Slot machine

Abstract

To provide a smart slot capable of outputting correct information regarding out information related to the number of game tokens dispensed as a result of a game.SOLUTION: In continuous two games, outputting of an out signal accompanied with winning in the next game is started after a time has passed, the time being required for outputting an out signal for the number of game tokens obtained by winning in a previous game after staring outputting a game token dispensing signal accompanied with winning in the previous game.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slot machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, income and expenditure information for slot machines and pachinko machines installed in pachinko parlors has been centrally managed by a hall computer (hereinafter referred to as hall computer). The slot machine is equipped with a terminal board for connecting to a device for distributing game balls, etc., which outputs to the outside the information such as the number of in medals, which is the number of medals inserted for playing, the number of out medals, which is the number of medals paid out as a result of playing, and special prize information, which is related to whether or not the player is in a special prize period advantageous to the player (for example, during a bonus game).By receiving the signal outputted through the terminal board for connecting to a device for distributing game balls, etc., of the slot machine by the hall computer, the manager of the pachinko parlor can grasp the operating status of each gaming machine in real time by the hall computer, and after closing, can check the business information that is a compilation of income and expenditure information.

[0003] As described above, the information output from the slot machine via the terminal board for connecting to the game ball and other dispensers is very important information for the pachinko parlor, and therefore accuracy is required. In addition, slot machines are equipped with a test terminal board in addition to the gaming ball etc. lending device connection terminal board as an information output terminal to the outside. Since the information output via the test terminal board is used for type testing of the slot machine, accuracy is required, just like the information output via the gaming ball etc. lending device connection terminal board (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4321745 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Due to recent amendments to gaming machine-related laws and regulations, it has become possible to install so-called smart pachislots (hereafter referred to as "Smart Slots") in pachinko parlors, which do not use medals as gaming medals, but lend or win medals by winning, or provide gaming medals for play only by electromagnetic means. Smart Slots make it possible to enjoy playing more comfortably than conventional slot machines.

[0006] Incidentally, in conventional slot machines that use real medals as game medals, there are two types of medal payout processing: a credit-up processing and a real medal payout processing in which a hopper is driven to pay out real medals. Payout of one real medal is completed by driving the hopper and detecting one real medal discharged from the hopper by a payout sensor, and therefore takes a certain amount of time. Meanwhile, in the credit-up processing, a credit-up sound is generally output every time one is added to the credit, and if the output interval of the credit-up sound in the credit-up processing and the interval of the real medal payout in the real medal payout processing are different, there is a risk that the player feels uncomfortable. For this reason, in conventional slot machines, the interval of adding one to the credit in the credit-up processing is set to match the time required to pay out one real medal in the real medal payout processing.

[0007] In contrast, Smart Slot does not require the actual medal payout process of conventional slot machines, but only requires an electromagnetic medal payout process that is equivalent to the credit-up process of conventional slot machines, making it possible to reduce the time required for the medal payout process compared to conventional slot machines.

[0008] However, the specifications of the OUT signal output from the game ball etc. dispensing device connection terminal board for each medal paid out are the same as those of conventional slot machines, and a pulse signal with a pulse width of 100 msec or more must be output for each medal paid out. In conventional slot machines, the time required to pay out one actual medal was longer than 100 msec, so there was no need to be aware of the time required to output the OUT signal, but in smart slot machines, if a win occurs in the next game while the OUT signal is being output in response to a win in the previous game, a problem occurs in which the OUT signal cannot be output accurately unless the time required to output the OUT signal is taken into consideration.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a smart slot machine that can reliably output an OUT signal even if a winning occurs in the next game while an OUT signal is being output in response to a winning in the previous game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention will be described below. In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, reference numerals and the like in the accompanying drawings are given in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the form of the drawings.

[0011] The slot machine (1) of the present invention allows a player to lend out or win medals for use in a game, or to use medals for play, solely by electromagnetic means. A terminal board (20) for connecting to an external device; and an out signal output means for outputting a pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as an out signal) having a pulse width of a specified time or more for each of the game medals acquired by winning to the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board (20); The out signal output means, in two consecutive games, The output of the OUT signal associated with a win in the next game is started after the time required for outputting the OUT signal for the number of game medals won by winning in the previous game has elapsed since the output of the OUT signal started in the previous game. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a smart slot machine that can reliably output an OUT signal even if a winning occurs in the next game while an OUT signal is being output in response to a winning in the previous game. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine 1. [Diagram 2] 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the game ball etc. lending device 5 of the slot machine 1. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 shows a state in which a slot machine 1 is installed in a pachinko parlor 301 and connected to an external device. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols depicted on the periphery (reel band) of the left reel, center reel, and right reel of a slot machine 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram for explaining symbol stop positions and pay lines of the slot machine 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of various processes from the start to the end of one game in the slot machine 1. [Figure 8] 1 is a table showing winning symbol combinations for roles that are allowed to win in the slot machine 1, and the bonuses / payouts that may be awarded when the winning symbol combinations win. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the transition of the gaming state in the slot machine 1. [Figure 10] 1 is a table showing the internally selected roles and their winning probabilities in the normal state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 11]1 is a table showing the internally selected roles and their winning probabilities during the BB game of the slot machine 1. [Figure 12] 1 is a table showing the internally selected roles and their winning probabilities during the CB game of slot machine 1. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of game processing in the slot machine 1. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a credit-up process of the slot machine 1. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of an OUT signal output process of the slot machine 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] <1. Definition of Terms>

[0015] The terms used in this specification are explained below.

[0016] "Gaming media" refers to the electromagnetic medals or gaming balls used in gaming machines. Information indicating the number of gaming media electrically or magnetically stored in a gaming machine is called "credits," and that number is called the "number of credits."

[0017] A "bet" refers to placing a bet on gaming media to start a game. The bet gaming media are consumed when the game begins. The number of gaming media bet to start a game is called the "number of bets." A "bet button" refers to a device that a player operates to place a bet.

[0018] A "game" refers to the entire process from operating the start lever, through the spinning and stopping of the reels, to the end of the processing based on the results of the winning determination. "One game" or "one game" refers to one of these processes. Also, "game" may be written instead of "game".

[0019] The "win line" refers to a combination of predetermined symbol positions that is the subject of determining whether a winning combination will occur. The determination of whether a winning combination will occur changes from an invalid state to a valid state depending on the bet.

[0020] A "win" refers to a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination being stopped and displayed on a winning line. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] <2. External appearance of the gaming machine> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 includes a box-shaped main body 2 with an open front and a front door 3 that is provided so as to be able to open and close the front of the main body 2. Inside the main body 2, a left reel R1, a center reel R2, and a right reel R3 are arranged side by side at a position slightly above the center in the vertical direction. The left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 have a configuration in which a reel band is wound around the periphery of a drum-shaped reel frame, and are provided so as to be rotatable around an axis that extends in the horizontal direction at the center of the reel frame. 21 symbols are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction on the reel band.

[0022] The front door 3 is provided with an operation unit 4, a display panel unit 9, and a liquid crystal display 16. The display panel unit 9 is provided in a position facing the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3. A reel window 8 is provided in the center of the display panel unit 9 to allow a portion of the periphery of the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 to be viewed. While the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 are spinning, the symbols of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 appear one after another in the reel window 8 (variable display of symbols). When the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 stop, a total of nine symbols are displayed in the reel window 8 (stopped display of symbols), three symbols each for the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3.

[0023] An acquired coin number display 10 is disposed below the reel window 8. The acquired coin number display 10 is made up of a three-digit seven-segment display with dots.

[0024] The front door 3 has an operation unit 4 below the display panel unit 9. The operation unit 4 has a game medal count display device 5, a 1-coin bet button 7, a MAX bet button 11, a start lever 12, a left stop button 15L, a center stop button 15C, a right stop button 15R, and a settlement button 17.

[0025] In addition, in the center of the operation unit 4, there are arranged an effect button PB, which is prompted to be operated when a player intervention type effect is executed on the liquid crystal display 16, and a cross key JK.

[0026] In addition, below the operation unit 4 on the front door 3, there are arranged a display panel 14 that displays the model name of the slot machine 1, a pair of speakers 6L, 6R that output sound effects to liven up the atmosphere during play, and a tray 13.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the game medal count display device 5 includes a credit count display 5a that displays the current number of credits in the slot machine 1, and a counting button 5b that is operated when returning credits to a dedicated unit 60 described later.

[0028] Returning to FIG. 1, the MAX BET button 11 is a button that is operated to set the bet number to the maximum of three coins by subtracting medals from the credits.

[0029] The 1 coin bet button 7 is a button that is operated to add 1 to the bet amount by subtracting a medal from the credit.

[0030] The start lever 12 is a lever that is operated when starting a game. After the number of medals required to play one game (hereinafter referred to as the specified number) is bet, when the start lever 12 is operated, the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 start to spin.

[0031] The left stop button 15L corresponds to the left reel R1, the center stop button 15C corresponds to the center reel R2, and the right stop button 15R corresponds to the right reel R3, and is a button that is operated to stop the corresponding reel R1, R2, or R3. For example, when the left stop button 15L is pressed while the left reel R1 is spinning, the left reel R1 stops spinning.

[0032] The number of medals won display 10 displays the number of medals won by winning.

[0033] The settlement button 17 is a button that is operated to return the number of medals bet by operating the MAX BET button 11 and the 1 BET button 7 to credits. When the settlement button 17 is operated after medals have been bet, the number of bets at the time of operation is added to the credits and the number of bets becomes zero.

[0034] Above the display panel unit 9, a liquid crystal display 16 is disposed for displaying effect images and the like in accordance with the progress of the game.

[0035] Around the liquid crystal display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, and 18R are provided to enhance the atmosphere during the game by emitting light.

[0036] <3. Electrical configuration of the gaming machine> <3-1. Electrical configuration of the gaming machine (main control device)> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0037] The slot machine 1 includes a main control device 100 that controls the game, and a sub-control device 101 that controls the presentation associated with the game.

[0038] The main control device 100 comprises a main control unit 100a and a payout control unit 100b, each of which is configured with a one-chip microcomputer, and the payout control unit 100b is dedicated to credit-related processing, while the main control unit 100a is responsible for overall game control except for credit-related processing.

[0039] The input / output ports of the main control unit 100a are connected to the MAX BET button 11, 1 BET button 7, start lever 12, left stop button 15L, middle stop button 15C, right stop button 15R, settlement button 17, number of coins won display 10, left reel sensor 54L, middle reel sensor 54C, right reel sensor 54R, left reel motor 51L, middle reel motor 51C, right reel motor 51R, setting change switch 20, setting change button 21, payout control unit 100b, and sub-control unit 101.

[0040] When any of the MAX BET button 11, 1 BET button 7, start lever 12, left stop button 15L, middle stop button 15C, right stop button 15R, and settlement button 17 is operated, an operation signal is output from the switch (not shown) built into each of them, and the operation signal is input to the main control unit 100a.

[0041] When the start lever 12 is operated, the main control unit 100a outputs drive pulse signals to the left reel motor 51L, the center reel motor 51C, and the right reel motor 51R, causing the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 to start rotating. Each time the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 rotate once, detection signals are output from the left reel sensor 54L, the center reel sensor 54C, and the right reel sensor 54R, respectively, and the detection signals are input to the main control unit 100a. The main control unit 100a constantly monitors the rotational positions of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 based on the contents of the reel drive control of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3, and the detection signals from the left reel sensor 54L, center reel sensor 54C, and right reel sensor 54R.

[0042] Thereafter, when any of the left stop button 15L, middle stop button 15C, and right stop button 15R is pressed, the main control unit 100a determines the stop position based on the rotational position of the reels R1, R2, R3 corresponding to the operated stop button 15L, 15C, 15R, and when the rotational position of the corresponding reels R1, R2, R3 reaches a stop operation, the main control unit 100a stops outputting drive pulse signals to the reel motors 51L, 51C, 51R, and stops the corresponding reels R1, R2, R3 (reel stop control).

[0043] In the reel stop control, after the left stop button 15L, the middle stop button 15C, and the right stop button 15R are operated, the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3 are each stopped from rotating within a range of a predetermined maximum number of retracted frames (e.g., 4 frames) or less.

[0044] When the game is started by operating the start lever 12, the main control unit 100a obtains a random number and executes an internal lottery for drawing multiple winning combinations. If no winning combination is obtained by the internal lottery, the nine symbols (three symbols on each of the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3) stopped and displayed in the reel window 8 by the reel stop control will not form a winning mode, and no winning combination will be obtained. When a minor combination that pays out medals as a dividend for winning is won, the main control unit 100a displays the number of medals to be paid out on the winning number display 10 and transmits the payout number information to the payout control unit 100b.

[0045] The setting change switch 20 and the setting change button 21 are provided inside the main body 2, and by selecting a setting value from six setting values ​​from 1 to 6, the payout rate of the slot machine 1 can be set to high or low. The higher the setting value, the higher the payout rate. The setting change switch 20 is a key switch that is turned on by inserting a setting key and rotating it clockwise, and the setting change button 21 is a push button.

[0046] When selecting (changing) the set value, first, with the front door 3 open, insert the set key into the set change switch 20 and rotate it clockwise to change the operation mode of the slot machine 1 to the set change mode. When the setting mode is changed to the set change mode, the current set value is displayed on the acquired number display 10. In addition, in the set change mode, each time the set change button 21 is pressed once, the set value displayed on the acquired number display 10 is incremented by 1 if it is 1 to 5, and returns to 1 if it is 6. In this way, the desired set value can be selected by operating the set change button while checking the set value displayed on the acquired number display 10. With the desired set value displayed on the acquired number display 10, the start lever 12 is operated to complete the selection (changing) of the set value. Then, the set key inserted into the set change switch 20 is rotated counterclockwise to return the operation mode to the normal (game) mode, and the setting selection (changing) work is completed by removing the set key from the set change switch.

[0047] The input / output port of the payout control unit 100b is connected to a terminal board 20 for connecting to a game ball or the like lending device, a credit number display 5a, and a counting button 5b. The current number of credits is displayed on the credit number display 5a. A medal dispensing device 60 that dispenses game medals to the slot machine 1 is connected to the game ball etc. dispensing device connection terminal board 20. The counting button 5b is a button that is operated when returning the credits of the slot machine 1 to the medal lending device 60, and by continuing to press the counting button 5b for a unit time, one is subtracted from the credits, and one game medal is returned to the medal lending device 60. In other words, the number of credits to be returned can be adjusted by the time the counting button 5b is continued to be pressed.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the slot machine 1 is installed in a pachinko parlor 301 and connected to an external device. The slot machine 1 outputs information (hereinafter referred to as operation information) from the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 20, which includes in information relating to the number of medals inserted for play, out information relating to the number of medals paid out as a result of play, and special prize information relating to whether or not the player is in a special prize period advantageous to the player (e.g., during a bonus game). The operation information is transmitted from the medal dispenser 60 connected to the game ball etc. dispenser connection terminal board 20 of the slot machine 1 to the hall computer 62 via the relay board 61 .

[0049] Meanwhile, information regarding the amount of money inserted into the medal lending device 60 for medal lending is transmitted from the medal lending device 60 to the hall computer 62, and also to the management computer company 302 via the management computer 63. The management computer company 302 provides the data to the gaming machine management center 303 in order to strengthen security against fraud and measures against gambling and other addictions.

[0050] Returning to FIG. 3, the main control unit 100a sends signals required for control to the sub-control device 101 as commands.

[0051] <3-2. Electrical configuration of gaming machine (sub-control device)> The sub-control device 101 is responsible for controlling the effects associated with the game. The input / output ports of the sub-control device 101 are connected to a main control unit 101a, a liquid crystal display 16, an effect button PB, a cross key JK, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R.

[0052] The sub-control device 101 controls the display contents of the liquid crystal display 16 related to the effects and the like accompanying the game, based on commands from the main control unit 100a, operation of the effect button PB, and operation of the cross key JK. In addition, as one component of the effects, it controls the light effects by the decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and the background music and sound effects output from the speakers 6L, 6R.

[0053] <4. Reel arrangement and stop position explanation> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3.

[0054] 21 symbols (21 frames) are arranged on each of the reel bands of the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3, and the 21 symbols on each of the reels R1 to R3 are assigned symbol numbers from "1" to "21."

[0055] The reel band of the left reel R1 has the following symbols arranged in this order: "Cherry", "Bell", "Replay", "Bell", "Orange", "Red 7", "Bell", "Replay", "Bell", "Cherry", "Bar", "Bell", "Replay", "Bell", "Replay", "Red 7", "Watermelon", "Bell", "Replay", "Bell", and "Bar", and each of these symbols is assigned a symbol number from "1" to "21".

[0056] The reel strip of middle reel R2 has the following symbols arranged in this order: "Cherry", "Bell", "Red 7", "Replay", "Orange", "Cherry", "Bell", "Bar", "Replay", "Cherry", "Bell", "Watermelon", "Replay", "Cherry", "Bell", "Red 7", "Replay", "Cherry", "Bell", "Watermelon", and "Replay", and each of these symbols is assigned a symbol number from "1" to "21".

[0057] The reel band of the right reel R3 has the following symbols arranged in this order: "Replay," "Watermelon," "Orange," "Bell," "Replay," "Watermelon," "Orange," "Bell," "Replay," "Watermelon," "Orange," "Bell," "Replay," "Watermelon," "Bar," "Red 7," "Bell," "Replay," "Watermelon," "Orange," and "Bell," and each of these symbols is assigned a symbol number from "1" to "21."

[0058] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the symbol stop positions and the winning lines.

[0059] When the left reel R1 stops, one symbol stops at each of the symbol stop positions PL1, PL2, and PL3 arranged vertically within the reel window 8. When the center reel R2 stops, one symbol stops at each of the symbol stop positions PC1, PC2, and PC3 arranged vertically within the reel window 8. When the right reel R3 stops, one symbol stops at each of the symbol stop positions PR1, PR2, and PR3 arranged vertically within the reel window 8.

[0060] The slot machine 1 is a so-called 5-line machine in which a total of five active lines are: an upper line L2 passing through three symbol stop positions PL1, PC1, PR1 that are aligned horizontally in the upper row within the reel window 8; a middle line L1 passing through three symbol stop positions PL2, PC2, PR2 that are aligned horizontally in the middle row; a lower line L3 passing through three symbol stop positions PL3, PC3, PR3 that are aligned horizontally in the lower row; a downward-right line L4 passing through three symbol stop positions PL1, PC2, PR3 that are aligned on a diagonal line slanting downward to the right; and an upward-right line L5 passing through three symbol stop positions PL3, PC2, PR1 that are aligned on a diagonal line slanting upward to the right.

[0061] <5.1 Game Description> FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an outline of the flow of one game executed by the main controller 100 of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0062] <5-1. Processing flow> <5-1-1. Betting process> First, the number of bets is set according to the operation of the 1-coin bet button 7, the MAX bet button 11, or the winning of a replay combination (S101).

[0063] Specifically, when the 1 coin bet button 7 is operated, if the current number of bets is equal to or less than the maximum number specified for that game and there is remaining credit, the main control device 100 subtracts 1 credit and adds 1 to the number of bets. Also, when the MAX bet button 11 is operated, if there is remaining credit, the main control device 100 subtracts the required number from the credit and sets the number of bets to the maximum number specified for that game. Furthermore, when a replay role is won, the main control device 100 executes an automatic bet process in which the number of bets that was bet on the game is bet again on the next game without subtracting from the credits.

[0064] <5-1-2. Lever reception process> The main control device 100 starts a game when it receives an operation of the start lever 12 with the number of bets set to a specified number (S102). On the other hand, if the start lever 12 is operated with the number of bets not reaching the specified number, the game does not start.

[0065] <5-1-3. Internal lottery processing> The main control device 100 acquires a random number value when a game starts, and executes an internal lottery process for determining information for deriving a game result by lottery based on the random number value (S103).

[0066] <5-1-4. Reel rotation processing> After executing the internal lottery process, the main controller 100 spins each of the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 to variably display the symbols arranged on each of the reels R1 to R3 (S104).

[0067] In addition, the reel performance and reel spinning process of the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3 in the next game will not start until 4.1 seconds have passed since the start of the rotation of the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3 in the previous game. This keeps the time required for one game to 4.1 seconds or more. Hereinafter, the period of 4.1 seconds from the start of the previous game will be referred to as the wait period.

[0068] <5-1-5. Reel stop processing> When a stop button 15L, 15C, or 15R is operated while reels R1, R2, or R3 are spinning, the main control device 100 determines a stop position based on the rotation position of R1, R2, or R3 corresponding to the operated stop button 15L, 15C, or 15R and the result of an internal lottery, and stops the rotation of the corresponding R1, R2, or R3 at the determined stop position (S105).

[0069] <5-1-6. Pattern determination process> After all reels R1, R2, and R3 have stopped, the main control device 100 determines whether the symbol combination displayed on the winning line corresponds to any one of a plurality of types of target symbol combinations that have been preliminarily determined as targets for determination (S106).

[0070] <5-1-7. Medal payout process> When the main control device 100 judges that a winning symbol combination of a minor role is stopped and displayed among a plurality of types of judgement target symbol combinations, it executes a payout process of medals for the number of payouts of the winning minor role (S107). Since the slot machine 1 is a smart slot machine, it only adds the number of payouts to the number of credits and does not pay out actual medals.

[0071] <5-1-8. State transition processing> When the main control device 100 determines, as a result of the symbol determination process, that a state transition condition for transitioning the gaming state is satisfied, the main control device 100 transitions the gaming state.

[0072] <5-2. Details of internal lottery process> Next, a detailed description will be given of the internal lottery process in the slot machine 1. The internal lottery process is a process for determining, by lottery, a winning combination that allows a win from a plurality of predetermined winning combinations.

[0073] As described above, since the slot machine 1 is a 5-line machine, when a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination in the internal lottery is lined up on any of the 5 active lines L1 to L5, the winning combination is established. The combinations that are the subject of the internal lottery include a big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a BB combination), a chance bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as a CB combination), a replay combination, and a small combination. The BB combination and the CB combination are so-called carryover combinations that maintain the winning state until a combination is won if they are won. The BB role is a role continuous operation device related to the first type special role under the gaming regulations (hereinafter referred to as the first type BB). The CB role is a role continuous operation device related to the second type special role under the gaming machine related regulations (hereinafter referred to as the second type BB).

[0074] In contrast, the replay role and the small role are roles in which the winning state disappears when all reels R1, R2, and R3 stop and one game ends. In addition, the small role is a role in which medals are paid out when a prize is won, and the replay role is a role in which the next game can be played without the need to bet medals when a prize is won.

[0075] <5-2-1. Lottery categories>

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8, the slot machine 1 has seven different combinations, including BB, CB, replay, bell, cherry, watermelon, and orange.

[0077] The winning symbol combination for the BB role is set to a symbol combination in which the "red 7" symbols are lined up on any of the pay lines L1 to L5. When the BB role wins, there is no payout for the winning, but a big bonus game (hereinafter referred to as the BB game) starts from the next game. The BB game ends when the number of medals paid out during the BB game exceeds 225.

[0078] The winning symbol combination for the CB role is set to a symbol combination in which the "red 7" symbol is lined up on the left reel R1 and the center reel R2, and the "bar" symbol is lined up on the right reel R3 on any of the active lines L1 to L5. When the CB role wins, there is no payout for the winning symbol, but a challenge bonus game (hereinafter referred to as the CB game) starts from the next game. The CB game ends when the number of medals paid out during the CB game exceeds 90.

[0079] The winning symbol combination for the replay role is set to a symbol combination in which the "replay" symbols are lined up on any of the pay lines L1 to L5.

[0080] Bell, Cherry, Watermelon and Orange are minor symbols. The winning combination of Bell is set to be a combination of "Bell" symbols on any of the active lines L1 to L5. When Bell wins, 13 medals are paid out.

[0081] The winning combination of the Cherry role is set to a combination of symbols on any of the active lines L1 to L5, with the "Cherry" symbol on the left reel R1 and any symbol (ANY symbol) on the center reel R2 and right reel R3. When a Cherry wins, one medal is paid out as a payout.

[0082] The winning symbol combination for the watermelon role is set to a symbol combination in which the "watermelon" symbols are lined up on any of the active lines L1 to L5. When the watermelon role wins, six medals are paid out as a payout.

[0083] The winning combination of the Orange role is set to a combination of "Orange" symbols lined up on any of the active lines L1 to L5. When the Orange role wins, 9 medals are paid out as a payout.

[0084] In addition, in the slot machine 1, during a game except for a CB game, the maximum number of sliding frames from when each of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R is operated until the corresponding reel R1, R2, and R3 stops is set to four frames.

[0085] As can be seen from Fig. 5, the "bell" and "replay" symbols are always arranged once every 5 frames on all reels R1, R2, and R3. Therefore, the winning symbol combination consisting of the "bell" or "replay" symbol combination, i.e., the replay and bell roles, are roles that can be drawn onto any of the pay lines L1 to L5 regardless of the operation timing of each stop button 15L, 15C, and 15R, in other words, they are roles that can be won without the need for eye-pressing. On the other hand, the BB, CB, cherry, watermelon and orange combinations are combinations that may result in a miss depending on the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 15L, 15C and 15R, in other words, combinations that require careful attention to win.

[0086] On the other hand, during the CB game, the maximum number of sliding frames for the left reel R1 is changed to 1 frame, and all minor winning combinations, i.e., bell, cherry, watermelon, and orange, are allowed to win regardless of the internal lottery results. The maximum number of sliding frames for the center reel R2 and right reel R3 is 4 frames, the same as during the normal game.

[0087] As can be seen from FIG. 5, the left reel R1 always has one "bell" or one "cherry" symbol per four frames. Therefore, even if the maximum number of sliding frames on the left reel R1 is changed to one frame, at least one of the "bell" or "cherry" symbols can be stopped within the reel window 8, so that either the bell symbol or the cherry symbol can be won regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R. Therefore, during the CB game, either the bell symbol or the cherry symbol can be won, and the payout can be obtained regardless of the operation timing of each of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R.

[0088] <5-2-2. Game state transition>

[0089] 9 is a diagram showing the transition of game states in the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 has three game states: a normal state, a CB game after the CB role is won, and a BB game after the BB role is won. The two game states other than the normal state, that is, the CB game and the BB game, are called special prize states.

[0090] During the BB game, the slot machine 1 outputs a BB in-game signal indicating that the BB game is in progress via the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 20. Specifically, the BB in-game signal is a signal that is in an ON state during the BB game and in an OFF state except during the BB game. Similarly, during a CB game, a CB in-game signal indicating that a CB game is being played is output via the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 20. The CB in-game signal is a signal that is in an ON state during a CB game and is in an OFF state except during a CB game.

[0091] <5-2-3. Lottery value>

[0092] 10 to 12 show the target roles in the internal lottery for each game state of the slot machine 1 and the winning probability of each target role at the setting value 1. In the normal state, as shown in FIG. 10, the winning probability of the BB role is 1 / 150, the winning probability of the CB role is 1 / 150, the winning probability of the Replay role is 1 / 7.3, the winning probability of the Bell role is 1 / 13, the winning probability of the Cherry role is 1 / 30, the winning probability of the Watermelon role is 1 / 100, and the winning probability of the Orange role is 1 / 200.

[0093] In the BB game, the probability of winning the Bell role is set to 137 / 150, the probability of winning the Cherry role is set to 1 / 25, and the probability of winning the Watermelon role and the Orange role is set to 1 / 50, as shown in Fig. 11. As described above, the target roles for the internal lottery in the BB game do not include the BB role, the CB role, and the Replay role.

[0094] In the CB game, the probability of winning all the small roles is set to 150 / 150 as shown in Fig. 12. Here, all the small roles refer to the bell role, the cherry role, the watermelon role, and the orange role. In addition, the roles subject to the internal lottery in the CB game do not include the BB role, the CB role, and the replay role.

[0095] <6. Detailed explanation of prize processing> Next, the details of the winning process in the slot machine 1 will be described.

[0096] <6-1. Game processing flow>

[0097] FIG. 13 shows the flow of game processing executed by the main control device 100. First, in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the start lever 12 has been operated, and if the determination is NO, the same determination is repeated in step S1201. If the answer is YES in step S1201, then in step S1202 it is determined whether or not a specified number of medals have been bet. If the answer is NO, the process returns to step S1201.

[0098] If the answer is YES in step S1202, an internal lottery process is executed in step S1203.

[0099] In the next step S1204, it is determined whether the value of Timer A is 4.1 seconds or more, and if the determination is NO, the same determination is repeated in S1204. If the determination is YES, in S1205, the rotation of all reels R1, R2, R3 is started, and Timer A is reset and the timing is restarted. As can be seen from the above, Timer A is a timer that measures the elapsed time from when all reels R1, R2, and R3 started to spin in the previous game, and in the next game, all reels R1, R2, and R3 will start to spin if the result of the timer A's count exceeds 4.1 seconds. This limits the game interval to 4.1 seconds or more.

[0100] In the next step S1206, it is determined whether or not the stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R have been operated, and if the determination is NO, the same determination is repeated in step S1206. If the answer is YES in step S1206, then in step S1207, the process of stopping the reels R1, R2, and R3 corresponding to the operated stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R is executed, and then in the next step S1208, it is determined whether or not all the reels R1, R2, and R3 have stopped. If the answer is NO in step S1208, then the process returns to step S1206.

[0101] If the answer is YES in step S1208, a prize determination process is performed in step S1209, and based on the result, a determination is made in step S1210 as to whether or not a prize has been won. If the answer is YES in step S1210, a prize process is performed in step S1211, and the process returns to step S1201. If the answer is NO in step S1210, the process also returns to S1201.

[0102] In the winning process, the process is executed according to the type of winning combination, specifically, BB combination, CB combination, small combination, and replay combination. The explanation of the process when the BB combination, CB combination, and replay combination are won is omitted, and the process when the small combination is won is explained below.

[0103] <6-2. Processing when a small prize is won>

[0104] When a small winning combination is achieved, the above-mentioned medal payout process is executed. The medal payout process is made up of a credit-up process and an out signal output process. First, the credit-up process will be described.

[0105] <6-2-1. Credit Up Processing> In the credit-up process, the number of coins that is awarded according to the winning combination is added to the credit number by 1. Each time the credit number is added by 1, the display of the credit number on the credit number display unit 5a is updated and a credit-up sound is output at a fixed interval so that the player can recognize the addition of the credit number. In the slot machine 1, this interval time is set to 14 msec. According to the gaming machine rules, the maximum number of coins to be paid out for a small role is 15 coins, and even in the credit-up process for the maximum of 15 coins, it takes about 210 msec (=14 msec×15 coins) to finish.

[0106] FIG. 14 shows the flow of the credit-up process. In the credit-up process, first, in step S1401, the payout corresponding to the winning minor combination is set to the payout number N. Specifically, the payouts for the winning bell combination, cherry combination, watermelon combination, and orange combination are 13 coins, 1 coin, 6 coins, and 9 coins, respectively, as shown in FIG. 8, so this is set to the payout number N. Also, the payout number N is displayed on the winning number display 10. This display is cleared when the MAX BET button 11, 1 coin BET button 7, or start lever 12 is operated to execute the next game.

[0107] In the next step S1402, 1 is subtracted from the payout number N and 1 is added to the credit number. In the next step S1403, a credit-up sound is output, and in the next step S1404, the process waits for the interval time, i.e., 14 msec, to elapse, and then proceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, it is determined whether the payout number N is zero or not, and if the determination is NO, the process returns to step S1402, whereas if the determination is YES, the credit-up process is terminated and the process returns.

[0108] <6-2-2.Out signal output processing>

[0109] Next, the OUT signal output process will be described. The specifications of the OUT signal output from the game ball lending device connection terminal board 20 each time a medal is paid out are the same as those of conventional slot machines, and a pulse signal that is high for a period of 100 msec or more must be output each time a medal is paid out. The OUT signal output process of this slot machine 1 is characterized in that, when the output of the OUT signal starts in a game in which a small winning combination is achieved, a timer is set with a length of time corresponding to the number of coins paid out N, and the output of the OUT signal in the next game is not started until the timer times out. This prevents a situation in which the output of an OUT signal starts in the next game even though the output of the OUT signal in the previous game has not yet ended.

[0110] 15 shows the flow of the OUT signal output process. In the OUT signal output process, first, in step S1501, the payout corresponding to the winning minor combination is set to the payout number N. In the next step S1502, it is determined whether or not timer B has timed out, and the same determination is repeated until it is determined to be YES in step S1502. If it is determined to be YES in step S1502, timer B is set to (110 x N) msec in S1503, and N OUT signals are output in step S1504 and the process returns.

[0111] In this slot machine 1, the pulse width of the OUT signal is set to 100 msec, and the OFF time is set to 10 msec, i.e., the OUT signal output period is set to 110 msec. Therefore, it takes (110×N) msec to output N OUT signals, and this value is set in the timer B.

[0112] Next, a situation in which the OUT signal output method of the present slot machine 1 is effective will be described.

[0113] In this slot machine 1, the minor role with the largest payout number is the bell role, so let's assume that the bell role wins two games in a row and timer A was already up when the bell role won in the previous game. The credit-up process after the win ends in about 182 msec (= 14 msec x 13 coins), and since timer A has already been up, when the start lever 12 is operated after the bet operation, the reels R1, R2, and R3 start to spin and the next game begins. Here, it is assumed that after the credit-up process is completed, a bet operation, the start lever 12 and the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are immediately operated, and a bell role is won.

[0114] As mentioned above, it takes (110 x 13) = 1430 msec to output an OUT signal in the previous game. In a case like the one described above, all game progress operations for the next game may be performed during this period, which may result in a winning result.

[0115] However, the signal output process of the slot machine 1 sets a timer with a time length corresponding to the payout number N at the start of outputting the OUT signal in a game in which a small winning combination has been won, and does not start outputting the OUT signal in the next game until the timer times out, so that the output of the OUT signal in the next game will not start even if the output of the OUT signal in the previous game has not finished. Therefore, the OUT signal can be transmitted correctly.

[0116] Furthermore, since the out signal output process is executed in the background, even if a timer-up wait occurs during the out signal output process, there will be no delay in the player's progress in the game.

[0117] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the claims. For example, in this slot machine 1, the method of setting timer B is based on the period and the number of coins paid out, but this is not limited to this method and other setting methods may be used as long as they are the minimum time required to output N out signals. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Slot Machines R1 Left reel R2 Middle reel R3 Right reel 12 Start lever 15L Left stop button 15C Middle stop button 15R Right stop button 16 LCD display 100 Main control device 101 Sub-control device

Claims

[Claim 1] A slot machine in which a player can borrow or win a game medal that can be used for a game, or can use the game medal for a game only by electromagnetic means, A terminal board for connecting the game ball lending device to an external device; and an out signal output means for outputting a pulse signal (hereinafter referred to as an out signal) having a pulse width of a specified time or more for each of the game medals acquired by winning to the game ball or the like lending device connection terminal board, The out signal output means, in two consecutive games, This slot machine is characterized in that it starts outputting the OUT signal associated with a win in the next game after a time required for outputting the OUT signal for the number of game medals won by winning in the previous game has elapsed since the output of the OUT signal started in the previous game.

Images