JP2000176081A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve amusement of the game of a game machine which displays moving or stopped plural symbols by giving a player who keeps on playing the game hoping for a specific winning condition such a presentation as the player guesses to be related to the specific winning condition. SOLUTION: If a jackpot is not made as a result of judgement (S4), a random number lottery is made (S6) to determine whether an image action should be executed or not, and it is judged whether the image action should be executed or not (S7) based on the result of the lottery. When it is judged that the image action should be executed, a random flasher of three-color light emitting LED is executed (S8). The brightness of the LED display in case of execution of the image action is lower than that of the jackpot, and when a player visually recognizes the flashing LED, the player guesses that the flashing relates to a jackpot. The flashing pattern of the three-color light emitting LED is composed of repeated random color changes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, such as a slot machine and a pachinko machine, having a device for moving and stopping and displaying a plurality of symbol columns. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that gives a predetermined profit to a player in a specific mode that is a combination of predetermined symbols.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A slot machine and some pachinko machines have a plurality of reels and stop the rotation after a required time has elapsed from the start of rotation of each reel or in response to a predetermined reel stop operation by a player. A gaming machine provided with a reel device is known, and this reel device is generally configured as follows.

[0003] That is, the plurality of reels are configured to rotate independently of each other about the same axis as a center of rotation, and a plurality of symbols are formed in series on the peripheral surface of each reel in the circumferential direction. Then, each of these reels starts rotating simultaneously by the start operation of the player, and thereafter, at least one of the plurality of symbols is made to coincide with an effective line provided in the display window in front of the reel. It stops sequentially.

The symbols displayed on the display window are determined by random number drawing by a control device built in the gaming machine. That is, at the same time as or immediately after the start of each game, the control device compares the sampling value of the random number with the payout table stored in the storage device in advance to determine whether or not a winning has been achieved. When it is determined that the winning is achieved, each reel is stopped and displayed so that the combination of the symbols constituting the winning display mode is arranged in the display window. When it is determined that the winning is not a winning, the reels are stopped and displayed so that the symbol combinations that do not constitute the winning display mode are arranged on the effective line of the display window.

[0005]

By the way, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, in addition to the normal winning mode, a very large profit is given to the player, which is called a big win, for example, 77.
A combination of specific symbols such as 7 is determined, and the player of the above-described gaming machine plays a game while expecting a big win.

[0006] However, since the probability of such a large prize is a small probability, there may be a situation where the player may wait for the large prize for several hours in some cases. In such a case, since the player repeats the monotonous game for a long time, the interest in the game may be lost.

In particular, in a so-called automatic stop type slot machine having no stop button, a large prize is won if a combination of symbols appearing in a display window in front of each reel coincides with a specific symbol pattern. There was a problem that it was not enough in terms of amusement to give the impression that it was just a mere mere impression.

On the other hand, in the case of a game machine such as a slot machine which repeatedly executes a similar game, the player is required to know what a small effect appears on the game board in front of him. It is to deduce whether there is, and furthermore, how it relates to the grand prize, and the deduction enhances the interest in the game.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and is intended to make a player who continues to play a game waiting for a specific prize mode to infer the relation with the prize mode. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of doubling the interest in a game by performing an effect.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine in which a plurality of symbol rows are moved and displayed on an image display portion provided on a front panel, and then the moving display of the symbol rows is stopped. In the case where the form of the stop display is a specific form that is a combination of predetermined symbols, in a gaming machine that gives a predetermined profit to the player, the stop display of the symbol row in the image display portion A symbol determining means for determining an aspect before the symbol row is stopped and displayed; and a predetermined image irrespective of the determination by the symbol determining means whether or not the mode of the stop display is the specific aspect. Image action directing means for making a player perceive an action.

Here, the "image action" is an effect irrelevant to whether a prize or a grand prize is actually won, and is used for maintaining or doubling a player's interest in the game. It means directing.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine,
In addition to the characteristic points of the gaming machine according to claim 1, when the symbol determination means determines that the stop display mode is the specific mode, the predetermined notification mode is used in the specific mode. It is provided with notifying means for notifying that there is, and the image action directing means is configured to make a player perceive an image action in a mode different from the predetermined notifying mode using at least a part of the notifying device. It is characterized by having.

[0013] Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine comprises:
In addition to the features of the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The image action effect means comprises an LED.

Further, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine,
In addition to the features of the gaming machine according to claim 3, the LE
D is a multicolor light emitting LED.

Further, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine,
In addition to the features of the gaming machine according to claim 3 or 4,
The image action is configured in a mode different from the predetermined notification mode in at least one of a luminance of the LED, a blinking timing, a color display, and a color switching timing.

Further, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine,
In addition to the features of the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The image action effecting means comprises a means for outputting a predetermined sound.

Further, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine,
In addition to the feature of the gaming machine according to claim 6, in the image action, at least a part of the output sound from the means for outputting the sound includes at least one of a scale, a tone, a sound intensity, and a sound tempo. , Is configured in a mode different from the predetermined notification mode.

A game machine according to claim 8 of the present invention is:
In addition to the features of the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The image action effecting means is a moving object disposed in or near the front panel.

Further, according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine,
In addition to the features of the gaming machine according to the eighth aspect, the image action is configured in a mode different from the predetermined notification mode in the operation of the moving object.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the gaming machine (slot machine) according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 100 is an automatic reel stop type slot machine, and when the cash is inserted in the coin entry 102 or the bill entry 104, when the handle lever 106 is pushed down to the near side. (Or, when a start button such as the spin button 112 is pressed), the reel device 10 in which a plurality of symbols F are arranged in series is operated, and the three reels 12A, 12B, and 12C start rotating simultaneously, Thereafter, these reels 12A, 12B, and 12C are connected to a left reel 12A, a center reel 12B, and a right reel 12C.
The rotation is automatically stopped in this order.

At this time, the reels 12A, 12B, 1
2C, the rotation is stopped so that one of the plurality of symbols F coincides with an effective line provided on three display windows 108a formed on the front panel 108. The reels 12A, 12A
When B and 12C stop, the above three display windows 108a
When the combination of the symbols F displayed on the pay line matches the predetermined winning pattern, the coins in the coin tray 110 according to the winning pattern are set.
It is designed to flow out. Also, among the winnings, when the combination of the symbols F matches the predetermined winning pattern, a large number of coins according to the winning pattern flow out to the coin tray 110.

The reels 12A, 12B, 12
The portion where each symbol F is formed in C is formed of a translucent member having a diffuse transmission property. The symbols F located in the display window 108a are the reels 12A and 12A.
Reel illumination lamps provided in the spaces on the inner peripheral side of B and 12C are configured to be brightly illuminated from the back side.

Below the left reel 12A, a bet meter 120 for displaying the number of bets on seven segments is displayed.
A last bet meter 122 for displaying the number betted in the previous game in seven segments is provided. On the other hand, below the right reel 12C, the number of coins obtained in the previous game is displayed in seven segments. A win meter 124 and a credit meter 126 for displaying the remaining number of credits in seven segments are provided.
These meters 120 to 126 are always lit in a normal game.

By the way, the symbol displayed on the display window 108a is determined by random number drawing by a control device built in the gaming machine. This controller is
Simultaneously with or immediately after the start of each game, a determination is made as to whether or not a prize has been won by comparing the sampled value of the random number with a payout table stored in advance in the storage device. In this case, the reels 12A, 12B, and 12C are stopped and displayed such that the combinations of the symbols F constituting the winning display mode are arranged on the effective line of the display window 108a. When it is determined that the winning is not a winning, the reels 12A, 12B, and 12C are stopped and displayed such that a combination of symbols that does not constitute a winning display mode is arranged on the effective line of the display window 108a.

In such a gaming machine, as described above, in addition to the normal prize mode, a combination of a specific symbol F such as 777, which gives a very large profit to the player and is called a big prize. Is set, and the player of the above-described gaming machine plays a game while expecting a big win.

The above-described control device determines whether or not a winning has occurred immediately after the start of each game. If it is determined that the winning has occurred, the combination of the symbols F constituting the winning display mode is determined. The reels 12A, 12B, and 12C are stopped and displayed so as to be aligned on the effective line of the display window 108a.
7-segment LE of each of the meters 120 to 126 disposed on the front panel 108 described above during the rotation period of 2A, 12B, 12C or at a predetermined timing stopped and displayed.
An effect of lighting, turning off, or blinking the reel unit illumination lamp corresponding to each symbol F provided in the space on the inner peripheral side of D and each of the reels 12A, 12B, and 12C is performed. As described above, a player who has won a prize, especially a large prize, can enjoy the excitement by the various visual effects described above.

However, on the other hand, since the probability of such a large prize is a small probability, there may be a situation where the player may wait for the large prize for several hours in some cases. In such a case, since the player repeats the monotonous game for a long time, the interest in the game may be lost.
Therefore, it is desirable to perform some kind of effect so that the player can keep the interest in the game even while waiting for a big prize.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of three-color light-emitting LEDs made visible from the LED display window 128 formed on the front panel 108 are used at a predetermined timing to establish a prize or a special prize. In such a way, an effect that can be deduced by the player is performed so as to maintain the interest of the player in the game. The effect by the three-color light emitting LED is irrelevant to whether or not an actual prize or a grand prize is won, and the effect of maintaining and doubling the player's interest in the game is maintained. This is one embodiment.

Next, the operation of the CPU in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, at the beginning of the routine, it is determined whether the max bet button or the spin button 112 has been pressed (or the handle lever 106 has been pressed) (S1), and if it is determined that the button has been pressed (or pressed). Has all reels 12A, 12
B and 12C are rotated and displayed (S2). Next, a symbol to be stopped and displayed is randomly selected and the symbol is extracted (S
3).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the extracted symbol is a big hit symbol (S4). If it is a big hit symbol, the driving current of the LED is increased (S5), and step 8 is performed.
Proceed to (S8). Thereby, the brightness of the LED is increased so as to be a high brightness for a big hit.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination (S4) shows that the symbol is not a big hit symbol, a random number lottery is performed to determine whether or not to execute an image action (S6). It is determined whether or not it is (S7). Here, the random number lottery for determining whether to execute the image action is performed based on random number data different from the random number lottery for determining the symbol to be stopped and displayed.

If it is determined that the image action is to be executed, the process directly proceeds to step 8 (S8). Step 8
In (S8), a random blinking process of the three-color light emitting LED is performed. This is performed in the same blinking pattern in both the case of the big hit symbol and the case of executing the image action. However, in the case of the big hit symbol, the LED becomes high brightness as described above. Therefore, the player can clearly distinguish which case the blinking operation is.

In addition, the LED display when executing the image action may be set to low luminance, and the player visually recognizes that the three-color light emitting LED is blinking, and some phenomenon related to the big hit occurs. It just needs to be able to deduce that it may be. In addition, the blinking pattern of the three-color light emitting LED is configured by repeating a color change at random.

When the random blinking process of the three-color light emitting LED is completed in this way, each reel 1 is set so that the symbol extracted in the above-mentioned step 3 (S3) becomes a stop display symbol.
2A, 12B, and 12C are stopped and displayed (S9).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the symbol is a big hit symbol (S1).
0) is determined, and if it is determined to be a big hit, coins are paid out according to the big hit (S11). If it is determined that it is not a jackpot, the processing of the main routine is terminated as it is.

If it is determined in step 10 (S10) that the symbol is a big hit symbol, step 12 is executed.
In (S12), an operation is performed to return the LED drive current to the original value. That is, the above-described step S5 (S5)
The drive current of the three-color light-emitting LED operated to increase in is set to the original small current.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even when it is determined that the symbol is not a big hit symbol, the LED display window 1 is not used.
The image action effect of randomly flashing the three-color light-emitting LED visible from 28 is performed, and the player is alerted to the effect even during the period between the grand prize and the grand prize, By working hard, it is possible to maintain the interest in games. In the above embodiment, the three-color light-emitting LEDs are made to blink at random, but they may be made to blink according to a predetermined rule.

The three-color light emitting LED is one LED.
Although the element is configured to emit light in three colors,
Instead, for example, LED elements provided corresponding to each of the three primary colors of red, green, and blue may be turned on or off randomly or regularly. It is also possible to use another multicolor LED instead of the three-color LED.

Next, the CPU operation of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, which performs an image action effect by voice output, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
That is, in this case, first, it is determined whether the max bet button or the spin button 112 has been pressed (or the handle lever 106 has been pressed) (S21), and it is determined that the button has been pressed (or pressed). All reels 12A, 12B, 12
C is rotated and displayed (S22). Next, a symbol to be stopped and displayed is randomly selected and the symbol is extracted (S2).
3).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the extracted symbol is a big hit symbol (S24). If it is a big hit symbol, a big hit sound flag is set (S25) and the process proceeds to step 26 (S26). . On the other hand, the above determination (S24)
As a result, if it is not a symbol for a big hit, the process directly proceeds to step 26 (S26).

In step 26 (S26), a sound output subroutine is executed. The sound output subroutine will be described later. When the execution of the sound output subroutine ends, the above-described step 23 (S2
The reels 12A, 12B, and 12C are stopped and displayed so that the symbol extracted in 3) becomes the stop display symbol (S2).
7).

Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the symbol is a big hit symbol (S2
8) is determined, and if it is determined to be a big hit, coins are paid out according to the big hit (S29). If it is determined in step 28 (S28) that the symbol is a big hit symbol, the big hit flag is reset in step 30 (S30). Step 2
8 (S28), when it is determined that the symbol is not a big hit symbol, the main routine is terminated.

Next, the above-described sound output subroutine will be described with reference to FIG. First, step 41
In (S41), it is determined whether or not the flag for the big hit has already been set. If it is determined that the flag has been set, the process proceeds to step 45 (S45), where a full line-up of musical instruments (for example, in an orchestra, Set the data of all instruments used.

On the other hand, if the flag is not set, random number data for selecting a musical instrument is extracted (S4).
2). The extracted random number data is data corresponding to either clarinet selection, trumpet selection, or no selected musical instrument. Next, step 43 (S43)
In step 44 (S44), it is determined whether or not the random number data is a clarinet, and whether or not the random number data is a trumpet. If it is determined that the data is random number data for one of the instruments,
Step 46 (S46) or Step 47 (S4
At 7), clarinet data setting or trumpet data setting is performed, and the routine proceeds to step 48 (S48). Step 43 (S43) or step 4
4 (S44), if it is determined that the data is random number data that does not correspond to any musical instrument and corresponds to no selected musical instrument, the subroutine processing ends, and step 21 (S21), which is the first processing of the main routine Return to

In step 48 (S48), the head address of the sound data is set, then random number data for determining a note is extracted (S49), and note data, tempo data and tempo data corresponding to the random number data are extracted. The sound data is determined (S50), and the note data, tempo data, sound volume data and the tone data of the musical instrument selected as described above are output (S51).

Subsequently, sound outputs are confirmed one by one (S
52), the address of the sound data is sequentially shifted until the whole sound is output (S53, S54). If it is determined that the whole sound has been output, the process returns to the main routine, and the process of step 27 (S27) described above is executed.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart of each operation according to the second embodiment. That is, the max bet button or spin button 1 as the start button
When 12 is pushed (or when the handle lever 106 is pushed down), all the reels 12A, 12B, 12C start rotating in synchronization with the falling timing of the start signal output from the CPU 50 in response thereto. Also, the normal BGM is a speaker 56 (see FIG. 11).
Emanated from. In FIG. 5, the period in which the reel operation is at the H level coincides with the period in which all the reels 12A, 12B, and 12C are rotating.

On the other hand, during the period when the reel operation is at the H level, a pulse of an image action sound (common to clarinet and trumpet) is output, and a pulse corresponding to each musical instrument of the jackpot sound (here, clarinet). And trumpet only are shown). The output pulse described above is added with data such as note data, tempo data, and volume data as described above, and is emitted from the speaker 56 as the sound of each set musical instrument.

The sound output in the present embodiment is based on similar sound data in both the case of the big hit symbol and the case of executing the image action. As described above, the type of musical instrument to be played is, for example, a full line-up configuration of ten or more types. On the other hand, in the case of the image action, since a single instrument of a clarinet or a trumpet is used, the player can output any sound. Can be clearly distinguished.

In addition, the sound output when the image action is executed may be at a low level, and the player confirms the sound output to determine whether any phenomenon related to the big hit has occurred. I just want to be able.

Hereinafter, a device configuration common to the above-described two embodiments will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 11, a dashed block A represents the main CPU 50 and the ROM 51.
And a main control unit having a RAM 52. The ROM 51 stores a correspondence table between the symbol F and the symbol code, a symbol code and a winning coin payout number table corresponding to a prize (including a grand prize), and a prize state according to the winning situation when the prize is executed in the executed game. A winning probability table, a random number table on whether or not to execute an image action, random number data for selecting an instrument and a correspondence table between the random number data and the instrument, random number data for determining a musical note, and this random number data And note data, tempo data,
A correspondence table with the volume data is stored. Also RA
M52 includes a random number storage for temporarily storing random numbers sampled after the game starts, a reel code number,
A table for temporarily storing data such as symbol numbers is provided.

A clock pulse generating section 53 for generating a pulse of, for example, 4 MHz and operating the main CPU 50 with this reference pulse, for providing an interrupt pulse of, for example, 500 Hz to the main CPU 50 in order to execute a predetermined program as an interrupt. A circulator 54 is provided. Further, the above-described speaker 56 and this speaker 56
Sound CP driven to generate sound by the
U and a sound generator 55 are provided. Also,
Each meter 120 to 7-segment display LED
126 and an LED driving unit 5 that drives the three-color light-emitting LED 128a so as to produce the image action described above.
7 are provided.

A broken line block B is a reel drive monitoring block. Each reel R1 (12A), R2 (12
B) and R3 (12C) are pulse motors M1 and M, respectively.
2, M3. Pulse motor M1, M
2 and M3 are rotated by a drive pulse from the motor drive unit 60. For example, the display window 1 is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses.
08a, reels R1 (12A) and R2 (12A)
B), the reels R1 (12A), R2 (12B), and R3 (12) so that the symbol F of R3 (12C) is shifted by one.
C) rotates. Further, each reel R1 (12A), R2
(12B) and R3 (12C) are configured to generate a reset signal every rotation. Detection block 6
1 detects this reset signal. In the main CPU 50, after the detection signal is detected in the detection block 61,
By counting the number of drive pulses given to the pulse motors M1, M2, M3, the type of the symbol F seen from the display window 108a can be specified. Further, a lamp driving unit 62 is provided, and the reel unit illumination lamp is driven by an instruction from the main CPU 50.

Further, a hopper 7 for paying out winning coins.
0 and a hopper motor drive unit 71 are provided.
Further, a coin detecting section (medal detecting section) 72 for detecting coin insertion before the start of the game is provided, and the number of coins inserted from the coin detecting section (medal detecting section) 72 together with the number of coins to be paid out from the hopper 70 is provided. A signal is transmitted from the count driving unit 76 to the counter or the lamp 77 via the Sw input unit 75 and the main CPU 50,
The number of inserted coins and the number of coins to be paid out is detected, or the reel unit illumination lamp on the pay line is activated according to the number of inserted coins. When the number of inserted coins reaches a predetermined number, a lock solenoid for locking coin insertion is driven.

Further, another switch operation section 78, for example, a stop switch operated when the player wants to stop the game after inserting a coin is provided. Further, a start signal generator 79 is provided, which is constituted by, for example, a start button such as the handle lever 106 and the spin button 112 described above.

Next, a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This gaming machine is
Compared to the above-described embodiment, in the case of a big hit symbol and the case where an image action is performed, the effect is performed by operating a moving object such as a character, instead of performing an effect by LED or voice. Like that.

That is, for example, the dolphin toy 21 is configured to be visible through the display window 128 arranged on the front panel 108 of the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. The dolphin toy 21 is operated so as to shift to the state of FIG. 8B, and then to shift from the state of FIG. 9B to the state of FIG.

Next, a structure for operating the dolphin toy 21 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the dolphin toy 21 is held by a dolphin holding member 23 which is slidably inserted into a vertically supported support shaft 28,
When the iron support bar 24 moves up and down according to the ON / OFF of the electromagnet 27, the dolphin toy 21 also moves up and down. When the electromagnet 27 is turned on, the iron support rod 24 pivotally supported near the upper end 25a of the electromagnet holding frame 25 resists the urging force of the coil spring 26, and its left end moves downward. The dolphin holding member 23 integrated with the protruding portion 23a supported by the rod 24 is lowered while being inserted into the support shaft 28, and accordingly, the dolphin toy 21 is also lowered. When the electromagnet 27 is in the OFF state, the dolphin toy 21 is raised by the reverse action of the ON state.

For this reason, by repeating the ON / OFF operation of the electromagnet 27, the player who can see only the dolphin toy 21 through the display window 128 formed to a predetermined size is given the dolphin toy 21 as if it were high in the air. It can give the feeling of jumping.

Next, the operation of the CPU in the gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, at the beginning of the routine, it is determined whether the max bet button or the spin button 112 has been pressed (or the handle lever 106 has been pressed) (S61), and if it is determined that the button has been pressed (or pressed). Has all reels 12A, 1
2B and 12C are rotated and displayed (S62). Next, a symbol to be stopped and displayed is randomly selected and the symbol is extracted (S63).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the extracted symbol is a big hit symbol (S64). If it is a big hit symbol, the cycle of the solenoid excitation signal transmission timing is set short (S65), and step 68 is performed. Proceed to (S68). Thus, the operation of the dolphin toy 21 is prepared so as to be a continuous jump operation for a big hit.

On the other hand, if the result of the determination (S64) is that the symbol is not a big hit symbol, a random number lottery is performed as to whether or not to execute an image action (S66). It is determined whether or not it is (S67).

If it is determined that the image action is to be executed, the process proceeds directly to step 68 (S68). on the other hand,
If it is determined that the image action is not executed, the process returns to step 61 (S61).

In step 68 (S68), a solenoid excitation signal sending process is performed. Here, the dolphin toy 21 is similarly jumped and jumped in both the case of the big hit symbol and the case of executing the image action. However, in the case of the big hit symbol, the above operation is performed as described above. Becomes continuous operation,
On the other hand, when the image action is performed, the dolphin toy 21 is an intermittent jumping operation in which the dolphin toy jumps over time, so that the player can clearly discriminate which case the jumping operation is.

The number of jumps of the dolphin toy 21 in executing the image action may be one. When the player visually recognizes that the dolphin toy 21 jumps, some phenomenon related to the big hit occurs. It just needs to be able to deduce that it is.

The moving object to be visually recognized by the player through the display window 128 is not limited to the character model as in the dolphin toy 21 described above. May be used.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a fishing rod 31a and a fishing line
1b is made visible to the player, and when a symbol for a big hit and an image action are executed,
The fishing rod 31a is pulled and bent by the fishing line 31b (FIG. 9).
(Transition from the state of (A) to the state of FIG. 9B)), and an effect may be performed so as to give the player the impression that there is a fish signal.

The structure for bending the fishing rod 31a may be, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, and the solenoid 32 is substantially the same as the solenoid 22 shown in FIG. The functions of the iron support bar 34, the electromagnet holding frame 35, the holding frame upper end 35a, the coil spring 36, and the electromagnet 37 of the solenoid 32 are the same as the above-described iron support bar 24, electromagnet holding frame 25, and holding frame of the solenoid 22, respectively. Upper end 25
a, the functions of the coil spring 26 and the electromagnet 27 are the same as those of the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the solenoid 32 is in the OFF state, the lower end of the iron support rod 34 is located to the right, so that the fishing line 31b attached to the lower end does not pull the fishing rod 31a. FIG. 9 shows the fishing rod 31a.
The state shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the solenoid 33 is in the ON state, the lower end of the iron support rod 34 is attracted to the electromagnet 37 and moves leftward, so that the fishing line 31b pulls the fishing rod 31a, and the fishing rod 31a is bent. The state shown in FIG.

In the state of the big hit symbol, the ON state and the OFF state are repeated in a short cycle while increasing the ratio of the period in which the solenoid excitation signal is being output (ON state). Thereby, the player can visually recognize the state in which the fishing rod 31a vibrates up and down, can inflate the image of the jackpot in the slot machine by the hit in fishing, and can increase the expectation for the jackpot.

On the other hand, when the image action is executed, the ON state is turned ON in a long cycle while the ratio of the period in which the solenoid excitation signal is output (ON state) is reduced.
The FF state is repeated. In this case, the period of the ON state of the solenoid excitation signal is completed so that the above-mentioned iron support rod 34 is completely absorbed by the electromagnet 37, that is, the fishing rod 31a is slightly pulled, and the fishing rod 31a is pulled.
Is a period in which the tip moves slightly.

As a result, the player feels as if the fish is poking bait, and infers the relationship between the jackpot in the slot machine during the game and the actual jackpot during the period between the actual jackpot and the jackpot. Interest in games can be increased.

In FIG. 10, a fixing member 31c for fixing the flexible fishing rod 31a to the apparatus housing is disposed below the fishing rod 31a. In addition, the CPU in the case of performing an effect using this fishing tackle toy 31
Is substantially the same as the operation of the CPU in the case where an effect is performed using the dolphin toy 21 except that the signal transmission timing of the solenoid excitation signal is different.

The configuration of the apparatus according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as that of each of the above-described embodiments described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, the operation of the moving object can be visually recognized through the display window 128 of the front panel 108. However, the moving object is located at another position that can be visually recognized by the player. For example, the moving object may be disposed inside any of the display windows 108a through which the reels 12A, 12B, and 12C can be visually recognized, and the operation of the moving object can be visually recognized by the player through the display window 108a. You may make it confuse.

In the above-described embodiment, the image action effecting means is the same as the notifying means for notifying when the stop symbol has a specific form. However, these two means are separate means. Can also be configured.

The effect of the image action may be performed during a period in which all reels are rotating, or may be performed during a period in which some reels are rotating.

In the above-described first embodiment, the brightness of the LED is changed to distinguish between the image action and each effect in the case of the big hit. However, the timing of the blinking of the LED, the timing of the color display, and the timing of the color switching. In at least one of them, the two may be distinguished by changing the mode.

In the second embodiment described above, the timbre (type of musical instrument) of the sound output from the sound output means is changed to distinguish between the image action and each effect in the case of a big hit. At least a part of the output sound from the means may be changed in at least one of the scale, the strength of the sound, and the tempo of the sound to distinguish between them. Further, as a special mode, the gaming machine of the present invention can be configured to include a so-called small hit.

Next, a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The gaming machine (slot machine) according to the fourth embodiment is configured such that the rotation of three reels is stopped based on the operation of a stop switch by a player. This is a major difference.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a slot machine according to the fourth embodiment. This slot machine 300
As shown in FIG. 12, a housing 304 having a front door 302 that can be opened and closed on the front is provided. The front door 302 is provided with three reel display windows 306A to 306C horizontally and substantially above the center of the front surface thereof.
Has three reels 308 arranged inside the housing 304.
The outer peripheral surfaces of A to C face respectively. In addition, around each of the reel display windows 306A to 306A-C,
The pay line display 310A-E for displaying the activated pay line is provided across the AC. The pay line displays 310A to 310E are composed of three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines crossing the horizontal lines, for a total of five lines. Further, on the right end side of each of the pay line displays 310A to 310E, a valid line display lamp 31 for displaying a valid pay line is displayed.
2A to 2E are provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the number of valid pay lines is five, but the number of valid pay lines may be an arbitrary number such as seven or nine.

Further, below the reel display windows 306A to 306C, a re-game display lamp 31 which lights when a re-game is won.
4. a game stop display lamp 316 for displaying a standby time from the start of the previous reel rotation to the start of the next reel rotation, a prize display lamp 318 for displaying that a prize has occurred, Game start display lamp 32 for indicating that the start switch is activated
0, a coin insertion lamp 322 for displaying that coin insertion is permitted is provided.

Further, below the reel display windows 306A to 306C, a first bet switch 324 for inserting coins to be provided for a game within a credited area one by one.
And 2 coins to be used for the game within the credited area
A second bet switch 326 for inserting coins, a max bet switch 328 for inserting coins to be provided for a game within a credited range up to a maximum allowable bet number (three in this embodiment), and a coin for providing a game. And a collective coin insertion slot 332 for simultaneously inserting a plurality of coins to be provided for a game.

Further, a display window 384 for performing an image action is provided on the front surface of the front door 302 located above the reel display windows 306A to 306C. In addition,
The display window 384 may be provided at any position as long as the position is visible to the player.

A C / P for switching between crediting and paying out the coins obtained by the player is provided on the front surface of the front door 302 located below the bet switch and the like.
A switch 334 and a reel 3 on condition that a coin is inserted.
A start switch 336 for simultaneously starting the rotations of 08A to 08C and stop switches 338A to 338A for individually stopping the rotation of the reels 308A to 308C are provided.

A coin tray 3 for receiving coins paid out as a prize is provided below the front door 302.
The coin payout opening 342 is provided so as to face the coin tray 340. Also,
A pair of left and right sound transmission holes 344 and 344 are provided on the front surface of the front door 302 located above the coin tray 340, and a speaker is provided inside the housing 304 so as to face each of the sound transmission holes 344 and 344. 346 and 346 are arranged.

A payout display section 348 for displaying the number of payout coins to be paid for winning is provided in the upper front part of the housing 304. Above the payout display section 348, a plurality of decorative lamps are provided. Decorative part 3 (not shown)
50 are provided. The decorative part 350 is divided into a plurality of sections (for example, eight sections) in the left-right direction.
Decorative lamps are provided in each section, and by illuminating or blinking these decorative lamps according to the game state, the pleasure of the game can be enhanced.

The front door 302 located on the right side of the collective coin insertion slot 332 is provided with a door key 352 for opening and closing the front door 302 and for restarting the game after the stop processing. This door key 352 is
Stop release switch 354 provided in housing 304
(See FIG. 13), the front door 302 can be opened by inserting a key and turning it to the right, and a stop release switch 354 by inserting a key and turning it to the left.
Can be turned on to release the stop.

Inside the housing 304, reels 308A to 308A are rotatably disposed at positions where the outer peripheral surfaces are exposed to the respective reel display windows 306A to 306C.
A hopper 356 (see FIG. 13) for paying out coins as a prize is arranged at a position communicating with the coin payout exit 342. Further, a control device 400 for electrically controlling the slot machine 1 is provided inside the housing 304.
(See FIG. 13).

The above-mentioned reels 308A to 308C are driven to rotate by stepping motors 358A to 358C (see FIG. 13), and a plurality of symbols are displayed on the outer peripheral surface thereof at predetermined intervals, and have translucency. Reel tape is stuck. The type of the symbol is, for example, "7",
“BAR”, “watermelon”, “cherry”, “plum”, etc., and 21 symbols are displayed on each of the reels 308A to 308C. Note that the type of symbols and the number of symbols displayed on each of the reels 308A to 308C can be appropriately changed and implemented. For example, in addition to the above, "Bell", "Orange", "Person", "Animal", "Fish", "JAC", etc., can be used as the type of symbol. May be applied to distinguish the symbols.

Further, inside each of the reels 308A to 308C,
The symbol visually recognized through the reel display window 306 is the reel 3
Three back lamps 360 (see FIG. 13) for transmitting and illuminating from the inner surface sides of 08A to 08C are provided vertically and three each. By turning on or blinking the back lamp 360, each of the reels 308A to 308C can be illuminated from the inside to highlight the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line.

To play a game with the slot machine 300 according to the fourth embodiment, first, the coin insertion slot 33 is actually
0 or a coin is inserted into the collective coin insertion slot 332, or one of the bet switches 324, 326, 328
Is operated to insert coins to be used for a game within the range of credits. Here, a pay line that is valid according to the inserted number of coins is determined, and the corresponding valid line display lamps 312A to 312E are turned on. For example,
When one coin is inserted, one central horizontal line is valid, and when two coins are inserted, three upper, middle, and lower horizontal lines are valid, which is the maximum allowable bet amount. When three coins are inserted, the horizontal line 3
A total of five lines, that is, two lines and two oblique lines, are effective.

Next, the player operates the start switch 336.
Is operated, the reels 308A to 308C start rotating at the same time, and a plurality of types of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 308A to 308C are moved up and down in the respective reel display windows 306A to 306C. When the rotation of the reels 308A to 308C reaches a predetermined speed, the stop switches 338A to 338C are activated, and when the player operates the stop switches 338A to 338C, the rotation of the corresponding reels 308A to 308C is stopped. I do.

Here, when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line is in a predetermined winning mode, the number of coins corresponding to each winning mode is paid out as a prize. Or credits.

In the slot machine 300 according to the fourth embodiment as well, it is determined whether or not a winning mode is configured by performing a lottery in the control device 400, which will be described in detail later, and determining whether the lottery result permits the configuration of the winning mode. It depends on whether or not. That is, when the lottery result permits any of the winning modes, the reels 308A are set so as to be in the winning mode.
To C are controlled to stop. On the other hand, when the lottery result does not permit any of the winning modes, the reels 308A to 308C are controlled so as not to be in the winning mode.

For example, when the lottery result permits the occurrence of the winning mode, the stop switch 338A is slightly shifted from the timing at which the symbol in the winning mode is stopped and displayed.
Even when .about.C is operated, the reels 308 are stopped by controlling the rotation of the reels 308 so-called "pull-in" so that the combination of the stopped symbols becomes the winning mode. On the other hand, if the lottery result does not permit the occurrence of the winning mode, the stop switch 338A is displayed at the timing when the symbol serving as the winning mode is stopped and displayed.
-C is operated, so-called "slip"
By controlling the rotation of the reels 308A to 308C, the reels 308A to 308C are stopped so that the combination of the stopped symbols does not become a winning mode.

Further, in the slot machine 300 according to the fourth embodiment, a game mode called a so-called challenge time is provided. That is, during the game period of the challenge time, the control of stopping the reels 308A to 308C by the control device 400 as described above, that is, the stop control based on the random number lottery is not performed. In the game mode of the challenge time, during the period from when the predetermined start condition is satisfied to when the predetermined end condition is satisfied, the stop control based on the random number lottery of the reels 308A to 308 based on the determination by the control unit is not performed. The reels 308A to 308C are stopped only based on the stop operation of the stop switches 338A to 338C by the player. The gaming operation in the slot machine 300 according to the fourth embodiment is controlled by the control device 400. The control device 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13, the control device 400
CPU 402, ROM 404, RAM 406, CPU 4
02, a clock circuit 408 for generating an operation clock signal, and a probability setting unit 410 for setting a winning probability of a big bonus game or the like.

The ROM 404 contains a slot machine 3
The processing procedure in the game of 00 is stored as a sequence program, and data such as a winning probability table for determining a lottery probability and the like is stored.
The game in the slot machine 300 is controlled by the operation of the CPU 402 and the like based on the sequence program.

The clock circuit 408 includes a clock pulse generator 4 for generating a reference clock having a predetermined frequency.
12 and the CPU by dividing the frequency of the reference clock signal.
Frequency divider 41 for generating an operation clock signal of 402
4 is provided.

The probability setting section 410 generates a random number within a predetermined range under the control of the CPU 402, and extracts an arbitrary random number from the random numbers generated by the random number generator 416 and transmits the random number to the CPU 402. And a random number sampling circuit 418 for performing the operation. Further, a probability setting switch 420 for setting the probability of occurrence of a big bonus game is connected to the probability setting unit 410. The probability setting unit 410 generates a random number used for a normal game and a big bonus game.

A plurality of I / Os provided in the CPU 402
The O port includes a coin sensor 362 for detecting coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 330 or the coin insertion slot 332, a first bet switch 324, a second bet switch 326, a max bet switch 328, C
/ P switch 334, start switch 336, stop setting switch 364 for switching whether or not to execute the stop processing, stop release switch 354 for canceling the stop, motor drive circuit 366, reel position detection circuit 368, reel stop signal The circuit 370, the hopper drive circuit 372, the payout completion signal circuit 374, the speaker drive circuit 376, and the lamp drive circuit 378 are connected.

Hereinafter, each of the above circuits will be described in detail. The motor drive circuit 366 includes each reel 308A.
Stepping motor 358A for rotationally driving .about.C
To the stepping motors 358A to 358C under the control of the CPU 402.
Start or stop the rotation of.

The reel position detecting circuit 368 is provided with a position detecting sensor (not shown) including an optical sensor for detecting the rotational position of each of the reels 308A to 308C. Each reel 308
The position detection signals A to C are transmitted to the CPU 402.

Stop switches 338A to 338C are connected to the reel stop signal circuit 370. When the player operates the stop switches 338A to 338C, the stop switches 338A to 338C are detected and a stop switch detection signal is output to the CPU 402.
Sent to A hopper 356 for storing coins is connected to the hopper drive circuit 372.

The payout completion signal circuit 374 is connected to a coin storing section 380 and a coin detecting section 382. The coin storing section 380 is a section for storing and storing coins inserted from the coin insertion slot 330 or the collective coin insertion slot 332 or coins to be paid out as a prize. be able to. The maximum allowable storage number is, for example, 50 coins, and up to 50 coins are stored and stored.
The coins exceeding the 50 coins are actually paid out from the hopper 356 to the coin tray 340. Further, the coins actually paid out are counted by the coin detecting unit 382 when the coins are paid out from the hopper 356 to the coin tray 340. Then, in the payout operation of coins at the time of winning, when the added value additionally stored in the coin storage section 380 or the count value in the coin detection section 382 reaches a predetermined number of payouts, the payout completion signal circuit 374 sends the CPU 40 a signal.
2, a payout completion signal is transmitted.

A speaker 346 for generating a sound effect and the like is connected to the speaker drive circuit 376, and a symbol visually recognized through the reel display windows 306A to 306C is connected to the lamp drive circuit 378 for the reels 308A to 308C. A back lamp 360 for transmitting illumination from the inner surface side is connected.

In the slot machine 300 described above,
The predetermined prize modes include a general prize mode and a special prize mode that is a condition for starting a special game that is more advantageous to the player than the general game. Furthermore, the special prize mode includes a prize mode of a so-called big bonus game and a prize mode of a regular bonus game. As another winning mode, there is a winning mode for starting a challenge time game.

A general winning mode is, for example, when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated winning line is “watermelon”, “watermelon”, “watermelon”, “cherry” is displayed on the left display window. Is displayed as stopped, etc.
A predetermined number of coins, for example, 2 to 10 coins are paid out.

[0110] In addition to this, the winning mode of the replay is set, and the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated winning line is, for example, "Plum", "Plum", "Plum". In this case, a re-game can be performed under the same conditions as the immediately preceding game.

The winning mode of the big bonus game is, for example, a condition that the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line becomes “7”, “7”, “7”. After a predetermined number of coins, for example, 15 coins are paid out,
More coins can be obtained compared to the general game, and a big bonus game advantageous to the player can be performed.

In this big bonus game, a game almost the same as a general game can be played up to 30 times.
During the general game in this big bonus game, when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line becomes “watermelon”, “watermelon”, “watermelon”, 10
Coins are paid out and "Cherry" is displayed on the left display window
Is displayed, two coins are paid out, and when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line becomes a specific winning mode of “plum”, “plum”, “plum”, 5 As many coins are paid out, a maximum of three JAC games can be played.

In the general game in the big bonus game, there is no prize mode of replay, and there is a specific prize mode for shifting to the JAC game in place of the special prize mode which is a condition for starting a special game. Except for the above, in the combination of the stop symbols constituting the winning mode, the number of coins paid out when the winning mode is configured, and the like, the game is performed under substantially the same conditions as the general game performed except during the big bonus game. Will be

In the above-described JAC game, a predetermined number of game medals, for example, one game medal are inserted and the start switch 33 is turned on.
6 to start the rotation of the reels 308A to 308C, then operate the respective stop switches 338A to 338C to stop the rotation of the reels 308A to 308C. Then, the combination of stop symbols is a predetermined combination, for example, "Plum"
In the case of “plum” or “plum”, a predetermined number, for example, 15 game medals are paid out.

In this JAC game, the maximum number of games and the maximum number of winnings are limited. For example, the above-mentioned game is played 12 times, which is the maximum number of games, or
When the above prize reaches the maximum number of prizes of eight, J
The AC game ends. In addition to the big bonus game described above, there is a special game mode called a so-called regular bonus game.

The winning mode of the regular bonus game is, for example, that the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated winning line is “BAR”, “BAR”, “BA”
The game is played with the start condition being “R”, and after a predetermined number of medals, for example, 15 medals are paid out, a regular bonus game can be further performed.

In the regular bonus game, the profit that can be obtained is smaller than that in the above-mentioned big bonus game. For example, the above-mentioned JAC game can be performed at most once.

In the slot machine 300 according to the fourth embodiment described above, similarly to the slot machine 100 according to the first to third embodiments described above, the display window 38 is provided.
4 and the like, a predetermined image action is performed. This image action is, for example, a visual effect performed by turning on or blinking an LED or the like, and a speaker 3.
46, an effect by outputting a sound, an effect by operating a moving object, and the like.

In each of the above-described embodiments, a coin is used as a game medium.
In addition to coins that actually have a monetary value, they include medals, tokens, and the like that are used only for gaming in gaming machines.

[0120]

The gaming machine of the present invention allows a player to perceive a predetermined image action irrespective of whether or not the stop display mode is a specific mode by the symbol determining means. It is possible to perform an effect that infers a relationship with the winning mode for a player who continues to play in the hope of becoming the winning mode,
The interest in games is doubled.

Examples of the image action effect include a visual effect effect using LEDs, an auditory effect effect using voice, and a sound effect effected by a moving object. Various aspects can be adopted, and any of the aspects can increase the interest of the player in the game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining an effect process of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an effect process of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a subroutine process in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining an effect process of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an effect process of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial schematic view of an apparatus for performing an effect process of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an effect process of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining an effect process of a gaming machine according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial schematic view of an apparatus for performing an effect process of a gaming machine according to a modification of the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control device and the like of a gaming machine according to first to third embodiments of the present invention and a modification of the third embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a control device and the like of a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Reel apparatus 12A, 12B, 12C, (R1, R2, R3) Reel 21 Dolphin toy 22, 32 Solenoid part 23 Dolphin holding member 24, 34 Iron support rod 25, 35 Electromagnet holding frame 26, 36 Coil spring 27, 37 Electromagnet 28 Support shaft 31 fishing toy 31a fishing rod 31b fishing line 50 main CPU 51 ROM 52 RAM 56 speaker 100 slot machine 102 coin entry 104 bill entry 106 handle lever 108 front panel 108a display window 112 spin button 120 bet meter 122 last bet meter 124 win meter 126 Credit meter 128 Display window 128a Three-color light emitting LED 200 Controller 300 Slot machine 302 Front door 304 Housing 306 Reel display window 308 Le 310 Win line display 312 Active line display lamp 314 Replay display lamp 316 Game stop display lamp 318 Win display lamp 320 Game start display lamp 322 Coin insertion lamp 324 First bet switch 326 Second bet switch 328 Max bet switch 330 Coin insertion Mouth 332 Batch coin insertion slot 334 C / P switch 336 Start switch 338 Stop switch 340 Coin tray 342 Coin payout slot 344 Sound transmission hole 346 Speaker 348 Payout display section 350 Decoration section 352 Door key 354 Bunch release switch 356 Hopper 358 Stepping motor 360 Back Lamp 362 Coin sensor 364 Stop setting switch 366 Motor drive circuit 368 Reel position detection circuit 370 Stop signal circuit 372 Hopper drive circuit 374 Payout completion signal circuit 376 Speaker drive circuit 378 Lamp drive circuit 380 Coin storage section 382 Coin detection section 384 Display window 400 Control device 402 CPU 404 ROM 406 RAM 408 Clock circuit 410 Probability setting section 412 Clock pulse Generator 414 frequency divider 416 random number generator 418 random number sampling circuit 420 probability setting switch

Claims (9)

[Claims] An image display portion provided on a front panel is used to move and display a plurality of symbol columns, and then the moving display of the symbol columns is stopped, and the stop display mode is a predetermined combination of predetermined symbols. In a gaming machine that gives a predetermined benefit to a player when the specific mode is a specific mode, a symbol determination that determines a mode of a symbol row stop display in the image display portion before the symbol row is stopped and displayed. Means, and an image action effecting means for causing a player to perceive a predetermined image action irrespective of whether or not the stop display mode is the specific mode by the symbol determining means. A gaming machine characterized by the following. 2. A notifying means for notifying the specific mode by a predetermined notifying mode when the symbol determining means determines that the stop display mode is the specific mode, 2. The image action producing means according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the notifying means is used to make a player perceive an image action in a mode different from the predetermined notification mode. Gaming machine. 3. The image action producing means is LE
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine comprises D. 3. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein said LED comprises a multicolor LED. 5. The method according to claim 5, wherein the image action is the LED.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the brightness, the blinking timing, the color display, and the color switching timing is configured in a mode different from the predetermined notification mode. 6. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said image action effecting means comprises means for outputting a predetermined sound. 7. The image action, wherein at least a part of output sound from the sound output unit is different from the predetermined notification mode in at least one of a scale, a timbre, a sound intensity, and a sound tempo. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the gaming machine comprises: 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said image action effecting means is an action object arranged in or near said front panel. 9. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the image action is configured in a mode different from the predetermined notification mode in the operation of the moving object.