JP2000325553A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily line up the specified symbols of a slot machine. SOLUTION: Concerning the slot machine with which plural rotary reels 3c displaying plural symbols 3z on outer periphery are rotated, afterwards, the respective rotary reels 3c are stopped on the basis of stop operation and when picture patterns at the time of stopping the respective rotary reels 3c are specified picture patterns, a privilege is applied to a player, when specified conditions are established, according to the investment of coins or number of times of a game, the specified picture patterns are controlled so as to be easily matched.

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 more particularly to a technique for easily aligning a specific symbol on a rotating reel when a specific condition is satisfied.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional computer-controlled slot machine determines whether or not a bonus flag is established by random number drawing at the same time as coin insertion. As a result of the random number drawing, if the bonus flag is not established, the bonus symbols are controlled so that the bonus symbols are not aligned even if the player presses the stop button at any timing. On the other hand, if the bonus flag is established as a result of the random number lottery, the player is notified so that the bonus symbols are aligned even if the timing of pressing the stop button is slightly shifted.

Aligning the bonus symbols with one's own hands is one of the great pleasures of playing with the slot machine, and can give the player a feeling of "just arranging by himself". Therefore, even when the bonus flag is established, the bonus symbols are not necessarily aligned, but are simply aligned, and it is premised that the player will eventually align the symbols by operating the stop button.

[0004] Many players can arrange the bonus symbols immediately after the bonus flag is established, but in some rare cases it is unfortunate and difficult to achieve the same. As described above, even if the bonus flag is established, if it is difficult to align the bonus flags, it becomes frustrating and loses the motivation to play, thereby impairing the original enjoyment of the throttle machine. In addition, the variation of investment coins between a skilled person and a beginner increases, resulting in unequalness.

Further, there is a technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-177030 and a technique described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-100241. In the technology described in JP-A-5-177030,
By detecting that a specific symbol displayed on the spinning reel has passed through the display window and turning on the pass indicator lamp corresponding to the display window, even if the specific symbol is not directly visible, the lighting status of the pass indicator lamp You can know the timing of pressing the stop button by looking at. Also, JP-A-7-100
According to the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 241,241, light leaks from the light-transmitting window of the rotating reel in the vicinity of a specific symbol displayed on the rotating reel.

[0006]

However, the techniques described in these publications are techniques for making it easy to aim at a specific symbol displayed on the rotating reel, but the control of the rotating reel is not different from the conventional technique. In addition, there are players who are good at timing to press the stop button and those who are not good at timing, and there are individual differences. For this reason, if unlucky, there is a problem that some players take a long time to arrange bonus symbols based on a specific symbol, which may cause inequality.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the above problems,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine which can quickly arrange bonus symbols after a bonus flag is established and can eliminate inequality between players.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the structure of the first invention according to the present application is as defined in claim 1.

According to the configuration of the first aspect of the present invention, a specific symbol can be easily prepared in accordance with the investment of coins or the number of games. Therefore, when investing coins to some extent or increasing the number of games, the reflexes and the like which take the timing of the player can be obtained. The specific symbols on the rotating reel can be easily aligned without being affected by individual differences. For this reason, even if it is a beginner, if a coin is invested to some extent or the number of games increases, a privilege can be obtained.

Further, the configuration of the second invention is as described in claim 2.

According to the configuration of the second aspect, it is easy to determine the timing of stopping a specific symbol on the rotating reel by changing the movement of the rotating reel itself.
Even beginners can easily align specific symbols on the spinning reel.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the appearance of the slot machine according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a front panel 2 is provided on the front of a slot machine 1. Display windows 2a, 2b, 2c are provided on the front panel 2. The symbol group 3x on the outer periphery of the left rotating reel 3a is displayed from the display window 2a, the symbol group 3y on the outer periphery of the middle rotating reel 3b is displayed from the display window 2b, and the right rotating reel 3c.
Is displayed from the display window 2c (see FIG. 2).
And FIG. 3).

The bonus lines 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d,
4e is disposed to cross the display windows 2a, 2b, 2c. The bonus lines 4a, 4b, 4c are horizontal lines parallel to each other, and the bonus lines 4d, 4e are lines intersecting each other. Furthermore, the bonus line display lamps 4f indicate the respective bonus lines 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e.
Are arranged at both ends. Each bonus line 4a, 4
b, 4c, 4d, and 4e, when a bonus symbol described later is established, the bonus line display lamps 4f at both ends of the bonus lines 4a to 4e in which the bonus symbol is established are lit, and the bonus symbol is established. The bonus lines 4a to 4e are displayed.

A bet switch 5 is provided at the lower left of the front panel 2. With the bet switch 5, the one that works effectively among the bonus lines 4a to 4e can be selected. 4g of bonus notification lamp is slot machine 1
It is arranged at the upper end of the front of the. When the bonus symbol is established, the bonus notification lamp 4g is turned on.

A start lever 6 is provided below the bet switch 5. When the start lever 6 is operated,
As described later, rotation of the rotating reels 3a, 3b, 3c starts. The stop buttons 7a, 7b, 7c are arranged in a row at the lower center of the front panel 2. When the stop button 7a is pressed, the rotation of the left rotation reel 3a stops,
When the stop button 7b is pressed, the rotation of the medium rotation reel 3b stops, and when the stop button 7c is pressed, the rotation of the right rotation reel 3c stops.

A credit / clearing changeover switch 8 is provided on the right side of the bet switch 5 in the figure. credit/
When the settlement switch 8 is pressed, the credit operation and the settlement operation can be switched. A coin slot 9 is provided at the lower right of the front panel 2. The player can insert game coins (medals) through the coin insertion slot 9. A pause switch 10 is provided below the coin slot 9. When the pause switch 10 is pressed, the game is paused as described later (see FIG. 4).

A coin payout opening 11 is provided at the lower end of the front face of the slot machine 1. Coins paid out from the coin payout port 11 accumulate in the coin tray 12. A number of speaker holes 13 are provided in the coin tray 12. A speaker (not shown) is provided inside the speaker hole 13 and can produce an acoustic effect. An ashtray 14 is disposed on the left side of the coin receiving tray 12 in the figure.

The slot machine 1 is of a computer-controlled type. When a player inserts a coin into the coin slot 9 and operates the start lever 6, the computer system incorporated in the slot machine 1 provides "Big Chance". Game random numbers ”. If the “Big Chance Game Random Number” in this lottery result is “Winning Value”
The big chance flag is established.

FIG. 2 shows a symbol in a reach state of the rotating reels 3a to 3c of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows an example of an operation of a symbol stopped last in the reach state in FIG. (Example 1) is described. In addition,
The left rotating reel 3a rotates in the direction of arrow 3p, the middle rotating reel 3b rotates in the direction of arrow 3q, and the right rotating reel 3c rotates in the direction of arrow 3r. Each rotating reel 3a, 3b, 3c
Rotates only in one direction and does not rotate in the opposite direction.

In FIGS. 2 and 3, the symbol group 3x is displayed on the outer periphery (roll surface) of the left rotating reel 3a, the symbol group 3y is displayed on the outer periphery (roll surface) of the middle rotating reel 3b, and the symbol group 3z. Is displayed on the outer periphery (roll surface) of the right rotation reel 3c. Each of the symbol groups 3x, 3y, 3z has 21 symbols (designs such as "7"). 2 and 3
The upper end of each symbol group 3x, 3y, 3z shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, the left rotating reel 3a and the middle rotating reel 3b stop after rotating, and the right rotating reel 3c is rotating. The arrow 3r indicates the rotation direction of the right rotation reel 3c. The center of the stopped symbols of the left rotating reel 3a and the middle rotating reel 3b (the position of the bonus line 4b) is the symbol "7", which is the reach state.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the reach state from the establishment of the big bonus flag to the next five games,
Big bonus symbols (reels 3a, 3b, 3c of the case where the position of the bonus line 4b stopped symbols in becomes "7") before and after 1 symbol ranges a _1, b ₁ at big bonus pressing the stop button 7c The patterns are forcibly aligned. When the big bonus symbols are completed, the player enters a big chance game which is advantageous to the player, and the coin payout exit 1
Pay out 1 to 15 coins. The paid-out coins accumulate in the coin tray 12.

From the establishment of the big bonus flag to the sixth to tenth games, if the stop button 7c is pressed in the range a ₂ or b ₂ of the two symbols before and after the big bonus symbol in the reach state, the big bonus symbol is forcibly applied. Align properly. 11 games to 15 from the establishment of the big bonus flag
Until the game is in the reach state, by pressing the stop button 7c in the range c ₁ before and after 3 symbols big bonus symbols, big bonus symbols forcibly aligned. Comes from when the big bonus flag 16 games at the reach state, pressing where stop button 7c of all ranges c _2, forcibly big bonus symbols are aligned. 2 and FIG.
Although the example in the case where c stops last is illustrated, the same applies to the case where the left rotation reel 3a or the middle rotation reel 3b stops last.

For this reason, even if it is a beginner, if a player plays 16 games, he or she can always get a bonus with a big bonus symbol. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the coins from being kept forever and increasing the investment of coins, thereby preventing the willingness to play. In addition, inequality due to coin investment between a beginner and an expert can be reduced.

In the example 1, the bonus symbols are gradually made easier according to the number of games. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the same applies when the bonus symbols are gradually made easier according to the number of coins invested. In Example 1, 4
Although it became easier to align bonus symbols gradually at the stage, for example,
When the bonus flag is established immediately become the state, at the 16 game, may be big bonus symbols are aligned by pressing and where the stop button 7c of all ranges c _2. That is, the big bonus symbols may be easily arranged in two stages instead of four stages.

In Example 1, a display for displaying the number of games / the number of investment coins after the big bonus flag is established may be provided on the front of the slot machine 1. Then, the player looks at “the number of games after the establishment of the big bonus flag / the number of investment coins” shown on the display section, and asks “in what game will the bonus symbols be surely prepared?” And whether or not the game has been aligned. "

[0026] In addition, up to 5 games after a big bonus flag established in Example 1, but was so big bonus symbols are aligned by pressing the stop button 7c before and after 1 range of the symbols a _1, b ₁ of the symbol "7", Instead of this, until the 5 games after the Big Bonus is established, they will be aligned only when the stop button is pressed with the symbol “7”, and if the Big Bonus symbols are hard to be aligned, about 6 to 10 games will be played. , And the number of persons who prepare the big bonus symbols within five games is reduced. Therefore, if the big bonus symbols can be arranged within five games, the player can play the game again to practice because of the sense of superiority.

FIG. 4 shows a case where the temporary stop switch 10 is used (Example 2). In FIG. 4, the state changes from (a) to (b), (c), and (d) sequentially.
In (a), at the position of the bonus line 4b, the left rotating reel 3a and the middle rotating reel 3b stop at the symbol "7" and are in the reach state, and the right rotating reel 3c is rotating.
(B) shows a state in which the temporary stop switch 10 is pressed and the right rotation reel 3c is stopped for 2 seconds. in this case,
It can be seen that the symbol four or eight above the symbol at the position of the bonus line 4b is "7" (see FIG. 3). (C) shows a state where the right rotation reel 3c is rotating again after the lapse of "2 seconds". (D) shows a state where the right rotation reel 3c is stopped by pressing the stop button 7c.

As described above, when the big bonus flag is established, the pause switch 10 of the rotating reel 3c that stops last is valid only once. Pause switch 1
When 0 is pressed, the right rotating reel 3c which is changing at a high speed becomes 2
Pause for seconds. As an effect, even if the symbol to be aligned on the right rotating reel 3c is not visible, the position of the symbol to be aligned can be determined with reference to the symbol on the right rotating reel 3c that has been temporarily stopped, and as a result, the stop button 7c is pressed. I can also judge the timing.

In addition, in Example 2, the pause switch 10 can be used only for the right rotating reel 3c that stops last. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the left rotating reel 3a, the middle left rotating reel 3b, and the right rotating reel 3c can be used. The pause switch 10 may be enabled for two or all of them. Further, the number of times the temporary stop switch 10 can be used may be plural. In this case, the pause switch 10 is
If any number of times are used within one cycle of a to 3c, anyone will be aligned and return with no interest. Therefore, the stop buttons 7a to 7c are used for a certain period of time after using the pause switch 10.
The pause switch 10 may be invalidated. Also,
The use of the pause switch 10 may be enabled by inserting a new coin.

FIG. 5 shows a case where the reach state is forcibly set when the big bonus flag is established (Example 3). In FIG. 5, (b),
The state changes to (c) and (d). In (a), the left rotating reel 3a stops at the symbol "7", and the middle rotating reel 3b and the right rotating reel 3c are rotating. Note that the arrow 3q indicates the rotation direction of the middle rotation reel 3b.

FIG. 3B shows a case where the symbol when the stop button 7b is pressed to stop the right rotation reel 3c is a released symbol (a symbol other than "7"). The right rotating reel 3c is rotating. (C) shows a state where the medium rotation reel 3b is rotating again. Note that the right rotating reel 3c is also rotating. In (d), the middle rotation reel 3b is forcibly forced without operating the stop button 7c.
Has stopped at symbol "7" and has reached the state of reach. Note that the right rotating reel 3c is rotating.

In Example 3, the bib bonus flag is established.
Then, the middle rotation reel 3b (second stop reel) is stopped.
Even if the symbol comes off, the middle spinning reel 3b fluctuates again
And forced to reach. The pattern of the right rotation reel 3c is
The range of two patterns before and after (a in FIG. 3) _Two, B_TwoStop in range)
Press button 7c to stop at symbol "7"
The designs are aligned.

As an effect of this, it is possible to shorten the time until the player reaches the reach and provide many opportunities to stop the last spinning reels 3a to 3c which are the most enjoyable for the player. In the meantime, in the related art, there was a case where the reach was not achieved. However, in the case of the example 3, the reach is almost achieved, and it is possible to give many opportunities to stop the rotating reels 3a to 3c finally after the reach. In addition, when the first stop reel does not stop at the graphic "7", the first stop reel may be changed again to stop at the symbol "7".

FIG. 6 shows a case (Example 4) in which the lamp 15 is turned on when the symbol "7" of the rotating reel passes through the bonus line 4b. In FIG. 6, the state changes from (a) to (b), (c), and (d). In Example 4, the lamp 15 is provided on the front panel 2 so that the player can visually recognize the lighting of the lamp 15.

In (a), the left rotating reel 3a and the middle rotating reel 3b stop at the symbol "7" and are in the reach state, and the right rotating reel 3c is rotating. In (b), the lamp 15 is turned on when the symbol "7" on the right rotating reel 3c passes through the bonus line 4b. That is, since the stepping motor (not shown) rotates each of the rotating reels 3a to 3c, it is easy to detect the rotation angle of the right rotating reel 3c. Therefore, the symbol "7" of the right rotating reel 3c passes through the bonus line 4b. At this time, the lamp 15 is turned on at the rotation angle. (C) shows a state where the right rotation reel 3c is continuously rotating.
In (d), the stop button 7c is pressed by referring to the lighting timing of the lamp 15 in (c), and the right rotation reel 3c is pressed.
Has stopped at symbol "7", and has become a big bonus symbol. Note that, also in (d), the lamp 15 is turned on.

For this reason, the lighting of the lamp 15 can be synchronized with the rotation cycle of the right rotating reel 3c to match the symbol to be lit. When the big bonus flag is established, the rotation of the rotating reels 3a to 3c may be slowed down so that the symbols on the rotating reels 3a to 3c can be easily recognized. Further, the rotation of the rotating reels 3a to 3c may be delayed only before and after the big bonus symbol. Further, when the big bonus flag is established, immediately after the start lever 6 is operated, the rotating reels 3a to 3c make one revolution at low speed. As a result, since the position of the big bonus symbol can be known, it is possible to determine the timing of pressing the stop buttons 7a to 7c.

[0037]

According to the slot machine of the first aspect of the present invention, a specific symbol can be easily prepared according to the coin investment or the number of games. Therefore, if the coin is invested to some extent or the number of games increases, the timing of the player is increased. A specific design can be easily prepared without being affected by individual differences such as reflexes. Therefore, even a beginner can get a privilege if he invests coins to some extent or increases the number of games. For this reason, inequality between players can be reduced and frustration of the players can be prevented.

Further, since the movement of the spinning reel itself is changed by the slot machine according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is easy to determine when to press a stop button for stopping a specific symbol on the spinning reel. For this reason, it is possible to reduce unfairness among players and to prevent annoyance of players. Further, there is no need for parts such as lamps as in the conventional case. Therefore, the cost is reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of a rotating and stopped state of a rotating reel of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of the right-hand rotating reel shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a second example of the rotating and stopping states of the rotating reel of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of a rotating and stopped state of the rotating reel of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a fourth example of the rotating and stopping states of the rotating reel of the slot machine shown in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 slot machine 2a, 2b, 2c display window 3a, 3b, 3c rotating reel 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e bonus line 7a, 7b, 7c stop switch 10 pause switch 15 light

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Kentaro Nakajima 1 Nishinokawa, Nishiharumachi, Nishiharumachi, Nishikasugai-gun, Aichi Prefecture Within Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd. Address Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hirohiro Tsuchiya Nishinokawa, Nishiharu, Nishi-Kasugai-gun, Aichi Pref. Address Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kazuto Miyajima Oishimura, Nishiharu-machi, Nishi-Kasuga-gun, Aichi Prefecture No. 1 Nishinogawa No. 1 Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd. No. 1 Nishinokawa Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroki Okumoto No. 1 Nishinokawa, Okimura, Daiichi Shokai Co., Ltd.

Claims (2)

[Claims] After rotating a plurality of spinning reels displaying a plurality of symbols on the outer periphery, each spinning reel is stopped based on a stop operation, and when the spinning reel is stopped, the symbol is a specific symbol. A slot machine for giving a bonus to a player, wherein when a specific condition is satisfied, the specific symbol is easily controlled according to coin investment or the number of games. 2. After rotating a plurality of spinning reels displaying a plurality of symbols on the outer periphery, each spinning reel is stopped based on a stop operation, and when the spinning reel is stopped, the symbol is a specific symbol. In a slot machine for giving a bonus to a player, when a specific condition is satisfied, the operation itself of the spinning reel changes and it becomes easy to determine the timing of stopping the specific symbol.