JP2005230464A - Slot machine, control method of slot machine and control program of slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To produce a probability, when a combination of winning symbols is formed along a non-effective line, regarding the state as a win and granting a gain in a slot machine, a control method of the slot machine and a control program of the slot machine. <P>SOLUTION: When a game condition is set before starting the rotation of reels 3L, 3C and 3R, the both of the combination of stationary symbols on an effective line L1 and the combinations of stationary symbols on all the non-effective lines L2-L5 are determined. Consequently, when the combination of the stationary symbols on, at least, one non-effective line is the win, whether or not the result is reflected on the game result is determined by a lottery. When the determination that the combination of the winning symbols on the non-effective line is reflected on the game result is made and the game result is derived by stopping the rotation of all the reels 3L, 3C and 3R, it is approved to form a regular bonus on the non-effective line and the gain is granted according to the regular bonus formed on the non-effective line. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  In the present invention, when symbols belonging to all the columns are stopped and displayed, if the combination of the stopped symbols is aligned along the active line so as to indicate a winning combination, a profit corresponding to the type of winning combination is a game The present invention relates to a slot machine, a slot machine control method, and a slot machine control program that are given to a person.

  A general slot machine has a plurality of types of symbols drawn on its outer peripheral surface and a plurality of reels that are rotated by mechanical elements. The rotation and stoppage of each mechanical reel are controlled by a control means such as a processor. Specifically, the control means randomly selects one game result from a plurality of possible game results in response to the game conditions (sometimes referred to as “betting conditions”), The mechanical reel is rotated and stopped, thereby displaying the selected game result. The selected game result is expressed by several symbols of each mechanical reel having a visual relationship with the display area. When the selected game result matches the winning result specified in the payment table, the control means executes, in a predetermined manner, giving a profit to the player regarding the winning result to the payout mechanism. Give instructions to do so.

  The display area is an area for allowing the player to observe the change and stop of the design of each mechanical reel, and the player is only pouring the line of sight to the display area while the game is in progress. Become. Therefore, it can be said that the appearance of the display area is one of the important elements in designing the slot machine.

  Recently, various slot machines have been developed to change the appearance of the display area. Typical examples of such a slot machine include those proposed in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, and Patent Document 3.

  The slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured such that each reel symbol is colored by illuminating the symbol of each mechanical reel from the back using a colored light bulb or equivalent means.

  The slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 2 is configured so that each mechanical reel itself includes an EL element for defining a reel symbol so that the symbol is displayed in a number of formats.

  The slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 3 is configured to display a superimposed video image on a mechanical reel. This video image is used to partially change one or more of the symbols on each reel stopped to display the game results. That is, the video image reacts to certain contingent or non-incident events when the winning symbol combinations are not aligned along the activated winning line (hereinafter referred to as “active line”). Are displayed as symbols necessary for completing the winning symbol combination on the active line. For example, when all reels stop rotating and the combination of stop symbols on the active line is “bell”-“blank”-“bell”, the video image is 3 along the active line. As an animation that transforms the “blank” symbol of the middle reel (sometimes called the “second reel”) into the “bell” symbol to create a winning symbol combination consisting of individual “bell” symbols. Drawn. In addition, the video image is drawn as an animation that moves from the corner of the display area to the reel symbol, thereby completing the winning symbol combination on the active line. In this case, the video image is recognized as a special symbol that is evaluated as a wild symbol or a sutter symbol with respect to the symbol to be moved.

US Pat. No. 6,056,642 US Pat. No. 6,027,115 US Pat. No. 6,517,433

  However, in the slot machines according to Patent Documents 1 to 3, the following problems have been pointed out although the appearance of the display area is changed to contribute to the player's interest. Has been.

  Specifically, even if there is no combination of winning symbols on the active line and no profit is given, along at least one ineffective line of all the inactive lines except this active line Sometimes there is a combination of winning symbols. In this case, since the player has a combination of winning symbols along the winning line, the player can temporarily enjoy joy and a sense of accomplishment, but in fact, the winning line in which this winning symbol combination is completed is effective. You will notice that no profit is granted. The discouragement of the player at that time is expected to increase by the amount of joy and a sense of achievement. On the other hand, even if the winning line has a combination of winning symbols and profits are given, the winning symbols are combined along at least one ineffective line of all the ineffective lines except this effective line. Sometimes there is a lineup. In this case, the player can enjoy a certain amount of joy and a sense of accomplishment that a winning has occurred on the active line, but if the inactive line where the winning has occurred is activated, the player can earn more profit. It is expected that this will become stronger. As a result, the player does not feel much attractive to the machine despite the fact that various changes are made to change the appearance of the display area, thereby causing the player to leave the machine. There is a fear. Such a phenomenon becomes more conspicuous in a slot machine in which only one pay line is always enabled and the other pay lines cannot be enabled by the player's intention.

  In particular, in the slot machine according to Patent Document 3, when a winning symbol combination is not aligned along the winning line, a video image is required as a symbol necessary for completing the winning symbol combination on the winning line. Although displayed, this video image is displayed only when the winning line is activated. Therefore, as with the slot machine according to Patent Document 1 and Patent Document, the above problem has not been solved.

  Further, the above-described problem can sufficiently occur not only in the mechanical reel slot machine but also in the simulation reel slot machine.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problem, and when a combination of winning symbols is arranged along a winning line that has not been validated, this state is regarded as winning and a profit is given. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine, a slot machine control method, and a slot machine control program that can generate a possibility and thereby give a player a feeling as if the payment line has increased.

  The invention according to the first aspect includes a symbol display means for performing variable display and stop display of a plurality of types of symbols for each column, and when symbols belonging to all columns are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means In addition, when the combination of stop symbols is aligned along the active line so as to indicate a winning combination, a slot machine that gives a player a profit according to the type of winning combination in a predetermined manner, This slot machine has a combination of a stop symbol related to an active line and all non-active lines other than the active line when a game condition is set before the symbol display means starts changing display of symbols belonging to each column. A combination that determines both the combination of the stop symbols of the active line and, as a result, the combination of the stop symbols related to at least one ineffective line indicates that the winning combination has been established. If it is, a combination of means for determining by lottery whether or not to reflect the result indicating that a winning combination has been established on the ineffective line in the game result, and a winning symbol related to the ineffective line When it is determined to be reflected in the game result, when the symbols belonging to all the columns are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, and the game result is derived, the winning combination on the ineffective line is determined. And means for giving a profit according to the type of the combination indicated by the combination of winning symbols on the ineffective line.

  The slot machine displays a predetermined effect image in a predetermined manner in association with the ineffective line when a profit grant according to the type of the combination indicated by the winning symbol combination on the ineffective line is executed. Means for further including.

  The invention according to the second aspect is provided with a symbol display means for performing variable display and stop display of plural kinds of symbols for each column, and when symbols belonging to all the columns are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means In addition, when the combination of stop symbols is aligned along the active line so as to indicate a winning combination of a combination, in order to control a slot machine that gives a player a profit according to the type of winning combination in a predetermined manner This control method is based on the combination of the stop symbols related to the active line and the effective symbols when the game conditions are set before the symbol display means starts the variable display change of the symbols belonging to each column. The combination of stop symbols for all ineffective lines other than the line is determined, and as a result, the combination of stop symbols for at least one ineffective line is a winning combination. When the combination is shown, a step for determining by lottery whether or not the result indicating that a winning combination has been established on the ineffective line is reflected in the game result, and the winning symbol related to the ineffective line When it is determined that the combination is reflected in the game result, when the symbols belonging to all the columns are stopped and displayed as a result of the game by the symbol display means, It is considered that a winning combination has been established, and a step for executing a profit grant according to the type of combination indicated by the combination of winning symbols on the ineffective line is included.

  In the slot machine control method, a predetermined effect image is associated with a non-effective line when a profit is given according to the type of the combination indicated by the winning symbol combination on the non-effective line. The method further includes a step for displaying.

  The invention according to the third aspect is provided with a symbol display means for performing variable display and stop display of plural kinds of symbols for each column, and when symbols belonging to all columns are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means In addition, when the combination of stop symbols is aligned along the active line so as to indicate a winning combination of a combination, in order to control a slot machine that gives a player a profit according to the type of winning combination in a predetermined manner This control program, when the game condition is set before the variable display change of the symbols belonging to each column is started by the symbol display means, Both stop symbol combinations for all ineffective lines other than lines are determined, so that a combination of stop symbols for at least one ineffective line is determined. In the case of a combination indicating that a winning combination is established, a procedure for determining by lottery whether or not to reflect the result indicating that a winning combination has been established in the ineffective line in the game result, and the above ineffective When it is determined that the combination of winning symbols related to the line is reflected in the game result, the symbol display means stops the symbols belonging to all the columns and the game result is derived. And a procedure for granting profits according to the type of the combination indicated by the combination of winning symbols on the ineffective line. It is executed by.

  The slot machine control program is configured to display a predetermined effect image in a predetermined manner in association with the ineffective line when a profit is given according to the type of the combination indicated by the winning symbol combination on the ineffective line. And a procedure for displaying by the computer. The procedure is executed by the computer.

  In addition, as the above-mentioned symbol display means, a mode in which a variation display and a stop display of a reel symbol are achieved by rotating and stopping a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols on the peripheral surface by mechanical elements, In addition, by electrically controlling a display device for displaying a plurality of reel images and setting each reel image in a spin motion state and a stop state on the display screen, a reel symbol variation display and a stop display are achieved. The mode etc. which are performed can be illustrated.

  The lottery is executed based on a predetermined probability calculation value. This “predetermined probability calculation value” is a combination frequency value for an active line and a combination frequency value for an ineffective line prepared in advance by a probability calculation, or a random value generated within a predetermined range. Thus, a random value or the like randomly extracted at the time of the lottery can be exemplified.

  Furthermore, as a display mode of the above-mentioned effect image, a mode in which a payment line is displayed along the ineffective line or a state in which lightning or the like is generated, or any item on the transparent display panel is inactive. Move and display from one end side of the line to the other end side, or display a plurality of items having meanings related to each other sequentially or continuously from one end side to the other end side of the ineffective line. An aspect etc. can be illustrated.

  (1) If the game condition is set before the variable display of the symbols belonging to each column is started, the combination of the stop symbols related to the active line and the combinations of the stop symbols of all ineffective lines other than the active line Both are determined. As a result, when the combination of stop symbols related to at least one ineffective line is a combination indicating that a winning combination has been established, a result indicating that a winning combination has been established on the ineffective line is reflected in the game result. Whether or not is determined by lottery. When it is determined that the combination of winning symbols related to the ineffective line is reflected in the game result, the ineffective line is displayed when the game results are derived by stopping and displaying the symbols belonging to all the columns. It is considered that a winning combination has been established, and a profit is provided according to the type of combination indicated by the combination of winning symbols on the ineffective line. As a result, when combinations of winning symbols are arranged along a winning line that has not been validated, there is a possibility that this state is regarded as winning and a profit is given. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a feeling as if the payment line has increased. As a result, the player can be prevented from leaving the machine end. Conversely, the player has a strong interest in the machine.

  (2) When a profit grant according to the type of the combination indicated by the winning symbol combination on the ineffective line is executed, a predetermined effect image is displayed in a predetermined manner in association with the ineffective line. . As a result, when the player's line of sight is focused on the active line at the time of the stop display of the symbol, the above-mentioned profit grant is executed even though the combination of winning symbols is not aligned along the effective line. Even if it is done, the said player can visually recognize the production | presentation by the said production | presentation image only by slightly shifting the eyes | visual_axis. Therefore, the player can immediately understand why the execution of the profit grant was performed. As a result, the player's interest in the machine is further raised.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 12 and a main door 50.

  The housing 12 has an open surface facing the player, and is installed, for example, at a predetermined place in a casino. In the housing 12, a control device 100 (see FIG. 6) for electrically controlling the slot machine 10 and a hopper 58 (see FIG. 6) for controlling the insertion, storage and dispensing of coins, etc. Various constituent members including the above are provided.

  The main door 50 is a member for covering the inside of the housing 12 so as not to be exposed to the outside. The main door 50 is pivotally attached to the left side when viewed from the front of the housing 12, and the door 50 is rotated in the front-rear direction by using the pivoted portion as a fulcrum to be in an open state and a closed state. Switchable. A liquid crystal display device 30 is provided in the approximate center of the main door 50.

  The liquid crystal display device 30 is a means for displaying various images relating to the game including effect images and notification images, and the player can play the game while visually recognizing the various images displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30. Will continue. The liquid crystal display device 30 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be partially or entirely switched to a transparent / non-transparent state and can display various images. The detailed configuration of the liquid crystal display device 30 will be described later.

  On the back side of the liquid crystal display device 30, three mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R (see FIG. 2) each having a plurality of types of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof are rotatably provided in a horizontal row. Various symbols on each of the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R are visible when the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is in a transparent state. FIG. 13 shows an arrangement of symbols of the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The present invention is not limited to this symbol arrangement.

  A substantially horizontal operation unit 28 is provided below the liquid crystal display device 30. A coin insertion slot 31 for inserting coins into the slot machine 10 is provided on the right side of the operation unit 28. On the other hand, on the left side of the operation unit 28, a BET switch 22 for selecting the number of coins bet on one effective line, which will be described later, and coins bet on the effective line in the previous game are displayed. A spin / repeat / bet switch 24 is provided for replaying the game without changing the number. By pressing the BET switch 22 or the spin / repeat / bet switch 24, the number of coins bet on the valid line is determined according to the operation.

  In the operation unit 28, a start switch 32 is provided on the left side of the BET switch 22. A pressing operation on one of the start switch 32 and the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 triggers the start of the game, and the rotation of the three mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started in a predetermined manner. The

  On the other hand, in the operation unit 28, a payout switch 36 is provided in the vicinity of the coin insertion slot 31. When the player presses the payout switch 36, the inserted coins are paid out from a payout opening 38 opened at the lower front portion of the door 50, and the paid out coins are stored in the tray 40. Above the coin tray 40 and on both the left and right sides of the coin payout port 31, sound effects emitted from the speakers 46 (see FIG. 6) housed in the housing 12 are transmitted to the outside of the housing 12. A sound transmission opening 42 is provided for propagation to the outside.

Referring to FIG. 2, the liquid crystal display device 30 includes a front panel 31 and a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) provided on the back surface of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 includes a transparent display window 31a and a pattern formation region 31b on which a pattern is formed. Image information displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the back surface of the front panel 31 can be viewed through the display window 31 a of the panel 31. On the other hand, when the area covering the front of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R of the liquid crystal panel 34 is in a transparent state, the symbols of the three mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R are visually recognized through the display window 31a. Can do.

On the back side on the left side of the liquid crystal display device 30, various display units such as a payout number display unit 18, a credit number display unit 19, and a BET number display unit 20 are provided. In addition, as for the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, the part which covers the front of the said various display parts 18-20 is transparent, and the display content of the said various display parts 18-20 is visually recognizable.

  The slot machine 10 has one pay line (valid line) L1 that is always valid, and four pay lines (non-valid lines) L2, L3, L4, and L5 that are not always valid. Yes. Each of the winning lines L1 to L5 extends so as to pass one symbol of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R when the rotation of all the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. Specifically, the effective line L1 extends in a straight line along the horizontal direction so as to pass through the middle symbol of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R. The ineffective line L2 extends in a straight line along the horizontal direction so as to pass through the upper symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The ineffective line L3 extends in a straight line along the lateral direction so as to pass through the lower symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The ineffective line L4 extends in a straight line along the oblique direction from top to bottom so as to pass through the upper symbol of the left reel 3L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 3C, and the lower symbol of the right reel 3R. Yes. The non-effective line L5 is a line obtained by vertically inverting the non-effective line L4, and passes through the lower symbol of the left reel 3L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 3C, and the upper symbol of the left reel 3R. It extends in a straight line along the slope direction from bottom to top.

  The effective line L1 is displayed in a predetermined manner on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 at a predetermined timing from when the game is started until the rotation of all the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped.

The payout number display unit 18 is for displaying the number of coins to be paid out when winning is established. The credit number display unit 19 is for displaying the number of credits stored in the slot machine 10. The BET display unit 20 is for displaying the number of BETs, which is the number of betting coins for the active line L1. These display parts 18-20 consist of 7 segment displays. Alternatively, the display units 18 to 20 may display an image on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

Referring to FIG. 3, each of the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R is supported on a reel frame 74 so as to be independently rotatable. Although not shown, the reel frame 74 is provided with stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R for rotating and stopping the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The reel frame 74 is installed between an upper frame 72 and a lower frame 73 attached to the main body frame 75.

4 and 5, the liquid crystal display device 30 includes a front panel 31 having a protective glass 32 and a display plate 33, a transparent liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a reflection film 36, and a fluorescent light that is a so-called white light source. The lamps 37a, 37b and 38a, 38b, lamp holders 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d, 39e, 39f, 39g, 39h and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. Although not particularly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the TCP is constituted by a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to the terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

The liquid crystal display device 30 is provided in front of the display area of the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R (front side of the display surface) across the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 30 are provided at a predetermined interval.

The protective glass 32 and the display board 33 are each comprised with the transparent member. The protective glass 32 is provided for the purpose of protecting the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 or the like. On the other hand, on the display board 33, a pattern or the like is formed at a position corresponding to a region between the various lamps 17, 24, 25 and the various display units 18-20. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is formed is the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is not formed is the display window 31a of the front panel 31. Yes (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, the picture forming area 31b may not be formed on the front panel 31, and the entire front panel 31 may be used as the display window 31a. In this case, no pattern is formed on the display board 33 or the display board 33 may be omitted.

4 and 5, it is noted that electrical circuits that operate the various display units 18 to 20 arranged on the back side of the display plate 33 are not shown.

The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate. The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normally white. “Normally white” means white display (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. As described above, by adopting the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 set to normally white, even if a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, the fluctuations of the symbols of the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Since the display and the stop display can be visually recognized, the player can continue the game. That is, even when the above situation occurs, it is possible to play a game centered on the variable display mode and the stop display mode of the symbols of the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

The light guide plate 35 is used to guide the light from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

The reflective film 36 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects the light introduced into the light guide plate 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate 35. The reflective film 36 includes a reflective area 36A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 36B. The non-reflective region 36B is formed of a transparent material, and is provided in a region including a portion covering the front of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R of the front panel 31.

The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are arranged along the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate 35, and both ends thereof are supported by lamp holders 39a, 39b and 39g, 39h. The light irradiated from these fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b is reflected by the reflection area 36 </ b> A of the reflection film 36 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. On the other hand, the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are arranged toward the mechanical reels 3L, 3C and 3R at the upper and lower positions on the back side of the reflection film 36, and both ends thereof are supported by the lamp holders 39c, 39d and 39e and 39f. ing. Light emitted from these fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b, reflected by the surfaces of the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. As described above, in the liquid crystal display device 30, the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b and further reflected from the reflection region 36A of the reflective film 36 and the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b and further mechanical reels. The light reflected by the surfaces of 3L, 3C, and 3R and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. Therefore, the region of the liquid crystal display device 30 corresponding to the non-reflective region 36B of the reflective film 36 is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state depending on whether or not the liquid crystal is driven, while the reflective region of the reflective film 36 The area of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to 36A is in a non-transparent state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is driven.

In this slot machine 10, only a partial area of the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 30 is an area that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state, but the entire area of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 30 is in a transparent / non-transparent state. It does not matter as a switching area. As described above, when the entire region of the liquid crystal display device 30 is a region that is switched to the transmissive state or the non-transmissive state, the reflective film 36 may be all the non-reflective region 36B or the reflective film 36 may be omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the control device 100 is a microcomputer, and includes an interface circuit group 102, an input / output bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a communication interface circuit 111, a random number generator 112, and a motor drive circuit 120. A speaker drive circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124, a display unit drive circuit 128, and a display control device 200.

  The interface circuit group 102 is connected to an input / output bus 104, and the input / output bus 104 inputs and outputs data signals or address signals to the CPU 106.

  A start switch 32 is also connected to the interface circuit group 102. The start signal output from the switch 32 is converted into a predetermined signal in the interface circuit group 102 and then supplied to the input / output bus 104.

  The interface circuit group 102 is also connected to a BET switch 22, a spin / repeat / bet switch 24 and a payout switch 36. The switching signals output from these switches 20, 22, and 24 are also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into predetermined signals by the circuit group 102, and then supplied to the input / output bus 104.

  A coin sensor 52 is also connected to the interface circuit group 102. The coin sensor 52 is a sensor for detecting a coin inserted into the insertion slot 31, and is provided in association with the coin insertion slot 31. The sensing signal output from the sensor 52 is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into a predetermined signal by the circuit group 102, and then supplied to the input / output bus 104.

  A reel position detection circuit 60 is also connected to the interface circuit group 102. The reel position detection circuit 60 is a circuit for detecting the rotation position of each mechanical reel 3L, 3C, 3R based on a pulse signal from a reel rotation position sensor (not shown). The detection signal is also supplied to the interface circuit group 102, converted into a predetermined signal by the circuit group 102, and then supplied to the input / output bus 104.

  A ROM 108 and a RAM 110 are also connected to the input / output bus 104.

  In the ROM 108, a control program for controlling the slot machine 10 in an integrated manner, a program for executing the routines shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, initial data for executing the control program, and various kinds used in the lottery A data table is stored. Examples of the data table include a lottery table, a symbol arrangement table, and a winning mode table. As shown in FIG. 14, this winning mode table is a table in which a payout is determined according to a winning mode as an array of winning symbols. In the winning mode table, combinations of winning symbols and coin payout numbers for each type of winning combination are associated with each other.

  When all the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, and 3R stop rotating, the slot machine 10 determines the type of winning combination when the combination of the stopped symbols is aligned on the effective line L1 so as to show the winning combination. A corresponding number of coins are paid out in a predetermined manner. Therefore, particularly in the above routine execution program, (1) when the game conditions are set before the rotation of each mechanical reel 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the combination of the stop symbols related to the active line L1 and the effective When both the combination of stop symbols related to all ineffective lines L2 to L5 other than the line L1 are determined, and as a result, the combination of stop symbols related to at least one ineffective line is a combination indicating the formation of a combination, A first procedure for determining by lottery whether or not a result indicating that a winning combination has been established on the ineffective line is reflected in the game result; and (2) a winning symbol relating to the ineffective line. When a decision is made to reflect the combination in the game result, it is considered that a winning combination has been established on the ineffective line, and the ineffective The number of coins corresponding to the type of winning combination indicated combinations of winning symbol on emissions contains a second procedure for paying out a predetermined manner. The first procedure and the second procedure are executed by the control device 100 as the microcomputer.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the combination of stop symbols related to the effective line L1 is determined, and simultaneously, the combination of stop symbols related to the all ineffective lines L2 to L5 is determined, and the combination mode is determined. If the result of this determination is that a winning combination has been established on at least one ineffective line, whether or not the result indicating that the winning combination has been established on the ineffective line is reflected in the game result. Determined by lottery. The determination by lottery is made based on whether or not the ineffective line winning flag is turned on when determining the combination of stop symbols for all the ineffective lines L2 to L5. Therefore, only when the ineffective line winning flag is ON, a result indicating that a winning combination has been established on the ineffective line is reflected in the game result. This ineffective line winning flag is based on the ineffective line combination establishment frequency value among the combination formation frequency values for the effective line L1 and the combination formation frequency values for the ineffective lines L2 to L5 prepared in advance. , It is determined whether or not it is turned ON. The payout of coins accompanying the occurrence of a winning on the ineffective line is executed based on the number of payouts related to the ineffective line winning flag.

  With reference to FIG. 12 (A) to FIG. 12 (C), the above mechanism will be described with specific examples.

  Prior to the start of the game before the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are rotated, it has already been determined that the reel symbols are arranged as shown in FIGS. 12 (A) to 12 (C).

  In the example shown in FIG. 12A, no combination is established for the effective line L1. On the other hand, for the ineffective line L2, "1BAR"-"1BAR"-"1BAR" are aligned, and a winning combination of "1BAR" is generated. At this time, based on the winning combination frequency value for the ineffective line L2, it is already determined whether or not to turn on the winning flag indicating that a winning combination of “1BAR” has occurred on the ineffective line L2. For example, if the ineffective line L2 winning combination frequency value is set to “1/6”, the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L2 is turned ON with a probability of “1/6”. When the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L2 is ON, a result indicating that a winning combination of “1BAR” has occurred on the ineffective line L2 is reflected in the game result. Therefore, even if there is a deviation on the effective line L1, it is considered that a bonus payout combination has been established on the ineffective line L2, and a payout is made based on the number of payouts related to the bonus winning flag of the ineffective line L2. Is executed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12B, “1BAR” − “1BAR” − “2BAR” are arranged for the effective line L1, and “2BAR” − “1BAR” − for the non-effective line L5. “1BAR” is available. That is, a winning combination of “Any BAR” is established for both the effective line L1 and the ineffective line L5. For the effective line L1, a normal hit determination is performed to determine the bonus hit of “Any BAR”. At this time, the bonus winning flag for the active line L1 is turned ON. On the other hand, regarding the ineffective line L5, a winning determination is made based on whether or not the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L5 is ON. When the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L5 is OFF, the result indicating that the winning combination of “Any BAR” is generated in the ineffective line L5 is not reflected in the game result. Therefore, only a bonus payout relating to the effective line L1 is generated based on only that the bonus winning flag of the effective line L1 is ON. On the other hand, when the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L5 is ON, a result indicating that a winning combination of “Any BAR” is generated in the ineffective line L5 is also reflected in the game result. Therefore, based on the fact that the bonus winning flag for the active line L1 and the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L5 are both ON, in addition to the bonus payout for the active line L1, the bonus payout for the ineffective line L5 Will occur.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 12C, no combination is established on the effective line L1. On the other hand, “1BAR” − “1BAR” − “1BAR” are arranged on the ineffective line L2, and a winning combination of “1BAR” is generated. In addition, “7”-“7”-“7” are also arranged in the ineffective line L3, and “7” is won, which has a higher payout than the bonus payouts generated on the ineffective line L2. A role has occurred. With respect to the ineffective line L2, the winning determination is performed based on whether or not the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L2 is ON. Similarly, with respect to the ineffective line L3, the winning determination is performed based on whether or not the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L3 is ON. At this time, when both the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L2 and the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L3 are both OFF, no payout is generated. When only the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L2 is ON, only a result indicating that a winning combination of “1BAR” has occurred in the ineffective line L2 is reflected in the game result. Accordingly, a bonus payout is generated only for the ineffective line L2. Conversely, when only the bonus winning flag for the ineffective line L3 is ON, only the result indicating that a winning combination of “7” has occurred in the ineffective line L3 is reflected in the game result. Therefore, a bonus payout greater than the bonus payout for the ineffective line L2 is generated only for the ineffective line 3. When the bonus winning flag for the invalid line L2 and the bonus winning flag for the invalid line L3 are both ON, a first winning combination indicating that a winning combination of “1BAR” has occurred on the invalid line L2 Both the result and the second result indicating that a winning combination with a relatively high value “7” has occurred in the ineffective line L3 is reflected in the game result. Accordingly, the first bonus payout relating to the ineffective line L2 and the second bonus payout relating to the ineffective line L3 are both generated.

  In addition, you may make it avoid the duplicate prize mentioned above according to regulation etc.

  Alternatively, the following processing may be performed by substantially increasing the payment line as described above.

  That is, first, random numbers are randomly extracted, and based on the extracted random number value, both a combination of stop symbols related to the effective line L1 and a combination of stop symbols related to all ineffective lines L2 to L5 are determined. After that, when the combination of the stop symbols of at least one ineffective line is a winning mode, the value of the extracted random number is used as a parameter to indicate that a payout has occurred on the ineffective line. Decide whether to reflect the result in the game result. As a result, only in the case of winning, the ineffective line winning flag is turned ON, thereby reflecting the combination of the winning symbols of the payouts related to the ineffective line in the game result. In this case, complicated probability calculation is unnecessary. As a result, it is expected that the electronic lottery process executed in a general slot machine can be used as it is.

  The routine execution program drives the liquid crystal display device 30 when the number of coins corresponding to the type of payout indicated by the combination of the winning symbols on the ineffective line is paid out, and thereby the liquid crystal A third procedure for displaying a predetermined effect image in a predetermined manner in association with the ineffective line on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the display device 30 is also included. This third procedure is mainly executed by the control device 100 as the microcomputer. This means that such a procedure is secondarily executed by the display control device 200 as the sub-microcomputer.

  For example, in the case of FIG. 12A, a payment line is displayed along the ineffective line L2 on the area corresponding to the ineffective line L2 where the bonus payout combination is generated on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. In the case of 12 (B), a payment line is displayed along the ineffective line L5 on the area corresponding to the ineffective line L5 where the bonus payout combination is generated on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34, or FIG. In the case of (C), the ineffective line L2 and / or the ineffective line L3 is placed on the area corresponding to the ineffective line L2 and / or the ineffective line L3 where the bonus payout combination of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is generated. It may be possible to display a payment line along the line.

  In particular, in the case of FIG. 12A, a “jet plane” as an effect item appears on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34, and this “jet plane” flies from one end side to the other end side of the bonus winning ineffective line L2. The “jet cloud” as an effect item related to the “jet aircraft” is moved and displayed from one end side to the other end side of the ineffective line L2. preferable. In this case, a player's sense of achievement can be enhanced.

  Further, in the case of FIG. 12C, a state is shown in which “F1 car” as an effect item runs at high speed along the other end side from the one end side of the bonus winning ineffective line L3 on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. In addition, the non-effective line L3 from one end side to the other end side is displayed so that “fire” as a production item related to “F1 car” is expressed as a backfire after the F1 car has run. It is preferable to move and display the image. In this way, by performing the above-described effects on the ineffective line L3 in which the winning symbols of the bonus payers having relatively high values of “7”-“7”-“7” are aligned, The feeling of achievement is further enhanced.

  Referring to FIG. 6 again, RAM 110 temporarily stores flags, variable values, and the like used in the control program.

  A communication interface circuit 111 is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The communication interface circuit 111 is a circuit for communicating with a server or the like via various communication line networks including a public telephone line network and a LAN.

  A random number generator 112 for generating random numbers is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The random number generator 112 generates a random number included in a certain range of numerical values, for example, “0” to “65535 (2 to the 16th power)”. Alternatively, a random number may be generated by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 106.

The input / output bus 104 is also connected to a motor drive circuit 120 for driving the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R and a display unit drive circuit 128 for driving the various display units 18-20. The CPU 106 controls the operations of the actuators 18 to 20 and 59L, 59C, and 59R through the drive circuits 120 and 128 in response to occurrence of a predetermined event.

  A speaker drive circuit 122 for driving the speaker 46 is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The CPU 106 reads the sound data stored in the ROM 108 and transmits the read sound data to the speaker drive circuit 122 via the input / output bus 104. Thereby, a predetermined effect is emitted from the speaker 46.

  A hopper driving circuit 124 for driving the hopper 58 is also connected to the input / output bus 104. When the payout signal from the payout switch 36 is input, the CPU 106 outputs a drive signal to the hopper drive circuit 124 via the input / output bus 104. Thereby, the hopper 58 pays out coins corresponding to the remaining number of credits stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 at that time.

  A display control device 200 is also connected to the input / output bus 104. The CPU 106 generates an image display command corresponding to the game state and result, and outputs the generated image display command to the display control device 200 via the input / output bus 104. When the image display command from the CPU 106 is input, the display control device 200 generates a drive signal for driving the liquid crystal display device 30 based on the input image display command, and the generated drive signal is displayed on the liquid crystal display. Output to device 30. As a result, a predetermined image is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 30.

  Referring to FIG. 7, the display control apparatus 200 is a sub-microcomputer that performs image display processing, and includes an interface circuit 202, an input / output bus 204, a CPU 206, a ROM 208, a RAM 210, a VDP 212, a video RAM 214, and an image data ROM 216. And a drive circuit 218.

  The interface circuit 202 is connected to the input / output bus 204. The image display command output from the CPU 106 on the control device 100 side is supplied to the input / output bus 204 via the interface circuit 202. The input / output bus 204 inputs / outputs data signals or address signals to / from the CPU 206.

  A ROM 208 and a RAM 210 are also connected to the input / output bus 204. The ROM 208 stores a display control program for generating a drive signal to be supplied to the liquid crystal display device 30 based on an image display command from the CPU 106 on the control device 100 side. In particular, the display control program is created to reflect the contents of the third procedure of the routine execution program. On the other hand, the RAM 210 stores values of flags and variables used in the display control program.

  A VDP 212 is also connected to the input / output bus 204. The VDP 212 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a palette circuit, and the like, and is a processing device that can perform various processes for displaying an image on the liquid crystal display device 30. The VDP 212 is a video RAM 214 for storing image data in accordance with an image display command from the CPU 106 on the control device 100 side, and various image data including the above-described effect image data and the like. A ROM 216 is connected. Further, a drive circuit 218 that outputs a drive signal for driving the liquid crystal display device 30 is also connected to the VDP 212.

  The CPU 206 reads out and executes a display control program stored in the ROM 208, thereby storing image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30 in the video RAM 214 in accordance with an image display command from the CPU 106 on the control device 100 side. Let The image display command includes various image display commands including a display command for the effect image.

  The image data ROM 216 stores various image data including the data of the effect image.

  As is clear from the above description, the main constituent elements described in the appended claims store a routine execution program including the first to third procedures in the present embodiment. The control device 100 includes a ROM 108, a CPU 106 that performs various controls according to a program stored in the ROM 108, a RAM 110 that functions as a working area of the CPU 106, and a display control device 200 that controls driving of the liquid crystal display device 30. . When interpreted in a narrow sense, the CPU 206, the ROM 208, the RAM 210, the VDP 212, the video RAM 214, the image data ROM 216, and the drive circuit 218 are also included as components of the display control apparatus 200. This will become clearer from the flow of the processing operation of the slot machine 10 described with reference to FIGS.

  8 to 11 show a routine for controlling the slot machine 10 executed by the control device 100. FIG. The series of routines shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 are called and executed at a predetermined timing from the main program of the slot machine 10, which is executed in advance.

  In the following, it is assumed that the slot machine 10 has been activated in advance, while the variables used in the CPU 106 on the control device 100 side are initialized to predetermined values, whereby the slot machine 10 is in steady operation. To do.

  Referring to FIG. 8, in the main processing routine, first, CPU 106 on control device 100 side determines whether or not a credit that is the remaining number of coins inserted by the player remains (step S <b> 1). Specifically, the CPU 106 reads out the credit number C stored in the RAM 110 and performs the above-described determination process based on the read credit number C. If the credit number C is “0”, the CPU 106 cannot start the game, and thus terminates this routine without performing any processing. On the other hand, when the number of credits C is “1” or more, the CPU 106 determines that credits remain, and moves the process to step S2.

  In step S2, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the pressing operation of the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 has been performed (step S2). When the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 is pressed and an operation signal is input from the switch 24, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S14. On the other hand, if the operation signal from the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 is not input even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 106 determines that the switch 24 has not been pressed, and moves the process to step S3.

  When the process proceeds to step S3, game conditions are set. Specifically, the CPU 106 determines the number of coins to bet on the active line L1 in this game based on the operation of the BET switch 22. At this time, the CPU 106 receives an operation signal issued from the switch 22 due to the operation of the BET switch 22, and based on the number of times the received operation signal is received, the CPU 106 calculates the number of BETs related to the effective line L1. The data is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 reads the credit number C written in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, subtracts the total BET number obtained by adding the BET number from the read credit number C, and uses the subtracted value as a predetermined memory of the RAM 110. Remember to area.

  When the game condition is set, the CPU 106 waits for the start switch 32 to be operated. When the start switch 32 is pressed and an operation signal is input from the switch 32, the CPU 106 determines that the start switch 32 has been operated, and the process proceeds to step S5.

  On the other hand, when proceeding to step S14, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the value of the credit number C is equal to or greater than the total bet number in the previous game. In other words, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 has been pressed. Specifically, when the spin / repeat / bet switch 24 is pressed and an operation signal is input from the switch 24, the CPU 106 stores the credit number C written in a predetermined memory area in the RAM 110 and the credit number C. The number of BETs related to the active line L1 in the previous game is read out, and the value of the number of credits C is equal to or greater than the total number of bets in the previous game based on the relationship between the read number of credits C and the number of BETs. The above determination processing is performed based on whether or not there is. If the CPU 106 determines that the value of the credit number C is less than the total bet number in the previous game, the CPU 106 cannot end the game, and thus terminates this routine without performing any processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the credit number C is equal to or larger than the total bet number in the previous game, the CPU 106 subtracts the value of the total bet number in the previous game from the value of the credit number C. The subtracted value is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Thereafter, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S5.

  In step S5, the CPU 106 performs a process for determining a winning combination by electronic lottery. The specific processing content of this internal lottery processing is shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in the internal lottery process, first, the CPU 106 on the control device 100 side displays a combination of stop symbols related to the effective line L1 and stop symbols of all the ineffective lines L2 to L5 except the effective line L1. Both combinations are determined simultaneously (step S101). Specifically, the CPU 106 issues a command for generating a random number to the random number generation unit 112 and extracts a predetermined range of random numbers generated by the random number generation unit 112. The CPU 106 stores the extracted random number value in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. In the present embodiment, the random number is generated by the random number generation unit 112 provided outside the CPU 106. However, the random number generation unit 112 is not provided, and the random number is generated by the arithmetic processing of the CPU 106. It doesn't matter. The CPU 106 reads the basic game lottery table and the winning mode table stored in the ROM 108, and stores the read lottery table and winning mode table in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. A basic game lottery table is prepared for each reel. The CPU 106 reads the lottery table and the winning mode table stored in the memory area of the RAM 110, refers to the lottery table using the random value written in the predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 as a parameter, and thereby the effective line L1. A combination of stop symbols related to the non-effective lines L2 to L5 is determined. When determining the combination of stop symbols for the ineffective lines L2 to L5, if the combination of stop symbols for at least one ineffective line is in a winning mode, the CPU 41 registers the ineffective line registered in the lottery table. Whether or not to turn on the ineffective line winning flag is determined based on the combination winning frequency value. As a result, when the ineffective line winning flag is turned ON, the CPU 106 stores the ineffective line winning flag in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. As described above, when the winning combination is determined, the CPU 106 stores the determined winning combination data in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 reads the random number value and winning combination data written in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, and determines a stop symbol to be stopped and displayed based on the read random number value and winning combination data. At this time, the symbol arrangement table stored in the ROM 108 is read by the CPU 106 and stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 and is referred to. The CPU 106 stores the determined stop symbol information in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.

  Alternatively, the stop symbol may be determined for each reel using the lottery table.

  When both the combination of stop symbols related to the effective line L1 and the combination of stop symbols related to the ineffective lines L2 to L5 are determined, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the combination of stop symbols related to the effective line L1 is a combination of winning symbols. (Step S102). When the combination of the stopped symbols on the active line L1 is a winning mode, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S103. On the other hand, when the combination of the stop symbols of the effective line L1 is a combination of deviations, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S108.

  In step S103, the CPU 106 turns on the effective line winning flag in order to generate a winning corresponding to the determined winning symbol combination on the effective line L1. At this time, the CPU 106 stores the valid line winning flag in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.

  When the valid line winning flag is turned ON, the CPU 106 determines a payout according to the winning mode of the valid line L1 and the number of coins bet on the valid line L1 (step S104). Specifically, the CPU 106 reads the basic game winning mode table stored in the RAM 110, and accompanies the occurrence of winning on the effective line L1 based on the coin payout number registered in the read winning mode table. The number of dividends (number of coins to be paid) is determined. The CPU 106 stores the determined number of payouts in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.

  When determining the payout relating to the effective line L1, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the combination of the stopped symbols related to the non-effective lines L2 to L5 is a winning symbol combination (step S105). When the combination of the stop symbols of all the ineffective lines L2 to L5 is out of place, the CPU 106 ends this process. On the other hand, when the combination of the stop symbols of at least one ineffective line is a winning mode, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the ineffective line winning flag is turned on (step S106). If the ineffective line winning flag is ON, a payout corresponding to the winning mode is determined for the ineffective line (step S107). Specifically, the CPU 106 reads out the basic game winning mode table stored in the RAM 110, and based on the coin payout number registered in the read winning mode table, the number of payouts (in accordance with the winning mode ( Determine the number of coins to be paid out. The CPU 106 stores the determined payout number in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 43. On the other hand, when the ineffective line winning flag is not turned on, the CPU 106 ends this process without performing the ineffective line payout process.

  By performing a series of processing from step S101 to step S107, the following phenomenon occurs when processing related to step S11 and / or step S13 described later is executed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12 (B), even if an “Any BAR” winning combination occurs on the active line L1, if an “Any BAR” winning combination occurs on the ineffective line L2, There is a possibility that both the payout of the payout accompanying the occurrence of the winning combination on the active line L1 and the payout of the payout accompanying the generation of the bonus payout on the non-effective line L2 may be performed in a predetermined manner.

  On the other hand, when proceeding to step S108, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the combination of the stopped symbols related to the ineffective lines L2 to L5 is a winning symbol combination. When the combination of the stop symbols of all the ineffective lines L2 to L5 is out of place, the CPU 106 ends this process. On the other hand, when the combination of the stop symbols of at least one ineffective line is a winning mode, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the ineffective line winning flag is turned on (step S109). If the ineffective line winning flag is ON, the CPU 106 determines a payout according to the winning mode of the ineffective line (step S110). Specifically, the CPU 106 reads out the winning mode table stored in the RAM 110, and based on the coin payout number registered in the read winning mode table, the number of payouts (the number of coins paid out) according to the winning mode. ) Is determined (step S110). The CPU 106 stores the determined payout number in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 43. On the other hand, when the ineffective line winning flag is not turned on, the present process is terminated without performing the ineffective line payout process.

  By performing a series of processes of step S101, step S102, and step S108 to step S110, the following phenomenon occurs when processing related to step S11 and / or step S13 described later is executed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, even if there is a shift on the effective line L1, if a winning combination of “BAR” is generated on the ineffective line L2, the line on the ineffective line L2 is displayed. There is a possibility that the payout of the payout accompanying the occurrence of the bonus payout is performed in a predetermined manner. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12C, even if it is off on the effective line L1, a winning combination of “BAR” occurs on the ineffective line L2, and the value relative to the ineffective line L3 is relatively high. If a winning combination with a high “7” has occurred, the payout of the dividend accompanying the occurrence of the first bonus dividend combination on the ineffective line L2 and the second bonus on the ineffective line L3 There is a possibility that both the payout of the payout accompanying the occurrence of the payout will be performed in a predetermined manner.

  When the lottery process is completed, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S6.

  Referring to FIG. 8 again, when proceeding to step S6, CPU 106 starts rotation of mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Specifically, the CPU 106 rotates the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R sequentially or simultaneously based on the symbol arrangement table stored in the RAM 110.

After starting the rotation of the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the CPU 106 counts the number of drive pulses transmitted to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R, and stores this count value in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Let Each time the reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate, a reset pulse is acquired, and these reset pulses for the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are input to the CPU 41 via the reel position detection circuit 60. The drive pulse count value written in the RAM 110 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. Thereby, the count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation for each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. In the symbol arrangement table stored in the RAM 110, the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are associated with each other. When the CPU 106 refers to the symbol arrangement table, the code number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R with reference to the rotation position where the reset pulse is generated, and each code number Symbol codes indicating symbols provided corresponding to each are associated with each other.

  When the rotation of the mechanical 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the CPU 106 waits for a predetermined time to elapse (step S7). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the CPU 106 stops the rotation of the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R (step S8). Specifically, based on the stop symbol information written in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, the CPU 106 has a stop symbol determined in step S101 in a display area having a visually interactive relationship with the player. As shown, the rotation of each mechanical 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped in sequence or simultaneously.

  When the rotation of all the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a winning combination is established (step S9). Specifically, the CPU 106 performs the above determination process based on the state of the winning flag related to the effective line and / or the ineffective line stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. If the winning flag is not turned on, the CPU 106 determines that a winning combination has not been established and ends this routine. On the other hand, if the winning flag is ON, the CPU 106 determines that a winning combination has been established, and moves the process to step S10.

  In step S10, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the established winning combination is a combination that allows the transition to the bonus game. Specifically, the CPU 106 performs the determination process based on the type of winning flag stored in the RAM 110. When the ON winning flag is a flag indicating the bonus game shift winning, the CPU 106 determines that the winning mode is the bonus game shift and moves the process to step S11. On the other hand, if the ON winning flag is not a flag indicating the transition to the bonus game, the CPU 106 determines that the winning mode is a winning combination other than the transition to the bonus game, and moves the process to step S13.

  In step S11, the CPU 106 pays out the number of coins corresponding to the bonus game entry allowable combination in a predetermined manner. Specifically, the CPU 106 calculates the number of coins to be paid out corresponding to the bonus game entry allowable combination based on the number of payouts written in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 reads the number of credits stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, adds the calculated payout number to the read number of credits, and stores the added value in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 displays the stored value on the credit number display unit 19.

  When the payout associated with the establishment of the bonus game entry allowable combination is completed, the CPU 106 performs a bonus game process (step S11). This bonus game is, for example, a game that can be played without betting coins for a predetermined number of games. In this embodiment, for example, 15 free games are set to be played. It shall be. In executing the bonus game process, the CPU 106 reads the credit number C written in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, and, for example, the number of coins corresponding to the establishment of a winning with a bonus (BONUS) symbol as the read value. And the addition value is stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 displays the stored value on the credit number display unit 19. The CPU 106 reads the bonus game lottery table and the winning mode table stored in the ROM 108, and stores the read bonus game lottery table and the winning mode table in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The basic game lottery table and winning mode table are rewritten. In the bonus game lottery table, the winning probability of a combination is set higher than that in the basic game lottery table. The CPU 106 stores data indicating a predetermined bonus game number (in this embodiment, “15”) in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 (corresponding to a bonus game number N setting process in step S201 described later). ). As a result, in the state of entering the bonus game, for example, it can be expected that the game is played in a state where a winning combination is easily established for 15 games, and the player's interest in the game can be enhanced.

  When the bonus game process ends, the CPU 106 ends this routine.

  On the other hand, when proceeding to step S13, the CPU 106 pays out coins corresponding to the winning combination other than the bonus game entry allowable combination in a predetermined manner. Specifically, the CPU 106 calculates the number of coins to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination based on the number of payouts written in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 reads the number of credits stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, adds the calculated payout number to the read number of credits, and stores the added value in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 displays the stored value on the credit number display unit 19.

  When the payout associated with the establishment of the winning combination other than the bonus game entry allowable combination is completed, the CPU 106 ends this routine.

  In the payout process in step S11 and step S13, when paying out the number of coins corresponding to the type of payout indicated by the combination of the winning symbols on the ineffective line, the CPU 106 displays an image on the display control device 200. Give a display command. The display control device 200 drives the liquid crystal display device 30 based on the image display command, whereby a predetermined effect image is associated with the ineffective line in the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 30 in a predetermined mode. Is displayed.

  In each of the above-described payout processes, the number of coins to be paid out is stored as credits. However, a payout command is issued to the hopper driving circuit 124, thereby actually paying out coins from the payout outlet 38 via the hopper 58. It doesn't matter if you do.

Referring to FIG. 10, in the bonus game processing routine, first, CPU 106 sets a bonus game number N as described above (step S201). The CPU 106 reads the bonus game number N written in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, and executes the subsequent processing based on the value of the read bonus game number N.

  When the bonus game number N is set, the CPU 106 performs a process for determining a winning combination by electronic lottery (step S202). The specific processing content of this lottery processing is shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in the lottery process, first, CPU 106 on control device 100 side simultaneously determines both a combination of stop symbols for effective line L1 and a combination of stop symbols for all ineffective lines L2 to L5. (Step S301). The CPU 106 stores the extracted random number value in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. The CPU 106 reads the bonus game lottery table and the winning mode table stored in the memory area of the RAM 110, and uses the random number value written in the predetermined memory area of the RAM 110 as a parameter for the lottery table and the winning mode table. The combination of the stop symbols related to the effective line L1 and the stop symbols related to the non-effective lines L2 to L5 are thereby determined. When determining the combination of stop symbols for the ineffective lines L2 to L5, if the combination of stop symbols for at least one ineffective line is in a winning mode, the CPU 41 registers the ineffective line registered in the lottery table. It is determined whether or not a non-effective line winning flag is to be determined based on the winning combination frequency value. When the ineffective line winning flag is turned ON, the CPU 106 stores the ineffective line winning flag in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. Thus, when determining the winning combination, the CPU 106 determines the stop symbol to be stopped and displayed in the same manner as in the basic game, and stores the determined stop symbol information in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.

  When both the combination of stop symbols related to the effective line L1 and the combination of stop symbols related to the ineffective lines L2 to L5 are determined, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the combination of stop symbols related to the effective line L1 is a combination of winning symbols. (Step S302). When the combination of the stopped symbols on the active line L1 is a winning mode, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S303. On the other hand, when the combination of the stop symbols of the effective line L1 is an outlier combination, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S308.

  In step S303, the CPU 106 turns on the effective line winning flag in order to generate a winning corresponding to the determined winning symbol combination on the effective line L1. At this time, the CPU 106 stores the valid line winning flag in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.

  When the valid line winning flag is turned ON, the CPU 106 reads the bonus game winning mode table stored in the RAM 110, and based on the coin payout number registered in the read winning mode table, the CPU 106 wins the effective line L1. The number of payouts accompanying the generation is determined (step S304). At this time, the CPU 106 stores the determined payout number in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.

  When determining the payout relating to the effective line L1, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the combination of the stopped symbols relating to the ineffective lines L2 to L5 is a winning symbol combination (step S305). When the combination of the stop symbols of all the ineffective lines L2 to L5 is out of place, the CPU 106 ends this process. On the other hand, when the combination of the stop symbols of at least one ineffective line is a winning mode, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the ineffective line winning flag is turned on (step S306). The CPU 106 reads the bonus game winning mode table stored in the RAM 110 and determines the number of payouts associated with the occurrence of winnings on the ineffective line, based on the coin payout number registered in the read winning mode table. (Step S307). At this time, the CPU 106 stores the determined payout number in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 43. On the other hand, when the ineffective line winning flag is not turned on, the CPU 106 ends this process without performing the ineffective line payout process.

  On the other hand, when proceeding to step S308, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the combination of the stopped symbols related to the ineffective lines L2 to L5 is a winning symbol combination. When the combination of the stop symbols of all the ineffective lines L2 to L5 is out of place, the CPU 106 ends this process. On the other hand, when the combination of the stop symbols of at least one ineffective line is a winning mode, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the ineffective line winning flag is turned on (step S309). When the ineffective line winning flag is ON, the CPU 106 reads out the winning mode table stored in the RAM 110 and, based on the coin payout number registered in the read winning mode table, The number of payouts associated with the occurrence of an active line winning is determined (step S310). At this time, the CPU 106 stores the determined payout number in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 43. On the other hand, when the ineffective line winning flag is not turned on, the present process is terminated without performing the ineffective line payout process.

  When the lottery process ends, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S203.

  Referring again to FIG. 10, when proceeding to step S <b> 203, the CPU 106 rotates the mechanical reels 3 </ b> L, 3 </ b> C, 3 </ b> R sequentially or simultaneously based on the symbol arrangement table stored in the RAM 110.

  When the rotation of the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the CPU 106 waits for a predetermined time to elapse (step S204). When the predetermined time elapses, the CPU 106 determines that the mechanical reels 3L are displayed so that the stop symbol determined in step S301 is displayed in the display region based on the stop symbol information written in the predetermined memory region of the RAM 110. , 3C, 3R are stopped in order or simultaneously (step S205).

  When the rotation of all the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped, the CPU 106 establishes a winning combination based on the state of the winning flag related to the effective line and / or the ineffective line stored in the predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S206). If the winning flag is ON, the CPU 106 determines that a winning combination has been established. Then, the CPU 106 calculates the number of coins to be paid out corresponding to the winning combination based on the number of payouts written in the predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, and pays out the calculated number of coins in a predetermined manner (step). S207). At this time, the CPU 106 reads the number of credits stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, adds the calculated payout number to the read number of credits, and stores the added value in the predetermined memory area of the RAM 110. . The CPU 106 displays the stored value on the credit number display unit 19. Thereafter, the CPU 106 moves the process to step S208. On the other hand, if the winning flag is not ON, the CPU 106 determines that no winning combination has been established, and then proceeds to step S208 without performing the payout process.

  In step S208, the CPU 106 decrements the bonus game number N. Specifically, the CPU 106 reads the bonus game number N2 stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110, and subtracts “1” from the value of the read game number N2. The CPU 106 stores the subtracted value in the RAM 110.

  When the bonus game number N is decremented, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the bonus game number N still remains. When the bonus game number N remains, the CPU 106 returns the process to step S202 and performs a lottery process. On the other hand, if the bonus game number N does not remain, the CPU 106 ends this routine.

  In the payout process in step S207, the CPU 106 gives an image display command to the display control device 200 when paying out the number of coins corresponding to the type of the combination indicated by the winning symbol combination of the ineffective line. . The display control device 200 drives the liquid crystal display device 30 based on the image display command, whereby a predetermined effect image is associated with the ineffective line in the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 30 in a predetermined mode. Is displayed.

  In the above-described payout process, the number of coins to be paid out is stored as credits. However, a payout command is issued to the hopper driving circuit 124 so that coins are actually paid out from the payout outlet 38 via the hopper 58. It doesn't matter.

  Needless to say, the contents of various free games known in the art may be applied as the contents of the free game provided as a bonus game.

  According to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects are achieved.

(1) If the game conditions are set before the rotation of each mechanical reel 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the combination of the stop symbols related to the effective line L1 and all the ineffective lines L2 to L5 other than the effective line L1 Both stop symbol combinations are determined. As a result, when the combination of the stop symbols related to at least one ineffective line is a combination indicating a payout for a payout combination, a result indicating that a payout combination is established on the ineffective line is reflected in the game result. Whether or not is determined by lottery. When it is determined that the combination of winning symbols related to the ineffective line is reflected in the game result, when the rotation of all the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped and the game result is derived, It is considered that a winning combination of a payout combination has been established on the ineffective line, and a profit is awarded according to the type of payout indicated by the combination of winning symbols on the ineffective line. As a result, when combinations of winning symbols are arranged along a winning line that has not been validated, there is a possibility that this state is regarded as winning and a profit is given. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a feeling as if the payment line has increased. As a result, the player can be prevented from leaving the machine end. Conversely, the player has a strong interest in the machine.

  (2) When a profit is awarded according to the type of payout indicated by the combination of winning symbols on the ineffective line, the liquid crystal display device 30 is driven, so that on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 A predetermined effect image is displayed in a predetermined manner in association with the ineffective line. In this way, by changing the appearance of the symbol display area including the display window 31a, when the player's line of sight is poured exclusively into the effective line when the mechanical reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the effective Even if the combination of winning symbols is not aligned along the line, even if the above-mentioned profit grant is executed, the player can visually recognize the effect by the effect image only by slightly shifting the line of sight. Therefore, the player can immediately understand why the execution of the profit grant was performed. As a result, the player's interest in the machine is further raised.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

(1) In the above embodiment, the transparent liquid crystal panel can be partly or wholly switched to a transparent / non-transparent state and can display various images. As described above, in the present invention, as the transparent liquid crystal panel, a so-called liquid crystal shutter capable of only switching part or all of the transparent liquid crystal panel to a transparent / non-transparent state can be adopted.

(2) Instead of the transparent liquid crystal panel, for example, an EL transparent display panel may be employed. In this case, electroluminescence (EL) is employed as a light source for irradiating the display panel with light.

  (3) In the above embodiment, an example in which various effect images are displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel has been described. However, the object of the present invention can be sufficiently achieved even when the transparent liquid crystal panel is excluded. In this case, a colored bulb or equivalent means is used, and each mechanical reel is designed to illuminate its design from the back by this means, so that each reel design is colored, or each mechanical reel itself, It is preferable to include an EL element for specifying the reel symbol so that the symbol is displayed in various formats.

  (4) In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a 3-reel type slot machine has been described. However, for example, even if the present invention is applied to a 5-reel type slot machine, Can be fully achieved. This means that the present invention is not limited by the number of mechanical reels.

  (5) In the embodiment described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine, in which only one winning line L1 is always activated and the other winning lines L2 to L5 cannot be activated by the player's intention, will be described. However, the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a slot machine that can arbitrarily activate the five pay lines L1 to L5 according to the player's intention. Even in this case, the object of the present invention is sufficiently achieved. This means that the present invention is not limited to the number of winning lines that are activated.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a mechanical reel slot machine has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to a simulated reel slot machine. This means that the present invention is not constrained by the pattern change display and stop display modes.

  It goes without saying that various design changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims attached to the present specification.

  In the present invention, when a combination of winning symbols is arranged along a winning line that is not activated, this state is regarded as a winning and a possibility of giving a profit is generated. Since it can give a feeling that the payment line has increased, when symbols belonging to all the columns are stopped and displayed, if the combination of stopped symbols is aligned along the active line so as to show winning combinations, The present invention is useful as a slot machine, a slot machine control method, and a slot machine control program in which a profit according to the type of a role is given to a player.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention An enlarged front view showing an enlarged display area of the slot machine It is sectional drawing which follows the AA line of FIG. The perspective view which shows the schematic structure of the liquid crystal display device of the slot machine in the state seen from the back side 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the control device of the slot machine Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display control device of the slot machine Flowchart showing the flow of processing operations of the main processing of the slot machine Flowchart showing the flow of processing operations of the basic game lottery processing of the slot machine Flowchart showing the flow of processing operations of bonus game processing of the slot machine Flowchart showing the flow of processing operation of bonus game lottery processing of the slot machine Diagram for explaining the winning decision mechanism of the slot machine It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of the reel belt | band | zone provided in the outer peripheral surface of a reel. The figure which shows a winning mode table

Explanation of symbols

10 slot machine 3L, 3C, 3R simulation trial 30 liquid crystal display device 34 transparent liquid crystal panel 100 control device 102 interface circuit group 104 I / O bus 106 CPU
108 ROM
110 RAM
200 Display Controller 202 Interface Circuit 204 I / O Bus 206 CPU
208 ROM
210 RAM
212 VDP
214 Video RAM
216 Image data ROM
218 Drive circuit L1 Effective line L2 to L5 Ineffective line

Claims (7)

A symbol display means is provided for performing variable display and stop display of a plurality of types of symbols for each column. When symbols belonging to all columns are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, the combination of stop symbols is useful. A slot machine that gives a player a profit in accordance with a type of winning combination when aligned along an active line so as to indicate a prize,
This slot machine
When the game condition is set before the symbol display means starts changing display of symbols belonging to each column, the combination of the stop symbols related to the active line and the stop symbols of all ineffective lines other than the active line And, as a result, when the combination of the stop symbols related to at least one ineffective line is a combination indicating the establishment of a winning combination, it indicates that the winning combination is established on the ineffective line Means for determining by lottery whether or not to reflect the result of the game in the game result;
When it is determined that the combination of winning symbols related to the ineffective line is reflected in the game result, the symbols belonging to all the columns are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means and the game result is derived. And a means for giving a profit according to the type of the combination indicated by the combination of the winning symbols on the ineffective line. Slot machine to be. Means for displaying a predetermined effect image in a predetermined manner in association with the ineffective line when a profit is given according to the type of the combination indicated by the winning symbol combination on the ineffective line; The slot machine according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the lottery is executed based on a predetermined probability calculation value. A symbol display means is provided for performing variable display and stop display of a plurality of types of symbols for each column. When symbols belonging to all columns are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, the combination of stop symbols is useful. A method for controlling a slot machine that provides a player with a profit according to the type of winning combination when they are aligned along an active line so as to indicate a win,
This control method is
When the game condition is set before the symbol display means starts changing display of symbols belonging to each column, the combination of the stop symbols related to the active line and the stop symbols of all ineffective lines other than the active line And, as a result, when the combination of the stop symbols related to at least one ineffective line is a combination indicating the establishment of a winning combination, it indicates that the winning combination is established on the ineffective line A step for determining by lottery whether or not to reflect the result of the game in the game result;
When it is determined that the combination of winning symbols related to the ineffective line is reflected in the game result, the symbols belonging to all the columns are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means and the game result is derived. And a step for giving a profit according to the type of the combination indicated by the combination of the winning symbols on the ineffective line. To control the slot machine. A step of displaying a predetermined effect image in a predetermined manner in association with the ineffective line when a profit is given according to the type of the combination indicated by the winning symbol combination on the ineffective line. The slot machine control method according to claim 4, further comprising: A symbol display means is provided for performing variable display and stop display of a plurality of types of symbols for each column. When symbols belonging to all columns are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means, the combination of stop symbols is useful. A program for controlling a slot machine that gives a player a profit in accordance with a type of winning combination when a player is aligned along an active line to indicate a winning line,
This control program
When the game condition is set before the symbol display means starts changing display of symbols belonging to each column, the combination of the stop symbols related to the active line and the stop symbols of all ineffective lines other than the active line And, as a result, when the combination of the stop symbols related to at least one ineffective line is a combination indicating the establishment of a winning combination, it indicates that the winning combination is established on the ineffective line A procedure for determining whether to reflect the result of the game in the game result by lottery;
When it is determined that the combination of winning symbols related to the ineffective line is reflected in the game result, the symbols belonging to all the columns are stopped and displayed by the symbol display means and the game result is derived. And a procedure for executing a profit grant according to the type of the combination indicated by the combination of winning symbols on the ineffective line.
These procedures are executed by a computer, a slot machine control program. A procedure for displaying a predetermined effect image in a predetermined manner in association with the ineffective line when a profit is given according to the type of the combination indicated by the winning symbol combination on the ineffective line. Including
The slot machine control program according to claim 6, wherein the procedure is executed by the computer.

Images