JP2003088608A - Symbol variable displaying game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To raise taste of a game by the fact that a player still has expectation and tension feelings for a prize even if symbols of the same kind can not be arranged properly on a prize line. SOLUTION: For symbols of '7' and a plum, symbols ('red 7' 'a red plum') colored in a red color and symbols ('blue 7' 'a blue plum') colored in a blue color are established, respectively, and these four symbols are arranged in each reel. In a prize table, a combination of symbols of the same kind and that of symbols of the same color are established as a predetermined combination for a prize, respectively.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is provided with display means for moving a symbol array to variably display symbols, such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine, and is realized when the variable display for each symbol display row is stopped. The present invention relates to a symbol variable display gaming machine in which a winning or losing is decided by a combination of symbols.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a slot machine, a symbol display window is formed in the center of the front surface of the machine body, and a start lever, a stop button switch and the like are arranged below the symbol display window. Behind the symbol display window, a reel unit including three reels is provided, and the symbols are variably displayed in the symbol display window by rotating these reels. On the surface of the symbol display window, three pay lines are drawn horizontally and two pay lines are obliquely drawn. When each reel is stopped, each win line has three pay lines for each reel. The number and spacing of the symbols on each reel are determined so that the symbols are aligned.

In a conventional slot machine, a predetermined number of pay lines are activated in accordance with the number of inserted medals, each reel is started in response to an operation of a start lever, and each reel is operated by a stop button switch. Stop in order according to
The winning or losing is decided by the combination of symbols stopped on the activated pay line. In general, if the same symbols are lined up on the pay line, a winning is made, and a different type of winning is presented depending on the type of the arranged symbols.

For example, when a combination of symbols of the numeral "7" is established, a special game called "big bonus" is started. (Hereafter, this big bonus is "B
Abbreviated as "B", and winning the BB is called "BB winning". When a combination of “BAR” is established, a “regular bonus” (hereinafter abbreviated as “RB”, which is smaller in scale than BB)
The winning of this RB is called "RB winning". ). On the other hand, the combination of bell design, fruit design, etc.
A combination of symbols for a re-game which is treated as a small winning a prize and only a predetermined number of medals are paid out and which is executed without inserting medals is also set as a kind of winning. (The winning of this re-game is called "replay".)

More recently, slot machines have been equipped with "7".
With respect to specific symbols such as, symbols of different modes such as red, blue, and yellow are set and placed on each reel, and the winning combination is achieved by the combination of the colors of each symbol when the combination of these symbols is established. There are some whose contents are changed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-62029, etc.).

[0006]

In the conventional slot machine, if the symbols for winning the prize are stopped by the first stopping operation, but the symbols for the same winning are not stopped by the next stopping operation. , At that point, it turns out that the game is out of the game, so the player loses interest in the game before the last reel stops,
There is a problem that the interest of the game cannot be enhanced enough.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and even if the same kind of symbols cannot be arranged on the pay line, the player is still expected to win the prize and feels nervous. The purpose is to raise the interest of the.

[0008]

A symbol variable display gaming machine according to the present invention moves a plurality of symbol rows to display symbols in a variable manner, and then sequentially stops each symbol row, so that a predetermined number of pay lines are provided respectively. The symbols in each symbol array are arranged to determine the outcome.

The symbol array is arranged, for example, on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. By arranging the reel behind the symbol display window together with a motor as a drive source and rotating the reel, the symbol array is displayed in the symbol display window. It is possible to realize variable display of the symbol string of. However, the structure for displaying the symbols is not limited to the above, and the CRT, LC
The symbol string may be scroll-displayed on the display screen such as D. Further, instead of the reel, it is possible to use one in which both ends of a band-shaped body having a symbol array arranged on the surface are connected.

As a typical example of such a symbol display game machine, a slot machine and a pachinko machine can be given. In the slot machine, after the variable display of each symbol row is started in response to the game start operation by the player, the stop operation is accepted for each symbol row and the variable display is stopped. On the other hand, in the pachinko machine, the variable display of each symbol row is started in response to the insertion of a pachinko ball into the start winning opening, and the variable display of each symbol row is automatically stopped in order after a predetermined time has elapsed.

In the symbol variable display gaming machine of the present invention,
For at least two types of symbols, a plurality of symbols having different additional configurations are set and arranged in each symbol string, and for these symbols,
A winning table in which a predetermined winning is associated with a combination of symbols of the same type and a combination of symbols having the same additional configuration is set. The term "additional configuration" of a symbol as used herein refers to a configuration that does not affect the shape of the symbol body, such as the color of the symbol or the background of the symbol and the marks and characters provided inside or in the vicinity of the symbol. is there.

According to the above configuration, in addition to the winning of the combination of symbols of the same type, the winning of the combination of symbols having the same additional configuration is set, so that the winning line is displayed on the winning line in the process of stopping the variable display of the symbols. Even if the symbols of the same type are no longer available, if the additional configurations between these symbols match, the possibility of winning will still be presented, and the player's expectations and tensions will be presented. It is possible to maintain. Also, in addition to the conventional combination of symbols, the combination of additional configurations is associated with the winnings, so that the original game content of aligning symbols is added to the game nature of adding additional configurations, and the types of winning symbols are reduced. You can set a variety of winning patterns and enhance your interest.

Further, according to one aspect of the present invention, the winning table associates a combination of symbols of a specific type with a special winning combination, and a combination of symbols of another type and a combination of symbols having the same additional configuration are respectively described above. The prizes other than the special prize are set to be associated with each other.

For example, when the above-mentioned BB winning is a special winning and a common additional configuration is set for the "7" symbol for this BB winning and other arbitrary symbols, the "7" symbol is stopped first. After that, even if the symbols other than “7” stop, if this symbol has the same additional configuration as “7”, it is possible to present the possibility that a winning other than the BB winning will be achieved. Therefore, although the player cannot expect the BB prize, he / she wants to perform the following game operation with the expectation that another prize (RB prize, small win prize, replay, etc.) will be newly established.

Further, if the setting is made such that a larger privilege is provided when the same additional structure is prepared than when the symbols other than "7" are prepared, the same additional structure as "7" is provided first. When the symbol "7" is stopped after the symbols are stopped, the winnings that can be achieved are narrowed down to the winnings with a larger privilege, and the player's expectation can be increased.

Further, in another aspect of the present invention, the winning table is set so that winnings having different contents are established depending on the arrangement order of the symbols on the winning line or the arrangement order of the additional structure. With this setting,
For example, even if symbols of the same type are lined up on the pay line, the contents of the win will be changed depending on the order in which the additional components are arranged. Similarly, even when symbols having the same additional configuration are lined up on the pay line, the contents of the prize are changed depending on the order of the symbols, and the winning pattern can be further diversified.

Further, according to the present invention, for at least two types of symbols, a plurality of symbols having different colors are set and arranged in each symbol row, and for these symbols, a combination of the same type of symbols and the same color are provided. It is possible to provide a variable symbol display gaming machine having a configuration in which a winning table in which a predetermined winning is associated with each symbol combination is set. The color of the symbol here is preferably a color that colors almost the entire symbol body, but is not limited to this and may be a color of a specific portion of the symbol.

According to the above structure, the combination of symbols of the same type having the same color, the combination of symbols of the same type having different colors, and also the combination of symbols having the same color are won. Even if symbols of the same type do not line up on the pay line while the variable display is stopped, if the symbols of the same color are lined up, it is possible to show the possibility of winning and the player's expectation and You can maintain tension.

In addition to the conventional combination of symbols, a combination of colors is associated with a prize, so that the original game content of aligning symbols is added to the original game content, and the game nature of aligning colors is added, and the number of symbols for winning is reduced. Even so, it is possible to set various winning patterns and enhance the interest. Further, since the winning is represented by the color of the symbol, the presence or absence of the winning can be easily determined even if different symbols are combined, and there is no risk of confusion among the players.

[0020]

1 shows the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the machine body. The slot machine 1 in the illustrated example has a door portion 3 attached to an opening of a machine body 2 having a front opening.
A reel block 4, a control board 5 on which a control unit 30 to be described later is mounted, and the like are provided at the upper position of the machine body 2.
The medal payout machine 6 having the hopper 6a is incorporated at the lower position.

The reel block 4 comprises a metal frame 7 and three reels 8a, 8b and 8c assembled together. Each of the reels 8a, 8b, 8c is formed by adhering a band-shaped tape having a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel frame, and is a stepping motor 9a, 9 serving as a drive source.
It is attached to the reel block 4 together with b and 9c.

On the other hand, the door 3 has three panels 11, 1
2 and 13 are assembled. These panels 11,
12 and 13 are formed by silk screen printing on the surface of a transparent synthetic resin plate or tempered glass.
Lamps and LEDs (not shown) for illumination are provided at various places.

Particularly, the front panel 11 is used as an area for displaying the progress of the game. This front panel 1
As shown in FIG. 3, a non-colored and transparent symbol display window 20 is formed in the central portion of 1, and a stored number display 23, a payout number display 24, etc. are provided around the symbol display window 20. Indicator will be deployed.

At the position behind the symbol display window 20,
The reels 8a, 8b, 8c are arranged with their outer peripheral surfaces facing the symbol display window 20. The symbol display window 20 is
The horizontal length is such that the three reels 8a, 8b, 8c can be seen from the outside, and the vertical length is so that the symbols S for three frames can be seen from the outside when the reels are stopped. It is formed in a long rectangular shape. Further, on the surface of the symbol display window 20, a total of five pay lines L, three in the horizontal direction and two in the diagonal direction, are connected so as to connect the stop display positions of the symbols.
1 to L5 are drawn. These winning lines L1 to L5
Is activated according to the number of inserted medals. When the number of inserted medals is one, the center pay line L1 is, and when the number of inserted medals is two, three horizontal pay lines L1 to L
3 is all winning lines L when there are 3 inserted medals
1 to L5 are respectively activated.

Between the front panel 11 and the lower panel 13, a medal insertion slot 1 for accepting medals for games.
6, a starting lever 14 for rotating the reels 8a, 8b, 8c all at once, and stop button switches 15a, 15b, 15 for individually stopping the reels 8a, 8b, 8c
In addition to c, three bet button switches 17, 18, 19,
A settlement switch 21, a changeover switch 22 and the like are provided. Further below the lower panel 13, the medal payout opening 2
5, a medal tray 26 and the like are provided.

Bet button switches 17, 18, 19
Is used when a medal stored in an electronic data format is withdrawn and a bet is placed on a game instead of inserting an actual medal. Each bet button switch 17, 18,
By the operation of 19, three medals, two medals, and one medal are withdrawn. The adjustment switch 21 is for adjusting the accumulated medals and paying out the medals corresponding to the number of accumulated medals from the medal payout opening 25. Changeover switch 2
2 is used to switch between a mode (manual mode) for inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot 16 to execute the game and a mode (credit mode) for executing the game with the stored medals.

The number of stored medals in the credit mode is displayed on the stored number display 23. Further, the payout number display 24 displays the number of medals to be paid out as an award when a prize is established in the game.

FIG. 4 shows an electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. Reference numeral 30 in the figure denotes a control unit composed of a microcomputer, which includes a CPU 31 which is a control body, a ROM 32 which stores programs and fixed data, a RAM 33 which is used as a work data area, a random number generator 34, and the like. Including.

The CPU 31 is provided with reel drive units 35a, 35 for the reels 8a, 8b, 8c via a bus 37.
b, 35c, output units of the medal payout machine 6, the stored number display 23, the payout number display 24, the medal detection sensor 36, the start lever 14, the stop button switches 15a, 15
Input parts such as b, 15c, bet button switches 17, 18, 19, a settlement switch 21, and a changeover switch 22 are connected. The medal detection sensor 36 is for detecting medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 16, and is provided in a medal selector (not shown) communicating with the medal insertion slot 16.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a winning table and a lottery table (not shown) which will be described later are set in the ROM 32, and the CPU 31 generates the random number in response to the start of each reel 8a, 8b, 8c. A lottery is performed using the container 34 and the lottery table to determine whether or not the winning is achieved. CPU31
When a predetermined winning is won in this lottery, each time the stop button switches 15a, 15b, 15c are operated, the corresponding reels 8a, 8b, 8c are drawn into the valid winning line by drawing the winning symbol. Execute the pull-in control to stop. Since this pull-in control is publicly known, detailed description is omitted here.

Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the symbol "7" and the plum symbol are
Each symbol is colored red (hereinafter, "red 7")
It is called "red plum". ) And symbols colored blue (hereinafter referred to as “blue 7” and “blue plum”) are set, and these four symbols are used as winning symbols.

FIG. 5 shows an example of symbol arrangement on the reels 8a, 8b, 8c, and FIG. 6 shows an example of setting a winning table in the ROM 32. 5 and 6, the reels 8a, 8b, 8c are respectively labeled as "first
It is shown as "reel", "second reel", and "third reel", and in the following description, it is assumed that the player's stop operation is executed in the order of first, second, and third. Also, in FIGS.
Only individual symbols and cherry symbols are shown, other optional symbols are shown as "-".

In this embodiment, each reel 8a, 8b, 8
The symbols of the red 7, blue 7, red plum, and blue plum are arranged in c, and the symbols of the same type are aligned on the valid pay line (hereinafter referred to as the “valid line”) for these symbols. In addition to the winning state, the state where the symbols of different colors but the same color are aligned on the activated line is also set as the winning. The cherry symbol constitutes a small winning combination by itself, and is arranged in a predetermined number only on the first reel (reel 8a).

According to the winning table of FIG. 6, among the symbol combinations of “7”, the same color symbol combinations (“red 7, red 7, red 7” and “blue 7, blue 7, blue 7”)
Is set as a BB winning combination, and a combination of symbols including different colors is set as an RB winning combination. Regarding the combination of plums,
A combination of symbols of the same color ("Red plum, red plum,
Red Plum "and" Blue Plum-Blue Plum-Blue Plum ")
Is set as a replay combination, while a symbol combination including different colors is not adopted as a winning symbol combination.

Furthermore, in this winning table, 12 combinations including both "7" and "plum" symbols, and each symbol having the same color, are set as small winning a prizes. Although not shown in FIG. 6, for these small winning awards, the number of medals to be paid out is changed according to the arrangement order of the symbols.
Regarding the BB prize, the number of executions of the special game and the number of prizes may be changed depending on the combination of red 7 and the combination of blue 7. Similarly, for the RB prize, the number of times of execution of the special game and the number of times of winning may be changed depending on the arrangement order of the colors of the symbols.

According to the above setting, when the symbols of the same type are not aligned on the activated line when the first and second reels are stopped, the symbols of the same color are aligned. Therefore, there is still a possibility of winning the prize, and it is possible to maintain the player's expectation and tension for the winning until the final third reel stops. In addition, the game nature of aligning colors is added to the original game content of aligning symbols, and two types of symbols and 2
Since various prizes can be set depending on the colors, it is possible to predict the possibility of winning a plurality of ways even after the second reel is stopped, and it is possible to greatly enhance the interest of the game.

Therefore, even if the "7" symbol is stopped when the first reel is stopped, the possibility that the BB prize or the RB prize is achieved cannot be established because the "7" symbols cannot be aligned due to the stop of the second reel. However, if the plum symbol of the same color as the "7" symbol is stopped, there is a possibility that a new small win will be established, so the player is expected to win the small win. You can have a feeling. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, for both red and blue colors, if "7" on the first reel and the plum on the second reel are stopped, there is a possibility of winning two kinds of winnings. Therefore, by setting a large difference in the number of medals to be paid out between these winnings, it is possible to further increase the player's interest in the final stop result of the third reel.

In the symbol array of FIG. 5, for the reels 8a and 8b, the interval between the red 7 and the red plum and the interval between the blue 7 and the blue plum are within the range (4 Since it is set in consideration of (within pieces), even if the player performs a stop operation aiming for the symbol of "7" when the prize including the symbol of the plum is won by lottery, the target symbol is set. You can pull in with a high probability.

For example, when red 7 is stopped and displayed by stopping the first reel, the player normally performs a stop operation aiming at the same stop of red 7 on the next second reel. When it is decided to stop the red plum by lottery, the control of pulling the red plum by removing the stop of red 7 is performed. In the example of FIG. 5, the second reel is set with two symbol arrangement patterns such that the red 7 passes and the red plum passes after one frame (corresponding to FIG. 5). If the stop operation is performed aiming at the time when the red 7 reaches the effective line, the red plum can be reliably pulled in. (Second
The same applies when the blue plum is stopped on the reel. )

In the above embodiment, different winning combinations are set for each small symbol winning combination, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first reel and the second reel.
The same winning may be associated with the symbol combinations in which the respective symbols on the reel are the same. For example, "Red 7.
If "Red Plum / Red 7" and "Red 7 / Red Plum / Red Plum" are made to correspond to the same prize, if this prize is won by the lottery, Red 7 and 2
After stopping the red plums on the reels respectively, it is sufficient to stop either red 7 or red plums on the remaining third reel, and the probability of drawing the winning symbol can be increased.

In the above embodiment, the symbols are distinguished by the color, but the symbols may be distinguished by the background color of the symbol instead of the color of the symbol itself. Instead of color, a mark may be added in the vicinity of the symbol or on the symbol, and a combination of symbols having the same mark may be set as a winning combination.

FIG. 7 shows an example of winning by a symbol with a mark. In the illustrated example, a star symbol is attached to the right shoulder of a symbol such as "7" or a plum, and a state in which the symbols having this star symbol are aligned on the activated line is treated as a winning. In addition, when identifying a symbol by a mark like this, if two kinds of marks are set for each symbol of "7" and plum, or a symbol having a mark and a symbol having no mark are set. The same winning as in FIG. 6 can be set.

Further, in the above, an example in which the invention is applied to the slot machine is shown, but also for the pachinko machine,
The same symbols and winning table settings can be made. Also, instead of the mechanical reel, the same setting can be made in a game machine of a system in which a symbol row is scroll-displayed on a display screen such as a CRT or LCD.

[0044]

In the symbol variable display gaming machine of the present invention, with respect to a plurality of symbols having different additional configurations, a predetermined prize is associated with a combination of symbols of the same type and a combination of symbols having the same additional configuration. Therefore, even if symbols of the same type do not line up on the pay line in the process of variable display of symbols, if the symbols with the same additional configuration are lined up, the win may still be established. Will be presented, and the player's expectation and tension can be maintained. In addition to the original game content of arranging symbols, the game nature of arranging additional configurations is added, and even if the number of symbols for winning is reduced, various winning patterns can be set to enhance the interest of the game. it can.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an internal configuration of a slot machine body.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a configuration of a front panel.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a slot machine.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of arrangement of symbols on each reel.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a winning table.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of winning a prize with symbols to which a mark is added.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 slot machine 8a, 8b, 8c reels 9a, 9b, 9c Stepping motor 20 symbol display window

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of symbol columns are moved to display the symbols in a variable manner, after which each symbol column is stopped in order, and symbols of each symbol column are aligned on a predetermined number of pay lines to determine a win or loss. In the gaming machine, for at least two types of symbols, symbols of a plurality of aspects having different additional configurations are set and provided in each symbol row, and for these symbols,
A symbol variable display gaming machine in which a winning table in which a predetermined winning is associated with a combination of symbols of the same type and a combination of symbols having the same additional configuration is set. 2. The winning table associates a combination of symbols of a specific type with a special winning combination, and a combination of symbols of other kinds and a combination of symbols having the same additional configuration are respectively awarded with a winning other than the special winning combination. The symbol variable display gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the symbol variable display gaming machine is configured to be associated with each other. 3. The symbol variable display gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the winning table is set so that different winnings are established depending on the order of symbols arranged on the winning line or the order of arrangement of additional components. . 4. A plurality of symbol columns are moved to display the symbols in a variable manner, after which each symbol column is stopped in order, and the symbols of each symbol column are aligned on a predetermined number of pay lines to determine the outcome. In a gaming machine, for at least two types of symbols, a plurality of symbols having different colors are set and provided in each symbol row, and for these symbols, a combination of symbols of the same type and a combination of symbols of the same color A symbol variable display gaming machine in which a prize table in which each predetermined prize is associated is set.