JP2004136128A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of preventing a player from feeling monotonous while the player is waiting for the result of the game, concentrating on the game. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine 1 comprises variable display devices 4L, 4C and 4R for variably displaying a plurality of symbol lines necessary for the game, a control means for stopping/controlling the variable display, and operation parts 14L, 14C and 14R for the player to operate to stop the variable display. The game machine 1 also has a display means 6' capable of displaying arbitrary images. The display position 6 of the display means 6' is set between the display position 3 of each variable display device and the operation part 14L, 14C or 14R. A prior notice image previously notifying that a game which does not require a player to slot a game medium will be started after variation of all the plurality of symbol lines is stopped is displayed in the display means in the period from when the variable display of the plurality of symbol lines is started till when the variation of the plurality of symbol lines is stopped. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to a slot machine, a pachislot machine, and other gaming machines provided with a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of symbols required for a game and a control means such as a microcomputer for controlling the variable display. About.

For example, a gaming machine called a slot machine or a pachislot is a variable display device mechanically configured by arranging a plurality of rotating reels representing a plurality of symbols in a front display window, or displaying a symbol on a reel on a screen. The variable display device is electrically configured to be displayed on the display device, and in response to the start operation of the player, the control means drives the variable display device to rotate each reel, and automatically or after a predetermined time When the reels are sequentially stopped by the stop operation of the player and the symbols of each reel appearing in the display window have a specific combination (winning symbol), a game medium such as a coin is paid out. However, in the current mainstream models, when the spinning reel stops, the winning symbols are aligned on the active line of the display unit. Was And when it is (specifically, when the winning lottery by random extraction of a microcomputer). This is because if the symbol at the time of stop is determined only by the stop operation (timing) of the player, the result of the game (win / loss) is determined by the skill of the player, and only the skill of the player is emphasized, and the soundness of the game is enhanced. This is to solve the problem that the management of the coin payout rate and the like from the gaming machine becomes difficult for the gaming machine as well as the game machine is damaged.

In such a gaming machine, the control of determining a symbol to be displayed when the variable display is stopped and the control of stopping the variable display with such a symbol are performed by a microcomputer. It was difficult to predict whether or not, and it was only necessary to wait for a game result until the variable display actually stopped. Therefore, a gaming machine has been proposed in which some display is provided in addition to such a game to compensate for the lack of the game.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-206328 discloses a game display that operates in conjunction with the occurrence of a predetermined hit state, and sets the gaming machine to the hit state when the hit state occurs on the game display. Thus, there is disclosed an invention in which even after the big hit state of the gaming machine ends, the lingering sound can be enjoyed for a certain time and the probability of occurrence of the hitting of the gaming machine is increased. This game display is manufactured separately from the game console, and a support member is fixed to a mounting plate on which a push button switch is mounted above the game console.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-10385, a sub-display is provided in addition to a main display for variably displaying a plurality of symbols, and control is performed to interrupt a set time in which a game can be performed without coin insertion. A slot machine for executing a game is disclosed. The sub display is provided above the main display.

However, in the gaming machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-206328, a game display provided separately from the gaming machine is operated for a period of time from when a hit state of the gaming machine occurs to when the state ends. Since the game display does not operate until the result of the game of the gaming machine itself is obtained, waiting from the start of the game until the result is obtained is not different from the conventional one.

Also, in the slot machine described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H8-10385, a game is played on the sub-display unit during a service time that occurs after the end of a normal game. Since the sub display unit does not operate when the unit is operating, there is no difference from the related art in that there is a monotony of waiting until a result is obtained from the start of the game.

As described above, according to the conventional gaming machine, even if the display means is provided in addition to the variable display device for the game, the player views the symbol variably displayed from the start to the end of the game. When the other display means was operating, the user was looking at the other active display means.

An object of the present invention is to provide a display to the player during the period from the start to the end of the operation of the variable display device that displays symbols necessary for the game, and to reduce the monotony until waiting for the result of the game performed on the variable display device. In addition to the above, the present invention provides a gaming machine that allows a player to perform an operation for stopping while watching the display, thereby enabling the player to concentrate on the game.

The gaming machine of the present invention is provided with a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of symbol columns required for a game, and is provided corresponding to the plurality of symbol columns, and a player is provided to stop the variable display of each symbol column. A plurality of operation units to be operated and a display means capable of displaying an arbitrary image are provided between the variable display position of the variable display device and the operation unit. Then, between the start of the variable display of the plurality of symbol columns and the stop of all the plurality of symbol columns, it is not necessary to insert the game medium after stopping all the plurality of symbol columns. A notice image for notifying that a game is to be started is displayed on the display means.

Specifically, the following will be provided.

(1) A variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of symbol columns required for the game, and a plurality of variable display devices provided corresponding to the plurality of symbol columns and operated by a player to stop the variable display of each symbol column. An operation unit, between the variable display position of the variable display device and the operation unit, display means capable of displaying an arbitrary image, and all of the plurality of symbol rows after starting the variable display Until the plurality of symbol columns are stopped, a notice image for notifying that a game that does not require the insertion of a game medium after all the plurality of symbol columns are started is displayed on the display means. A gaming machine characterized by displaying.

According to the invention of (1), after the plurality of symbol columns start variably displaying and before all of the plurality of symbol columns stop, the game medium is stopped after all the plurality of symbol columns are stopped. Is configured to display on the display means a preview image for notifying that a game that does not require the insertion of a game is started. It can be expected that the game will be started, and it will be a feeling of gain, and the interest of the game can be increased.

In addition, since a display means capable of displaying an arbitrary image is provided between the variable display position of the variable display device and the operation unit, the player can simultaneously operate the operation unit without feeling burden. Can be enjoyed, and the user can enjoy the effect by the image of the display means while concentrating on the game.

(2) In the gaming machine described in (1), before starting detection of a stop signal caused by the operation of the operation unit, a prize request signal is generated in accordance with a prize determination result based on a random number lottery. And control means for stopping and controlling the variable display of the symbol sequence according to the winning request signal and a stop signal generation timing caused by the operation of the operation unit, and the type of the winning request signal The display image to be displayed on the display means is sequentially changed based on the pattern selected in accordance with the pattern, and when the pattern is a specific pattern, interlocked with the stop of a predetermined symbol row by the control means And changing the display image.

According to the invention of (2), the display image displayed on the display means is sequentially changed based on the pattern selected according to the type of the winning request signal. Due to the display image changing at the same time, the player may feel that the game result has changed with the passage of time, and the player can have an expectation of the game result.

Further, in order to change the display image in conjunction with the stop of the predetermined symbol row of the variable display of a plurality of symbol rows required for the game by the control means, the player, the change of the display image and the expectation of the game result Since the game is played while being nervous with the game, the monotony of the game is eliminated.

(3) In the gaming machine described in (2), when the pattern is a specific pattern, after the prize request signal is generated, detection of a stop signal due to operation of the operation unit is performed. A game machine which starts displaying the display image based on the specific pattern before starting.

According to the invention of (3), when the pattern selected according to the type of the prize request signal for displaying the sequentially changing display image on the display means is a specific pattern, the prize request signal is generated. In order to start the display of the display image based on the specific pattern between the time when the operation unit is operated and the time when the detection of the stop signal caused by the operation of the operation unit is started, the player uses a variable display device. The result of the game can be expected and expected during the display, and the interest of the game can be increased.

According to the present invention, between the start of variable display of a plurality of symbol columns and the stop of all of the plurality of symbol columns, the insertion of game media after stopping all of the plurality of symbol columns. Since a notice image for notifying that a game that does not need to be started is displayed on the display means, the player sees the sign image and starts a game that does not require the insertion of a game medium. It is possible to anticipate that, and to feel the benefit, and to increase the interest of the game.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 is a gaming machine that plays a game using a coin, a medal, a token, or the like as a game medium. In the following, description will be made assuming that a coin is used.

At the front of the cabinet 2 forming the whole of the slot machine 1, a horizontally long rectangular display window 3 formed as a substantially vertical surface is provided. The display window 3 has three horizontally and two diagonally winning prizes. A line 15 is provided, and numeral displays (3, 2, 1, 2, 3 in order from the top) connecting these winning lines are provided on the left and right sides of the display window 3. By operating a 1-BET switch 9, a 2-BET switch 10, and a maximum BET switch 11, one, three, and five of these winning lines are activated, respectively.

(3) Inside the cabinet 2, three rotating reels 4L, 4C, 4R are arranged side by side, and a symbol sheet depicting a symbol displayed on the display window 3 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of each rotating reel. These rotary reels constitute a variable display device.

(4) A substantially horizontal pedestal portion 5 is formed below the display window 3 of the cabinet 2, and a liquid crystal display screen 6 formed as an upwardly inclined surface is provided at the center thereof. The liquid crystal display screen 6 displays information related to variable display control of the variable display device by a control unit described later.

On the right side of the liquid crystal display screen 6, there is provided a bucket type coin slot 7 into which a large amount of coins can be inserted at a time. Between the liquid crystal display screen 6 and the coin slot 7, coins are automatically replenished to a credit unit (not shown). Switch 8 is provided. By inserting coins exceeding the creditable number of coins as game media into the coin slot 7 and operating the changeover switch 8, coins in the bucket of the coin slot 7 are automatically credited, and coins as game media are automatically credited. The number of credits can be maintained so as not to be less than a predetermined number.

On the left side of the liquid crystal display screen 6, a single push button operation causes a 1-BET switch 9 for betting only one of the credited coins on the game and a 2-betting switch for betting only two of the coins on the game. The BET switch 10 is provided with a maximum BET switch 11 for betting the maximum number of coins that can be bet in one game. By operating these BET switches, a predetermined activation line 15 is provided as described above. Is activated.

To the left of the front portion of the substantially horizontal pedestal portion 5, a start lever 12 for rotating the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R by a player's operation and starting the movement of the design of the display window 3 is set within a predetermined angle range. It is rotatably mounted.

Three stop buttons operated by the player to stop the three rows of symbols moving the display window 3 at the center of the front portion of the substantially horizontal pedestal portion 5 and below the liquid crystal display screen 6. 14L, 14C, and 14R are provided.

On the left side of the start lever 12, there is provided a C / P switch 16 for switching the credit / payout of coins obtained by the player by a push button operation. By the switching of the C / P switch 16, coins are paid out from the coin payout opening 17 at the lower front, and the paid out coins are stored in the coin receiving portion 18.

FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration including control means for controlling a game processing operation in the slot machine 1 and peripheral devices (actuators) electrically connected to the control means.

In this case, the control means is constituted by using the microcomputer 20 as a main component, and adding a circuit for random number sampling to this. The microcomputer 20 includes a CPU 21 for performing a control operation in accordance with a preset program, a ROM 22 and a RAM 23 as storage means, and the CPU 21 provides a clock pulse generating circuit 24 and a frequency divider 25 for generating a reference clock pulse, A random number generator 26 for generating a random number and a random number sampling circuit 27 are connected. As a means for random number sampling, random number sampling may be performed in the microcomputer 20, that is, on an operation program of the CPU 21. In this case, the random number generator 26 and the random number sampling circuit 27 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

The ROM 22 of the microcomputer 20 stores information and data necessary for executing a process of displaying a plurality of display images on the liquid crystal display screen 6, which will be described later, in addition to the game control of the slot machine.

In the circuit of FIG. 2, as main actuators whose operations are controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 20, stepping motors 19L, 19C, and 19R for rotating the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, respectively, and coins for payout are stored. (Including a drive unit for paying out) 30, a liquid crystal display 6 'having the above-described liquid crystal display screen 6, and a payout driving unit (not shown) from the coin slot 7 to the credit unit. Are connected to the output terminal of the CPU 21 via a motor drive circuit 31, a hopper drive circuit 32, a liquid crystal drive circuit 33, and a payout drive circuit (not shown) from the coin slot to the credit section. These drive circuits receive a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 21 and control the operation of each actuator.

As a main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 20 to generate a control signal, a coin sensor 7S which is inserted into the coin insertion slot 7 and detects coins as credited game media. The start switch 12S for detecting the operation of the start lever 12, the 1-BET switch 9, the 2-BET switch 10, the maximum BET switch 11, the C / P switch 16, and the stop according to the operation of each stop button 14L, 14C, 14R. A reel stop signal circuit 28 for generating a signal, a reel position detection circuit 34 for receiving a pulse signal from a reel rotation detector of the variable display device and supplying a signal for detecting the position of each reel to the CPU 21, and a hopper 30. Number data with the count value of the coin detection unit 35 for detecting coins paid out from Payout completion signal circuit 36 supplies a signal for detecting the coin payout completion to the CPU 21 upon reaching is connected to the input terminal of the CPU 21.

In the circuit of FIG. 2, the random number generator 26 generates a random number belonging to a predetermined numerical range, and the sampling circuit 27 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 12 is operated. It is determined whether the sampled random number belongs to a predetermined winning area stored in the storage unit in the ROM 22, and if it belongs to the winning area, a "winning request signal" is generated.

(4) After the rotation of the reels 4L, 4C, 4R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 19L, 19C, 19R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 23. A reset pulse is obtained from each of the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 21 via the reel position detection circuit 34. The CPU 21 clears the drive pulse count value stored in the RAM 23 to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 23 stores the count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation of each of the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R.

A symbol table is stored in the ROM 22 in order to associate the symbols with the rotational positions of the reels 4L, 4C, 4R as described above. Further, the ROM 22 stores a winning symbol combination table. In the winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning coin payout number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The winning symbol combination table is referred to when controlling the reels 4L, 4C, 4R and when confirming the winning after stopping all the reels.

Further, in order to execute processing for displaying a later-described "routine pattern" on the liquid crystal display screen 6 before the occurrence of the "winning request signal" in the ROM 22, and displaying a special pattern after the occurrence of the "winning request signal". And a plurality of display image data including a routine pattern and a special pattern, and data indicating a reference for selecting an image to be displayed from the plurality of display image data.

FIG. 3 shows a processing procedure for controlling the driving of the liquid crystal display 6 ′ to display the information determined in relation to the control of the variable display device on the liquid crystal display screen 6. This processing is executed by the CPU 21 of the microcomputer 20 which is the game control means of the slot machine 1. When the display means itself such as the liquid crystal display 6 'has a CPU as a display control unit, the processing is not performed. The CPU may determine the display image in accordance with a display command (for example, a display command corresponding to a winning type or a loss) from the CPU 21 as a game control unit.

In FIG. 3, when the power of the gaming machine (slot machine 1) is first turned on (step 1), the CPU as the control means causes the liquid crystal display screen 6 to display a “routine pattern” (step 2). Here, when the player performs a predetermined operation, that is, inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 7, operates the 1-BET switch 9, the 2-BET switch 10, or the maximum BET switch 11, and then operates the start lever 12. Then, the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R rotate to start variable display (step 3). At this time, winning / non-winning is determined based on random numbers extracted by random number sampling (step 4). Then, it is determined whether or not a "winning request signal" has occurred (step 5), and the display image on the liquid crystal display screen 6 is determined according to the determination result. That is, if the "winning request signal" has not been generated, a specific pattern for "losing" is selected (step 6). When a "winning request signal" is generated, it is determined whether or not the "winning request signal" corresponds to a "big hit" (step 7). If "NO", a specific pattern for "winning" is selected. Then, if "YES", a specific pattern for "big hit" is selected (step 9). Then, the pattern selected in this way is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6 (step 10), and when the player operates the stop buttons 14L, 14C, 14R (step 11), the winning of the rotating reels 4L, 4C, 4R is won. Stop control is performed according to the request signal and the timing of generation of the reel stop signal resulting from the operation of each stop button (step 12), and the process ends. In this case, the change of the design of the liquid crystal display screen 6 occurs during the rotation of each reel as the variable display device, that is, during the movement of the design of the display window 3.

In the present invention, the liquid crystal display screen 6 is provided between the display window 3 on which variable display is performed and the positions of the stop buttons 14L, 14C, 14R operated to stop the variable display. No extra eye movement is required to see the 6. In other words, the movement of the line of sight need only move back and forth between the variable display and the stop button. Therefore, by looking at the liquid crystal display screen 6, the timing for pressing the stop button does not shift.

In the above process, the variable display in step 3 is realized by the CPU 21 sending a drive signal to the motor drive circuit 31 to drive the stepping motors 19L, 19C, 19R to rotate the reels 4L, 4C, 4R. The winning determination in step 4 is realized by sampling a random number from the random number generator 26 at an appropriate timing, and determining which group the extracted random number belongs to in the winning probability table. Then, when it is determined that the winning is achieved, the CPU 21 sends a signal for controlling to stop the reels 4L, 4C, 4R to the symbol display position corresponding to the type of winning, to the motor drive circuit 31. Thereby, the stop control of step 11 is realized.

The CPU 21 sends the reel stop control signal based on the winning determination to the motor drive circuit 31 and drives the pattern display signal based on the selection of the “specific pattern” to be displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6 of the liquid crystal display 6 ′. The operation for sending to the circuit 33 is performed simultaneously. Therefore, the specific pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6 during the stop control of the rotating reel. The “specific pattern” will be described later in detail.

When the CPU 21 determines that a winning has been achieved, the CPU 21 supplies a coin payout command signal corresponding to the type of the winning to the hopper driving circuit 32 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the hopper 30. At that time, the coin detection unit 35 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 30, and when the counted value reaches the designated number data, the payout completion signal circuit 36 inputs a payout completion signal to the CPU 21. . Accordingly, the CPU 21 stops driving the hopper 30 via the hopper driving circuit 32, and ends the coin payout process.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the embodiment, the CPU as the control means determines the generation of the “winning request signal”, and according to the result, determines whether the “winning” or “winning” determined in the winning line is predetermined. The stop control of the reels 4L, 4C, 4R is performed so that the symbols are aligned or the symbols of "losing" are arranged, and a specific pattern that allows the player to predict the occurrence of "big hit", "hit" or "losing" is displayed. The display of the liquid crystal display screen 6 is controlled so that

On the other hand, when the liquid crystal display 6 ′ itself includes a CPU as a display control unit, the CPU 21 as a game control unit determines whether a “big hit”, a “hit” or An instruction to display on the liquid crystal display screen 6 a specific pattern that can predict occurrence of “losing” is sent to the CPU of the liquid crystal display 6 ′. In response, the CPU of the liquid crystal display 6 ′ determines the display image and displays it on the liquid crystal display screen 6.

Next, the "routine pattern" and the "specific pattern" displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6 of the liquid crystal display 6 'will be described with examples.

4 and 6 show examples of display images on the liquid crystal display screen 6 before the reels 4L, 4C, 4R rotate. FIGS. 5 and 7 show the reels 4L, 4C, 4R of the display window 3 rotating. 5 shows an example of a display image on the liquid crystal display screen 6 when the display is on.

In FIG. 4, “Explanation of game” as an example of the routine pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6. In this routine pattern, when the rotation of the reel is started, the color of the background changes as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, “explanation when a reach occurs” with high reliability of another example of the routine pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6. This routine pattern disappears from the screen as shown in FIG. 7 when the rotation of the reel is started.

FIGS. 8 to 12 show examples of the “specific pattern” sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6.

(8) After a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of rotation of the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, a "cow group" as shown in FIG. The display image of this "herd of cows" shows that when a state where two "7" s are aligned in the display window (reach) appears, the expectation for the big hit becomes "cowboy reach" higher than the normal reach. This is a sign of expectation.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, a "cowboy straddling a horse" appears. For example, when the rotation of the left reel 4L and the center reel 4C is stopped, the symbol display in the display window 3 has "7" on the left and center. As a result, the display image on the liquid crystal display screen 6 is displayed in a state in which "the cowboy is wrestling with a rampaging horse" shown in FIG.

Thereafter, when the display when the right reel 4R stops does not become a specific winning symbol (combination), the display image on the liquid crystal display screen 6 is in a state where "the cowboy has been shaken off the horse" shown in FIG. , The player misses the prize. On the other hand, when the display when all the reels stop is a specific winning symbol (for example, a state in which three “7” are aligned), the display image on the liquid crystal display screen 6 is “Cowboy The display changes from a state of riding a horse to a state of taking a victory pose ", and the player obtains a profit corresponding to the winning.

By displaying the specific pattern as a moving image on the liquid crystal display screen 6, the player feels that the cowboy is not shaken off the rampage horse, which leads to a prize. Therefore, the player performs the stop button operation seriously, and the player looks at the liquid crystal display screen 6 until all the reels stop, and hopes that the cowboy will not be shaken off the horse. I feel like I missed the prize. In this way, since the player plays the game while being nervous with the specific pattern appearing on the liquid crystal display screen 6 and the expectation of his / her game result, the monotony of the conventional game is eliminated.

As described above, even when watching such a display screen, the timing of the stop button operation of the player does not shift, and the concentration on the game does not decrease. Further, since the movement of the line of sight does not increase, the fatigue does not increase.

Further, when the player is given a chance to play a game that does not require coin insertion or consumption as a service game or a bonus game after the rotation of the reels is stopped, as a sign to notify the start of such a game, FIG. The "cow herd" as shown may be displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6, and the subsequent moving image may be displayed until the end of the game. When such a sign is displayed, the player predicts the start of the service game with the display image on the liquid crystal display screen 6 and feels good.

In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, three reels 4L, 4C, and 4R, which are mechanical variable display devices, are used as the variable display device. A variable target display device may be used.

The gaming machine 1 includes a liquid crystal display 6 ′ as a display means, but instead of the liquid crystal display, an image display device such as a CRT, an electric display device in which a number of point displays such as LEDs are arranged, Alternatively, an effect similar to the display image of the above-described embodiment can be performed by a mechanical display device that stops and displays an arbitrary picture among a plurality of pictures, such as a rotating reel structure. Further, a display image for recognizing a good game state or a dangerous state for a player may be realized by an abstract display (for example, blinking of a lamp) other than characters or pictures.

Further, in the above embodiment, the control state of the variable display corresponding to the result of the original game is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6, but the liquid crystal display screen 6 displays an image in which another game can be performed. It may be. In this case, data of a display image for another game and an execution program are stored in the ROM 22 of the microcomputer 20. Then, the CPU 21 executes the processing shown in FIGS.

In FIG. 13, when the power of the gaming machine is first turned on (step 21), the CPU as the control means causes the liquid crystal display 6 to display a “routine pattern” (step 22). Here, when the player performs a predetermined operation, that is, inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 7, operates the 1-BET switch 9, the 2-BET switch 10, or the maximum BET switch 11, and then operates the start lever 12. Then, the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R rotate to start variable display (step 23). At this time, winning / non-winning is determined based on random numbers extracted by random number sampling (step 24). Then, it is determined whether or not a "winning request signal" has occurred (step 25), and the display mode of winning or non-winning is determined according to the determination result, as in the processing of FIG.

However, in the processing of FIG. 13, the display image of the liquid crystal display 6 ′ has a pattern in which a plurality of games can be executed as separate games. That is, the CPU selects the pattern for "game 1" if the "winning request signal" has not been generated in the determination in step 25 (step 26). It is determined whether the "winning request signal" corresponds to a "big hit" (step 27). If "NO", a pattern for "game 2" is selected (step 28). A pattern for "game 3" is selected (step 29). As the “game 1”, the “game 2” and the “game 3”, different games such as a game in which the pattern appearing on the liquid crystal display screen 6 is the same but the winning probability is different or the appearing pattern and the winning probability are different are different. It is set in advance.

Next, it is determined whether the conditions for starting the game selected as described above are satisfied (step 30). As the start conditions, for example, arbitrary conditions such as stop of one reel, stop of two reels, stop of all reels, elapse of a predetermined time, and the like are set in advance.

When the start condition is other than "stop all reels", the game displayed on the liquid crystal display 6 'is started while the reels are rotating, and the game based on the original variable display and the display on the liquid crystal display 6' are separated. The game will be played at the same time.

When the start conditions are satisfied in the above determination, as shown in FIG. 14, a process for displaying the selected game pattern on the liquid crystal display screen 6 is performed (step 31), and the game based thereon is executed. Then, the winning determination of this game is performed (step 32). The prize determination may be a determination of a prize or a non-prize by random number sampling and a type of prize, as in the case of the original game, but a special prize determination may be prepared for this game.

When it is determined that a winning is achieved, a winning process is performed (step 33). In addition to displaying the specific winning mode on the liquid crystal display 6 ', the processing is the same as or different from the processing when the specific symbols on the reels 4L, 4C, 4R are aligned with the winning line as described above. Or any of the above processes. On the other hand, when it is determined that no winning is made, a non-winning process is performed (step 34). That is, a specific non-prize mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6. Thereafter, when an ON signal from the stop button 14L, 14C, 14R is detected for the rotating reels 4L, 4C, 4R (step 35), stop control is performed (step 36), and the process ends.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a display image of another game played on the liquid crystal display 6 'in connection with a game using the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R. In this example, as with the three reels 4L, 4C, and 4R that perform variable display of the original game, three moving symbol arrays 6L, 6C, and 6R that perform variable display of a plurality of symbols are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6. Is displayed.

The other game in this example is started when the symbols arranged along the activated pay line 15 are aligned in a winning mode (for example, “BONUS-BAR-BAR”) when the rotation of the reels 4L, 4C, 4R is stopped. This is a “bonus game”. At this time, a predetermined number of coins are paid out to the player as a predetermined profit corresponding to the winning mode. Then, when the “bonus game” starts, the three symbol arrays 6L, 6C, and 6R are variably displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6.

(4) When a predetermined time has elapsed, the movement of each of the symbol arrays 6L, 6C, 6R stops. At this time, when a specific symbol "DOUBLE" is positioned on the center line 15 ', a predetermined number of coins are paid out to the player again. Therefore, the player is provided with an opportunity to double the profit obtained by winning the original game by the “bonus game”.

The stop condition of the three symbol arrays 6L, 6C, 6R variably displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6 of the "bonus game" may include a player's operation of the stop buttons 14L, 14C, 14R. By setting in this way, the player can be involved in performing the stop button operation for winning the game variably displayed on the display window 3 and the game variably displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6.

As described above, the display of the variable display control state of the original game or the display image for another game is displayed on the liquid crystal display 6 ′ as an example of the display means in the present invention. Alternatively, a history of past game results, that is, an image indicating the number of occurrences or the rate of occurrence of a prize or loss in a game that has already been played may be displayed. For this reason, a display switching button is provided at an appropriate place in front of the slot machine of FIG. 1 (for example, below the display window), and when the player presses it at any time during the game, the liquid crystal display screen 6 is displayed. Is switched to the display of the number of occurrences or the rate of occurrence of winnings or losses, and when the player presses the button again, the screen returns to the previous screen. By the above-described history display, the player can determine whether or not the gaming machine that is to start the game is a platform that is easy to hit.

As an image showing such a game history, for example, a winning rate or a loss rate (for example,% of the number of wins or losses that are assumed to occur in 10,000 games) after the start of the game is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. Such a bar graph or a pie chart as shown in FIG. 18 can be used for analog display or a digital display as shown in FIG. These calculations for display are performed by the microcomputer of the slot machine 1 or the CPU (if any) of the liquid crystal display 6 itself.

In detail, in the example of FIG. 16, "7", "BAR", "bell" (figure), and "cherry" (figure) are shown as symbols (symbols) constituting a winning symbol combination. And the remaining ratios of the other symbols (symbols of “losing”) are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen 6. The bar graph representing the remaining rate (%) of each symbol is, as shown in FIG. 17 as an example of symbol "7", when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on or reset, the portion lit or brightly displayed is 100%. In this state (FIG. 17A), every time a state where the symbol combination at the time of stopping the three rotating reels 4L, 4C, 4R becomes a big hit of “7-7-7” occurs while the game is repeated. Then, the lighting or the bright portion decreases by 10% every time (FIGS. 17B to 17D). Also, in the pie chart of FIG. 18 as well, the lighting or emphasizing portion representing the remaining rate (%) of each symbol decreases every time a big hit occurs. The same applies to other symbols.

数字 In the digital display of FIG. 19, the number representing the remaining rate (%) changes for each symbol.

In each of the above embodiments, the display position of the display means for performing the display determined in relation to the variable display control of the variable display device as the main game includes the variable display position as the main game and the operation unit operated by the player. Is set between the positions of the stop buttons, so that the player can see the display on the display means while watching the variable display of playing the main game, and operate the operation section smoothly. Can be.

In this way, the newly added display means has the benefit of being able to display a lot of information related to the control of the variable display, and the movement of the player's eyes can be seen on the display of the newly added display means. Therefore, the player can concentrate on the game of the variable display device, which is the main game, and the timing of the player's operation of the stop button is not disturbed by the display of the newly added display means.

This embodiment includes the following.

(1) A variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of symbols necessary for a game, control means for controlling the variable display of the variable display device, and an operation unit operated by a player for the purpose of stopping the variable display. Display device capable of displaying an arbitrary image, the image displayed on the display device is determined in relation to the variable display control by the control device, and the display position of the display device is variable. A gaming machine characterized by being set between a variable display position of a display device and the operation unit.

{(2)} The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the control unit determines and displays an image to be displayed on the display unit.

(3) In the gaming machine described in (1), the display unit displays a display control unit that determines a display image in response to a display command from the control unit, and displays the display image determined by the display control unit. A game machine comprising a display screen.

{(4)} The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein a display image of the display means changes as variable display progresses on the variable display device.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), the display image of the display means is a sign display for predicting a combination of symbols when the variable display is stopped. Machine.

(6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), the control means controls the variable display device so that a game with variable display can be continuously performed two or more times, and A game machine characterized in that the display image is a sign display for predicting the start of the second and subsequent games.

(7) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), the display image of the display means is a display necessary for a game different from the game by the variable display of the variable display device. A gaming machine.

(8) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), the display image of the display means is a display associated with the variable display control during the variable display, and when the variable display is stopped. A gaming machine characterized in that it is a display of another game performed separately from the variable display control.

(9) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), the display image on the display means can be switched to a display indicating the number of occurrences or the rate of occurrence of a prize or loss in each game. A gaming machine.

(10) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (9), the display means includes an upwardly inclined display disposed below a variable display position of the variable display device and above the operation unit. A gaming machine characterized by having a surface.

手段 Means for solving the problems in the present embodiment include the following.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a variable display device for variably displaying a plurality of symbols necessary for a game, control means for controlling the variable display of the variable display device, and a player for stopping the variable display are provided. In a gaming machine having an operation unit for operating, a display means capable of displaying an arbitrary image is provided, and an image displayed on the display means is determined in relation to variable display control by the control means, Is set between the variable display position of the variable display device and the operation unit.

As the variable display device and the display means, an electrical display device such as a liquid crystal display, a CRT, an LED, or the like, or a mechanical display device having a rotating reel structure used in a conventional slot machine or the like can be used. The display image of the display means is distinguished by various characters and graphics, moving images, blinking light, and the like that can be expressed by such a display device. As the types of display images, there are indications of "big hit", propulsion indication of "big hit" promotion, display of "big hit", display of "losing", display of expecting "big hit", and the like. Yes, and can be stored in advance as data in a storage device of a microcomputer, for example.

In the second aspect, the control unit determines and displays an image to be displayed on the display unit.

In the third aspect, the display unit includes a display control unit that determines a display image in response to a display command from the control unit, and a display screen that displays the display image determined by the display control unit.

In the fourth aspect, the display image on the display unit changes as the variable display on the variable display device progresses.

In the fifth aspect, the display image of the display means is a sign display for predicting a combination of symbols when the variable display is stopped.

In the sixth aspect, the control means controls the game by the variable display of the variable display device so that the game can be continuously performed two or more times, and the display image of the display means is a sign display for predicting the start of the second and subsequent games. is there.

In the seventh aspect, the display image of the display means is a display necessary for a game different from the game using the variable display device.

In the eighth aspect, the display image on the display means is a display related to the variable display control by the control means during the variable display, and when the variable display is stopped, another game is performed separately from the variable display control by the control means. Is displayed.

In the ninth aspect, the display image of the display means can be switched to a display showing the number of times or a rate of occurrence of a prize or a loss in each game.

In the tenth aspect, the display means has an upwardly inclined display surface disposed below the variable display position of the variable display device and above the operation unit.

作用 The operations and effects derived from the present embodiment include the following.

In the gaming machine of the present invention, at the time of a game, the control means controls the variable display of the variable display device. Then, depending on the symbol displayed when the variable display is stopped, the game result appears as a winning or a non-winning (so-called "losing"). The variable display control by the control means is to determine a symbol to be displayed when the variable display is stopped in accordance with a game result, and to control the variable display so as to stop at the symbol. The image determined in connection with this control is displayed on a display provided separately from the variable display device. Thereby, the player can expect or expect the result of the game during the variable display by the variable display device.

The player operates the operation unit to stop the variable display at an appropriate time, and at this time, the player who looks at the operation unit operates the variable display of the variable display device, the display of the display unit, and the operation unit to be operated. You will see them almost simultaneously. In the present invention, since the display position of the display unit is set between the display position of the variable display device and the operation unit, the display of the display unit can be viewed simply by moving the line of sight of the variable display to the operation unit. it can. Therefore, the movement of the player's line of sight does not increase even if the display of the display means is added, and the player can concentrate on the game.

The image determined in relation to the variable display control is a display indicating the state of the control performed in accordance with the content of the game result determined by the control means (winning or losing, type of winning, etc.) Alternatively, this is a display necessary for performing another game described later. The determination of the display image is performed by the control unit. Alternatively, when the display unit itself includes a display control unit that determines a display image according to a display command from the control unit, the display control unit performs the processing.

When the display image of the display means changes with the progress of the variable display of the variable display device, the player feels that the game result is changing with time, and may keep expecting the result. it can.

In the case where the display image is a combination of symbols at the time when the variable display is stopped, that is, a sign display for predicting a game result, the player can predict a result such as "big hit" by looking at the sign display. Interest of game increases.

In addition, when the game using the variable display device can be continuously performed two or more times, and when the display means displays a sign indicating that the second or later game is to be started, the first display using the variable display device is performed. Even when the game is over, the player sees the indication displayed on the display means, predicts the start of the second and subsequent games, and can expect the next game.

As the display image, when performing a display necessary for a game different from the game by the variable display device, the player, at the same time as the game of the original variable display, or before or after, the other game You can enjoy.

別 The other game on the display means is controlled in association with the game result of the variable display or independently controlled. This is performed without consuming a game medium such as a coin, but may be set so that consumption of a coin or the like is required as a condition for starting another game or winning. Further, if the display contents of the display means for performing another game can be changed, an effect is obtained as if the game contents were changed without changing the gaming machine itself.

When the display means performs a display related to the variable display control during the variable display of the original game, and displays the game separately from the variable display control when the variable display is stopped, Even if the result is determined to be "losing", another game can be enjoyed by starting another game by the display means when the variable display is stopped.

In addition, as an image displayed on the display means, by performing a history display indicating the number or rate of occurrence of a prize or a loss in each game, the player can easily reach a gaming machine that is about to start the game. You can judge whether it is a stand.

If the display means has a display surface inclined upward, and the display surface is arranged below the variable display position of the variable display device and above the operation unit, the player can change the display device. When viewing the variable display, the display surface of the display means and the operation unit can be seen at the same time, and while viewing the variable display, information on the display means can be obtained and the operation unit can be operated.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration used in the slot machine of FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a control operation according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display image on a liquid crystal display screen before the start of variable display according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of a display image on a liquid crystal display screen after the start of variable display corresponding to the display example of FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating another example of the display image on the liquid crystal display screen before the start of variable display according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display image on a liquid crystal display screen after the start of variable display corresponding to the example of FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sign pattern displayed on a liquid crystal display screen after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of variable display according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a pattern that appears following the sign pattern of FIG. 8. FIG. 4 is a view showing a pattern displayed on a liquid crystal display screen corresponding to a specific variable display state. The figure which shows the pattern displayed on a liquid crystal display screen, when the display when variable display stops is not a specific winning symbol. The figure which shows the pattern displayed on a liquid crystal display screen, when the display at the time of a variable display stopping is a specific winning symbol. The flowchart which shows the processing procedure at the time of displaying another game on the liquid crystal display screen of an Example. The flowchart following FIG. The figure which shows the example of the display image of another game performed on the liquid crystal display screen of an Example. The figure which shows the state which displays the residual ratio of each symbol on the liquid crystal display screen of a Example with a bar graph. The figure which shows the example of a change of the bar graph display about one symbol of FIG. The figure which shows the case where the remaining rate of one symbol is displayed by the pie chart. The figure which shows the state which displays the remaining rate of each symbol by the number on the liquid crystal display screen of an Example.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine, 2 ... Cabinet, 3 ... Display window, 4L, 4C, 4R ... Reel, 5 ... Substantially horizontal pedestal part, 6 ... Liquid crystal display screen, 6 '... Liquid crystal display, 7 ... Coin slot, 8 ... Changeover switch, 9 1-BET switch, 10 2-BET switch, 11 maximum BET switch, 12 start lever, 12S start switch, 14L, 14C, 14R stop button, 15 winning line, 16 C / P switch, 17: coin payout exit, 18: coin receiving section, 19L, 19C, 19R: stepping motor, 20: microcomputer, 21: CPU, 22: ROM, 23: RAM, 24: clock pulse generation circuit, 25: Frequency divider 26 random number generator 27 random number sampling circuit 28 reel stop signal circuit 30 hopper 31 motor drive circuit 32: hopper drive circuit, 33: liquid crystal drive circuit, 34: reel position detection circuit, 35: coin detection unit, 36: payout completion signal circuit

Claims (3)

A variable display device that variably displays a plurality of symbol rows required for the game,
A plurality of operation units provided corresponding to the plurality of symbol columns and operated by a player to stop variable display of each symbol column;
Display means capable of displaying an arbitrary image between the variable display position of the variable display device and the operation unit,
A game that does not require the insertion of a game medium after stopping all of the plurality of symbol columns during a period from when the plurality of symbol columns starts variably displaying to when all of the plurality of symbol columns are stopped. A game machine characterized by displaying a notice image for notifying that the game is to be started on the display means. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
Before starting detection of a stop signal due to the operation of the operation unit, a winning request signal is generated according to a winning determination result based on a random number lottery,
Control means for stopping and controlling the variable display of the symbol row according to the winning request signal and a stop signal generation timing caused by the operation of the operation unit,
The display device is configured to sequentially change a display image displayed on the display unit based on a pattern selected according to a type of the winning request signal,
A gaming machine, wherein when the pattern is a specific pattern, the display image is changed in conjunction with a stop of a predetermined symbol row by the control means. The gaming machine according to claim 2,
In the case where the pattern is a specific pattern, after generating the winning request signal and before starting detection of a stop signal resulting from the operation of the operation unit, the pattern is determined based on the specific pattern. A game machine for starting display of the display image.

Images