gaming machines

Abstract

To suppress an increase in time until a player operates a stop switch after a rotating reel starts rotating even in a game at the time of winning of a spot pushing combination.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises multiple rotary reels, a start switch, an internal lottery section capable of determining whether at least one winning combination is won from among multiple winning combinations by executing an internal lottery, and a stop switch capable of receiving operation for stopping rotation of the rotary reels, the winning combinations include a spot pushing combination that can be won when an operator's operation timing of the stop switch corresponding to at least one rotary reel is correct answer operation timing, and a rotary reel requiring stop operation at correct answer operation timing can start rotating in a state in which a won spot pushing combination is not won yet after the start switch is operated even if the minimum game time has not elapsed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, gaming machines have been known that are equipped with a timing mechanism that allows a player to win a prize when the timing at which the player operates a stop switch corresponding to at least one rotating reel is correct (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such gaming machines, so-called perfect pressing may be required as a technical intervention element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-83498 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, while this is not a problem for advanced players who can see the symbols on the reels even while they are spinning, beginners who operate the stop switch at the exact moment the symbols on the reels pass must find the symbol they want to press on the rotating reels and figure out when that symbol will appear.Furthermore, the player must operate the corresponding stop switch at the exact moment they find it.

[0006] Therefore, when a player hits the target, there is a risk that the time between when the reels start to spin and when the player operates the stop switch will be long. As a result, such a player may end up playing fewer games per given time (for example, one hour).

[0007] The object of the present invention is to prevent the time from becoming too long even when playing a game in which a pressing role is won. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a plurality of spinning reels on each of which a plurality of symbols are arranged; a start switch that can start the rotation of the plurality of reels based on an operation by an operator; An internal lottery unit that can execute an internal lottery based on an operation by an operator and determine whether or not to win at least one role among a plurality of roles; a stop switch provided corresponding to each of the plurality of spinning reels and capable of receiving an operation for stopping the spinning of the spinning reels; Equipped with The winning combination includes a winning combination that can be won when the timing of an operation by an operator on the stop switch corresponding to at least one of the rotating reels is a correct operation timing, Even if the minimum game time has not elapsed, after the start switch is operated, if the winning eye-pressing role has not yet won, the spinning reel that requires a stop operation at the correct operation timing can start spinning. It is an amusement machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, even when a player wins a button press, it is possible to prevent the time from increasing from when the reels start to rotate until the player operates the stop switch. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of a slot machine and a card unit in a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of symbols on a spinning reel in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram illustrating the connection / communication relationship between the main control board, the game value control board, and the sub-control board in the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a reel control process in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [First embodiment] A slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the following description, "connection" includes cases where connection targets are directly connected to each other, and cases where connection targets are indirectly connected to each other via another board or device, etc.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a reel-type gaming machine in which the quantity of gaming value is managed by electronic data (hereinafter referred to as "gaming value data"), rather than using physically existing medals.

[0013] <Configuration of card unit 7> As shown in FIG. 2, the card unit 7 is connected to the slot machine 1 outside the slot machine 1 so as to be able to communicate with the slot machine 1.

[0014] The card unit 7 can store therein a card 70 that stores gaming value data as electronic data in place of medals that are real objects.

[0015] The card unit 7 is similar to a conventional card unit connected to a medal-less machine, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0016] <Configuration of Slot Machine 1> As described above, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a medal-less machine that allows a game to proceed without using medals, which are real objects. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a game is played using gaming value data as electronic data, instead of medals, which are real objects.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1, the slot machine 1 includes a cabinet 10. A front door 100 is provided on the front of the cabinet 10. This front door 100 is locked while a game is in progress.

[0018] A transparent reel window 200 is provided in the center of the front door 100. Through this reel window 200, a player can see multiple symbols displayed on the surface of each of the multiple rotating reels 20, which will be described later.

[0019] Above the reel window 200, there are provided a liquid crystal screen 3, a speaker 101, and an illumination unit 102 for performing various effects during a game.

[0020] The liquid crystal screen 3 is equipped with a monitor LED and a backlight, and displays various effect videos (effect screens) while the player is playing.

[0021] The speaker 101 outputs predetermined background music (BGM), sound effects (SE), and audio.

[0022] The illumination unit 102 is composed of LEDs and the like, and lights up or goes out in a predetermined pattern when, for example, a highly anticipated performance screen is displayed or a winning combination is achieved.

[0023] Below the reel window 200, there are provided an operation unit 4, a lower panel 103, a front bottom 104, etc. The lower panel 103 displays the title of the slot machine 1, etc. Also, LED lighting is provided on the back side of the lower panel 103. The front bottom 104 is designed to allow players to place their personal belongings, etc.

[0024] The operation unit 4 includes a plurality of stop switches 40 (40a, 40b, 40c), a bet switch 41, a lever 42, a digital counter 43, a count button 44, a cancel button 45, and a performance button 46.

[0025] Near each switch of the operation unit 4, a sensor is provided that detects the operation by the player and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 6.

[0026] Each stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c is provided corresponding to each reel 20 (20a, 20b, 20c). The stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c accept an operation to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel 20a, 20b, 20c while the reel 20a, 20b, 20c is rotating.

[0027] Lamps are provided inside the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c. The lamps can indicate by a color (e.g., red) that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an inoperative state, for example, from when the lever 42 is operated until the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a steady rotation state. Furthermore, the lamps can indicate by a different color (e.g., blue) that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an operable state, for example, from when the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a steady rotation state until the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are operated.

[0028] The bet switch 41 is used when the operator bets a gaming value. The credited gaming value and the amount of betted gaming value are managed by the slot machine 1 (media management unit 620). Hereinafter, the term "credited gaming value" refers to the gaming value (gaming value data) managed by the media management unit 620.

[0029] The lever 42 functions as a start switch that receives an operation to rotate the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0030] The digital counter 43 digitally displays the number of gaming value credits, the number of gaming value paid out (acquired), etc. By checking the digital counter 43, the player can also check the amount of gaming value he or she possesses while playing.

[0031] The counting button 44 can accept an operation by the player to transfer the gaming value data from the media management unit 620 to the card unit 7. When the counting button 44 accepts an operation by the player, a transfer signal is generated in the counting button 44. The counting button 44 also has a lamp inside or around it that changes its light color or turns on / off depending on whether it is not being operated or is being operated.

[0032] The cancel button 45 can accept an operation by a player to change a gaming value that has been bet (betting state) to a non-betting state (non-betting state). When the cancel button 45 accepts an operation by a player, a cancel signal is generated by the cancel button 45. After that, the media management unit 620, which receives the cancel signal, manages the gaming value data that has been bet as a non-betting state. The cancel button 45 also has a lamp inside or around it that changes its light color or turns on / off depending on whether it is being operated or not.

[0033] The effect button 46 is a button used by the player when playing a game to set the light intensity of the LEDs of the illumination unit 102, set the volume of the speaker 101, check game data, and perform various other menu settings related to the game on the menu screen. The effect button 46 may also be operated by the player during play depending on the effect. When the effect button 46 is operated during play, a change occurs in the effect.

[0034] The effect button 46 also has a lamp inside or around it that can emit light in various colors and patterns. The lamp is lit when the effect button 46 is in an enabled state, and is turned off when the effect button 46 is in an disabled state.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, a reset button 51 and a setting change button 52 are provided inside the housing 10.

[0036] The reset button 51 is operated to clear various errors and initialize the RAM that constitutes the control unit 6. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the reset button 51 is being operated, the quantity of game value managed by the media management unit 620 is cleared to "0," and the second game state of the slot machine 1 is set to the "general game state," and the game zone is set to the "normal zone."

[0037] The setting change button 52 is a button that is operated by a store staff member when one of multiple setting values ​​is set in the slot machine 1. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the slot machine 1 is set in the setting change mode, the setting change button 52 becomes operable, and when the setting change button 52 is operated in this state, the setting value can be set.

[0038] 2, the slot machine 1 includes a spinning reel unit 2 and a control unit 6 (consisting of a main control unit 61 mounted on a main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 mounted on a game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 mounted on a sub-control board P3). The spinning reel unit 2 and the control unit 6 are arranged inside the cabinet 10 together with a power supply device for supplying voltage to the slot machine 1 and the like.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the spinning reel unit 2 includes three spinning reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and three stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c.

[0040] 3 are arranged on the surface of each reel 20. The game progresses when a game result determination unit 612 (described later) determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed on the pay line L when each reel 20 stops spinning is a predetermined combination of symbols.

[0041] The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided corresponding to the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and drive the corresponding rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0042] The stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c stop the rotation of the rotating reel 20 (e.g., 20a) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (e.g., 40a) within 190 ms after the stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c is operated while the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c are rotating.

[0043] The rotation and stopping of these reels 20a, 20b, and 20c and stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are controlled by a reel control unit 611, which will be described later.

[0044] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, normal reel control and special reel control are executed for the rotation reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0045] Here, normal reel control is a control method for the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c when a role other than the eye-pressing role is won (excluding cases where the eye-pressing role was won in a game prior to this game but did not result in a prize; the same applies below).

[0046] Special reel control is a control method for the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c when the eye-pressing role wins (including when the eye-pressing role won in a game prior to this game but did not win; the same applies below).

[0047] The normal reel control and the special reel control will be described later.

[0048] <The flow of the game by the operator> The operator operates the bet switch 41 to use the credited gaming value to bet gaming value on the slot machine 1. When a predetermined number (for example, 3) of gaming value is bet on the slot machine 1, the pay line L is activated. After that, the lever 42 can be operated, i.e., the game can be started.

[0049] FIG. 1 shows an example in which the activated line L is configured in the upper row of the reel window 200 for the left rotating reel 20a, the middle row of the reel window 200 for the middle rotating reel 20b, and the lower row of the reel window 200 for the right rotating reel 20c.

[0050] In this embodiment, one game (one play) refers to a series of actions in which a player operates the bet switch 41, lever 42, stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, etc. to obtain a predetermined play result, including internal lottery, winning determination processing, and processing to increase or decrease play value data.

[0051] Specifically, when the bet switch 41 and lever 42 are operated, an internal lottery is conducted to determine the winning flag, and the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c begin to rotate. In this state, when any of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c is operated, the reel 20 (20b) corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 (for example, 40b) stops. When all the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stop, a payout process of a predetermined amount of game value is executed according to the symbol combination (winning combination) that has aligned (won) on the pay line L. This completes one game.

[0052] At least some of the information regarding the progress of the game until these predetermined game results are obtained (for example, the bet switch 41 being operated, the lever 42 being operated, the stop switch 40 being operated, the internal lottery being executed, the predetermined role being won, the reels being spun, etc.) is managed by the main control unit 61 implemented on the main control board P1.

[0053] <Configuration of control unit 6> As mentioned above, the control unit 6 is composed of a main control unit 61 implemented on the main control board P1, a game value control unit 62 implemented on the game value control board P2, and a sub-control unit 63 implemented on the sub-control board P3.

[0054] The main control board P1, the game value control board P2, and the sub-control board P3 each include a microcomputer, a voltage supply unit, a power interruption / recovery detection unit, a WDT (watchdog timer), and a memory unit (ROM, RAM).

[0055] The connection relationships and communication processes of the main control board P1, the game value control board P2, and the sub-control board P3 will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0056] The main control board P1 and the game value control board P2 are electrically connected by a harness, and two-way serial communication is possible.

[0057] The information and commands sent from the main control board P1 to the game value control board P2 include outer edge information, whether or not settings are being changed, commands related to various errors, a signal requesting a bet of game value when the bet switch 41 is operated, a signal requesting the payout of game value corresponding to a winning role, a signal requesting a bet cancellation process when the cancel button 45 is operated, and a request for the transfer of game value when the counting button 44 is operated.

[0058] The information and commands sent from the game value control board P2 to the main control board P1 include information that the complete function (described below) has been activated, information that the number of credits has reached the upper limit (a value set to prompt the player to transfer credits because the number of credits is too high), information regarding whether or not there is a communication abnormality between the card unit 7 and the slot machine 1, and various responses to requests from the main control unit 61.

[0059] The main control board P1 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but only one-way serial communication is carried out from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3.

[0060] The information and commands sent from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3 include information regarding game value (for example, information on bets / payouts of game value, total amount of game value won during AT), information regarding the game status and game area, information regarding the start / end of game play, information regarding the start / end of device operation, information regarding various errors, and information regarding whether the player is able to operate lever 42, etc.

[0061] The game value control board P2 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but serial communication is carried out in one direction from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3.

[0062] The information and commands sent from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3 include the range (MY) described below, information indicating the operation of the complete function, commands related to advance notification before the complete function is activated, information related to the transfer of game value (for example, that transfer has started, that transfer is in progress, that transfer is complete, etc.), information indicating the number of credits or the number of credits acquired, information that the number of credits has reached the upper limit, error information if a backup error in the number of credits has occurred, and information as to whether the player is able to operate the counting button 44, etc.

[0063] <Description of main control unit 61> The main control unit 61 is composed of a microcomputer and other components implemented on the main control board P1, and functions as an internal lottery unit 610, a rotating reel control unit 611, a game result determination unit 612, a setting value control unit 613, a section control unit 614, a game status control unit 615, an RT status control unit 616, and an error determination unit 617.

[0064] <Internal lottery section 610> The internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the lever 42, and can select one flag from among a plurality of winning combination flags as a winning flag.

[0065] The winning combinations obtained by the internal lottery include combinations that are awarded regardless of the player's operation sequence of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c (for example, a common bell or a replay), push order combinations that are awarded when the player presses the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c in the correct order (for example, a push order bell), and eye-pressing combinations that are awarded when the player operates the stop switches 20a, 20b, and 20c at the correct timing. The eye-pressing combinations may also include so-called "color-pressing combinations." A color-pressing combination is a combination that requires eye-pressing at the correct operation timing for at least one of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and can be awarded when the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are pressed in the correct order.

[0066] In this embodiment, the pressing win is a winning combination, for example, when a "red 7-bell-bell" (a red 7 symbol on the left reel 20a, a bell symbol on the middle reel 20b, and a bell symbol on the right reel 20c) is aligned on the pay line L. The red 7 symbol that should be aligned on the pay line L on the left reel 20a stops on the pay line L when the player operates the stop switch 40a correctly, but does not stop on the pay line L when the player does not operate the stop switch 40a correctly. On the other hand, the bell symbols that should be aligned on the pay line L on the middle reel 20b and the right reel 20c always stop on the pay line L by a pull-in control or the like when the pressing win is achieved. In this embodiment, an operation mode that stops the pressing symbol (red 7 symbol) on the pay line L is exemplified, but the pressing symbol does not have to stop on the pay line L, for example, on the middle or bottom row of the left reel.

[0067] <Rotary reel control unit 611> The rotating reel control unit 611 controls the driving of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c based on the operation of the lever 42 or each stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c, and can perform rotation start control to start the rotation of each rotating reel 20a, 20b, and 20c, or rotation stop control to stop the rotation.

[0068] In this game, which is not a simulated game, the spinning reel control unit 611 executes reel control of the spinning reels 20a, 20b, and 20c using either normal reel control or special reel control based on the winning combination as a result of the internal lottery.

[0069] (Normal reel control explanation) The spinning reel control unit 611 executes normal reel control when a role other than the eye-pressing role is won.

[0070] When a role other than the eye-pressing role is won, the spinning reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of all the spinning reels 20a, 20b, 20c after the wait time (4.1 seconds, an example of the minimum play time) required from the start of the previous game to the start of the current game has elapsed.

[0071] After that, the reel control unit 611 validates the player's operation of the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c after the reels 20a, 20b, 20c have entered a constant speed rotation state. This validates the player's operation of the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c. When the player operates the stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c, the reel control unit 611 stops the rotation of the corresponding reel 20a, 20b, 20c.

[0072] On the other hand, if the player operates the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c before the reels 20a, 20b, 20c enter a constant speed rotation state, the reel control unit 611 will not output a signal indicating that the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c have been operated, or will discard the generated signal.

[0073] (Special reel control explanation) On the other hand, when a hit-to-eye role (as mentioned above, when the stop switches 20a, 20b, and 20c are operated at the correct operation timing, the role in which "red 7-bell-bell" stops on the valid line L) is won, the rotating reel control unit 611 executes special reel control.

[0074] In other words, the rotating reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of the left rotating reel 20a, which requires the operation of the left stop switch 40a at the correct operation timing, even if the waiting time has not elapsed, when the winning eye-pressing player has not yet won.

[0075] Furthermore, after the left reel 20a starts to rotate and the wait time has elapsed, the reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of the center reel 20a and the right reel 20b.

[0076] When the player who plays the pressing button wins, as mentioned above, the player needs to aim for the red 7 symbol on the left rotating reel 20a so that the red 7 symbol stops on the valid line L, but for the middle rotating reel 20b and the right rotating reel 20c, the player does not need to aim for the symbol as the bell will be drawn in and stop on the valid line L.

[0077] In this way, in a game in which the eye-pressing role is won, the rotating reel control unit 611 controls the left rotating reel 20a, which corresponds to the red 7 symbol and requires eye-pressing, so that it starts rotating earlier than the middle rotating reel 20b and the right rotating reel 20c.

[0078] In this way, the left reel 20a starts to rotate before the minimum play time has elapsed, thereby giving the player time to grasp the red 7 symbol on the left reel 20a.

[0079] After that, after all of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have entered a constant speed rotation state, the reel control unit 611 enables the player to operate the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c corresponding to the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, respectively. As a result, the reel control unit 611 stops the rotation of the left reel 20a, the middle reel 20b, and the right reel 20c based on the player's operation of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c.

[0080] <Explanation of the Game Result Determination Unit 612> The game result determination unit 612 can determine the game result (for example, whether or not the winning combination has been awarded) based on the internal lottery result output from the internal lottery unit 610 and the results of the rotation stop control of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0081] <Explanation of the setting value control unit 613> The setting value control unit 613 sets any one of a plurality of types of setting values (for example, 1 to 6) with different degrees of advantage in the progress control of the game based on the operation of the setting change button 52 by the store staff.

[0082] <Interval control unit 614> The interval control unit 614 can carry out game progress by setting any one of a plurality of game intervals (a normal interval and an advantageous interval).

[0083] <Game state control unit 615> The game state control unit 615 can carry out game progress by setting each of the first game state (for example, during the execution of a special combination, inside the special combination) and the second game state (for example, a general game state, special game states such as AT, CZ, etc.).

[0084] <RT state control unit 616> The RT state control unit 616 can carry out game progress using one of a plurality of RT states (a table used for internal lottery, and an RT state in which a replay probability is determined in advance).

[0085] <Error determination unit 617> The error determination unit 617 can determine the presence or absence of various errors. Examples of various errors include backup abnormalities, communication abnormalities between the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2, connection abnormalities between the slot machine 1 and the card unit 7, reaching the upper limit value of the credit number, and the like.

[0086] <Explanation of the game value control unit 62> The game value control unit 62 is composed of a microcomputer or the like mounted on the game value control board P2, and functions as a medium management unit 620 and a function operation unit 621.

[0087] <Explanation of the medium management unit 620> The media management unit 620 can manage the number of credits and the number of bets of the gaming value. The media management unit 620 also calculates a range (MY), which is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the difference number, using a gaming value difference number, which is the cumulative value obtained by subtracting the number of bets of the gaming value from the number of payouts of the gaming value since the slot machine 1 was last powered on. The media management unit 620 can also calculate the gaming value difference number separately from the range (MY). The gaming value difference number can be used, for example, to control the gaming interval.

[0088] <Function Activation Unit 621> The function activation unit 621 can receive information about the range (MY) transmitted from the medium management unit 620. Then, when the range (MY) becomes equal to or greater than the first range, for example, 18500, the function activation unit 621 generates information about a prior notification indicating that activation of the complete function is imminent.

[0089] This complete function is a so-called stop function, and when the complete function is activated, the slot machine 1 will no longer accept any operations related to play, and the player will not be able to continue playing (the machine will enter a state where play is not possible) unless the power is turned off and on by store staff.

[0090] <Explanation of the sub-control unit 63> The sub-control unit 63 is implemented on the sub-control board P3 and functions as a performance control unit 630 by operation using a microcomputer or the like.

[0091] <Production control unit 630> By executing a performance lottery, the performance control unit 630 can determine at least one of the following as the performance pattern: a video / still image to be output on the LCD screen 3, a sound pattern to be output from the speaker 101, a lighting pattern of the lighting unit 102 such as an LED, or a lighting pattern of the performance button 46.

[0092] In addition, for example, when the AT is being executed, the performance control unit 630 executes the AT performance using a performance lottery table dedicated to the AT.

[0093] <Reel control process flow> The flow of the reel control process of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] First, when a predetermined amount of game value is bet, or when a replay is won in the previous game, the internal lottery unit 610 executes an internal lottery based on the player's operation of the lever 42 (step S1).

[0095] Next, the flow branches based on whether the player who pressed the button wins or not (step S2).

[0096] If the pressing role does not result in a win (S2: NO), the spinning reel control unit 611 performs normal reel control (step S7), and then the reel control process of the present disclosure ends.

[0097] On the other hand, if the eye-pressing role wins (S2: YES), while the eye-pressing role has not yet won, the spinning reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of the left spinning reel 20a, which requires eye-pressing, as special reel control even before the wait time has elapsed (step S3).

[0098] Next, the flow branches based on whether or not the wait time (4.1 seconds) has elapsed (step S4).

[0099] If the wait time has not elapsed (S4: NO), the process repeats step S4.

[0100] On the other hand, if the wait time has elapsed (S4: YES), the reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of the center reel 20b and the right reel 20c (step S5).

[0101] Next, after all of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have entered a constant speed rotation state, the reel control unit 611 validates the player's operation of each stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c (step S6). After the operation is validated, the player can stop the rotation of the corresponding reel 20a, 20b, and 20c by operating the stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c. Then, the reel control process ends. The reel control process of the present disclosure is executed through the above procedure.

[0102] In summary, the slot machine 1 of the present disclosure has the following features: a plurality of rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c on which a plurality of symbols are arranged; a lever 42 that can start the rotation of the multiple reels 20a, 20b, and 20c based on the player's operation; An internal lottery unit 610 that can execute an internal lottery based on the operation of a player and determine whether or not at least one of a plurality of winning combinations will be won; stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c provided corresponding to each of the plurality of rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c, and capable of receiving an operation for stopping the rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c; Equipped with The winning combination includes a winning combination that can be won when the player operates the stop switch 40a corresponding to the left rotating reel 20a at the correct operation timing (a winning combination that can be won when "red 7-bell-bell" stops on the effective line L), Even if the wait time (an example of the minimum play time) has not elapsed, after the lever 42 has been operated, if the winning eye-pressing role has not yet won, the left rotating reel 20a corresponding to the stop switch 40a, which must be operated at the correct operation timing, can start rotating.

[0103] <Effects of the invention> BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, gaming machines have been known that are equipped with a timing mechanism that allows a player to win a prize when the timing at which a player operates a stop switch corresponding to at least one rotating reel is correct.

[0104] In such gaming machines, so-called perfect pressing may be required as a technical intervention element.

[0105] However, while this is not a problem for advanced players who can see the symbols on the reels even while they are spinning, beginners who operate the stop switch at the exact moment the symbols on the reels pass must find the symbol they want to press on the rotating reels and figure out when that symbol will appear.Furthermore, the player must operate the corresponding stop switch at the exact moment they find it.

[0106] Therefore, when a player hits the target, there is a risk that the time between when the reels start to spin and when the player operates the stop switch will be long. As a result, such a player may end up playing fewer games per given time (for example, one hour).

[0107] In contrast, in the slot machine 1 disclosed herein, even if the wait time has not elapsed, after the lever 42 has been operated, if the winning button has not yet won, the left rotating reel 20a, which requires a button press to make the button press win, can start rotating.

[0108] As a result, the left reel 20a starts to rotate earlier when the button press wins than when the button press does not win, so the player can have time to determine the position of the red 7 symbol on the left reel 20a before the waiting time has elapsed.

[0109] In this way, according to this embodiment, even when playing a game where a pressing-eye role is won, it is possible to prevent the time from increasing between the start of rotation of the reels and the player operating the stop switch.

[0110] [Other embodiments] The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design without changing the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the various control means, processing procedures, and processing contents described in each embodiment can be configured individually or combined as appropriate.

[0111] Furthermore, the various definitions used in this specification are commonly used throughout the specification unless otherwise specified in each example.

[0112] In the above embodiment, in a game in which the eye-pressing role wins but does not result in a prize, the middle and right reels begin to rotate after the left reel starts to spin and after the wait time has elapsed. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the reel control unit may start the middle and right reels to spin after starting the left reel, even before the wait time has elapsed. In this case, operation of all stop switches is enabled after not only the left reel but also the middle and right reels enter a constant speed rotation state. This is effective when the symbols to be targeted on all reels are predetermined, i.e., when the player needs to aim for a red 7 symbol on the left reel, a bar symbol on the middle reel, and a white 7 symbol on the right reel.

[0113] In addition, the hitting hand is not limited to a hand that makes the player hit a conspicuous symbol (in this case, the red 7 symbol) such as "red 7-bell-bell," but may be a hand that makes the player aim for a symbol close to the conspicuous symbol. In this case, for example, it may be a hand that makes the player aim for the watermelon symbol with symbol number 2, which is located three frames above the conspicuous red 7 symbol.

[0114] In addition, although the above embodiment describes the special reel control executed in the actual game rather than the pseudo game, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the special reel control of the present disclosure may be executed in the pseudo game for practice in the case where the eye-pressing role is won.

[0115] In addition, although the above embodiment describes an example in which special reel control is executed only for the left reel, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In addition to or instead of the left reel, special reel control may be executed for the center reel and / or the right reel.

[0116] In this case, there may be multiple reels that start spinning before the wait time has elapsed. Also, the eye-pressing role is a role in which "red 7-bell-bell" is lined up on an active line, but it is not limited to this and may be a role in which "red 7-red 7-red 7" is lined up on an active line, or a role in which "bar-bar-bar" is lined up.

[0117] Furthermore, the special reel control of the present disclosure does not have to be performed on a single fixed reel, but may instead change the reel that is the target of the special reel control from time to time, such as sometimes the right reel, sometimes the center reel, etc. In this case, the reel on which the special reel control of the present disclosure is performed changes, and the player may miss the start of the reel's rotation.

[0118] Therefore, the main control board or the sub-control board may notify in advance which reel will start spinning by, for example, lighting up the reel window surrounding the reel that is the target of special reel control. Furthermore, in this case, the main control board (or the sub-control board that receives a signal from the main control board) may notify which reel will start spinning by audio, such as "Watch the right reel!"

[0119] Furthermore, whether or not the special reel control of the present disclosure is executed may be changed based on the gaming state, such as whether or not the AT is in progress, whether or not the CZ is in progress, whether or not the normal gaming state is in progress, etc. In this case, for example, the special reel control may be executed only when a pressing role is won during the AT.

[0120] In addition, the player or the store staff may be able to switch the special reel control function of the present disclosure on and off. With this configuration, advanced players can win by hitting the buttons precisely even without the special reel control, so the special reel control function can be turned off on a menu screen, for example, while beginners can turn the special reel control function on.

[0121] The function to turn on / off the special reel control function as described above must be switched by an operation unit managed by the main control board, such as a lever, bet button, stop switch, etc. This is because the spinning reel control unit is a function managed by the main control board.

[0122] Furthermore, without being limited to the above embodiment, if the rotation of the rotating reel 20a corresponding to the correct operation timing starts before the wait time has elapsed and that rotating reel 20a enters a constant speed rotation state, the rotating reel control unit 611 may enable operation of the stop switch 40a corresponding to the rotating reel 20a even if the rotation of the other rotating reels 20b, 20c has not started.

[0123] Furthermore, without being limited to the above embodiment, the main control board and the gaming value control board may not be separate, and the main control unit and the gaming value control unit may be mounted on the main control board.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which the slot machine is an AT machine, but the slot machine may also be an ART (Assisted Replay Time) machine, or it may be a bonus-only slot machine that does not execute AT, ART, etc., or a slot machine that can execute both a bonus and AT (or ART).

[0125] Furthermore, while the slot machine in the above embodiment is a medal-less machine equipped with a play area, a slot machine to which the present invention is applied does not have to be equipped with a play area, and does not have to be a medal-less machine. If the slot machine is not a medal-less machine, it will need the configuration of a conventional slot machine, such as a medal insertion slot, hopper, medal payout slot, and bottom tray. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1. Slot machines (gaming machines) 20a, 20b, 20c spinning reels 40a, 40b, 40c Stop switch 42 Lever 610 Internal Lottery 611 Rotating reel control unit

Claims

1. a plurality of spinning reels on each of which a plurality of symbols are arranged; a start switch that can start the rotation of the plurality of reels based on an operation by an operator; An internal lottery unit that executes an internal lottery based on an operation by an operator and is capable of determining whether or not at least one of a plurality of roles is to be won; a stop switch provided corresponding to each of the plurality of spinning reels and capable of receiving an operation for stopping the spinning of the spinning reels; Equipped with The winning combination includes a winning combination that can be won when an operator operates the stop switch corresponding to at least one of the rotating reels at a correct operation timing, Even if the minimum game time has not elapsed, after the start switch has been operated, if the winning eye-pressing role has not yet won, the spinning reel that requires a stop operation at the correct operation timing can start spinning. When the winning eye-pressing role has not yet won a prize, the spinning reel that requires a stop operation at the correct operation timing can start spinning earlier than the spinning reels other than the winning reel. Gaming machine.

2. a plurality of spinning reels on each of which a plurality of symbols are arranged; a start switch that can start the rotation of the plurality of reels based on an operation by an operator; An internal lottery unit that executes an internal lottery based on an operation by an operator and is capable of determining whether or not at least one of a plurality of roles is to be won; a stop switch provided corresponding to each of the plurality of spinning reels and capable of receiving an operation for stopping the spinning of the spinning reels; Equipped with The winning combination includes a winning combination that can be won when an operator operates the stop switch corresponding to at least one of the rotating reels at a correct operation timing, Even if the minimum game time has not elapsed, after the start switch has been operated, if the winning eye-pressing role has not yet won, the spinning reel that requires a stop operation at the correct operation timing can start spinning. Based on the operation of the operator, After the start switch is operated, the winning eye-pressing role is not yet in a winning state, and before the minimum game time has elapsed, the rotation of the reel that requires an operation at the correct operation timing is started; and After the start switch is operated, if the winning eye-pressing role has not yet won a prize, the rotation of the reel that requires an operation at the correct operation timing will not start until the minimum game time has elapsed. It is possible to switch between Gaming machine.

3. a plurality of spinning reels on each of which a plurality of symbols are arranged; a start switch that can start the rotation of the plurality of reels based on an operation by an operator; An internal lottery unit that executes an internal lottery based on an operation by an operator and is capable of determining whether or not at least one of a plurality of roles is to be won; a stop switch provided corresponding to each of the plurality of spinning reels and capable of receiving an operation for stopping the spinning of the spinning reels; Equipped with The winning combination includes a winning combination that can be won when an operator operates the stop switch corresponding to at least one of the rotating reels at a correct operation timing, Even if the minimum game time has not elapsed, after the start switch has been operated, if the winning eye-pressing role has not yet won, the first spinning reel, which is the spinning reel that requires a stop operation at the correct operation timing, can start spinning. It is possible to notify an operator which of the plurality of spinning reels the first spinning reel is. Gaming machine.

Images