JP2008043677A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine allowing a player to easily and clearly understand that the numbers of slid pieces correspond to respective reels and capable of easily securing spaces for displaying the numbers of the slid pieces. <P>SOLUTION: This game machine includes a plurality of reels (variable display means) 3L, 3C and 3R executing the moving and stop of a plurality of types of symbols, a random number lottery means determining respective types of winning roles settled corresponding to the stop positions of the symbols by a random number lottery, and stop buttons (stop means) 16L, 16C and 16R provided corresponding to the respective reels and operated from the outside for stopping the moving symbols; and is so constituted that 7-segment LEDs (the number of slid pieces display means) 16d each of which, when operating a stop button, display the number of slid symbol pieces till stopping the symbols of the reel corresponding to the stop button is provided in the stop bottom so as to view the number of slid pieces from the operated stop button. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a function of displaying the number of sliding symbols until a symbol of variable display means stops.

  Generally, for example, there is a slot machine as a gaming machine installed in a game hall such as a so-called pachinko shop. In this type of slot machine, generally, when a game medium such as a medal or a game ball is inserted, an effective line is determined depending on the number of game media inserted, and a game can be started. When the start switch (start lever) is operated, the game starts, and a plurality of (for example, three) reels (variable display means) rotate all at once. Thereby, the symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel move in a certain direction within the symbol display window.

  Here, when the player operates one of the stop buttons (stop means) provided corresponding to each reel, the reel corresponding to the stop button stops. When all the reels are stopped, the combination of symbols stopped at the position corresponding to the active line is a winning combination (that is, a combination of symbols for winning) among predetermined winning combinations (design combinations). If a match is found, a winning is established, and the number of game media corresponding to the winning is paid out to the player.

  In addition, when a bonus winning is established among various winnings, a so-called bonus game is started from the next game. During this bonus game, the probability of being determined as a winning winning combination by internal lottery, which will be described later, is higher than in a normal game that is not a bonus game (hereinafter referred to as “general game”).

  The types of bonus games include, for example, a regular bonus game (hereinafter referred to as “RB game”) that ends when a predetermined prize is established a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times) or the RB game is started. There is a big bonus game (hereinafter referred to as “BB game”) that ends when the probability increases and a predetermined number of medals (for example, 465) are paid out, and one of the bonus games depends on the type of the slot machine. There are those equipped with only, and those equipped with both bonus games.

  Here, in the slot machine, when the start switch is operated, a random number lottery (hereinafter referred to as “internal lottery”) is performed to determine various winning combinations in the game, and the player stops. When the reel is stopped by operating the button, the reel stop control is performed within a certain range so that the symbol combination determined by the internal lottery stops at the effective line.

  For example, in the internal lottery, the player operates the stop button before each winning symbol combination (hereinafter referred to as “winning symbol”) reaches the active line when the winning combination is determined. Suppose that At this time, four symbols on the upper side (upstream with respect to the moving direction of the symbol) of the active line (if the winning symbol has already stopped on the active line in another reel, the active line). If the winning symbol is within the symbol range, the slot machine rotates the reel until the winning symbol reaches the active line, and then stops the reel.

  That is, even if the stop button is operated earlier than the winning symbol reaches the active line, if there is a winning symbol within a certain range, the reels are controlled to slide until the winning symbol reaches the active line. It is supposed to be established. On the other hand, if the winning combination is determined by internal lottery, even if the winning button is operated at the timing when any winning symbol stops on the active line, the winning symbol may stop on the active line. The slip of the reel is controlled so as not to occur. Note that “slip” is a stop operation symbol that is positioned on the effective line when the stop button is operated to stop (specifically, a specific position (for example, the center) of the symbol is located above the effective line, and This means that the symbol located further above the symbol (the symbol whose position is closest to the effective line) moves to reach the effective line. This means the number of frames at which the symbol stops. Therefore, when the symbol stops at the position of the symbol during the stop operation, the number of sliding symbols is 0. When the symbol stops at the fourth symbol counted from the symbol following the symbol during the stop operation, The number of frames is 4.

  Here, among the players, particularly the skilled player has missed the winning prize by determining the winning combination by paying attention to the symbol at the time of the stop operation and the symbol at the time of the actual stop. The winning symbol was not established because the winning symbol was not established due to the fact that the winning symbol was not stopped on the active line because there was no winning symbol by the 4th frame for the symbol. It is possible to infer whether or not it was not, or to estimate how appropriate the timing of operating the stop button was. For example, as a result of operating the first stop button, the symbol “A” stops on the active line, the number of sliding symbols is 2, and the second stop button is aimed at the same symbol as the symbol “A”. As a result of the operation, the symbol “A” stops on the active line, the number of sliding symbols is 4, and the third stop button is operated with the symbol “A” being operated. As a result, the symbol “A” other than the winning symbol “ When “B” stops on the active line and the number of sliding symbols is 2, the winning was not established because the winning combination was decided because the winning combination was not decided. It can be almost estimated. In addition, the operation timing of the second stop button can be estimated that the symbol “A” can be drawn in, but the number of sliding symbols is 4, so that it is not optimal.

  On the other hand, for beginners, it is difficult to guess the number of sliding symbols from the symbol at the time of stop operation and the symbol at the time of actual stop, and whether the winning combination is determined whether the winning was not established due to missing. Therefore, it was extremely difficult to determine whether a winning was not established or whether the operation timing of the stop button was appropriate.

For this reason, for example, an indicator that displays the number of sliding frames and a 7-segment LED are provided on the front panel of the slot machine (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-222947 A

  However, in the conventional slot machine, since almost the entire front panel is already occupied by various display devices, display lamps and the like, an indicator and a 7-segment LED are further provided on the front panel. There was a problem that it was extremely difficult to arrange. In addition, since other display devices etc. are mixed on the front panel, it is understood that the indicator provided on the front panel and the display by the 7-segment LED are the number of sliding frames corresponding to each reel. There was also a problem of misalignment.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can easily and clearly grasp the number of sliding frames corresponding to each reel, and has a space for displaying the number of sliding frames. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can be easily secured.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is provided with a plurality of variable display means for moving and stopping a plurality of types of symbols, and corresponding to each of the variable display means. A game machine comprising stop means that can be operated from the outside to stop the symbol, until the stop of the symbol of the variable display means corresponding to the stop means when the stop means is operated A sliding frame number display means for displaying the number of sliding symbols on the symbol is provided on the stopping means so that the sliding frame number can be seen from the stopping means that has been operated.

  Here, examples of the variable display device described above include a so-called rotary type or belt type variable display device in which both ends in the longitudinal direction of the belt-like member are connected to form a ring.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the stop means is made of a light-transmitting material that allows the operation surface portion operated from the outside to be seen through the number of sliding frames. The sliding frame number display means is composed of a 7-segment LED disposed behind the operation surface portion in the stopping means.

  According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the sliding piece number display means is provided on the stopping means so that the number of sliding pieces can be seen from the stopping means that has performed the stopping operation. It is possible to easily and clearly grasp the number of sliding frames of the variable display means corresponding to the performed stopping means.

  In addition, since the sliding piece number display means is installed in each stopping means, the number of sliding pieces is further displayed on the front panel of the gaming machine in which a considerable amount of space is already occupied by various display devices. There is no need to secure space for Therefore, a space for displaying the number of sliding frames can be easily secured.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the stopping means is made of a material having a light transmission property so that the operating surface portion operated from the outside can be seen through the sliding piece number, and the sliding piece number display means includes Since it is comprised by 7 segment LED arrange | positioned behind the operation surface part in a stop means, the number of sliding frames can be grasped | ascertained easily and clearly by the arithmetic number. Further, by configuring the operation surface portion or the cover portion having this operation surface portion so as to be detachable from the main body of the stopping means, the operation surface portion becomes cloudy due to, for example, a player's operation, and the number of sliding symbols is displayed. Even if it becomes unclear, it is possible to return to the original clear display state easily and at low cost simply by exchanging the operation surface portion or the cover.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment shows an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is one of gaming machines.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 shown in this embodiment includes a reel unit inside a casing that constitutes the outer peripheral portion thereof. This reel unit is provided with three reels (variable display means) 3L, 3C, and 3R that are installed in a horizontal row with the rotation axis in the horizontal direction and are configured to rotate independently. . On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, 21 types of seven types of symbols are formed in series in a predetermined arrangement. That is, each reel 3L, 3C, 3R is configured to move and stop for a plurality of types of symbols.

  In addition, the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R can be visually recognized at the same time through the symbol display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R at the upper, middle, and lower levels.

  The symbol display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R are disposed on a reel unit display 2a (a portion surrounded by a thick line in FIG. 1) located at the approximate center of the front panel 2 disposed in front of the slot machine 1.

  Further, the slot machine 1 is a reference for determining success or failure of winning based on the symbols displayed in the symbol display windows 4L, 4C, 4R when the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is stopped. A winning line has been established. The winning line is composed of five lines: a right rising line L1, an upper line L2, a middle line L3, a lower line L4, and a right lowering line L5.

  The winning line for which the winning is considered to be valid, that is, the valid line is determined according to the number of medals inserted into the slot machine 1. In other words, up to three medals can be inserted in one game, and when one medal is inserted, only the middle pay line L3 becomes an effective line and two medals are inserted. In this case, three winning lines L2, L3, and L4 in the upper, middle, and lower tiers are effective lines, and when three medals are inserted, five winning lines L1 to L5 are effective lines.

  The reel unit display 2a is constituted by a normally white liquid crystal image display device, and displays a substantially transparent symbol display window 4L, 4C, 4R at a position corresponding to each reel 3L, 3C, 3R during the game. Thus, the player can visually recognize the symbols of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R from the outside. Further, the portions around the symbol display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R in the reel unit display 2a are regions for displaying images for causing the game to have a sense of expectation and interest and various information useful to the player. ing. Furthermore, although illustration is omitted, on the back side of the reel unit display 2a, the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is illuminated to improve the symbol visibility through the symbol display windows 4L, 4C, 4R. A cold cathode tube is installed.

  The front panel 2 is provided with a reel section panel 2b on the left side of the reel section display 2a. In the reel section panel 2b, in order from the top in the figure, a bonus count display section 5, BET lamps 6a to 6c, a payout number display section 7, a stored number display section 8, and a game state display lamp group 9 are arranged. It is arranged.

  The bonus count display section 5 is composed of a three-digit 7-segment display, and displays the number of medals paid out during the bonus game. BET lamps 6a, 6b, and 6c indicate the number of medals inserted in one game according to the number of lights, only the BET lamp 6a is lit when one medal is inserted, and BET when two medals are inserted. The lamps 6a and 6b are turned on, and all three BET lamps 6a, 6b and 6c are turned on when three lamps are inserted. The payout number display unit 7 is composed of a two-digit 7-segment display, and displays the number of medals to be paid out when a winning is achieved as a result of the game. The stored number display unit 8 is configured by a three-digit seven-segment display, and displays the number of medals stored in the slot machine 1.

  The game state display lamp group 9 is composed of lamps composed of five LEDs, and in the order from the left in the figure, the insert lamp IN (see FIG. 6 for symbols), the start lamp ST, the game standby display lamp WA, and the re-game display. A lamp RE and the like are provided, and the player is notified of the current gaming state by the lighting state of each lamp.

  Here, the insert lamp IN blinks to indicate that a medal can be inserted. The start lamp ST is turned on to indicate that the game can be started (start switch operation described later) is ready. Since the game standby display lamp WA is turned on and 4.1 seconds have not elapsed since the start of the previous game, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are in a standby state, and even if the start switch is operated, It shows that the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R does not start. In this case, when 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of the previous game, the game standby display lamp WA is extinguished and the reels 3L, 3C, 3R can be started. The re-game display lamp RE is turned on to indicate that the next game to be started is a re-game.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a medal slot 10 is provided at a position on the right side of the front surface under the front panel 2. The medal inserted into the medal slot 10 determines the effective line as described above, but if three coins are inserted and then further inserted, the fourth and subsequent cards are stored in the slot machine 1. . Up to 50 medals can be stored. An operation unit 11 is configured on the lower side of the front panel 2 in a range from the left part of the medal slot 10 to the front left end.

  The operation unit 11 includes an upper surface portion 11a that protrudes in a shelf shape in front of the front panel 2, and a front surface portion 11b that is formed to descend downward from the tip of the upper surface portion 11a. A 2-BET switch 12, a 1-BET switch 13, and a MAX-BET switch 14 are provided in order from the left on the left portion of the upper surface portion 11a. Each of these BET switches 12, 13, and 14 is a switch for inserting medals stored in the slot machine 1 for a game.

  That is, the 1-BET switch 13 inserts one medal stored each time it is operated once, and the 2-BET switch 12 medal is stored by one operation. The MAX-BET switch 14 inserts three medals stored in one operation. Between the 1-BET switch 13 and the MAX-BET switch 14, there is a help switch 15 for displaying an explanatory note (not shown) relating to the game written on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. Is provided.

  A stop button unit 161 is provided at a position corresponding to the approximate center in the width direction of the slot machine 1 on the front portion 11b. The stop button unit 161 includes three stop buttons (stop means) 16 disposed so as to correspond to the lower portions of the symbol display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. That is, each stop button 16 includes a left stop button (first stop means) 16L, a central stop button (second stop means) 16C, and a right stop button (third stop means) 16R. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, these stop buttons 16L, 16C, and 16R are incorporated in a stop button case 162 that can be attached to and detached from the operation unit 11, and the stop button case 162 is attached to the operation unit 11. In this state, the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are arranged at positions corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively. The left stop button 16L is a switch that emits a signal for stopping the left reel 3L via a main control unit 30 (see FIG. 6) to be described later when pressed. Similarly, the central stop button 16C is a switch that emits a signal for stopping the central reel 3C when pressed, and the right stop button 16R is used for stopping the right reel 3R when pressed. It is a switch that emits a signal.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the stop button case 162 is formed with three guide holes 162b for guiding the stop button 16 so as to be reciprocally movable in a linear direction in a decorative plate portion 162a arranged on the front surface. Each guide hole 162b has an elliptical cross section. On the other hand, each stop button 16 includes at least a button main body 16a, a cover 16b, and a coil spring 16c, and includes a 7-segment LED (sliding frame number display means) 16d.

  The button main body portion 16a has a small-diameter elliptic cylinder portion 16e having a small diameter on the outer peripheral surface, and is disposed on the proximal end side of the small-diameter elliptic cylinder portion 16e and has a larger outer diameter than the small-diameter elliptic cylinder portion 16e. The large-diameter elliptical cylindrical portion 16f is integrally provided. Locking projections 16g extending in the circumferential direction are formed on the small-diameter elliptical cylinder portion 16e at positions that are 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the locking protrusion 16g is formed so that its cross section protrudes in an arc shape from the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter elliptical cylinder portion 16e.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the large-diameter elliptical cylindrical portion 16f has an outer peripheral surface formed in a shape and a diameter so as to be movably fitted in the guide hole 162b in the axial direction. A light shielding piece 16h that protrudes in the axial direction is formed at each position spaced apart, and a locking piece 16i is formed at each position 90 degrees away from each light shielding piece 16h in the circumferential direction. The light shielding piece 16h is configured to turn the contact ON and OFF as the stop button 16 reciprocates. The locking piece 16i engages with the locking hole formed in the guide hole 162b, thereby enabling the stop button 16 to reciprocate within a predetermined range, and the stop button 16 is moved to the guide hole 162b. It is designed to prevent it from falling off. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a partition plate 16s is provided in the button main body 16a at a predetermined position in the axial direction. The partition plate 16s receives an elastic force acting from one end of the coil spring 16c. The partition plate 16s is formed with an annular protrusion 16t for positioning one end of the coil spring 16c.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cover portion 16b is integrally formed by an elliptic cylinder portion 16j formed in an elliptic cylinder shape and an operation surface portion 16k that closes the tip opening of the elliptic cylinder portion 16j. The elliptic cylinder portion 16j has an inner peripheral surface formed in a shape and diameter that fits into the small-diameter elliptic cylinder portion 16e of the button main body portion 16a, and an outer peripheral surface formed in a shape and diameter that substantially matches the outer peripheral surface of the button main body portion 16a. Has been. In addition, the elliptical cylindrical portion 16j is formed with a locking hole 16m that is locked to the locking projection 16g in a state of being fitted to the small-diameter elliptical cylindrical portion 16e so as to cover the entire axial direction of the small-diameter elliptical cylindrical portion 16e. Has been. The locking projections 16g and the locking holes 16m can connect and separate the elliptical cylindrical portion 16j and the small-diameter elliptical cylindrical portion 16e with an appropriate force by human power. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the elliptical cylindrical portion 16j is formed with an annular rib 16n that protrudes inward from the inner surface on the tip side. The annular rib 16n sandwiches the 7-segment LED 16d with the tip surface of the small-diameter elliptic cylinder portion 16e in a state where the locking hole 16m of the elliptic cylinder portion 16j is locked to the locking projection 16g of the small-diameter elliptic cylinder portion 16e. It comes to hold. The cover portion 16b is integrally formed of a colorless or colored transparent material (for example, plastic such as polycarbonate resin or glass) having a light transmission property such that characters displayed on the 7-segment LED 16d can be seen through. ing. Further, the operation surface portion 16k is formed in a curved surface shape that smoothly protrudes outward so that the operation feeling by the player's fingertips is good. In addition, only the operation surface part 16k in the cover part 16b may be formed transparently as mentioned above.

  The 7-segment LED 16d is composed of one digit, and the outer peripheral portion of the 7-segment LED 16d with the display surface for displaying the numbers 0 to 9 facing the operation surface portion 16k is formed with the annular rib 16n and the small-diameter elliptic cylinder portion 16e. It is clamped by the front end surface. That is, the 7-segment LED 16d displays the number of sliding frames, which will be described later, with arithmetic numbers. Each sliding frame number can be easily and clearly visually recognized from the outside through the operation surface portion 16k of the stop button 16. The stop buttons 16L, 16C, and 16R are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the coil spring 16c is compressed between a support concave portion 162d formed in the bottom plate portion 162c of the guide hole 162b and an annular protrusion 16t formed in the partition plate 16s of the button main body portion 16a. The stop button 16 that is held in the closed state and whose stroke is restricted by the locking piece 16i and the locking hole with which the locking piece 16i engages is held at the outermost stroke position in the guide hole 162b. When the operation surface portion 16k is pressed, the stop button 16 is allowed to move inward of the guide hole 162b by the stroke.

  The 7-segment LED 16d in each stop button 16 is connected to a control circuit cord (not shown). This control circuit cord is connected to a 7-segment LED drive circuit 47 of the main control unit 30 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, via a connector 162f of the wiring board 162e that also serves as the bottom plate of the stop button case 162. .

  The stop button case 162 is formed in a box shape by a decorative plate portion 162a disposed on the front surface, a side plate (not shown) disposed on the four side surfaces, and a wiring board 162e disposed on the bottom surface.

  Further, in the operation unit 11 shown in FIG. 1, a signal for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is generated on the left side of the stop button unit 161 in the front part 11b by the player's tilting operation, and the symbol display window 4L A start switch 17 is provided for starting the movement of symbols displayed on 4C and 4R.

  On the other hand, a waist panel 18 on which a model name given to the slot machine 1 and a pattern such as a character in accordance with the concept of the slot machine 1 is drawn is disposed below the operation unit 11. A medal discharge switch 19 for discharging medals stored in the slot machine 1 is provided on the left side.

  A medal discharge port 20 is provided on the lower side of the waist panel 18, and a medal is stored when a prize is established as a result of playing a game in the slot machine 1 and when medals are stored in the slot machine 1. When the discharge switch 19 is pressed, the medal is discharged from the medal discharge port 20. The discharged medals are stored in the medal receiving unit 21. At the top of the slot machine 1, there is provided an upper lamp 22 that produces effects and notifications by emitting light in a light emission pattern according to the game situation. On both the left and right sides of the upper lamp 22, a right speaker 23R and a left speaker 23L that output operation sounds, performance sounds, notification sounds and the like according to the game situation are arranged.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R will be described. On the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, one reel band (band member) 3a is connected at both ends in the longitudinal direction and formed in an annular shape. FIG. 5 is a developed view of each reel band 3a. Each reel band 3a has a “red 7” symbol RS, a “blue 7” symbol BS, a “BAR” symbol BA, a “cherry” symbol CH, a “Replay” symbol RE, a “bell” symbol BL, and a “plum” symbol. Seven types of PL symbols are formed in a line of 21 by printing or the like. In addition, a symbol number is assigned to the symbol of each reel band 3a, and the slot machine 1 determines whether or not the type of symbol stopped and displayed in the symbol display windows 4L, 4C, 4R based on the symbol number or whether or not a prize has been won. Judgment is made.

  A broken line shown in each reel band 3a shown in FIG. 5 represents a boundary of a region (that is, a symbol region) included in one symbol. This broken line is shown in order to show the symbol area, and is not written on the actual reel band.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the structure of the control part which performs control regarding the game in the slot machine 1 is demonstrated. The control unit of the slot machine 1 includes a main control unit 30 and a sub control unit 60. The main control unit 30 mainly performs control related to games performed in the slot machine 1 such as insertion of medals, rotation / stop of reels, and payout of medals. The sub-control unit 60 performs control related to effects such as sound, light, images, and the like, which are mainly executed with games.

  The main control unit 30 has a configuration in which a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 31 arranged on a circuit board is a main component, and a circuit for random number sampling is added thereto. The microcomputer 31 includes a main CPU 32 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, and a program ROM 33 and a control RAM 34 that are storage means.

  The main CPU 32 includes a clock pulse generation circuit 35 that generates a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 36 that divides the reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 37 that generates a random number within a predetermined numerical range (for example, 0 to 65535). And a sampling circuit 38 for sampling the generated random number. The main CPU 32 exchanges signals with various input / output devices (to be described later) via the I / O port 39.

  In addition, you may comprise so that random number sampling may be performed on the operation | movement program of main CPU32 as a means of random number sampling. In this case, the random number generator 37 and the sampling circuit 38 can be omitted. However, the random number generator 37 and the sampling circuit 38 can be left as they are for backup of the random number sampling operation without being omitted.

  The main CPU 32 performs processing based on the reference clock pulse generated by the clock pulse generation circuit 35 and performs interrupt processing and the like at regular intervals based on the pulse signal generated by the frequency divider 36. The program ROM 33 of the microcomputer 31 stores various tables such as a symbol table, a plurality of probability lottery tables, a stop control table group, and a winning determination table, in addition to a program for performing game control in the slot machine 1.

  Here, the symbol table associates each step of the stepping motor corresponding to each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbol number and the symbol type of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The main control unit 30 refers to the symbol table to determine the stop control of each reel and the symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R.

  The probability lottery table constitutes random number classifying means for classifying the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 38 into respective winnings and the like, and a boundary value for classifying a predetermined range of random numbers generated by the random number generator 37 into each winning etc. I remember it. Here, the random number lottery means includes at least a random number generator 37, a sampling circuit 38, a probability lottery table, and a microcomputer 31, and various random winnings determined corresponding to the stop positions of the symbols are randomized. It comes to decide by.

  The stop control table group includes a plurality of stop control tables determined according to the result of the internal lottery, the symbol position of the reel 3 that is the target of stop control, and the like. Each stop control table has each symbol on the reel band 3a, and when each symbol is located in the middle of the symbol display window, for example, when the player presses the stop button, the number of symbols from that position This is associated with the number of symbols (for a maximum of 4 symbols) indicating whether to advance and stop the reel. This stop control table is referred to immediately after the operation according to the operation of each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R.

  An example of the stop control table is shown in FIGS. In the stop control table, the stop operation position (design during stop operation) and the stop control position (stop design) of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R are recorded. The stop operation position is, for example, a symbol (specifically, a position located on the middle pay line L3 when the stop buttons 16L, 16C, 16R provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are operated. , The design number (for example, the center) of the symbol is located above the middle prize line L3, and the particular position is the symbol number of the symbol closest to the position of the middle prize line L3. The stop control position represents the symbol number of the symbol that is stopped and displayed at the position of the middle pay line L3 when the reel 3 on which the stop operation has been performed is stopped. Here, the maximum number of sliding frames is four. For example, if the right stop button 16R is operated when the cherry CH (see FIG. 5) of the symbol number 12 reaches the position of the middle pay line L3 while the right reel 3R is rotating, the blue 7BS of the symbol number 08 is operated. The right reel 3R can be controlled so as to be stopped and displayed at the position of the middle pay line L3.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a stop control table that is referred to when, for example, a winning combination of winning a bell is won internally. In FIG. 7, the stop control position of the left reel 3L is any one of the symbol numbers 03, 08, 11, 15 or 19. The symbol corresponding to these symbol numbers is a bell. That is, when the left stop button 16L is operated at the stop operation position of 07 to 03, the slip control of 4 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 03 is stopped on the middle winning line L3. In addition, when the left stop button 16L is operated at the stop operation positions of 02, 01, 00, 20, and 19, slip control of 4 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of symbol number 19 is in the middle. Stop at the winning line L3. Further, when the left stop button 16L is operated at the stop operation positions 18 to 15, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 15 stops on the middle pay line L3. . Further, when the left stop button 16L is operated at the stop operation positions 14 to 11, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 11 stops on the middle pay line L3. . Furthermore, when the left stop button 16L is operated at the stop operation position of 10 to 08, the slip control of 2 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 08 stops on the middle pay line L3. To do. In this case, for example, when the left stop button 16L is operated at the position of symbol number 05, the number of sliding symbols is determined as 2 by the stop control table, and the number of sliding symbols is recorded in the control RAM 34 and the main CPU 32 The 7-segment LED 16d in the left stop button 16L is displayed via the I / O port 39 and the 7-segment LED drive circuit 47. That is, immediately after the left stop button 16L is operated, the number of sliding frames of the left reel 3L is displayed.

  Next, the “stop control position” of the central reel 3C is any one of the symbol numbers 03, 07, 11, 15, or 19. That is, when the central stop button 16C is operated at the stop operation position of 06 to 03, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 03 is stopped on the middle pay line L3. Further, when the central stop button 16C is operated at the stop operation positions 02, 01, 00, 20, and 19, slip control of 4 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of symbol number 19 is in the middle. Stop at the winning line L3. Further, when the central stop button 16C is operated at the stop operation positions 18 to 15, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 15 stops on the middle pay line L3. . Further, when the central stop button 16C is operated at the stop operation positions 14 to 11, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 11 stops on the middle pay line L3. . Further, when the central stop button 16C is operated at the stop operation position of 10-07, the slip control of 3-0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 07 stops on the middle pay line L3. . In this case, for example, when the central stop button 16C is operated at the position of symbol number 02, the number of sliding symbols is determined as 4 by the stop control table, and this number of sliding symbols is recorded in the control RAM 34 and the main CPU 32. The 7-segment LED 16d in the central stop button 16C is displayed via the I / O port 39 and the 7-segment LED drive circuit 47. That is, the number of sliding frames on the central reel 3C is displayed immediately after the central stop button 16C is operated.

  Next, the “stop control position” of the right reel 3R is one of the symbol numbers 01, 05, 10, 14, or 18. That is, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the stop operation position of 04 to 01, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 01 is stopped on the middle pay line L3. Also, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the stop operation positions 00, 20, 19, and 18, slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of symbol number 18 is the middle winning line. Stop at L3. Further, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the stop operation positions 17 to 14, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 14 stops on the middle pay line L3. . Further, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the stop operation position of 13 to 10, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 10 stops on the middle pay line L3. . Further, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the stop operation position 09 to 05, the slip control of 4 to 0 frames is performed, and the “bell” symbol BL of the symbol number 05 stops on the middle pay line L3. . In this case, for example, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the position of symbol number 13, the number of sliding symbols is determined by the stop control table as 3, and the number of sliding symbols is recorded in the control RAM 34 and the main CPU 32. The 7-segment LED 16d in the right stop button 16R is displayed via the I / O port 39 and the 7-segment LED drive circuit 47. That is, the number of sliding frames of the right reel 3R is displayed immediately after the right stop button 16R is operated.

  As described above, when the stop control table shown in FIG. 7 is used for stop control of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, the stop button 16L, 16C, 16R is operated at any symbol number position. When the number of sliding symbols becomes 4 or less, the “bell” symbol BL stops at the position of the middle stage winning line L3, and a winning is established.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a stop control table that is referred to when the winning combination is determined by internal lottery. In this stop control table, after the “bell” symbol BL stops at the middle pay line L3 by the operation of the left stop button 16L and the center stop button 16C, the “bell” symbol BL does not stop at the middle pay line L3. In addition, it is a table for controlling the stop of the right reel 3R. Here, the stop control position with respect to the stop operation position of the left reel 3L and the center reel 3C is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the stop control position of the right reel 3R is any one of the symbol numbers 02, 06, 11, 15 or 19. The symbols corresponding to these symbol numbers are “Replay” symbols RE. That is, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the stop operation position of 05-02, the slip control of 3-0 frames is performed, and the “Replay” symbol RE of symbol number 02 stops on the middle pay line L3. In addition, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the stop operation positions 01, 00, 20, and 19, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “Replay” symbol RE of symbol number 19 is the middle winning line. Stop at L3. Further, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the stop operation positions 18 to 15, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “Replay” symbol RE of the symbol number 15 stops on the middle pay line L3. . Further, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the stop operation positions 14 to 11, the slip control of 3 to 0 frames is performed, and the “Replay” symbol RE of the symbol number 11 stops on the middle pay line L3. . Furthermore, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the stop operation position of 10-06, 4-0 frame slip control is performed, and the “Replay” symbol RE of symbol number 06 stops at the middle pay line L3. To do. In this case, for example, when the right stop button 16R is operated at the position of symbol number 16, the stop control table determines that the number of sliding symbols is 1, and the number of sliding symbols is recorded in the control RAM 34 and the main CPU 32 The 7-segment LED 16d in the right stop button 16R is displayed via the I / O port 39 and the 7-segment LED drive circuit 47. That is, the number of sliding frames of the right reel 3R is displayed immediately after the right stop button 16R is operated.

  As described above, when the stop control table shown in FIG. 8 is used for the stop control of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the “bell” symbol BL is the middle winning line in the left reel 3L and the center reel 3C. Even when stopped at L3, in the right reel 3R, the “bell” symbol BL does not stop at the middle pay line L3, and therefore no winning is achieved. FIG. 8 shows the stop control table for loss in the case of forward pressing, but in the other case of reverse pressing, the stop control table for other loss is referred to.

  The sliding frame number display control means has at least a 7-segment LED drive circuit 47, a microcomputer 31, and a stop control table, and is a stop control table that is referred to when each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R is operated. The number of sliding frames is determined based on the above, and the number of sliding frames is controlled to be displayed by the 7-segment LED 16d of each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R.

  In the winning determination table, a combination of symbols in which various winnings and replays are established, and a medal payout number corresponding to various symbol combinations in which winnings are established are set. This winning determination table is referred to when a winning determination is made after all reels 3 are stopped.

  Various information generated during the process of the main CPU 32 is set in the control RAM 34 shown in FIG. For example, various setting values such as boundary values for setting a probability lottery table to be referred to when performing internal lottery, information such as each winning combination, various gaming states, and the number of sliding symbols are set. These pieces of information are transmitted to the sub control unit 60 via the sub control unit communication port 40 as necessary. Exchange of various types of information transmitted from the main control unit 30 to the sub control unit 60 is performed in one direction from the main control unit 30 to the sub control unit 60, and some information is transmitted from the sub control unit 60 to the main control unit 30. Never sent.

  Information transmitted from the main control unit 30 to the sub control unit 60 includes information (game start information) indicating that the start switch 17 has been operated and the game has started and the number of medals inserted in the game, As a result, whether or not any winning is won and if it is won, information on the winning type (internal lottery information), information indicating whether the current game is a general game or bonus game (game type information) ), Information indicating which stop button 16L, 16C, 16R has been operated (stop operation information). As a result of the operation of the stop button 16L, 16C, 16R, the symbol display windows 4L, 4C, 4R are stopped and displayed. When the symbol number (stop symbol information) corresponding to the symbol, the result of winning determination, and the symbol combination corresponding to winning or replaying are aligned on the effective line, the effective line is displayed. And the like information (winning determination information) which indicates that they coincide.

  In the block diagram of FIG. 6, the main output devices whose operation is controlled by the control signal from the microcomputer 31 are various indicators provided on the reel unit panel 2b (see FIG. 1), a hopper for paying out medals ( Stepping motors 25L, 25C, and 25R for rotationally driving the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The microcomputer 31 is connected to the BET lamps 6a, 6b, 6c provided on the reel unit panel 2b and the lamps IN, ST, WA, RE, etc. constituting the gaming state display lamp group 9 via the lamp driving circuits 41. Drive control. Further, the microcomputer 31 drives and controls each of the 7-segment displays of the bonus count display unit 5, the payout number display unit 7, and the stored number display unit 8 through each display unit drive circuit 42.

  The microcomputer 31 controls driving of the hopper 50 via the hopper driving circuit 43 and controls driving of the stepping motors 25L, 25C, and 25R via the motor driving circuit 44. The various drive circuits described above are connected to the main CPU 32 via the I / O port 39, and each receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the main CPU 32 to control the operation of the corresponding output device. .

  Further, the microcomputer 31 drives and controls the 7-segment LED 16d disposed in each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R via the 7-segment LED drive circuit 47. In this case, each time one of the stop buttons 16L, 16C, 16R is operated, the 7-segment LED 16d corresponding to the operated stop button 16 is displayed to display the number of sliding frames determined by referring to the stop control table. Will drive.

  As main input devices for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 31 to generate a control command, as shown in FIG. 6, a medal insertion switch 10S for detecting a medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 10, and a BET switch 12 to 14, stop buttons 16 </ b> L, 16 </ b> C, 16 </ b> R, a start switch 17, and a medal discharge switch 19.

  Signals output from these switches are output to the main CPU 32 via the I / O port 39. For the stop buttons 16L, 16C, and 16R, a stop signal corresponding to the stop button pressed by the player is output from the reel stop signal circuit 51 and output to the main CPU 32 via the I / O port 39. .

  In addition to the switches described above, the main CPU 32 includes a photocoupler (not shown) provided corresponding to each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, and a medal detection unit 52 that detects medals paid out by the hopper 50. The signal output from is also input. Each photocoupler is connected to a reel position detection circuit 45 in the main control unit 30, and when a reference position provided on the corresponding reel is detected, a reference position signal corresponding to the reel is detected from the reel position detection circuit 45. Is output to the main CPU 32 via the I / O port 39.

  In addition, the medal detection unit 52 outputs a detection signal to the payout signal generation circuit 46 in the main control unit 30 every time the hopper 50 discharges one medal. The payout signal generation circuit 46 outputs the detection signal output from the medal detection unit 52 to the main CPU 32 via the I / O port 39.

Next, the contents of the game control by the main control unit 30 and the sub control unit 60 configured as described above will be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not a medal BET has been made (step S1). This determination is “YES” when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 10 and a detection signal is input from the medal insertion switch 10S, or when a signal is input from the BET switches 12, 13, and 14. . In this case, the respective back lamps built in the right reel 3L, the central reel 3C and the right reel 3R are lit by the control of the sound / lamp control unit of the sub control unit 60.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a start signal is input from the start switch 17 (step S2). When this determination is “YES”, an internal lottery process (winning determination process) is performed by the random number lottery unit described above (step S3). The timing at which the internal lottery process is performed is performed immediately after the start switch 17 is operated.

  The internal lottery process is performed by determining which range the one random number value generated by the random number generator 37 and specified by the sampling circuit 38 belongs to in the established lottery table. The winning mode determined by the random number lottery means is represented by the type of the winning flag, and “BB”, “RB”, “Bell”, “4 Cherry”, “2 Cherry”, “Replay” and “Lose” One winning flag is set in a predetermined area of the control RAM 34.

  Next, rotation control of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is performed (step S4), and the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R start to rotate all at once. Subsequent to this reel rotation control, reel stop control is performed (steps S5 to S10).

  In the reel stop control, as shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether any one of the stop buttons 16L, 16C, 16R has been operated (step S5). When the operation is performed, it is determined whether or not to select the stop control table according to the winning combination determined by the internal lottery and the position of the operated stop button 16 (step S6). When the stop control table is selected, the process proceeds to step S7 to select the stop control table. Thereafter, the number of sliding frames is determined based on the selected stop control table and the operation timing of the stop button 16 (step S8). The reel 3 corresponding to the operated stop button 16 is slid by the number of sliding frames and then stopped, and the number of sliding frames is displayed on the 7-segment LED 16d of the operated stop button 16. (Step S9).

  Next, whether or not all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped is determined via the reel position detection circuit 45 (step S10). If all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are not stopped, the determination is again made. Returning to step S5, it is determined whether or not the stop button 16 has been operated. If it is determined in step S10 that all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R have stopped, the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG.

  After step S11, it is determined with reference to the winning determination table whether or not a symbol combination such as winning has occurred. That is, the reels 3 are not all stopped according to the internal lottery, but depend on the operation timing of the stop buttons 16L, 16C, and 16R by the player. Even if the winning flag is set, if the stop buttons 16L, 16C, 16R are not operated at a predetermined timing, winning symbols may not be aligned on the active line, and winning may not be established.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not re-game is established. If re-game is established, the process returns to the state of waiting for the operation of the start switch 17 in step S2. On the other hand, when the re-game is not established, it is determined whether or not a small winning combination is established as shown in FIG. 11 (step S12). When the small role winning is achieved, the CPU 32, the hopper driving circuit 43, and the hopper receive the number of medals according to each small role winning such as “two cherries”, “four cherries”, and “bell”. Based on the control by 50, the hopper 50 pays out to the medal receiving part 21 through the medal discharge port 20 (step S13), and the game ends.

  If the small winning combination is not established, it is determined whether or not the RB winning is established (step S14). When the RB winning is established, the number of medals corresponding to the RB winning is sent from the hopper 50 to the medal receiving unit 21 through the medal discharge port 20 based on the control of the CPU 32, the hopper driving circuit 43 and the hopper 50. It is paid out (step S15). After winning the RB win, the game shifts to the RB game from the next game (step S16), and returns to the general game after the RB game ends.

  On the other hand, if the RB winning is not established, it is determined whether or not the BB winning is established (step S17). When the BB winning is established, the number of medals corresponding to the BB winning is sent from the hopper 50 to the medal receiving unit 21 through the medal discharge port 20 based on the control of the CPU 32, the hopper driving circuit 43 and the hopper 50. It is paid out (step S18). After winning the BB prize, the game shifts to the BB game from the next game (step S19), and returns to the general game after the BB game ends.

  If the BB winning is not established, it is determined that the above-mentioned replay, small role winning, RB winning and BB winning are not established, and the game ends. Thereafter, the above-described processing is repeated. The display of the number of sliding frames by the 7-segment LED 16d ends after a predetermined time has elapsed after the game ends, or after a detection signal from the medal insertion switch 10S or a signal from the BET switches 12, 13, 14 is generated. It is preferable to do. In addition, although the example which judges in order of a re-game, a small part, RB, BB, and a loss was shown, it cannot be overemphasized that it is not restrained in such an order. For example, the determination may be made first after losing. In the case of RB winning and BB winning, medal payout in steps S15 and S18 may not be performed.

  In the slot machine 1 configured as described above, the 7-segment LED 16d for displaying the number of sliding frames is provided in each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R. Therefore, the reel 3 corresponding to the stop button 16 on which the stop operation has been performed. Can easily and clearly grasp the number of sliding frames.

  Moreover, since the 7-segment LED 16d for displaying the number of sliding frames is installed on each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R, the front panel 2 in which a considerable amount of space is already occupied by various display devices, Furthermore, it is not necessary to secure a space for displaying the number of sliding frames. Therefore, a space for displaying the number of sliding frames can be easily secured.

  In addition, since the operation surface portion 16k of the stop button 16 is formed of a colored or colorless transparent material and the 7-segment LED 16d is disposed behind the operation surface portion 16k, the number of sliding frames can be easily and clearly defined by using arithmetic numbers. It can be visually recognized. Further, since the cover portion 16b having the operation surface portion 16k is configured to be detachable from the button main body portion 16a, the operation surface portion 16k becomes cloudy due to a player's operation or the like, and the display of the number of sliding frames is unclear. Even if it becomes, it can return to the original clear state easily and at low cost only by replacing | exchanging the cover part 16b.

It is a front view of the slot machine shown as one embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the stop button unit in the slot machine. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the stop button unit in the slot machine. It is sectional drawing of the stop button in the slot machine. 4 is a development view showing a reel band of each reel in the slot machine. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the main control part in the slot machine. It is an explanatory view for explaining the contents of a stop control table that is referred to when the internal winning is a winning combination of winning a bell in the slot machine. It is an explanatory view for explaining the contents of a stop control table that is referred to when determined to be a winning combination by internal lottery in the same slot machine. 7 is a first flowchart showing a game process in the slot machine. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of reel stop control of a first flowchart in the slot machine. 22 is a second flowchart showing a game process in the slot machine.

Explanation of symbols

1 slot machine 3L, 3C, 3R reel (variable display means)
3a Reel belt (band member)
16L, 16C, 16R Stop button (stop means)
16k operation surface 16d 7 segment LED (sliding frame number display means)
31 Microcomputer 37 Random number generator 38 Sampling circuit 47 7 segment LED drive circuit

Claims (2)

A plurality of variable display means for moving and stopping a plurality of types of symbols;
A gaming machine provided with a stop means provided corresponding to each of these variable display means and operated from the outside to stop the symbol during movement,
The sliding frame number display means for displaying the number of sliding symbols on the symbol until the symbol stops on the symbol of the variable display means corresponding to the stopping means when the stopping means is operated, from the stopping means on which the operation is performed A gaming machine characterized in that the stop means is provided so that the number of sliding symbols can be seen. The stop means is made of a material having light permeability such that the operating surface portion operated from the outside can be seen through the number of sliding frames,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the sliding frame number display means is constituted by a 7-segment LED disposed behind the operation surface portion in the stopping means.

Images