JP2007185543A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine, expanding the range of a profit gain of a game player by performing a secondary game different from an ordinary game using a variable display device for displaying a pattern required for a game, varying the secondary game according to the prize winning mode when the ordinary game wins a prize to heighten the feeling of strain in aiming at winning of the ordinary game, and further giving feeling of expectation to the next game. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine 1 includes: variable display devices 4L, 4C, 4R for variably displaying a plurality of patterns necessary for a game; a control means for controlling the variable display of the variable display devices; and a display device 6 capable of displaying an optional image. The image displayed on the display device 6 is a display necessary for the secondary game different from an ordinary game using the variable display devices 4L, 4C, 4R, which is displayed when the result of the ordinary game using the variable display devices 4L, 4C, 4R enters a predetermined prize winning mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine, a pachislot, a video poker, and the like provided with a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols necessary for a game and a control means such as a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) that controls the variable display Related to the gaming machine.

  For example, a gaming machine called a slot machine or a pachislot machine is a variable display device mechanically configured by arranging a plurality of rotating reels representing a plurality of symbols (symbols) in a front display window, or on a reel. It has a variable display device that is electrically configured by displaying symbols on the screen, and in response to the player's start operation, the control means drives the variable display device to rotate each reel, and automatically after a certain time Alternatively, when the reels are sequentially stopped by the player's stop operation, the game media such as coins are paid out when the symbols of the reels appearing in the display window are in a specific combination (winning symbol). In the case of a slot machine, when winning a prize by internal processing of the gaming machine (specifically, when winning by lottery by extracting random numbers with a microcomputer) Rotation to that reel is configured to align the effective line of the display unit the winning symbol when stopped.

  However, if all the game results (win / lose) are determined by the internal processing of the gaming machine, the player's skill will not be reflected in the game result, and the game itself will be monotonous, giving a sense of expectation for the next game The problem arises that it is difficult to get bored.

  Therefore, in order to solve such problems of the game, it is conceivable to perform a secondary game different from the normal game by the reel by providing a display device (liquid crystal display etc.) different from the variable display device. For example, for each of three types of specific symbols, each time a specific symbol appears on the active line, the image display corresponding to each specific symbol on the liquid crystal display is moved to the right, and the three types of specific symbols are displayed. There is known a pseudo-race game that competes for a moving amount (appearance frequency) of image display between them and gives a player a profit if it moves to a predetermined position.

  However, in the above-mentioned known game machines, another game is advanced only by a specific symbol appearing on the active line, so that the secondary game proceeds regardless of the result of the normal game, and the normal game prize is won by the reel. It is thought that secondary games are changing drastically without noticing, and it is not possible to obtain a sense of unity between normal games and secondary games. It has not yet been raised.

  The purpose of the present invention is to expand the player's profit acquisition range by performing a secondary game different from the normal game by the variable display device that displays the symbols necessary for the game, and to win when the normal game wins It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can increase a sense of tension when aiming to win a normal game by changing a secondary game according to an aspect, and can give a sense of expectation to the next game.

  A first aspect of the present invention includes a variable display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols necessary for a game, a control unit that controls variable display of the variable display device, and a display unit that can display an arbitrary image. The image displayed on the display means is a display necessary for a secondary game different from the normal game by the variable display device, and is displayed when the normal game is in a predetermined winning mode. Features.

  As an example of the secondary game, when a plurality of predetermined symbols are arranged in a predetermined direction or displayed on all of the predetermined positions on the display means, it becomes an up (a winning combination) and a predetermined profit is given to the player. A game as given is preferred.

  As the display means, an electrical display device such as a liquid crystal, a CRT, and an LED, or a mechanical display device having a rotating reel structure used in a conventional slot machine or the like can be used. Therefore, in the image displayed by the display means, various characters and figures that can be expressed by these display devices, moving images, or those that are electrically displayed, such as blinking light, as well as symbols drawn on the surface of the reel, Patterns are also included.

  In the second mode, the display means has a display screen capable of displaying the symbol image corresponding to the predetermined winning mode when the variable display is stopped according to the type, and the variable display is stopped and the predetermined winning mode is displayed. Each time, the symbol image corresponding to the winning mode is displayed on the display screen.

  In the third mode, the number of symbol images displayed on the display screen at a time varies depending on the type of winning mode.

  In the fourth aspect, the display screen has a fixed display area for each type of symbol image, and the symbol image is configured to be continuously displayed in the horizontal direction within this display area.

  In the fifth aspect, when the display on the display screen satisfies a predetermined condition, a profit is given to the player. The predetermined condition is that one of the display areas is filled with a symbol image displayed there.

  In the sixth aspect, it is assumed that the benefit given to the player differs depending on the type of the symbol image in which one of the display areas is filled.

  In the seventh aspect, after the display screen satisfies the predetermined condition, the control means performs a reset process for returning the display screen to the initial screen. This reset process includes an individual erasing method that erases all symbol images that fill one of the display areas, an all erasing method that erases all symbol images on the display screen, or both an individual erasing method and an all erasing method. There is a method of arbitrarily selecting one of the methods by coexisting.

  In the eighth aspect, the display means has a profit dividend display unit for displaying the number of profit dividends given to the player by the secondary game according to the type of symbol image, and the symbol image in which the display area is filled after the reset process. The number of profit dividends is doubled or a predetermined number is added to the profit dividend display section.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, during the game, the control means controls the variable display of the variable display device. The game result appears as a winning or non-winning (so-called “losing”) depending on the symbols displayed when the variable display is stopped. The display means performs a display necessary for a secondary game different from the normal game by such a variable display device, and the display is displayed when the predetermined winning mode is achieved when the variable display is stopped. Therefore, the player is given an opportunity for a secondary game in addition to the normal game by the variable display device, and the display means is necessary for the secondary game when the result of the normal game is in a predetermined winning mode. Since the display is performed, the past history of the predetermined winning mode can be known.

  According to the second aspect, the display means has the display screen capable of displaying the symbol image corresponding to the predetermined winning mode when the variable display is stopped according to the type, the variable display is stopped and the predetermined image is displayed. Each time a winning mode is selected, a symbol image corresponding to the winning mode is displayed on the display screen, so that a secondary game corresponding to the game result on the variable display device is possible, and the player can When aiming for winning in a game, attention is paid to the variable display so as to stop in a winning mode that is advantageous in the secondary game. In addition, the frequency of the secondary game can be easily adjusted for the game hall side by adjusting the appearance frequency of a specific symbol.

  According to the third aspect, since the number of symbol images displayed on the display screen at a time varies depending on the type of winning mode, the symbols displayed on the display screen at the time of normal game on the variable display device. Adds the pleasure of aiming for a winning combination of symbols with a large number of images.

  According to the fourth aspect, the display screen has a fixed display area for each type of symbol image, and is configured such that the symbol images are continuously displayed in the horizontal direction within the display area. According to the above, when the display on the display screen satisfies a predetermined condition, that is, if any of the display areas is filled with the symbol image displayed there (secondary game completion state), the player is benefited. give.

  Thus, the player can enjoy the secondary game like a “race game” in which the right end of the display area is regarded as a “goal” and each symbol image competes for the goal. In addition, since the secondary game has elements such as the above “race game” and also displays the past appearance history for the predetermined winning mode, the player displays a symbol image. It is possible to easily recognize which winning mode is close to or far from the winning of the secondary game from the present position and the displayed number.

  Therefore, as the secondary game progresses and the state where the profit can be obtained for the specific symbol image becomes close, the sense of expectation for the stop symbol in the normal game is increased to display the specific symbol image.

  According to the sixth aspect, since the benefit given to the player differs depending on the type of the symbol image in which one of the display areas is filled, it is possible to provide a secondary game with changes, and the frequency of appearance of each symbol. By adjusting, it is possible to easily adjust the profit dividend by the secondary game.

  According to the seventh aspect, after the display screen satisfies the predetermined condition, the control means performs a reset process for returning the display screen to the initial screen. In the case where this reset process is an individual erasing method that erases all symbol images in which one of the display areas is filled, when the other symbol images that have not been erased are close to the secondary game completion state, the player Therefore, even after the profit is paid out by the secondary game, the expectation can be maintained for the next profit.

  In the case where the reset process is an all-erasing method in which all symbol images on the display screen are erased, it can be seen that the player is far away until the secondary game is completed.

  In addition, if the reset process is performed by selecting both methods by coexisting both the individual erasing method and the all erasing method, the player can use the above-described individual erasing method after the completion of the secondary game. Thus, a reset process that is advantageous for the player is expected. Further, by adjusting the appearance frequency of each method, it is possible to change the progress of the secondary game and the result.

  According to the eighth aspect, the display means has a profit dividend display unit for displaying the number of profit dividends given to the player by the secondary game according to the type of the symbol image, and after the reset process, any one of the display areas is displayed. With respect to the profit dividend number of the filled symbol image, the profit dividend number obtained by doubling or adding a predetermined number is displayed on the profit dividend display section. As a result, even if the symbol image is erased by the reset process after the completion of the secondary game, the player can continue to expect to acquire the next profit because the profit dividend by the secondary game increases.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily adjust the winning probability and the profit dividend of the entire game by adjusting the appearance frequency of the symbols necessary for the secondary game displayed on the variable display unit in the normal game. it can.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 is a gaming machine that uses a coin, a medal, a token, or the like as a game medium, and will be described below using a coin.

  Three display windows 3L, 3C, and 3R arranged side by side are provided on the front of the cabinet 2 forming the entire slot machine 1, and either the center of each display window (on the winning line 14) or one of the upper and lower sides. Various symbols (symbols) are displayed at positions (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 2, these symbols are formed 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. It is drawn. In the example of FIG. 2, 22 positions are set in the length direction of the surface of each sheet, and other symbols such as symbols “7”, “BAR” and the like constituting a symbol combination that becomes a predetermined winning mode are arranged. In addition, even positions are “blank” (blank).

  A rotating reel in which such a sheet is wound around the circumferential surface is a mechanical variation display means as an example of a variation display member that constitutes a variable display device in the gaming machine of the present invention. As another example of the fluctuation display member, there is an electric fluctuation display means for displaying various designs and images on a CRT or liquid crystal display screen.

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

  A liquid crystal display 6 as an example of display means in the present invention is arranged at the lower center of the display window on the front portion of the cabinet 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the display screen of the liquid crystal display 6 includes a symbol image display unit 6 a and a coin payout display unit 6 b that are divided into three vertically by dividing the screen by three horizontal lines. Is formed. In each of the three divided display areas, an independent image is displayed, and a predetermined symbol image to be displayed is determined in advance. For example, in FIG. 3, the symbol image “7” is displayed in the upper display area 6a1, the symbol image “3BAR” is displayed in the middle display area 6a2, and the symbol image “2BAR” is displayed in the lower display area 6a3. It is configured as follows. In the coin payout display portion 6b, the coin payout number corresponding to each symbol image is displayed on each display portion 6b1, 6b2, 6b3. Each symbol image starts to be displayed under a predetermined condition as will be described later. Then, symbol images are continuously displayed from the left side to the right side when viewed from the front, and if one of the three display areas 6a1, 6a2, 6a3 is filled with the symbol image, a predetermined number of coins are paid out to the player. (Details will be described later).

  Below the liquid crystal display 6, a coin insertion slot 7 for inserting coins (or medals) as game media, a spin switch 8 for starting the reel by a push button operation separately from the operation of the start lever 5, 1-BET switch 9 for betting only one of the credited coins on the game by one push button operation, 1 maximum BET switch for betting the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game 10. A C / P switch 11 for switching the credit / payout of coins acquired by the player by a push button operation is disposed, and a coin payout opening 12 at the lower front of the cabinet 2 is switched at the lower front of the cabinet 2 by switching the C / P switch 11. A coin receiving portion 13 for storing coins to be paid out is disposed.

  FIG. 4 shows a circuit configuration including a control unit that controls game processing operations in the slot machine 1 and a peripheral device (actuator) that is 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 information and data necessary for executing processing for displaying a plurality of display images, which will be described later, on the screen of the liquid crystal display 6 in addition to game control of the slot machine.

  In the circuit of FIG. 4, as the main actuators whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 20, the stepping motors 15L, 15C, 15R for rotating the reels 4L, 4C, 4R, respectively, and coins of game media are used. There is a hopper (including a payout drive unit) 30 to be stored and the above-described display screen, which are connected to the output terminal of the CPU 21 via a motor drive circuit 31, a hopper drive circuit 32, and a liquid crystal drive circuit 16, respectively. Yes. These drive circuits receive control signals such as drive commands output from the CPU 21 and control the operation of each actuator.

  Further, as a main input signal generating means for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 20 to generate a control signal, a coin sensor 7S for detecting a coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 7 and an operation of the start lever 5 are detected. Start pulse 5S, spin switch 8, 1-BET switch 9, maximum BET switch 10, C / P switch 11, and a pulse signal from the reel rotation detector of the variable display device to detect the position of each reel A reel position detection circuit 34 for supplying a signal to the CPU 21 and a coin detection unit 35 for detecting coins paid out from the hopper 30 for detecting completion of coin payout when the count value of the coin detection unit 35 reaches a specified number of pieces of data. A payout completion signal circuit 36 for supplying a signal to the CPU 21 is connected to the input terminal of the CPU 21.

  In the circuit of FIG. 4, the random number generator 26 generates random numbers belonging to a predetermined numerical range, and the sampling circuit 27 performs random number sampling at an appropriate timing after the start lever 5 is operated. It is determined whether or not the sampled random number belongs to a predetermined prize area stored in the storage unit in the ROM 22, and if it belongs to the prize area, a “winning request signal” 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 15L, 15C, 15R 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 34. 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 a count value corresponding to the rotational position within the range of one rotation for each reel 4L, 4C, 4R.

  A “symbol table” is stored in the ROM 22 in order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 4L, 4C, and 4R with the symbols. The ROM 22 also stores a “winning symbol combination table”. In the winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning coin payout number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The winning symbol combination table is referred to when the reels 4L, 4C, 4R are being controlled, and when the winning is confirmed after all reels are stopped. Further, the ROM 22 stores a plurality of display image data for performing a secondary game described later on the liquid crystal display 6.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of operations for a normal game (primary game) on the rotating reels 4L, 4C and 4R and a game (secondary game) performed separately from the normal game on the liquid crystal display 6. is there. ST1, ST2,... In the figure indicate procedure (step) numbers.

  This process is executed by the CPU 21 of the microcomputer 20 which is the game control means of the slot machine 1. When the display means such as the liquid crystal display 6 includes a CPU as a display control unit, the CPU The display image may be determined according to a display command (for example, a display command corresponding to the type of winning or losing) from the CPU 21 as the game control means.

  In FIG. 5, first, the power of the gaming machine (slot machine 1) is turned on and the player performs a predetermined operation, that is, a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot 7 (ST1), and the 1-BET switch 9 or the maximum When the start lever 5 or the spin switch 8 is operated after the BET switch 10 is operated (ST2), the reels 4L, 4C, 4R are rotated to start variable display (ST3). At this time, the winning / non-winning determination and the stop symbol are determined based on the random number extracted by random sampling (ST4). Then, it is determined whether or not a “winning request signal” has been generated (ST5), and stop control of the rotating reels 4L, 4C, and 4R is performed according to the determination result. That is, when the “winning request signal” is generated, stop control is performed so as to display the winning symbol combination (ST7). If the “winning request signal” is not generated, the symbol combination is “lost”. Stop control is performed so as to display (ST6).

  In the above processing, the variable display of ST3 is realized by the CPU 21 sending a drive signal to the motor drive circuit 31 to drive the stepping motors 15L, 15C, 15R to rotate the reels 4L, 4C, 4R. The winning determination in ST4 is realized by sampling a random number from the random number generator 26 at an appropriate timing and determining whether or not the extracted random number value belongs to a predetermined winning area. When it is determined that a winning is made, the CPU 21 sends a signal for controlling the reels 4L, 4C, 4R to stop at the symbol display position corresponding to the type of winning. Thereby, stop control of ST6 or ST7 is realized. If it is determined that the winning is made, the CPU 21 supplies a coin payout command signal corresponding to the type of winning to the hopper driving circuit 32 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the hopper 30 (ST8). At that time, the coin detection unit 35 counts the number of coins paid out from the hopper 30, and when the count value reaches the designated number data, the payout completion signal circuit 36 inputs a payout completion signal to the CPU 21. . As a result, the CPU 21 stops driving the hopper 30 via the hopper drive circuit 32 and ends the coin payout process.

  Further, when the “winning request signal” is generated (“YES” in ST5), the CPU 21 determines whether the winning mode determined by the winning determination is a winning mode for the secondary game in the liquid crystal display 6. (ST9). Here, in the secondary game, when a predetermined winning mode (for example, “7-7-7”) among the various winning modes is aligned on the winning line 14 at the center of the display windows 3L, 3C, 3R, Only one symbol image “7” which is the same as the reel symbol “7” is displayed in the upper display area 6a1 of the symbol image display portion 6a of FIG.

  If it is determined in ST9 that the winning mode is not for the secondary game, the secondary game is not performed and the game is ended.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in ST9 that the winning mode for the secondary game is displayed on the winning line 14, one predetermined symbol image is displayed in the predetermined display areas 6a1, 6a2, 6a3 of the symbol image display unit 6a ( ST10).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the secondary game end condition has been achieved (ST11). The secondary game end condition is that any one of the three display areas 6a1, 6a2 and 6a3 of the symbol image display unit 6a is filled with the symbol image by the symbol image display (the area where the symbol image should be displayed is no longer displayed). No) state.

  If “YES” in the determination of ST11, a coin payout command signal is supplied to the hopper drive circuit 32 to pay out a predetermined number of coins from the hopper 30 (ST12). Here, the number of coins to be paid out may be fixed to a certain number, but varies depending on the design (for example, in the example of FIG. 3, when the secondary game is ended with “7”, 500 coins, “3BAR” In the case of 100, in the case of “2BAR” 50 sheets), the interest of the secondary game is further enhanced.

  If “NO” in the determination of ST11, the game ends.

  After paying out the coins, the CPU 21 performs a reset process of the symbol image display unit 6a to prepare for the next game (ST13), and the game ends.

  In this reset process, an “individual erasing method” (see FIG. 10, details will be described later) for erasing only the symbol image in the display area filled with the symbol image, and all symbols displayed regardless of the display area There are two types of “all erasing methods” for erasing images (see FIG. 11, details will be described later). With respect to both of these methods, the CPU 21 arbitrarily selects one of the methods by random number sampling from the random number generator 26 and performs a reset process. Of course, you may limit to any one system. Further, a separate operation unit may be provided so that the reset process can be performed manually by the player.

  By arbitrarily displaying these various reset screens, even after the game state is completed in the secondary game, the player has an expectation that an advantageous reset screen will be displayed when the next game is started. Can face.

  Further, for the symbol image in which the display area is filled, the coin payout number may be doubled or added after the reset processing (see FIGS. 12 and 13, details will be described later).

  Next, the symbols displayed on the display windows 3L, 3C, 3R as described above and the symbol image displayed on the symbol image display unit 6a of the liquid crystal display 6 will be described.

  FIG. 6 shows a state when the three reels 4L, 4C, 4R stop rotating. At this time, in the display windows 3L, 3C, 3R, three symbols "7" are stopped on the winning line 14 and the winning mode is displayed. This winning mode “7-7-7” is a winning mode for secondary games, and one symbol image of “7” is displayed in the upper display area 6a1 of the symbol image display unit 6a.

  FIG. 7 shows a state where three symbols “3BAR” are stopped on the winning line 14 in the display windows 3L, 3C, 3R, and the winning mode is displayed. This winning mode “3BAR-3BAR-3BAR” is also a winning mode for secondary games, and a symbol image of “3BAR” is displayed in the middle display area 6a2 of the symbol image display unit 6a.

  FIG. 8 shows a state in which three symbols “2BAR” are stopped on the winning line 14 in the display windows 3L, 3C, 3R and the winning mode is displayed. This winning mode “2BAR-2BAR-2BAR” is also a winning mode for secondary games, and a symbol image of “2BAR” is displayed in the lower display area 6a3 of the symbol image display unit 6a.

  Thereafter, each time the three reels 4L, 4C, 4R are stopped and the winning mode for the secondary game is stopped and displayed, a symbol image is displayed in a predetermined display area of the symbol image display unit 6a corresponding to the winning mode. When a symbol image to be displayed is already displayed, it is displayed on the right side of the symbol image.

  In this way, each symbol image is continuously displayed so as to be arranged in the horizontal direction in a predetermined display area of the symbol image display section 6a, and when any one of the symbol images displays a predetermined number to fill the display area. The secondary game is won (goal), and a predetermined number of coins are paid out. The coin payout number is displayed corresponding to each symbol image on each display portion 6b1, 6b2, 6b3 of the coin payout display portion 6b on the liquid crystal display 6. In FIG. “500” indicating 500 coins is displayed in the upper display portion 6b1 of the coin payout display portion 6b, and “100” indicating that the payout number of coins “3BAR” is 100 is displayed in the coin payout display portion 6b. In the middle display section 6b2, “50” indicating that the number of coins paid out in “2BAR” is 50 is displayed in the lower display section 6b3 of the coin payout display section 6b.

  In FIG. 9, in the display windows 3L, 3C, 3R, three symbols “3BAR” are stopped on the winning line 14 and the symbol image “3BAR” is displayed in the display area 6a2 in the middle of the symbol image display section 6a. In this case, the display area 6a2 is filled with the symbol image “3BAR”. This state is a secondary game winning. In this case, 100 coins are paid out.

  In this way, each symbol image is displayed side by side in the symbol image display unit 6a, so that for the player, the right end of the display area is regarded as a “goal” and the goal is aimed at between the symbol images. You can enjoy secondary games like a “race game”.

  In addition, the secondary game has elements such as the “race game” as described above, and also displays the appearance history of each winning mode so far, so that the player can select which winning mode is the secondary game. It is easy to recognize whether it is close or far from the prize.

  10 and 11 show the symbol image display unit 6a after the reset process performed after the secondary game winning.

  FIG. 10 shows the symbol image display unit 6a after performing the “individual erasing method” as one method of reset processing. This “individual erasing method” is a method of erasing all images of only the display area filled with symbol images. Here, in the above-described winning example of the secondary game, the symbol image “3BAR” is a symbol image display unit. Since the middle display area 6a2 of 6a is filled, the symbol image display unit 6a after the reset process is in a state where all the symbol images in the middle display area 6a2 are erased.

  FIG. 11 shows the symbol image display unit 6a after performing the “all erase method” as another method of reset processing. This “all erasure method” is a method of erasing all images displayed at the time of winning the secondary game regardless of the display area, and nothing is displayed on the symbol image display portion 6a.

  Therefore, after the reset processing by the “individual erasing method” as shown in FIG. 10, since many symbol images are already displayed for the symbol image “7”, it is assumed that all the symbol images “3BAR” are erased. Although the expectation of winning the secondary game is maintained, the “all erasure method” as shown in FIG. 11 erases each symbol image displayed so far in an instant. The feeling of disappointment is great.

  As described above, the reset process method greatly changes the expectation of the next game given to the player, so that the game as a whole can be developed in various ways.

  FIG. 12 shows the change in the display of the liquid crystal display 6 in the case of the “double payout method” in which the coin payout number is doubled after the reset process for the symbol image in which the display area is filled as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the symbol image “3BAR” fills the display area 6a2, after the reset process (“individual erasing method”), the middle display section of the coin payout display section 6b on the liquid crystal display 6 (Payout display portion of symbol image “3BAR”) 6b2 has changed from “100” to double “200”. Thereafter, whenever the display area 6a2 is filled with the symbol image “3BAR” and reset processing is performed, the display area 6a2 changes to “400”, “800”,. The same applies to other symbol images. For the symbol image “7”, the display on the upper display portion 6b1 of the coin payout display portion 6b changes to “500”, “1000”,. The display on the lower display portion 6b3 of the coin payout display portion 6b changes to “50”, “100”,.

  FIG. 13 shows the display on the liquid crystal display 6 in the case of the “additional payout method” in which a predetermined number is added to the coin payout number after the reset process for the symbol image in which the display area is filled.

  Here, as in the above example of FIG. 12, the display area 6a2 is filled with the symbol image “3BAR” shown in FIG. 9, and after the reset process (“individual erasing method”), on the liquid crystal display 6 The middle display portion 6b2 of the coin payout display portion 6b changes from “100” to “150” by adding “50”. Thereafter, every time the display area 6a2 is filled with the symbol image “3BAR” and reset processing is performed, the display area 6a2 changes to “200”, “250”,. The same applies to other symbol images. For the symbol image “7”, the display on the upper display portion 6b1 of the coin payout display portion 6b changes to “500”, “550”,. Is changed to “50”, “100”,... On the lower display portion 6b3 of the coin payout display portion 6b.

  In this way, the number of payouts displayed on the respective display portions 6b1, 6b2, 6b3 of the coin payout display portion 6b is increased every time the secondary game is won, so that the player can see which symbol images are displayed in the past. Can be easily recognized (which winning mode appeared in the normal game on the reel). That is, the history of each symbol image can be displayed on the coin payout display section 6b.

  The above “double payout method” or “additional payout method” may be applied in the reset processing by the “all erasing method”.

  It should be noted that an upper limit is set in advance on the number of payouts, and when the number of games reaches the upper limit value, the value of the payout display section may be returned to the initial value.

  Next, as another example of the secondary game, when a predetermined winning mode appears in the normal game on the reel, a case where the number of symbol images displayed at one time on the symbol image display unit 6a is changed is shown in FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 14 to 18 show the display modes in the display windows 3L, 3C, 3R when the three reels are stopped, and the symbol image display of the symbol image display unit 6a corresponding to the display mode.

  Here, a case will be described in which symbols dedicated to secondary games are arranged in place of symbols drawn on the surface of the sheet forming the circumferential surfaces of the rotating reels 4L, 4C, 4R shown in FIG.

  For example, for one of the symbols “2BAR” arranged on each of the reel sheets 4C and 4R shown in FIG. 2, one symbol dedicated to secondary games (“double 2BAR” described later) is used instead. In addition, for one of the symbols “3BAR” arranged two by two, another symbol dedicated to the secondary game (“triple 3BAR” described later) is arranged one by one. Furthermore, for one of the two symbols “7” arranged on the reel sheet 4R, another symbol dedicated to the secondary game (“double 7” described later) is arranged instead.

  In FIG. 14, “Double 2BAR”, which is a symbol dedicated to the secondary game, is displayed on the winning line 14 in the display window 3R, and “2BAR-2BAR− is displayed on the winning line 14 in the display windows 3L, 3C, 3R. “Double 2BAR” is displayed. That is, “2BAR” including one “double 2BAR” is arranged on the winning line 14, and in this case, as shown in FIG. 14, it is displayed at once in the display area 6a3 of the symbol image display section 6a. The number of symbol images is “2”. When two “double 2BARs” are included and “2BARs” are arranged, as shown in FIG. 15, the number of symbol images displayed at one time in the display area 6a3 of the symbol image display unit 6a is “four”. And That is, the number of symbol images “2BAR” that is twice the number including “double 2BAR” is displayed.

  Similar to “2BAR”, “3BAR” and “7” are displayed on the display areas 6a1, 6a2, and 6a3 of the respective display areas of the symbol image display unit 6a when they are aligned on the winning line 14 including a predetermined symbol. A case where the number of symbol images displayed at one time is changed will be described below.

  In FIG. 16, “3BAR-3BAR-Triple 3BAR” including one “Triple 3BAR”, which is a symbol dedicated to the secondary game, is displayed on the winning line 14, and a symbol image display portion is displayed. In the display area 6a2 of 6a, the symbol image “3BAR” is displayed “three” at a time. When two “triple 3BARs” are included and “3BARs” are arranged, as shown in FIG. 17, the number of symbol images displayed at one time in the display area 6a2 of the symbol image display unit 6a is “6”. And That is, the number of symbol images “3BAR” that is three times the number including “triple 3BAR” is displayed.

  In FIG. 18, “7-7-double 7” including one “double 7”, which is a symbol dedicated to the secondary game, is arranged on the winning line 14, and “7-7-double 7” is arranged, and the symbol image display section 6 a. In the display area 6a1, "7" symbol images are displayed at a time. That is, the number of symbol images “7” that is seven times the number including “double 7” is displayed.

  As described above, symbols advantageous to the secondary game that are not related to the winning in the normal game, such as the symbols “double 2BAR”, “triple 3BAR” and “double 7”, are arranged on the reel. As a result, even if you miss a prize in a normal game, you can expect to win in a secondary game.

  In addition, in the above example, each symbol such as “double 2BAR”, “triple 3BAR”, and “double 7”, which is not related to the winning in the normal game, is replaced with other symbols generated in the normal game. It is also possible to generate a payout corresponding to a winning in a normal game, depending on the combination.

  Also, by increasing the number of symbol images displayed at a time, the progress of the secondary game is accelerated and the frequency of winning a prize by the secondary game is increased, so the expectation for the secondary game can be maintained without getting the player bored. Can be made. Furthermore, for a winning mode with a low appearance probability in a normal game (for example, “7-7-7”), by increasing the number of symbol images to be displayed at a time, the range of profits that a player can acquire can be expanded. it can.

  Although the above embodiment is a slot machine, the present invention can also be applied to a video poker (game machine) in which a poker game is played with a variable display device.

  For example, when a combination of card symbols “three cards”, “full house”, “straight flash”, etc., which is a rise of a poker game, is displayed on the variable display portion, each of the symbol image display portions 6a corresponding to these is displayed. Symbol images “2BAR”, “3BAR”, “7”, etc. are displayed in the display areas 6a1, 6a2, 6a3.

  Further, if other predetermined card symbol combinations are generated, the number of symbol images displayed at a time in each of the display areas 6a1, 6a2, 6a3 of the symbol image display unit 6a may be changed.

  Further, as a condition for performing the secondary game, a specific combination of card symbols may be determined for the secondary game without using the combination of card symbols ascending in a normal poker game.

  As described above, the secondary game on the display screen provided separately from the normal game by the variable display always reflects the winning mode in the variable display as it is, so that the excitement as the whole game increases and the display screen The secondary game can be progressed together with the history display of the past winning mode in the variable display, and it is possible to know whether or not the game is almost completed. In addition, since it can be seen at a glance which winning mode is displayed to complete the game, it is possible to face the game with a very high sense of expectation and tension.

  From the above, the player aims to win a normal game while paying attention to the progress of the secondary game, and can further enhance the interest of the game.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the slot machine of the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the symbol arrangement | positioning on the reel sheet | seat arrange | positioned on the circumferential surface of the rotating reel which comprises a variable display apparatus. The front view which shows the external appearance of a variable display apparatus and a liquid crystal display. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration used in the slot machine of FIG. 1. The flowchart which shows a part of control operation of an Example. The figure which shows the winning state by the symbol "7" at the time of variable display stop, and the place which displayed the symbol image "7" on the symbol image display part of a liquid crystal display. The figure which shows the winning state by the symbol "3BAR" at the time of variable display stop, and the symbol image "3BAR" displayed on the symbol image display part of the liquid crystal display. The figure which shows the winning state by the symbol "2BAR" at the time of variable display stop, and the symbol image "2BAR" displayed on the symbol image display part of the liquid crystal display. The figure which shows the winning state by the symbol "3BAR" at the time of variable display stop, and the state which the symbol image display part of the liquid crystal display was filled with symbol image "3BAR". The figure which shows the reset screen by the "individual erase method" in a liquid crystal display. The figure which shows the reset screen by the "all erasing system" in a liquid crystal display. The figure which shows the change of the display by the "double payout method" after the reset process in the coin payout display part of a liquid crystal display. The figure which shows the change of the display by the "addition payout method" after the reset process in the coin payout display part of the liquid crystal display. The figure which shows the display of the symbol image display part of a liquid crystal display when "2BAR-2BAR-double 2BAR" is displayed on a pay line. The figure which shows the display of the symbol image display part of a liquid crystal display when "2BAR-double 2BAR-double 2BAR" is displayed on a pay line. The figure which shows the display of the symbol image display part of a liquid crystal display when "3BAR-3BAR-triple 3BAR" is displayed on a pay line. The figure which shows the display of the symbol image display part of a liquid crystal display when "3BAR-triple 3BAR-triple 3BAR" is carried out on a winning line. The figure which shows the display of the symbol image display part of a liquid crystal display when "7-7-double 7" is made on a pay line.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Slot machine, 2 ... Cabinet, 3L, 3C, 3R ... Display window, 4L, 4C, 4R ... Reel, 5 ... Start lever, 6 ... Liquid crystal display, 6a ... Symbol image display part, 6b ... Coin payout display part , 7 ... Coin slot, 8 ... Spin switch, 9 ... 1-BET switch, 10 ... Maximum BET switch, 11 ... C / P switch, 12 ... Coin payout port, 13 ... Coin receiving part, 14 ... Winning line, 15L , 15C, 15R ... stepping motor, 16 ... liquid crystal drive circuit, 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, 31 ... Motor drive circuit, 32 ... Hopper drive circuit, 34 ... Reel position detection circuit, 35 ... Coin detection unit, 6 ... the payout completion signal circuit.

Claims (9)

A variable display device that variably displays a plurality of symbols necessary for the game;
Control means for controlling variable display of the variable display device;
Storage means for storing display image data relating to an image provided corresponding to each of a plurality of winning modes;
Display means having a display screen on which the image is displayed,
The control means performs control to display an image corresponding to the predetermined winning mode on the display screen when a result of control by the controlling unit becomes a predetermined winning mode, and a predetermined condition is satisfied. In some cases, the gaming machine performs control related to a reset process in which an image displayed on the display screen can be deleted from the display screen for each winning mode.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means resets all the images related to one winning mode from the display screen when the predetermined condition is satisfied, or all from the display screen. A game machine characterized by selecting and controlling any one of reset processes for erasing the image. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The display screen has a display area for each of the plurality of winning modes.
The image is an image necessary for a secondary game different from the normal game, and is a symbol image provided corresponding to each of the plurality of winning modes,
Each time the control means becomes the predetermined winning mode, a symbol image corresponding to the predetermined winning mode is displayed in a display area corresponding to the type of the predetermined winning mode.   4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the number of the symbol images displayed on the display screen at a time varies depending on the type of the predetermined winning mode.   5. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the display area has a configuration in which the symbol image is continuously displayed in a horizontal direction.   6. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the control means provides a profit to the player when the predetermined condition is satisfied.   7. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined condition is that any one of the display areas is filled with the symbol image displayed therein. Machine.   7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the control means gives the player a different profit depending on the type of the symbol image in which any one of the display areas is filled. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 3 to 8,
The display means has a profit dividend display unit for displaying the number of profit dividends given to the player by the secondary game according to the type of the symbol image,
When any one of the display areas is filled with the symbol image, the control means doubles or displays a profit dividend number obtained by adding a predetermined number to the profit dividend number of the symbol image filling the display area. A gaming machine characterized by being displayed on the section.

Images