JP2001029544A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily discriminate a special state which can win a prize even when a reach (li-zhi) pattern is not memorized. SOLUTION: Only when a game state setting part 110 sets a game state to a special state in which a desired pattern can be generated, a game state informing part 130 instructs a rotation control part 120 to stop drums 30a to 30c so as to display the informed pattern with pictures of flags at a prescribed position in an observation window. Thus, only when the informed pattern appears at one position, a player can recognize that the game state enters a special state so that the player does not need to memorize complicated reach patterns.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention executes a symbol matching game, which is achieved when a special prize display state in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a specific combination is formed, based on establishment of a predetermined starting condition, and the execution result. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that gives a special value advantageous to a player when hit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventionally used slot machine has a rotating drum portion in which three drums each having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface are coaxially arranged side by side, and has one to three medals. By operating the starter lever after turning on the drum, the drums rotate all at once. Each of the drums is provided with a corresponding stop switch. Pressing these switches stops the rotating drum. Then, when all the drums are stopped, when a predetermined symbol is arranged on an effective line, a winning is won, and a predetermined number of medals according to the symbol at that time are paid out to the player. I have.

[0003] When a special prize display mode in which a predetermined specific symbol is aligned on an activated line appears, a big hit occurs and a special game state (generally, a bonus game) in which a game can be played under more advantageous conditions than usual. (A special game state referred to as “a special game state”), and a large number of medals are provided to the player to give profit.

Normally, a slot machine has a special state in which a special prize display mode can appear on an activated line if the stop switch is pressed at an appropriate timing, and a special prize display mode does not appear on an activated line, or the appearance probability is extremely high. Each game state has a low winning state, and is set so that a special state appears according to a predetermined probability.

[0005] Even in the special state, a symbol on each rotating drum is observed, and a stop button is pressed by aiming at the symbol so that the target symbol stops on the effective line. If you do not perform, the winning pattern will not be easily aligned.

Therefore, in the conventional slot machine, several stop modes which are generally called "reach eyes" are determined in advance, and when the special state is entered, the reach eyes are made to appear, and the player is now in the special state. You are notified that there is something.

[0007] The player memorizes various reach eyes so as not to overlook that the player is in the special state, and when the reach eyes begin to appear, the player concentrates his nerves on the eyes to perform a special prize. A display state appears so that the game can proceed advantageously.

[0008] In addition, there has been a device which emits a special sound to notify that a special state has been entered, or a change in color or a change in color of illumination for illuminating a drum.

[0009]

However, in such a conventional technique, a beginner or the like has an advantage in playing a game because a special state is missed unless a large number of reach eyes are remembered in advance. There was a problem that it was not possible to fully enjoy it.

[0010] When the special state is notified by sound, the sound level in the game hall is relatively high, so that the sound must be made to some extent louder. In addition, when notifying by light or shade of lighting or color change, the inside of the slot machine or the game hall must be darkened to some extent so that the change in lighting condition can be easily recognized, which may reduce the visual acuity of the player. Connected, not good.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, and it is possible to easily determine that the player is in a special state in which a prize can be won without remembering the reach eyes. It aims to provide a gaming machine that can.

[0012]

The gist of the present invention to achieve the above object lies in the following inventions. [1] When a special prize display state in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a specific combination is formed, a winning symbol matching game is executed based on establishment of a predetermined starting condition, and when the execution result is a winning, it is advantageous to the player. Display means (30a to 30c) for displaying the symbol matching game, and the variable display means (30).
a to 30c), a symbol matching game executing means (100) for executing the symbol matching game, and a game state for notifying a player whether or not the execution mode of the symbol matching game is in a predetermined special state. Notification means (130), wherein the game state notification means (130) stops a predetermined notification symbol (65, 701) at an arbitrary position in a display area of the variable display means (30a to 30c). A gaming machine characterized by displaying to the player that the player has entered the special state.

[2] When a special prize display state in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a specific combination is formed, a winning symbol matching game is executed based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition. In a gaming machine that gives a special value advantageous to a player, the symbol matching game is executed using the variable display means (30a to 30c) for displaying the symbol matching game and the variable display means (30a to 30c). A symbol matching game executing means (100);
A game state notifying means (130) for notifying a player whether or not the execution mode of the symbol matching game is in a predetermined special state; and the game state notifying means (130).
Is a predetermined notification symbol (65, 701) at one specific location in the display area of the variable display means (30a to 30c).
A game machine which stops the display of the display to notify the player that the player has entered the special state.

[3] The gaming machine according to [1] or [2], wherein the notification symbol (701) has a predetermined flag drawn thereon.

[4] A plurality of drums (30a to 30c) having a plurality of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface, which are coaxially juxtaposed, are rotated based on the establishment of the starting condition, and each drum (30a to 30c) is rotated. 30c), the corresponding drums (30a to 30c) are stopped in response to pressing of the stop switches (12a to 12c) prepared for each of the drums (30a to 30c).
30c) is a slot machine that performs a win as the symbol matching game when a special prize display state in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a specific combination is formed on the pay line (17) when the stop is performed. [1],
The gaming machine according to [2] or [3].

[5] The special mode is an execution mode set so that the stop switch (12a to 12c) is depressed at an appropriate timing so that the special prize display mode can appear on the activated line (17). The gaming machine according to [4], wherein:

[6] The starting condition is that a predetermined start switch (13) is turned on after the medal is inserted, and the provision of the special value is a medal payout. The gaming machine according to [5].

The present invention operates as follows. The symbol matching game executing means (100) includes a variable display means (30).
The symbol matching game using (a) to (30c) is executed based on establishment of a predetermined starting condition. Game state notification means (13
0) is that the execution mode of the symbol matching game is in a special state by stopping and displaying a predetermined notification symbol (65, 701) at an arbitrary position in the display area of the variable display means (30a to 30c). To the player.

For example, a notification symbol depicting a flag (701)
Is stopped and displayed in any one of the display areas of the variable display means (30a to 30c) to notify the player that the special state has been entered, or to display the notification symbol (65) in the variable display means (30a to 30c). The player is notified that the special state has been entered by stopping the display at a specific location in the display area of (1) to (30c).

As described above, by displaying the notification symbol (65, 701) at an arbitrary or specific location, the player is notified that the gaming state has entered a special state in which a winning can be achieved. There is no need to learn complicated reach eyes, and even beginners can fully enjoy the game.

In particular, a plurality of drums (30a to 30c) having a plurality of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface, which are coaxially juxtaposed, are rotated based on the establishment of the starting condition, and each drum (30a to 30c) is rotated. 30c), the corresponding drums (30a to 30c) are stopped by pressing the stop switches (12a to 12c) prepared for each of the drums (30a to 30c).
In the case of a slot machine in which a symbol matching game is executed when a special prize display state in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a specific combination on the activated line (17) when the ３０30c) stops is notified, Symbols (65, 70
According to 1), it is easy to recognize that the vehicle is in the special state, so that a so-called eye-opening opportunity is not missed.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each drawing shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of the slot machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the slot machine 10. The slot machine 10 includes first to third stop buttons 12a, 12b, and 12c in the center of the front of a vertically long box-shaped housing 11. A lever-type start switch 13 is arranged on the left side of these.
A front panel 14 is provided above the first to third stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c, and observation windows 15a, 15b, 15c in which a transparent glass plate is fitted are provided at the center of the front panel 14. Is provided.

On the back surface of each observation window 15a, 15b, 15c, there are provided first to third cylindrical drums 30a, 30a.
b and 30c are arranged coaxially adjacent to each other in the lateral direction, and are rotatably supported. First to third drums 30a, 3
On the outer peripheral surfaces of 0b and 30c, pictures such as "cherry", "lemon", and "bell" and symbols such as "7" and "BAR" are drawn at substantially constant intervals.

As shown in FIG. 4, the observation windows 15a, 15
On the surfaces of b and 15c, a plurality of winning lines 17 activated corresponding to the number of medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 16 are drawn. Effective display lamps 18 are arranged at both ends of each pay line 17, and the effective display lamp 18 is lit to indicate which pay line 17 is activated. Observation window 15a,
As shown in FIG.
An illumination unit 50 for illuminating the third drums 30a, 30b, 30c is arranged.

In the lower part of the front of the slot machine 10, a medal outlet 19 to be paid out as a prize,
A receiving tray 20 for receiving the medals paid out from 9 is provided. In the upper front part of the slot machine 10, various illumination devices 21 are arranged. Note that FIG.
Although not shown, a power supply unit, a control circuit board, a medal dispenser, and the like are stored inside the slot machine 10.

FIG. 1 shows a circuit configuration of the slot machine 10. As shown in FIG. The control unit (symbol matching game execution means) 100 is a circuit part for controlling various operations of the slot machine 10, and includes a CPU (central processing unit),
OM (read only memory), RAM (random
(Access memory) and the like. The control unit 100 is connected with a first to third stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c, a start switch 13, a medal insertion sensor 41 for detecting medal insertion, a medal dispenser 42 for executing medal payout, and the like. ing.

Control unit (symbol matching game executing means)
100 includes first to third drums 30a, 30b, 30
first to third pulse motors 31 for rotationally driving c
a, 31b and 31c are connected via a driver circuit (not shown). Further, an illumination unit 50 which is a white fluorescent lamp for illuminating each of the drums 30a to 30c is connected to the control unit (symbol matching game execution means) 100. In addition, the first to third drums 30a, 30b, 3
A sensor (not shown), which is arranged near 0c and detects the rotation angle of each drum, is connected to the control unit 100.

Control unit (symbol matching game executing means) 10
0 is a game state setting unit 110 for setting and changing the game state in the slot machine 10, a rotation control unit 120 for controlling the rotation speed and stop position of the first to third pulse motors 31a, 31b, 31c, Has a gaming state notifying section 130 for notifying that the player has entered the special state.
The game state setting unit 110 has a function of switching the game state between at least a special state in which a winning is possible and a non-winning state.

The special state is a state in which a special prize display state, which is a condition for shifting to a winning game state in which a game can be played under more advantageous conditions than usual, can appear on the activated line. That is, by pressing the first to third stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c at appropriate timing, the first to third stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c are displayed so that the special prize display state appears on the activated line.
This is a game state in which the drums 30a, 30b, 30c can stop.

On the other hand, the non-winning state refers to a state in which the special prize display state is set so as not to be aligned on the activated line.
That is, even if the first to third stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c are pressed at any appropriate timing, the first to third drums 30a, 30b, 30c are stopped so that the prize display state is hardly formed. It is a game state. The game state setting unit 110 includes a random number generator and the like (not shown), and causes a special state to appear with a predetermined appearance probability.

The rotation control section 120 is a circuit section for generating drive pulses for driving the first to third pulse motors 31a, 31b, 31c.
a, 31b, and 31c, and a function of stopping each of the drums 30a to 30c at a set position based on information from a sensor that detects a rotation angle.

That is, the rotation control unit 120 stops the respective drums 30a to 30c at the set positions within a certain control range from the timing at which the first to third stop buttons 12a, 12b, 12c are pressed. It is possible to stop the first to third drums 30a, 30b, 30c at arbitrary positions. However, it is unnatural to stop the drum at a position far from the timing at which the stop switches 12a to 12c are pressed, and in this case, the drum is stopped at a position other than the set position.

When the game state is set to the special state by the game state setting unit 110, the game state notification unit 130
This is a circuit part for instructing the rotation control unit 120 to stop and display a predetermined notification symbol at a specific location or an arbitrary location in the observation windows 15a, 15b, 15c.

Next, the operation will be described. When one to three medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 16, the slot machine 10 activates the winning line 17 according to the number of inserted medals, and places both ends of the activated winning line 17 at both ends. The disposed effective display lamp 18 is turned on. That is, when one medal is inserted, only the center line is activated, and when two medals are inserted, the upper, middle, and lower horizontal lines are activated. Activate 5 lines.

When the start switch 13 is operated after the medal is inserted, the first to third drums 30a, 30a
b and 30c are rotated simultaneously. Thereafter, when any of the stop buttons 12a to 12c is pressed, the drums 30a to 30c corresponding to the pressed switch are stopped. When all the drums 30a to 30c are stopped and predetermined symbols are aligned on the activated prize line 17, the number of medals corresponding to the role assigned to the symbols is transferred from the discharge port 19 to the receiving tray 20. Will be paid out.

As a stop mode, when a special prize display state in which a plurality of symbols are arranged on a pay line in a specific combination appears, a winning game state is entered, and thereafter, extremely advantageous until a predetermined release condition is satisfied. The game proceeds under the conditions, and the game shifts to a so-called bonus game in which a total of 300 to 400 medals are paid out. Here, the state where the symbols of “777” are aligned on the activated line is set as the special prize display state.

The game state setting unit 110 switches the game state between a special state in which the game can be won and a state in which the game cannot be won. Normally, the winning state is set to a non-winning state. For example, the state is switched to a special state at an appropriate timing so that a bonus game appears with a probability of several hundredths.

When the game state setting unit 110 switches the game state to the special state, the game state notification unit 130 outputs an instruction to display a notification symbol to the rotation control unit 120. Upon receiving this, the rotation control unit 120 stops and displays a predetermined notification symbol in the central portion 61 of the observation window 15b to notify the player that the special state has been entered. More specifically,
As shown in FIG. 5, in the game after entering the special state, regardless of the timing when the player presses the stop switch 12b, the center of the notification symbol 65 is displayed in the central portion 61 of the observation window 15b. Of the drum 30b is stopped. In the example of FIG. 5, the central portion 6 of the observation window 15b is
In FIG. 1, a star symbol is displayed as a notification symbol 65.

It should be noted that the first to third stop buttons 1 are set at appropriate timing when the player just enters the special prize display state.
When 2a, 12b, or 12c is pressed, a special prize display state appears, and a notification symbol is not forcibly issued.

On the other hand, when the rotation control unit 120 is not in the special state, that is, when the instruction to display the notification symbol is not received from the game state notification unit 130, the rotation control unit 120 notifies the central part 61 of the observation window 15b. The stop position of the central drum 30b is controlled so that the symbol 65 never appears.

As described above, the player is notified that the special state has been entered by stopping and displaying one notification symbol 65 in the central portion 61 of the observation window 15b, so that complicated reach eyes such as a combination of a plurality of symbols can be obtained. Compared to the case where the player enters the special state, even a novice player can easily recognize that the player has entered the special state.

Normally, the player who has recognized that the special state has been entered performs so-called eye pressing to try to stop the symbols in the special prize display mode. At the right time
When the third stop button 12a, 12b, 12c is pressed and the special prize display mode appears on the activated line,
A bonus game such as a big bonus is started.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the case where the notification symbol appears at a specific location such as the central portion 61 of the observation window 15b.
A notification pattern 701 of a flag pattern as shown in FIG. 6 may be stopped and displayed in any of the observation windows 15a, 15b, 15c to notify the player that the special state has been entered. Good. Further, both the case where the notification symbol 65 of the star appears in the central portion 61 of the observation window 15b and the case where the notification symbol 701 of the flag pattern appears at an arbitrary position may be used together as the special state notification mode. Good.

In the embodiment described above, the slot machine has been described as an example. For example, based on the winning of a ball into the starting winning opening, a symbol matching game that is regarded as a slot machine is variably displayed using a liquid crystal display. The present invention may be applied to a pachinko machine that is developed and displayed on a means.

In the pachinko machine, the first to third drums 30
Those corresponding to a, 30b and 30c are displayed on the variable display means. Also, in the case of a pachinko machine, since there is no operation in which a player presses a stop switch unlike a slot machine, a special state is set such that, for example, "777" has a higher probability of hitting than usual. And so on. That is, with the appearance of one notification symbol, the player is notified that the probability of winning has increased or the like.

In the embodiment, the notification symbol is a flag or a star, but is not limited thereto. The display of the notification symbol and the notification by sound or lighting may be used together.

[0047]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to cause a predetermined notification symbol to appear at a specific one place or at an arbitrary one place, indicating that a special state such as being able to be pushed is entered. Therefore, even if the player does not remember complicated reach eyes or the like, the player does not miss a chance to push the game, and even a beginner can fully enjoy the game.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

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

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing an observation window of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a state in which a notification symbol is displayed in an observation window of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a flag pattern as a notification symbol.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Slot machine 12a, 12b, 12c ... Stop button 13 ... Start switch 14 ... Front panel 15a-15c ... Observation window 17 ... Effective line 30a-30c ... Drum 50 ... Illumination part 61 ... Central part of observation window 15b 65 ... Notification Symbol 100: control unit (symbol matching game execution means) 110: game state setting unit 120: rotation control unit 130: game state notification unit 701: notification pattern of a flag pattern

Claims (6)

[Claims] When a special winning condition in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a specific combination is formed, a winning symbol matching game is executed based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition. A gaming machine that provides a special value that is advantageous to: a variable display means for displaying the symbol matching game; a symbol matching game executing means for executing the symbol matching game using the variable display means; Game state notifying means for notifying a player whether or not the game execution mode is in a predetermined special state, wherein the game state notifying means is provided at any one position in a display area of the variable display means. A gaming machine characterized by notifying a player of entering the special state by stopping and displaying a predetermined notification symbol. 2. When a special prize display state in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a specific combination is formed, a winning symbol matching game is executed based on the establishment of a predetermined starting condition. A gaming machine that provides a special value that is advantageous to: a variable display means for displaying the symbol matching game; a symbol matching game executing means for executing the symbol matching game using the variable display means; Game state notifying means for notifying a player whether or not the game execution mode is in a predetermined special state, wherein the game state notifying means is provided at a specific location in a display area of the variable display means. A gaming machine characterized by notifying a player of entering the special state by stopping and displaying a predetermined notification symbol. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification symbol is a predetermined flag. 4. A plurality of drums having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface thereof, which are coaxially juxtaposed to each other, are rotated based on establishment of the starting condition, and a stop switch prepared for each drum is provided. The corresponding drum is stopped in accordance with the pressing, and when all the drums are stopped, when a special prize display state in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a specific combination on an activated line is formed, a slot to be hit as the symbol matching game is performed. The gaming machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the gaming machine is a machine. 5. The special mode is an execution mode set so that the special prize display mode can appear on an active line by pressing the stop switch at an appropriate timing. 4. The gaming machine according to 4. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the starting condition is that a predetermined start switch is turned on after a medal is inserted, and the special value is provided by paying out a medal. Gaming machine.