JP2007044564A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for allowing a player to fully enjoy a specific game advantageous to the player by allowing the player to recognize winning kinds and to note that a game state is being changed. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes: variable display means (4L, 4C, 4R) for variably displaying a plurality of symbols necessary for the game; and a control means (20) for controlling the variable displaying. The control means (20) controls the variable displaying under a control condition which is selected in response to a display state where the variable displaying is stopped, among the predetermined control conditions. A winning symbol is set in the game machine, by which challenge winning to be the control condition for stopping the variable displaying by the control means in response to the stop operation of the player is generated singly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine comprising a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols required for a game, and a control means such as a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) that controls the variable display of the variable display device. It relates to gaming machines and other gaming machines.

  For example, a gaming machine called a slot machine or a pachislot machine has a variable display device mechanically configured by arranging a plurality of rotating reels representing a plurality of symbols in a front display window, or a symbol on the screen. In accordance with the player's start operation, the control means drives the variable display device to rotate each reel and automatically or after a certain time When the rotation of each reel is sequentially stopped by the stop operation of the user, when the symbols of each reel appearing in the display window are in a specific combination (winning symbol), the game media such as medals and coins are paid out. However, in the current mainstream models, there are multiple types of winnings, and when a specific winning pattern is reached, a single medal is not paid out. The control hand Variable display of control condition are converted to special conditions for a predetermined period of time, the winning of giving usually benefit enjoy "general game" good conditions than "specific game" which is carried out to the player are provided by.

  As this type of prize, there is a special increase prize that has been in a state where it is easy to arrange the winning symbols where medals are paid out, a special prize that has a relatively short period, and a stop operation by the player There are so-called challenge time (CT) prizes in which variable display stop control is performed, prizes of combinations of these, and the like.

  However, in such a prize, even if a winning symbol appears, a large number of medals are not immediately paid out, so the player cannot recognize that the gaming state has changed due to the winning prize, I sometimes didn't notice the benefits and felt joy.

  Therefore, the object of the present invention is to make the player recognize that the type of winning is recognized and that the gaming state has changed, that is, the control means is performing variable display control under conditions favorable to the player. Therefore, it is to provide a gaming machine that can sufficiently enjoy the “specific game” acquired by the player.

  The first aspect of the present invention comprises variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols necessary for a game, and control means for controlling variable display of the variable display means, the control means comprising a plurality of predetermined numbers. In a gaming machine capable of controlling the variable display under a control condition selected corresponding to the display mode when the variable display is stopped from among the control conditions, the sound generation means capable of generating a plurality of types of music is provided. The sound generating means generates music corresponding to the control condition executed by the control means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine, a plurality of types of winning or losing are determined according to a display mode when the variable display is stopped, and the control means performs the variable display according to the determined type of winning. Control conditions are selected.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine, according to the display mode when the variable display is stopped, the payout of the game medium is performed in accordance with the stop of the variable display, and the control means The variable display control condition is a condition that makes it easy for a prize to occur, and a special increase prize that lasts for a long time under this condition. The control means determines whether or not a challenge time winning and a combination of these winnings, which are the control conditions for stopping the variable display in response to a player's stop operation, are determined. When the winning with the change of the control condition is determined, the variable display is controlled under the control condition determined in accordance with the determined winning, and the sound generating means has the music corresponding to the executed control condition. Characterized by generating.

  According to a fourth aspect, in the gaming machine, the control means causes the sound generation means to generate a predetermined music in accordance with the variable display control conditions.

  According to a fifth aspect, in the gaming machine, the sound generation means includes a sound control unit that generates a predetermined music according to the control condition of the variable display.

  In the present invention, the variable display device only needs to be able to move and display a plurality of symbol (symbol) rows, and has a mechanical configuration for rotationally driving a reel having a symbol row on the outer peripheral surface, or a liquid crystal or LED , CRT, etc., which display and move symbols electrically. Further, the control means only needs to be configured to determine whether or not a prize is won by random number extraction or the like and to execute variable display stop control based on the determination result. Used.

  When a plurality of symbol sequences to be variably displayed are provided, when a challenge time win occurs, the control means can switch to stop control corresponding to the player's stop operation for all or at least one of the symbol sequences. .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the control means controls the variable display of the variable display means. The control means can control the variable display under a plurality of control conditions, but selects the control condition according to the display mode when the variable display is stopped, and thereafter, the variable display is controlled under the selected control condition. The gaming machine includes sound generation means capable of generating a plurality of pieces of music corresponding to the plurality of control conditions, and generates a piece of music corresponding to the control conditions when the control condition is selected.

  Since the music corresponding to the control condition under which the control means controls the variable display is generated, the player can listen to the generated music and determine the game state of the variable display performed by himself / herself.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, since a plurality of types of winning or losing are determined according to the display mode when the variable display is stopped, the type of winning and the type of music correspond to each other. The player can listen to the generated music and determine the type of winning and the gaming state.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the prize winning that is performed when the game medium is paid out in accordance with the stop of the variable display, and the control condition of the variable display of the control means is a condition that the prize winning is likely to occur. Special prizes that continue to be controlled under these conditions for a long time, special prizes that have a shorter control period under conditions in which a prize for winning a role is more likely to occur than the special prizes, and the control means displays the variable display according to the player's stop operation. Whether or not a challenge time prize, a special increase prize and a challenge time prize combination, and a special prize and a challenge time prize combination, which are the control conditions to be stopped, is determined, or the control means is the variable When a winning with a change in display control condition is determined, the variable display is controlled under a control condition determined in accordance with the determined winning. When a player begins to generate a song that is individually defined, the player can determine that the winnings that he has earned are winnings accompanied by changes in the gaming conditions and the type of winnings. You can change it and drive it into the game. In particular, in the case of a combination prize, it is difficult for the player to make a determination based only on the display mode when stopped. Therefore, the generation of the special music is effective for notifying the player of the occurrence of the combination prize.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means for controlling the variable display also controls the operation of the sound generating means.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the sound generating means includes not only the above-mentioned auditory means but also the sound control section. To generate.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This slot machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses medals, coins, tokens, or the like as game media, and will be described below using medals.

  Three display windows 3L, 3C, 3R arranged side by side are provided in front of the cabinet 2 forming the whole slot machine 1, and three symbols are displayed vertically in each display window.

  FIG. 4 shows a symbol sequence used in the gaming machine 1. These symbols are drawn on the surface of the sheet that forms the circumferential surfaces of the three rotary reels 4L, 4C, 4R arranged inside the cabinet 2 corresponding to the display windows 3L, 3C, 3R.

  A start lever 5 for rotating the reel by a player's operation is attached to the lower left side of the display window in front of the cabinet 2 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angle range.

  On the lower right side of the display window 3R, there is provided a medal slot 6 into which a medal of a game medium is inserted. Above the medal slot 6, a credit display portion 7A for displaying the number of medals currently credited is paid out. A payout display portion 7B for displaying the number of medals is provided. Each display unit is composed of 7-segment LEDs. The display means is not limited to an LED, and an LCD (liquid crystal) element or any other desired one can be used.

  On the lower left side of the display window 3L, there are provided an insertion button 17 for inserting a credited medal for gaming and a C / P switch 8 for switching credit / payout of the medal acquired by the player by a push button operation. Yes.

  Along with the start lever 5, stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R operated by the player to stop the rotation of the reels are arranged.

  A medal payout opening 12 and a medal receiving portion 13 for collecting the payout medals are arranged at the lower front portion of the cabinet 2.

  On the lower right side of the medal payout opening 12, a sound generation unit 10 including a number of sound output holes is provided. Sound is emitted from the speaker 15 (FIG. 2) disposed inside the cabinet 2 through the sound generator 10. The speaker 15 can output a plurality of types of sounds and a plurality of types of music, and is a sound generating means in the gaming machine 1.

  Above the display window on the front of the cabinet is provided a display surface 16 on which a payout table indicating how many medals are paid out in response to a prize is provided, and the upper edge of the display surface 16 is formed as an effectable portion 11 capable of emitting light. Has been. The production unit 11 includes a large number of LEDs, and can display various productions and information by operations such as lighting, blinking, and extinguishing.

  FIG. 2 shows a circuit configuration including a control unit that controls the game processing operation in the slot machine 1 and a peripheral device (actuator) electrically connected thereto.

  In this case, the control means includes the microcomputer 20 as a main component, and is added to a circuit for random number sampling. The microcomputer 20 includes a CPU 21 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a ROM 22 and a RAM 23 that are storage means. The CPU 21 is sampled by a clock pulse generation circuit 24 and a frequency divider 25 that generate a reference clock pulse. A random number generator 26 for generating random numbers and a random number sampling circuit 27 are connected. In addition, as a means for random number sampling, you may comprise so that random number sampling may be performed within the microcomputer 20, ie, on the operation program of CPU21. In that case, the random number generator 26 and the random number sampling circuit 27 can be omitted, or can be left as a backup for the random number sampling operation.

  The ROM 22 of the microcomputer 20 stores data for winning determination including a winning probability table used for determination of random number sampling.

  The ROM 22 further stores data for generating a plurality of types of sounds and a plurality of types of music, and data for determining a sound generated based on a stop symbol when the reel is stopped. In the circuit of FIG. 2, as the main actuators whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 20, the stepping motors 14L, 14C, 14R for rotating the reels 4L, 4C, 4R, respectively, and the medal of the game medium are used. There are a hopper 30 (including a drive unit for payout), a light source for the display units 7A and 7B and the effect unit 11, and a speaker 15. A motor drive circuit 31, a hopper drive circuit 32, a light source drive circuit 37, The sound output circuit 38 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 21. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 21 and controls the operation of each actuator.

  The main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 20 to generate a control signal is a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 6 or a credit inserted by pressing the insertion button 17. A reel stop signal circuit 34 for generating a stop signal in response to an operation of the medal sensor 6S for detecting a medal, a start switch 5S for detecting the operation of the start lever 5, the C / P switch 8, and the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R. In addition, a reel position detection circuit 35 that receives a pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and supplies a signal for detecting the position of each reel to the CPU 21 and a count value of the medal detection unit 33 (medals paid out from the hopper 30). When the number reaches the designated number data, a signal for detecting completion of medal payout is supplied to the CPU 21. There is a signal circuit 36.

  In the circuit of FIG. 2, the random number generator 26 generates a random number belonging to a predetermined numerical range, and the random number sampling circuit 27 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 5 is operated. It is determined whether the random number extracted in this way belongs to a predetermined winning area stored in the storage unit in the ROM 22, and a signal based on the determination result is generated.

  After the rotation of the reels 4L, 4C, 4R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 14L, 14C, 14R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 23. From the reels 4L, 4C, 4R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 21 via the reel position detection circuit 35. The CPU 21 clears the drive pulse count value stored in the RAM 23 to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 23 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 4L, 4C, 4R.

  The control unit determines the stop position of each reel 4L, 4C, 4R based on the signal generated by the determination of the random number, and sends a signal for controlling the reel to stop at that position to the motor drive circuit.

  When the control unit detects a stop signal generated by operating the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R, it stops the reels 4L, 4C, 4R, respectively.

  Data for winning determination stored in the ROM 22 includes a winning symbol combination table for associating winning symbol combinations, winning medal dividends, and winning determination codes representing the winnings, This is referred to when controlling each reel 4L, 4C, 4R and when confirming winnings after all reels are stopped.

  As data for determining the sound and music generated based on the stop symbol when the reel is stopped stored in the ROM 22, a table for associating the winning symbol combination table with the type of music or the type of sound is included. ing. By this table, the type of music or the type of sound is determined by winning confirmation after all reels are stopped.

  The ROM 22 stores a program (sequence program) for executing a game on the slot machine 1.

  FIG. 4 is a symbol row provided on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 4L, 4C, 4R of the gaming machine 1.

  Each symbol row is provided with symbols “7”, “7”, and “BAR” having special meanings.

  The gaming machine 1 is set with a special increase prize game (hereinafter referred to as BB game), a special prize game (hereinafter referred to as RB game), and a challenge time game (hereinafter referred to as CT game) having different control conditions for variable display. When the reels 4L, 4C, 4R are stopped, a BB game is generated when “7” is aligned on the pay line, a combination of BB game and CT game is generated when “7” is aligned, and “BAR” is aligned. RB game occurs.

  In this gaming machine 1, when the game is started, a general gaming state is entered, and random number sampling is performed every time the start lever 5 is operated, and any of the most advantageous combinations of BB games and CT games, BB games, RB games, and accessories The winning or losing determination is made.

  In this gaming machine 1, a stop symbol for generating a CT prize alone is not set, but a stop symbol for generating a CT game alone is set, and a winning determination for determining the occurrence of a CT game is performed. It may be performed every time the game is played, every BB game is generated or ended, and each RB game is generated or ended. In addition, a stop symbol in which a winning combination of the RB game and the CT game is generated may be set.

  In the BB game, the variable display is controlled under the most advantageous control conditions for the player generated by the winning symbol “7-7-7”, and a prize can be generated up to 30 times in succession and a large number of medals can be obtained. In this state, the same RB game described below has occurred three times. During the BB game, the winning determination of the BB game, the RB game, and the CT game is not performed, but only the winning determination of the bonus item is performed. In the gaming machine 1, when the winning symbol “7-7-7” is generated, the variable display control condition corresponds to the BB game, and is determined corresponding to the BB game during the BB game. Music is generated from the speaker 15.

  By listening to the music generated from the speaker 15, the player can know that the BB game is being performed.

  The RB game is generated by the stop symbol “BAR-BAR-BAR”, and the variable display is controlled under a control condition in which a state where a winning combination is likely to occur continuously for a maximum of 12 times continues. During the RB game, the winning determination of the BB game, the RB game, and the CT game is not performed as in the BB game, and only the winning determination of the bonus is performed. In the gaming machine 1, when the variable display stops at the winning symbol “BAR-BAR-BAR”, the control condition corresponds to the RB game, and the RB game is determined while the RB game is performed. Music is generated from the speaker 15.

  By listening to the music generated from the speaker 15, the player can know that he / she is playing an RB game.

  A combination of a BB game and a CT game is generated by a winning symbol “7-7-7” (7 means 7 with a ribbon), and a CT game is generated after the end of the BB game. In the gaming machine 1, when the winning symbol “7-7-7” is generated, the music set for the winning symbol “7-7-7” is generated from the speaker 15, and the BB game and the CT game are ended. Until this song flows. By listening to this music, the player can know that not only the BB game but also the CT game can be performed.

  In the CT game, the reel is stopped based on the stop operation of the player, but in the gaming machine 1, random number sampling is performed every time the start lever 5 is operated, and a winning determination of the BB game and the RB game is performed. When winning, the control unit performs reel stop control according to the winning. The CT game and the winning combination of the bonus item are not determined.

  FIG. 3 shows the relationship between a specific game and a general game with different control conditions for variable display in the gaming machine 1. When the variable display is stopped for each winning symbol during the general game, the corresponding specific game is started.

  Each of the specific games has a variable display control condition different from that of the general game, so that while the specific game is being performed, the music set in advance corresponding to the winning symbol for starting each specific game is received from the speaker 15. Generated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the BB game, the RB game, or the CT game ends, the control returns to the general game. In the general game, since there is no special control condition, no special music is generated from the speaker 15.

  In the case of winning the combination of BB game or RB game and CT game, the game shifts to CT game when BB game or RB game ends. From the speaker 15, the music set corresponding to each combination winning is generated.

  If the BB game is won during the CT game, the CT game is ended and the BB game is started. The music corresponding to the CT game or the BB game generated by the speaker 15 or the combination winning combination of the RB game and the CT game is changed to a music corresponding to the BB game.

  If the RB game is won during the CT game, the CT game is interrupted, the RB game is interrupted, and when the RB game ends, the remaining CT games are resumed. The music generated from the speaker 15 is changed to the music corresponding to the RB game as the music of the CT game, and when the CT game is resumed, the music is changed again to the original CT game.

  Each symbol row is provided with “葡萄” 40, “JAC” 41, and “orange” 42 which are accessory symbols. When the reels 4L, 4C, 4R are stopped, when these symbols are aligned on the winning line, a winning combination is won and a predetermined number of medals are paid out.

  In the gaming machine 1, when “7”, “7”, “BAR” are aligned on the winning line and the variable display is stopped, the control condition of the control unit is specially defined. They are also different.

  On the other hand, when “JAC”, “葡萄” and “Orange” are prepared, only one game medium is paid out, so that the sound set as the winning / paying sound is generated. However, it may be set to generate different sounds according to each design.

  The ROM 22 stores data for generating sound or music corresponding to the stop symbol. When the variable display stops, the microcomputer 20 selects the control condition corresponding to the stop symbol, and then selects it. The variable display is controlled by the control condition, and the music corresponding to the stop symbol is selected, and a command for generating the music is output to the sound generation circuit while the selected control condition continues.

  5 and 6 are flowcharts of operations related to sound generation of the control unit of the gaming machine 1.

  In the “general game” that is the normal state of the gaming machine 1, the control unit determines whether or not the reel rotation start condition is satisfied (ST1). When a medal is inserted and a signal is output from the medal sensor 6S and the start lever 5 is operated and the start switch 5S is turned on, it is determined “YES” and the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R start to rotate (ST2).

  A random number is extracted and a winning determination is made (ST3). When the stop buttons 9L, 9C, 9R are pressed and the stop condition is satisfied (ST4), the reel is controlled to stop (ST5).

  It is determined whether or not the stop symbol is a winning symbol “7-7-7” (ST6). If “YES” is determined, the music set from the speaker 15 for the winning symbol “7-7-7” is set. (ST7), the variable display control condition becomes the condition for the BB game (ST8), and when the BB game ends, the CT game is started (ST9). The music set for the winning symbol “7-7-7” continues to be generated from the speaker 15 until the BB game and the CT game are completed.

  If it is determined that the stop symbol is not the winning symbol “7-7-7”, it is next determined whether or not it is a winning symbol “7-7-7” (ST10). If “YES” is determined, the music set for the winning symbol “7-7-7” is generated from the speaker 15 (ST11), and the variable display control condition becomes the condition for the BB game (ST12). While the BB game is played, the music set for the symbol “7-7-7” continues to be generated from the speaker 15.

  If it is determined that the stop symbol is not the winning symbol “7-7-7”, it is next determined whether or not it is a stop symbol “BAR-BAR-BAR” (ST13). If “YES” is determined, the music set for the winning symbol “BAR-BAR-BAR” is generated from the speaker 15 (ST14), and the variable display control condition becomes the condition of the RB game (ST15). During the RB game, the music set for the symbol “BAR-BAR-BAR” continues to be generated from the speaker 15.

  If it is determined that the stop symbol is not the winning symbol “BAR-BAR-BAR”, then whether or not the stop symbol is the winning symbol symbol, that is, “葡萄” 40, “JAC” 41 or “orange” 42 is prepared. Is determined (ST16). If “YES” is determined, a winning / paying sound is generated from the speaker 15 (ST17), and medals are paid out (ST18).

  In the gaming machine 1, music is not generated from the speaker 15 in general games, but music for general games can be prepared and generated in general games.

  In the gaming machine 1, a winning for generating a CT game alone or a combined winning of RB gaming and CT gaming is not set, but stop symbols for generating these winnings are prepared, and these stop symbols are generated from the speaker 15. It is also possible to generate music corresponding to.

  As described above, in response to changes in the variable display control conditions of the variable display device, by generating a plurality of songs, the player gained not only by the stop pattern but also by the type of song to be generated. The value of winning a prize can be easily informed, and the player can feel that the game with variable display is more fun.

The front perspective view which shows the external appearance of the slot machine of the Example of this invention. The block diagram which shows the circuit structure used for the slot machine of an Example. The relationship diagram of the several game state performed with the slot machine of an Example. The symbol sequence of the slot machine of an Example. The flowchart showing the control operation of the slot machine of an Example. The flowchart showing the control operation of the slot machine of an Example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine, 2 ... Cabinet, 3L, 3C, 3R ... Display window, 4L, 4C, 4R ... Reel, 5 ... Start lever, 6 ... Medal slot, 7A ... Credit display part, 7B ... Discharge display part, 8 ... C / P switch, 9L, 9C, 9R ... Stop button, 10 ... Sound generation part, 11 ... Production part, 12 ... Medal payout port, 13 ... Medal receiving part, 14L, 14C, 14R ... Stepping motor, 15 ... Speaker, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Display surface, 20 ... Microcomputer, 21 ... CPU, 22 ... ROM, 23 ... RAM, 24 ... Clock pulse generation circuit, 25 ... Frequency divider, 26 ... Random number generator, 27 ... Random number sampling circuit, 30 ... Hopper, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 ... Motor drive circuit, 32 ... Hopper drive circuit, 33 ... Medal detection part, 34 ... Reel stop signal circuit, 35 ... Reel position detection circuit, 36 ... Dispensing completion signal Circuit, 37 ... light source drive circuit, 38 ... sound output circuit.

Claims (2)

Variable display means for variably displaying a plurality of symbols necessary for the game;
Control means for controlling variable display of the variable display means,
In the gaming machine capable of controlling the variable display under control conditions selected corresponding to a display mode when the variable display is stopped from a plurality of predetermined control conditions,
A gaming machine characterized in that a winning symbol is set in which a challenge winning is generated as a control condition for the control means to stop the variable display in response to a player's stop operation. A sound generating means capable of generating a plurality of types of music;
The sound generating means generates a music corresponding to a control condition determined corresponding to the challenge winning, and the music is generated while a challenge winning game is performed by the challenge winning being generated. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine continues.

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