JP7575792B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Gaming machines that announce bonuses by a combination of symbols that suggests a win, known as a reach symbol, have been disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2000-157662 A

However, there was still room for improvement in conventional gaming machines.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a variable display means capable of variably displaying a plurality of identification information in relation to the execution of a game, a control means capable of executing control over the variable display means, an awarding means capable of awarding a game value to a player based on the type of identification information statically displayed on the variable display means, and an operation means capable of receiving an operation that affects the progress of a game, and in a gaming machine capable of generating a special gaming state advantageous to a player when special identification information is statically displayed on the variable display means, the gaming machine comprises an announcing means capable of executing a special notification indicating that the special gaming state is in a state in which it is possible to generate the special gaming state, the control means being capable of making the variable display means display specific identification information statically, thereby making the player aware that the special gaming state is in a state in which it is possible to generate the special gaming state, and being capable of suggesting to the player that the special gaming state may be in a state in which it is possible to generate the special gaming state by making the variable display means display a predetermined identification information statically, the specific identification information includes a first specific identification information and a second specific identification information, and the awarding means being capable of inputting the first specific identification information to the variable display means. the game value is not awarded based on the static display of the second specific identification information on the variable display means, the game value can be awarded based on the predetermined identification information being statically displayed on the variable display means, the notification means can execute the special notification based on the awarding of the game value by the awarding means being completed and the operation means being in a non-operated state when the variable display means is in a state in which the special game state can be generated and the predetermined identification information is statically displayed on the variable display means, the special notification can be executed based on the operation means being in a non-operated state when the variable display means is in a state in which the special game state can be generated and the first specific identification information is statically displayed on the variable display means, and the special notification can be executed based on the operation means being in a non-operated state when the variable display means is in a state in which the special game state can be generated and the second specific identification information is statically displayed on the variable display means, even before the awarding of the game value by the awarding means is completed, based on the operation means being in a non-operated state.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the gaming machine. 1 is an oblique view showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine; 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine. A diagram showing the winning lines in the display window of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the reel arrangement of a gaming machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing winning combinations, symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combinations, and prizes. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a pattern combination corresponding to a reach pattern and whether or not a medal is awarded. 11 is a timing chart showing a notification control process when a normal reach symbol occurs. 13 is a timing chart showing the notification control process when cherries overlap. 13 is a timing chart showing a notification control process when a payout is made in a reach state. 13 is a timing chart showing the notification control process when premier cherries overlap. 13 is a flowchart showing a post-notification control process. 13 is a timing chart showing a modified example of the notification control process when a reach symbol is reached and a payout is made.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
Gaming machines are installed in game arcades and the like and come in various types. As an example of this embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine 1 will be described.

[Slot Machine]
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the slot machine 1 is a gaming machine that is composed of a cabinet 1b that is open on the front side and a front door 1a that covers the front side of the cabinet 1b so that it can be opened and closed.
The upper portion of the front door 1a is provided with a display L, which is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and which displays effects and information according to the game, and functions as an example of a presentation means.
On the left and right sides of the display L, there are built-in speakers 9 for outputting sound, and lamps 11 equipped with light-emitting means such as LEDs for producing light effects.

A display window 6 through which the rear can be seen is formed in the center of the front door 1a, and through this display window 6, the symbols displayed on the reels 41, which function as an example of a variable display means, can be seen.
A plurality of pay lines are set for the combination of symbols on each of the reels 41a to 41c that can be viewed through the display window 6 (see FIG. 4).
There are five pay lines in total: three horizontally arranged middle, upper and lower pay lines 1, 2 and 3, and two diagonally crossing pay lines 4 and 5.

A notification lamp 8 is provided on the lower left side of the display window 6.
The notification lamp 8 notifies (specially notifies) the player that he or she has won a "bonus role" as a result of an internal lottery. When the "bonus role" is won, an LED (light-emitting element) provided inside lights up, and this light emission causes letters and pictures (GOO!, etc.) on the panel to be displayed through light.

Below the display window 6, a step is formed that protrudes forward, and this step is provided with a medal insertion port 2 for inserting medals (game value) and a number of operating means.
As operation means, for example, a bet button 2a for setting the bet amount, a start lever 3 that the player operates when starting the game, and a stop button 5 that the player presses to stop the reels 41 are provided.
The bet buttons 2a include a MAX bet button 2a1, which allows the player to bet the maximum number of medals (e.g., three medals) stored as credits that can be bet on one game with one operation, and a 1 bet button 2a2, which allows the player to bet one medal with one operation.
Further, at the bottom of the front door 1a, there is provided a medal payout opening 7b through which medals are paid out.

The upper part of the cabinet 1b is provided with a main control unit 10 which performs overall control of the game, and a sub-control unit 20 which, under the control of the main control unit 10, controls aspects related to the presentation of the game, etc.
The main control unit 10 is equipped with a CPU that performs various types of arithmetic processing, a ROM in which control programs and control data are stored, and a storage means such as a RAM that has a storage area for temporarily storing various types of data and a working area for the CPU, etc.
The main control unit 10 is connected to a bet button 2a, a medal selector 2b, a start lever 3, a stop button 5, a drum unit 4, a medal payout device 7, etc., and is configured to receive various signals from sensors built into each device.
In addition, the main control unit 10 functions as an example of a control means and a lottery means, thereby performing processes such as starting a game and sampling random numbers from a random number generator, and performing internal lottery processing for a winning combination based on the sampled random numbers.
In the following description, the operation means connected to the main control unit 10, such as the bet button 2a, the start lever 3, the stop button 5, etc., are collectively referred to as "main operation means".

The sub-controller 20 is connected to a display L, a speaker 9, a lamp 11, a notification lamp 8, etc., and is configured to be able to transmit various signals to each device.
The sub-controller 20 controls these based on control information received from the main controller 10 .
A drum unit 4 that rotates a reel 41 is provided in the center of the housing 1b.
The drum unit 4 includes a reel 41a, a reel 41b, and a reel 41c arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, and each of the reels 41a to 41c is configured to be rotatable by the drive of a stepping motor (not shown).
A plurality of symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 41a to 41c, and when the reel 41 is stopped, a predetermined number of consecutive symbols (for example, three) can be seen through the display window 6 for each of the reels 41a to 41c.
The lower part of the cabinet 1b is provided with a medal payout device 7 that pays out medals and a hopper 7a that stores medals. The medals paid out from the medal payout device 7 are paid out to the player via a medal payout outlet 7b.
In the slot machine 1 configured as above, the main control unit 10 controls the game as follows.

First, when a player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 2 , the medal is detected by the medal selector 2 b , and a detection signal is input to the main control unit 10 .
When the bet button 2 a is operated, an operation signal is input to the main control unit 10 .
The main control unit 10 monitors the number of medals available for the game based on the presence or absence of input of these signals, and also monitors the operation of the start lever 3 .
When the number of medals required to start the game is reached and the start lever 3 is operated, the main control unit 10 drives the drum unit 4 to perform control to rotate the reels 41a to 41c.
As a result, the symbols displayed on the reels 41a to 41c are displayed in a variable manner.

As shown in FIG. 5, the periphery of each reel 41a to 41c is displayed with a number of (e.g., 21) symbols that serve as identification information, such as "7,""BAR,""Replay,""Bell,""Clown,""Grapes,""Cherry," etc., and the rotation speed gradually increases from a stopped state, after which it reaches a steady state where it rotates at a constant speed.
When the reels reach this steady rotation state, the stop buttons 5a to 5c provided corresponding to the reels 41a to 41c can be pressed.

At this time, the main control unit 10 performs an internal lottery process for each game from among a plurality of winning combinations including a "miss" that are to be selected in response to the operation of the start lever 3.
In the internal lottery process, a winning combination is determined by lottery from among a plurality of combinations based on a predetermined probability of winning each time a game is played.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing winning combinations that are stopped along the pay lines in the display window 6, combinations of symbols corresponding to the winning combinations, and special prizes.
The objects of the internal lottery include, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a "bonus role" which gives the player the right to move to a bonus game (special game state) including two types of bonus games, such as BB (big bonus) and RB (regular bonus), a "minor role" (such as bell, clown, grape, cherry, etc.) which awards a predetermined number of medals, a "replay role" which allows the player to play the next game without inserting a medal, and a miss (not shown).
In the internal lottery, a winning value preset for each of these lottery objects is compared with a random number value obtained at the time the start lever 3 is operated, and the lottery object corresponding to the winning value that matches the random number value is determined as the winning object (including losing objects) for this game.
Thereafter, when each of the stop buttons 5a, 5b, and 5c is pressed by the player, the main control unit 10 performs stop control to stop each of the reels 41a, 41b, and 41c based on the operation timing.
For example, if the left stop button 5a is pressed first, the left reel 41a will stop when it is pressed, if the middle stop button 5b is pressed second, the middle reel 41b will stop when it is pressed, and if the right stop button 5c is pressed third, the right reel 41c will stop when the right stop button 5c is released from pressure by releasing the finger that pressed it.
In the following explanation, when the stop button 5 is operated, the reel 41 that stops first is referred to as the first reel, the reel 41 that stops after the first reel is referred to as the second reel, and the reel 41 that stops after the second reel is referred to as the third reel.
The operation for stopping the first reel is referred to as the first stop operation, the operation for stopping the second reel is referred to as the second stop operation, and the operation for stopping the third reel is referred to as the third stop operation.

At this time, the main control unit 10 controls the reels 41a to 41c to stop so that a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination is stopped along an active line.
For example, when a winning combination is obtained by the internal lottery, the player operates (eye-presses) the stop button 5 so that the winning combination of symbols stops on the winning line, and the spinning reels 41a to 41c are controlled to stop based on the timing of this operation.

Specifically, a determination is made as to whether or not there is a symbol corresponding to a winning combination within a range of the number of sliding frames (e.g., 0 to 4 symbols) that can cause the reel 41 to rotate further based on the operation timing, and if there is a symbol corresponding to a winning combination within the range of the number of sliding frames, pull-in control is performed to pull the symbol onto the winning line.
The main control unit 10 then determines the patterns and their combinations that are stopped and displayed on each of the reels 41a to 41c, and when the pattern combination for the winning role is aligned on an active line, it determines that a prize has been won and controls the medal payout device 7 to pay out a predetermined number of medals, and the medals are paid out from the medal payout outlet 7b.
Therefore, the main control unit 10 functions as an awarding means for awarding medals to the player in accordance with the winning combination.

For example, when a bonus symbol combination (such as "7-7-7" (special identification information)) stops on an active line, a bonus game is started, which is determined by the upper limit of the number of balls that can be dispensed.
During this bonus game, a lottery is held and the reels are controlled so that a pattern arrangement corresponding to a "minor winning combination" with a predetermined payout is aligned consecutively, thereby paying out a large number of game media.
Therefore, during the bonus game, the player is in a more advantageous gaming state than in the normal gaming state in which consecutive "small winning" wins cannot be expected.
Furthermore, even though they are the same bonus games, the upper limit of the number of balls paid out in BB is set to a value greater than the upper limit of the number of balls paid out in RB, so that more medals are paid out in BB than in RB.
The probability of winning this "bonus role" is determined by a set value that can be changed in multiple stages (for example, six stages).
Generally, setting 1 is the lowest probability value, with the higher the number the higher the probability value, and setting 6 being the highest probability value.
Therefore, setting 1 is the most disadvantageous setting to the player, and the higher the number, the more advantageous the setting is to the player, with setting 6 being the most advantageous setting to the player.

The "minor roles" include the "Bell role," the "Clown role," the "Grape role," and the "Cherry role," etc.
When a "minor winning combination" (for example, "Bell Bell Bell") stops on an active line, the game is controlled so that a number of medals specified for each "minor winning combination" is paid out.
Incidentally, the reach combination "Clown 7 Clown" not shown in FIG. 6 described later is naturally treated as a winning combination (for example, a "small combination").

When a "replay role" (for example, "replay replay replay") stops on an active line, the game is controlled so that the player can play (replay) the next game without inserting a medal.
Based on the symbol combinations as explained above, the winning of the "bonus role,""minorrole," and "replay role" are determined, and when the corresponding symbol combination stops on an active line as a result of the determination, a win is made and a special prize is awarded according to the winning combination.

In addition, the main control unit 10 outputs predetermined signals and information to the sub-control unit 20 at predetermined game timings (for example, operation of the start lever 3, the stop button 5, etc.).
For example, when each of the stop buttons 5 a to 5 c is operated to stop, the main control unit 10 outputs information such as the order in which the stop buttons 5 are pressed and the operation timing to the sub-control unit 20 .
For this reason, when each reel 41a to 41c is stopped by operating the stop button 5, the main control unit 10 outputs information regarding which reel 41 stopped in what order and at what timing to the sub-control unit 20 together with information that enables identification of the patterns on the upper, middle and lower rows.
In addition, when a "bonus role" is won, the main control unit 10 outputs a bonus signal (BB signal, RB signal) to the sub-control unit 20 to indicate that a "bonus role" has been won and to identify the type of "bonus role" that has been won.

When the sub-control unit 20 inputs information and signals output from the main control unit 10, it controls the display L, speaker 9, and lamp 11 in accordance with this information and signals and based on a pre-stored presentation program to perform a predetermined game presentation.
Specifically, the sub-control unit 20 is composed of a sub-CPU (central processing unit), a sub-RAM (memory), a sub-ROM and other storage means, a sub-board on which an image control circuit, an audio control circuit, a lamp control circuit and the like are mounted, and a board case that houses these, and drives presentation means such as a display L consisting of a liquid crystal display, a speaker 9 that outputs sounds such as voice and sound effects, and a lamp 11, to control game presentations such as predetermined images, light emission presentations, and sound presentations.
The sub-controller 20 then identifies the progress of the game, the game state, and lottery items that have been won in the lottery process, all of which are managed by the main controller 10, and controls the performance to be synchronized with the game.
For example, when the sub-control unit 20 inputs a bonus signal output from the main control unit 10 in the event that a "bonus role" is won in an internal lottery, it causes the notification lamp 8 to light up (turn on), thereby notifying the player that a "bonus role" has been won (hereinafter also referred to as a bonus notification).
Therefore, the player can know that he or she has won the "bonus role", which further heightens the player's expectations for the bonus game.
Therefore, the notification lamp 8 functions as a notification means for notifying the player that a bonus game can be generated.

[Reach eyes]
FIG. 7 shows reach patterns (specific identification information), symbol combinations corresponding to the reach patterns, and whether or not medals are awarded, and is stored in advance in the storage means.
The reach symbol refers to a result that informs the player that he or she has won a "bonus role" in an internal lottery.
A player who sees a reach pattern can understand that he or she has won a "bonus combination", and can therefore perform a stop operation (eye push) on the stop button 5 so that the symbol combination of the "bonus combination" stops on the effective line at an early stage.
In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, such reach eyes can be divided into three categories, reach eyes A, reach eyes B, and reach eyes C, according to the combination patterns of the symbols.
The following describes the pattern combinations for each reach pattern and whether or not a medal is awarded.

Reach pattern A is a reach pattern in which a combination of "bonus symbols" is aligned in a straight line on an active line.
No. (1) to (6) in Figure 7 show examples of reach patterns A. Reach patterns A are reach patterns in which the symbol combination of the "bonus symbol""7" or "BAR", such as No. (1) "BAR, BAR, BAR", stops on any of the activated lines 1 to 5.
Therefore, the reach symbol A is a reach symbol in which the pay line is not limited.
Further, reach eyes A are reach eyes in which no medals are paid out to the player even if the corresponding symbol combination stops on an active line, for all of the reach eyes No. (1) to (6).

Reach pattern B is a reach pattern in which the combination of "clown, bonus symbol, clown" is aligned in a straight line on an active line.
No. (7) and (8) in Figure 7 show an example of a reach pattern B. Reach pattern B is a reach pattern in which the combination of the symbols "Clown 7 or BAR Clown" with "clowns" on either side of the "bonus pattern" stops on any of the activated lines 1 to 5.
Therefore, like reach symbol A, reach symbol B is a reach symbol in which the pay line is not limited.
In addition, in reach pattern B, the reach pattern No. (7) “Clown BAR Clown” does not result in a payout of medals even if the corresponding symbol combination stops on an active line, as in reach pattern A. However, in the reach pattern No. (8) “Clown 7 Clown”, when the corresponding symbol combination stops on an active line, a predetermined number of medals (for example, 1 medal) is paid out, as in the case of a winning combination such as a “small prize”.
In addition, in the case of the reach pattern of No. (7) “Clown BAR Clown”, similarly to the reach pattern of No. (8) “Clown 7 Clown”, if the corresponding combination of symbols stops on an active line, medals may be paid out.

The reach symbol C is a reach symbol in which a "cherry (predetermined symbol information)" stops on the left reel 41a.
No. (9) and (10) in Figure 7 show an example of a reach pattern C. Reach pattern C is a reach pattern in which a "bonus role" is won and a "cherry role" is also formed at the same time (hereinafter referred to as a cherry overlap).
For example, the No. (9) reach pattern is a reach pattern in which "Cherry" stops on the top row of the left reel 41a, "BAR" stops on the middle row, and "Grapes" stops on the bottom row, and "Cherry" does not appear on the center reel 41b.
Therefore, when "Cherry" stops at the upper or middle row of the center reel 41b, "Cherry" is in a ready state, and therefore it is not a reach combination.
The reach symbol No. (10) is a reach symbol in which "Grapes" stops on the top row of the left reel 41a, "Cherry" stops on the middle row, and "BAR" stops on the bottom row.
In addition, "ANY" on the center reel 41b or the right reel 41c indicates that any stopping symbol does not matter.
Therefore, the No. (10) reach symbol C can be said to be a reach symbol that is established when a "cherry" stops in the middle row of the left reel 41a.
In addition, for reach eyes C, when the corresponding symbol combination for either reach eye No. (9) or (10) stops on an active line, a “Cherry” role is awarded, so it can be said that this is a reach eye that will essentially result in the payment of a predetermined number of medals (for example, two medals).

[Notification control process]
Next, notification control when a reach symbol occurs will be described.
The notification control for reach eyes is such that the lighting of the notification lamp 8 is controlled so that there is no sense of incongruity between reach eyes such as "BAR BAR BAR" where no medals are paid out and reach eyes such as "Pierrot 7 Pierrot" where medals are paid out.
By such control, the slot machine 1 can notify the bonus by the notification lamp 8 even when the reach symbol which brings about a payout is displayed at the same timing as when the reach symbol which brings about no payout is displayed.
The notification control when a reach symbol occurs will be described below with reference to the timing charts of FIG. 8 to FIG.

The examples shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11 are specific examples of notification control during one game from the start of the game when a reach symbol stops on an active line until the notification lamp 8 is turned on.
In the notification control of reach eyes, after the bet amount is set by the bet button 2a, the game becomes ready to start by operating the start lever 3, and the lighting control of the notification lamp 8 is different depending on the subsequent stop operation by the stop button 5 and the payout of medals.

First, the notification control process when a reach symbol (first specific identification information) in which no payout is performed will be described.
FIG. 8 is a timing chart of the notification control process when a normal reach pattern A such as "BAR BAR BAR" or a reach pattern B such as "Clown BAR Clown" is displayed, in which no medals are paid out.
As described above, the main control unit 10 progresses the game by controlling output means such as the drum unit 4 equipped with each reel 41a to 41c and a stepping motor that drives these rotations, and the medal payout device 7, based on operation signals from operation means such as the bet button 2a, start lever 3, stop button 5, etc. (for example, on/off information from a sensor provided on each operation means (on: operated, off: not operated)).

In the course of the game, operations for each operating means are performed in the following order.
For example, after the bet button 2a is first operated, the start lever 3 is operated to start the rotation of the reel 41.
Operation of the stop button 5 becomes valid a predetermined time after the reel 41 starts to rotate, and by operating the stop button 5 after it becomes valid, the rotation of the reel 41 is stopped.

The game progresses as each operating means is operated in this order, but a notification when a reach symbol is reached and no payout is made is made when both of the following conditions (1) and (2) are met.
(1) The reel 41 has stopped spinning. (2) All main operating means have been turned “OFF (non-operating state).”

The notification control during a normal reach is as follows: (1) when the rotation of the reel 41 stops and the operating means such as the stop button 5 for stopping the third reel is not operated, that is, (2) when all of the main operating means are turned "OFF," the sub-control unit 20 receives a next game start command from the main control unit 10, and controls the notification lamp 8 to light up after receiving this next game start command.
Therefore, for example, as shown by the dotted line, if the player is late in releasing the stop button 5 after pressing it for a long time when stopping the third reel, the notification lamp 8 will also be delayed by the same amount of time before it is lit.

In addition, when a "cherry" such as reach symbol C stops on the left reel 41a, medals will essentially be paid out. In this case, the following condition (3) is added to the conditions (1) and (2).
(3) The payment of medals has been completed.

The notification in the case of overlapping cherries (first situation) is further conditioned on (3) that the payout of medals has been completed.
When all of these conditions are met, the sub-controller 20 receives a next game start command from the main controller 10 and turns on the notification lamp 8 .
Therefore, (1) the rotation of the reel 41 stops, and (2) all of the main operating means are turned "OFF", and then (3) when the payout of the medals is completed, a notification is given by the notification lamp 8.
Also, for example, even if (2) all of the main operating means are turned “OFF” while medals are being paid out, (3) if the stop button 5 or the like is pressed again before the medal payout is completed, the notification lamp 8 will not notify the player until the player releases the stop button 5, even if the payout is completed (see FIG. 9).

On the other hand, the time chart shown in FIG. 10 shows the notification control process for a reach pattern (second specific identification information) that results in the payout of medals, such as reach pattern B of "Clown 7 Clown."
The notification of a reach point at which medals are to be paid out is made when both of the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied.
(1) The reels 41 have stopped spinning. (2) All main operating means have been turned "OFF."

The sub-control unit 20 receives a special notification command from the main control unit 10 when (1) the rotation of the reel 41 stops and (2) all of the main system operating means are turned "OFF," for example, when the player releases his/her hand from the stop button 5 during the third stop operation.
Then, the sub-controller 20 that receives the special notification command turns on the notification lamp 8 .
At this time, the payout of medals begins (1) when the rotation of the reel 41 stops, regardless of whether (2) all of the main operation means are "OFF" or not, but if (1) the rotation of the reel stops and (2) all of the main operation means are "OFF", the payout of medals is controlled to be notified even if it has not been completed.
Therefore, the notification is executed even if the medal payout has not been completed, which is different from the case where cherries overlap, in which medal payout is also performed.
Also, for example, as shown by the dotted line, if the player is late in releasing the stop button 5 after pressing it for a long time when operating to stop the third reel, the notification lamp 8 will also be delayed by the same amount of time before it is lit.

In this way, even if the reach symbol results in a payout, such as a winning combination such as a "minor combination," the main control unit 10 confirms that (1) the rotation of the reel 41 stops and (2) all main system operating means are "OFF," and then transmits a special notification command to the sub-control unit 20 and lights up the notification lamp 8, just as in the case of a reach symbol that does not result in a payout.
As a result, even if a winning combination with a payout is treated as a reach pattern, it can be announced at the same timing as a reach pattern without a payout, allowing the player to play without feeling uncomfortable.

In addition, the sub-control unit 20 controls the game so that, when medals are paid out to the player, a payout display is performed to indicate that medals will be paid out.
The payout display is a presentation in which, upon receiving a winning signal indicating a win, the speaker 9 and the lamp 11 output sounds and lights indicating the payout of medals.
For example, when four medals are paid out, the display L displays "1, 2, 3, 4", the speaker 9 sounds "dadadada" (four consecutive sounds), and the lamp 11 lights up "pikapikapikapika" as if four medals were paid out.
When a "minor win" such as overlapping cherries is won at the same time, this payout action is executed along with the payout of medals, but in the case of a "Clown 7 Clown" reach combination, the payout action is controlled so that it is not executed when the medals are paid out.
This is because the reach pattern of "Clown 7 Clown" is still functioning as a reach pattern, and is therefore controlled separately.

Next, the notification control process performed during a premiere (special performance) will be described.
The time chart shown in Figure 11 shows the notification control processing of a reach pattern in which a premium "bonus role" is won and a minor role is simultaneously established (mainly a cherry overlap such as reach pattern C in which a "cherry" stops on the left reel 41a).
Here, the case of the "cherry combination" will be described as an example of a minor combination that is established simultaneously with the winning of the "bonus combination".

When a premium cherry overlap occurs, the notification lamp 8 notifies the player when all of the following conditions (1) to (3) are met.
(1) The reels 41 have stopped spinning. (2) All main operating means have been turned "OFF." (3) The payout of medals has been completed.

Notification control in the case of a premium overlap of cherries (second situation) is when (1) the reels stop spinning, (2) all of the main operating means are turned "OFF", and (3) when the payout has been completed, the sub-control unit 20 receives a next game start command from the main control unit 10 and lights up the notification lamp 8.
At this time, payout of medals starts when (1) the reels have stopped spinning and (2) all of the main operating means are in the "OFF" state.
Therefore, the condition for starting the payout of medals in the premium mode is different from the condition for starting the payout of medals in the normal mode, and also requires that (2) all main operating means are turned "OFF."
For example, as shown by the dotted line, if the player is late in releasing the stop button 5 after pressing it for a long time when stopping the third reel, the start of medal payout will be delayed, and accordingly the notification lamp 8 will be delayed by the amount of the delay.

Here, the special effects that are performed after the series of notification control processes described above will be described.
The special effect is a rare, premium effect that occurs after the notification lamp 8 turns on and a "replay role" that transitions to the next game is established (even when only one medal is bet).
For example, a special effect may be produced when a predetermined condition is met, in which case the character's cry (Wawawawan!) is heard from the speaker 9 and the notification lamp 8 flashes at the same time.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the post-notification control process.
In the slot machine 1, a special effect is executed by satisfying all predetermined conditions between the time when a bonus is announced and the time when the "bonus role" actually stops on the pay line.
The predetermined conditions for the special effect to be executed include, for example, (1) winning the "BB role", (2) winning the special effect execution lottery, (3) winning the "replay role", etc., and when all of these conditions are met, the special effect is controlled to be executed.

(1) Winning the “BB role” The condition for (1) is that the “bonus role” has either the “BB role” or the “RB role”, but the winning of the “BB role” is the condition (S10).
If the "BB" role has been won, the process proceeds to S11 (S10: Yes), whereas if the "RB" role has been won, the process ends (S10: No).

(2) Winning the lottery to execute a special effect The condition for (2) is winning the lottery to execute a special effect, which is performed while the “bonus role” is won (S11). This lottery is executed, for example, at the timing of operating the start lever 3.
This structure further heightens the player's expectations for the bonus game.
The right to a special effect can be acquired by winning the lottery to execute the special effect, and if the lottery to execute the special effect is won, the process proceeds to S12 (S11: Yes), whereas if the lottery is not won, the process ends (S11: No).

(3) Winning of "Replay Role" The condition for (3) is that a "replay role" is won (S12).
If the "replay role" has been won, the process proceeds to S13 (S12: Yes), and if the "replay role" has not been won, the process ends (S12: No).
Normally, winning a "replay role" that does not shift to a bonus game would be winning a role that is not desirable for the player, but by satisfying these conditions such as winning a "replay role", the player's desire to see a premium special performance after the bonus is announced can be satisfied (S13).

In addition, when there are multiple replay symbols or symbol combinations in the "replay role", there may be multiple types of special effects depending on which "replay role" is established.
In addition, even if condition (2) (the lottery for executing a special effect) is won, if condition (3) (the "replay role") is not won, the special effect will not be executed and the right to win the special effect will be lost. However, if the lottery for executing a special effect is won even once, the right to win the special effect may be carried over until the special effect is executed after the next or subsequent notification control processing.

[Modification]
Next, a modified example will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, in the notification control process when the "Clown 7 Clown" reach symbol for which a payout is to be made stops on an active line, a notification is made by the notification lamp 8 even if the payout of medals has not been completed.

The notification in the modified example is executed when all of the following conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied.
(1) The reel 41 has stopped spinning. (2) All main operation means have been turned "OFF." (3) A predetermined amount of medals has been paid out.

In a modified example, when the "Clown 7 Clown" reach symbol stops on an active line, even if the payout of medals is not complete, (1) the rotation of the reel 41 stops, and (2) all of the main operating means are turned "OFF," the notification is withheld until a predetermined amount of medals (for example, the 7th out of 10) have been paid out, and (3) the notification is made when the predetermined amount is reached.
In this case, if all of the conditions (1) to (3) are met, the main control unit 10 will send a special notification command to the sub-control unit 20, and the sub-control unit 20 will turn on the notification lamp 8 after receiving the special notification command.

This allows for variation in the notification by the notification lamp 8, preventing the notification presentation from becoming monotonous.
As a result, the timing of the notification can be made interesting to the player, and it is possible to control the setting by, for example, suggesting settings based on the number of medals paid out at which the notification begins.
Specifically, when the number of medals to be paid out is announced on the third coin, a setting of 3 is suggested, and when the number of medals to be paid out is announced on the sixth coin, a setting of 6 is suggested, and so on.

As described above, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a bonus is announced based on a reach symbol, in a gaming machine in which medals are paid out like a winning combination such as a "minor combination," the bonus announcement is controlled so as to be made without waiting for the completion of the medal payout.
As a result, when a bonus is announced based on a reach symbol, the bonus can be announced at the same timing as when a reach symbol stops, which does not result in the payout of medals, so that the player can play the game without feeling uncomfortable.

On the other hand, in conventional gaming machines, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a gaming machine that notifies a bonus by a reach symbol like the present invention, however, there is no information regarding notification control when a medal is paid out, and it cannot be said that sufficient consideration has been given to this.
According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to solve all or part of the problems that need to be improved in conventional gaming machines.

Although a preferred embodiment of the gaming device of the present invention has been described above, the gaming device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
(1) The present invention can also be applied to so-called sealed gaming machines in which games are played using pseudo gaming media in the form of data, rather than using actual gaming media such as medals.
(2) After a reach symbol (special outcome) such as “BAR, BAR, BAR” stops on an active line, a special performance may be produced by pressing the MAX BET button 2a1, pressing the 1 BET button 2a2, or inserting a medal.
As a result, when the only condition is pressing the MAX BET button 2a1, the special effects cannot be executed. However, by setting multiple conditions, for example, an experienced player or other player who is accustomed to playing may bet one coin to win a "bonus role" in order to prevent loss of medals as much as possible, but even such a player can execute the special effects when pressing the 1 BET button 2a2.
(3) In the notification control when premium cherries overlap, an example has been explained in which the condition for starting medal payout is that all main operating means are “OFF.” However, the condition for starting medal payout may also be set based on the elapsed time (e.g., number of seconds) from when all main operating means are turned “OFF” to when medal payout begins.
For example, a setting suggestion may be that the longer the time between when all main operating means are turned "OFF" and when the payout of medals begins, the higher the probability that the setting is high.
(4) In a gaming machine configured to use a display L to count up the number of coins to be paid out (displaying a number that is incremented by one every second), the presentation of a "Clown 7 Clown" reach symbol that does not result in a payout may be distinguished from other reach symbols by, for example, displaying the count up faster or slower than a normal count up display.
(5) In the example described above, the reach combination of “Clown 7 Clown” does not include a payout. However, it may include a payout. For example, if a payout is included, a setting suggestion such as a high setting can be given.
(6) The above description takes as an example a so-called “A type” gaming machine in which medals are earned by winning “bonus roles” such as BB and RB. However, the present invention can also be applied to so-called “A+AT type” gaming machines that have an AT gaming state that assists in the winning of “minor roles” in addition to bonuses such as BB and RB.
In this case, the specifications of the "A+AT type" gaming machine can be, for example, as follows:
・One slot machine with a liquid crystal display (main liquid crystal display + sub liquid crystal display is fine)
・Equipped with AT (including ART) and CZ (chance zone) for entering AT ・Equipped with normal zone and advantageous zone, the advantageous zone ends when the number of times played in the advantageous zone reaches a specific number (for example, 3000 games) or the number of coins won in the advantageous zone reaches a specific number (for example, 2400 coins) (In the case of an enclosed type gaming machine, it is not necessary to set a specific number of times to play in the advantageous zone.)
- The advantageous zone includes the normal state, a high probability state in which the probability of winning CZ or AT is higher than in the normal state, CZ, AT, etc.

1. Slot machine (amusement machine)
5 Stop button (operation means)
8 Notification lamp (notification means)
9. Speaker (means of presentation)
10 Main control unit (control means, providing means)
11. Lamp (means of production)
20 Sub-control unit 41 Reel (variable display means)
L Display device (direction means)

Claims (5)

A variable display means capable of variably displaying a plurality of pieces of identification information in association with the execution of a game;
A control means capable of executing control related to the variable display means;
a granting means for granting a game value to a player based on the type of the identification information displayed on the variable display means;
An operation means capable of receiving an operation that affects the progress of a game;
Equipped with
In a gaming machine capable of generating a special game state advantageous to a player when special identification information is stopped and displayed on the variable display means,
a notification means capable of executing a special notification indicating that the special game state is in a state in which the special game state can be generated;
The control means
By causing the variable display means to stop displaying the specific identification information, it is possible to make the player recognize that the special game state is in a state in which it is possible to generate the special game state,
By causing the variable display means to stop displaying the predetermined symbol information, it is possible to suggest to the player that it is possible that the special game state can be generated,
The specific identification information includes first specific identification information and second specific identification information,
The applying means is
based on the first specific symbol being displayed in a stopped state on the variable display means, the game value is not awarded,
The game value is awarded based on the second specific identification information being stopped and displayed on the variable display means,
The game value is awarded based on the predetermined symbol information being displayed in a stopped state on the variable display means,
The notification means includes:
When the special game state can be generated and the predetermined identification information is displayed in a stopped state on the variable display means, the special notification can be executed based on the fact that the awarding means has completed the awarding of the game value and the operating means is in a non-operated state;
When the special game state is generated and the first specific identification information is stopped and displayed on the variable display means, the special notification can be executed based on the fact that the operation means is in a non-operation state;
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the special game state can be generated and the second specific identification information is displayed in a stopped state on the variable display means, the special notification can be executed based on the operation means being in a non-operated state, even before the awarding of the game value by the awarding means is completed. When the special game state is generated and the predetermined symbol information is stopped and displayed on the variable display means, the plurality of states include a first state and a second state;
The notification means includes:
In the first situation, even if the operation means is in an operating state, the awarding means can start awarding the game value, and the special notification can be executed based on the completion of the awarding.
The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that, when the second situation is present, the awarding means can start awarding the game value based on the fact that the operating means is in a non-operated state, and the special notification can be executed based on the completion of the awarding. a performance means for performing a predetermined performance when the awarding means awards the prize;
The production means is
When the game value is awarded based on the predetermined symbol information being stopped and displayed on the variable display means, the predetermined performance is executable;
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the game value is awarded based on the second specific identification information being displayed in a stopped state on the variable display means, the predetermined presentation is not executed. The notification means includes:
When the special game state can be generated and the predetermined identification information is displayed in a stopped state on the variable display means, the operation means is in a non-operated state while the game value is being awarded by the awarding means, and the special notification can be executed based on the completion of the awarding of the game value.
A gaming machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the special game state can be generated and the specified identification information is displayed in a stopped state on the variable display means, the operating means is in a non-operated state while the game value is being awarded by the awarding means, and the operating means is in an operated state before the awarding of the game value is completed, and even if the awarding of the game value is completed, the special notification is not executed as long as the operating state of the operating means is maintained. The notification means includes:
A gaming machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when the special game state can be generated and the second specific identification information is displayed in a stopped state on the variable display means, the special notification can be executed based on the operation means being in a non-operated state and a predetermined amount of game value being awarded, even before the awarding means has completed the awarding of the game value.

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