JP2005342327A - Slot machine, control method for slot machine and game program for use in slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine, a control method for the slot machine and a game program for use in the slot machine swelling player's imagination to a picture performance by creating a linkage between the number of bets set according to the number of supplied tokens or the number of pushing times of a bet button and the picture performance on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device and an EL display device, and improving an active game property focusing on a player by reflecting the active operation of the player such as supplying the tokens or pushing the bet button on the picture performance on the display device such as the liquid crystal device and the EL device. <P>SOLUTION: This slot machine is provided with a display device selecting means selecting either of a plurality of display devices (transparent LCD 50 and LCD 7) displaying the performance picture related to the game according to the number of bets, and a means driving the display device selected by the means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that shifts to a game operation state advantageous to a player when a predetermined condition is established for a displayed symbol, a control method for the slot machine, and a game program used for the slot machine. In particular, the present invention relates to image effects performed in a plurality of display devices that display effect images related to games.

  Generally, in a slot machine, the number of bets is set by inserting medals into the medal slot, and an internal lottery regarding the formation of a winning combination is performed when the start lever is operated. When the internal lottery is completed, the symbol variation display on the rotating reel is started by the rotation of the rotating reel in the display frame (display window). Thereafter, when the stop button is pressed, the symbols in the display frame are sequentially stopped and displayed.

  When all symbols are displayed in a stopped state, the combination of the symbols displayed in a stopped state and the combination of symbols indicating the formation of a predetermined combination match on the activated betting line (active line). At that time, the winning combination is won, and a number of game value media (including medals and coins) corresponding to the type of winning combination are paid out.

  Here, in the slot machine, as described above, the number of active lines closely related to the payout of the game value medium is set so as to increase as the number of medals inserted from the medal slot (the number of bets) increases. (For example, when the bet number is 1, the number of active lines is 1, when the bet number is 2, the number of active lines is 3, when the bet number is 3, the number of active lines is 5.) Also, instead of inserting medals into the medal slot, the medals are credited internally in advance and the number of bets is set by the number of times the bet button is pressed. The number of lines is set to increase.

  Thus, the number of bets set according to the number of inserted medals or the number of times the bet button is pressed affects the number of active lines that are closely related to the payout of game value media.

  By the way, in recent years, a slot machine has been proposed in which a liquid crystal display device is provided outside the display frame of the rotating reel to notify a change in the game situation by an image effect. For example, in Patent Document 1, it is possible to enhance the interest of the game by providing a liquid crystal display device that displays on the screen the state of being knocked out in the boxing game and informs the player of the result of the internal lottery. A slot machine is disclosed.

  There has also been proposed a slot machine provided with a transparent display device such as an EL (electroluminescence) display for informing various information to the player in front of the rotating reel. For example, in Patent Document 2, a self-luminous EL display is arranged in front of a rotating reel, and characters, backgrounds, other advertisements, and the like are displayed on the EL display, thereby achieving more various image effects. A possible slot machine is disclosed.

  As described above, in recent slot machines, image display means such as a liquid crystal display device and an EL display are used to create a new added value in addition to the slot machine original slot game and appeal to the player's vision. It has become something that enhances the game.

JP 2004-693 (paragraph [0030], FIG. 1) JP 2001-252394 (paragraph [0006], FIG. 1)

  However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 and the invention described in Patent Document 2 that improve game performance by appealing to the visual perception of the player are both the number of bets set by the number of medals inserted or the number of times the bet button is pressed. Unrelated.

  That is, the number of bets affects the number of active lines as described above, and does not affect the image effect in the liquid crystal display device or EL display. Therefore, the player can only see a predetermined uniform effect image regardless of the number of bets, and cannot increase the imagination for the image effect in the liquid crystal display device or EL display.

  Further, the bet number is set based on the player's main operation such as inserting a medal or pressing the bet button. In the conventional slot machine, the player-main operation is performed by a liquid crystal display device or EL. It was not reflected in the image effect on the display, and the active game characteristics centered on the player were impaired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the object thereof is the number of bets set by the number of medals inserted or the number of times a bet button is pressed, and images on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an EL display device. By having a connection with the production, the player's imagination for the image production, such as "There may be something in this image production change," is expanded, and a medal is inserted or a bet button A slot machine that can improve the player-centered active game performance by reflecting the player's main action of pressing the player in the image effect on the display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an EL display. And a control method of the slot machine, and a game program used for the slot machine.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a slot machine that selects any one of a plurality of display devices that display effect images related to a game according to the number of BETs, and selects by that means. And a means for driving the display device.

  More specifically, the present invention provides the following.

  (1) A slot machine in which a game proceeds according to the number of BETs of game media betted by a player, and a plurality of display devices that display effect images related to the game, and effects in a game in which BET of game media is performed As a display device to display an image, a display device selection unit that selects any one of the plurality of display devices according to the BET number, and a display device selected by the display device selection unit at a predetermined timing. And a means for driving the slot machine.

  According to the present invention, a slot machine in which a game proceeds according to the number of BETs of game media (for example, medals) betted by a player, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a transparent LCD, and a plasma LCD. A plurality of display devices for displaying images, and a display device selection for selecting one of these display devices according to the number of BETs as a display device to display an effect image in a game in which a bet of the game medium is performed Means and a means for driving the display device selected by the display device selection means at a predetermined timing, so that, depending on the BET number of game media betted by the player, The effect image is displayed in any of the above.

  Therefore, the player can expand his imagination for image effects on a display device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD), a transparent LCD, or a plasma LCD according to the number of bets set according to the number of inserted medals or the number of times the bet button is pressed. it can.

  In addition, since the player's main actions, such as insertion of medals or pressing of the bet button, are reflected in the image effect on the display device, the player-centered active game performance can be improved.

  Here, “BET” means that a player inserts a game medium (medal etc.) in order to start a game, or the number of stored game media (credits) previously deposited (credited) in a slot machine The number of credits is subtracted in accordance with the operation of the bet button (bet button).

  It should be noted that the type of the plurality of “display devices” for displaying the effect image relating to the game is not limited. For example, a cathode ray tube composed of a phosphor screen coated with an electron gun and a phosphor, a flat display panel or liquid crystal display (LCD) that realizes thinness and low power consumption, a plasma display (PDP) that is lighter than LCD, and has a high luminance A light-emitting diode display with a wide and wide viewing angle, a transparent liquid crystal display panel in which liquid crystal material is sandwiched between extremely thin plates, and a dot pattern consisting of dots in multiple rows and multiple columns, and can display images. Various things such as an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel having transparency can be considered.

  Further, the effect image displayed on the plurality of display devices may be a single image or a plurality of images, and the number and type (for example, characters, characters, numbers, background designs, etc.) and display modes Regardless of (still image / moving image).

  (2) An effect pattern storage unit that stores a plurality of effect patterns that can be displayed on the display device, and an effect pattern that is displayed on the display device selected by the display device selection unit, is one of the plurality of effect patterns (1) The slot machine according to (1), further comprising: an effect pattern selecting unit that selects the number according to the BET number.

  According to the present invention, there are a plurality of effect pattern storage means that store a plurality of effect patterns that can be displayed on a display device such as an LCD or a transparent LCD, and a plurality of effect patterns that are displayed on the display device by the selection of the display device selection means described above. And an effect pattern selection means for selecting any one of the effect patterns according to the number of BETs, so that the display device displays the effect image according to the BET number of game media betted by the player. Various effect patterns (effect images related thereto) are displayed.

  Therefore, the player can visually recognize various effect patterns according to the number of BETs on the display device selected according to the number of BETs, and as a result, can increase the imagination for image effects on the display device.

  (3) The plurality of effect patterns include a unique effect pattern for each of the plurality of display devices, and the display device selecting unit is configured to cause the unique effect pattern to be generated by the effect pattern selecting unit. (2) The slot machine according to (2), wherein when selected, a display device corresponding to the effect pattern is selected.

  According to the present invention, the above-described plurality of effect patterns include a unique effect pattern for each of the above-described plurality of display devices, and the above-described display device selection means generates the unique effect pattern. When selected by the pattern selecting means, the display device corresponding to the effect pattern is selected, so that the number of bets and a plurality of displays are displayed via the unique effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selecting means. Devices can be associated.

  Therefore, the player's main actions such as insertion of medals or pressing of the bet button can be reflected in the image effect on the display device, and the active game performance centered on the player can be improved.

  (4) A control method for controlling a slot machine in which a game progresses according to the number of BETs of game media betted by a player, comprising a plurality of display devices for displaying effect images relating to the game, A step of selecting one of the plurality of display devices according to the number of BETs as a display device to display an effect image in a game where a BET has been placed, and the display device selected by the display device selection means A slot machine control method, comprising: driving at a predetermined timing.

  (5) A game program for use in a slot machine that includes a plurality of display devices for displaying effect images relating to a game and in which a game proceeds according to the number of BETs of game media betted by the player, As a display device to display an effect image in a game in which a game is performed, a step of selecting one of the plurality of display devices according to the number of BETs, and a display device selected by the display device selection means A game program for use in a slot machine, comprising: a step of driving at a predetermined timing.

  According to the control method described in (4), the slot machine described in (1) can be appropriately controlled, and according to the game program described in (5), the slot described in (1) Since the control of the machine can be appropriately executed, the active game characteristics centered on the player can be enhanced.

  The game program according to the invention of (5) is stored in a ROM mounted on the main control board (or sub-control board) of the slot machine, and is connected to a server via the Internet to play a game. The data is stored in an external storage medium such as a CD-ROM used for home game machines. The game program according to the invention of (5) may be downloaded from the server to the terminal device via the Internet.

  As described above, according to the present invention, one of a plurality of display devices is selected according to the number of BETs, and the selected display device is driven accordingly. Can be connected between the player's main action (the number of bets) such as pressing and the image production on the display device, which in turn increases the player's imagination and makes the player active Game nature can be improved.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[External configuration of slot machine]
FIG. 1 is a view showing an external configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a three-reel type slot machine, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any type of slot machine such as a nine-reel type or a liquid crystal reel type can be used. Is also applicable.

  In FIG. 1, a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a machine body 2 having a box shape and a front door 3 attached to the machine body 2 so as to be openable and closable. ing.

  A front panel 4 is attached to the center of the front door 3. In the main part of the front panel 4, three display windows 5a, 5b, 5c are opened in a state of being arranged in a horizontal row, and the rotary reels 6a, 6b, Three of 6 c are arranged in the machine main body 2. A plurality of types of symbols are drawn along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the rotating reels 6a to 6c. These symbols correspond to a plurality of types of combinations and are observed three by three through the display windows 5a to 5c.

  On the right side of the display window 5c, an LCD 7 is provided as an example of display means for displaying information related to game effects. The LCD 7 may be located anywhere around the display windows 5a to 5c. For example, the LCD 7 may be disposed above the display window 5b. This makes it easy for the player to visually recognize the image displayed on the LCD 7 even during the slot game. As a result, the image displayed on the LCD 7 and the image displayed on the transparent LCD (transparent liquid crystal display panel) 50 to be described later are displayed. It becomes possible to improve the integrity of.

  In front of the display windows 5a to 5c, as an example of display means, rotary reels 6a to 6c are disposed so as to be visible through the display windows 5a to 5c, and a transparent LCD 50 capable of displaying an image is disposed. Yes.

  On the left side of the left display window 5a, there are five betting lines including three in the horizontal direction and two in the diagonal direction for the upper, middle, and lower stages passing through the display windows 5a to 5c. A betting line display lamp 8 is provided for displaying whether the betting line is activated.

  An upper panel 9 is mounted on the upper part of the front door 3. The main part of the upper panel 9 is provided with an effect lamp group 10 that lights up in a predetermined manner according to the game situation. On the other hand, a lower panel 11 on which a model name and an image design are printed is attached to the lower part of the front door 3.

  An operation unit 12 is provided below the front panel 4. The operation unit 12 includes a medal slot 13, a bet button 14, a start lever 15, stop buttons 16a, 16b and 16c, and a credit / settlement switching button 17.

  The bet button 14 is used in place of inserting a medal from the medal insertion slot 13 in order to set a bet number of medals as a game medium (a player's bet amount). It is possible to set the number of bets based on the number of times the bet button 14 is pressed after crediting. That is, when the player presses the bet button 14 according to the bet number of medals to bet, an effective line corresponding to the medal bet number is set, and a bet line display corresponding to the medal bet number is displayed. Lamp 8 is lit.

  The number of valid lines varies depending on the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 or the number of pressing operations of the bet button 14. More specifically, in one operation, one line extending horizontally in the middle stage of the display windows 5a to 5c becomes the target of the effective line. In the two operations, three lines obtained by adding two lines extending horizontally in the upper and lower stages of the display windows 5a to 5c to the one line become the target of the effective line. In the three operations, five lines obtained by adding two lines on the diagonal lines of the display windows 5a to 5c to the above three lines become the targets of the effective lines. Note that four or more operations are invalid.

  When an effective line is set according to the above procedure, the conditions for starting the game are established. In this state, when the player turns on the start lever 15, the rotary reels 6 a to 6 c start to rotate.

  Each stop button 16a-16c is arrange | positioned corresponding to each rotation reel 6a-6c. When the stop buttons 16a to 16c are pressed, the rotation of the rotating reels 6a to 6c corresponding to the pressing operation is stopped. When the combination of symbols stopped and displayed when the rotary reels 6a to 6c are stopped and the combination of symbols indicating a predetermined winning combination are aligned on the effective line, the hopper 21 (see FIG. 6). ), A predetermined number of medals are paid out from the discharge port 18 to the tray 19 according to the weight of the combination (type of winning combination).

  The credit / payment switching button 17 is used when switching between the medal manual insertion mode and the credit mode. Further, below the lower panel 11, a medal discharge port 18, a medal tray 19, and a speaker 20 that emits sound effects in a predetermined manner according to the game situation are provided.

[Electric configuration of slot machine]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, the control device 100 incorporated in the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a main control unit (main board) 200 that controls the entire slot machine 1, and the main control unit 200. A sub-control unit (sub-board) 300 that controls game effects (including effects by images and sounds) and an I / O port 400 that relays between the main control unit 200 and the sub-control unit 300 are provided. The sub control unit 300 is connected via the I / O port 400 by one-way communication from the main control unit 200 and can be accessed only from the main control unit 200.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of main controller 200 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the main control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a clock pulse generation circuit 204, a random number generator 205, a motor drive control circuit 206, a hopper drive control circuit 207, and a lamp drive control circuit. 208 and a backup power source 209.

  The CPU 201 controls the center of the control unit of the slot machine 1, and performs various controls according to programs stored in the ROM 202. The control targets of the CPU 201 are stepping motors MA, MB, and MC, which are driving sources of the rotary reels 6a to 6c, a hopper 21 that stores and releases medals, a betting line display lamp 8, and an effect lamp group 10. Control signals for these control target elements are supplied from the CPU 201 via the motor drive control circuit 206, the hopper drive control circuit 207, and the lamp drive control circuit 208, respectively.

  The CPU 201 includes operation signals for the bet button 14, the start lever 15, the stop buttons 16 a to 16 c, the credit / settlement switching button 17, the sensor outputs of the medal insertion detection sensor 501 and the medal discharge detection sensor 502, and the rotational position detection circuit 503. The rotational position detection signal is provided.

  The operation signals of the stop buttons 16a to 16c are input to the CPU 201 as reel stop signals after predetermined processing is performed by the reel stop signal processing circuit 601.

  The medal insertion detection sensor 501 detects a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 13 and is provided in association with the medal insertion slot 13. On the other hand, the medal discharge detection sensor 502 detects discharge of medals and is provided in association with the medal discharge position of the hopper 21. The sensor output of the medal discharge detection sensor 502 is subjected to predetermined processing by the medal discharge completion signal processing circuit 602 and then input to the CPU 201 as a medal discharge completion signal.

  The rotational position detection circuit 503 detects the rotational position of each of the rotary reels 6a to 6c, and includes an optical sensor and a rotary encoder. An optical sensor is provided in association with each rotary reel 6a-6c, while a rotary encoder is provided in association with each stepping motor MA-MC.

  Before the game is started, when the player inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot 13 and inputs a detection signal thereof, or when the bet button 14 is pressed and the operation signal is input, the CPU 201 The number of medals corresponding to the value indicated by the input operation signal is inserted into the slot machine 1 as a betting object.

  In order to start the game, when the start lever 15 is turned ON by the player and the operation signal is input, the CPU 201 passes through the motor drive control circuit 206 to start the rotation of all the rotation reels 6a to 6c. Output a start signal to the stepping motors MA to MC. Then, the rotation of the rotary reels 6a to 6c is started. As a result, the symbols of the rotating reels 6a to 6c are variably displayed in the display windows 5a to 5c.

  In order to stop the rotation of the rotating reels 6a to 6c, when the stop button 16a to 16c is pressed by the player and the operation signal is input, the CPU 201 rotates the reel corresponding to the operated stop button. In order to stop, a stop signal is output to the stepping motors MA to MC via the motor drive control circuit 206. Then, the rotation of the rotating reels 6a to 6c is stopped. As a result, the symbols of the rotating reels 6a to 6c are stopped and displayed in the display windows 5a to 5c.

  The ROM 202 stores a game program for controlling the slot machine 1 to pay out medals, initial values of variables used in the program, a data group indicating a correspondence relationship between a combination of winning symbols and random numbers, and the like.

  In the above game program, a plurality of types of roles consisting of a bonus role as a carry-over role, a small role as a non-carry-over role, and a replay role in the normal game are selected as a lottery target A step indicating the procedure for performing an internal part lottery (internal lottery) related to establishment of a winning combination flag and a winning combination for a bonus part (for example, a big bonus part, a regular bonus part, etc.) is established. In order to carry over this winning flag to the next game, and when the winning flag of the small role and replay role is established, even if the winning game is not fulfilled, the winning flag is erased and control is not carried over to the next game Each stop button in the step showing the procedure and the game in which the winning flag of some role is established In order to control each rotary reel 6a to 6c to be easily stopped by a combination of symbols constituting a winning combination of a combination for which a winning flag is established on an active line when 16a to 16c are pressed. In a game in which a step indicating a procedure and a winning flag for any combination is not established, any winning combination of any combination on the active line is triggered by pressing the stop buttons 16a to 16c. Each stop button 16a to 16c is pressed in a step showing a procedure for performing control for stopping the rotary reels 6a to 6c so as to be a combination, and a game in which a winning flag for any combination is established. As a result, each reel 6a to 6c is stopped by a combination of symbols constituting a winning combination other than the winning combination on the active line. And indicating a procedure for performing have control, it is included.

  Whether or not the symbols constituting the winning combination such as a bonus combination are stopped on the active line is stored in the ROM 202, for example, the position signal of the rotating reel by the rotation position detecting circuit 503, the timing of the stop operation of the rotating reel by the stop button, and the like. This can be determined by the reel stop table. Here, the reel stop table is used for stop control of the rotating reel, and a plurality of reel stop tables are prepared depending on the presence / absence of a winning flag, the type of role of the winning flag, and the like. This is a table used to determine the number (the number of symbols to move from when the stop button is operated until the symbol stops) and to determine which symbol is to be stopped in the display window (on the active line) is there.

  The RAM 203 interfaces with the CPU 201 and functions as a working area for the CPU 201. In other words, in the RAM 203, writing and reading of flags necessary for control (for example, winning flags of a plurality of types including a winning combination of bonus combinations) and variable values are randomly performed. Note that the RAM 203 is backed up by a backup power source 209 to prepare for a power failure.

  As described above, when the winning flag is established in the internal lottery, the bonus combination is carried over to the next game until the winning is achieved, and is stored until the winning is achieved by the flag carry-over means. Yes. That is, it is stored and managed in a specific area of the special combination flag in the RAM 203. On the other hand, if the winning flag of the small role or replay role is established by internal lottery, if the winning game is not fulfilled in the game when it is established, it will disappear without carrying the winning flag to the next game Yes.

  The clock pulse generation circuit 204 is for generating a reference clock pulse, and supplies the generated clock pulse to the CPU 201.

  The random number generator 205 arbitrarily extracts random numbers used for the internal lottery from a predetermined range, and supplies the extracted random numbers to the CPU 201. Specifically, when a command for generating a random number is given from the CPU 201 to the random number generator 205, the random number generator 205 generates a random number within a predetermined range and outputs a signal indicating the value of the random number. To do. When a random number is input from the random number generator 205, the CPU 201 searches a data group stored in the ROM 202 and substitutes a numerical value corresponding to the combination in order to determine a combination of symbols corresponding to the random number.

  The hopper drive control circuit 207 generates a drive signal based on the instruction signal from the CPU 201 and gives the generated drive signal to the hopper 21. As a result, the hopper 21 is driven and medals are paid out from the discharge port 18.

  The lamp drive control circuit 208 generates a drive control signal based on the instruction signal from the CPU 201, and gives the generated drive control signal to the betting line display lamp 8 and the effect lamp group 10. As a result, the betting line display lamp 8 and the effect lamp group 10 are turned on or off.

  The gaming situation as a result of the control of the main control unit 200 is all transmitted as a command to the sub control unit 300 via the I / O port 400. In other words, every time an event occurs in the slot machine 1, the CPU 201 transmits a command corresponding to the event to the sub-control unit 300 via the I / O port 400. Specifically, the CPU 201 transmits various control signals sent to each element in the main control unit 200, various signals received from each element in the main control unit 200, various flags set in the RAM 203, A command corresponding to the result of the internal lottery and a command corresponding to the result of the winning combination determination are transmitted to the sub-control unit 300 via the I / O port 400. Based on these signals, flags, and commands, the sub-control unit 300 performs various processes.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the sub-control unit 300 shown in FIG.

  4, the sub control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an EEPROM 304, a sound output control circuit 305, a VDP 307, a character ROM 308, a VRAM 309, and an LCD drive control circuit 310. .

  The CPU 301 controls the control center of the sub-control unit 300 and executes predetermined program processing according to a command from the main control unit 200 sent via the I / O port 400. The control objects of the CPU 301 are the transparent LCD 50, the LCD 7, and the speaker 20. Control signals for the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7 are supplied from the CPU 301 via the VDP 307 and the LCD drive control circuit 310, and a control signal for the speaker 20 is supplied via the sound output control circuit 305, respectively.

  The ROM 302 stores a program for displaying an image on the transparent LCD 50 or the LCD 7. The RAM 303 interfaces with the CPU 301 and functions as a working area for the CPU 301. That is, in the RAM 303, writing and reading of data and the like are performed at random.

  The EEPROM 304 accumulates and stores the game history of the slot machine 1. The information stored in the EEPROM 304 is provided to the player as information related to the game history after predetermined processing. The game history is updated on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

  Control signals from the CPU 201 to the sound output control circuit 305 and the VDP 307 are transferred via the I / O port 400 and the CPU 301. Therefore, the sound output control circuit 305 generates a sound output signal based on the instruction signal from the CPU 301 and supplies the generated sound output signal to the speaker 20. As a result, the speaker 20 emits a sound effect. The VDP 307 refers to the character ROM 308 based on an instruction signal from the CPU 301, and generates image data to be displayed on the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7 based on the reference result. The image data generated by the VDP 307 is developed on the VRAM 309, and then read out to the VDP 307 and given to the LCD drive control circuit 310. As a result, the LCD drive control circuit 310 displays a predetermined effect pattern (related effect image) on the display surfaces of the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7 based on the image data given from the VDP 307.

  Here, when the CPU 301 acquires information corresponding to the result of the internal lottery sent from the main control unit 200 via the I / O port 400, LCD image display command information, or the like (based on the result of the internal lottery). A specific image effect pattern is read from the character ROM 308 via the VDP 307 and a control signal (instruction signal) is transmitted to the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7 via the LCD drive control circuit 310. Therefore, the character ROM 308 functions as an example of a storage unit that stores a plurality of effect patterns displayed on each of the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7.

  Further, the CPU 301 reads the display device lottery table stored in the ROM 302, and selects one of the display devices of the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7 according to the number of BETs of the game medium while using the RAM 303 as a working area. Then, the CPU 301 reads the effect pattern lottery table stored in the ROM 302, and uses any of the plurality of effect patterns as an effect pattern to be displayed on the display device selected based on the display device lottery table while using the RAM 303 as a working area. Is selected according to the number of BETs. Therefore, electrical elements such as the CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 function as an example of a display device selection unit and also function as an example of an effect pattern selection unit.

  Further, as described above, the CPU 301 reads a specific effect pattern from the character ROM 308 and transmits a control signal to the transparent LCD 50 or the LCD 7 via the LCD drive display control circuit 310 while using the RAM 303 as a working area. Accordingly, electrical elements such as the CPU 301, the ROM 302, the RAM 303, and the LCD drive display control circuit 310 function as an example of means for driving the display device at a predetermined timing. In this embodiment, the CPU 301 and its peripheral elements are made to function as the driving means. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the CPU 201 and its peripheral elements in the main control unit 200 may be used as the driving means in some cases. It may be made to function.

[Image production]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display device lottery table.

  According to FIG. 5, when the bet number is 1, the effect pattern (the effect image) is not displayed on the transparent LCD 50 or the LCD 7, and when the bet number is 2, the effect pattern is displayed only on the transparent LCD 50. Alternatively, the effect pattern is displayed only on the LCD 7, and when the bet number is 3, the effect pattern is displayed on both the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7. Thus, by changing the display device on which the effect pattern is displayed according to the number of bets, it is possible to improve the player-centered active game characteristics.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an effect pattern lottery table. In FIG. 6, the number of bets is 1 to 3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of bets can be 4 or more.

  According to FIG. 6, when the display device on which the effect pattern is displayed is the transparent LCD 50, when the bet number is 1, the effect pattern A is displayed on the transparent LCD 50, and when the bet number is 2, the transparent LCD 50 is displayed. When the effect pattern B is displayed and the bet number is 3, the effect pattern C is displayed on the transparent LCD 50. Similarly, when the display device on which the effect pattern is displayed is the LCD 7, when the bet number is 1, the effect pattern D is displayed on the LCD 7, and when the bet number is 2, the effect pattern E is displayed on the LCD 7. When the bet number is 3, the effect pattern F is displayed on the LCD 7. In the case where the display device on which the effect pattern is displayed is the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7, when the bet number is 1, the effect pattern G is displayed on the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7, and when the bet number is 2, the transparent LCD 50 is displayed. The effect pattern H is displayed on the LCD 7 and when the bet number is 3, the effect pattern I is displayed on the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7.

  Here, the production patterns A to C are the production patterns unique to the transparent LCD 50, the production patterns D to F are the production patterns unique to the LCD 7, and the production patterns G to I are the production patterns unique to the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7. When the effect patterns A to C are selected by the effect pattern selection means, the transparent LCD 50 is selected, the LCD 7 is selected when the effect patterns D to F are selected, and the transparent LCD 50 is selected when the effect patterns G to I are selected. And the LCD 7 may be selected. Thereby, the bet number and the display device can be associated with each other through the unique effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means, and as a result, the player-centered active game performance can be enhanced.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the presence / absence of the winning sign notification is changed according to the unique effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection means. In FIG. 7, it is assumed that the effect image Z includes a winning sign.

  In FIG. 7, when the specific effect pattern A is selected by the effect pattern selection means (when the transparent LCD 50 is selected), only the effect image X is displayed on the transparent LCD 50, and the effect image Z including the winning sign is included. Is not displayed (the player is not notified of the winning sign). In addition, when the unique effect pattern B is selected by the effect pattern selection means (when the LCD 7 is selected), the effect image X → the effect image Y is sequentially displayed on the LCD 7, but the effect including the winning sign is included. The image Z is not displayed (the winning sign is not notified to the player). Further, when the unique effect pattern C is selected by the effect pattern selection means (when the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7 are selected), the effect image X → the effect image Y → the effect image Z is sequentially displayed on the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7. The winning sign will be notified.

  In this way, depending on the number of inserted medals or the number of times the bet button is pressed, the effect image displayed on the display device is changed, and when the number of bets exceeds a certain number, a winning sign is notified to the player. Betting can be encouraged, and as a result, the interest of slot games can be enhanced.

  In FIG. 7, the presence / absence of the notification of winning indication is determined based on the number of bets. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the winning indication is based on the number of bets plus the number of game media as information charges. The presence or absence of notification may be determined. More specifically, for example, the presence / absence of winning indication notification is determined based on the number 3, which is the number of bets 2 plus the game medium 1 as an information fee related to the winning indication. Thereby, a player can create a new added value that cannot be expressed by a conventional slot machine, in which a game medium is used as an information fee, and the game performance of the slot machine can be improved.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display device lottery table in which the number of bets made by a player is replaced with the remaining credit amount.

  According to FIG. 8, when the number of credits is 0, the effect pattern (the effect image) is not displayed on the transparent LCD 50 or the LCD 7, and when the remaining credit number is 0 to 20, the effect is displayed only on the transparent LCD 50. A pattern is displayed, or an effect pattern is displayed only on the LCD 7, and when the remaining credit number is 21 to 50, the effect pattern is displayed on both the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7. Thus, the player-centered active game performance can be improved by replacing the bet number in FIG. 5 with the remaining credit number and changing the display device on which the effect pattern is displayed according to the remaining credit amount. .

[Information processing flow]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of information processing (game flow) in the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 9 is for explaining the game flow from the insertion of medals through the lottery drawing and image effect processing until the rotating reels 6a to 6c that are stopped and displayed are variably displayed and stopped again. It is a flowchart.

  In FIG. 9, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of medals inserted by the player into the medal insertion slot 13 has been detected by the medal insertion detection sensor 501 (step S1). If it is determined that no medal is detected, this step S1 is repeated until the inserted medal is detected.

  Next, when a medal is detected in step S1, an effective line is set according to the detected number of medals, and the betting line display lamp 8 is turned on accordingly (step S2).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the player has turned on the start lever 15 based on whether or not an operation signal transmitted in response to the operation of the start lever 15 is transmitted to the CPU 201 (step S3). If the start lever 15 is not turned on, step S3 is repeated until the start lever 15 is turned on.

  Next, an internal lottery process is performed (step S4). More specifically, the CPU 201 performs the internal lottery based on the game program read from the ROM 202.

  Next, an image effect process is performed (step S5). More specifically, the CPU 201 transmits various information such as information according to the lottery result of the internal lottery, LCD image display command information, and the number of bets by the player to the CPU 301 of the sub-control unit 300. The CPU 301 that has received the information reads the display device lottery table from the ROM 302, and selects one of the display devices of the transparent LCD 50 and the LCD 7 according to the number of BETs of the game medium while using the RAM 302 as a working area. Then, the CPU 301 transmits a control signal (drive signal) to the LCD 7 and the transparent LCD 50 via the LCD drive control circuit 310. As a result, the effects described in [Image Effects] are performed (see FIGS. 5 to 8).

As described above, the CPU 301 reads the effect pattern lottery table from the ROM 302 and displays the effect pattern stored in the character ROM 308 as an effect pattern to be displayed on the display device selected based on the display device lottery table. Either can be selected according to the number of BETs. Further, according to the number of bets, a winning sign related to the internal lottery process in step 4 (see FIG. 9) may be notified. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the image effect process is performed immediately after the internal lottery process (step S4). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the timing for driving the display device selected by the display device selection unit. It doesn't matter.

  Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a winning combination has been established as a result of the internal lottery (whether or not a winning combination flag has been set) (step S6). The game flow shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning combination has not been established, rotation of all the reels is started in accordance with a command from the CPU 201 (step S7). More specifically, by operating each stepping motor MA, MB, MC for the motor drive control circuit 206 in accordance with a command from the CPU 201, all the rotating reels 6a, 6b, 6c are simultaneously started to rotate. Start the variable display of the upper symbol.

  Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a stop operation of the stop buttons 16a, 16b, and 16c has been performed by the player (step S8), and a stop transmitted based on the stop operation of each of the stop buttons 16a, 16b, and 16c. When it is determined that the stop operation has been performed in response to the reception of the signal by the CPU 201, it is further determined whether or not all the rotating reels 6a, 6b, 6c have been stopped (step S9).

  The determination in step S9 is made when the CPU 201 receives a detection signal transmitted as a result of detecting the rotation stop position of each of the rotating reels 6a, 6b, 6c by the rotating position detection circuit. In step S8, when the CPU 201 determines that all the stop buttons 16a, 16b, and 16c have not been operated yet, the CPU 201 repeatedly performs the determination in step S8. Similarly, in step S9, when the CPU 201 determines that the rotating reels 6a, 6b, and 6c are not yet stopped, the CPU 201 repeatedly performs the determination in step S9.

  Finally, in step S9, when all the rotating reels 6a, 6b, 6c are stopped, this subroutine is finished and a series of games is finished. Hereinafter, the game flow that is shifted when it is determined in step S6 that a winning combination has been established will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a game flow to be transferred when it is determined in step S6 of FIG. 9 that a winning combination has been established. More specifically, FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process in which the winning combination determined in step S6 of FIG. 9 wins and shifts to the special game state.

  In FIG. 10, first, similarly to step S7 (see FIG. 9) described above, the rotation of all the reels is started in accordance with a command from the CPU 201 (step S11).

  Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not all the rotating reels 6a, 6b, 6c are stopped by the stop operation of the stop buttons 16a, 16b, 16c by the player (step S12), and each stop button 16a, 16b, When it is determined that the stop operation has been performed in response to the fact that the stop signal transmitted based on the stop operation of 16c has been received by the CPU 201, it is further determined whether or not all the rotating reels 6a, 6b, 6c have been stopped. Judgment is made (step S13). In step S12, when all the stop buttons 16a, 16b, and 16c have not been operated yet, the process of step S12 is repeatedly performed, and the rotating reels 6a, 6b, and 6c have not been stopped in step S13. Sometimes, the process of step S13 is repeatedly performed.

  Next, when all the reels 6a, 6b, 6c are stopped in step S13, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a winning combination has been won (step S14).

  More specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the combination of symbols stopped and displayed when the rotating reels 6a, 6b, and 6c are stopped is a combination of symbols indicating the formation of a predetermined combination. Judgment by.

  Next, when it is determined in step S14 that the winning combination has been won, the CPU 201 transmits a drive signal to the hopper drive control circuit 207 to drive the hopper 21 and perform control for paying out a predetermined number of medals. (Step S15). On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning combination has not been won, the present subroutine is terminated and a series of games is terminated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbols displayed in a stopped state (and the stopped symbols) is a combination of symbols indicating a special winning combination (step S16). If it is determined in step S16 that a special role has been won, the process proceeds to a special game. On the other hand, if it is determined that a special role has not been won, the present subroutine is terminated, and a series of games is completed. To do.

  The slot machine according to the present invention selects any one of a plurality of display devices in accordance with the number of BETs, and drives the selected display device accordingly, thereby infusing the player's curiosity, It is useful for enhancing the active game characteristics of the game.

It is a figure showing the appearance composition of the slot machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a main control unit illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a sub control unit illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows an example of a display apparatus lottery table. It is a figure which shows an example of an effect pattern lottery table. It is a figure which shows a mode that the presence or absence of a winning sign alert | report changes according to the specific production pattern selected by the production pattern selection means. It is a figure which shows an example of the display apparatus lottery table which replaced the bet number by the player with the credit remaining number. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the information processing (game flow) in the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a game flow to be transferred when it is determined that a winning combination has been established in step S6 of FIG. 9;

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine 2 machine body 5a, 5b, 5c display window 6a, 6b, 6c rotating reel 7 LCD
8 Bet line display lamp 13 Medal slot 15 Start lever 16a, 16b, 16c Stop button 50 Transparent LCD
201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
206 Motor drive control circuit 503 Rotation position detection circuit

Claims (5)

A slot machine in which a game proceeds according to the number of BETs of game media betted by a player,
A plurality of display devices for displaying effect images relating to the game;
A display device selection means for selecting one of the plurality of display devices according to the number of BETs as a display device to display an effect image in a game in which a BET of the game medium is performed;
Means for driving the display device selected by the display device selection means at a predetermined timing. Production pattern storage means for storing a plurality of production patterns that can be displayed on the display device;
An effect pattern selecting means for selecting any one of the plurality of effect patterns according to the number of BETs as an effect pattern to be displayed on a display device selected by the display device selecting means. Item 1. The slot machine according to Item 1. The plurality of performance patterns include a specific performance pattern for each of the plurality of display devices,
3. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein the display device selection means selects a display device corresponding to the effect pattern when the unique effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern selection means. A control method for controlling a slot machine in which a game progresses according to the number of BETs of game media betted by a player, comprising a plurality of display devices for displaying effect images relating to the game,
Selecting one of the plurality of display devices according to the number of BETs as a display device to display an effect image in a game in which a BET of the game medium is performed;
And a step of driving the display device selected by the display device selection means at a predetermined timing. A game program that is used in a slot machine that includes a plurality of display devices that display an effect image related to a game, and that a game proceeds according to the number of BETs of game media that the player has bet,
Selecting one of the plurality of display devices according to the number of BETs as a display device to display an effect image in a game in which a BET of the game medium is performed;
And a step of driving the display device selected by the display device selection means at a predetermined timing.

Images