JPH119765A - Slot machine and method for controlling stop of reel of slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine, which prevents double winning by means of the timing of operation of stop buttons such that a player is allowed to determine whether he/she is playing a normal game or has drawn a winning combination and which reduces the difference in dividend rate between skilled and inexperienced players, and a method for controlling the stop of the reels of the slot machine. SOLUTION: A plurality of reels are rotated and stopped by stop buttons that correspond to the respective reels, and medals are dispensed according to the combination of the symbols stopped. Reel stop control tables are prepared such that stopping of the plurality of reels is controlled by one of the tables according to combinations of the symbols stopped, and one or plural reel stop control tables to be used at the start of reel rotation are selected; at the stop of each reel, the effective reel stop control table is further selected from the selected reel stop control tables according to a stop position determined by the stop button, and a combination of symbols matching the reel stop control table that has been saved as being valid is achieved when all the reels are stopped.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a slot machine and a reel stop control method for the slot machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, the operation and operation of a slot machine are performed as follows. (1) The player inserts one to three medals. (2) Next, operate the start lever. (3) Then, the three reels start rotating.

(4) Next, a stop button corresponding to each reel is operated to stop each reel. (5) When the three reels stop, on an effective line set according to the number of inserted medals (only one middle medal line for one medal, three upper, middle, and lower medal lines for two medals, In the case of three medals, the payout of medals is performed in accordance with the symbols stopped at the upper, middle, lower, upper right, and lower right lines.

[0004] The above operations and operation operations are performed when viewed from the player side. The slot machine is controlled as follows by a microprocessor built therein. (1) When medals are first inserted, an effective line according to the number of medals is selected.

(2) Next, when the start lever is operated, the three reels start rotating. (3) At the same time, a lottery is performed by the microprocessor, and a winning state is determined. (4) Next, when a stop button provided for each reel is operated, control is performed according to the result of the lottery so that the symbols are aligned on the activated line.

That is, frame advance (sliding or pulling-in) is performed within a predetermined number of symbols (for example, 4 frames) until the reel stops, and when a target symbol appears, a predetermined symbol is displayed. Stop the symbol on the activated line. However, if there is a possibility of a double winning, control is performed to remove the target symbol from the activated line. Even if the lottery is won as a result of the lottery, if the stop button is operated at a timing at which the pull-in control cannot be performed, the stop is performed in a pattern different from a normal game stop pattern, and the pull-in is performed. Inform the player that it was not possible.

(5) When the three reels stop, medals are paid out according to the symbols aligned on the activated line.

[0008]

However, in the conventional slot machine, depending on the order in which the stop buttons are operated, even in a normal game, when a lottery is won by a lottery and pull-in is impossible (internal hitting and Stops) in the same pattern, which confused the player.

Further, in the conventional slot machine, even if a predetermined symbol is won, depending on the timing at which the stop button is operated, a double winning may occur. Performs complicated controls that do not draw in above. Furthermore, in the conventional slot machine, when a lottery is won, a player with a high skill can stop following the spinning pattern with his eyes. There was a large difference in rates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above viewpoints, and it is easy for a player to determine whether the game is a normal game or a jackpot by lottery. A method for controlling reel stop of a machine is provided. Further, the present invention provides a slot machine in which a double winning does not occur according to the operation timing of the stop button, and a reel stop control method of the slot machine.

Further, the present invention provides a slot machine for reducing a difference in a payout rate between a player having a high skill and an initial player, and a reel stop control method for the slot machine.

[0012]

In order to solve this problem, a method for controlling a reel stop of a slot machine according to the present invention comprises:
A reel stop control method for a slot machine in which a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols are rotated and stopped by a stop button corresponding to each reel, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out from a combination of symbols at the time of stop. A reel stop control table for controlling the stop of a plurality of reels by one is prepared in correspondence with each of the combinations of the symbols,
One or a plurality of reel stop control tables to be used are selected at the start of rotation of the reels, and when each of the reels is stopped, the selected reel stop control table is effective according to the stop position of the stop button by the stop button. The reel stop control table is further selected, and when all the reels are stopped, the combination of symbols according to the remaining reel stop control table is realized.

Here, one of the reel stop control tables stores the number of reels to be sent and a flag indicating whether the reel stop control table is to be left valid or invalid, corresponding to each symbol position of each reel. ing. In addition, when the number of feeds of the reel is equal to or less than a predetermined number of frames, and there are a plurality of winning symbols within the predetermined number of frames, one of the symbols is selected to determine the number of feeds of the reel. The selection of the reel stop control table at the reel start timing is determined based on the number of coins inserted and the random number selection at the start of reel rotation. Further, when the reel stop control table at the start of the rotation of the reels is selected, when the effective reel stop control table is lost, the reel stop control table randomly selected from the reel stop control table corresponding to the combination of the missing symbols. As the only valid reel stop control table thereafter. In addition, the stop position of each reel is determined by a reel stop control table randomly selected from valid reel stop control tables selected according to the stop position, and the further selection is performed by random selected reels. The method includes a step of eliminating a reel stop control table of a combination of symbols that is incompatible with a combination of symbols in the stop control table. Further, when the valid reel stop control table runs out, a step of setting the reel stop control table randomly selected from the previously valid reel stop control table as the only valid reel stop control table thereafter is further performed. Prepare. In addition, a flag indicating the valid reel stop control table is provided, and the selection of the rotation start timing of the reel is performed by turning on the flag corresponding to the valid reel stop control table. The time selection is performed by turning off the flag corresponding to the invalid reel stop control table.

Further, the slot machine of the present invention rotates a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols, stops the reels with stop buttons corresponding to the respective reels, and pays out a predetermined number of medals from a combination of symbols at the time of stop. In the machine, the reel stop control means for stopping the reels has a reel stop control table for controlling the stop of a plurality of reels in common with each of the combinations of symbols at the time of stop, and starting the rotation of the reels. A first selecting means for selecting one or a plurality of reel stop control tables to be used at the time, and a stop position corresponding to a stop button from the selected reel stop control table when each of the reels is stopped. Second selecting means for further selecting a valid reel stop control table, and a reel stop control table remaining valid. Characterized in that it comprises a reel stop means for stopping the reel.

Here, one of the reel stop control tables stores the number of reels to be sent and a flag indicating whether the reel stop control table is to be left valid or not valid, corresponding to each symbol position of each reel. ing. In addition, when the number of feeds of the reel is equal to or less than a predetermined number of frames, and there are a plurality of winning symbols within the predetermined number of frames, one of the symbols is selected to determine the number of feeds of the reel. Further, the first sorting means has a table for storing sorting information of one or a plurality of reel stop control tables in accordance with the number of inserted coins, the type of hit, and the deviation, and the number of inserted coins and the number of reels are determined. The reel stop control table to be selected is determined based on the random number lottery at the start of rotation. Further, when the reel stop control table at the start of the rotation of the reels is selected, when the effective reel stop control table is lost, the reel stop control table randomly selected from the reel stop control table corresponding to the combination of the missing symbols. , Which is the only valid reel stop control table thereafter. In addition, there is provided flag storage means for storing a flag representing the valid reel stop control table, wherein the first selecting means turns on the flag corresponding to the valid reel stop control table, and performs the second selection. The means turns off the flag corresponding to the invalid reel stop control table. The reel stopping means includes stop position determining means for determining a stop position by a reel stop control table randomly selected from valid reel stop control tables selected according to the stop position, and the second sorting The means sets the reel stop control table of the symbol combination incompatible with the symbol combination of the reel stop control table selected by the random number lottery to the flag OF.
Includes exclusion means for eliminating F. When the valid reel stop control table runs out, the reel stop control table randomly selected from the previously valid reel stop control table is set as the only valid reel stop control table thereafter. The apparatus further includes a sorting unit.

Also, a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols are rotated and stopped by stop buttons corresponding to the respective reels, and the reels are stopped in a slot machine in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out from a combination of symbols at the time of stop. The reel stop control means determines all stop patterns corresponding to winning, and is stored in advance in the stop pattern data table as stop pattern data corresponding to the symbol position on each reel when the stop button is operated, Storage means for forming a group for each winning type;
After the stop button is operated, the symbol position on the reel to be stopped when the stop button is operated, and the stop pattern corresponding to the symbol position in the stop pattern data table stops the symbol combination corresponding to the winning. A selection means for narrowing down and selecting a stop pattern data table to be used depending on a condition of a pattern or not, and a symbol position on a reel to be stopped in the selected stop pattern data table when the stop button is operated. And a reel stopping means for reading out a stop pattern corresponding to (i) and stopping the reel.

In addition, a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols are rotated and stopped by stop buttons corresponding to the respective reels, and the reels are stopped in a slot machine in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out from a combination of symbols at the time of stop. The reel stop control means sets the symbol positions on the respective reels in which the symbol combinations corresponding to the prize are aligned, and the symbols on the respective reels to be the symbol combinations which are shifted if the symbol combinations corresponding to the prize cannot be aligned. The storage means which determines the position and stores the stop pattern data in advance in one stop pattern data table as stop pattern data corresponding to the symbol position on each reel at the time when the stop button is operated, and the stop button is operated From the stop pattern data table when the stop button is operated from Characterized in that the comprise the reel stop means for stopping the reading reel stop pattern corresponding to the symbol position in the reel.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. <Structural Example of Slot Machine of Present Embodiment> (Overview of Slot Machine) FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a simplified overview of the slot machine of the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, 1 is a slot machine body,
Reference numeral 2 denotes a front panel which has a hinge at the left end and can be opened and closed. Reference numeral 3 denotes an upper display portion, which allows a player to judge a game state of the slot machine, particularly a big hit state, from a remote place. Reference numeral 4 denotes a display board for explaining the contents of the game and informing the player of the state of the game. Reference numerals 5, 6, and 7 denote a left reel, a center reel, and a right reel, which are visible through the reel window 21. In the reel window, each active line (the middle row is 1-1, the upper row is 2-
2, the lower row is 2'-2 ', the downward slope is 3-3, and the upward slope is 3'-3'). 8 is a medal slot, 9 is a credit bet button, 10, 1
1, 12 are stop buttons 14 corresponding to each reel,
15 and 16 are lamps indicating that they are valid. 13
Is a start lever for starting a game, 17 is a panel for displaying what the slot machine is, etc., 18 is a medal payout slot, 19 is a medal tray, 20 is voice and music. This is where the speaker for output is attached.

(Control Unit) FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a control part by the microprocessor of the slot machine of the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 22 denotes a microprocessor (CP
U) and 23 are portions for sensing a medal input from the medal slot 8, 24 is a switch portion of a stop button, 25 is a sensor for sensing that the start lever 13 has been operated, and 26 is a credit bet. Button 9
Switch part. A read-only memory (ROM) 27 includes a program for controlling the slot machine and a control data table for controlling reel stoppage. Reference numeral 28 denotes a random access memory (RAM) which stores variable data and the like. 29 is a motor control unit for rotating the reels, 30 is a hopper control unit for paying out medals, 33 is a speaker (SP), and outputs a sound according to the control of a sound control unit 32.

The CPU 22, ROM 27, RAM 28, input interface, input / output interface, output interface, and sound output
22 buses. The medal sensor 23, the stop button switch 24, the start lever sensor 25, and the credit head button switch 26 are connected to a bus of the CPU 22 via an input interface. The motor control unit 29 and the hopper control unit 30 are connected to a bus of the CPU 22 via an input / output interface.
The lamp control unit 31 receives a signal from the bus of the CPU 22 via the output interface.

(Reel Symbol) FIG. 3 is an example of a symbol on the reel of the present embodiment. The left reel, the center reel, and the right reel are each composed of 21 symbols. (A place that is actually a symbol is represented by characters in FIG. 3) (Effective Line) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an effective line displayed on the reel window 21.

When the start lever 13 is operated, each reel rotates downward as shown by an arrow. Then, when the stop buttons 15, 16, 17 corresponding to the left reel (L) 5, the middle reel (C) 6, and the right reel (R) are operated,
Reel stops. At that time, middle stage (middle line) 1-
1, or upper (upper line) 2-2, or lower (lower line) 2'-2 ', or lower right (lower right line)
When a predetermined symbol is aligned on 3-3 or on the upper right (upper right line) 3'-3 ', the corresponding medal is paid out.

(Reel Stop Control Table) FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a simplified structure of a reel stop control table for reel stop control used in the present embodiment.
In the following description, in order to avoid complexity, a bell (big hit), a single (medium hit), a replay (small hit)
In the following, three hits will be described, but actually more hits are prepared.

As can be seen from FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, 0
It has 26 tables of ~ 25. Each table is a table (reel stop control table) for performing stop control of the left reel, the center reel, and the right reel, as described later. Tables 0 to 7 are out of the table, and 8 to 1
Reference numeral 2 denotes a small hit table (replay in the present embodiment), a middle row, an upper row, a lower row, a right-upward, and a right-downward table. Upper, lower, upper right, lower right tables 18 to 25 are middle, upper, lower, upper right, lower right, lower right 1, lower right 2 jackpots (a bell is a big hit in this embodiment). , Lower stage 2 and middle stage 2.

FIG. 8 shows an arrangement of these reel stop control tables. (Examples of Reel Stop Control Tables) FIGS. 11 to 14 show four of the reel stop control tables of FIG.
FIG. 11 shows a table 22 (bell jackpot, downward right 1),
FIG. 12 shows a table 23 (bell jackpot, lower right 2),
13 is a table 13 (single middle hit, middle row), FIG.
Reference numeral 4 denotes an example of a table 8 (replay small hit, middle row, jump).

The structure of the reel stop control table will be described below with reference to FIG. In the reel stop control table of FIG. 12, the numbers outside the left table indicate the positions of the symbols on the left, middle, and right reels in the table, and correspond to the reel symbols in FIG. Indicates the position of each reel when the stop button is pressed. In the left reel column in the table, the number of symbols to be sent (the number of sliding frames) is shown corresponding to the position of the left reel when the stop button of the left reel is operated by the player. . That is, when the stop button for the left reel is operated at the symbol position '0', it indicates that the frame is advanced by three frames, and when the stop button is operated at the symbol position '10', the frame advance is performed. None, indicating a stop. The middle reel and the right reel also follow this process.

The character “T” or “F” written on the right side of each frame is a flag indicating whether or not to invalidate the pattern table. For example, the stop button on the left reel is Sometimes when operated, it is 'F', so
The sixth bit from the left shown in a mask bit in FIG. 10 described later is set to “0”, and is disabled. (Example of Creating Reel Stop Control Table) FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for creating the reel stop control table. The order of the steps in FIG. 27 may be changed as long as the present invention can be achieved. Hereinafter, the reel stop control table (bell down right) of FIG. 12 will be described as an example.

First, in step S70, a winning stop position is determined, and "0" is set as a slip frame number. FIG.
In FIG. 2, since the active line falls to the right of the bell, FIG.
, "0" is set to the symbol position immediately below the left reel bell, the symbol position of the middle reel bell, and the symbol position immediately above the right reel bell. Therefore, in the case of the left reel at first, "0" is set in the symbol positions 2, 7, 10, 13, and 18. Next, in step S71, an out of position “0” is set at the symbol position selected in consideration of the out-of-office pattern in the case of an internal hit.

However, if there is a possibility of erroneous winning or double winning in this state, if there is an erroneous winning or double winning determined in step S72, then in step S73, a check is made to see if there is an internal winning, and that the pattern is incorrect. If the pattern is different from the predetermined pattern, the process returns to step S72 to replace the hit of the symbol position with a miss or change the stop position of the miss.

Next, in the step S74, 1 to 4 are set downward from the position where the hit '0' is set (however, until hitting another '0'), and are sequentially set as the number of slip frames per hit. . In step S75, the number of slippage frames up to the stop position set in step S71 is set in the remaining symbol position without being the winning symbol position. In step S76, the winning symbol position is T,
F is set at the off symbol position.

Actually, there may be two or more hit positions or out-of-position positions during the four-frame advance. In this case, an appropriate position is selected in consideration of the naturalness and change of the frame advance. . Although not shown in detail, step S70
If the contents of the reel stop control table are not determined even after the repetition of -S73, the reel stop control table of the same effective line is divided into a plurality of pieces and created. By performing such processing, erroneous winnings and duplicate winnings can be eliminated, and the accuracy of the internal hit pattern can be reliably achieved by a logical method without uncertainty. Furthermore, in this example, even if erroneous winnings and duplicate winnings are eliminated and the internal winning pattern is sacrificed, the same symbol arrangement and the misalignment symbol arrangement of the effective lines of a plurality of reels are stopped by one reel. By storing the reel stop control table in a simple operation, the number of the reel stop control tables and the storage capacity occupied by the reel stop control tables are significantly reduced.

(Index Table) FIG. 9 is an index table (TBL-INDX) for indexing the reel stop control table shown in FIG. The index table is a table for referencing the reel stop control table, and describes the numbers of the reel stop control tables belonging to each of the missing, small hit, medium hit, and big hit, and the number of tables in correspondence with the number of coins inserted. Have been.

(Mask Bit Table) FIG. 10 is a diagram in which a part of the mask bit table is extracted. It is a mask bit table corresponding to a big hit when three coins are inserted in the index table. That is, FIG.
Are 1 bit and correspond to 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 at the bottom of FIG. 9 from the left end.

When each bit in FIG. 10 is "1", it indicates that the corresponding reel stop control table is usable (there is a possibility of hitting the pattern), and when it is "0", it is not used. Indicates that it is possible (there is no possibility of hitting the pattern). However, when the mask bit tables of FIG. 10 corresponding to all the tables are “0”, one of the reel stop control tables that has become “0” this time is selected, and the stop button is pressed. The number of frames slides by the number of symbols indicated at the position and stops.

(Pattern table for narrowing down) FIG.
Is a table showing a narrowing-down pattern. For example, assuming that the reel to be stopped is the left reel, the symbol at the time when the reel is stopped is (in the case where a prize is won,
If the stop button is in a position where the corresponding symbol can be displayed), it will stop somewhere above, inside, or below. For example, when stopping at the top, as can be seen from FIG. 4, the pattern may be an upper pattern or a lower right pattern, but other patterns (middle, lower, upper right) are excluded. .

<Operation Example of Slot Machine of the Present Embodiment> (Game Procedure) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a game viewed from a player. In step S40, the player inserts 1 to 3 medals through the insertion slot 8. In step S41, the player operates the start lever 13.
Then, the left reel 5, the middle reel 6, and the right reel 7 start rotating.

In steps S42, S43, S44, the corresponding reel is stopped by the player arbitrarily operating the stop buttons 15, 16, 17 (stop operation). A step S45 decides whether or not all reels (rotary drums) have stopped, and if not all have stopped yet (N
O), returning to step S41, if all reels are stopped (YES), the flow proceeds to the next step S46.

In step S46, all the reels are stopped, so that medals are paid out according to the symbols aligned with the activated line at that time, and one game is completed. (Processing Procedure of Slot Machine) FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing after the medal insertion of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

When the start lever is operated by the player in step S50, the process proceeds to the next step S51. In step S51, a game start process such as a lottery or table initialization is performed, and the process proceeds to the next step S52 (the details of this step will be described later). In step S52, a reel (turning drum) stop process corresponding to the operation of the stop button is performed (the details of this step will be described later).

In step S52, if all the reels (rotating drums) have stopped, the process proceeds to the next step. If there is any reel that has not stopped, step S52 is repeated. Step S53
Then, a payout process of medals according to the stopped symbols is performed. In step S54, one game end process is performed, and then a request for medal insertion or the like is made to the player.

(Game Start Processing) FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the game start processing in step S51 of FIG. 6 in detail. In step S510, the number of inserted medals (1
Depending on the winning line (upper, middle, lower,
(Rising right, falling right). In step S511, random number extraction processing is performed based on predetermined winning probability data, and a winning schedule is determined. In step S512, initial processing of the reel stop control table corresponding to the winning schedule
That is, the mask bit table is set to 1.
In step S513, rotation of the left, middle, and right reels is started.

In step S514, the process waits for the reel to reach a certain speed, and when the speed reaches the certain speed, the game start process ends. (Example of Winning Combination) FIGS. 18 to 21 are diagrams showing hitting cases of each pattern when the stop button is operated after starting the game in the slot machine.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the possibility of a predetermined pattern stop position on each reel depending on which stop button of the right reel, the middle reel, and the right reel has been operated. The white circle indicates the next possible pattern when the pattern is stopped at the black circle. Hereinafter, the left reel will be described as an example. When the stop button on the left reel is operated, the black circle indicates the top (18-
5), middle (18-6), down (18-7).
That is, since the upper row, lower right, middle row, upper right, and lower row can be displayed, when the stop button is operated, the reel stop control table set to "1" in the corresponding mask bit table is referred to the index table. And the flag at the position where the stop button was operated is 'F'
In the case of, the mask bit table is set to '0', and from the reel stop control table remaining as '1' in the mask bit table, if there is more than one, it is selected by a random number, and only the number of feeds at the position of the stop button of this reel stop control table Spin the reel and stop.

As described above, if all become "0",
The reel stop control table which has become '0' this time is selected by lottery, and the reels are stopped according to the reel stop control table. Thereafter, the right reel stops the reel according to the selected reel stop control table. Therefore, for example, if the reel stop control table in the case of a big hit is configured to stop in a specific pattern different from the others, the player can be sure that the stop pattern is a loss but a big hit inside. I can let you know. .

When the predetermined symbol on the left reel shown in FIG. 18 stops at the upper position (18-5), the next reel for which the stop button is operated is the middle reel (1) as shown in FIG.
9-2) or the right reel (19-3). When the stop button of the middle reel is operated, a predetermined symbol of the middle reel can be stopped at the top (19-5) or the middle (19-4). Also in this case, when the stop button of the middle reel is operated, the reel stop control table which is set to “1” in the mask bit table is found by referring to the index table, and the flag of the position where the stop button is operated is determined. In the case of 'F', the mask bit table is set to '0', and from the reel stop control table remaining as '1' in the mask bit table, if there is more than one, selection is made by using a random number. A corresponding reel stop control table may remain), and the middle reel is stopped according to the selected table.

When all the mask bit tables have become "0", the reel stop control table which has become "0" this time is selected by lottery, and the reels are stopped according to the reel stop control table. Thereafter, the right reel stops the reel according to the selected reel stop control table. When the stop of the left reel and the stop of the middle reel are determined, the stop button of the right reel is operated next. The stop position of the left reel and the middle reel is (19-4) or (19-
When determined as in 5), the stop position of the right reel is (19)
−8) or (19-9).

Next, when the stop button of the right reel is operated, the mask bit table is lowered to the right (19-
Either the bit 8) or the upper row (19-19) may be '1'. Therefore, the right reel is stopped with reference to the reel stop control table corresponding to the mask bit table. Also at this time, the mask bit table is set to '0' depending on the timing at which the stop button is operated, so if all the bits of the mask bit table become '0', the bit specified in the index table is first specified. The right reel is stopped at a predetermined position (out of position) of the selected reel stop control table by selecting a random number from among them.

In FIG. 19, when the stop button on the right reel is operated, (19-
As shown in 3), it is possible to stop at (19-6) or (19-7), so that it is possible to stop at the upper stage (19-10) or the lower right (19-11).
FIG. 20 shows the case where the left reel stops at the middle (18-6) in FIG. 18 and the middle reel (20-2) and the right reel (20-
Case 4) and the right reel (20-
It is the figure which showed the case which can stop in order of 3) and a middle reel (20-5).

FIG. 21 shows a state in which the left reel is at the bottom (18) in FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a case where the reel is stopped from the middle reel (21-2) and a case where the reel is stopped from the right reel (21-3) when the recording is stopped at -7). When the middle reel (21-2) is stopped first, it can be stopped at the middle (21-4) and down (21-5). 21-8), and in the case of the lower part (21-5), it is possible to set the lower part (21-9). Right reel (2
When stopping 1-3) first, it is possible to stop upward (21-6) and downward (21-7).
In the case of -6), it rises to the right (21-10) and goes down (2
In the case of 1-7), it is indicated that it can be the lower stage. FIG. 22 is a diagram comprehensively showing FIGS. 18 to 21 and shows each available reel stop control table when the stop button of the left reel is operated first.

(Reel Stop Processing) FIG. 23 is a control flowchart showing the above-described reel stop processing procedure (details of step 52 in FIG. 6). (First Stop Process) As described above, when the stop button is first operated, step 5 of the first stop operation detection is performed.
According to 20, the process proceeds to the next step S521. Step S
At 521, the reel stop control table selected according to the number of coins and the winning type is referred to in accordance with the position where the stop button is operated, and if "F", the corresponding bit of the mask bit table is set to "0". . Next, step S
At 522, one reel stop control table is selected from the table corresponding to "1" in the mask bit table by random number lottery, and at the next step S523, the predetermined number of frames on the reel is sent and stopped.

In step S522, if all the mask bit tables become "0", one reel stop control table is selected from the selected reel stop control table by random number lottery, and the corresponding frame number is sent and stopped. I do. In this case, in the subsequent second and third stop processing, the reel stop control table selected here is used. Therefore, in the case of an internal hit, it is possible to surely stop at a predetermined departure pattern.

In step S524, a mask bit table indicating a reel stop control table which cannot correspond to the next stop position to be a hit among the upper, middle, lower, right-up, and right-down tables for the stopped symbol. Is set to '0'. (Second Stop Process) Next, when the stop button is operated for the second time and detected in step S520, step S5 is executed.
At 25, it is determined whether a candidate needs to be selected.
If necessary, the process proceeds to step S526, and if not, the process proceeds to step S527.

In step S526, step S521
Similarly, if the corresponding position of the reel stop control table corresponding to "1" in the mask bit table is "F" for the position where the stop button is operated, the corresponding mask bit table is set to "F". Proceed to S527.
In step S527, as in step S522, one reel stop control table is selected from the table corresponding to “1” in the mask bit table by random number lottery. In the next step S528, the number of frames on a predetermined reel is sent. ,Stop.

In step S527, if all the mask bit tables are "0", one reel stop control table is selected from the reel stop control tables which were "1" in the mask bit table after the first stop processing by random lottery. The corresponding frame number is sent and stopped. In this case, in the subsequent third stop processing, the reel stop control table selected here is used. Therefore, in the case of an internal hit, it is possible to surely stop at a predetermined departure pattern.

(Third Stop Process) If it is detected in step S520 that the third stop button has been operated, the flow advances to step S529. At this time, as long as the effective lines are not duplicated (for example, the lower right of the jackpot in FIG. 8, the middle row, the lower row), there is one remaining selectable reel stop control table or zero which has already been determined as a stop. When the button is operated, the corresponding reel stop control table is referred to, and a predetermined number of symbol frames are fed and stopped irrespective of “T” or “F”.

If the effective lines overlap and both of the two reel stop control tables are “T”, one reel stop control table is selected by random number lottery, and the corresponding frame number is sent and stopped. FIGS. 24 to 26 show left and right of the stop button.
It is the figure which arranged and showed the transition of the stop pattern of the reel by the operation order of the middle and right (when the symbols are aligned).

(Specific example of stop by reel stop control table) An example of stop at a big hit (bell) of three coins is shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 16 and each table and reel stop control of FIGS. 11 and 12. The table will be described as an example. First, assuming that a jackpot is won when three coins are inserted and the reels are rotated, the reel stop control tables 18, 19, 2 for forming a bell hit from the three coin jackpots in FIG.
Six of 0, 21, 22, and 23 are selected, and 6 bits of the mask table are set to "1" as shown in FIG.

Assuming that the stop button of the left reel is pressed for the first time, it is checked whether the symbol position (middle position) at which the stop button of the six reel stop control table is pressed is "T" or "F". , 'F', the bit of the mask table corresponding to the reel stop control table is reset to '0'. For example, if the stop is pressed at the symbol position 0, the reel stop control tables 22 and 23 remain from FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, but in the case of the symbol position 8, the reel stop control table 23 is removed, and in the case of the symbol position 16, Are removed from both the reel stop control tables 22 and 23. Similarly, the other reel stop control table 18-2
1 is also checked to determine if it remains. next,
One of the remaining reel stop control tables is selected by random number lottery.

For example, it is assumed that the stop button is pressed at the symbol position 0 and the reel stop control table 22 shown in FIG. 11 is selected by random number lottery. In this case, since the number of frame feeds is three, three rotations are made and, as can be seen from FIG. 3, the vehicle stops at bell, replay, and single (symbol positions 18-19) from above. At this point, since it has been determined that the upper stage of the left reel is a bell, the reel stop control tables 18, 19, 20, 2
Even if the symbol position 0 of the left reel among the 1, 2, and 23 is "T", the mask table is reset to "0" except for the upper row and the lower right big hit. Therefore, the remaining reel stop control tables are 19 (only when the symbol position 0 is “T”), and 22 and 23. Reel stop control tables 18, 25 (middle), 20, 24 (lower), 21 by random number lottery
If any of (upward right) is selected, there is no hit rightward, so the reel stop control tables 22 and 2
3 is removed along with 19.

Assuming that the stop button of the middle reel is pressed at the symbol position 10 for the second time, the remaining reel stop control tables 19, 22, and 23 are checked for "T" or "F", and are "F". The bit of the mask table corresponding to the reel stop control table is reset to '0'. The reel stop control tables 22 and 23 remain at "T" except for the symbol position 2 and remain. Here, assuming that the reel stop control table 19 also remains, random lottery is performed by three. For example, if the reel stop control table 23 in FIG. 12 is selected, the middle reel rotates three times and stops at single, bell, and cherry (symbol positions 6-8). In this case, since the upper stage does not hit, the reel stop control table 1
9 is excluded. On the other hand, when the reel stop control table 19 is selected by lottery, the winning is determined at the upper stage, and the reel stop control tables 22 and 23 are removed.

If the stop button of the right reel is pressed at the symbol position 18 for the third time, since the remaining reel stop control tables 22 and 23 are both "T", a random number lottery is performed by two, and FIG. When the reel stop control table 22 is selected, the reel stop control table 22 rotates two times and stops at replay, cherry, and bell (symbol positions 15-17). FIG. 28 shows this downward-sloping hit pattern in this example.

If the stop button is pressed at the symbol position 5 for the third time, the reel stop control table 2
Both "23" and "23" are "F", so it was an internal hit, but a miss. FIG. 29 shows the pattern at this time. This pattern is notified to the player in advance as an internal hit pattern. (Jump Processing) FIG. 14 is an example of a reel stop control table for implementing jump processing.

As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 14, if the stop button is operated at the symbol position 12, the next replay position is at the symbol position 10 where two frames have been sent, but the number of feeds is four. This indicates the replay position at the symbol position 8 where the frame has been sent. That is, when there are a plurality of target symbols within a predetermined sliding range, the rotation of the reel is controlled so as to jump to the preceding target symbol.

The jump processing may be realized by software instead of the reel stop control table. FIG.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a jump process for giving a change in reel rotation in steps S523, S528, and S529 of FIG. In step S60,
If the target symbol is within the predetermined sliding range, the process proceeds to step S61; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S64. In step S64, the operation is stopped after a predetermined slip (symbol feed) according to a predetermined procedure.

In step S61, it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of target symbols. If there are a plurality of target symbols, the process proceeds to step S63, and if there is one, the process proceeds to step S62. Step S62
Then, it stops at the target symbol, and at step S63, it stops at the target symbol selected by lottery from among the plurality of symbols. By doing so, it goes without saying that the game can be further changed.

(Plural Same Winnings) As can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, there are two reel stop control tables at the lower right of the big hit (FIGS. 11 and 12). Therefore, the probability of the big hit being lowered to the right increases, and the winning can be changed using different symbol positions on the reel.

(Detachment pattern) When the reels are deviated by the first lottery, the reels are selected by lottery from the reel stop control table of the deviated pattern, and thereafter the same reel stop control table is used. can do. Also, in the case of a miss, if the random number lottery is performed in the same manner as in the case of winning, the game can be further changed.

[0069]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a slot machine which makes it easy for a player to determine whether the game is a normal game or a winning in a lottery, and has little confusion in the determination, and a reel stop control method of the slot machine. . Further, it is possible to provide a slot machine that does not cause a double winning and a reel stop control method of the slot machine by the timing of the operation of the stop button.

Further, it is possible to provide a slot machine and a reel stop control method of the slot machine which reduce a difference in a payout rate between a player having a high skill level and a player who is an elementary player.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a symbol on a reel of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an effective line of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of a game as viewed from a player of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process after the medal insertion of the slot machine of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a simplified diagram showing an overall structure of a reel stop control table of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a reel stop control table of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of an index table for indexing a reel stop control table of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a part of the mask bit table extracted from the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a specific example of a reel stop control table of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a specific example of a reel stop control table of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a specific example of a reel stop control table of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a specific example of a reel stop control table of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing jump processing for giving a change in reel rotation of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows a table of narrowing-down patterns of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the game start process in step S51 of FIG. 6 in detail.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a case of hitting each pattern when a stop button is operated after a game is started in the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a view showing a case of hitting each pattern when a stop button is operated after a game is started in the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a view showing a case of hitting each pattern when the stop button is operated after the game is started in the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a view showing a case of hitting each pattern when a stop button is operated after starting a game in the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram comprehensively showing FIGS. 18 to 21;

FIG. 23 is a control flowchart showing in detail a reel stop processing procedure in step 52 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the rearrangement of reel stop patterns in the order of left, middle, and right operation of the stop button of the slot machine of the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the rearrangement of reel stop patterns in the stop button of the slot machine according to the present embodiment in the order of left, middle, and right operation.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the transition of reel stop patterns in the stop button of the slot machine according to the present embodiment in the order of left, middle, and right operations.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for creating a reel stop control table according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rightward hit according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of an internal hit in the present embodiment.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A reel stop control method for a slot machine which rotates a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols, stops the reels with stop buttons corresponding to the respective reels, and pays out a predetermined number of medals from a combination of symbols at the time of stop. There is provided a reel stop control table for controlling the stopping of a plurality of reels in common with each of the combinations of symbols at the time of stop, and one or more reels to be used at the time of starting rotation of the reels. When each of the reels is stopped, an effective reel stop control table corresponding to the stop position of the stop button is further selected from the selected reel stop control tables, and all reels are stopped. Sometimes, a combination of symbols is realized according to the reel stop control table remaining valid. Lumpur stop control method. 2. The reel stop control table according to claim 1, wherein:
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the number of reels to be sent and a flag indicating whether the reel stop control table is to be valid or left invalid are stored in correspondence with each symbol position of each reel. Reel stop control method. 3. The number of reels to be fed is equal to or less than a predetermined number of frames, and when there are a plurality of symbols in the predetermined number of frames, one of the symbols is selected to determine the number of reels to be fed. 3. The reel machine stop control method for a slot machine according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The slot according to claim 1, wherein the selection of the reel stop control table at the rotation start time of the reel is determined based on the number of coins inserted and a random number lottery at the start of reel rotation. Machine reel stop control method. 5. A reel randomly selected from a reel stop control table corresponding to a combination of missing symbols when the reel stop control table at the rotation start time of the reels is no longer valid as a result of selection of the reel stop control table. 5. The reel stop control method for a slot machine according to claim 4, further comprising the step of setting the stop control table as the only effective reel stop control table thereafter. 6. A stop position of each reel is determined by a reel stop control table randomly selected from valid reel stop control tables selected according to the stop position, and the further selection is performed by random number random selection. 2. The reel stop control method for a slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising a step of eliminating a reel stop control table having a symbol combination incompatible with the symbol combination of the selected reel stop control table. 7. When there is no more valid reel stop control table, a reel stop control table randomly selected from the previously valid reel stop control table is set as the only valid reel stop control table thereafter. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: 8. A flag indicating the valid reel stop control table, wherein the selection of the rotation start timing of the reel is performed by:
Set the flag corresponding to the valid reel stop control table to O
2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the selection is performed by setting the flag to N and the flag corresponding to the invalid reel stop control table is turned off. Reel stop control method. 9. A slot machine that rotates a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols, stops the reels with a stop button corresponding to each reel, and pays out a predetermined number of medals from a combination of symbols at the time of stopping, and stops the reels. The reel stop control means has a reel stop control table for controlling the stopping of a plurality of reels in common with each of the combinations of symbols at the time of stop, and one of the reel stop control tables used when the rotation of the reel is started. A first selection means for selecting a plurality of reel stop control tables; and a reel stop control table effective when the respective reels are stopped, corresponding to a stop position of a stop button from the selected reel stop control tables. And a reel stop for stopping each reel according to the reel stop control table remaining valid. Slot machine, characterized in that it comprises a stage. 10. One reel stop control table stores the number of reels to be sent and a flag indicating whether the reel stop control table is to be kept valid or removed as invalid, corresponding to each symbol position of each reel. The slot machine according to claim 9, wherein 11. The reel feeding number is equal to or less than a predetermined number of frames, and when there are a plurality of winning symbols within the predetermined number of frames, one of the symbols is selected to determine the reel feeding number. The slot machine according to claim 10, wherein: 12. The first selection means has a table for storing selection information of one or a plurality of reel stop control tables in accordance with the number of coins inserted, the type of hit, and the deviation, and 10. The slot machine according to claim 9, wherein a reel stop control table to be selected is determined based on the number and a random number lottery at the start of reel rotation. 13. A reel randomly selected from a reel stop control table corresponding to an out-of-design symbol when an effective reel stop control table is lost due to the selection of the reel stop control table at the reel start timing. 13. The slot machine according to claim 12, further comprising a third selection unit that sets the stop control table as the only valid reel stop control table thereafter. 14. A flag storage means for storing a flag indicating the valid reel stop control table, wherein the first selecting means turns on the flag corresponding to the valid reel stop control table, and 10. The slot machine according to claim 9, wherein the second selection unit turns off the flag corresponding to the invalid reel stop control table. 15. The reel stop means includes stop position determination means for determining a stop position by a reel stop control table randomly selected from valid reel stop control tables selected according to the stop position, and 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the second selection means includes an elimination means for excluding the reel stop control table of the symbol combination incompatible with the symbol combination of the reel stop control table selected by the random number lot by turning off the flag. Slot machine. 16. When a valid reel stop control table runs out, a reel stop control table randomly selected from the previously valid reel stop control tables is replaced with a reel stop control table.
The fourth effective reel stop control table thereafter
10. The slot machine according to claim 9, further comprising: 17. A slot machine for rotating a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols, stopping the reels with stop buttons corresponding to the respective reels, and paying out a predetermined number of medals from a combination of symbols at the time of stopping the reels. The reel stop control means determines all stop patterns corresponding to the winning, and is stored in advance in the stop pattern data table as stop pattern data corresponding to the symbol position on each reel when the stop button is operated, Storage means for forming a group for each winning type, and corresponding to the symbol position on the reel to be stopped and the symbol position in the stop pattern data table when the stop button is operated after the stop button is operated Whether the stopped pattern is a symbol combination stop pattern corresponding to winning A selection means for narrowing down and selecting a stop pattern data table to be used, and a stop pattern corresponding to a symbol position on a reel to be stopped in the selected stop pattern data table when the stop button is operated. And a reel stopping means for stopping the reel. 18. A slot machine which rotates a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols, stops the reels with stop buttons corresponding to the respective reels, and stops the reels in a slot machine for returning a predetermined number of medals from a combination of symbols at the time of stop. The reel stop control means determines the symbol position on each reel where the symbol combination corresponding to the winning is aligned, and the symbol on each reel which becomes a shifted symbol combination if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning cannot be aligned. A storage means for determining a position, storing the stop pattern data in advance in one stop pattern data table as stop pattern data corresponding to the symbol position on each reel at the time when the stop button is operated, and operating the stop button. From the stop pattern data table when the stop button is operated from A slot machine comprising reel stop means for reading a stop pattern corresponding to a symbol position on an elephant reel and stopping the reel.