurality of subdivided gaming states, the subdivided gaming state is fine in the gaming state as a whole. Will change. In a slot machine having such a specification, it is difficult for a player to judge a change in a subdivided gaming state. Therefore, by performing the freeze effect every time a small change in the game state occurs, the player can surely understand the change in the game state.

  In the above embodiment, when there is a change in the gaming state, the freezing effect is always performed regardless of the type of gaming state (however, there is a difference in the type of freezing effect). ) On the other hand, it is good also as what performs a freeze production only when it transfers to a specific kind of gaming state. Here, it is preferable to perform at least a freezing effect when a game state (for example, a regular bonus) that does not require an eyelash shifts to a game state that requires an eyelash (for example, a normal game state or a small role game). . In this case, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged without noticing the change in the gaming state. On the other hand, the freeze effect may not be performed when the gaming state that requires pressing is shifted to the gaming state that does not require pressing. In this case, the player is not disadvantaged even if he / she does not notice the change in the gaming state.

  In the above embodiment, the game state is changed in the winning determination process or the payout process, that is, at the end of the game after the display result of the variable display device 2 is derived and displayed. The change in the gaming state is notified by a freeze effect that delays the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R even if the start lever 11 is operated in the next game.

  However, the gaming state can be performed at any timing from the start to the end of the game. For example, the game state may be changed according to the result of a lottery performed when the start lever 11 is operated, that is, at the start of the game. If there is a change in the gaming state when the start lever 11 is operated, a freeze effect that delays the start of rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R in the game may be performed.

  Moreover, it is good also as what changes a gaming state by the result of the lottery performed when one of stop button 12L, 12C, 12R is operated. In this case, the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R cannot be stopped except for the one corresponding to the operated stop button. Here, until the predetermined time elapses, a freeze effect is performed in which the stop buttons 12L, 12C, and 12R corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R that are still rotating are disabled and the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R cannot be rotated. Can be done.

  In the above embodiment, the variable display device 2 includes the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order on the outer periphery, and the symbols are driven by rotational driving of these reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Was variably displayed. However, a device that virtually displays a symbol on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device may be used instead of the variable display device 2 described above.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a control circuit of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part in a game control board performs for every game. 4 is a flowchart showing details of reel fluctuation start processing of FIG. 3. It is a flowchart which shows the winning determination process of FIG. 3 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the payout process of FIG. 3 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the process which the control part of an effect control board performs.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot Machine 3 Variable Display Device 101 Game Control Board 102 Production Control Board

Claims (8)

The game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game, and the display result is derived and displayed on a variable display device that displays a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each. In a slot machine in which one game is completed and a predetermined prize can be generated according to the display result of the variable display device,
Game progress control means for controlling the progress of the game;
A gaming state switching control means for performing switching control for switching the gaming state to any one of a plurality of gaming states when a predetermined transition condition is established;
Determination means for determining whether or not the gaming state switching control has been performed by the gaming state switching control means,
The game progress control means includes:
Interruption control means for interrupting the progress of the game when it is determined by the determination means that the switching control of the gaming state has been performed;
A slot machine comprising: restart control means for restarting the progress of the game after a predetermined time has elapsed since the progress of the game was interrupted by the interrupt control means. 2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming state switching control unit performs switching control to switch to a gaming state in which a profit obtained by a player is different from a gaming state before switching. The game state switching control means is a stop operation for instructing the variable display device to derive and display the display result by the player's operation with respect to whether or not to display the winning display mode on the variable display device. The slot machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein switching control is performed to switch between a gaming state that is greatly affected by the operation timing of the means and a gaming state that is less affected. The game state switching control means is a procedure notification game for notifying an operation procedure for generating the predetermined winning with respect to a stop operation means that instructs the variable display device to derive and display a display result by a player's operation. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein switching control for switching a gaming state to a state is performed. The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gaming state switching control unit performs switching control to switch from a gaming state in which an end condition is indefinite to another gaming state. The determination means comprises a type determination means for determining the type of gaming state switched by the gaming state switching control means,
The said interruption control means interrupts progress of a game according to the interruption control aspect corresponding to the kind of game state determined by the said kind determination means. The one of the Claims 1 thru | or 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Slot machine. 7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising an informing unit that informs a player of a change in the gaming state by the gaming state switching control unit only by interrupting the progress of the game by the interruption controlling unit. The described slot machine. After the start operation means for instructing to start the variable display on the variable display device is operated by the player's operation, the display result is displayed on the variable display device by the player's operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied. When the stop operation means for instructing to be derived and displayed is operated, the apparatus further includes a stop enabling means that can accept an instruction based on the operation,
The slot machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the restart control means restarts the progress of the interrupted game until the instruction from the stop operation means can be received. .

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