JP7588775B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that pays out gaming media according to the symbol combination when the variable display column stops.

A slot machine, which is one example of an amusement machine, has multiple reels, each with multiple symbols such as bells and watermelons, and pays out a predetermined number of medals depending on the symbol combination when all the reels have stopped. Some slot machines are also provided with sub-reels for special effects in addition to the reels involved in paying out medals. For example, in the slot machine described in Patent Document 1, a liquid crystal display is disposed below the main reel, and multiple variable display windows are displayed in a matrix on the liquid crystal display to form a sub-reel consisting of 3 x 3 = 9 squares. The sub-reel displays a symbol combination that corresponds to the contents of the symbols stopped on the main reel, and notifies the player of the stopping state of the main reel.

JP 2009-50385 A (see paragraphs 0025 to 0039, 0075 to 0084, etc.)

In the slot machine of Patent Document 1, when the start switch is operated, the main reel starts to rotate and the display of the sub reel begins to change, and when the stop switch is operated, the display of the sub reel stops at the same time as the main reel stops. In such a case, there is a risk of confusion as to whether the payout of medals is the result of the stopping state of the main reel or the sub reel. Also, in addition to displaying the sub reel, the liquid crystal display may also display a different presentation screen from the sub reel, and in such a case, there is a demand to make the display area of the presentation screen as large as possible to improve the presentation effect.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a gaming machine equipped with a sub-reel for effects that can efficiently use the display screen capable of displaying effect images while preventing confusion between the main reel and the sub-reel.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a main reel which starts a pattern change in response to a start operation by a player, stops the pattern change in response to a stop operation by the player, and awards a bonus to the player depending on the pattern combination when the reel is stopped, a sub reel which is used for the game presentation, a display device which has a display screen capable of displaying presentation images and executes presentations in accordance with the progress of the game, main control means capable of controlling the pattern change of the main reel and the pattern combination when the reel is stopped, and sub control means which controls the presentation by the sub reel and the presentation by the display device, and when the pattern change of the main reel has stopped, the display mode of the sub reel is the same as or similar to the display mode when the pattern change of the main reel has stopped, and the display screen is disposed adjacent to the main reel, and the sub reel displays the main reel in a predetermined area on the display screen close to the main reel. A misconception prevention display area is set in which a misconception prevention display is performed to prevent a misconception that the reel is an in-reel , the display screen has a transparent area overlapping the main reel, and on the display screen, the misconception prevention display is performed in the misconception prevention display area at least while the pattern of the main reel is changing due to the player's start operation, and when a predetermined screen switching condition is met after the pattern change of the main reel has stopped based on the player's stop operation, a demo screen is displayed on the display screen and the misconception prevention display is not performed in the misconception prevention display area while the demo screen is displayed, the misconception prevention display is performed in the misconception prevention display area during a period when the transparent area is controlled to be transparent, and a performance screen different from the demo screen is displayed on the display screen, and the misconception prevention display may not be performed in the misconception prevention display area during a period when the transparent area is controlled to be opaque. In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a main reel which starts a pattern change in response to a start operation by a player, stops the pattern change in response to a stop operation by the player, and awards a bonus to the player depending on the pattern combination when the reel is stopped, a sub reel which is used for the game presentation, a display device which has a display screen capable of displaying presentation images and executes presentations in accordance with the progress of the game, main control means which is capable of controlling the pattern change of the main reel and the pattern combination when the reel is stopped, and sub control means which controls the presentation by the sub reel and the presentation by the display device, and when the pattern change of the main reel has stopped, the display mode of the sub reel is the same as the display mode when the pattern change of the main reel has stopped, or a similar display mode. The display screen is similar to the display screen in that it is disposed adjacent to the main reel, and a misidentification prevention display area is set in a predetermined area on the display screen close to the main reel, in which a misidentification prevention display is made to prevent the sub reel from being mistaken for the main reel, and on the display screen, the misidentification prevention display is made in the misidentification prevention display area at least while the main reel is changing in pattern due to a start operation by the player, the misidentification prevention display is not made in the misidentification prevention display area while the gaming machine is in a setting change state in which the advantageous degree of the gaming machine can be changed, and the misidentification prevention display may not be made on a confirmation screen which notifies on the display screen that the bonus will be awarded .

According to this configuration, while the main reel is changing in its pattern, the misconception prevention display is performed in the misconception prevention display area of the display screen close to the main reel, and the misconception prevention display is not performed while the demo screen is displayed. Depending on the game, the timing of the operation to stop the pattern change of the main reel may cause the player to miss the profit that should have been obtained. In such a case, so-called eye-pressing is required, but if the main reel is mistaken for the sub reel in the game, there is a risk of missing the profit. Therefore, by performing the misconception prevention display at least while the main reel is changing in its pattern, it is possible to prevent the disadvantage of missing the profit that should have been obtained by mistaking the sub reel for the main reel. On the other hand, when the main reel is stopped, such as when the demo screen is displayed, there is no risk of missing the profit even if the sub reel is mistaken for the main reel, so in such a case, the demo performance can be prioritized without performing the misconception prevention display.

The display screen may have an area that overlaps with the main reel when viewed by a player, and the area that overlaps with the main reel may be a transparent area that can be made transparent by control of the sub-control means, and the misidentification prevention display area and the transparent area may not overlap.

With this configuration, the main reel and the misidentification prevention display do not overlap, preventing the misidentification prevention display from interfering with the visibility of the main reel.

The sub-control means may also control the display device so that the misconception prevention display is performed in the misconception prevention display area while the transparent area is being controlled to be transparent, and control the display device so that the misconception prevention display is not performed in the misconception prevention display area while a performance image is being displayed in the transparent area.

With this configuration, when you want to highlight the effects on the display screen, such as when an effect image is displayed in a transparent area, you can focus on the effect by not displaying the misconception prevention display.

The sub-control means may also control the display device so that the misconception prevention display is displayed in the misconception prevention display area from the time when the pattern variation of the main reel stops based on the player's stop operation until the demo screen is displayed.

According to this configuration, even if the pattern on the main reel stops changing, the next game is usually played before the demo screen is displayed. Therefore, if the misidentification prevention display is stopped when the pattern on the main reel stops changing, the misidentification prevention display is frequently switched on and off, which can increase the processing load. However, in such a case, the misidentification prevention display can be continued to reduce the processing load required for display switching.

The sub-control means may also control the display device to transition to a menu screen on which game-related settings can be configured when a specific operation is performed by the player while the demo screen is displayed on the display screen, and may also control the display device so that the misconception prevention display is not performed in the misconception prevention display area while the menu screen is displayed.

With this configuration, while the menu screen is displayed, the changing patterns on the main reels are stopped, and there is no risk of the player missing out on the profit that would otherwise be obtained by the player depending on the timing of the operation to stop the changing patterns on the main reels. In such cases, the display area of the menu screen can be made larger by not displaying the misconception prevention display.

1 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine. 4 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a main control board and a sub-control board. FIG. A diagram showing the relationship between roles and winning symbols. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display for preventing confusion between the main reel and the sub reel. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display for preventing misidentification of the main reel and the sub reel. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the presence or absence of a misinterpretation prevention display depending on the game status.

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

(composition)
The outline of the configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

The slot machine 1 in this embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. 1, in which a single game is executed based on the player's operation under the condition that a prescribed number of gaming media such as medals are inserted in one of a number of pre-set game states. That is, in this slot machine 1, the front of the cabinet 3 is closed by a front door 5 that can be opened and closed freely, an operation panel 7 is disposed at approximately the center height of the front door 5, and a front panel 9 is disposed above the operation panel 7.

The front panel 9 is provided with a horizontally long rectangular display window 11. Inside the display window 11, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are arranged, which variably display a number of different symbols in a predetermined order. The left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are each provided with a total of 20 symbols (e.g., "Red 7", "Blue 7", "BAR1", "BAR2", "BE1 (Bell 1)", "BE2 (Bell 2)", "CH (Cherry)", "WM (Watermelon)", "RP (Replay)", and "BL (Blank)") in a predetermined arrangement. Each symbol is assigned a frame number from 0 to 19 in order. For example, reel tape on which symbols from frame numbers 0 to 19 are printed is attached to the periphery of the reel to form each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R. When each reel 13L, 13M, 13R spins, a number of symbols are displayed in a predetermined order in the display window 11, with the frame numbers 19, 18, ..., 0, 19, .... When each reel 13L, 13M, 13R stops spinning, three symbols are visible in the display window 11, one in the upper row, one in the middle row, and one in the lower row. That is, when all three reels 13L, 13M, 13R stop, a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are displayed in the display window 11. In this embodiment, the "middle row" of the reel 13L, the "middle row" of the center reel 13M, and the "middle row" of the right reel 13R are set as winning lines (center lines).

In order to rotate the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R independently, each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R is provided with a stepping motor.
Reel motors 14L, 14M, and 14R shown in FIG.

The operation panel 7 is further provided with a bet switch 15 for instructing the insertion of one medal at a time from the credit medals stored inside, a maximum bet switch 17 for instructing the insertion of the maximum number of medals (set to three) per game (play) from the credit medals, a lever-shaped start switch 19 for rotating the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R to start the variable display of each pattern, left, center, and right stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R for stopping the rotation of the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, respectively, to stop the variable display of each pattern, a settlement switch 23 for paying out credit medals, and a medal insertion port 25. In this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to one type of three. Additionally, multiple variable display columns that variably display multiple types of symbols are formed by each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, and each of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R is provided corresponding to each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R.

In addition, a liquid crystal display 27 (corresponding to the "display device" of the present invention) is provided at approximately the center of the upper part of the front panel 9 to display moving images and the like to inform the player of winnings and prizes, and to notify the player of the operation of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R. Just above the liquid crystal display 27 is an explanation panel 29 on which various winning symbols are displayed, and on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display 27 and the explanation panel 29 are speakers 31L, 31R for producing effects such as music and sound. In addition, a central lamp unit 33M is provided on the upper side of the explanation panel 29 and the speakers 31L, 31R, and left and right lamp units 33L, 33R are provided on the left and right sides of the central lamp unit 33M. Each lamp unit 33M, 33L, 33R is provided with a light source such as a light-emitting diode. These lamp sections 33M, 33L, and 33R are integrally formed and form the upper lamp section 33, which is used to notify players of wins and other prizes.

In this embodiment, the display screen 27a (see FIG. 6) of the liquid crystal display 27 is disposed in a position adjacent to and above the display window 11 that allows the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R to be viewed. However, a misidentification prevention display area 27c (described later) is set in an area of the rectangular display screen 27a adjacent to each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in the area of the upper side 27a1, lower side 27a2, right side 27a3, and left side 27a4 of the display screen 27a, which is closest to each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, and is closer to the lower side 27a2.

Below the operation panel 7 is a lower panel 35 on which decorative paintings or the like are displayed, and on the left and right sides of this lower panel 35 are lower lamp sections 37L, 37R, each with a plurality of light sources arranged, for example, in two rows. Below the lower panel 35 are provided a medal payout outlet 39 and a medal receiver 41 for receiving medals paid out from this medal payout outlet 39. Also, a winning line is drawn on the front panel 9, and a credit indicator 45 for displaying the number of credit medals stored is disposed in the lower left corner of the front panel 9. This credit indicator 45 is composed of, for example, two 7-segment LEDs, and is capable of displaying a two-digit number of stored medals (up to a maximum of 50 medals).

In addition, below the credit display 45 is a payout display 46 for displaying the number of medals paid out when a prize is won. This display 46 is composed of two 7-segment LEDs, just like the credit display 45. The payout display 46 is also used to display error information.

A support frame (not shown) that supports the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R is fixed to the rear wall inside the housing 3. A hopper unit 43 (see FIG. 3) for discharging medals to the medal payout outlet 39 is disposed below the support frame inside the housing 3. A medal selector 48 (see FIG. 3) for selecting whether medals inserted into the medal insertion port 25 are genuine or not and directing only genuine medals to the hopper unit 43 is disposed on the rear side near the medal insertion port 25. An operation box 49 (see FIG. 3) is fixed to the left side wall inside the housing 3 on the left side of the hopper unit 43. This operation box 49 is provided with a power switch 50 (see FIG. 3) for turning the power on and off, as well as a key cylinder and a push-button-type setting change button 52 (see FIG. 3) for setting change processing.

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

In FIG. 3, the insertion sensor 53 is provided in the medal selector 48 near the medal insertion port 25 inside the housing 3, and detects each medal inserted into the medal insertion port 25. The payout sensor 54 is provided at the exit of the hopper unit 43, and detects each medal paid out to the medal payout port 39.

The left, center, and right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R are for detecting the rotational positions of the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, respectively, and are, for example, photointerrupters that detect protrusions provided on the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, respectively, and when the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R rotate, they detect the protrusions every revolution and output the detection signal to the main control board 63. In this embodiment, for example, when the left, center, and right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R detect the protrusions, the symbol with frame number 19 is positioned in the middle of the display window 11.

The change process 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 it. The setting change button 52 is provided inside the operation box 49, and each time it is pressed during a setting change, the setting is provisionally set to the next higher setting value.

The hopper motor 57 is disposed in the hopper unit 43, and when driven, it dispenses medals toward the medal dispensing outlet 39.

In addition, this slot machine 1 is provided with a main control board 63 on which a main CPU 61 (corresponding to the "main control means" of the present invention) that controls the progress of the game is mounted, and a sub-control board 73 on which a sub-CPU 71 (corresponding to the "sub-control means" of the present invention) that controls the presentation in accordance with the progress of the game based on information transmitted from the main control board 63 is mounted, and various game information is transmitted unidirectionally from the main control board 63 to the sub-control board 73.

The RAM 65 of the main control board 63 temporarily stores data related to the game, such as the game status of the slot machine 1, and has various memory areas formed therein for storing various types of data.

The ROM 67 of the main control board 63 also stores a gaming machine program (a program for the slot machine 1) that includes pre-set data (such as the role selection table 671 and stop table 672 in FIG. 4).

The main CPU 61 of the main control board 63 also 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. The main CPU 61 also transmits various game information in command format to the sub-control board 73 (sub-CPU 71), such as information regarding the result of the role selection by the role selection means 105 (see FIG. 4) (including information necessary for winning a role, which will be described later), and information regarding the operation of the operating devices operated by the player, such as each of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R and the start switch 19.

The memory 75 of the sub-control board 73 includes a RAM section for temporarily storing various data, and a ROM section for storing various programs for effects. The sub-CPU 71 of the sub-control board 73 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and executes a program stored in the memory 75 based on various game information related to the slot machine 1 transmitted from the main CPU 61 to determine the content of the effects related to the game for the player. The sub-CPU 71 of the sub-control board 73 controls the effects devices such as the LCD display 27 and speakers 31L, 31R via an I/O port of the sub-control board 73 based on the determined content of the effects.

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

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

(1) Game Control Means 100
The game control means 100 is for controlling the play of the slot machine 1, and executes normal play (RT0), which is a common game, big bonus play (BB game) and regular bonus play (RB game), which are games that are more advantageous to the player than normal play, and games (RT1, RT2) in which internal winnings from both bonus games (BB game, RB game) are carried over.

When the special combination "BB" is won during normal play (normal play state), the game transitions to BB play (bonus play state). When a specific BB game ending condition is met during BB play, for example, when more than 384 medals are paid out, the BB game ends and the game returns to normal play. When the special combination "RB" is won during normal play, the game transitions to RB play. When a specific RB game ending condition is met during RB play, for example, when more than 119 medals are paid out, the RB game ends and the game returns to normal play (RT0).

If the special role "BB" is won during normal play but the player does not win, the game will move to internal win game (RT1), which is a carryover state of the internal win from the BB game. If the special role "BB" is won during the carryover state during the internal win game, the game will move to BB game, and if the above-mentioned BB game ending condition is met, the game will return to normal play (RT0).

In normal play, if the special role "RB" is won but the player does not win, the game will move to internal win game (RT2), which is a carryover state of the internal win from the RB game. If the special role "RB" that is in a carryover state is won in this game (RT2), the game will move to RB game, and will return to normal play (RT0) if the above-mentioned RB game ending condition is met. The BB and RB game ending conditions can be set as appropriate, for example, the number of winning coins reaches a specified value.

Here, an example of the flow of normal play will be described. In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to play one game with three medals, and the bet number counter 651 stores the number of medals inserted up to three. 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) in the center (middle row) of the display window 11 becomes valid. Then, when the start switch 19 is operated on the condition that three medals, which is the specified number, are inserted, the role selection means 105 performs a role selection to determine whether or not a plurality of winning roles (lottery results) set in advance have been won. Here, the main control board 63 starts the rotation of all of the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, and starts determining the patterns of each reel 13L, 13M, and 13R displayed in the display window 11 according to the rotation angle of each reel 13L, 13M, and 13R.

Then, the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R accelerate, and when the left, center, and right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R detect that the rotational positions of the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R are at the predetermined reference positions, the operation of all stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R becomes effective. After the operation of each stop switch 21L, 21M, and 21R becomes effective, the left reel 13L stops when the left stop switch 21L is operated, the center reel 13M stops when the center stop switch 21M is operated, and the right reel 13R stops when the right stop switch 21R is operated. In this way, the rotation of the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R corresponding to each stop switch 21L, 21M, and 21R is stopped by the operation of each stop switch 21L, 21M, and 21R.

When all three left, center, and right stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R are operated, the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R stop spinning. At this time, if a specified pattern stops at a specified position on the winning line in the middle row of the active display window 11, a prize is won. Then, a number of medals according to the winning mode is credited or paid out from the medal payout opening 39. Also, instead of or in addition to the payout of medals, the player may be given a specified benefit.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the bonus roles (special roles) are preset as "BB", "RB", and "Shift A" through "Shift D", the minor roles are preset as "1 coin role A" through "1 coin role C", "Bell A", and "Bell B", and the replay roles are preset as "Replay A" and "Replay B" (see Figure 5).

The role name "BB" is a component role of the winning role group "BB", and the winning pattern is set to a symbol combination in which the "red 7" symbols on each reel 13L, 13M, and 13R line up on the winning line. The role name "RB" is a component role of the winning role group "RB", and the winning pattern is set to a symbol combination in which the symbols "BAR1"-"BAR1"-"BAR1" line up on the winning line.

The role name "SHIFT A" is a constituent role of the winning role group "1-piece role + SHIFT", and the winning pattern is set to a pattern combination of "Blue 7"-"CH"-"CH" on the winning line. The role name "SHIFT B" is a constituent role of the winning role group "1-piece role + SHIFT", and the winning pattern is set to a pattern combination of "Red 7"-"CH"-"CH" on the winning line. The role name "SHIFT C" is a constituent role of the winning role group "1-piece role + SHIFT", and the winning pattern is set to a pattern combination of "BAR1"-"CH"-"CH" on the winning line. The role name "SHIFT D" is a constituent role of the winning role group "1-piece role + SHIFT", and the winning pattern is set to a pattern combination of "BAR2"-"CH"-"CH" on the winning line.

The role name "1-piece role A" is a component role of each of the winning role groups "1-piece role", "1-piece role + shift", and "all small roles", and the winning pattern is set to a pattern combination where the patterns "BE1"-"CH"-"CH" line up on the winning line. The role name "1-piece role B" is a component role of each of the winning role groups "1-piece role", "1-piece role + shift", and "all small roles", and the winning pattern is set to a pattern combination where the patterns "BE1"-"RP"-"RP" line up on the winning line. The role name "1-piece role C" is a component role of each of the winning role groups "1-piece role", "1-piece role + shift", and "all small roles", and the winning pattern is set to a pattern combination where the patterns "BE2"-"RP"-"RP" line up on the winning line.

The role name "Bell A" is a component role of the winning role groups "Common Bell" and "All Small Roles", and the winning pattern is set to a pattern combination where the symbols "BE1"-"BE1"-"BE1" line up on the winning line. Also, the role name "Bell B" is a component role of the winning role groups "Common Bell" and "All Small Roles", and the winning pattern is set to a pattern combination where the symbols "BE2"-"BE1"-"BE1" line up on the winning line.

The role name "Replay A" is a constituent role of the winning role group "Replay", and the winning pattern is set to a symbol combination of "RP"-"RP"-"RP" along the winning line. Also, the role name "Replay B" is a constituent role of the winning role group "Replay", and the winning pattern is set to a symbol combination of "Red 7"-"RP"-"RP" along the winning line.

(2) Setting change unit 101
The setting change means 101 in Fig. 4 changes the settings (settings 1 to 6) to adjust the payout rate (total number of paid out coins / total number of inserted medals x 100 [%]) based on a predetermined setting change operation. The payout rate of each setting can be adjusted, for example, by changing the probability of winning the bonus role ("BB", "RB") for each setting value.

Here, an example of a setting change operation for changing the set value will be described. For example, before the slot machine 1 is powered on, the change process start switch 56 (setting key) is turned on, and when the power is turned on, the setting change process is started. At this time, when the setting change button 52 (reset switch) is pressed once, the setting value is provisionally set to the next higher setting value than the setting value set before the power was turned on (for example, provisionally set from setting 3 to setting 4). After that, each time the setting change button 52 is pressed, the setting value is provisionally set to the next higher setting value. However, when the setting change button 52 is pressed when the provisional setting value is 6, the setting value is provisionally set back to 1. Finally, the setting value is confirmed by turning on the start switch 19, and the provisional setting value at that time becomes the setting value of the slot machine 1. When the setting change is performed, the setting change means 101 rewrites the setting value stored in the setting value storage area 653 to the changed setting value.

(3) Table Selection Means 102
4 selects one role selection table from a plurality of role selection tables 671 based on the type of game (normal game, game during internal winning, BB, RB game, etc.) controlled by the game control means 100 and the setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) set by the setting change means 101. That is, for example, in normal game, the table selection means 102 selects the role selection table 671 (role selection table for normal game) as the role selection table according to the setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) of the winning probability.

(4) Random number generation means 103
The random number generating means 103 in FIG. 4 generates random numbers for lottery within a predetermined range. The random number generating means 103 can be configured, for example, by an oscillator circuit and a counter circuit that counts the clock signal generated by the oscillator circuit (so-called hard random numbers). The random number generating means 103 can also be configured, for example, by a means for generating random numbers by the average sampling method, or a means for generating random numbers by adding prime numbers. These means can be configured, for example, by having the main CPU 61 execute a predetermined program (so-called soft random numbers). It is also possible to provide both hard random numbers and soft random numbers, and generate random numbers by software based on the results of those. In this embodiment, the random numbers used in the role selection means 105 described later are generated.

(5) Random number extraction means 104
The random number extraction means 104 in Fig. 4 extracts a random number value generated by the random number generation 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 composed of a counter circuit, etc., the number generated by the random number generation means 103 is not, strictly speaking, a random number. However, since the timing when the start switch 19 is operated is considered to be random, the number extracted by the random number extraction means 104 can be treated as a substantially random number.

(6) Role selection means 105
The role selection means 105 in FIG. 4 determines by lottery whether or not a preset number of roles have been won, and includes role selection determination means 105a as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, multiple winning role groups consisting of one or more winning roles are set, and a role lottery is held for each winning role group. For example, the winning role groups set are "BB", "RB", "Replay", "1-coin role", "1-coin role + shift", "Common bell", and "All minor roles".

When a winning combination group consisting of multiple roles is won, all of the constituent roles are allowed to win, and depending on the operation timing (operation mode) of each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R, one of the constituent roles will win or a miss will occur.

Each role is associated with a unique higher-level role number or lower-level role number in hexadecimal. If a higher-level role number is associated with a winning role based on the role selection result of the role selection means 105, the higher-level role number associated with the winning role is stored in the higher-level memory area of the role selection result memory area 652. If a lower-level role number is associated with a winning role, the lower-level role number associated with the winning role is stored in the lower-level memory area of the role selection result memory area 652.

In this embodiment, the role selection result memory area 652 is allocated as a 2-byte data area in the RAM 65, and the role selection result memory area 652 includes an upper memory area for storing the role selection results for special roles, each of which is allocated a 1-byte data area, and a lower memory area for storing the role selection results for small roles, increased roles during BB, and replay roles.

Specifically, if a player wins one of the winning combination groups "BB", "RB", "Shift A" to "Shift D" consisting of bonus combinations ("BB", "RB", "Shift A" to "Shift D"), then either "01h (BB)", "02h (RB)", or "03h (Shift A to D)" corresponding to the winning combination is stored in the upper memory area. In addition, if a player wins one of the winning combination groups consisting of minor combinations and replay combinations, then either "01h" to "09h" corresponding to each combination is stored in the lower memory area.

In this embodiment, the role selection table 671 used for the role selection by the role selection means 105 has selection data set for each winning role group. The role selection table 671 is used to select whether or not each winning role group has been won, and each selection data determines the winning area within the entire range of random numbers generated by the random number generation means 103.

Although detailed explanation is omitted, the role selection table 671 is provided with multiple types of selection data with different expected values for the increase in the number of medals in the role selection, and in this embodiment, six types of selection data are provided for each winning role group, from setting 1, which has the lowest expected value, to setting 6, which has the highest expected value.

a) Role selection determination means 105a
The role selection determination means 105a compares the random number value extracted by the random number extraction means 104 with the selection data included in the role selection table 671 selected by the table selection means 102 to determine the random number selection result. That is, the role selection determination means 105a compares the random number value extracted by the random number extraction means 104 with the selection data included in the selection table selected by the table selection means 102 from the multiple role selection tables 671 to determine whether the result of the random number selection is a special role win, a small role win, an increased role win during BB, a replay role win, or a miss. The determination result by the role selection determination means 105a is stored in the role selection result storage area 652 formed in the RAM 65.

(7) Operation determination means 106
The operation determination means 106 in FIG. 4 determines the operation sequence of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R based on detection signals input to the main control board 63 when the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R are operated. This is what we do.

(8) Reel detection means 107
4 detects the rotational positions of the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R based on the detection signals of the left, center, and right position sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R and the number of pulses supplied to the reel motors 14L, 14M, and 14R that drive the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R. In this case, the reel detection means 107 detects the frame numbers corresponding to the symbols located at a predetermined reference position (for example, the middle of the display window 11 in this embodiment) during and at the stop of rotation of the left, center, and right reels 13L, 13M, and 13R.

(9) Stop control means 108
The stop control means 108 in Fig. 4 controls the stop of each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R based on the result of the role selection means 105 and the operation state of each of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R. In this case, the stop control means 108 controls the stop of each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R using the stop table 672 for each game.

The stop table 672 has multiple tables set corresponding to each of the role selection results of the role selection means 105. This stop table 672 is for determining the stop position of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R, and predetermines the number of sliding frames for each reel 13L, 13M, 13R according to the rotation position of the reels 13L, 13M, 13R when the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R are operated.

Specifically, the stop table 672 includes, for each of the reels 13L, 13M, 13R, a stop table for the first stop when the corresponding stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R is operated for the first time, a stop table for the second stop when the corresponding stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R is operated for the second time, and a stop table for the third stop when the corresponding stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R is operated for the third time. 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, 13R respectively have different numbers of sliding frames determined in accordance with the result of the role selection by the role selection means 105.

Then, the stop control means 108 selects one stop table 672 from among the multiple stop tables 672 based on the result of the role selection means 105 and the information as to which of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R was operated and in what order, as determined by the operation determination means 106. Next, the number of sliding frames of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is determined from this selected one stop table 672 and the rotational position of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch among the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R when the stop switch was operated.

Here, if the number of slipping frames is determined to be 0, the reels are immediately stopped from spinning. In other words, when the number of slipping frames is determined to be 0, the symbol that was displayed in the upper row of the display window 11 when the stop switch was operated remains frozen in the upper row of the display window 11. On the other hand, if the number of slipping frames is determined to be 1, the reels are rotated one frame and then stopped. In other words, when the number of slipping frames is determined to be 1, the symbol that was displayed in the upper row of the display window 11 when the stop switch was operated is shifted one frame in the direction of reel rotation and frozen in the middle row of the display window 11.

In addition, if the result of the role selection by the role selection means 105 is a winning combination for one of the multiple winning combinations, the stop control means 108 determines the number of sliding frames for each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R so that the winning combination is achieved based on the stop table 672 selected based on the result of the role selection and the rotational positions of each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R when each of the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R is operated, and performs stop control for each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R.

If the result of the role selection by the role selection means 105 is a miss, the stop control means 108 determines the number of sliding frames for each reel 13L, 13M, 13R so that none of the multiple roles will win, based on the stop table 672 selected based on the role selection result and the rotational position of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R when each stop switch 21L, 21M, 21R is operated, and performs stop control for each reel 13L, 13M, 13R. Note that in this embodiment, an upper limit (4 frames) is set for the number of sliding frames, and depending on the operation timing of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R, a "miss" occurs in which the winning role cannot win. In this case, when a "miss" occurs, the stop control means 108 performs stop control for each reel 13L, 13M, 13R so that other roles that are not winning will not win.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a winning combination group consisting of multiple combinations is won, the stopping of each reel 13L, 13M, and 13R is controlled so that the winning combinations are awarded in the following order of priority: replay combination, small combination, and bonus combination.

(10) Design determination means 109
The pattern determination means 109 in Figure 4 determines whether the display mode of the patterns on each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R stopped and controlled by the stop control means 108 is a predetermined display mode, based on the rotational positions of each of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R detected by the reel detection means 107.

Specifically, when all reels 13L, 13M, 13R are controlled to stop by stop control means 108, pattern determination means 109 acquires rotational position information of each reel 13L, 13M, 13R to identify the pattern combination of the winning line. If the identified pattern combination corresponds to a pattern combination related to the winning of a predetermined winning combination, it is determined that the winning combination has been won, and if it does not correspond to any of the above, it is determined that it is a loss.

(11) Payout control means 110
4 operates the hopper unit 43 to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination when the symbol determination means 109 determines that any winning combination has been won and the winning combination is one that involves the payout of medals. However, if the number of stored credit medals has not reached the upper limit (for example, 50 medals in this embodiment), the number of credit medals is increased by the number of medals to be paid out.

(12) Medal control means 111
The medal control means 111 in FIG. 4 controls the operation of the medal selector 48 to switch between medal acceptance and non-acceptance.

(13) Command Creation Means 112
The command creation means 112 in Fig. 4 generates commands for transmitting various information to the sub-control board 73 (sub-CPU 71), such as information on the result of the role selection means 105, information on the operation of the operation devices operated by the player, such as the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R and the start switch 19, and information on the game state. The commands generated by the command creation means 112 are transmitted to the sub-control board 73 by the command transmission means 113.

For example, when a role selection is performed by the role selection means 105, a command is created that can identify the result of the role selection. The sub-control board 73 executes various processes based on the command sent.

(14) Command sending means 113
4 transmits communication commands including various data in a one-way manner from the main control board 63 to the sub-control board 73. That is, the command transmission means 113 transmits data representing the state of the slot machine 1 to the sub-control board 73, such as the game state of normal game, BB game, RB game, etc., the role selection result of the role selection means 105, the pattern determination result of the pattern determination means 109, the spinning/stopped state of each of the reels 13L, 13M, 13R, the medal payout state of the payout control means 110, the open/closed state of the front door 5, and the error state of the slot machine 1.

The command transmission means 113 also transmits data to the sub-control board 73 indicating that the number of medals to be bet stored in the bet number counter 651 has been inserted when the insertion sensor 53 detects an inserted medal, when the bet switch 15 is operated, when the maximum bet switch 17 is operated, or when automatic insertion (automatic setting of the bet number) is performed following the winning of a replay role.

The command transmission means 113 also transmits to the sub-control board 73 data indicating the number of medals paid out by the payout control means 110, and data indicating that various switches such as the start switch 19 and the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R have been operated by the player.

(Sub-control board)
Next, a detailed description will be given of the sub-control board 73. The sub-control board 73 receives communication commands transmitted from the main control board 63 and performs effects according to the operation and state of the main control board 63. As shown in Fig. 4, the sub-control board 73 has various functions that are realized by executing programs stored in the memory 75 and various functions that are realized by hardware.

(1) Command Receiving Means 200
4 receives communication commands including various data transmitted by the command transmission means 113 of the main control board 63. The command reception means 200 receives communication commands transmitted from the main control board 63, and upon receiving a communication command, notifies each function of the sub-control board 73 according to the type of communication command.

(2) Performance content determining means 201
The effect content determining means 201 in FIG. 4 is for determining the content of the effect in response to the communication command received by the command receiving means 200. Specifically, the effect content determining means 201 determines the content of the effect in response to the progress of the game and the result of the lottery means 105. From the performance patterns preset in accordance with the lottery results, etc., the video to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 27 is determined, the music to be played from the speakers 31L and 31R is determined, and the upper lamp unit 33 and the lower lamp unit 34 are determined. The effect is determined by, for example, blinking the light sources 37L and 37R simultaneously or individually.

(Normal performance)
For example, when the command receiving means 200 receives a command related to the result of the role selection means 105, the performance content determining means 201 determines one performance from the group of performances corresponding to the result of the role selection as the performance content to be executed. This group of performances includes a performance that suggests the result of the role selection to the player. Also, when the command receiving means 200 receives information that a winning role has been won, the performance content determining means 201 determines the performance content to be executed as the performance that suggests the winning role.

(Subreel production)
In this embodiment, sub reels imitating the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R (main reels) are displayed on the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27, and effects are performed according to the stopping state of the main reels. The effect content determination means 201 determines the display content of the sub reel 27b. The sub reel 27b is set in the upper right area of the display screen 27a as shown in FIG. 6. The sub reel 27b has three rectangular frames arranged side by side within a rectangular frame, and the left frame (left sub reel 27b1) corresponds to the left reel 13L, the middle frame (center sub reel 27b2) corresponds to the center reel 13M, and the right frame (right sub reel 27b3) corresponds to the right reel 13R.

In this embodiment, the main reels 13L, 13M, and 13R each display three frames of symbols on the top, middle, and bottom rows through the display window 11, while the sub reels 27b1, 27b2, and 27b3 each display one frame of symbols. Note that each of the sub reels 27b1, 27b2, and 27b3 may also display three frames of symbols in a variable manner, similar to the main reels 13L, 13M, and 13R.

The sub reel 27b starts spinning (stops the patterns from changing) at the same time as the main reels (reels 13L, 13M, 13R). In other words, when the start switch 19 is operated with the number of medals bet for one game set, the main reels (reels 13L, 13M, 13R) start spinning, and at this time the patterns on the sub reel 27b also start changing (see Figure 6(a)).

When the start switch 19 is operated, the command sending means 113 sends a command to the sub-control board 73 to indicate that the sub-reel's symbols will start to change. When the command receiving means 200 receives the command, the effect content deciding means 201 decides that the effect content will be to start the symbol change on the sub-reel 27b. Note that even if the start switch 19 is operated, if a predetermined time (e.g., 4 seconds) set as the minimum time between games has not elapsed, the game will wait until the predetermined time has elapsed, and the start of rotation of the main reels (reels 13L, 13M, 13R) may be delayed. In this case, the display of the symbol change on the sub-reel 27b may start before the main reels start to rotate.

After that, when each reel of the main reel (left reel 13L, middle reel 13M, right reel 13R) starts to rotate steadily, 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 above-mentioned stop control means 108 controls the reel stop according to the result of the role selection, and the rotation of the left reel 13L stops. At this time, the change in the pattern of the left sub reel 27b1 also stops. In this embodiment, the pattern displayed on the left sub reel 27b1 when the pattern change stops is a pattern that imitates the pattern located in the middle row that constitutes the winning line when the rotation of the left reel 13L stops. For example, if the pattern "red 7" is stopped in the middle row of the left reel 13L when the left reel 13L stops, the pattern "red 7" is displayed on the left sub reel 27b1.

When the left stop switch 21L is pressed, the command sending means 113 sends a command indicating this and a command including information that can identify the rotation stop position of the left reel 13L (for example, information related to the stop table 672 selected by the stop control means 108) to the sub-control board 73. When the command receiving means 200 receives these commands, the performance content deciding means 201 decides on the performance content to stop the pattern fluctuation of the left sub reel 27b1 while displaying a pattern that imitates the pattern stopped in the middle of the left reel 13L on the left sub reel 27b1.

Next, when the player presses the middle stop switch 21M, for example, the stop control means 108 described above controls the reels to stop according to the result of the role selection and the stop mode of the first stop reel, and the middle reel 13M stops spinning. At this time, the pattern change of the middle sub reel 27b2 also stops. In this embodiment, the pattern displayed on the middle sub reel 27b2 when the pattern change stops is a pattern that imitates the pattern located in the middle row that constitutes the winning line when the middle reel 13M stops spinning. For example, if the pattern "red 7" is stopped in the middle row of the middle reel 13L when the middle reel 13M stops, the pattern "red 7" is displayed on the middle sub reel 27b2.

When the middle stop switch 21M is pressed, the command sending means 113 sends a command indicating this and a command including information that can identify the rotation stop position of the middle reel 13M (for example, information related to the stop table 672 selected by the stop control means 108) to the sub-control board 73. When the command receiving means 200 receives these commands, the performance content deciding means 201 decides on the performance content to stop the pattern fluctuation of the middle sub reel 27b2 while displaying a pattern on the middle sub reel 27b2 that imitates the pattern stopped in the middle row of the middle reel 13M.

Then, when the player presses the right stop switch 21R, which is the final stop, the stop control means 108 controls the reels to stop according to the role selection result and the stop mode up to the second stop reel, and the rotation of the right reel 13R stops. At this time, the pattern change of the right sub reel 27b3 also stops. In this embodiment, the pattern displayed on the right sub reel 27b3 when the pattern change stops is a pattern that imitates the pattern located in the middle row that constitutes the winning line when the rotation of the right reel 13R stops. For example, if the pattern "red 7" is stopped in the middle row of the right reel 13R when the right reel 13R stops, the pattern "red 7" is displayed on the right sub reel 27b3. As a result, the rotation of all main reels 13L, 13M, and 13R stops, and the movement of the symbols on all sub reels 27b, 27b1, 27b2, and 27b3, stops (see FIG. 6(b)). At this time, by looking at the symbol display state of sub reel 27b, it can be seen that the bonus role "BB" has been won.

When the right stop switch 21R is pressed, the command sending means 113 sends a command indicating this and a command including information that can identify the rotation stop position of the right reel 13R (for example, information related to the stop table 672 selected by the stop control means 108) to the sub-control board 73. When the command receiving means 200 receives these commands, the performance content deciding means 201 decides on the performance content to stop the pattern fluctuation of the right sub reel 27b3 while displaying a pattern imitating the pattern stopped in the middle of the right reel 13R on the right sub reel 27b3.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal display 27 displays a sub-reel 27b (video reel) that imitates the main reel, but for example, a physical sub-reel may be provided separately from the main reel. In this case, too, it is preferable that the trigger for starting and stopping the spinning of the sub-reel is the same as the trigger for starting and stopping the spinning of the main reel.

In addition, the start and stop of the pattern change on the main reel (reels 13L, 13M, 13R) and sub reel 27b do not all need to be the same. For example, the timing at which the main reel starts to rotate and the timing at which the pattern change on the sub reel 27b starts may be the same, but the pattern change on each of the sub reels 27b1, 27b2, 27b3 of the sub reel 27b may continue until the second stop of the main reel, and the pattern change on all of the sub reels 27b1, 27b2, 27b3 of the sub reel 27b may stop at the final stop of the main reel.

In addition, the symbols on the main reel and the sub reel 27b do not necessarily have to be the same. For example, the displayed symbol on the sub reel 27b may correspond to a specific symbol on the main reel. In addition, the stopped symbol combination on the main reel and the stopped symbol combination on the sub reel 27b may correspond to each other. For example, when a 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 a line slanting to the right), the same symbol (for example, the symbol "BE1") may be displayed in each of the rectangular frames 27b1, 27b2, and 27b3 of the sub reel 27b. Also, if a winning symbol (for example, the symbol "CH (cherry)") is set only on a specific reel, and any symbol on the other reels is set to win the winning combination, when the winning combination is achieved, the symbolic symbol "CH (cherry)" may be displayed on the sub reel 27b based on the winning combination, for example, in each of the rectangular frames 27b1, 27b2, and 27b3 of the sub reel 27b.

(Display to prevent misunderstanding)
In addition, since this embodiment is provided with main reels (left reel 13L, center reel 13M, right reel 13R) and sub reels 27b (left sub reel 27b1, center sub reel 27b2, right sub reel 27b3), in order to prevent the player from mistaking the sub reel 27b for the main reel, a misidentification prevention display is performed on the liquid crystal display 27. The performance content determination means 201 also determines the display content of the display screen 27a, which relates to whether or not to perform a misidentification prevention display.

An anti-misidentification display area 27c is set near the main reels (left reel 13L, center reel 13M, right reel 13R) on the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27, and the word "reel" is displayed in this area 27c as an anti-misidentification display. In this embodiment, the anti-misidentification display area 27c is set near the bottom side 27a2, which is closest to the main reels, out of the four sides (top side 27a1, bottom side 27a2, right side 27a3, left side 27a4) of the display screen 27a (see FIG. 6).

Next, the presence or absence of a misidentification prevention display determined by the performance content determination means 201 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 8. Note that in the following, the period from when the main reel starts to rotate upon operation of the start switch 19 until all reels 13L, 13M, and 13R stop and the medal payout process is completed is considered to be in play, and the other period is considered to be in non-play.

While the main reel is spinning, there is a high possibility that it will be mistaken for the sub reel 27b, so during this time, as a rule, a misidentification prevention display is displayed on the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27. Specifically, for example, after the number of medals bet for one game is set, the start switch 19 is operated to start the rotation of the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R, and the misidentification prevention display continues until the stop switches 21L, 21M, and 21R are operated to stop all the reels 13L, 13M, and 13R.

The presentation content determination means 201 determines the presentation content to be a demo screen displayed on the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27 if a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed since all reels 13L, 13M, and 13R stopped and no play has been performed (see FIG. 6(c)). Here, a state in which no play is being performed refers to a state in which the player has not performed any operation, such as inserting a medal (including the operation of the bet switches 15 and 17).

On the demo screen, no game is being played, the sub reel 27b is not displayed, and there is no possibility of confusing the main reel with the sub reel 27b. Therefore, when switching from the normal screen to the demo screen, the misconception prevention display in the misconception prevention display area 27c is stopped (Figure 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 between the time when all reels 13L, 13M, and 13R have stopped and the time when the demo screen is displayed. In such a case, the misconception prevention display continues. Therefore, if a game has been played repeatedly before the demo screen is displayed, the misconception prevention display will continue as a general rule.

The medal settlement status only occurs when not playing. Also, when the settlement switch 23 is operated, the words "Settlement in progress" are displayed in the central area of the display screen 27a. During this state, a display to prevent misidentification is displayed. The setting confirmation status only occurs when not playing, and a display to prevent misidentification is not displayed during this state.

An error state in which game play cannot proceed can occur whether the game is in progress or not. In an error state, the sub reel 27b is not displayed on the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27, and text such as "Error" is displayed. During this state, there is no chance of mistaking the main reel for the sub reel 27b, so no misidentification prevention display is performed.

During the period between winning a bonus role and winning a prize, the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27 may display text such as "Bonus Confirmed" to notify the player that a bonus role has been won. After the "Bonus Confirmed" display is shown, the display will be maintained whether the player is playing or not playing until the bonus role is won. While the "Bonus Confirmed" display is shown, a display to prevent misinterpretation is displayed whether the player is playing or not playing.

During the bonus state (BB, RB), the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27 switches from the normal screen to the bonus screen. During bonus play, the main reel and sub reel 27b may be mistaken for each other, so a misidentification prevention display is provided during the bonus state. On the other hand, during non-play during the bonus state, the misidentification prevention display is not provided. For example, in a game in which a bonus role is won, a video notifying the player that a bonus has been won is displayed on the display screen 27a. This video continues until the next game is started. To be more specific, in normal play, the misidentification prevention display continues on the display screen 27a from the time the main reel stops until the demo screen is displayed, but in a game in which a bonus role is won, as soon as the main reel stops and the bonus is confirmed, the display screen 27a switches to a video notifying the player that a bonus has been won, and the misidentification prevention display is erased. By not displaying the misconception prevention display in such a case (when not playing), the appearance of the notification screen can be improved. Note that the misconception prevention display may also be displayed when not playing during the bonus state. Also, although this embodiment does not have a so-called AT function, the presence or absence of the misconception prevention display in the case of a gaming machine equipped with an AT may be configured in the same way as in the bonus state.

In addition, in this embodiment, there is no case where a pseudo game is performed, but if a pseudo game is performed, a misidentification prevention display may be displayed. Note that a pseudo game is a game that differs from a normal game that is performed in the following order: insert a medal → operate start switch 19 → rotate the reels → operate stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R → stop the reels, and is a game in which the reels are rotated/stopped by operating start switch 19 and stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R as an effect.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a game is not being played, such as when a demo screen is displayed on the display screen 27a, pressing the menu button (not shown) (corresponding to the "specific operation" of the present invention) switches the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27 to a menu screen, allowing the player to adjust various functions such as the volume and brightness. Since there is no risk of misidentifying the main reel and sub reel 27b while the menu screen is displayed, no misidentification prevention display is performed during this period.

(Modification of Liquid Crystal Display)
In the above embodiment, the display screen 27a of the liquid crystal display 27 is disposed above the main reels. However, the display screen 27a and the front panel 9 may be integrally formed as a liquid crystal panel to form a display screen 270a (see FIG. 7). In this case, a liquid crystal panel (display screen 270a) is also disposed in front of the main reels (left reel 13L, center reel 13M, right reel 13R), and the display screen 270a can be made entirely or partially transparent under the control of the display control means 202. The main reels can be viewed by controlling the front area 270d of the main reels (corresponding to the "transparent area" of the present invention; hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the transparent area 270d). In this embodiment, the front area of the main reels is set to an area corresponding to the display window 11 shown in FIG. 1.

The display area of the sub reel 270b is set in the upper left area of the display screen 270a. The start and stop timings of the symbol variation display of the sub reel 270b, as well as the display contents, are the same as those in the above embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the transparent possible area 270d is rectangular and has an upper side 270d1, a lower side 270d2, a right side 270d3, and a left side 270d4. The misidentification prevention display area 270c is set outside the transparent possible area 270d and near the right side 270d3 of the transparent possible area 270d, and the misidentification prevention display is performed in the area 270c. Here, the misidentification prevention display area 270c is set outside the transparent possible area 270d because setting it inside the transparent possible area 270d would interfere with the visibility of the main reel. The misidentification prevention display area 270c is set near the right side 270d3 in order to make it easier to understand that the display is related to the main reel by placing it close to the main reel. Therefore, the setting location of the misidentification prevention display area 270c can be changed as appropriate as long as it is outside the transparent possible area 270d and near the transparent possible area 270d. Note that the cases where the misconception prevention display is performed and where it is not performed are the same as those in the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 6 and 8, so the explanation 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 spinning. Even when an effect image that would normally span 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 spinning, only the transparent area 270d maintains its transparent control, ensuring visibility of the main reels.

In addition, when an announcement is made about a bonus win or a rare win after all reels 13L, 13M, and 13R have stopped, the transparency control of the transparent area 270d is stopped and almost the entire area of the display screen 270a, including said area 270d, is used as a display screen.

Furthermore, if a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed without any game being played after all reels 13L, 13M, and 13R have stopped (corresponding to "predetermined screen switching conditions being met" in the present invention), a demo screen is displayed 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 in Figure 4 executes performances such as displaying a moving image (image) on the liquid crystal display 27 and blinking the light sources of the upper lamp unit 33 and the lower lamp units 37L and 37R simultaneously or individually based on the data contained in the signal transmitted from the performance content determination means 201.

(4) Audio control means 203
The audio control means 203 in FIG. 4 executes effects such as playing music or outputting sound from the speakers 31L, 31R based on the data contained in the signal transmitted from the effect content determination means 201.

Therefore, according to the above embodiment, if sub-reels 27b, 270b are provided in which the start trigger and stop trigger of the pattern fluctuation are the same as the main reels (left reel 13L, center reel 13M, right reel 13R), it is easy to mistake the main reels for the sub-reels 27b, 270b. Depending on the game, there may be cases where the timing of the operation of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R to stop the main reels causes a missed opportunity where the winning combination cannot be achieved. In such cases, so-called eye-pressing is required, but if the main reels and sub-reels 27b, 270b are mistaken in the game, there is a risk of missing out. In this embodiment, the display screen 27a, 270a of the liquid crystal display 27 disposed near the main reels is configured to set the misidentification prevention display area 27c, 270c near the main reels, and the misidentification prevention display is configured to be performed in the area 27c, 270c, so that it is possible to prevent missed wins due to misidentifying the sub reels 27b, 270b as the main reels. On the other hand, when the main reels are stopped, such as when the demo screen is displayed, there is no risk of missing wins even if the sub reels 27b, 270b are mistaken for the main reels, so in such cases the demo performance can be prioritized without misidentification prevention display.

In addition, because various displays such as a list of winning symbol combinations and winning lines are required on the front panel 9, providing an additional misidentification prevention display area on the front panel 9 may reduce the size of other displays and decrease visibility. However, in this embodiment, the misidentification prevention display is performed using the display screens 27a, 270a of the liquid crystal display 27, so there is no need to print or attach a misidentification prevention display to the front panel 9, and this prevents the visibility of other displays from decreasing.

In addition, in situations where a demo screen is displayed on the display screen 27a, 270a after the main reel has stopped and there is no risk of misidentifying the main reel and sub reel 27b, 270b, the misidentification prevention display is not performed, so the display screen 27a, 270a can be used efficiently according to the situation.

In addition, in a configuration in which the display screen 270a is also arranged in front of the main reels as shown in FIG. 7, the misidentification prevention display area 270c is set in an area different from the transparent area 270d that allows the main reels to be viewed, so that the main reels and the misidentification prevention display do not overlap, and it is possible to prevent the misidentification prevention display from interfering with the visibility of the main reels.

In addition, in this embodiment, misidentification prevention display is performed in situations where the main reel and sub reel 27b, 270b may be confused, such as when the transparent area 270d is controlled to be transparent, but misidentification prevention display is not performed in situations where the main reel and sub reel 27b, 270b are not confused, such as when a performance image is also displayed in the transparent area 270d. In this way, when it is desired to highlight the performance on the display screen 270a, such as when a performance image is displayed in the transparent area 270d, it is possible to focus on that performance by not performing the misidentification prevention display.

In addition, the misconception prevention display continues from the time when all the main reels (reels 13L, 13M, 13R) have stopped spinning until the demo screen is displayed. Normally, even if the main reels have stopped spinning, the next game is played before the demo screen is displayed, so in a configuration in which the misconception prevention display is stopped when the main reels stop changing patterns, the misconception prevention display is frequently switched on and off, which can increase the processing load on the sub-CPU 71. However, in this embodiment, the misconception prevention display continues from the time when all the main reels have stopped spinning until the demo screen is displayed, so the processing load on the sub-CPU 71 required for display switching can be reduced.

In addition, when the menu button is pressed during non-playing, such as when a demo screen is displayed on the display screen 27a, 270a, the display contents of the display screen 27a, 270a will switch to the menu screen, but while the menu screen is displayed, the movement of the symbols on the main reels will be stopped. In such cases, there is no risk of missing out due to the timing of the operation of the stop switches 21L, 21M, 21R that stop the main reels, so in such cases the display area of the menu screen can be made larger by not displaying the misidentification prevention display.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the setting positions of the misidentification prevention display areas 27c and 270c can be changed as appropriate as long as they are near the main reels (left reel 13L, center reel 13M, right reel 13R).

Also, when a game is not being played and settings are being changed, the misidentification prevention display may not be displayed.

The present invention can be widely applied to gaming machines that include a display means having a plurality of variable display columns that variably display a plurality of types of symbols, and a stop operation means for stopping the variable display of each of the variable display columns, and in which gaming media is paid out according to the symbol combination when all of the variable display columns have stopped.

1... slot machine, 13L, 13M, 13R... reels (main reels), 27... liquid crystal display (display device), 27b, 270b... sub-reels, 61... main CPU (main control means), 71... sub-CPU (sub-control means)

Claims (2)

In the gaming machine,
a main reel which starts a pattern change in response to a start operation by a player, stops the pattern change in response to a stop operation by the player, and awards a bonus to the player depending on the pattern combination at the time of stopping;
A sub-reel used for game effects;
A display device having a display screen capable of displaying a performance image and executing a performance in accordance with the progress of a game;
A main control means capable of controlling the variation of symbols on the main reel and the symbol combinations when the main reel is stopped;
a sub-control means for controlling the effects by the sub reels and the effects by the display device;
Equipped with
When the variation of the symbols on the main reel stops, the display mode of the sub reel is the same as or similar to the display mode when the variation of the symbols on the main reel stops;
the display screen is disposed adjacent to the main reel, and a misidentification prevention display area is set in a predetermined area of the display screen adjacent to the main reel, in which a misidentification prevention display is performed to prevent a player from misidentifying the sub reel as the main reel;
the display screen has a transparent area overlapping with the main reel,
On the display screen,
the misidentification prevention display is displayed in the misidentification prevention display area at least while the symbols on the main reel are changing due to a start operation by a player;
When a predetermined screen switching condition is established after the variation of the symbols on the main reel has stopped based on a stop operation by a player, a demo screen is displayed on the display screen, and the misconception prevention display is not performed in the misconception prevention display area while the demo screen is being displayed;
During a period in which the transmissive region is controlled to be transparent, the misconception-preventing display is performed in the misconception-preventing display region,
A performance screen different from the demo screen is displayed on the display screen, and the misconception-preventing display is not performed in the misconception-preventing display area during a period in which the transparent area is controlled to be opaque.
A gaming machine characterized by: In the gaming machine,
a main reel which starts a pattern change in response to a start operation by a player, stops the pattern change in response to a stop operation by the player, and awards a bonus to the player depending on the pattern combination at the time of stopping;
A sub-reel used for game effects;
A display device having a display screen capable of displaying a performance image and executing a performance in accordance with the progress of a game;
A main control means capable of controlling the variation of symbols on the main reel and the symbol combinations when the main reel is stopped;
a sub-control means for controlling the effects by the sub reels and the effects by the display device;
Equipped with
When the variation of the symbols on the main reel stops, the display mode of the sub reel is the same as or similar to the display mode when the variation of the symbols on the main reel stops;
the display screen is disposed adjacent to the main reel, and a misidentification prevention display area is set in a predetermined area of the display screen adjacent to the main reel, in which a misidentification prevention display is performed to prevent a player from misidentifying the sub reel as the main reel;
On the display screen,
The misidentification prevention display is displayed in the misidentification prevention display area at least while the symbols on the main reel are changing due to a start operation by a player,
While the game machine is in a setting change state in which the advantageous degree can be changed, the misconception prevention display is not performed in the misconception prevention display area,
The misconception prevention display may not be displayed on a confirmation screen that notifies the user on the display screen that the special benefit will be given.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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