JPH11188134A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve amusement and operability by generating a prize wining expecting sound according to the kind of a prize wining line when constituting a part of the combination of prescribed patterns of a pattern stopping at one place on the prize wiring line. SOLUTION: When a player operates respective stopping buttons 16 to 18, a CPU detects this through a reel stopping signal circuit. Namely when first stopping buttons 16 to 18 are on-operated, one corresponding reel 3 to 5 among the reels 3 to 5 is stopped. Then, the kind of the stop-displayed symbol is temporarily stored. When following second stopping buttons 16 to 18 are on-operated, a second corresponding reel 3 to 5 among the reels 3 to 5 is similarly stopped and the symbol is temporarily stored. Next, based on a hit flag generating table, whether prize winning is expected at a validating prize-winning line L1 is judged, a prize-winning expecting sound is generated when it is expected. Thus, expectation is given to improve amusement.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a prize is generated when various symbols variably displayed on a variable display device are stopped and displayed in a predetermined combination on a prize line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of gaming machine, there is, for example, a slot machine. In a general slot machine, three reels are arranged in three rows behind a front panel.
Various symbols are drawn on the outer periphery of each reel, and these symbols are observed through windows formed on the front panel. Five winning lines are described in this window, and a slot machine game is performed based on whether or not a predetermined combination of symbols is arranged on any one of the winning lines.

[0003] In other words, each reel rotates in response to the operation of the start lever by the player, and symbols are rotated and displayed on the respective windows in the row direction. When each reel reaches a certain speed, the operation of each stop switch provided corresponding to each reel becomes effective. The player operates each stop switch while observing the moving symbol, stops the rotation of each reel, and attempts to stop and display the desired symbol on any one of the winning lines. The rotation of each reel is stopped according to the operation timing of each stop switch. If a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on any one of the winning lines during this stop, a winning according to the symbol combination is obtained.

[0004]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machines, the game is performed with an eye on the types of combinations of predetermined symbols aligned on the winning line, and the types of the winning lines themselves in which the predetermined symbols are aligned are not considered. The game was played without paying much attention to the number of winning lines. Similarly, the type of reel row in which symbols are finally stopped and displayed on the winning line has not been noticed similarly.

According to the present invention, the type of the pay line itself, the number of the pay line, and the type of the reel row, which have not been noticed, attract the attention and interest of the player, and provide a wide range of interest in the game. Another object of the present invention is to improve the operability of a gaming machine.

[0006]

For this purpose, the present invention comprises a variable display device for variably displaying various symbols, and a plurality of winning lines defining combinations of symbols displayed on the variable display device. In a gaming machine in which a prize is generated when a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the winning line, a symbol stopped and displayed on any of the plurality of winning lines is
On the condition that it constitutes a part of a predetermined symbol combination, an expected winning sound generating means for generating expected winning sounds corresponding to the type of the winning line is provided.

[0007] According to this configuration, the symbol stopped and displayed on any of the plurality of winning lines constitutes a part of a predetermined combination of symbols, that is, on a plurality of winning lines. The expected winning sound corresponding to the type of the winning line is generated by the expected winning sound generating means on condition that the combination of the predetermined symbols is likely to be aligned in any of the above. From the expected winning sound, the player can identify which winning line of the plurality of winning lines is likely to have the predetermined symbol. In addition, the player stops and displays a predetermined symbol on a winning line where a desired expected winning sound is generated, and can listen to the expected winning sound, thereby expanding the enjoyment of the game.

In the present invention, the variable display is continued on condition that a symbol stopped and displayed on any one of a plurality of winning lines forms a part of a predetermined symbol combination. An expected winning sound generating means for generating expected winning sounds according to the types of the remaining rows is provided.

According to this configuration, expected winning sounds corresponding to the type of the variable display row for stopping and displaying the last symbol on the winning line are generated by the expected winning sound generating means. The player stops and displays the last symbol of the predetermined symbol combination in the variable display column in which the desired expected winning sound is generated, and can listen to the expected winning sound, thereby expanding the enjoyment of the game.

Further, according to the present invention, on the condition that a symbol stopped and displayed on any one of a plurality of winning lines forms a part of a predetermined combination of symbols, the number of the winning lines depends on the number of the winning lines. And a means for generating expected prize sounds.

According to this configuration, expected winning sounds are generated by the expected winning sound generating means in accordance with the number of winning lines in which combinations of predetermined symbols are likely to be aligned. The player can identify the number of the winning lines in which the predetermined symbols are almost aligned from the expected winning sounds. Also,
The player can grasp the possibility of winning according to the number of the winning lines identified, and can perform a game operation according to the winning degree.

[0012]

Next, a first embodiment in which a gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described.

FIG. 1 shows a slot machine 1 according to this embodiment.
FIG.

Behind the front panel 2 of the slot machine 1, three reels 3, 4, and 5 constituting a variable display device are rotatably provided. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 3, 4, and 5, a symbol row including a plurality of types of symbols (hereinafter, referred to as symbols) is drawn. These symbols are displayed through the display windows 6, 7, and 8 on the front of the slot machine 1, respectively.
Observed individually. On the lower right side of the display windows 6, 7, 8 there is provided an insertion slot 9 for a player to insert a medal.

In the display windows 6 to 8, three horizontal (central L1 and upper and lower L2A, L2B) and two diagonal (diagonally lower right L3A, diagonally right upward L3B) winning lines are described. Prior to the start of the game, when the player inserts one medal into the medal insertion slot 9, only the central winning line L1 on each of the reels 3 to 5 is activated as shown in FIG. You. When two medals are inserted into the insertion slot 9, upper and lower pay lines L2A and L2B are added to the medal, and three horizontal pay lines L1, L2A and L2B are activated as shown in FIG. Is done. When three medals are inserted into the insertion slot 9, all the winning lines L1,
L2A, L2B, L3A and L3B are activated as shown in FIG.

The circles in FIG.
Represents the symbol drawn above. Such activation of the pay line is displayed to the player by turning on an activated line display lamp 23 (see FIG. 1) arranged at an end of each pay line.

On the lower left side of the display windows 6 to 8, 1B
An ET switch 10, a 2BET switch 11, and a MAX BET switch 12 are provided. When a medal is credited in the credit amount display unit 13,
Instead of inserting medals into the medal slot 9, these 1 BET
Switch 10, 2BET switch 11 and Max B
By operating each push button of the ET switch 12, one, two, and three medals are bet in one game, respectively. The number-of-credits display section 13 is composed of 7-segment LEDs of a number corresponding to the number of digits of the numerical value to be displayed, and displays the number of medals currently credited.

Below these BET switches 10-12, a credit / payment changeover switch (C / P switch) 1
4 and a start lever 15 are provided, and a stop button 16,
17 and 18 are provided. The credit / payout (PLAY CREDIT / PAY OUT) of the medal can be switched by operating the push button of the C / P switch 14.

The rotation of the reels 3, 4, and 5 starts simultaneously by operating the start lever 15. The stop buttons 16, 17, and 18 are arranged corresponding to the respective reels 3, 4, and 5. When the rotation of each of the reels 3 to 5 reaches a certain speed, the operation is activated, and the player pushes the buttons. The rotation of each reel is stopped according to the button operation.

Further, a sound transmission hole 19 and a medal tray 20 are provided in a lower part of the front of the slot machine 1. The sound transmission hole 19 is for outputting sound generated from a speaker housed inside the device to the outside. The medal tray 20 stores medals paid out from a medal payout exit 21.
In addition, a payout display unit 22 is provided on the front upper portion of the slot machine 1 to indicate how many medals are paid out for each winning.

A liquid crystal display unit 24 is provided on the front panel 2 on the right of each of the reels 3, 4, and 5. The liquid crystal display unit 24 is a display device that simulates the rotation display of the reels 3, 4, and 5.

FIG. 3 shows a circuit configuration including a control unit for controlling a game processing operation in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the control unit.

The control section has a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "microcomputer") 30 as a main component, and further includes a circuit for sampling random numbers. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU 31 for performing a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 as storage means. The CPU 31 is connected to a clock pulse generating circuit 34 and a frequency divider 35 for generating a reference clock pulse, a random number generator 36 for generating a random number within a certain range, and a random number sampling circuit 37 for specifying one of the generated random numbers. ing.

The main actuators whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 30 include reels 3 and
Stepping motors 3M, 4M, which rotationally drive 4, 5
5M, a hopper 38 for storing medals, a liquid crystal display unit 24, and a speaker 39. These are driven by a motor drive circuit 40, a hopper drive circuit 41, a display drive circuit 42, and a speaker drive circuit 43, respectively. These drive circuits 40 to 43 are connected to the CPU 31 via the I / O port of the microcomputer 30. Each of the stepping motors 3M to 5M is excited in one or two phases by the motor drive circuit 40, and each of them rotates once when a drive signal of 400 pulses is supplied.

The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 30 to generate a control signal includes a start switch 15S for detecting the operation of the start lever 15 and a medal insertion port 9 The inserted medal sensor 9S for detecting the inserted medal, and the C /
There is a P switch 14. The reels 3, 4, and 4 receive an output pulse signal from a reel rotation sensor (not shown).
There is also a reel position detecting circuit 44 for detecting the rotation position of the reel 5. The reel rotation sensor and the reel position detection circuit 44 are included in the drive mechanism of each of the reels 3, 4, and 5 in FIG.

The reel rotation sensor generates a reset pulse each time each of the reels 3, 4, and 5 makes one rotation. This reset pulse is sent to the CPU 31 via the reel position detection circuit 44.
Given to. In the RAM 33, a count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation is stored for each of the reels 3 to 5. When the CPU 31 receives the reset pulse, the count value formed in the RAM 33 is set to " Clear to "0". By this clearing process, a shift generated between the movement display of each symbol and the rotation of each of the stepping motors 3M to 5M is eliminated for each rotation.

Further, as the above-mentioned input signal generating means,
Reel stop signal circuit 45 and payout completion signal generation circuit 4
There are six. The reel stop signal circuit 45 includes a stop button 1
When 6, 17, 18 are pressed, the corresponding reel 3,
Generate a signal to stop 4,5. Further, the medal detection unit 47 counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 38, and the payout completion signal generation circuit 46 converts the medal count value actually paid out inputted from the medal detection unit 47 into predetermined payout number data. When it has reached, a signal notifying the completion of the medal payout is output to the CPU 31.

The ROM 32 stores, as a sequence program, a procedure of a game process executed in the slot machine 1, and stores a winning determination table, a symbol table, a winning symbol combination table, and the like in a divided manner. .

The winning determination table stores data for dividing a random number within a certain range generated by the random number generator 36 into each winning mode. One random number value specified by the sampling circuit 37 is determined to which group of this section belongs, and a winning mode is determined.

FIG. 4 conceptually shows the symbol table. The symbol table is for associating the rotation positions of the reels 3 to 5 with the symbols, and represents a symbol row by symbols. In this symbol table, a symbol code corresponding to the code number is displayed on each reel 3.
５5 are stored. The code numbers are sequentially assigned at a constant rotation pitch of each of the reels 3 to 5 based on the rotation position at which the reset pulse is generated. The symbol code indicates a symbol provided corresponding to each code number.

In the winning symbol combination table,
The symbol code of each winning symbol combination shown in the payout display unit 22, the symbol code of the symbol combination forming the “reach eye” that suggests to the player that the flag of the occurrence of the specific game is established, and each winning is shown. A winning determination code, a winning medal payout number, and the like are stored. This winning symbol combination table is referred to at the time of stop control of the first reel 3, the second reel 4, and the third reel 5, and when performing a winning confirmation after stopping all the reels.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine controlled by the microcomputer 30 in this embodiment will be described.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the game processing.

First, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a medal BET has been placed (see step 101). This determination is “YES” when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 9 and a detection signal is input from the medal sensor 9S or a signal is input from the BET switches 10, 11, and 12. In this case, the start switch 1 is then operated by operating the start lever 15.
It is determined whether or not a start signal has been input from the 5S (step 102).

If this determination is "YES", the CPU 31
A winning determination (probability lottery process) is performed (step 103), and subsequently, a rotation process of the reels 3, 4, and 5 is performed (step 104). The winning determination is performed at an appropriate timing after the start lever 15 is operated, and one random value generated by the random number generator 36 and specified by the sampling circuit 37 belongs to any winning group in the winning determination table. This is performed by determining whether the value is a value.

The stop control of the reels 3, 4, and 5 is performed according to the type of the winning flag set as a result of the winning determination (step 105). Next, it is determined whether or not the display when the reel is stopped is a predetermined winning symbol combination by referring to the winning symbol combination table (step 10).
6). If no prize is obtained, “NO” is returned and the process returns to the first step 101. If the result of the winning determination is that the game is a replay game, the process proceeds to step 102.
The process returns to the operation waiting process for the start lever 15 (step 107). When a prize is not a replay game, a predetermined number of medals are paid out by the hopper 38 (step 108).

Next, the above-described reel stop control in ST105 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

The operation of the stop buttons 16 to 18 by the player is detected by the CPU 31 via the reel stop signal circuit 45 as described above (see step 111 in FIG. 6). When an ON operation is performed on any of the three stop buttons 16 to 18 and the ON operation of the first stop button is detected, one of the reels 3 to 5 corresponding to the stop button is detected. Stop control is performed on one reel (step 112).

The stop control is performed by controlling the motor drive circuit 40 by the CPU 31 and stopping the supply of the drive pulse to any of the stepping motors 3M to 5M corresponding to the operated stop button. At this time, the type of the symbol that is stopped and displayed on the windows 6 to 8 by the stopped reel can be known from the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motors 3M to 5M based on the symbol table. The type of the stopped symbol is R
It is temporarily stored as a symbol code in a predetermined area of the AM 33.

Subsequently, it is detected whether or not the ON operation of the second stop button has been performed (step 113). If the ON operation has been detected, the CPU 31 causes the CPU 31 to select one of the corresponding stop buttons. Stop control is similarly performed on the reels (step 114). In the same manner, the type of the symbol which is stopped and displayed by this second reel in one of the windows 6 to 8 is also temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33 as a symbol code.

In this way, two of the three reels 3 to 5 are stopped and controlled, and when the symbol codes stopped and displayed on these two reels are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 33, the CPU 31 sets a hit flag. An occurrence table is created. In other words, if a combination symbol of the two reels already fixed is combined with which symbol of the remaining one reel, what kind of winning will occur on which winning line will be stored in the RAM 33 as a table.
In a predetermined area. For this reason, all the symbols displayed on the remaining reels are combined with the symbols already determined by the two reels, and the presence or absence of a winning is determined for each activated winning line.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the hit flag generation table created in this way, in which the first reel 3 and the second reel 4 are already controlled to stop, and finally the third reel 5 is controlled to be stopped. Shows the case. 1st reel 3
The symbols stopped and displayed on the second reel 4 are represented as symbol codes in the same table, and these symbols constitute a part of the winning symbol combination on either the activated winning line L1 or L2A. .
These activated pay lines L1 and L2A are combined with the respective symbol codes that are displayed on the remaining third reel 5 in a stopped state,
The presence or absence of a prize is determined for each prize line.

This determination result is indicated by the presence of a hit flag in the symbol combination that generates a winning (hit). Depending on the type of the hit flag, a winning mode such as a big hit, a medium hit, a small hit, and no winning is determined. expressed. Therefore, by generating the hit flag generation table, it is possible to know in advance which winning will occur on which activated winning line if the remaining one reel stops displaying which symbol. I can do it.

Next, by referring to the hit flag generation table, it is determined whether or not there is an expectation that a winning will occur in the activated winning line L1 (step 115). When a winning line L1 is expected to be won, the speaker drive circuit 43 is controlled by the CPU 31 and the speaker 39 is controlled.
, An expected winning sound A is generated (step 11).
6). The expected winning sound A is transmitted to the player through the sound transmission hole 19 at the lower front of the device. Here, the speaker driving circuit 43, the speaker 39, and the CPU 31 constitute a winning expected sound generating means.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the second reel 4 and the third reel 4 are placed on the activated pay line L1.
When the symbol "7" of the reel 5 is stopped and the first reel 3 is rotating, the expected winning sound A is generated.

If the winning line L1 does not have a winning expectation, it is determined based on the hit flag occurrence table whether or not there is an expectation that a winning will occur on the next activated pay line L2A (see FIG. 4). Step 117). When the winning line L2A is expected to win, the speaker driving circuit 4
3 is controlled by the CPU 31, and the expected winning sound B different from the expected winning sound A is generated from the speaker 39 (step 118). The expected winning sound B is also transmitted to the player through the sound transmission hole 19.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the symbol "Thunder V" of the first reel 3 and the second reel 4 is stopped and displayed on the activated pay line L2A, and the third reel is displayed. When the reel 5 is rotating, the expected winning sound B is generated.

If there is no expectation of a winning on the pay line L2A, it is determined based on the hit flag occurrence table whether or not there is an expectation of a winning on the next activated pay line L2B (see FIG. 4). (See FIG. 7, step 119). If there is a winning expectation on the winning line L2B, the speaker drive circuit 43 is controlled by the CPU 31 and the expected winning sound C different from the expected winning sounds A and B is generated from the speaker 39 (step 120). The expected winning sound C is also transmitted to the player through the sound transmission hole 19.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9C, the symbol "7" of the first reel 3 and the third reel 5 is stopped and displayed on the activated pay line L2B, and the second reel is displayed. The expected winning sound C is generated when 4 is rotating.

If there is no expectation of winning on the pay line L2B, it is determined based on the hit flag occurrence table whether or not there is an expectation of winning on the next activated pay line L3A. Step 121). When the winning line L3A is expected to be won, the speaker drive circuit 43 is controlled by the CPU 31 and the expected expected sound A,
An expected winning sound D different from B and C is generated from the speaker 39 (step 122). The expected winning sound D is also transmitted to the player through the sound transmission hole 19.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9D, the symbol "Thunder V" of the first reel 3 and the third reel 5 is stopped and displayed on the activated pay line L3A, and the second reel 3 is displayed. When the reel 4 is rotating, the expected winning sound D is generated.

If there is no expectation of a winning on the pay line L3A, it is determined based on the hit flag occurrence table whether or not there is an expectation of a winning on the next activated pay line L3B (see FIG. 4). Step 123). When the winning line L3B is expected to be won, the speaker drive circuit 43 is controlled by the CPU 31 and the expected expected sound A,
An expected winning sound E different from B, C, and D is generated from the speaker 39 (step 124). The expected winning sound E is also transmitted to the player through the sound transmission hole 19.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9E, the symbol "Thunder V" of the second reel 4 and the third reel 5 is stopped and displayed on the activated pay line L3B, and the first reel is stopped. When the reel 3 is rotating, the expected winning sound E is generated.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the stop button has been operated on the remaining one of the three reels 3 to 5 (step 125). When the ON operation of the third stop button is detected, the CPU 31 controls the stop of any one reel corresponding to the stop button (step 126). The type of the symbol stopped and displayed in any of the windows 6 to 8 by the last reel is also temporarily stored as a symbol code in a predetermined area of the RAM 33.

As a result, each window 6 is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM.
All of the total of nine symbols displayed in Nos. To 8 are temporarily stored as symbol codes. In the above-described winning determination process (see FIG. 5, step 106), the stored data is referred to, and the presence or absence of a winning is determined for each activated winning line.

In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made on the assumption that all the winning lines are activated. However, if there is a winning line which has not been activated, it is determined whether or not the winning line is expected. Is skipped and processed.

According to the present embodiment, the expected winning sounds A to E are generated from the speaker 39 in accordance with the type of the winning line in which the combination of the predetermined symbols for generating the winning is almost complete. The player expects this winning sound A
To E, a plurality of winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L
It is possible to identify which of the winning lines out of 3A and L3B the predetermined symbols are about to be aligned. Therefore, the player can quickly grasp which winning line is in a gaming state in which a winning is likely to occur, and the operability of the slot machine 1 is improved.

Further, the player can enjoy the desired expected prize sound by stopping and displaying a combination of predetermined symbols on the prize line in which the desired expected prize sound among the expected prize sounds A to E is generated. I can do it.

Next, a second embodiment in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to the above-described slot machine 1 will be described.

The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the reel stop control processing shown in step 105 of FIG. 5 is different, and the other configuration is the same as the above embodiment. . That is, each reel 3 in the present embodiment
The stop control processes of Nos. To 5 are shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

In this processing, also in the above-described step 11
First, as in 1-114, the first stop button is turned on
It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed (step 131 in FIG. 10).
If the button operation is detected, stop control is performed on any of the corresponding reels 3 to 5 (step 132). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the second stop button has been turned ON (step 133).
When this button operation is detected, stop control is performed on any of the corresponding reels 3 to 5 (step 134).

When the stop control is performed on any two reels, the above-described hit flag generation table is created, and it is checked which prize line is to be generated in which prize line. Here, when it is found that there is an expectation that a prize will occur in a certain prize line, it is next determined whether or not the type of the last reel which has not been stopped yet is the third reel 5 on the right. Is performed (step 135). If the last reel is the third reel 5, the speaker drive circuit 43 is controlled by the CPU 31, and the expected winning sound A is generated from the speaker 39 (step 13).
6).

For example, as shown in FIG.
If the symbols “7” on the reel 3 and the second reel 4 are aligned on the pay line L3B and a winning is expected, and the last reel that has not been stopped is the third reel 5, the expected winning sound A is generated. Occur.

The last remaining reel is the third reel 5
If not, it is next determined whether or not this last reel is the second reel 4 (step 137). If the last reel is the second reel 4, the speaker drive circuit 43 is controlled by the CPU 31 and the expected winning sound B different from the expected winning sound A is generated from the speaker 39 (step 138).

For example, as shown in FIG.
If the symbols “7” on the reel 3 and the third reel 5 are aligned on the pay line L2B and a winning is expected, and the last reel that has not been stopped is the second reel 4, the expected winning sound B is generated. Occur.

The last remaining reel is the second reel 4
If not, then it is determined whether or not this last reel is the first reel 3 (step 139 in FIG. 11).
reference). If the last reel is the first reel 3, the speaker drive circuit 43 is controlled by the CPU 31 and the expected winning sound C different from the expected winning sounds A and B is generated from the speaker 39 (step 140).

For example, as shown in FIG.
If the symbols “7” on the reel 4 and the third reel 5 are aligned on the pay line L1 and a winning is expected, and the last reel that has not been stopped is the first reel 3, the expected winning sound C is generated. Occur.

Next, it is determined whether or not the stop button has been operated for the last reel among the three reels 3 to 5 (step 141). When the ON operation of the third stop button is detected, the CPU 31 controls the stop of the last reel corresponding to the stop button (step 142). Thereafter, the above-described winning determination processing (see FIG. 5, step 106) is performed, and the presence or absence of a winning is determined for each activated winning line.

According to this embodiment, the expected winning sounds A to C corresponding to the type of the reel for stopping and displaying the last symbol on the winning line are generated from the speaker 39. The player can enjoy the desired expected prize sound by performing an operation of stopping and displaying the last symbol on the reel where the desired expected prize sound among the expected prize sounds A to C is generated.

Next, a third embodiment in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to the above-described slot machine 1 will be described.

The present embodiment is different from the above-described first embodiment in that the reel stop control processing shown in step 105 of FIG. 5 is different, and the other configuration is the same as the above-described first embodiment. Is the same as That is, the stop control processing of each of the reels 3 to 5 in the present embodiment is performed in the manner shown in FIGS.
4 is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In this processing, also in the above-described step 11
First, as in 1-114, the first stop button is turned on
It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed (FIG. 13, step 141).
If the button operation is detected, stop control is performed on any of the corresponding reels 3 to 5 (step 142). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the second stop button has been turned on (step 143).
When this button operation is detected, stop control is performed on any of the corresponding reels 3 to 5 (step 144).

When the stop control is performed on any two reels, the hit flag generation table described above is created, and it is checked which winning line is to be generated on which winning line. Here, if it is found that there is an expectation that a prize will occur on a certain prize line, then it is determined whether or not the number of prize lines on which a prize is expected is one (step 145). If the number of winning lines expected to win is one, the speaker driving circuit 43
U31 is controlled by the speaker 39
(Step 146).

For example, as shown in FIGS. 15 (a), (b) and (c), one pay line L2A, L3A, L3B
If there is a winning expectation in which the symbols “Thunder V” are aligned, the expected winning sound A is generated.

If the number of prize-winning lines that are expected to be awarded is not one, then it is determined whether or not the number of prize-winning lines that are expected to be an award is two (step 14).
7). If the number of the winning lines is two, the speaker drive circuit 43 is controlled by the CPU 31 and the expected winning sound B different from the expected winning sound A is generated from the speaker 39 (step 148).

For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, when there is a winning expectation in which the symbols “Thunder V” are aligned on two winning lines L1 and L3B, the expected winning sound B is generated. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3B, when there is a winning expectation in which the symbols "Thunder V" are aligned on the two winning lines L3A and L2B, the expected winning sound B is also generated.

If the number of prize-winning lines is not two, it is determined whether the number of prize-winning lines is three or not (FIG. 14, step 149). reference). If the number of the winning lines is three, the speaker drive circuit 43 is controlled by the CPU 31 to generate expected winning sounds C different from expected winning sounds A and B from the speaker 39 (step 150).

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, when there is a winning expectation in which the symbols “Thunder V” are aligned on three winning lines L3A, L1, L3B, the expected winning sound C is generated.

Next, it is determined whether or not the stop button has been operated for the last reel among the three reels 3 to 5 (step 151). When the ON operation of the third stop button is detected, the CPU 31 controls the stop of the last reel corresponding to the stop button (step 152). Thereafter, the above-described winning determination processing (see FIG. 5, step 106) is performed, and the presence or absence of a winning is determined for each activated winning line.

According to the present embodiment, the expected winning sounds A to C are generated from the speaker 39 in accordance with the number of the winning lines in which the combination of the predetermined symbols for which the winning is to occur is almost complete. The player expects this winning sound A ~
From C, it is possible to identify the number of winning lines in which predetermined symbols are likely to be aligned.

Further, the player can grasp the degree of the possibility of winning according to the number of the identified winning lines, and can perform a game operation in accordance with the degree of winning. In other words, when the number of winning lines with expected prizes is small, the ON operation of the last stop button must be performed seriously, but when the number of winning lines with expected prizes is large, the last stop button is required. Can be performed with a margin.

Therefore, the player can quickly understand whether the game state is such that the player can play the game with a margin, and the operability of the slot machine 1 is improved.

Further, for example, as shown in FIG.
There are a plurality of winning lines L1 and L3B which are expected to win,
When a symbol is aligned with the topmost frame or the central frame of the third reel 5 to be stopped last, when a prize is generated, the prize is easily generated.

That is, in the stop control process of the third reel 5, the CPU 31 performs the pull-in control process for four frames, and even if the timing of operating the stop button is shifted by four frames, the symbol "Thunder V" is the highest. The third reel 5 is controlled so as to be stopped and displayed on the upper frame. However, in this case shown in FIG. 7A, even if the timing of operating the stop button by one frame is further shifted, "Thunder V" is stopped and displayed on the center frame, and a prize is generated.
That is, it is easy to generate a winning.

Therefore, by identifying this state by notifying the expected winning sound B, it can be understood that the last stop button can be operated with a margin.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the variable display device is constituted by three reels 3 to 5 has been described, but the variable display device is not limited to this configuration. For example, a variable display device may be configured by a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, a CRT, a dot display device, a 7-segment LED, an electroluminescence display device, or the like.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a slot machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pachinko machine having the above-described variable display device may be used. It may be applied to a ball-and-ball game machine such as a game machine or other amusement equipment.

Even when the gaming machine is realized with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be obtained.

[0089]

As described above, according to the present invention, expected winning sounds corresponding to the types of winning lines in which combinations of predetermined symbols are likely to be generated are generated by expected winning sound generating means. From the expected winning sound, the player can identify which winning line of the plurality of winning lines is likely to have the predetermined symbol. In addition, the player stops and displays a predetermined symbol on a winning line where a desired expected winning sound is generated, and can listen to the expected winning sound, thereby expanding the enjoyment of the game.

Further, according to the present invention, an expected winning sound according to the type of the variable display row for stopping and displaying the last symbol on the winning line is generated by the expected winning sound generating means. The player stops and displays the last symbol of the predetermined symbol combination in the variable display column in which the desired expected winning sound is generated, and can listen to the expected winning sound, thereby expanding the enjoyment of the game.

Further, according to the present invention, expected prize sounds corresponding to the number of prize lines in which combinations of predetermined symbols are likely to be generated are generated by expected prize sound generation means. The player can identify the number of the winning lines in which the predetermined symbols are almost aligned from the expected winning sounds. In addition, the player can grasp the degree of the possibility of winning according to the number of the identified winning lines, and can perform a game operation in accordance with the degree of winning.

That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to attract the player's attention and interest in the type of the pay line itself, the number of the pay lines, and the type of the reel row, which have not been paid attention in the past. Is given a width,
Further, the operability of the gaming machine is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a state in which a winning line described in a display window of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1 is sequentially activated.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main control circuit configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a view conceptually showing a symbol table used for a game process of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of a game process of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a first flowchart showing a reel stop control process in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a second flowchart showing a reel stop control process in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an example of a hit flag generation table used in a game process of the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the variable display device showing an example of a winning line in which an expected winning sound is generated in the slot machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a first flowchart showing reel stop control processing in the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a second flowchart showing a reel stop control process in the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a variable display device showing an example of reel types in which expected winning sounds are generated in the slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a first flowchart showing a reel stop control process in the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a second flowchart showing a reel stop control process in the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows that the number of winning lines in which expected winning sounds are generated is 1 in the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
It is a front view of the variable display which shows the example of a book.

FIG. 16 shows that the number of winning lines in which expected winning sounds are generated is two in the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
It is a front view of the variable display which shows the example of a book.

FIG. 17 shows that the number of winning lines at which expected winning sounds are generated is three in the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
It is a front view of the variable display which shows the example of a book.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine 2 ... Front panel 3, 4, 5 ... 1st, 2nd, 3rd reel 6, 7, 8 ... Window 9 ... Medal slot 10, 11, 12 ... BET switch 13 ... Credit number display part 14 ... Credit / payout changeover switch 15... Start lever 16, 17, 18. Stop button 19... Sound-transmitting hole 20. Medal receiving tray 21. Medal payout slot 22. Payout display 23. Validation line display lamp 24. , L2A, L2B, L3A, L3B ... winning line

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A variable display device for variably displaying various symbols, and a plurality of winning lines for defining a combination of symbols displayed on the variable display device. A predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the winning line. In a gaming machine in which a prize is generated when stopped and displayed, on the condition that the symbol stopped and displayed on any of the plurality of prize lines constitutes a part of the combination of the predetermined symbols, A gaming machine comprising a winning expected sound generating means for generating expected winning sounds according to a type of a winning line. 2. A variable display device for variably displaying various symbols in a plurality of columns, and a winning line for defining a combination of symbols in each column displayed on the variable display device. In a gaming machine in which a prize is generated when the symbol combination is stopped and displayed, the symbol stopped and displayed on any of the plurality of winning lines constitutes a part of the predetermined symbol combination. A gaming machine, characterized in that a condition is provided with an expected prize sound generating means for generating an expected prize sound according to the type of the remaining row in which variable display is continued. 3. A variable display device for variably displaying various symbols, and a plurality of winning lines for defining a combination of symbols displayed on the variable display device. A predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the winning line. In a gaming machine in which a prize is generated when stopped and displayed, on the condition that the symbol stopped and displayed on any of the plurality of prize lines constitutes a part of the combination of the predetermined symbols, A gaming machine comprising: a winning expected sound generating means for generating expected winning sounds according to the number of winning lines. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said gaming machine is a slot machine or a ball and ball gaming machine.