JP2022052819A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of efficiently using a display screen that can display a performance image while preventing wrong recognition of a main reel and sub reels in a game machine provided with the sub reels for performance.SOLUTION: A slot machine 1 is provided with a main reel and sub reels 27b for performance that are capable of variably displaying symbols to a liquid crystal display 27. A wrong recognition preventive display area 27c is set near the main reel of the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27, and wrong recognition prevention display can be displayed to the area 27c. Here, in situations where wrong recognition of the main reel and the sub reels 27b can occur, for example when the main reel being rotating, wrong recognition prevention display is performed, but in situations when the demonstration screen is displayed after the main reel stops, no wrong recognition prevention display is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a gaming medium is paid out according to a combination of symbols when the variable display row is stopped.

A slot machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, is provided with a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols such as bells and watermelons, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to a combination of symbols when all the reels are stopped. In addition to the reels related to the payout of medals, some have sub-reels for directing. For example, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, a liquid crystal display is arranged below the main reel, and a plurality of variable display windows are displayed in a matrix on the liquid crystal display, and 3 × 3 = 9 pieces. A sub-reel consisting of squares is formed. On the sub reel, a symbol combination corresponding to the content of the stop symbol of the main reel is displayed, and the player is notified of the stop mode of the main reel.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-50385 (see paragraphs 0025 to 0039, 0075 to 0084, etc.)

In the slot machine of Patent Document 1, the fluctuation display of the sub reel is started when the rotation of the main reel is started, triggered by the operation of the start switch, and the fluctuation display is the same as when the main reel is stopped by the operation of the stop switch. Stops. In such a case, it may be confused whether or not the medal is paid out is the result of the stop mode of the main reel or the sub reel. In addition, the liquid crystal display may display not only the display of the sub reel but also an effect screen different from that of the sub reel. In such a case, the display area of the effect screen is enlarged as much as possible to improve the effect. There is a desire to do so.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a gaming machine provided with a sub-reel for effect, a display screen capable of displaying an effect image can be efficiently displayed while preventing misidentification of the main reel and the sub-reel. The purpose is to provide a game machine that can be used.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention starts the symbol change by the start operation of the player, stops the symbol change by the stop operation of the player, and by the symbol combination at the time of stop. A main reel that gives benefits to the player, a sub reel used for the production of the game, a display device that has a display screen that can display the production image and executes the production according to the progress of the game, and the main reel. The sub reel is provided with a main control means capable of controlling the symbol variation and the symbol combination at the time of stopping, and a sub control means for controlling the effect by the sub reel and the effect by the display device, and the sub reel is in the process of changing the symbol of the main reel. The symbol variation effect linked to the symbol variation is performed, the symbol variation effect is stopped when the symbol variation of the main reel is stopped, and the display mode when the symbol variation effect is stopped is the symbol variation of the main reel. The display mode is the same as or similar to the display mode when the main reel is stopped, and the display screen is arranged adjacent to the main reel and in a predetermined area close to the main reel on the display screen. A misidentification prevention display area is set in which a misidentification prevention display is performed to prevent misidentification that the sub reel is the main reel, and the sub control means changes the symbol of the main reel at least by the start operation of the player. During this period, the display device is controlled so that the misidentification prevention display area is displayed in the misidentification prevention display area, and a predetermined screen switching condition is determined after the symbol fluctuation of the main reel is stopped based on the player's stop operation. If is satisfied, the display device is controlled so that the demo screen is displayed on the display screen, but the misidentification prevention display is not performed in the misidentification prevention display area while the demo screen is displayed. It is characterized in that the display device is controlled as described above.

According to this configuration, while the design of the main reel is fluctuating, the misidentification prevention display is displayed in the misidentification prevention display area of the display screen close to the main reel, and while the demo screen is displayed, the misidentification prevention display is displayed. Is not done. Depending on the game, the profit that the player originally obtains may be missed depending on the stop operation timing of the symbol change of the main reel. If so, the profit may be missed. Therefore, by displaying the misidentification prevention display at least while the main reel is fluctuating in design, it is possible to prevent the disadvantage of misidentifying the sub reel as the main reel and losing the profit that should be originally obtained. On the other hand, when the main reel is stopped, such as when the demo screen is displayed, there is no risk of losing the profit even if the sub reel is mistaken for the main reel. You can give priority to the demo production.

Further, the display screen has a region overlapping the main reel when viewed from the player, and the region overlapping the main reel is a transmission region that can be made transparent by the control of the sub control means. The misidentification prevention display area and the transmission area may not overlap.

According to this configuration, since the main reel and the misidentification prevention display do not overlap with each other, it is possible to prevent the misidentification prevention display from interfering with the visual recognition of the main reel.

Further, the sub-control means controls the display device so that the misidentification prevention display area is displayed in the misidentification prevention display area while the transmission area is transparently controlled, and the effect image is displayed in the transmission area. While the display is displayed, the display device may be controlled so that the misidentification prevention display is not performed in the misidentification prevention display area.

According to this configuration, when it is desired to make the effect of the display screen stand out as in the case where the effect image is displayed in the transparent area, it is possible to concentrate on the effect by not displaying the misidentification prevention display.

Further, in the sub-control means, the misidentification prevention display is displayed in the misidentification prevention display area from the time when the symbol fluctuation of the main reel is stopped based on the player's stop operation until the demo screen is displayed. The display device may be controlled so as to be performed.

According to this configuration, even if the symbol fluctuation of the main reel is normally stopped, the next game is performed before the demo screen is displayed, so that the misidentification prevention display is stopped when the symbol fluctuation of the main reel is stopped. In, the processing load may increase due to frequent switching of the presence / absence of the misidentification prevention display. In such a case, the processing load required for display switching can be reduced by continuing the misidentification prevention display.

Further, when the player performs a specific operation while the demo screen is displayed on the display screen, the sub-control means shifts to a menu screen capable of making settings related to the game. In addition to controlling the display device, the display device may be controlled so that the misidentification prevention display area is not displayed while the menu screen is displayed.

According to this configuration, while the menu screen is displayed, the symbol fluctuation of the main reel is stopped, and there is a risk that the profit originally obtained by the player will be lost depending on the stop operation timing of the symbol fluctuation of the main reel. In such a case, the display area of the menu screen can be widened by not performing the misidentification prevention display.

It is a perspective view of the slot machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement of a reel. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of a slot machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function of a main control board and a sub control board. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a role and a winning symbol. It is a figure which shows an example of the misidentification prevention display of a main reel and a sub reel. It is a figure which shows another example of the misidentification prevention display of a main reel and a sub reel. It is a figure which shows the presence or absence of the misidentification prevention display according to the game state.

<Embodiment>
The slot machine 1, which is an example of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.

(Constitution)
The outline of the configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The slot machine 1 in this embodiment is based on an operation of a player on condition that a predetermined number of game media such as medals are inserted in any one of a plurality of preset game states. A single game is executed, and is configured as shown in FIG. 1, for example. That is, in the slot machine 1, the front surface of the housing 3 is closed by the front door 5 so as to be openable and closable, and the operation plate 7 is arranged at a position substantially at the center height of the front door 5 and the operation plate 7 is arranged. A front plate 9 is arranged above the door.

The front plate 9 is provided with a horizontally long rectangular display window 11. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, 13R for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols in a predetermined order are arranged inside the display window 11. .. These left, middle, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R have multiple types of symbols (for example, "red 7", "blue 7", "BAR1", "BAR2", "BE1 (bell 1)", and "BE2 (bell 2)". A total of 20 "CH (cherry)", "WM (watermelon)", "RP (replay)", and "BL (blank)") are provided in a predetermined arrangement. In addition, frame numbers from 0 to 19 are sequentially assigned to each symbol. Then, for example, a reel tape on which the symbols from the frame numbers 0 to 19 are printed is attached to the peripheral surface of the reel, and the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are formed, respectively. Further, when each reel 13L, 13M, 13R rotates, a plurality of symbols of frame numbers 19, 18, ..., 0, 19, ... Are variably displayed on the display window 11 in a predetermined order. From the display window 11, when the rotation of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is stopped, a total of three symbols are set, one for each of the upper, middle, and lower stages. That is, when all three reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are stopped, a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are stopped and displayed on the display window 11. In this embodiment, one line (center line) in which the reel 13L is the "middle stage", the middle reel 13M is the "middle stage", and the right reel 13R is the "middle stage" is set as a winning line.

In addition, each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is configured by a stepping motor so that each reel 13L, 13M, 13R can be rotationally driven independently.
The reel motors 14L, 14M, 14R shown in the above are connected.

Further, the operation board 7 has a bet switch 15 for instructing the insertion of medals one by one from the credit medals stored inside, and the maximum number of inserted medals per game (game) from the credit medals (set to 3). Maximum bet switch 17 for instructing medal insertion, lever-shaped start switch 19 for rotating each reel 13L, 13M, 13R to start variable display of each symbol, left / middle / right reel 13L , 13M, 13R are provided with left / middle / right stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R to stop the rotation of each symbol and stop the variable display of each symbol, a settlement switch 23 for paying out credit medals, and a medal slot 25. Has been done. In this embodiment, the number of medals inserted (specified number) required for one game is set to one type of three. Further, each reel 13L, 13M, 13R forms a plurality of variable display columns for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R corresponds to each reel 13L, 13M, 13R, respectively. It is provided.

Further, in the substantially center above the front plate 9, a moving image or the like is displayed to notify the player of winning or winning, and the operation mode of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R is notified. A liquid crystal display 27 (corresponding to the "display device" of the present invention) is provided for this purpose, and an explanation panel 29 on which various winning symbols are displayed is provided immediately above the liquid crystal display 27. Speakers 31L and 31R for producing music, voice, and the like are provided on the left and right sides of the explanation panel 29, respectively. Further, a central lamp portion 33M is arranged on the upper side of the explanatory panel 29 and the speakers 31L and 31R, and left and right lamp portions 33L and 33R are arranged on the left and right sides thereof, respectively. A light source such as a light emitting diode is arranged in each of the lamp portions 33M, 33L, and 33R. These lamp units 33M, 33L, and 33R are integrally formed, and constitute an upper lamp unit 33 for performing an effect such as notifying the player of winning or winning.

In this embodiment, the display screen 27a (see FIG. 6) of the liquid crystal display 27 is arranged at a position close to the upper side of the display window 11 that makes each reel 13L, 13M, 13R visible. Areas close to the reels 13L, 13M, 13R of the shape display screen 27a, specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, each reel 13L of the upper side 27a1, the lower side 27a2, the right side 27a3, and the left side 27a4 of the display screen 27a. , The misidentification prevention display area 27c, which will be described later, is set at a position closer to the lower side 27a2 closest to the 13M and 13R.

Further, a lower panel 35 on which a decorative image or the like is displayed is provided below the operation plate 7, and on the left and right sides of the lower panel 35, for example, a lower lamp portion in which a plurality of light sources are arranged side by side in two rows is provided. 37L and 37R are provided. Further, below the lower panel 35, a medal payout exit 39 and a medal receiver 41 for receiving medals to be paid out from the medal payout exit 39 are provided. Further, a winning line is drawn on the front plate 9, and a credit display 45 for displaying the number of stored credit medals is arranged in the lower left corner of the front plate 9. The credit display 45 is composed of, for example, two 7-segment LEDs, and can display a two-digit number of stored sheets (up to 50).

Further, below the credit display 45, a payout display 46 for displaying the number of medals to be paid out at the time of winning is arranged. Like the credit display 45, the display 46 is composed of two 7-segment LEDs. The payout display 46 is also used for displaying error information.

Further, a support frame body (not shown) that supports each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is fixed to the rear wall in the housing 3. Below the support frame in the housing 3, a hopper unit 43 (see FIG. 3) for discharging medals to the medal payout outlet 39 is arranged. Further, on the back side near the medal slot 25, a medal selector 48 (see FIG. 3) that selects whether or not the medal inserted in the medal slot 25 is legitimate and guides only the legitimate medal to the hopper unit 43. ) Is arranged. Further, on the left side of the hopper unit 43, an operation box 49 (see FIG. 3) is fixed to the left side wall in the housing 3. The operation box 49 is provided with a power switch 50 (see FIG. 3) for switching the power on / off, a key cylinder for setting change processing, and a push button type setting change button 52 (see FIG. 3). ing.

Subsequently, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a slot machine.

In FIG. 3, the insertion sensor 53 is provided near the medal insertion slot 25 inside the housing 3 and is provided in the medal selector 48 portion, and detects the medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 25 one by one. The payout sensor 54 is provided at the outlet of the hopper unit 43 and detects medals to be paid out to the medal payout outlet 39 one by one.

The left / middle / right position sensors 55L, 55M, 55R are for detecting the rotation positions of the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, 13R, respectively, for example, on the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, 13R. Each of the photo interrupters is provided to detect the protrusions, and when the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, 13R rotate, the protrusions are detected every round and the detection signal is output to the main control board 63. In this embodiment, for example, when the left / middle / right position sensors 55L, 55M, 55R detect the protrusion, the symbol of frame number 19 is configured to be located in the middle of the display window 11. ..

The change processing start switch 56 is provided inside the key cylinder of the operation box 49, and is switched on and off by inserting a setting change key (not shown) into the key cylinder and rotating the key cylinder. The setting change button 52 is provided in the operation box 49, and is temporarily set to a higher setting value each time the setting is changed.

The hopper motor 57 is arranged in the hopper unit 43, and is driven by the hopper motor 57 to pay out medals toward the medal payout outlet 39.

Further, in this slot machine 1, based on the main control board 63 on which the main CPU 61 (corresponding to the "main control means" of the present invention) that controls the progress of the game is mounted, and the information transmitted from the main control board 63. A sub control board 73 on which a sub CPU 71 (corresponding to the "sub control means" of the present invention) that controls an effect according to the progress of a game is mounted separately is provided, and the main control board 63 to the sub control board are provided separately. Various game information is transmitted to 73 in one direction.

The RAM 65 of the main control board 63 temporarily stores data related to the game such as the game state of the slot machine 1, and various storage areas for storing various data are formed.

Further, the ROM 67 of the main control board 63 stores a game machine program (program for the slot machine 1) including preset data (combined lottery table 671, stop table 672, etc. in FIG. 4).

Further, the main CPU 61 of the main control board 63 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and performs processing related to the progress of the game by executing the game machine program stored in the ROM 67. Further, the main CPU 61 includes information on the winning combination lottery result (including information necessary for winning a winning combination described later) by the winning combination lottery means 105 (see FIG. 4), games such as the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R, and the start switch 19. Various game information such as information on the operation of the operating device operated by the person is transmitted to the sub control board 73 (sub CPU 71) in the form of a command.

Further, the memory 75 of the sub-control board 73 includes a RAM unit for temporarily storing various data and a ROM unit for storing various programs for production. Further, the sub CPU 71 of the sub control board 73 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and the sub CPU 71 is stored in the memory 75 based on various game information about the slot machine 1 transmitted from the main CPU 61. By executing the program, the content of the game-related effect for the player is determined. Further, the sub CPU 71 of the sub control board 73 controls the effect devices such as the liquid crystal display 27 and the speakers 31L and 31R via the I / O port of the sub control board 73 based on the determined content of the effect. I do.

(Main control board)
Next, the main control board 63 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main control board 63 has various functions realized by executing a program stored in the ROM 67 and various functions realized by controlling the hardware. ..

(1) Game control means 100
The game control means 100 is for controlling the game of the slot machine 1, and is a general game (RT0) and a big bonus game (BB game) which is a game more advantageous than the normal game for the player. ) And regular bonus games (RB games), and games (RT1, RT2) in the carry-over state of internal winning of both bonus games (BB games, RB games).

If the special role "BB" is won in the normal game (normal game state), the game shifts to the BB game (bonus game state). In the BB game, for example, when a predetermined BB game end condition is satisfied, such as when more than 384 medals are paid out, the BB game ends and the game returns to the normal game. If you win the special role "RB" in a normal game, you will move to the RB game. In the RB game, when a predetermined RB game end condition is satisfied, for example, when more than 119 medals are paid out, the RB game ends and the game returns to the normal game (RT0).

If a prize is not won even though the special role "BB" is won in the normal game, the game shifts to the internal winning game (RT1), which is the carry-over state of the internal winning of the BB game. If the special role "BB" in the carry-over state is won in the game during the internal winning, the game shifts to the BB game, and when the above-mentioned BB game end condition is satisfied, the game returns to the normal game (RT0).

In the normal game, if the special role "RB" is won but no prize is won, the game shifts to the internal winning game (RT2), which is the carry-over state of the internal winning of the RB game. When the special role "RB" in the carry-over state is won in the game (RT2), the game shifts to the RB game, and when the above-mentioned RB game end condition is satisfied, the game returns to the normal game (RT0). The BB and RB game end conditions can be appropriately set, for example, the number of acquired sheets reaches a predetermined value.

Here, an example of the flow of a normal game will be described. In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to play one game (one game) with three medals, and the bet number counter 651 stores up to three inserted medals. When three medals are inserted by the insertion sensor 53, the bet switch 15, or the maximum bet switch 17, the horizontal winning line (center line) at the center (middle) of the display window 11 becomes effective. Then, when the start switch 19 is operated on condition that a specified number of three medals are inserted, a winning combination lottery as to whether or not a plurality of winning combinations (lottery results) preset by the combination lottery means 105 have been won is selected. Is done. Here, the main control board 63 starts all rotations of the left, middle, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, and the symbols of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R displayed on the display window 11 are displayed on the reels 13L, 13M, 13M. , 13R starts to discriminate according to the rotation angle.

After that, the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, 13R are accelerated, and the rotation positions of the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, 13R are set to predetermined reference positions by the left / middle / right position sensors 55L, 55M, 55R. When it is detected, the operations of all the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R become effective. After the operation of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R is enabled, when the left stop switch 21L is operated, the left reel 13L is stopped, and when the middle stop switch 21M is operated, the middle reel 13M is stopped and the right. When the stop switch 21R is operated, the right reel 13R is stopped. In this way, by operating the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R, the rotation of the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, 13R corresponding to the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R is stopped.

When all three left / middle / right stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R are operated, the rotation of the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, 13R is stopped. At this time, when the predetermined symbol stops at a predetermined position on the winning line in the middle of the valid display window 11, the winning is won. Then, the number of medals according to the winning mode is credited or paid out from the medal payout exit 39. In addition, a predetermined benefit may be given to the player in place of the payout of the medal or at the same time as the payout of the medal.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the bonus roles (special roles) are "BB", "RB", "shift A" to "shift D", and the small roles are "1 card role A" to "1 card role C". , "Bell A", "Bell B", and "Replay A" and "Replay B" are preset as replay roles (see FIG. 5).

The winning combination name "BB" is a constituent of the winning combination group "BB", and as a winning mode, a symbol combination in which the symbols "Red 7" of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R are aligned on the winning line is set. The combination name "RB" is a constituent of the winning combination group "RB", and as a winning mode, a symbol combination in which the symbols "BAR1"-"BAR1"-"BAR1" are aligned on the winning line is set.

The role name "Shift A" is a constituent role of the winning combination group "1 card combination + shift", and as a winning mode, a symbol combination in which the symbols "blue 7"-"CH"-"CH" are aligned on the winning line is set. ing. In addition, the winning combination name "Shift B" is a constituent of the winning combination group "1 card combination + shift", and as a winning mode, there is a symbol combination in which the symbols "Red 7"-"CH"-"CH" are aligned on the winning line. It is set. In addition, the winning combination name "Shift C" is a constituent role of the winning combination group "1 card combination + shift", and as a winning mode, a symbol combination in which the symbols "BAR1"-"CH"-"CH" are aligned on the winning line is set. Has been done. In addition, the winning combination name "Shift D" is a constituent role of the winning combination group "1 card combination + shift", and as a winning mode, a symbol combination in which the symbols "BAR2"-"CH"-"CH" are aligned on the winning line is set. Has been done.

The role name "1 card role A" is a constituent role of each of the winning combination groups "1 card role", "1 card role + shift" and "all small roles", and as a winning mode, the design "BE1" on the winning line- A symbol combination in which "CH"-"CH" are aligned is set. The role name "1 card role B" is a constituent role of each of the winning combination groups "1 card role", "1 card role + shift" and "all small roles", and as a winning mode, the design "BE1" on the winning line- A symbol combination with "RP"-"RP" is set. The role name "1 card role C" is a constituent role of each of the winning combination groups "1 card role", "1 card role + shift" and "all small roles", and as a winning mode, the design "BE2" on the winning line- A symbol combination with "RP"-"RP" is set.

The role name "Bell A" is a constituent role of each of the winning combination groups "common bell" and "all small roles", and as a winning mode, a symbol combination in which the symbols "BE1"-"BE1"-"BE1" are aligned on the winning line. Is set. In addition, the role name "Bell B" is a constituent role of each of the winning combination groups "common bell" and "all small roles", and as a winning mode, the symbols "BE2"-"BE1"-"BE1" are aligned on the winning line. The symbol combination is set.

The role name "Replay A" is a constituent role of the winning combination group "Replay", and as a winning mode, a symbol combination in which the symbols "RP"-"RP"-"RP" are aligned on the winning line is set. In addition, the role name "Replay B" is a constituent role of the winning combination group "Replay", and as a winning mode, a symbol combination in which the symbols "Red 7"-"RP"-"RP" are aligned on the winning line is set. ..

(2) Setting changing means 101
The setting changing means 101 of FIG. 4 is a setting (settings 1 to 6) for adjusting the payout rate (total number of payouts ÷ total number of medals inserted × 100 [%]) based on a predetermined setting change operation. Is to change. The payout rate of each setting can be adjusted, for example, by changing the winning probability of the bonus combination (“BB”, “RB”) for each set value.

Here, an example of a setting change operation for changing a setting value will be described. For example, if the change processing start switch 56 (setting key) is turned on and the power is turned on before the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the setting change processing is started. At this time, if the setting change button 52 (reset switch) is pressed once, it is temporarily set to a setting value one higher than the setting value set before the power is turned on (for example, temporary setting from setting 3 to setting 4). .. After that, each time the setting change button 52 is pressed, the setting value is temporarily set to a higher setting value. However, if the setting change button 52 is pressed when the temporary setting value is 6, the set value returns to 1 and is temporarily set. Finally, the set value is fixed by the ON operation of the start switch 19, and the temporary set value at that time becomes the set value of the slot machine 1. When the setting is changed, the setting changing means 101 rewrites the setting value stored in the setting value storage area 653 to the changed setting value.

(3) Table selection means 102
The table selection means 102 of FIG. 4 is a game type controlled by the game control means 100 (normal game, internal winning game, BB, RB game, etc.), and a set value (setting) set by the setting changing means 101. Based on the setting 6) from 1 to 1, one winning combination lottery table is selected from a plurality of winning combination lottery tables 671. That is, for example, in a normal game, the table selection means 102 selects the winning combination lottery table 671 (normal game winning combination lottery table) according to the setting values (settings 1 to 6) of the winning probability as the winning combination lottery table.

(4) Random number generation means 103
The random number generation means 103 of FIG. 4 generates a random number for lottery within a predetermined range. Further, the random number generation means 103 can be configured by, for example, an oscillation circuit and a counter circuit for counting the clock signal generated by the oscillation circuit (so-called hard random number). The random number generating means 103 may be configured by, for example, a means for generating a random number by the average sampling method or a means for generating a random number by adding prime numbers. These means can be configured, for example, by causing the main CPU 61 to execute a predetermined program (so-called soft random numbers). Further, both hard random numbers and soft random numbers may be provided, and random numbers may be generated softly based on the results. Further, in this embodiment, a random number used for the winning combination lottery means 105, which will be described later, is generated.

(5) Random number extraction means 104
The random number extracting means 104 of FIG. 4 extracts a random number value generated by the random number generating means 103, and extracts the random number value under a predetermined condition. In this embodiment, the random number extraction means 104 extracts a random number value at the timing when the start switch 19 is operated. Since the random number generation means 103 is configured by a counter circuit or the like, the numerical value generated by the random number generation means 103 is not strictly a random number. However, since the timing at which the start switch 19 is operated is considered to be random, the numerical value extracted by the random number extracting means 104 can be substantially treated as a random number.

(6) Role lottery means 105
The combination lottery means 105 of FIG. 4 determines whether or not a plurality of preset combinations have been won by lottery, and includes the combination lottery determination means 105a as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, a plurality of winning combination groups composed of one or a plurality of winning combination are set, and a combination lottery is performed for each winning combination group. For example, as the winning combination group, "BB", "RB", "replay", "one-card role", "one-card role + shift", "common bell", and "all small roles" are set.

If a winning combination group consisting of a plurality of combinations is won, all the constituent combinations are allowed to win, depending on the operation timing (operation mode) of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R. Either you win a prize in one of the constituents, or you miss it.

Further, each combination is associated with a unique upper combination number or lower combination number in hexadecimal. Then, if the winning combination is associated with the winning combination based on the combination lottery result of the combination lottery means 105, the higher-level combination number associated with the winning winning combination is the combination lottery result storage area 652. It is stored in the upper storage area of. Further, if the winning combination is associated with the lower combination number, the lower combination number associated with the winning combination is stored in the lower storage area of the combination lottery result storage area 652.

In this embodiment, the combination lottery result storage area 652 is allocated to the RAM 65 as a 2-byte data area, and the combination lottery result storage area 652 is allocated a 1-byte data area, respectively. It has an upper storage area for storing the result, and a lower storage area for storing the combination lottery results related to the small combination, the BB medium increase combination, and the replaying combination.

Specifically, the winning combination groups "BB", "RB", "shift A" to "shift D" composed of bonus combinations ("BB", "RB", "shift A" to "shift D"). If any of the above is won, either "01h (BB)" or "02h (RB)" or "03h (shifts A to D)" associated with the winning combination is stored in the upper storage area. It will be remembered. Further, when one of the winning combination groups composed of the small combination and the replaying combination is won, any one of "01h" to "09h" associated with each combination is stored in the lower storage area. To.

In this embodiment, lottery data is set for each winning combination group in the combination lottery table 671 used for the combination lottery of the combination lottery means 105. The winning combination table 671 is for performing a winning combination lottery as to whether or not each winning combination group has been won, and the winning area in the entire range of random numbers generated by the random number generation means 103 is based on each lottery data. It is determined.

Although detailed description is omitted, the winning combination lottery table 671 is provided with a plurality of types of lottery data having different expected values for increasing the number of medals in the winning combination lottery, and in this embodiment, the expected value is set to be the lowest. Six types of lottery data from 1 to the setting 6 having the highest expected value are provided for each winning combination group.

a) Combination lottery determination means 105a
The winning combination lottery determining means 105a collates the random number value extracted by the random number extracting means 104 with the lottery data included in the winning combination lottery table 671 selected by the table selection means 102, and determines the random number lottery result. .. That is, the winning combination lottery determining means 105a collates the random number value extracted by the random number extracting means 104 with the lottery data included in the lottery table selected by the table selection means 102 from the plurality of winning combination lottery tables 671 and makes a random number lottery. It is determined whether the result of is a special role winning, a small role winning, a BB medium increase role winning, a replaying role winning, or a loss. Then, the determination result by the combination lottery determination means 105a is stored in the combination lottery result storage area 652 formed in the RAM 65.

(7) Operation determination means 106
The operation determination means 106 of FIG. 4 determines the operation order of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R based on the detection signal obtained by operating the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R input to the main control board 63. It is something to do.

(8) Reel detecting means 107
The reel detecting means 107 of FIG. 4 sends the detection signals of the left / middle / right position sensors 55L, 55M, 55R to the reel motors 14L, 14M, 14R for driving the left / middle / right reels 13L, 13M, 13R. The rotation positions of the left, middle, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are detected based on the number of supplied pulses. In this case, the reel detecting means 107 has a symbol located at a predetermined reference position (for example, in the middle of the display window 11 in this embodiment) when the left, middle, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are rotating and when the rotation is stopped. Detect each corresponding frame number.

(9) Stop control means 108
The stop control means 108 of FIG. 4 controls the stop of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R based on the winning combination lottery result of the winning combination lottery means 105 and the operation mode of each of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R. In this case, the stop control means 108 controls the stop of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R by using the stop table 672 for each game.

A plurality of tables are set in the stop table 672 corresponding to each of the winning combination lottery results of the winning combination lottery means 105. The stop table 672 is for determining the stop position of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R, and corresponds to the rotation position of the reels 13L, 13M, 13R when the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R are operated. Therefore, the number of sliding frames of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is predetermined.

Specifically, the stop table 672 is a stop table for the first stop when the corresponding stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R are first operated for each reel 13L, 13M, 13R, and a second stop table. A stop table for the second stop when the operation is performed and a stop table for the third stop when the operation is performed third are individually provided. Then, the combination lottery result of the combination lottery means 105 is used for the stop table for the first stop, the stop table for the second stop, and the stop table for the third stop corresponding to each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R. Correspondingly, different numbers of slip frames are set.

Then, the stop control means 108 determines which stop switch of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R determined by the combination lottery result of the combination lottery means 105 and the operation determination means 106 is operated. Based on the information, one stop table 672 is selected from the plurality of stop tables 672. Next, it was operated from the selected one stop table 672 and the rotation position of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch among the reels 13L, 13M, 13R when the stop switch was operated. Determine the number of slip frames on the reel corresponding to the stop switch.

Here, if the number of sliding frames is determined to be 0, the rotation of the reel is immediately stopped. That is, when the number of sliding frames is determined to be 0, the symbol displayed in the upper row of the display window 11 when the stop switch is operated is stopped and displayed in the upper row of the display window 11 as it is. If the number of sliding frames is determined to be 1, the reel is rotated and stopped by one frame. That is, when the number of sliding frames is determined to be 1, the symbol displayed on the upper stage of the display window 11 when the stop switch is operated is shifted by one frame in the rotation direction of the reel and is moved to the middle stage of the display window 11. Stop is displayed.

Further, if the winning combination lottery result of the winning combination lottery means 105 is a winning of any of a plurality of winning combinations, the stop control means 108 has a stop table 672 selected based on the winning combination lottery result and each stop switch 21L. , The number of slip frames of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is determined from the rotation position of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R when 21M, 21R is operated so as to win a winning combination, and each reel 13L, Stop control of 13M and 13R is performed.

Further, if the winning combination lottery result by the winning combination lottery means 105 is lost, the stop control means 108 operates when the stop table 672 selected based on the winning combination lottery result and the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R are operated. The number of slip frames of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is determined from the rotation position of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R so as not to win any of a plurality of roles, and each reel 13L, 13M, 13R is stopped. Take control. In this embodiment, an upper limit (4 frames) is provided for the number of sliding frames, and depending on the operation timing of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R, "missing" may occur in which the winning combination cannot be won. In this case, the stop control means 108 performs stop control of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R so as not to win another winning combination when "missing" occurs.

Further, in this embodiment, when a winning combination group composed of a plurality of combinations is won, the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are stopped so that the winning combination is won in the order of priority of the replaying combination, the small combination, and the bonus combination. Control is done.

(10) Symbol determination means 109
The symbol determination means 109 of FIG. 4 is a symbol of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R whose stop is controlled by the stop control means 108 based on the rotation position of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R detected by the reel detection means 107. It is for determining whether or not the display mode is a predetermined display mode.

Specifically, when the stop control means 108 stops and controls all the reels 13L, 13M, 13R, the symbol determination means 109 acquires the rotation position information of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R and obtains the rotation position information of the winning line. Identify the symbol combination. Then, if the specified symbol combination corresponds to the symbol combination related to the winning combination of the predetermined winning combination, it is determined that the winning combination has been won, and if none of the above, it is determined to be lost.

(11) Payout control means 110
The payout control means 110 of FIG. 4 operates the hopper unit 43 to win a prize if the symbol determination means 109 determines that one of the winning combinations has won a prize, and if it is a prize with a medal payout. The number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the role is paid out. However, if the number of stored credit medals has not reached the upper limit (for example, 50 in this embodiment), the number of credit medals is increased by the number of payouts.

(12) Medal control means 111
The medal control means 111 of FIG. 4 switches between medal acceptance and non-acceptance by controlling the operation of the medal selector 48.

(13) Command creation means 112
The command creating means 112 of FIG. 4 relates to information on the winning combination lottery result of the winning combination lottery means 105, information on the operation of operating instruments operated by the player such as the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R, and the start switch 19, and the gaming state. It generates a command for transmitting various information such as information to the sub control board 73 (sub CPU 71). Then, the command generated by the command creating means 112 is transmitted to the sub-control board 73 by the command transmitting means 113.

For example, when the winning combination lottery by the winning combination lottery means 105 is executed, a command that can identify the winning combination lottery result is created. The sub-control board 73 executes various processes based on the sent command.

(14) Command transmitting means 113
The command transmission means 113 of FIG. 4 transmits a communication command including various data from the main control board 63 to the sub control board 73 in one way. That is, the command transmitting means 113 includes a game state such as a normal game, a BB game, and an RB game, a combination lottery result of the combination lottery means 105, a symbol determination result by the symbol determination means 109, and rotation / stop of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R. Data representing the state of the slot machine 1, such as a state, a medal payout state by the payout control means 110, an open or closed state of the front door 5, and an error state of the slot machine 1, is transmitted to the sub control board 73.

Further, the command transmitting means 113 automatically inserts (when the insertion medal is detected by the insertion sensor 53, when the bet switch 15 is operated, when the maximum bet switch 17 is operated, and the winning of the replaying combination is won. When the bet number automatic setting process) is performed, data indicating that medals have been inserted for the number of bets stored in the bet number counter 651 is transmitted to the sub control board 73.

Further, the command transmitting means 113 also includes data indicating the number of medals to be paid out by the payout control means 110, data indicating that various switches such as the start switch 19 and the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R have been operated by the player. It is transmitted to the sub control board 73.

(Sub control board)
Next, the sub-control board 73 will be described in detail. The sub control board 73 receives a communication command transmitted from the main control board 63, and performs an effect according to the operation or state of the main control board 63. As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control board 73 has various functions realized by executing a program stored in the memory 75 and various functions realized by hardware.

(1) Command receiving means 200
The command receiving means 200 of FIG. 4 receives a communication command including various data transmitted by the command transmitting means 113 of the main control board 63. When the command receiving means 200 receives the communication command transmitted from the main control board 63 and receives the communication command, the command receiving means 200 notifies each function provided in the sub control board 73 according to the type of the communication command.

(2) Directional content determination means 201
The effect content determining means 201 of FIG. 4 is for determining the content of the effect according to the communication command received by the command receiving means 200. Specifically, the moving image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 27 can be determined from the effect patterns set in advance according to the progress of the game and the result of the winning combination lottery of the winning combination lottery means 105, or from the speakers 31L and 31R. The music to be played is determined, and the effects such as blinking the light sources of the upper lamp unit 33 and the lower lamp units 37L and 37R all at once or individually are determined.

(Normal production)
For example, when the command receiving means 200 receives a command related to the winning combination lottery result of the winning combination lottery means 105, the effect content determining means 201 determines one effect from the effect group corresponding to the combination lottery result as the execution effect content. do. This production group includes a production that suggests the result of the role lottery to the player. Further, when the command receiving means 200 receives the information that the winning combination has been won, the effect content determining means 201 determines the effect content to execute the effect suggesting the winning combination.

(Sub-reel production)
In this embodiment, the sub reels imitating the reels 13L, 13M, 13R (main reels) are displayed on the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27, and an effect is performed according to the stop mode of the main reels. The effect content determining means 201 determines the display content of the sub reel 27b. The sub reel 27b is set in the upper right region of the display screen 27a as shown in FIG. In the sub reel 27b, three rectangular frames arranged side by side are arranged in a rectangular frame, and the left frame (left sub reel 27b1) is the left reel 13L and the middle frame (middle sub reel 27b2) is the middle reel 13M, respectively. , The right frame (right sub reel 27b3) corresponds to the right reel 13R.

In this embodiment, in the main reel, the symbols for the upper, middle, and lower three frames are displayed from the display window 11 in each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, whereas in the sub reel, each sub reel 27b1, Each of 27b2 and 27b3 displays a symbol for one frame. As for each of the sub reels 27b1, 27b2, 27b3, the variation display of the symbols for three frames may be performed in the same manner as the reels 13L, 13M, 13R of the main reel.

In the sub reel 27b, the trigger for starting the rotation of the main reels (reels 13L, 13M, 13R) and the trigger for stopping the rotation (stopping the symbol variation) are the same. That is, when the start switch 19 is operated while the number of medals required for one game is set, the rotation of the main reels (reels 13L, 13M, 13R) starts, and at this time, the sub reel 27b The symbol variation also starts (see FIG. 6A).

The start of the symbol variation of the sub reel is triggered by the command transmission means 113 transmitting a command to that effect to the sub control board 73 and the command receiving means 200 receiving the command when the start switch 19 is operated. In addition, the effect content determination means 201 determines the effect content to start the symbol variation of the sub reel 27b. Even if the start switch 19 is operated, if the predetermined time (for example, 4 seconds) set as the minimum time between games has not elapsed, the game waits until the predetermined time elapses, and the main reel (reel 13L) is waited. , 13M, 13R) may be delayed in starting rotation. In this case, the symbol variation display of the sub reel 27b may start before the rotation of the main reel starts.

After that, when each reel of the main reel (left reel 13L, middle reel 13M, right reel 13R) becomes steady rotation, the operation of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R becomes effective. In this state, when the player presses, for example, the left stop switch 21L, the stop control means 108 described above performs reel stop control according to the winning combination lottery result, and the rotation of the left reel 13L is stopped. At this time, the symbol variation of the left sub reel 27b1 also stops. In this embodiment, the symbol displayed on the left sub reel 27b1 when the symbol change is stopped is a symbol imitating the symbol located in the middle stage constituting the winning line when the rotation of the left reel 13L is stopped. Is displayed. For example, if the symbol "red 7" is stopped in the middle of the left reel 13L when the left reel 13L is stopped, the symbol "red 7" is displayed on the left sub reel 27b1.

When the left stop switch 21L is pressed, a command indicating that effect from the command transmitting means 113 and information that can specify the rotation stop position of the left reel 13L (for example, information about the stop table 672 selected by the stop control means 108). ) Is transmitted to the sub-control board 73. When the command receiving means 200 receives these commands, the effect content determining means 201 displays a symbol imitating a symbol stopped in the middle of the left reel 13L on the left sub reel 27b1, and the left sub reel 27b1. It is decided that the production content is to stop the symbol fluctuation of.

Subsequently, when the player subsequently presses, for example, the middle stop switch 21M, the stop control means 108 described above performs reel stop control according to the winning combination lottery result and the stop mode of the first stop reel, and rotates the middle reel 13M. Stops. At this time, the symbol variation of the middle sub reel 27b2 also stops. In this embodiment, the symbol displayed on the middle sub reel 27b2 when the symbol change is stopped is a symbol imitating the symbol located in the middle stage constituting the winning line when the rotation of the middle reel 13M is stopped. Is displayed. For example, if the symbol "red 7" is stopped in the middle of the middle reel 13L when the middle reel 13M is stopped, the symbol "red 7" is displayed on the middle sub reel 27b2.

When the middle stop switch 21M is pressed, a command indicating that effect from the command transmission means 113 and information that can specify the rotation stop position of the middle reel 13M (for example, information about the stop table 672 selected by the stop control means 108). A command including is transmitted to the sub-control board 73. When the command receiving means 200 receives these commands, the effect content determining means 201 displays a symbol imitating a symbol stopped in the middle of the middle reel 13M on the middle sub reel 27b2, and displays the symbol imitating the symbol. It is decided that the production content is to stop the symbol fluctuation of.

Then, when the player presses, for example, the right stop switch 21R of the final stop, the stop control means 108 performs reel stop control according to the winning combination lottery result and the stop mode up to the second stop reel, and the right reel 13R. The rotation stops. At this time, the symbol variation of the right sub reel 27b3 also stops. In this embodiment, the symbol displayed on the right sub reel 27b3 when the symbol change is stopped is a symbol imitating the symbol located in the middle stage constituting the winning line when the rotation of the right reel 13R is stopped. Is displayed. For example, when the right reel 13R is stopped, if the symbol "red 7" is stopped in the middle of the right reel 13R, the symbol "red 7" is displayed on the right sub reel 27b3. As a result, the rotation of all the reels 13L, 13M, 13R of the main reel is stopped, and the symbol variation of all the reels 27b1, 27b2, 27b3 of the sub reel 27b is stopped (see FIG. 6B). At this time, if you look at the symbol display mode of the sub reel 27b, you can see that you have won the bonus role "BB".

When the right stop switch 21R is pressed, a command indicating that effect from the command transmitting means 113 and information that can specify the rotation stop position of the right reel 13R (for example, information about the stop table 672 selected by the stop control means 108). ) Is transmitted to the sub-control board 73. When the command receiving means 200 receives these commands, the effect content determining means 201 displays a symbol imitating a symbol stopped in the middle of the right reel 13R on the right sub reel 27b3, and the right sub reel 27b3. It is decided that the production content is to stop the symbol fluctuation of.

In this embodiment, the sub reel 27b (video reel) imitating the main reel is displayed on the liquid crystal display 27, but for example, a physical sub reel may be arranged separately from the main reel. good. Also in this case, it is preferable that the rotation start trigger of the sub reel and the rotation stop reel have the same rotation start trigger and the rotation stop trigger of the main reel.

Further, regarding the start and stop of the symbol variation between the main reel (reel 13L, 13M, 13R) and the sub reel 27b, it is not necessary that all the modes are the same. For example, the rotation start timing of the main reel and the symbol of the sub reel 27b. The start timing of the fluctuation is the same, but the symbol fluctuation of each sub reel 27b1, 27b2, 27b3 of the sub reel 27b continues until the second stop of the main reel, and all the sub reels of the sub reel 27b at the timing of the final stop of the main reel. The symbol variation of 27b1, 27b2, 27b3 may be stopped.

Further, the symbol of the main reel and the symbol of the sub reel 27b do not necessarily have to be the same symbol, and for example, the display symbol of the sub reel 27b may correspond to the specific symbol of the main reel. Further, the stop symbol combination of the main reel and the stop symbol combination of the sub reel 27b may correspond to each other. For example, when the winning symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the same symbol stops on a line different from the winning line (for example, a symbol combination in which the symbol "BE1" is aligned on the upward-sloping line), the sub reel 27b The same symbol (for example, the symbol "BE1") may be displayed on each of the rectangular frames 27b1, 27b2, 27b3. In addition, when a symbol (for example, symbol "CH (cherry)") for winning a prize is set only for a specific reel, and a winning combination is set for any of the other reels, when the winning combination is won. In addition, the symbolic symbol "CH (cherry)" may be displayed on each of the rectangular frames 27b1, 27b2, 27b3 of the sub reel 27b, and the symbol may be displayed on the sub reel 27b based on the winning combination. ..

(Misidentification prevention display)
Further, in this embodiment, since the main reel (left reel 13L, middle reel 13M, right reel 13R) and the sub reel 27b (left sub reel 27b1, middle sub reel 27b2, right sub reel 27b3) are provided, the player uses the sub reel 27b. In order to prevent misidentification as the main reel, a misidentification prevention display is displayed on the liquid crystal display 27. The effect content determining means 201 also determines the display content of the display screen 27a, which determines whether or not the misidentification prevention display is implemented.

A misidentification prevention display area 27c is set near the main reels (left reel 13L, middle reel 13M, right reel 13R) of the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27, and the misidentification prevention display area 27c is set as a misidentification prevention display in the area 27c. Character is displayed. In this embodiment, the misidentification prevention display area 27c is set in the vicinity of the lower side 27a2 closest to the main reel among the four sides (upper side 27a1, lower side 27a2, right side 27a3, left side 27a4) of the display screen 27a (upper side 27a1, lower side 27a2, right side 27a3, left side 27a4). See FIG. 6).

Next, the presence / absence of the misidentification prevention display determined by the effect content determining means 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8. In the following, the period from the start of rotation of the main reel triggered by the operation of the start switch 19 to the stop of all reels 13L, 13M, 13R and the end of the medal payout process is defined as during the game. The period is non-playing.

While the main reel is rotating, there is a high possibility that the sub reel 27b will be misidentified. Therefore, in principle, the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27 displays the misidentification prevention display during this period. Specifically, for example, after the number of medals required for one game is set, the start switch 19 is operated to start the rotation of the reels 13L, 13M, 13R, and the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R. The misidentification prevention display continues until all the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are stopped by the operation of.

It should be noted that the effect content determining means 201 is the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27 when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed after all the reels 13L, 13M, 13R have stopped and the game has not been performed. It is decided to display the demo screen in (see FIG. 6 (c)). Here, the state in which the game is not performed is a state in which the player does not perform an operation such as a medal insertion operation (including an operation of the bet switches 15 and 17) by the player, for example.

On the demo screen, the game is not performed, the sub reel 27b is not displayed, and the main reel and the sub reel 27b are not misidentified. Therefore, when the normal screen is switched to the demo screen, the misidentification prevention display area 27c is stopped from the misidentification prevention display (FIG. 6 (c)). This makes it possible to increase the area of the display screen 27a that can be used on the demo screen. However, there is a possibility that the next game will start from the time when all reels 13L, 13M, 13R are stopped until the demo screen is displayed. In such a case, the misidentification prevention display continues. Therefore, if the game is repeated before the demo screen is displayed, the misidentification prevention display continues in principle.

During the settlement of medals, it occurs only during non-game. Further, when the settlement switch 23 is operated, the characters "payment in progress" are displayed in the central area of the display screen 27a. During this state, a misidentification prevention display is displayed. During the setting confirmation, it occurs only in the non-game, and the misidentification prevention display is not performed during the state.

An error state in which the game cannot proceed can occur both during the game and during the non-game. In the error state, the sub reel 27b is not displayed on the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27, and characters such as "in error" are displayed. Since the main reel and the sub reel 27b are not misidentified during this state, the misidentification prevention display is not performed.

During the period from winning the bonus combination to winning the prize, characters such as "bonus confirmed" on the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27 may be displayed to notify that the bonus combination has been won. After the display of "bonus confirmation" is performed, the display is maintained regardless of whether the player is playing or not playing until the bonus combination is won. While the "bonus confirmation" display is being performed, the misidentification prevention display is performed both during the game and during the non-game.

During the bonus state (during BB, during RB), the normal screen of the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27 is switched to the screen during the bonus. During the game during the bonus, misidentification of the main reel and the sub reel 27b may occur, so that the misidentification prevention display is performed during the state. On the other hand, in the non-game in the bonus state, the misidentification prevention display is not performed. For example, in a game in which a bonus combination is won, a video notifying that the bonus has been won is displayed on the display screen 27a. The video continues until the next game is started. More specifically, in a normal game, the misidentification prevention display continues on the display screen 27a from the time the main reel stops until the demo screen is switched, but in the game in which the bonus role is won, the main reel stops. As soon as the bonus winning is confirmed, the display screen 27a is switched to the bonus winning notification video, and the misidentification prevention display is turned off accordingly. In such a case (during non-game), the appearance of the notification screen can be improved by not displaying the misidentification prevention display. In addition, the misidentification prevention display may be performed even in the non-game in the bonus state. Further, although the so-called AT function is not installed in this embodiment, the presence or absence of the misidentification prevention display in the case of the gaming machine equipped with the AT may be the same configuration as in the case of the bonus state.

Further, in this embodiment, the pseudo game is not performed, but when the pseudo game is performed, the misidentification prevention display may be performed. The pseudo game is a game different from the normal game performed in the procedure of inserting a medal → operating the start switch 19 → rotating the reel → operating the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R → stopping the reel, and the start switch 19 It is a game as an effect that the reel is rotated / stopped by the operation of the stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R.

Further, in this embodiment, when the menu button (not shown) is pressed (corresponding to the "specific operation" of the present invention) during non-game such as when the demo screen is displayed on the display screen 27a, the liquid crystal display is displayed. The display screen 27a of 27 is switched to the menu screen, and the player can adjust various functions such as adjusting the volume and the amount of light. Since the misidentification of the main reel and the sub reel 27b does not occur while the menu screen is displayed, the misidentification prevention display is not performed during the period.

(Modification example of liquid crystal display)
In the above embodiment, the case where the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27 is arranged above the main reel has been described as an example, but the portion of the display screen 27a and the portion of the front plate 9 are integrally liquid crystal. It may be formed of a panel and used as a display screen 270a (see FIG. 7). In this case, the liquid crystal panel (display screen 270a) is also arranged in front of the main reels (left reel 13L, middle reel 13M, right reel 13R), but all or one of the display screens 270a is controlled by the display control means 202. The part can be made transparent. The main reel can be visually recognized by transparently controlling the front region 270d of the main reel (corresponding to the "transmission region" of the present invention: hereinafter, it may be referred to as a transparent region 270d). In this embodiment, the front region of the main reel is set to the region corresponding to the display window 11 shown in FIG.

Further, a display area of the sub reel 270b is set in the upper left area of the display screen 270a. Since the start timing and stop timing of the symbol variation display of the sub reel 270b and the display contents are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

Further, in this embodiment, the transparent region 270d has a rectangular shape and has an upper side 270d1, a lower side 270d2, a right side 270d3, and a left side 270d4. Further, a misidentification prevention display area 270c is set outside the transparent area 270d and in the vicinity of the right side 270d3 of the transparent area 270d, and the misidentification prevention display is performed in the area 270c. Here, the reason why the misidentification prevention display area 270c is set outside the transparent area 270d is that if it is set inside the transparent area 270d, it interferes with the visual recognition of the main reel. Further, the reason why the misidentification prevention display area 270c is set in the vicinity of the right side 270d3 is to make it easy to understand that the display is related to the main reel by making it close to the main reel. Therefore, the setting location of the misidentification prevention display area 270c can be appropriately changed as long as it is outside the transparent area 270d and in the vicinity of the transparent area 270d. It should be noted that the case where the misidentification prevention display is performed and the case where the misidentification prevention display is performed is the same as the above-described embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The transparent area 270d is controlled to be transparent at least while the main reels (left reel 13L, middle reel 13M, right reel 13R) are rotating. Even when the effect image that normally straddles the transparent area 270d is displayed on the display screen 270a while the main reels (left reel 13L, middle reel 13M, right reel 13R) are rotating, only the transparent area 270d is displayed. Maintain transparency control and ensure visibility of the main reel.

Further, after all the reels 13L, 13M, 13R are stopped, when the bonus winning notification is notified or the rare winning combination is notified, the transparency control of the transparent possible area 270d is stopped and the display including the area 270d is displayed. Almost all areas of the screen 270a are used as the effect screen.

Further, when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed after all the reels 13L, 13M, 13R have stopped and the game has not been performed (corresponding to "the predetermined screen switching condition is satisfied" of the present invention). Displays a demo screen on the display screen 270a of the liquid crystal display 27. At this time, the transparency control of the transparent area 270d is stopped, the display of the sub reel 270b is stopped, and the demo screen is displayed on the entire display screen 270a.

(3) Display control means 202
The display control means 202 of FIG. 4 displays a moving image (image) on the liquid crystal display 27 based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the effect content determining means 201, and displays the upper lamp unit 33 and the lower lamp unit 37L. , 37R light sources are blinked all at once or individually.

(4) Voice control means 203
The voice control means 203 of FIG. 4 executes an effect such as playing music or outputting sound from the speakers 31L and 31R based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the effect content determining means 201. Is.

Therefore, according to the above-described embodiment, when the sub reels 27b and 270b are provided in which the trigger for starting the symbol change and the trigger for stopping the fluctuation are the same as those of the main reel (left reel 13L, middle reel 13M, right reel 13R). , The main reel and the sub reels 27b and 270b are likely to be misidentified. Depending on the game, depending on the operation timing of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R that stop the main reel, there may be a case where the winning combination cannot be won. If there is a misidentification of the main reel and the sub reels 27b and 270b in the game, there is a possibility that the main reel and the sub reels 27b and 270b may be missed. In this embodiment, on the display screens 27a and 270a of the liquid crystal display 27 arranged near the main reel, misidentification prevention display areas 27c and 270c are set near the main reel, and the misidentification prevention display is displayed in the areas 27c and 270c. Since the sub reels 27b and 270b are misidentified as the main reel, it is possible to prevent the sub reels 27b and 270b from being missed. On the other hand, when the main reel is stopped, such as when the demo screen is displayed, there is no risk of omission even if the sub reels 27b and 270b are mistaken for the main reel. It is possible to give priority to the demo production without performing.

Further, since the front plate 9 is required to display various displays such as a list of symbol combinations of winning combinations and a winning line, if the front plate 9 is further provided with a misidentification prevention display area, other displays become smaller. However, in this embodiment, the misidentification prevention display is performed using the display screens 27a and 270a of the liquid crystal display 27, so that the misidentification prevention display is printed or pasted on the front plate 9. It is not necessary to attach it, and it is possible to prevent the visibility of other displays from deteriorating.

Further, as in the situation where the demo screen is displayed on the display screens 27a and 270a, the misidentification prevention display is not performed in the situation where the main reel and the sub reels 27b and 270b are not misidentified after the main reel is stopped. Therefore, the display screens 27a and 270a can be efficiently used depending on the situation.

Further, in the configuration in which the display screen 270a is also arranged in front of the main reel as shown in FIG. 7, the misidentification prevention display area 270c is set in a region different from the transparent visible region 270d that makes the main reel visible. , The misidentification prevention display does not overlap with the main reel, and it is possible to prevent the misidentification prevention display from interfering with the visual recognition of the main reel.

Further, in this embodiment, the misidentification prevention display is performed in a situation where misidentification of the main reel and the sub reels 27b and 270b may occur, such as a situation where the transparent area 270d is controlled to be transparent, but the effect image is also displayed in the transparent area 270d. In the situation where the main reel and the sub reels 27b and 270b are not misidentified as in the situation where is displayed, the misidentification prevention display is not performed. By doing so, when it is desired to make the effect of the display screen 270a stand out as in the case where the effect image is displayed in the transparent area 270d, it is possible to concentrate on the effect by not performing the misidentification prevention display.

Further, the misidentification prevention display is continued from the time when all the rotations of the main reels (each reel 13L, 13M, 13R) are stopped until the demo screen is displayed. Normally, even if the rotation of the main reel stops, the next game is played before the demo screen is displayed. There is a possibility that the processing load of the sub CPU 71 will increase due to the switching between the presence and absence. However, in this embodiment, since the misidentification prevention display is continued from the time when all the rotations of the main reel are stopped until the demo screen is displayed, the processing load of the sub CPU 71 related to the display switching is reduced. Can be done.

Further, if the menu button is pressed during non-game such as when the demo screen is displayed on the display screens 27a and 270a, the display contents of the display screens 27a and 270a are switched to the menu screen, but the menu screen is displayed. During that time, the symbol fluctuation of the main reel is stopped. In such a case, there is no risk of omission due to the operation timing of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R that stop the main reel. The display area of the screen can be widened.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made in addition to the above-mentioned embodiments as long as the present invention does not deviate from the gist thereof. For example, the setting positions of the misidentification prevention display areas 27c and 270c can be appropriately changed as long as they are in the vicinity of the main reels (left reel 13L, middle reel 13M, right reel 13R).

Further, in a state where the setting is changed during non-game, the false recognition prevention display may not be performed.

The present invention comprises a display means having a plurality of variable display columns for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols, and a stop operation means for stopping the variable display of each of the variable display columns, when all the variable display columns are stopped. It can be widely applied to a gaming machine in which a gaming medium is paid out according to a combination of symbols.

1 ... Slot machine, 13L, 13M, 13R ... Reel (main reel), 27 ... Liquid crystal display (display device), 27b, 270b ... Sub reel, 61 ... Main CPU (main control means), 71 ... Sub CPU (sub control) means)

Claims (5)

In a gaming machine
The main reel that starts the symbol change by the start operation of the player, stops the symbol change by the stop operation of the player, and gives the player a privilege by the symbol combination at the time of stop.
The sub-reel used to direct the game,
A display device that has a display screen that can display the effect image and executes the effect according to the progress of the game.
A main control means capable of controlling the symbol variation of the main reel and the symbol combination at the time of stop, and
A sub-control means for controlling the effect of the sub-reel and the effect of the display device,
Equipped with
The sub reel performs a symbol variation effect linked to the symbol variation during the symbol variation of the main reel, stops the symbol variation effect when the symbol variation of the main reel stops, and further stops the symbol variation effect. The display mode when the main reel is stopped is the same as or similar to the display mode when the symbol change of the main reel is stopped.
The display screen is arranged adjacent to the main reel, and a misidentification prevention display for preventing misidentification that the sub reel is the main reel in a predetermined area close to the main reel on the display screen. The misidentification prevention display area is set and
The sub-control means
At least while the main reel is fluctuating due to the start operation of the player, the display device is controlled so that the misidentification prevention display area is displayed in the misidentification prevention display area.
When a predetermined screen switching condition is satisfied after the symbol fluctuation of the main reel is stopped based on the player's stop operation, the display device is controlled so that the demo screen is displayed on the display screen. A gaming machine characterized in that the display device is controlled so that the misidentification prevention display is not displayed in the misidentification prevention display area while the demo screen is displayed. The display screen has an area that overlaps with the main reel when viewed from the player.
The region overlapping the main reel is a transmission region that can be made transparent by the control of the sub control means.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the misidentification prevention display area and the transmission area do not overlap. The sub-control means
While the transparent area is controlled to be transparent, the display device is controlled so that the misidentification prevention display area is displayed in the misidentification prevention display area.
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the display device is controlled so that the misidentification prevention display is not performed in the misidentification prevention display area while the effect image is displayed in the transmission area. The sub-control means displays the misidentification prevention display in the misidentification prevention display area from the time when the symbol fluctuation of the main reel is stopped to the time when the demo screen is displayed based on the player's stop operation. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display device is controlled as described above. The sub-control means shifts to a menu screen capable of making settings related to the game when a specific operation is performed by the player while the demo screen is displayed on the display screen. The first aspect of claim 1, wherein the display device is controlled and the display device is controlled so that the misidentification prevention display is not displayed in the misidentification prevention display area while the menu screen is displayed. Game machine.

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