JP2006247129A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a dishonest act of altering a lottery table illegally. <P>SOLUTION: After the setting alteration mode is entered, any one out of first-third reels is turned manually. The same operation is made for other reels. A combination judging part judges whether the combination of the sequence of the reels turned and the directions of the individual reels turn corresponds to any of the first-sixth combinations and inputs a combination signal corresponding to the result of the judgment to a winning combination decision part. The winning combination decision part selects one lottery table corresponding to the kind of the combination signal out of a plurality of lottery tables in response to the combination signal inputted from the combination judging part. After the selection of the lottery table, when a start lever is operated by a manager, the winning combination decision part sets the lottery table selected by the combination signal to be used for the judgment of the winning. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine installed and used in a game hall such as a pachinko parlor.

  Slot machines that are installed and used in amusement halls such as pachinko parlors are called pachislot machines, and medals earned by playing games (games) are given a certain value to the medal that is the game medium. It can be exchanged for various prizes. In such a slot machine, a plurality of lottery tables having different winning lottery probabilities are provided in advance, and one of these lottery tables is used during the game. These lottery tables are assigned different set values, and the lottery table corresponding to the set value is selected by operating the set value selection button during the setting change mode to change the set value.

  The setting value can be changed, for example, by inserting a predetermined key into a key hole provided in the power supply device and rotating the key in a predetermined direction and displayed on the setting value display window provided on the front door. The set value selection button is operated while referring to the set value. When the set value selection button is operated, the set value displayed in the set value display window is changed. When the desired set value is displayed, the set value is confirmed by operating the confirmation operation section such as the start lever. Is done. After the set value is determined in this way, when a predetermined operation is performed to shift from the setting change mode to the game mode, a game using a lottery table corresponding to the determined set value is performed.

Since the setting value can only be changed by the person who owns the above key (for example, the person who regularly manages the slot machine, such as a manager of a game store), the player cannot change the setting value. I can't do it. Recently, however, crimes such as a person other than the manager of the amusement store opening the front door and changing the set value illegally have occurred frequently, and the amusement store suffered a great deal of damage. As a method for preventing such an illegal act, for example, during the business hours of the amusement store, the operation using the set value selection button is disabled, and the operation outside the business hours is enabled using the set value selection button. Has been devised (see Patent Document 1). In addition, for example, a device for protecting the set value selection button with a cover with a key has been devised (see Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-260167 A JP 2004-066554 A

  However, in the method of disabling the operation of the set value selection button during business hours of the amusement store and enabling the operation of the set value selection button outside of business hours, the regular setting value change by the amusement store during business hours is not allowed. The problem of being unable to do so occurs. Further, in the method of protecting the set value selection button with a cover with a key, there is a problem that the set value selection button can be easily operated if a duplicated key is possessed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a gaming machine capable of preventing an act of illegally operating a set value selection button to change a lottery probability. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is provided with a plurality of reels, and in a gaming machine in which the winning lottery probability can be changed when the mode is changed to the setting change mode, A rotation direction identification means for identifying the rotation direction of the reels, and a combination determination means for determining whether or not the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels matches a predetermined combination based on the identification result of the rotation direction identification means; A lottery probability changing means for changing the lottery probability when the combination in the rotation direction matches the predetermined combination is provided.

  Further, a plurality of types of patterns are set as the predetermined combination, and different lottery probabilities are assigned to each of the patterns, and the lottery probability changing means includes a combination of the rotation directions, When the pattern other than the pattern corresponding to the currently set lottery probability is matched, it is preferable to change the lottery probability currently set to the lottery probability corresponding to the matched pattern. .

  Further, the combination determining unit determines that the notification unit that notifies that the combination of the rotation directions is a combination other than the predetermined combination and the combination of the rotation directions and the predetermined combination are inconsistent. It is preferable to provide notification control means for controlling the notification means so as to start the notification when triggered.

  In addition, a reel identification unit that identifies which of the plurality of reels has rotated during the setting change mode is provided, and the combination determination unit includes a combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction. Is determined based on the identification result of the reel identifying means and the identification result of the rotation direction identifying means, and the lottery probability changing means determines the order of the rotated reels and the rotation When the combination with the direction matches a predetermined combination, it is preferable to change the lottery probability corresponding to the matched pattern from the currently set lottery probability.

  In addition, a plurality of types of patterns are set as the predetermined combination, and different lottery probabilities are assigned to each of the patterns, and the lottery probability changing means includes the order of the rotated reels, When the combination with the rotation direction matches the pattern other than the pattern corresponding to the currently set lottery probability, the combination corresponding to the matched pattern is determined from the currently set lottery probability. It is preferable to change to the lottery probability.

  In addition, a notification means for notifying that a combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction is a combination other than the predetermined combination, and a combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction are predetermined. It is preferable to provide notification control means for controlling the notification means so as to start the notification when the combination determination means determines that the combination does not match.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, during the setting change mode, the rotation direction identifying means for identifying the rotation direction of each reel and whether or not the combination of the rotation directions of each reel matches a predetermined combination is rotated. By providing a combination determination means for determining based on the identification result of the direction identification means and a lottery probability changing means for changing the lottery probability when the combination of rotation directions matches a predetermined combination, The person who manages can change the lottery probability by manually rotating individual reels so that the rotation direction of the reels is a predetermined combination during the setting change mode, and does not know the predetermined combination. Since the person cannot change the lottery probability, the act of illegally changing the lottery probability can be prevented. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide an operation member for changing the lottery probability, the number of parts of the gaming machine can be reduced.

  Further, a plurality of types of patterns are set as predetermined combinations, and different lottery probabilities are assigned to each of the patterns, and the lottery probability changing means is currently set to a combination of rotation directions. When a pattern other than the pattern corresponding to the lottery probability is matched, the currently selected lottery probability is changed to the lottery probability corresponding to the matched pattern. By rotating the reel in such a manner, the desired lottery probability can be quickly changed.

  Also, triggered by the notification means for notifying that the combination of the rotation directions is a combination other than the predetermined combination and the combination determination means determining that the combination of the rotation directions and the predetermined combination are inconsistent. When the reel is rotated with a combination different from the predetermined combination of the rotation directions of the reel during the setting change mode, the notification control means for controlling the notification means so as to start is provided. Notification that the combination of rotation directions is a combination other than the predetermined combination can be made, and if an act of changing the lottery probability is performed illegally, it can be detected quickly and reliably it can. This can prevent an act of changing the lottery probability illegally.

  Further, the lottery probability changing means changes the lottery probability when the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction matches a predetermined combination. The lottery probability can be changed by manually rotating individual reels so that the order and the direction of rotation of the reels are a predetermined combination, and those who do not know the predetermined combination can Can not be changed, so that it is possible to prevent an act of illegally changing the lottery probability. Further, since the procedure for satisfying the conditions for changing the lottery probability is complicated by combining the order of the reels rotated and the direction of rotation, it is assumed that the above-described fraudulent acts are performed. Even if the person knows that the lottery probability can be changed by the combination of the order of the reels rotated and the rotation direction, the lottery probability is changed if the predetermined combination is not known. It takes a lot of time and effort, so it can reduce motivation for cheating.

  In addition, a plurality of types of patterns are set as a predetermined combination of the order and rotation direction of the rotated reels, and different lottery probabilities are assigned to each of the patterns. If the combination of reel order and rotation direction matches a pattern other than the pattern corresponding to the currently set lottery probability, the lottery probability corresponding to the matched pattern is determined from the currently set lottery probability. Therefore, it is possible to quickly change to the desired lottery probability by rotating the reels so that the combination corresponds to the desired lottery probability.

  Further, the notification means for notifying that the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction is a combination other than the predetermined combination, and the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction are inconsistent with the predetermined combination. In response to the determination by the combination determination unit, the notification control unit that controls the notification unit to start the notification is provided, so that the reels are rotated in a combination different from the predetermined combination during the setting change mode. In such a case, it is possible to notify that the combination is a combination other than the predetermined combination, and when an act of illegally changing the lottery probability is performed, it is quickly and reliably discovered. be able to. This can prevent an act of changing the lottery probability illegally.

  First, various modes set in the slot machine (game machine) 2 to which the present invention is applied will be briefly described. In the slot machine 2, a game mode, a setting change mode, and a setting confirmation mode are set. In the game mode, a game in the slot machine 2 can be executed. In the setting change mode, one of six types of lottery tables having different winning lottery probabilities (details will be described later) is selected, and the selected lottery table is determined by the winning combination determination unit 44, which will be described later. It can be set to be used. In the setting confirmation mode, it is possible to confirm the lottery table set to be used in the game. In the present embodiment, one set value is assigned to each of the six types of lottery tables. Specifically, numbers 1 to 6 are sequentially assigned as setting values from a lottery table with a low winning lottery probability to a lottery table with a high probability.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a slot machine 2 to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 3 of the slot machine 2 is roughly divided into a storage box 5 having an opening 4 (see FIG. 2) on the front surface and a front door 6 that closes the opening 4 so as to be opened and closed. Yes. The interior of the storage box 5 is partitioned into an upper storage portion 5a (see FIG. 2) and a lower storage portion 5b (see FIG. 2) by a partition plate 7 (see FIG. 2). First to third reels 11 to 13 (details will be described later) are installed in the upper storage portion 5a, and a hopper unit 30 (details will be described later) and a power supply device 31 (details will be described later) in the lower storage portion 5b. Is installed.

  The front door 6 is composed of an upper door 6a corresponding to the upper storage portion 5a and a lower door 6b corresponding to the lower storage portion 5b, and each of the upper storage portion 5a and the lower storage portion 5b. The opening is closed by an upper door 6a and a lower door 6b so as to be freely opened and closed. Further, the upper door 6 a and the lower door 6 b are locked to the storage box 5.

  Here, a method for locking the front door 6 to the storage box 5 and a method for releasing the lock will be briefly described. On the back side of the upper door 6a, there is an upper door lock device (not shown) for locking the upper door 6a to the storage box 5, and a release knob (not shown) for releasing the lock by the upper door lock device. Is provided. A lower door locking device (not shown) for locking the lower door 6b to the storage box 5 is provided on the back side of the lower door 6b. Both the upper door locking device and the lower door locking device are configured such that the door is automatically locked to the storage box 5 by closing the door.

  A keyhole 7 is provided in the upper right of the lower door 6b when viewed from the front. The key hole 7 is used when the lower door 6b is unlocked. When a predetermined key (not shown) is inserted into the key hole 7 and turned, the lower door 6b is unlocked.

  Since the release knob of the upper door 6a is hidden inside the door when the door is closed, the unlocking means that can be operated from the outside of the slot machine 2 is only the keyhole 7. That is, the lower door 6b can be opened using the above-described key, but the upper door 6a cannot be opened while the lower door 6b is locked. When the lower door 6b is unlocked and opened, the release knob of the upper door 6a can be operated. When unlocking the upper door 6a, the lower door 6b is opened and the unlocking knob is operated to release the lock. Thus, the slot machine 2 is configured so that the lock of the upper door 6a cannot be released without the key of the lower door 6b.

  Three symbol display windows 8 to 10 are provided on the upper door 6a, and a first reel 11, a second reel 12, and a third reel 13 are rotatably provided behind each display window. The upper storage portion 5a is provided with a reel support member 14 (see FIG. 2) for rotatably mounting the first to third reels 11-13. Stepping motors 50a to 50c (see FIG. 4) are attached to the reel support member 14 so as to correspond to the first to third reels 11 to 13, and the first to third reels 11 to 13 are stepping motors 50a. It is pivotally attached to the reel support member 14 through ˜50c. Further, the first to third reels 11 to 13 are configured so that they can be manually rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first reel 11 includes a reel tape 11a in which a plurality of symbols are arranged at a constant pitch, and a reel body 11b. The reel tape 11a is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel body 11b. It is attached. The second and third reels 12 and 13 have the same configuration as the first reel 11. When the reels are stopped, three symbols per reel are observed through the corresponding display windows. As a result, a total of five straight pay lines, each of which has a single symbol on each reel, are set, with three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines.

  In the upper door 6a, a credit number display window 15 is provided below the symbol display windows 8-10. Behind the credit number display window 15 is provided a credit number display device 15a (see FIG. 4). The slot machine 2 can store up to 50 appropriate medals, and the credit number display device 15 a displays the number of stored medals through the credit number display window 15.

  In addition, the upper door 6a is provided with a speaker (notification means) 16 for outputting sound when a game is produced or when an error is notified.

  An operation panel 17 is provided on the lower door 6b. The operation panel 17 is provided with operation buttons such as a single bet button 18, a MAX bet button 19, a checkout button 20, a start lever 21, and first to third stop buttons 22 to 24. The operation panel 17 is provided with a medal slot 25. Since the functions of these operation buttons and the medal slot 25 are well known, details are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the front door 6 is opened, the upper storage box 5a is provided with first to third reels 11 to 13, and the lower storage portion 5b has a hopper unit 30 and a power supply device 31. Is provided. The hopper unit 30 includes a medal storage box 30a for storing medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 25 by execution of a game, and a hopper device 30b. The medals paid out from the hopper device 30 b are paid out to the medal tray 33 through the medal payout port 32.

  On the front surface of the power supply device 31, a power switch 31a for turning on the main power of the slot machine 2 and a key hole 31b are provided. When the power switch 31a is turned on, the main power is turned on to supply power to various control devices.

  The key hole 31b is configured to be rotated between an off position and an on position by inserting a predetermined key (not shown) and rotating the key. When the power switch 31a is off, a predetermined key is inserted into the keyhole 31b and rotated from the off position to the on position, and then the power switch 31a is turned on to enter the setting change mode.

  In the setting change mode, it is possible to select one of six types of lottery tables having different winning lottery probabilities used for the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44 described later. After a lottery table is selected by performing a predetermined operation (details will be described later), the selected lottery table is used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44 by operating the start lever 21. Set to After the lottery table is set, the game mode is entered when the key inserted in the keyhole 31b is rotated from the on position to the off position.

  The power switch 31a is turned on and the main power of the slot machine 2 is turned on. Then, a predetermined key is inserted into the keyhole 31b and rotated from the off position to the on position to enter the setting confirmation mode. Further, the game mode is set by turning on the power switch 31a in a state where no key is inserted into the key hole 31b or in a state where the key inserted into the key hole 31b is not in the ON position. The key hole 31a has a structure that allows the key to be pulled out only when the key is located at the off position, and the key is located at the on position or between the off position and the on position. When you are doing, you can not pull out.

  A set value display window 34 is provided in front of the upper door 6a. Behind this setting value display window 34 is a setting value corresponding to the lottery table selected during the setting change mode and a setting corresponding to the lottery table set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44. A set value display device 35 (see FIG. 4) for displaying the value through the set value display window 34 is provided. When a lottery table is selected during the setting change mode, a setting value corresponding to the selected lottery table is lit and displayed through the setting value display window 34, and the selected lottery table operates the start lever 21. When the winning combination determining unit 44 is set so that it can be used in the winning determination, the set value corresponding to the set lottery table is fixedly displayed.

  Specifically, the lighting display indicates that the setting value display window 34 displays “− (setting value) −”, and the confirmation display indicates the setting value display window 34 “(setting value)”. It is displayed in a mode (a mode in which “-” is not displayed).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the operation of the slot machine 2 is basically controlled by a control unit 42 including a CPU (rotation direction identification means, reel identification means) 40 and a memory 41. In addition to the CPU 40 and the memory 41, the control unit 42 is provided with an electronic lottery unit 43, a winning combination determining unit (lottery probability changing unit) 44, and a combination determining unit (combination determining unit) 45.

  The medal sensor 47 detects an appropriate medal inserted from the medal slot 25 and inputs a detection signal to the CPU 40. A selector is incorporated in the back of the medal insertion slot 25, and inappropriate medals are discharged from the medal payout slot 32 to the medal tray 33. In addition, when a medal is inserted at an improper timing, for example, a medal sensor is used for a medal that is inserted into the medal insertion slot 25 in the middle of the game or with various operation buttons pressed. It is discharged to the medal tray 33 without going through 42.

  Sensors are provided inside the single bet button 18 and the MAX bet button 19, and a signal is input to the CPU 40 when each button is pressed. The CPU 40 determines the number of 1 to 3 medals inserted prior to the start of the game based on a detection signal from the medal sensor 47 or an input signal from either the 1 bet button 18 or the MAX bet button 19. And determine the number of activated winning lines. Further, the bet number of medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 25 when the game is started is counted by a credit medal counter (not shown) provided in the CPU 40, and the one bet button 18 or the MAX bet button 19 is operated. Each time a medal insertion operation is performed, the bet number of medals is successively subtracted from the credit number.

  A sensor is provided inside the settlement button 20, and a signal is input to the CPU 40 when the settlement button 20 is pressed. When the settlement button 20 is pressed while medals are stored in the credit medal counter, all medals stored in the credit medal counter are subtracted, and medals for the number of medals stored in the credit medal counter. Are all paid out to the medal tray 33 by the hopper device 30b.

  The start switch sensor 48 is turned on when the start lever 21 is operated. When the start lever 21 is operated during the game mode, a game start signal is input to the CPU 40, and when the start lever 21 is operated during the setting change mode, the setting signal is input. Is input to the CPU 40. In response to the game start signal, the CPU 40 rotates the first to third reels 11 to 13 on the basis of the game execution program stored in the ROM area of the memory 41 and starts game processing. The RAM area of the memory 41 is a working area, and is used for temporary storage and rewriting of flags and data used for setting the mode of the slot machine 2 and flags and data used for each game. It is done.

  The reel drive controller 49 controls the drive and stop of each reel. Each of the first to third reels 11 to 13 is fixed to a drive shaft of an individual stepping motor 50a to 50c, and each reel is controlled by controlling the driving of each stepping motor 50a to 50c.

  Since the stepping motors 50a to 50c rotate at a rotation angle corresponding to the number of supplied drive pulses, the CPU 40 controls the rotation angle of the first to third reels 11 to 13 by controlling the number of supplied drive pulses. The stop position of the reel can be determined by stopping the supply of the drive pulse. Each reel is integrally formed with reflection signal portions 51a to 51c at its reference position, and the photosensors 52a to 52c photoelectrically detect the passage of each reflection signal portion for each rotation. Detection signals from the photosensors 52a to 52c are input to the CPU 40 as a reset signal for each reel.

  The CPU 40 is provided with a pulse counter for each of the stepping motors 50a to 50c, and counts the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 50a to 50c. When the reset signal is input from the photosensors 52a to 52c, the count value of the corresponding pulse counter is cleared. Therefore, the number of drive pulses corresponding to the rotation angle within one rotation of each reel is stored in each pulse counter while being sequentially updated.

  A symbol table is stored in the ROM area of the memory 41. In the symbol table, the number of drive pulses corresponding to the rotation angle from the reference position of each reel and the symbol representing each symbol arranged on the reel at a constant pitch are stored. A code is associated. Therefore, by monitoring the count value of the pulse counter for each reel, for example, it is possible to identify which symbol has moved on the central pay line, and to what extent the reel is further rotated. It can be predicted whether the symbol of will move on the winning line.

  Sensors are provided inside the first to third stop buttons 22 to 24, and a stop signal for each reel is input to the CPU 40 when the first to third stop buttons 22 to 24 are operated. The start lever 21 is operated to start the rotation of all reels. When these rotations reach a steady speed, the operation of the first to third stop buttons 22 to 24 is validated. Thereafter, the stop control of the corresponding first to third reels 11 to 13 is started by operating these.

  The CPU 40 receives the game start signal input from the start switch sensor 48 and operates the electronic lottery unit 43. The electronic lottery unit 43 includes a random number generator and a random number sampling circuit, and determines one random value by lottery every time a game is started. The random value determined here is input to the winning combination determining unit 44. The winning combination determination unit 44 determines what type of winning combination is awarded in the currently executed game according to the input random value.

  The winning combination determining unit 44 is provided with first to sixth lottery tables having different winning lottery probabilities, and the winning combination determining unit 44 uses any one of the first to sixth lottery tables. Then, the winning determination described later is performed. In the first to sixth lottery tables, the lottery probability per order increases from the first lottery table to the sixth lottery table, and setting values “1” to “6” are assigned to the first to sixth lottery tables. It has been.

  The lottery table is used for determining whether a random value sampled in a game in the normal mode belongs to a plurality of types of winning combinations or loses, that is, winning determination. As described above, the winning combination determining unit 44 determines whether or not the winning combination is determined by using any one of the input random number value and the first to sixth lottery tables. When the winning combination is determined by the winning combination determination unit 44, a winning combination determination signal indicating the determined loss or the type of winning combination is input to the CPU 40.

  The hopper device 30b pays out a prescribed number of payout medals to the medal tray 33 according to the type of winning combination won. A payout table in which the number of payout medals is determined for each type of winning combination is stored in the ROM 41, and the CPU 40 reads this to drive the hopper device 30b.

  A mode selection switch 55 is provided inside the keyhole 31b. The mode selection switch 55 is turned on when the main power is turned on after a predetermined key is inserted into the keyhole 31 b and rotated from the off position to the on position, and an on signal is input to the CPU 40. Thus, the setting change mode is entered. In the setting change mode, after the lottery table is set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44, when the key is rotated from the on position to the off position, the mode selection switch 55 is turned off and the CPU 40 is turned off. Input the signal. Thereby, the setting change mode is shifted to the game mode.

  The first to third reels 11 to 13 are provided with first to third reel rotation detectors 56 to 58. The CPU 40 inputs an operation start signal to the first to third reel rotation detectors 56 to 58 in response to the transition to the setting change mode. The first to third reel rotation detectors 56 to 58 start operating in response to an operation start signal input from the CPU 40, and detect whether or not the first to third reels 11 to 13 have rotated. The rotation directions of the first to third reels 11 to 13 are detected.

  Since the first to third reel rotation detectors 56 to 58 are all configured in the same manner, the first reel rotation detector 56 will be described below as an example. As shown in FIG. 5, the first reel rotation detector 56 includes reflection type photosensors 59 and 60. In each of the reflection type photosensors 59 and 60, a light projecting unit (not shown) and a light receiving unit (not shown) are unitized, and light is transmitted and received by the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit.

  The reflection type photosensors 59 and 60 are installed close to each other along the rotation direction of the first reel 11 so that light can be projected toward the back surface of the reel tape 11a of the first reel 11. The rods 61 and 62 are fixed to the exterior cover 63 of the stepping motor 50a. A reflective foil 64 is attached to the back surface of the reel tape 11a.

  The reflective photosensors 59 and 60 start projecting light in response to an operation start signal input from the CPU 40. When the projected light is reflected by the reflective foil 64, the reflected light is received and a detection signal is input to the CPU 40.

  The CPU 40 identifies whether or not the first reel 11 has rotated based on detection signals input from the reflection type photosensors 59 and 60 during the setting change mode, and the first reel 11 is in the A direction and B The direction of rotation (refer to the arc arrow in FIGS. 2 and 5) is identified.

  This identification method will be specifically described. When a detection signal is input from each of the reflective photosensors 59 and 60, the CPU 40 identifies that the first reel 11 has rotated. When the detection signals are input in the order of the reflection type photo sensor 60 and the reflection type photo sensor 59, the CPU 40 identifies that the first reel 11 has rotated in the A direction, and the reflection type photo sensor 59 and the reflection type photo sensor are detected. When the detection signals are input in the order of the sensor 60, the CPU 40 identifies that the first reel 11 has rotated in the B direction.

  By the way, after shifting to the setting change mode, the CPU 40 ignores the detection signal first input from each of the reflection type photosensors 59 and 60 and responds only to the detection signal input next. In other words, the above-described identification by the CPU 40 is performed based on the detection signal input next, not the detection signal input first from each of the reflection type photosensors 59 and 60 after shifting to the setting change mode. Accordingly, when the reflective foil 64 is located between the reflective photosensor 59 and the reflective photosensor 60 when the mode is changed to the setting change mode, a situation in which the rotation direction of the first reel 11 cannot be identified is avoided. Is done. Hereinafter, the detection signals input to the CPU 40 from the reflection type photosensors 59 and 60 are referred to as “detection signals input from the first reel rotation detector 56 to the CPU 40” or “first reel rotation detector 56”. The same applies to the second and third reel rotation detectors 57 and 58.

  In the same manner as the first reel rotation detector 56, the CPU 40 sets the first reel based on the detection signals input from the second reel rotation detector 57 and the third reel rotation detector 58 during the setting change mode. Whether or not the second reel 12 and the third reel 13 have rotated is identified, and the second reel 12 and the third reel 13 have rotated in either the A direction or the B direction (see the arc arrow in FIG. 2). To identify.

  In this way, the CPU 40 functions as a rotation direction identification unit that identifies the rotation direction of each reel during the setting change mode, and any reel among the plurality of reels (first to third reels 11 to 13). It functions as a reel identifying means for identifying whether the motor has rotated.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the CPU 40 identifies that the first reel 11 has rotated during the setting change mode, the CPU 40 inputs the first reel rotation identification signal to the combination determination unit 45, and the second reel during the setting change mode. When it is identified that the reel 12 has rotated, the second reel rotation identification signal is input to the combination determination unit 45, and when the third reel 13 has been rotated during the setting change mode, the combination determination unit 45 The third reel rotation identification signal is input to the. The combination determination unit 45 determines the rotation order of the first reel 11 to the third reel 13 based on the first to third reel rotation identification signals input from the CPU 40.

  In addition, when the CPU 40 identifies that the first reel 11 has rotated in the A direction during the setting change mode, the CPU 40 inputs a first reel forward rotation signal to the combination determination unit 45, and the first reel during the setting change mode. When the first reel reverse rotation signal is input to the combination determination unit 45 when it is identified that the 11 has rotated in the B direction, and it is identified that the second reel 12 has rotated in the A direction during the setting change mode. When the second reel forward rotation signal is input to the combination determination unit 45 and it is identified that the second reel 12 has rotated in the B direction during the setting change mode, the second reel reverse rotation signal is transmitted to the combination determination unit 45. When it is input and it is identified that the third reel 13 has rotated in the A direction during the setting change mode, the third reel forward rotation signal is input to the combination determination unit 45 and the setting change mode is being Third reel 13 enters the third reel reverse rotation signal to the combination determining unit 45 when identified that it has rotated in the B direction.

  The combination determination unit 45 receives the first to third reel rotation identification signals from the CPU 40 during the setting change mode, and the first to third reel rotations input from the CPU 40 during the setting change mode. A predetermined combination in which a combination of the order of the reels rotated based on the identification signal, the first to third reel forward rotation signals, and the first to third reel reverse rotation signals and the rotation direction of each reel is predetermined. It is determined whether or not it matches.

  As the “order of the rotated reels”, the first reel 11 → the second reel 12 → the third reel 13 (hereinafter referred to as A pattern), the first reel 11 → the third reel 13 → the second reel 12 ( Hereinafter, referred to as B pattern), second reel 12 → first reel 11 → third reel 13 (hereinafter referred to as C pattern), second reel 12 → third reel 13 → first reel 11 (hereinafter referred to as D pattern). 3rd reel 13 → first reel 11 → second reel 12 (hereinafter referred to as E pattern), third reel 13 → second reel 12 → first reel 11 (hereinafter referred to as F pattern). Six patterns are set.

  Further, the above-mentioned “rotation direction of each reel” is described in the order of the first reel 11, the second reel 12, and the third reel 13 in the A direction, the A direction, and the A direction (hereinafter referred to as I pattern). ), A direction / A direction / B direction (hereinafter referred to as II pattern), A direction / B direction / A direction (hereinafter referred to as III pattern), A direction / B direction / B direction (hereinafter referred to as IV pattern) B direction / A direction / A direction (hereinafter referred to as V pattern), B direction / A direction / B direction (hereinafter referred to as VI pattern), B direction / B direction / A direction (hereinafter referred to as VII pattern) 8 patterns, B direction, B direction, and B direction (hereinafter referred to as VIII pattern) are set.

  As the “predetermined predetermined combination”, six types of patterns are set. Specifically, a combination of A pattern and I pattern (hereinafter referred to as a first combination), a combination of B pattern and II pattern (hereinafter referred to as a second combination), a combination of C pattern and III pattern ( Hereinafter, referred to as the third combination), combination of D pattern and IV pattern (hereinafter referred to as fourth combination), combination of E pattern and V pattern (hereinafter referred to as fifth combination), F pattern and VI pattern. (Hereinafter referred to as the sixth combination).

  Also, the setting value “1” for the first combination, the setting value “2” for the second combination, the setting value “3” for the third combination, the setting value “4” for the fourth combination, and the setting value “4” for the fifth combination. Is associated with the set value “5” and the sixth combination is associated with the set value “6”. In addition, although there are 48 combinations of the A to F patterns and the I to VIII patterns in total, it is only necessary to set six of them as the first to sixth combinations, and the contents of the first to sixth combinations are as follows. It can be changed as appropriate.

  The combination determination unit 45 collates the combination of the order of the reels rotated and the rotation direction of the reels with the predetermined combination, and based on the collation result, the CPU 40 determines any one of the first to sixth combination signals. To the winning combination determining unit 44. For example, when the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of the reels matches the first combination, the first combination signal is input to the winning combination determining unit 44, and the order of the rotated reels and the reels If the combination with the rotation direction matches the sixth combination, the sixth combination signal is input to the winning combination determining unit 44.

  In addition, the combination determination unit 45 sends an error signal to the voice control device 65 (described later) when the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of the reels does not match any of the predetermined combinations. input.

  As described above, the combination determination unit 45 identifies whether the order of the rotated reels and the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels match a predetermined combination or not. Function as combination determination means for determining based on signal, first to third reel forward rotation signal, first to third reel reverse rotation signal (recognition result of reel identification means and identification result of rotation direction identification means) To do.

  In response to the combination signal input from the combination determination unit 45, the winning combination determination unit 44 selects one lottery table corresponding to the type of combination signal from the plurality of lottery tables. For example, if the input combination signal is the first combination signal, the first lottery table corresponding to the set value “1” is selected, and if it is the sixth combination signal, the sixth lottery corresponding to the set value “6” is selected. Select a table. Thereby, the combination (pattern) corresponding to the set value representing the lottery table that is set so that the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of each reel is used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44. If the combination (pattern) other than is selected, the lottery table set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44 is changed to the lottery table indicated by the set value corresponding to the matched combination (pattern). Is done.

  Further, when the combination of the order of the reels rotated and the rotation direction of each reel matches the combination corresponding to the set value representing the lottery table set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44 The lottery table set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44 is reselected. For example, the setting value set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44 is “3”, and the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of the individual reels is the third combination. In this case, the set value “3” is reselected.

  As described above, the winning combination determining unit 44 changes the lottery probability (changes the lottery table) when the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of each reel matches a predetermined combination. Functions as a probability changing means. In the present embodiment, reselecting the same lottery table by the combination signal also broadly means “changing the lottery probability (changing the lottery table)”.

  In addition, in response to the combination signal input from the combination determination unit 45, the CPU 40 causes the setting value display device 35 to turn on and display a setting value corresponding to the type of the input combination signal. For example, the set value “1” is displayed by the set value display device 35 for the first combination signal, and the set value “6” is displayed for the sixth combination signal.

  In the setting change mode, after the lottery table is selected as described above, the CPU 40 inputs a setting execution signal to the winning combination determining unit 44 in response to the setting signal from the start switch sensor 48. In response to the setting execution signal input from the CPU 40, the winning combination determining unit 44 sets the lottery table selected by the above combination signal to be used in the winning determination.

  In addition, the winning combination determination unit 44 inputs a signal indicating the type of the set lottery table to the CPU 40 when the lottery table is set by the setting execution signal. In response to the signal input from the winning combination determining unit 44, the CPU 40 causes the setting value display device 35 to display the setting value corresponding to the lottery table set by the winning combination determining unit 44. After the lottery table is set in this way, when the off signal from the mode selection switch 55 is input to the CPU 40, the game mode is shifted from the lottery table setting mode.

  In the setting change mode, the CPU 40 ignores the OFF signal from the mode selection switch 55 before the setting signal from the start switch sensor 48 is input, and responds only to the OFF signal after the setting signal is input. . That is, the setting change mode cannot be shifted to the game mode unless the lottery table is set by operating the start lever 21.

  When the mode selection switch 55 is turned on after the power switch 31 a of the slot machine 2 is turned on, a setting confirmation signal is input to the CPU 40. When the setting confirmation signal is input to the CPU 40, the setting confirmation mode is set, and the setting corresponding to the lottery table set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44 through the setting value display window 34 by the setting value display device 35. The value is displayed. When the mode selection switch 55 is turned off, a setting confirmation cancellation signal is input to the CPU 40. When a setting confirmation release signal is input to the CPU 40, the display by the set value display device 35 is terminated and the game mode is entered.

  The sound control device (notification control means) 65 reads out a sound program corresponding to the situation from a sound memory (not shown) at the time of performance during a game or when an error is notified, thereby allowing the sound output from the speaker 16 to be read. Perform output control. Specifically, an audio signal based on a sound program is input to an electronic volume (not shown) via a buffer (not shown). The electronic volume is composed of a variable resistor, and the volume of the sound output from the speaker 16 is adjusted in the electronic volume. After adjusting the volume with the electronic volume, the audio signal is input to an amplifier (not shown). The amplifier amplifies the audio signal and outputs the amplified audio signal from the speaker 16 via a driver (not shown).

  The sound control device 65 responds to the error signal input from the combination determination unit 45 and notifies that the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of each reel is a combination other than the predetermined combination. The program is read, and a sound based on the sound program, that is, a notification sound is generated from the speaker 16 for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds).

  As the notification sound, for example, the combination of the order of the rotated reels such as “Not a correct combination” and “The condition is not satisfied” and the rotation direction of each reel was a combination other than the predetermined combination. Make the voice expressed. Note that the volume of the notification sound is set to be larger than the volume at the time of the game production, and the user of the slot machine 2 and a person in the vicinity of the user (for example, seats on both sides of the user). The difference is set to such a degree that the difference can be clearly discerned by the person who is in or behind the user.

  As described above, the speaker 16 functions as a notification unit that notifies that the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of each reel is a combination other than the predetermined combination. In addition, the voice control device 65 starts notification when the combination determination unit 45 determines that the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of each reel does not match the predetermined combination. It functions as a notification control means for controlling the speaker 16.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When changing the lottery table, first, the manager of the game store opens the lower door 6b and turns off the power switch 31a. Then, a predetermined key is inserted into the key hole 31b, and after the key is rotated from the off position to the on position, the power switch 31a is turned on to enter the setting change mode.

  After entering the setting change mode, the administrator opens the upper door 6a and manually rotates any one of the first to third reels 11-13. The same operation is performed on the other reels. The first to third reel rotation detectors 56 to 58 send a detection signal to the CPU 40 every time each reel rotates. The CPU 40 identifies which of the first to third reels 11 to 13 has rotated based on the detection signals input from the first to third reel rotation detectors 56 to 58, and It is identified whether the first to third reels 11 to 13 have rotated in the A direction or the B direction. Then, the identification result is converted into a signal and input to the combination determination unit 45.

  The combination determination unit 45 determines whether the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of the individual reels corresponds to the first to sixth combinations based on the identification result, and the first to sixth combinations. When it corresponds to any one, the signal corresponding to the corresponding combination (any one of the first to sixth combination signals) is input to the winning combination determining unit 44. If none of the first to sixth combinations is applicable, an error signal is input to the voice control device 65. The voice control device 65 executes error processing in response to the error signal. That is, the notification sound is output to the speaker 16.

  The winning combination determination unit 44 selects one lottery table corresponding to the type of pattern signal from the plurality of lottery tables in response to the combination signal.

  When the administrator operates the start lever 21 after the lottery table is selected in this way, the CPU 40 inputs a setting execution signal to the winning combination determining unit 44. In response to the setting execution signal input from the CPU 40, the winning combination determining unit 44 sets the lottery table selected by the combination signal to be used in the winning determination. Thereby, the setting of the lottery table is completed.

  As described above, in the setting change mode, the lottery table is changed when the first to third reels 11 to 13 are manually rotated according to a predetermined normal order and a predetermined normal rotation direction. Since it did in this way, those who do not know the regular combination of the rotation order and rotation direction of the 1st-3rd reels 11-13 cannot change a lottery table. This can prevent an act of illegally changing the lottery table.

  Further, when changing the lottery table, the upper door 6a must be opened to manually rotate the first to third reels 11 to 13. In the slot machine 2, the upper door 6a is configured so that it cannot be opened unless the lower door 6b is opened. Therefore, when the lottery table is changed, the lower door 6b is opened together with the upper door 6a. In other words, it becomes very conspicuous when viewed from the surroundings. As a result, an act of illegally changing the lottery table can be prevented.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that a description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment is omitted. After entering the setting change mode, the upper door 6a is opened, and any one of the first to third reels 11 to 13 is manually rotated. The same operation is performed on the other reels. The first to third reel rotation detectors 56 to 58 send a detection signal to the CPU 40 every time each reel rotates. The CPU 40 identifies whether each of the first to third reels 11 to 13 has rotated in the A direction or the B direction. Then, the identification result is converted into a signal and input to the combination determination unit 45.

  The combination determination unit 45 determines whether the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels corresponds to any of the first to VI patterns based on the identification result, and corresponds to any of the I to VI patterns. In the case, the signal corresponding to the corresponding pattern (hereinafter referred to as a pattern signal) is input to the winning combination determining unit 44. Further, if none of the I-th to VI-th patterns is applicable, an error signal is input to the voice control device 65. The voice control device 65 executes error processing in response to the error signal. That is, the notification voice is output from the speaker 16.

  The winning combination determination unit 44 selects one lottery table corresponding to the type of the pattern signal from the plurality of lottery tables in response to the pattern signal input from the combination determination unit 45. In other words, the winning combination determining unit 44 has a combination (pattern) other than a combination (pattern) representing a lottery table in which the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels is set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44. Is changed to a lottery table corresponding to the matched combination (pattern) from the lottery table set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44.

  Further, when the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels coincides with the combination representing the lottery table set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44, it is used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44. The lottery table set as described above is reselected. In this manner, the winning combination determining unit 44 functions as a lottery probability changing unit that changes the lottery probability (changes the lottery table) when the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels matches a predetermined combination. In the present embodiment, reselecting the same lottery table based on the pattern signal also broadly means “changing the lottery probability (changing the lottery table)”.

  When the administrator operates the start lever 21 after the lottery table is selected in this way, the CPU 40 inputs a setting execution signal to the winning combination determining unit 44. In response to the setting execution signal input from the CPU 40, the winning combination determining unit 44 sets the lottery table selected by the pattern signal to be used in the winning determination. Thereby, the setting of the lottery table is completed.

  As described above, in the setting change mode, the lottery table is changed when each of the first to third reels 11 to 13 is manually rotated in accordance with a predetermined normal rotation direction. A person who does not know the proper combination of the rotation directions of the third reels 11 to 13 cannot change the lottery table. This can prevent an act of illegally changing the lottery table.

  In the second embodiment, the combination determination unit 45 determines whether or not the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels matches a predetermined combination based on the pattern signal (the identification result of the rotation direction identification unit) input from the CPU 40. It functions as a combination determination means for determination. Further, the speaker 16 functions as an informing means for informing that the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels is a combination other than the predetermined combination. Further, the voice control device 65 notifies the speaker 16 to start notification when the combination determination unit 45 determines that the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels does not match the predetermined combination. It functions as a control means.

  In the second embodiment, the lottery table is selected when the combination of the reel rotation directions corresponds to any of the I-th to VI-th patterns, but the present invention is not limited to this. Arbitrary six patterns may be set in advance from the VIIIth pattern, and the combination determination unit 45 may determine whether or not they match the set pattern.

  In the first embodiment, the first to sixth combinations are used as the combinations used in the determination of the combination determination unit 45, and in the second embodiment, the combinations I to VI are used as the combinations used in the determination of the combination determination unit 45. Although the pattern is used, this combination may be changed by performing a predetermined operation.

  For example, a combination setting mode in which the combination setting can be changed is provided, and after the setting of the lottery table is completed, a dedicated button (not shown) is pressed to shift to the combination setting mode. When shifting to the combination setting mode, a list of combinations (48 types if the combination of the rotation order and the rotation direction of the reels and 8 types if the combination of the rotation directions of the reels) is displayed on a dedicated liquid crystal panel (not shown). Display. Then, after selecting a combination corresponding to the set value by operating a predetermined operation button (for example, the start lever 21 or the MAX bet button 19), the combination for the next and subsequent times is pressed by pressing the dedicated button. It sets as a combination used by determination of the determination part 45, and displays that on said liquid crystal panel. Note that when the above-mentioned combination setting is performed so that the manager of the amusement store forgets the combination, the combination set at that time may be automatically transmitted to the hall computer.

  In the first embodiment, first to sixth combinations are set as combinations representing the order of the rotated reels and the rotation directions of the individual reels, and lottery corresponding to the type of combination is selected from a plurality of lottery tables. In the second embodiment, the I to VI patterns are set as patterns representing combinations with the rotation directions of the individual reels, and the types of patterns are selected from a plurality of lottery tables. The corresponding lottery table is selected, but only one combination is set in advance, and in the first embodiment, the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of each reel is the pattern. The set value is counted up by 1 when the values match, and in the second embodiment, the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels is The set value when the match may be counted up by 1.

  For example, the lottery table set to be used in the winning determination of the winning combination determining unit 44 is the third lottery table, and in the first embodiment, the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction of each reel. When the combination matches the combination set in advance (in the case of the second embodiment, the combination of the rotation directions of the individual reels matches the combination set in advance), the set value is changed from “3”. Count up to "4". Thereafter, similarly, the set values are counted up in the order of “5 → 6 → 1 → 2...”.

  In the above embodiment, the first to third reels 11 to 13 are configured to be manually rotated. However, a lock mechanism that locks the first to third reels 11 to 13 so as not to idle may be provided. good. In this case, there are provided detection means for detecting that the upper door 6a is fully opened, and means for inserting a solenoid driving iron core into a hole formed in each reel based on the detection result of the detection means. However, when it is not detected that the upper door 6a is fully opened, the solenoid core may be inserted into the hole to lock the reel so that it cannot be rotated manually. As a result, when changing the lottery table, the upper door 6a must be fully opened, which is very conspicuous, so that an act of illegally changing the lottery table can be further prevented.

  In the above embodiment, the first to third reels 11 to 13 detect the rotation using the first to third reel rotation detectors 56 to 58, but the photo sensors 52a to 52c detect the rotation. The means for detecting whether or not the first to third reels 11 to 13 have rotated can be changed as appropriate.

  In the above embodiment, the error notification is performed using the speaker 16, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the error notification may be performed by causing the lamp to emit light, and the form of the notification means can be changed as appropriate. is there.

  In the above embodiment, the reel is manually rotated when changing the lottery table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reel may be rotated using the driving force of the stepping motors 50a to 50c. In this case, an A operation button that is operated when the reel is rotated in the A direction with respect to each of the first to third reels 11 to 13, and a B operation button that is operated when the reel is rotated in the B direction. When these operation buttons are operated, the reel stepping motor corresponding to the operated button may be driven. Thereby, a desired reel can be rotated. Moreover, since it is thought that the person who performs fraudulent acts has a psychology of wanting to change the lottery table quickly, when using the stepping motors 50a to 50c to rotate the reel, it is slower than at the game. It is preferable to rotate at a speed that is frustrating for those who commit fraud.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a slot machine. It is a slot machine of the state where the front door was removed, and is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the slot machine. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a 1st reel. It is a functional block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is a perspective view which shows the structure for detecting rotation of a 1st reel. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the slot machine of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing in the slot machine of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 Slot machines (game machines)
11-13 First to third reels 11a Reel tape 16 Speaker (notification means)
31a Power switch 31b Keyhole 40 CPU (Rotation direction identification means, reel identification means)
44 Winning role determination part (lottery probability changing means)
45 Combination determination unit (combination determination means)
50a to 50c Stepping motor 55 Mode selection switch 56 to 58 Rotation detector for first to third reels 64 Reflecting foil 65 Voice control device (notification control means)

Claims (6)

In a gaming machine that has a plurality of reels, and the lottery probability per game can be changed when shifting to the setting change mode,
Rotation direction identification means for identifying the rotation direction of each reel during the setting change mode;
A combination determination unit that determines whether a combination of rotation directions of the individual reels matches a predetermined combination based on an identification result of the rotation direction identification unit;
A gaming machine, comprising: a lottery probability changing means for changing the lottery probability when the combination in the rotation direction matches the predetermined combination.   A plurality of types of patterns are set as the predetermined combination, and the lottery probabilities different from each other are assigned to each of the patterns, and the lottery probability changing means is configured so that the combination of the rotation directions is currently set. When the pattern other than the pattern corresponding to the selected lottery probability is matched, the lottery probability currently set is changed to the lottery probability corresponding to the matched pattern. The gaming machine according to claim 1.   Triggered when the combination determining unit determines that the notification unit that notifies that the combination of the rotation directions is a combination other than the predetermined combination and the combination of the rotation directions and the predetermined combination do not match. 3. A gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising notification control means for controlling the notification means so as to start the notification.   Reel identifying means for identifying which of the plurality of reels has rotated during the setting change mode is provided, and the combination determining means is configured to determine a combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction. It is determined based on the identification result of the reel identification means and the identification result of the rotation direction identification means whether or not it matches a predetermined combination, and the lottery probability changing means determines the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the lottery probability is changed when a combination with a match with a predetermined combination.   A plurality of types of patterns are set as the predetermined combination, and the lottery probabilities different from each other are assigned to each of the patterns, and the lottery probability changing means includes the order of the rotated reels and the rotation When the combination with the direction matches the pattern other than the pattern corresponding to the currently set lottery probability, the lottery probability corresponding to the matched pattern is determined from the currently set lottery probability. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the gaming machine is changed to: Notification means for notifying that the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction is a combination other than the predetermined combination; and the combination of the order of the rotated reels and the rotation direction is a predetermined combination. 6. A gaming machine according to claim 4, further comprising notification control means for controlling the notification means so as to start the notification when the combination determination means determines that they are inconsistent. .

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