JP2007029261A - Reel game preparation system and program and reel game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily prepare a reel game program to be loaded on a reel game machine in a short period of time. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of performance data units composed of the performance data of a unit period capable of constituting a reel game are prepared for each unit period, and a plurality of scenario units describing processing in the unit period capable of constituting the reel game are prepared for each unit period. Then, an operator is made to select and combine the scenario units to be applied to the reel game program to be prepared from the plurality of prepared scenario units. Also, when the scenario unit to be related to the performance data unit is selected, the operator is made to select the performance data unit to be applied to the reel game program from the plurality of prepared performance data units, and the reel game program is prepared. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a reel game creation system and program, and a reel game machine. For example, a reel such as a pachislot machine, a slot machine, a pachinko machine, or a general-purpose game machine installed in a game center such as a game center, a pachinko shop, or a casino. The present invention can be applied to a game gaming machine and a reel game program creation system and program applied to the gaming machine.

  For example, in a slot machine using a video reel, in order to prevent players from getting bored, the game program is periodically changed to a new one without changing the hardware, and a new slot machine game is provided. Things are also done. In addition, for example, a general-purpose game machine functions as a game machine for a download game when a game is downloaded from a game server. However, in order to prevent the player from getting bored, the types of games that can be downloaded are appropriate. It is necessary to change old and new in the period.

  Due to the above background, the reel game program creation (development) cycle is also shortened.

Various methods have also been proposed in which an authoring system is used to create digital contents and games to facilitate creation of desired digital contents and games (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
JP 2004-07124 A JP 2002-15333 A

  However, the conventional creation method is still a general-purpose creation method even though development targets (creation targets) are limited to digital contents and games. For example, there are various types of games such as a novel game, an action game, a role playing game, a reel game, and a shooting game. Depending on the game type, it is difficult to say that the conventional creation method is universal.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is intended to provide a reel game creation system and program capable of easily creating a reel game program in a short period of time, and the created reel game program. Is intended to provide a reel game machine equipped with.

  In order to solve such a problem, the first aspect of the present invention provides an effect data unit comprising effect data of a unit period that can constitute a reel game in a reel game creation system for creating a reel game program to be mounted on a reel game machine. A plurality of presentation data unit storage means for each unit period, and a scenario unit storage means for storing a plurality of scenario units for each unit period that describe processing in the unit period that can constitute a reel game. When the scenario unit stored in the scenario unit storage means is selected and combined by the operator and the scenario unit to be associated with the effect data unit is selected, the effect data stored in the effect data unit storage means A program that allows the operator to select a unit and create a reel game program And having a forming means.

  The second aspect of the present invention is a unit that can constitute a reel game in a reel game creation program installed on an information processing apparatus that constructs a reel game creation system for creating a reel game program to be installed in a reel game machine. A presentation data library that stores a plurality of presentation data units of production data for each period, and a plurality of scenario units that describe processing in a unit period that can constitute a reel game for each unit period. If the scenario unit to be associated with the production data unit is selected, the operator selects the production data unit from the production data library. Let the reel game program complete. And having a unit selected combination routine which.

  A reel game machine according to a third aspect of the present invention is equipped with a reel game program created by the reel game creation system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

  According to the present invention, a reel game program that can be executed by a reel game machine can be easily created in a short period of time.

(A) Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of a reel game creation system and program and a reel game machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The reel game program created by the reel game creation system (and the reel game creation program) of this embodiment is a program for a slot machine (a kind of reel game machine). Therefore, first, an example of the hardware configuration of the premise slot machine will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the slot machine 2. In FIG. 1, three reels 13L, 13C, and 13R having a plurality of types of symbol rows drawn on the outer peripheral surface are rotatable in a horizontal row inside a housing 12 that forms the outer shape of the slot machine 2. A supported reel unit is installed. In addition, a main display 15 for displaying an effect image, notification information, and the like associated with the change display of the reel is provided on the front surface of the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R at the central portion of the housing 12. In this case, the main display 15 is configured as a transmissive liquid crystal display device that allows the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R to be visually recognized. In order to expose the symbols of the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R of the reel unit, Display windows 14L, 14C, and 14R are formed. In addition, one effective line 18 is described in the center of each display window 14L, 14C, 14R.

  Also, on the upper side of the housing 12, information that the player does not always watch during the game, for example, payout table, explanation information on the gaming method of the slot machine, information on a specific game (bonus game etc.), etc. are displayed. A sub display 16 is provided.

  In the configuration example shown in the figure, the display ramp 15a in the upper half of the main display 15 is a basic game of the slot machine 2 arranged in the display windows 14L, 14C, and 14R described above and in the upper region thereof. A PAID meter 17 indicating a payout when winning in a slot machine game, a BET meter 19 indicating the number of deemed coins bet on one game, the number of coins (actual coins) currently stored or currently stored CREDIT meter 20A indicating the number of deemed coins converted from the number of coins based on the game rate (actual coin number and deemed coin number may be indicated by separate CREDIT meter), and set at that time It is comprised by the game rate display part 20B which shows the game rate which is. The area 15b in the lower half of each of the display windows 14L, 14C, 14R is an area where no game is played by the slot machine, and notification information from the game hall is displayed in this area. It should be noted that the effect image related to the slot machine game may be performed in the entire area or may be performed in a part of the area.

  In the case of this embodiment, there is one type of coin to be inserted into the slot machine 2 or coins to be paid out by the slot machine 2 (for example, 1 dollar coin), but a coin having the value of the game rate set at that time is inserted. (This function is not limited to one person, but may be a group as a matter of course.) Is also good). Hereinafter, coins deemed to have the value of the set game rate will be referred to as “deemed coins” as appropriate.

  The control panel 21 located below the main display 15 is provided with a coin insertion slot 22 for a player to insert coins. The control panel 21 includes an error switch 23, a help switch 24, a spin switch 25 for starting rotation of the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R, a cashout switch 26, a BET switch 27, a maximum BET spin switch 28, and A repeat BET spin switch 29 is provided.

  The error switch 23 is a switch for turning on an error lamp 33 on the ceiling portion of the housing 12 and calling a store clerk in the game hall by pressing the error switch 23 when a failure or the like occurs in the slot machine 2. . The help switch 24 is a switch for displaying an explanatory note on the sub-display 16 when there is an unclear point in the game method of the slot machine 2 or the contents of the bonus game. The cashout switch 26 is a switch used for paying out coins stored in the slot machine 2 from the payout opening 30 to the coin tray 31.

  The BET switch 27 is a switch used when betting the deemed coins (unit game fee) stored in the slot machine 2 in the game. Each time the BET switch 27 is pressed, only one coin is stored. Is betting. The number of deemed coins bet on a single game is referred to as a “BET number”. The maximum BET spin switch 28 bets a maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game by one press operation, for example, only four coins on the game, and rotates the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R. It is a switch for starting. The repeat BET spin switch 29 is a switch for betting only the same number of coins as the BET number of the previous game by the pressing operation and starting the rotation of the reels 13L, 13C, 13R.

  At the bottom of the housing 12, a payout opening 30 for paying out coins (actual coins equivalent to deemed coins) at the time of winning a prize, and a coin tray 31 serving as a tray for coins paid out from the payout opening 30 are provided. On both sides of 30, sound transmission ports 32 are provided for outputting sound emitted from a speaker housed inside the housing 12 to the outside of the housing 12.

  Next, an example of the structure of the main display 15 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a view showing a cross section of the main display 15 together with the reel 13C. The main display 15 is a liquid crystal display device 64 using a transparent liquid crystal display device in which a pattern sheet 63 made of a transparent film material on which various designs are printed, a pixel electrode, and the like are arranged on the inner surface side of a transparent acrylic plate 62 that is a protective cover. The light guide plate 43 is laminated. In this case, a display window 14 </ b> C is formed in the symbol sheet 63 and the light guide plate 43 to expose the symbol of the reel 13 </ b> C. A touch panel 61 for detecting the coordinate position touched by the player is disposed on the transparent acrylic plate 62.

  Above and below the liquid crystal display device 64, cold cathode tubes 292 and 293 serving as a liquid crystal backlight as illumination of the liquid crystal display device 64 are provided, and these cold cathode tubes 292 and 293 are turned on. The player can clearly see the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 64.

  Symbol illumination lamps 67 and 68 for illuminating symbols on the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R are provided on the inner surface side upper portion and lower portion of the main display 15. Since the symbol illumination lamps 67 and 68 are controlled to be lit when power is supplied, the symbols on the reels 13L, 13C and 13R can be clearly seen by the player. In addition, a lamp housing 72 mounted with a reel pack lamp (not shown) that is turned on for easy visual recognition of the symbols is provided near the front surface of the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R.

  The symbols drawn on the symbol sheet 63 are always visible to the player regardless of the effect control state of the slot machine 2. The liquid crystal display device 64 is also a display area for displaying notification information as well as displaying various effect images.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sub-display 16. Similar to the main display 15, the sub display 16 has a structure in which a design sheet 73, a liquid crystal display device 74, and a light guide plate 77 are laminated on the inner surface side of the transparent acrylic plate 75. In addition, cold cathode tubes 296 and 297 are provided above and below the liquid crystal display device 74. Since no reel is provided behind the sub-display 16, no symbol illumination lamp is installed.

  The main display 15 and the sub display 16 of the slot machine 2 are configured by a liquid crystal display device (LCD). For example, a CRT, a plasma display, or the like may be used. However, it may be installed on the side of the game area, and the description of the hardware configuration here is merely an example.

  A description will be given of the control of the progress of the game in the slot machine 2 and the configuration of the control means for controlling the effect images and notification information displayed on the displays 15 and 16. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of such control means.

  The control means is based on a main control circuit 81 for controlling the game processing operation in the slot machine 2, a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected to the main control circuit 81, and a control command transmitted from the main control circuit 81. And an image control circuit 171 for controlling images displayed on the main display 15 and the sub-display 16.

  The main control circuit 81 includes a microcomputer 120 arranged on a circuit board as a main component, and is added with a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 120 includes a CPU 121 that performs a control operation according to a reel game program created in advance, a ROM 122 that is a storage unit, and a RAM 123.

  The reel game program executed by the microcomputer 120 is created by the reel game creation system of this embodiment. As will be described later, since the reel game program of this embodiment is described in an object-oriented language, an object-oriented language interpretation program for interpreting the description of the corresponding object-oriented language is also provided in the microcomputer 120.

  Connected to the CPU 121 are a clock pulse generation circuit 124 that generates a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 125, a random number generator 126 that generates a random number to be sampled, and a random number sampling circuit 127. As a means for sampling random numbers, random number generation and sampling may be executed by the calculation of the CPU 121 in the microcomputer 120.

  The reel game program stored in the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120 determines symbols arranged along the active line 18 when the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R are all stopped, in addition to a program portion for game control of the slot machine 2. The symbol table, which is referred to when the reels 13L, 13C, 13R are stopped, and the winning symbol combination table, which is referred to for confirmation of winning after the reels are stopped, along the active line 18 when all the reels 13L, 13C, 13R are all stopped. And a probability lottery table, a stop control table, and the like that are referred to when determining a symbol to be stopped.

  Various tables as described above are also part of the reel game program. It should be noted that the part called table does not need to have a so-called table configuration, and may use an array representation in an object-oriented programming language.

  Actuators whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 120 include stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R that respectively rotate and drive the reels 13L, 13C, 13R, and coins that are game media. There are a hopper 40 including a drive unit, a main display 15 and a sub display 16, various lamps (such as an error lamp 33), and the like. These are connected to the output terminal of the I / O port of the CPU 121 via the motor drive circuit 41, the hopper drive circuit 42, the image control circuit 171, and the lamp drive circuit 55, respectively. These drive circuits receive a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 121 and control the operation of each actuator.

  In addition, a power amplifier 52 as an amplifier that amplifies sound output from the speaker 53 installed in the housing is connected to the output terminal of the CPU 121 via a sound source IC 51 that controls sound. The sound source IC 51 receives a control signal such as a control command output from the CPU 121 and controls the power amplifier 52 and the speaker 53.

  As input signal generating means for generating input signals required by the microcomputer 120, a coin sensor 22S for detecting coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 22, an error switch 23, a help switch 24, a spin switch 25, and a cash out switch 26. , BET switch 27, maximum BET spin switch 28, and repeat BET spin switch 29, and signals generated from these switches are input to the CPU 121 via the input terminal of the I / O port. Further, as an input signal generating means for generating an input signal, a reel position detection circuit for receiving a pulse signal from a reel position detector (not shown) and generating a signal for detecting the position of each reel 13L, 13C, 13R. 44 and a payout completion signal circuit 46 that issues a signal for detecting the completion of coin payout when the count value of the coin detecting unit 45 that detects coins paid out from the hopper 40 reaches the designated number of pieces of data. Yes, signals generated from these are also connected to the input terminal of the I / O port of the CPU 121.

  The input signal to the CPU 121 is an event that activates a predetermined routine (object) of the reel game program, for example.

  The random number generator 126 generates random numbers belonging to a predetermined numerical range, and the random number sampling circuit 127 performs random numbers at an appropriate timing after the spin switch 25, the maximum BET spin switch 28, and the repeat BET spin switch 29 are pressed. Sampling is performed. It is determined to which range the sampled random number belongs in the probability lottery table stored in the storage unit in the ROM 122. If it belongs to the determined range, a stop symbol signal is generated to stop the reels 13L, 13C, 13R, and the determined symbol is stopped along the active line 18.

  After the rotation of the reels 13L, 13C, 13R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 123. From the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these reset pulses are input to the CPU 121 via the reel position detection circuit 44. The CPU 121 clears the drive pulse count value stored in the RAM 123 to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 123 stores the count value corresponding to the rotation position within the rotation range for each of the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R.

  The symbol table stored in the ROM 122 associates the rotational positions of the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R with the symbols. Specifically, each symbol table is based on the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated. A code number sequentially assigned for each fixed rotation pitch of the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R is associated with a symbol code indicating a symbol provided corresponding to each code number.

  Further, the winning symbol combination table stored in the ROM 122 may be a combination of winning symbol combinations and the number of coins to be awarded (the number of coins for each game rate may be described. The number of sheets is described, and it may be left to the conversion process of the CPU 121 when other game rates are set), and a winning determination code representing the winning is associated with the left reel 13L, This is referred to at the time of stopping control of the variable display operation of the inner reel 13C and the right reel 13R and when confirming a winning after all reels are stopped.

  When the internal winning is performed by the lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the random number sampling described above, the CPU 121 determines each reel based on the position signal sent from the reel position detection circuit 44 and the selected stop control table. A signal for stopping driving of 13L, 13C, and 13R is transmitted to the motor drive circuit 41.

  When all the reels are stopped and the combination of symbols stopped along the active line 18 is a stop mode in which winning is established, and the cashout switch 26 is pressed, the CPU 121 sends a payout command signal to the hopper drive circuit 42. And a predetermined number of coins are paid out from the hopper 40. At that time, the coin detecting unit 45 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 40, and inputs a coin payout completion signal to the CPU 121 when the counted value reaches a designated number. As a result, the CPU 121 stops driving the hopper 40 via the hopper driving circuit 42 and ends the coin payout process.

  The image control circuit 171 constitutes image control means for controlling the display image on the main display 15 and the sub-display 16 based on a control command from the microcomputer 120, and includes an image control program ROM, an image control CPU, A control work RAM, an image control IC, and the like are provided. In this case, the image control CPU determines display contents on the main display 15 and the sub-display 16 according to the image control program stored in the image control program ROM based on the image display signal transmitted from the microcomputer 120. In addition, the image control circuit 171 is connected with a touch panel 61 disposed on the main display 15 and recognizes the touched coordinate position when the player touches the touch panel.

  The RAM 123 of the microcomputer 120 stores game rate information set by a rate setting terminal (not shown). In addition, the number of coins without the player's credit at that time is also stored in the RAM 123 as appropriate.

  Hereinafter, a reel game creation system according to an embodiment to which an authoring tool for creating a reel game program mounted on the slot machine 2 having the above-described configuration is applied will be described.

  The reel game creation system 200 according to the embodiment creates a reel game program expressed in an object-oriented programming language. Object-oriented programming languages include, for example, “Director” and “Flash” (both are trademarks) of MACROMEDIA, USA, “JAVA” (registered trademark), “XML”, etc. of Sun Microsystems, USA.

  The reel game creation system 200 according to the embodiment is realized by an information processing device such as a personal computer that is connected to various peripheral devices as appropriate and is separate from the slot machine 2. It has the structure shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a reel game creation system 200 includes a creation system main body 201 equipped with a CPU 207 and a memory (ROM, RAM, EEPROM, etc.) 208, a pointing device such as a mouse for inputting various material data and contents of instructions from the user. An input device 202 including a device and a keyboard, a reel game program being created, a display device 204 such as a display for displaying the execution result of the created reel game program, an output device 205 such as a printer and a speaker, sound (MIDI, WAVE, etc.) ) Devices, digital cameras and scanners as still image input means, digital video cameras as moving picture input / output means, expansion equipment 203 such as a microphone as voice input means, reel game creation program 209 and selection program candidates For example, material data, effect data units, and the like the storage device 206 for holding such reel game program 211 in the library) 210 and created or created in the course such scenarios units.

  Although not shown, the storage device 206 also stores an OS, device drivers, and the like that manage the hardware and software.

  The reel game creation program 209 stored in the storage device 206 is loaded into the memory 208 as necessary and executed by the CPU 207.

  The reel game creation program 209 is an application of an authoring tool, and a scenario creation process having an effect creation processing part 220 having a material creation part 221 and an effect creation part 222, an object creation part 231 and a scenario creation part 232 Part 230. For example, an authoring tool such as “Director” or “Flash” of MACROMEDIA in the United States described above is applied to the effect creation processing portion 220.

  The material creation unit 221 of the reel game creation program 209 creates material data (lower layer objects) such as still images, moving images, and sounds according to the operation of the operator and adds them to the material data library. When creating a new reel game program 211, only part of the material data may be created, and other material data may be applied for the reel game program created in the past. A reel game program created in the past may be applied. Such a selection method from the library is the same for effect data units and scenario unit objects described later.

  The effect creation unit 222 of the effect creation processing part 220 combines, for example, a plurality (or one) of material data existing in the material data library in accordance with the operation of the operator (for material data requiring parameter setting). Parameters are also set), production data units such as sound and animation data with sound (this is also a higher-order object than the material data alone), and are added to the production data unit library.

  The effect data unit is described as an object, for example. The production data unit is, for example, specifying material data by the object name or file name assigned to each material data, and instructing the behavior (reproduction, stop, etc.) of the material data by a method or command, A class name representing a position on the hierarchy of an object or file related to each material data is also included as appropriate.

  The effect data unit is data for each period in which a change in the effect content is required in a series of periods from the start to the end of the reel game. For example, a production data unit is prepared until the reel is rotated until a medal is inserted, a bed, a spin switch is pressed, and a production data unit corresponding to the release is prepared before the reel is stopped. Production data units up to are prepared. In the case of the slot machine 2 that executes a special game such as a bonus game, a free game, or a feature game according to the result of the reel game, the effect data unit related to the special game is also provided as the effect data unit from the reel stop to the payout. Prepared. In addition, the production data unit is appropriately created not only for the main display 15 but also for the sub display 16 in terms of image data.

  In the case of this embodiment, the slot machine 2 having the mechanical reels 13L, 13C, and 13R shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is a program creation target. However, if the slot machine uses a video reel, the reel The symbols and their arrangement are also created as material data and effect data units.

  The object creation unit 231 in the scenario creation processing portion 230 is a scenario unit object (defined in FIG. 7) that is a processing unit (game processing unit) of a scenario (game progress scenario) as shown in FIG. Is created and added to the library of scenario unit objects. In the scenario unit object, an effect data unit is also set as appropriate. A plurality of scenario unit objects are prepared for each period in which a scenario can be rearranged in a series of periods from the start to the end of the reel game (see FIG. 8 described later).

  The scenario creation unit 232 in the scenario creation processing unit 230 combines, for example, a plurality of scenario unit objects existing in a library of scenario unit objects according to the operation of the operator (for a scenario unit object that requires parameter setting, parameter A scenario of the entire reel game as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is created, and the reel game program 211 is completed by creating such a scenario.

  As a selectable scenario unit object, there is a fixedly possessed reel game creation program (authoring tool) 209 as illustrated in FIG. 8 described later.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the creation procedure of the reel game program 211, and the reel game creation program 209 is configured to comply with such a creation procedure.

  In the creation of a new reel game, if the material data to be applied to the reel game to be created is not sufficient at that time, the creator (production operator) Material data is created (T300). In creating new material data, it may be newly created from the beginning, or may be created by modifying material data existing in the material data library.

  When it is determined that the material data to be applied to the reel game to be created is complete in the material data library, the producer must determine whether or not the production data unit existing in the production data unit library is sufficient. For example, a plurality of material data existing in the material data library are combined to create a new effect data unit for executing animation or the like (T301). Even when new material data is created, if an existing object name or the like is applied, it may be unnecessary to create a new production data unit.

  Next, when a scenario unit object to be executed at the time of occurrence of an event such as a determination by the CPU 120 or a start event such as the end of execution of a predetermined object in the reel game program is not sufficient in the library. Is created (T302).

  Thereafter, the creator creates a reel game program by combining a plurality of scenario unit objects in accordance with the scenario of the reel game program to be created (T303).

  Once the reel game program is created as described above, the producer performs a game test (T304).

  For example, a test slot machine substantially the same as the slot machine 2 described above is prepared, and the information processing apparatus constructing the reel game creation system 200 of this embodiment is connected by a cable, for example. Instead of the ROM 122 of the slot machine 2, the test slot machine handles the cable-connected information processing device in the same manner as the ROM, and executes the reel game program existing in the information processing device. Note that the reel game creation program 209 may include a debugger that detects inconsistent descriptions between objects, abnormal attribute values, and the like, and a program test may be performed using the function of the debugger.

  The creator looks at the display on the main display 15 and the sub-display 16 according to the progress of the reel game according to the created reel game program, and listens to the pronunciation from the speaker 53, thereby creating the created reel game. It is determined whether the program has been modified (T305). Alternatively, the creator determines whether the created reel game program is modified according to the presence / absence of an error message from the debugger (T305).

  When correction is necessary, the producer corrects the corresponding part (T306). In the case of this embodiment, since the reel game program is created in an object-oriented manner, when a location that needs to be corrected is found, it can be corrected at a very limited portion such as the object portion related to the location. (Does not affect other objects).

  In FIG. 6, the procedure is described in the image of executing the game test at the timing when the entire reel game program is created. However, when the material data is created, the test is partially performed. (T307).

  When the creator determines that no correction is necessary, the reel game program creation operation ends (T308).

  The created reel game program is described in the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120 mounted on the slot machine 2 and is executed by the CPU 121. Note that the ROM 122 of the microcomputer 120 (the chip itself may be different) is also equipped with an interpretation program for interpreting the description of the object-oriented language used for the description of the reel game program.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an operation for creating a reel game program by selecting and combining scenario unit objects (predefined scenarios).

  As the types of scenario unit objects (predefined scenarios), for example, a normal game scenario unit 400, a redrawing scenario unit 410, a special game scenario unit 420, and a game that is transferred from each of these types of scenario units, for example. There are end scenario units 430, 440, 450, and the like.

  The type of the normal game scenario unit 400 generally describes processing related to the basic scenario part from the start of the game to the stop of the reel in an object-oriented language. The library for each normal game scenario contains multiple candidates for any combination of multiple viewpoints, such as differences in the number of reels and whether mechanical reels or video reels are used. Yes. If there is no preparation intended by the creator, a new normal game scenario unit is created and added to the library by the object creation unit 231 in the scenario creation processing section 230.

  For example, if a reel game program for the slot machine 2 of the type described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 is to be created, for example, a base game corresponding to a machine having three reels and using mechanical reels. A scenario unit 400 is selected.

  The normal game scenario unit 400 shown in FIG. 7 includes, for example, a game start key operation routine 401, a lottery routine 402, a winning determination routine 403, a basic effect routine 404, and a win effect routine as lower layer objects (lower layer scenario units). 405a to 405n, each of which a creator desires is selected from a library and set. The selection of all or a part of these lower-layer objects may also be made in advance and added to the normal game scenario unit library.

  For example, in one scenario unit, for example, in one scenario unit, the place where the object name of the scenario unit of the connection destination to be transferred at the end event is left blank, and the object of the scenario unit of the connection destination is left in the blank part. This is done by having your name entered.

  The game start key operation routine 401 describes processing up to before the reel is rotated. For example, the part related to the key operation for starting the reel game can set parameters (for example, functions and arguments). ing. The slot machine 2 of the type described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 includes not only the spin switch 25 but also the maximum BET spin switch 28 and the repeat BET spin switch 29. Therefore, the spin switch 25, the maximum BET spin switch 28, and The parameter is set so that the reels 13L, 13C, and 13R are rotated regardless of which one of the repeat BET spin switches 29 is operated.

  The lottery routine 402 describes a random number generation process for determining whether or not a normal game is won. Since the slot machine 2 has a hardware random number generator 126 and a random number sampling circuit 127, the random number generator 126 and the random number sampling circuit 127 are used for the lottery routine 402 instead of the random number generation program. As described above, the parameters of the lottery routine 402 are set. Further, for example, the parameters of the lottery routine 402 are set so as to define the effective range of the generated random numbers.

  The basic effect routine 404 and the hit effect routines 405a to 405n are selected and set from a library of effect data units. The winning determination routine 403 is described so as to change the winning effect routines 405a to 405n depending on the type of winning in the case of winning.

  The re-lottery scenario unit 410 in the example of FIG. 7 is selected to determine whether or not to execute the special game scenario unit 420 when the normal game is not hit. If the scenario is such that the special game is executed when the normal game is won, the creator connects the scenario units so as to shift from the hit effect routines 405a to 405n to the special game scenario unit 420. It ’s fine. Further, when the special game to be executed is different depending on the type of winning, it is only necessary to select the re-lottery scenario unit 410 that classifies the winnings according to the number of special games.

  For example, in the description of the line defining the transition destination object at the end of the rendering in the hit rendering routines 405a to 405n, the object name at the transition destination is left blank or a dummy value, and the object name of the transition destination is set there. Write in. For example, by entering the object name of the game end scenario unit 430, as shown in FIG. 7, it can be linked to the game end scenario unit 430, and by entering the object name of the special game scenario unit 420, unlike FIG. After the hit effect of the normal game, it becomes possible to shift to the special game.

  The lottery routine 411 in the re-lottery scenario unit 410 is a routine having parameter setting places, and sets parameters. The winning determination routine 412 is described so as to shift to the special game scenario unit 420 in the case of winning.

  The special game scenario unit 420 is already defined, and the example of FIG. 7 shows a case where a scenario unit of a three-choice game is selected as the special game scenario unit 420.

  The lottery routine 421 in the scenario unit 420 of the three-choice game is a lottery for determining which of the three positions to win, and has a parameter setting portion. The three-choice lottery routine 422 is for the user to select and has parameter setting locations. The basic effect routine 423 and the hit effect routines 424a to 424m (for example, the effect differs depending on the hit position) are selected and set from a library of effect data units.

  The creator also selects and sets the game end scenario units 430, 440, and 450. The game end scenario unit 440 is described in a format that can be shifted from the winning determination routine 403 (disapproval result) even when the re-lottery scenario unit 410 does not exist.

  In FIG. 7, the normal game scenario unit 400, the redrawing scenario unit 410, the special game scenario unit 420, and the game end scenario units 430, 440, and 450 are combined. A scenario (reel game program) in which game end scenario units 430 and 440 are combined is the simplest.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow of one game of a reel game program created by combining scenario unit objects (predefined scenarios). FIG. 8 corresponds to a combination of scenario unit objects different from FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 8, a process for displaying a game demonstration screen and a game start screen (S501), a pre-operation process related to an operation before starting the rotation of the reel (S502), a lottery process for a normal game (S503), a reel After the reel driving process (S504) from the rotation to the reel stop is sequentially performed, the winning combination determination process (S505) for the normal combination is performed. In the case of a result of winning determination in the normal combination, if the result is a bonus combination winning determination process (S506), if the bonus combination is not selected, each winning effect process (S507) in the normal game is performed, If the bonus combination is won, a lottery process (S508) for a special game such as a bonus game, a free game, or a feature game, and an effect process (S509) corresponding to a special game winning, a normal game or a special game are performed. A payout process (S510) is performed according to the win. Regardless of whether or not the normal combination is won, finally, a game end screen display process (S511) is performed.

  Here, since the creation target is a reel game program, scenario unit objects for the pre-operation process (S502), the reel drive process (S504), and the payout process (S510) are basically set in the reel game creation program 209 (authoring tool). Has been. As the scenario unit objects in other processes (S501, S503, S505 to S509, S511), those created by the producer and added to the library are applied.

  In FIG. 8, the description is mainly from the flow of processing, but in each process other than the process described as the effect process, an effect data unit is appropriately set, a background image is displayed, and a background sound is displayed. Is pronounced.

  As described above, in the reel game creation system and program of the above-described embodiment, the reel game presentation data unit and the processing routine unit are each described in an object-oriented language and prepared so that a plurality of selections can be made. A processing routine unit is selected and combined along the flow of the above, and a reel game program is created by associating the selected effect data unit with a predetermined processing routine unit.

  Since a reel game program is created by combining objects, an execution image can be displayed immediately and testing (verification) is easy. Also, if the actual machine has an object-oriented language interpretation program, testing (verification) on the actual machine is easy.

  When creating a reel game program, it is possible to create a program code without writing a single line. Since there is no program code, bugs can be dealt with by correcting only the system.

  By creating a library of scenario units (predefined scenarios), even when creating a new reel game program, the creator can concentrate on modifying the selected scenario unit without creating a new scenario unit. The overall quality can be improved, and the game creation period can be greatly shortened compared to the prior art.

  Since the elements of the reel game program are separated into the production data unit and the scenario unit, creation and modification of the production data unit and creation and modification of the scenario unit can be performed by different workers in parallel. .

  The slot machine equipped with the created reel game program can shorten the update cycle of the installed reel game program, and can easily prevent the player from getting bored. Even when a bug is actually found in the operating state of the slot machine, it is easy to identify an object and to feed back to the subsequent reel game program creation.

(B) Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the creation of a reel game program for a slot machine is shown, but a pachislot machine, a pachinko machine, a general-purpose game machine capable of loading a reel game program, The present invention can be applied to creation of a reel game program for other reel game machines.

  In the description of the above embodiment, the reel game program that has been created is mounted on the actual machine using the ROM. However, it goes without saying that other methods may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the reel game creation system has been described as being constructed by a single information processing apparatus, but may be constructed by a distributed processing system of a plurality of information processing apparatuses.

  In addition, various libraries may be shared so that creators who create different reel game programs can access them from separate information processing apparatuses.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the reel game creation system has been provided with a material data and production data unit creation function. However, these creation functions may be excluded. That is, the material data and the production data unit creation system may be constructed separately, and the reel game creation system may be provided with a function capable of additionally storing the created production data unit in the library. Similarly, a scenario unit creation system may be constructed separately.

  In the description of the above embodiment, the object-oriented language related to the reel game program has been described as one type. However, the two types of object-oriented languages are coordinated, You may make it differ from the object-oriented language of a scenario unit.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the slot machine by which the reel game program by the reel game creation system of embodiment is mounted. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main display of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sub display of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of control means of the slot machine of FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the reel game production system of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the creation procedure of the reel game program by the reel game creation system of embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the scenario creation operation | movement in the reel game creation system of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the reel game program produced with the reel game production system of embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Slot machine, 120 ... Microcomputer, 200 ... Reel game production system, 201 ... Production system main body, 202 ... Input device, 203 ... Expansion device, 204 ... Display device, 205 ... Output device, 206 ... Storage device, 207 ... CPU, 208 ... Memory, 209 ... Reel game creation program, 210 ... Selection program candidate, 211 ... Reel game program, 220 ... Production creation part, 221 ... Material creation part, 222 ... Production creation part, 230 ... Scenario creation process part 231... Object creation unit, 232... Scenario creation unit.

Claims (7)

In a reel game creation system for creating a reel game program to be installed in a reel game machine,
Effect data unit storage means for storing a plurality of effect data units consisting of effect data of unit periods that can constitute a reel game for each unit period;
Scenario unit storage means for storing a plurality of scenario units each describing a process in a unit period that can constitute a reel game;
When the scenario unit stored in the scenario unit storage means is selected and combined by the operator and the scenario unit to be associated with the effect data unit is selected, the effect data unit stored in the effect data unit storage means is selected. A reel game creation system comprising: a program creation means for creating a reel game program by causing an operator to select a reel game program.   The scenario unit storage means stores a scenario unit of a special game stage executed when a predetermined event occurs in addition to a scenario unit of a normal game stage as a reel game, and the effect data unit storage means 2. The reel game creation system according to claim 1, wherein an effect data unit that can be associated with the scenario unit at the stage of the special game is also stored.   The reel game creation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the effect data unit and the scenario unit are described in an object-oriented language. In a reel game creation program installed on an information processing apparatus for constructing a reel game creation system for creating a reel game program to be installed in a reel game machine,
An effect data library storing a plurality of effect data units consisting of effect data of unit periods that can constitute a reel game for each unit period;
A scenario unit library that stores a plurality of scenario units each describing a process in a unit period that can constitute a reel game;
The scenario unit is selected and combined by the operator from the scenario unit library, and when a scenario unit to be associated with the effect data unit is selected, the operator selects the effect data unit from the effect data library to complete the reel game program. A reel game creation program characterized by comprising: a unit selection combination routine.   The scenario unit library includes scenario units in a special game stage executed when a predetermined event occurs, in addition to scenario units in a normal game stage as a reel game. 5. The reel game creation program according to claim 4, further comprising an effect data unit that can be associated with the scenario unit.   6. The reel game creation program according to claim 4, wherein the effect data unit and the scenario unit are described in an object-oriented language. A reel game gaming machine comprising a reel game program created by the reel game creation system according to claim 1.

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