JP2008043680A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To notify a winning role intelligibly even for the beginner and capable of easily secure a space for notifying the winning role. <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 according 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 3L, 3C and 3R and operated from the outside for stopping the moving symbols; and is further provided with notification lamps (multicolor light emitting devices) 16e provided in the respective stop buttons 16L, 16C and 16R and emitting a plurality of colors of lights to the outside of the stop means, and a notification control means controlling the light emission of the respective notification lamps 16e for notifying the type of the winning role determined by the random number lottery means by the combination of colors of the lights emitted from the respective stop buttons 16L, 16C and 16R. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a function of notifying a winning combination determined by random number lottery.

  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 inserted game media, 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, with the internal lottery determined to be a winning winning combination, the player operated the stop button before each winning winning combination (hereinafter referred to as “winning symbol”) reached the active line. And 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 the winning symbol is within a certain range, the winning is achieved by the reel stop control. 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. Reel stop control is performed so that there is no. In other words, in order for a winning to be established, it is necessary to satisfy two conditions: that the winning combination is determined by internal lottery and that the stop button is operated at a position (that is, timing) at which the winning symbol can be drawn. .

  Here, if a winning combination is determined, it is advantageous for the player if the winning combination can be known. Especially for beginners, it is a great opportunity to practice the operation timing of the stop button naturally, so that it is possible to further enjoy the fun of the game while gradually improving the skill of the game.

For this reason, for example, it is configured to notify various winning combinations by turning on / off a back lamp provided in each reel or generating a sound (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, a liquid crystal display device provided on a front panel of a slot machine as a display means for outputting information related to a winning combination (for example, see Patent Document 2) is provided.
Japanese Patent No. 3417553 JP 2002-336612 A

  However, the gaming machine of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is configured to notify various winning combinations according to the backlight in the reel and the generation of sound. However, these backlight and sound are other information. Since it is also used for notification, there is a problem that it is difficult for beginners to understand what winning combination is determined. For this reason, it is difficult to practice the operation timing of the stop button, and it is difficult to enjoy the fun of the game while gradually improving the skill of the game.

  On the other hand, in the above-mentioned patent document 2, since information related to a winning combination is directly displayed on the liquid crystal display device, even a beginner can easily determine whether or not the winning combination is determined. It can be understood and provides an opportunity to practice the operation timing of the stop button. However, since the front panel of the slot machine already occupies a considerable amount of space with various display devices, display lamps, etc., a liquid crystal display device that displays information on the winning combination is further arranged on the front panel. Had the problem of being extremely difficult.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can be used to notify a winning combination so that even a beginner can easily understand it, and can easily secure a space for notifying the winning combination. The purpose is to provide a machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 includes a plurality of variable display means for moving and stopping a plurality of types of symbols, and various winning combinations determined according to the stop positions of the symbols. A gaming machine comprising random number lottery means determined by random lottery and stop means provided corresponding to each of the variable display means and operated from the outside to stop the moving symbol. A multicolor light emitting element that is provided in each of the stop means and emits a plurality of colors of light to the outside of the stop means, and the type of the winning combination determined by the random number lottery means of the color of light emitted from each of the stop means In order to notify by a combination, a notification control means for controlling the light emission of each of the multicolor light emitting elements is provided.

  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 material having a light-transmitting surface portion operated from the outside, and the multicolor light emitting element is It is characterized by being arranged behind the surface portion of the stopping means.

  A third aspect of the invention is characterized in that, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the multicolor light emitting element is constituted by a full color light emitting diode.

According to the first to third aspects of the present invention, various winning combinations can be notified by the combination of the colors of light emitted from the multicolor light emitting elements in the stopping means. For example, when there are three stopping means, a red light is emitted from all of the first to third stopping means to notify the winning combination of a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as “BB winning”), By emitting red light from the first and second stop means and emitting yellow light from the third stop means, a regular bonus winning (hereinafter referred to as “RB winning”) winning combination is notified and the first stop By emitting red light from the means and emitting yellow light from the second and third stop means, a watermelon winning combination can be notified. In addition, by flashing the multicolor light emitting elements, it is possible to perform notification with a high degree of attention about a specific winning combination (for example, a BB winning combination or an RB winning combination).

  That is, each stop means is provided with a multicolor light emitting element that emits light of a plurality of colors outside the stop means, and the type of winning combination determined by the random number lottery means is notified by the combination of the colors of light emitted from each stop means. Therefore, since it has a notification control means for controlling the light emission of each multicolor light emitting element, even a beginner can easily determine what winning combination is determined by the combination of the colors of light emitted from each stopping means. I can understand. Therefore, since the opportunity to practice the operation timing of the stop button can be naturally obtained, there is an advantage that the game can be further enjoyed while gradually improving the skill of the game.

  Moreover, since the multicolor light emitting element is provided in the stopping means, and the multicolor light emitting element can be incorporated in the existing stopping means, a considerable amount of space has already been provided by various conventional display devices. There is no need to make a difficult design of further securing a space for notifying the winning combination in the front portion of the occupied gaming machine.

  Therefore, the winning combination can be notified so that even a beginner can easily understand it, and the space for notifying the winning combination can be easily secured.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the surface portion that is operated from the outside in the stopping means is made of a light-transmitting material, and the multicolor light emitting element is disposed behind the surface portion in the stopping means. Therefore, the colors of various lights emitted from the multicolor light emitting elements can be clearly confirmed from each stopping means.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, since the multicolor light emitting element is constituted by a full color light emitting diode, red, green and blue as the three primary colors of light, and orange, yellow, blue green and purple as the synthetic intermediate colors. Etc., white color can be emitted from each stop means. Therefore, the winning combination can be notified by a combination of various emission colors.

  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 gaming state display lamp group 9 is composed of lamps composed of five LEDs. In the figure, in order from the left, an insert lamp IN (see FIG. 4 for symbols), a start lamp ST, a game standby display lamp WA, and a re-game display. A lamp RE is provided, and the player is notified of the current gaming state according to 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 below the front panel 2 in a range from the left part of the medal slot 10 to the left end part of the front face.

  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. In addition, a help switch 15 is provided between the 1-BET switch 13 and the MAX-BET switch 14 for displaying an explanatory note relating to the game written on the outer peripheral surface of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  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 16c that can be attached to and detached from the operation unit 11, and the stop button case 16c 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. When the left stop button 16L is pressed, the left stop button 16L generates a signal for stopping the left reel 3L via a main control unit 30 (see FIG. 4) described later. Similarly, the central stop button 16C generates a signal for stopping the central reel 3C when the pressing operation is performed, and the right stop button 16R stops the right reel 3R when the pressing operation is performed. A signal is issued for.

  In addition, each of the stop buttons 16L, 16C, and 16R is configured by a material having a light transmitting property (for example, plastic such as polycarbonate resin or glass). Further, the back portion of the stop button case 16c is covered with the wiring board 16b, and the wiring board 16b is a position behind each surface portion 16a and a position included in the cover. Further, a notification lamp 16e made of a full-color light emitting diode is provided as a multicolor light emitting element that can be turned on and off and emits light of a plurality of colors.

  A diffusion plate 16d for diffusing light from the notification lamp 16e over the entire surface portion 16a as much as possible is provided on the back surface of each surface portion 16a. The stop button case 16c is configured to prevent light emitted from each notification lamp 16e from leaking to the outside, and light is emitted to the surface portion 16a side other than the surface portion 16a corresponding to each notification lamp 16e. A partition plate (not shown) that prevents leakage is provided. As described above, the stop button unit 161 includes the stop button 16, the cover having the surface portion 16a, the wiring board 16b, the stop button case 16c, the diffusion plate 16d, and the notification lamp 16e.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a signal for rotating the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is generated on the left side of the stop button unit 161 in the front portion 11b, and the symbols are displayed on the symbol display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R. A start switch 17 is provided for starting the movement of the displayed symbol.

  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. 3, 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. 3 is a developed view of each reel band 3a. Each reel strip 3a has a “red 7” symbol RS, a “blue 7” symbol BS, a “BAR” symbol BA, a “cherry” symbol CH, a “watermelon” symbol WM, 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.

  The broken line shown in each reel band 3a shown in FIG. 3 represents the boundary of the area | region (namely, symbol area | region) which one symbol has. 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. 4, 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. In the program ROM 33 of the microcomputer 31, in addition to programs for performing game control in the slot machine 1, various tables such as a symbol table, a plurality of probability lottery tables, a stop control table group, a winning determination table, and a winning combination notification determination table, etc. Is remembered.

  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. Such a probability lottery table is configured as shown in FIG. 6, for example. 6, a1 to a3, b1 to b3, c1 to c3, d1 to d3, e1 to e3, f1 to f3, and g1 to g3 are preset boundary values, and the random numbers extracted by the sampling circuit 38 are respectively Used to divide into prizes. These boundary values are combinations of numerical values “a1 to g1” when the number of inserted medals is one, “a2 to g2” when two, and “a3 to g3” when three. Is used.

  Each boundary value is normally set to a magnitude relationship of “a <b <c <d <e <f <g”. If the extracted random number value is less than a, a BB prize is awarded and “BB” wins are obtained. A flag stands. Also, if the extracted random value is greater than or equal to a and less than b, an RB win is set and an “RB” winning flag is set. In addition, if the extracted random number value is not less than b and less than f, a small role winning is achieved. In this case, if it is not less than b and less than c, a “watermelon” winning flag is set, and if it is not less than c and less than d, “Bell”. If the winning flag is d or more and less than e, a “four-cherry” winning flag is set. If e or more and less than f, a “two-cherry” winning flag is set. Further, if the extracted random number value is greater than or equal to f and less than g, a “replay” winning flag is set, and if it is equal to or greater than g, a “lost” winning flag without winning is set.

For example, when the boundary values a3 to g3 of the winning mode in the general game with three bets are shown, the probability lottery table shown in FIG. 7 is obtained. However, the random number generator 37 generates random numbers in the range of 0 to 65535 (= 2 ¹⁶ ).

  In such a 3-stake betting probability lottery table, if a value in the range of 0 to 200 is extracted by the sampling circuit 38 at the time of internal lottery, the lottery result becomes a BB winning and the “BB” winning flag is set. If the numerical value in the range of 201 to 380 is extracted by the sampling circuit 38, the lottery result is RB winning and the “RB” winning flag is set. Similarly, if a numerical value in the range of 381 to 10000 is extracted, each “small role” winning flag is set. If a numerical value in the range of 10001 to 18000 is extracted, a “replay” winning flag is set. If a numerical value in the range of 18001 to 65535 is extracted, a “losing” winning flag is set.

  In other words, various types of winnings are determined according to which numerical value range one sampled random number value belongs to, and are distinguished by a total of eight types of flags including “losing” and “replay”. 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 eight kinds of winning combinations determined corresponding to the stop positions of the symbols are random numbers. It is decided by lottery. Since each type of winning combination has a winning probability determined by the boundary values a to g in the probability lottery table as described above, it is not influenced by the skill of the player, and the total amount within a normal predetermined business period. The medal payment rate is maintained almost constant. Note that the random value in the probability lottery table does not need to be one-to-one with each prize, and for example, it may be configured such that two or more prizes correspond to one random number value lottery.

  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 when the reel stop control is performed in accordance with the operation of the stop buttons 16L, 16C, and 16R.

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

  The winning combination notification determination table associates the winning combination determined by the random number lottery means with the color combination of light emitted from each notification lamp 16e in each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R. This is referred to when the winning combination is notified by the combination of the light colors. This winning combination notification determination table is, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 when it is shown together with the probability lottery table for the case of three bets.

  That is, the BB winning combination corresponds to a combination of light colors in which light emitted from all the left, center, and right stop buttons 16L, 16C, and 16R is red. The RB winning combination corresponds to a combination of light colors in which the light emitted from the left and center stop buttons 16L and 16C is red and the light emitted from the right stop button 16R is yellow. The watermelon winning combination corresponds to a combination of light colors in which the light emitted from the left stop button 16L is red and the light emitted from the center and right stop buttons 16C and 16R is yellow. The Bell winning combination corresponds to a light color combination in which the light emitted from the left stop button 16L is red, the light emitted from the center stop button 16C is yellow, and the light emitted from the right stop button 16R is blue. ing. The 4-cherry winning combination corresponds to a combination of light colors in which the light emitted from the left stop button 16L is red and the light emitted from the center and right stop buttons 16C and 16R is blue. In the two-cherry winning combination, the light emitted from the left stop button 16L is red, the light emitted from the center stop button 16C is blue, and the light emitted from the right stop button 16R is green. It corresponds. The re-game winning combination corresponds to a combination of light colors in which the light emitted from the left stop button 16L is red and the light emitted from the center and right stop buttons 16C and 16R is green. The loser winning combination corresponds to a combination of light colors in which light emitted from all the stop buttons 16L, 16C, and 16R on the left side, the center, and the right side becomes white. In addition, for example, in the case of corresponding to a winning combination of BB or RB (specific winning), the light emitted from each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R blinks by blinking the notification lamp 16e, and attention is paid. High-level notification may be performed.

  The notification control means includes at least a lamp driving circuit 41, a microcomputer 31, and a winning combination notification determination table, which will be described later, and the types of the winning combinations determined by the random number lottery means are indicated by the stop buttons 16L, 16C, The light emission of each notification lamp 16e is controlled so as to be notified by a combination of colors of light emitted from 16R.

  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 that is referred to when performing internal lottery, information such as each winning combination, various gaming states, and the like 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. If 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 label And the like information (winning determination information) which indicates that aligned in emissions.

  In the block diagram of FIG. 4, as main output devices whose operation is controlled by a control signal from the microcomputer 31, various displays 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 includes, via each lamp drive circuit 41, BET lamps 6a, 6b, 6c provided on the reel unit panel 2b, and lamps IN, ST, WA, RE constituting the gaming state display lamp group 9, Each notification lamp 16e is driven and controlled. 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.

  Further, the microcomputer 31 controls driving of the hopper 50 via the hopper driving circuit 43 and controls driving of the stepping motors 25L, 25C, 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. .

  Here, about each notification lamp 16e, lighting control is carried out with the color of the light shown in the said FIG. 7 by the notification control means based on the winning combination notification determination table shown in FIG.

  As a main input device for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 31 to generate a control command, as shown in FIG. 4, 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 configuration of the sub-control unit 60 will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-control unit 60 includes an image control unit 70 and a sound / lamp control unit 80. The image control unit 70 and the sound / lamp control unit 80 are each configured on a circuit board different from the circuit board constituting the main control unit 30. Communication between the image control unit 70 and the sound / lamp control unit 80 is performed in one direction from the image control unit 70 to the sound / lamp control unit 80. No information is transmitted to 70.

  The image control unit 70 includes a serial port 71, an effect control device 72, a program ROM 73, a work RAM 74, an image control IC 75, an image ROM 76, a video RAM 77, and a timer 78. The serial port 71 receives various information transmitted from the main control unit 30. The effect control device 72 includes a CPU, an interrupt controller, an input / output port, and a timer, and controls the effect by image, sound, and light in accordance with a control program stored in the program ROM 73. The effect control device 72 also controls the ON / OFF of the help mode based on factors other than the signal output from the help switch 15.

  The program ROM 73 stores a control program executed by the CPU of the effect control device 72, information related to various effect determination tables, and the like. Here, the effect determination table defines correspondence between each random value generated by the CPU of the effect control device 72 and the contents of various effects, and the result of the internal lottery performed in the main control unit 30. A plurality of tables are stored according to the current game type.

  In the work RAM 74, various information received by the effect control device 72 from the main control unit 30, various data generated when the above-described control program is executed, and the like are stored in predetermined storage areas.

  The image control IC 75 includes a control RAM in which various information is written and read out by the effect control device 72, and is stored in image data written in the control RAM or an image ROM 76 described later according to an instruction from the effect control device 72. Using the processed image data, image data to be actually displayed on the reel unit display 2 a is generated and written into the video RAM 77. Then, the image data written in the video RAM 77 is transferred to the reel unit display 2a, and an image based on the image data is displayed.

  The image ROM 76 is image data for generating a production image and an advertisement image, for example, a character such as a person or an animal, a sprite image data such as a symbol, a character or a figure, and a white color forming the symbol display windows 4L, 4C and 4R. The background image data including the rectangular area is stored. Here, the advertisement image is an image that is not related to the game, for example, a so-called demonstration screen using a logo of a gaming machine manufacturer or a character in accordance with the concept of the slot machine 1, or a game in which the slot machine 1 is installed. An image showing the event notification of the venue. The sprite image data is an image to be displayed superimposed on a background image (background surface).

  The video RAM 77 is used as temporary storage means when the image control IC 75 generates image data to be displayed on the reel unit display 2a. The image control IC 75 transmits a signal to the effect control device 72 every time data in the video RAM 77 is transferred to the display 2a. The timer 78, which is a time measuring means, starts timing when a timing start signal is output from the effect control device 72, stops timing when a timing start signal is output, and effects the time that has been counted until that time. Output to the control unit.

  The sound / lamp control unit 80 performs lighting / extinguishing control of the upper lamp 26 and the back lamp LEDs 314U, 314M, and 314L and voice control output from the speakers 23L and 23R based on an instruction from the image control unit 70. Here, the back lamps 314U, 314M, and 314L illuminate the three symbols in the vertical direction recognized from the symbol display windows 4L, 4C, and 4R in the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R from the rear, The relationship is indicated by “U”, “M”, and “L”, and “L”, “C”, and “R” are added to indicate that they are in different reels in the horizontal direction. Indicated. The instruction from the image control unit 70 is performed by a command output from the serial port 71 described above.

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. 8, 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, each of the back lamps 314 built in the right reel 3L, the center reel 3C, and the right reel 3R is turned on under the control of the sound / lamp control unit 80 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 generated by the random number generator 37, and it is determined which one random number value specified by the sampling circuit 38 belongs to which range in the established lottery table (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Is done by. The winning mode determined by the random number lottery means is represented by the type of the winning flag, “BB”, “RB”, “Watermelon”, “Bell”, “4 Cherry”, “2 Cherry”, “Replay” One winning flag among the eight types of “losing” is set in a predetermined area of the control RAM 34.

  Next, one winning flag among 8 types of “BB”, “RB”, “Watermelon”, “Bell”, “4 Cherry”, “2 Cherry”, “Replay” and “Lose” Based on this, the lighting control of each notification lamp 16e is performed by the notification control means (step S4). Thereby, the winning combination corresponding to the winning flag is notified by the combination of the colors of light emitted from the stop buttons 16L, 16C, 16R.

  Next, rotation control of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is performed (step S5), 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 S6 to S8).

  In the reel stop control, as shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not any of the stop buttons 16L, 16C, and 16R is operated (step S6). Then, the reel 3 corresponding to the operated stop button 16 is controlled to stop (step S7). As described above, the operation of each stop button 16 is detected by the CPU 32 via the reel stop signal circuit 51, and the stop control of the reel 3 corresponding to the operated stop button is performed.

  That is, when a specific stop button 16 is operated by the player, the number of pulses of the stepping motor 25 of the reel 3 corresponding to the stop button 16 is read from the control RAM 34, and when the stop button 16 is operated, The rotation position of the reel 3 is associated. When the rotational position of the reel 3 is known, the symbol appearing in the symbol display window 4 is specified by contrast with the symbol table.

  In this case, the stop control table is referred to. For example, when the “BB” winning flag is set, if there is a symbol corresponding to the winning flag on the effective line of the symbol display window 4, the CPU 32 should immediately stop the reel 3. The motor drive circuit 44 is controlled. On the other hand, when the symbol corresponding to the “BB” winning flag is not on the active line, control for drawing the winning symbol into the active line is performed via the motor drive circuit 44 within the range of 4 frames of the symbol.

  Next, whether or not all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are stopped is determined via the reel position detection circuit 45 (step S8). If all the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are not stopped, the determination is made again. Returning to step S6, it is determined whether or not the stop button 16 has been operated. If it is determined in step S8 that all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R have stopped, the process proceeds to step S9 in FIG.

  In step S9, the notification lamp 16e is turned off. In other words, when all the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, the notification lamp 16e is turned off to end the effect of notifying the type of winning combination. In addition, in order to be able to sufficiently confirm the relationship between the notified winning combination and the winning winnings, etc., the notification lamp 16e is kept on until the next game is started. Also good.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S10 and subsequent steps, and 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 are not all stopped according to the internal lottery, but depend on the operation timing of each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R by the player. Even if the flag is set, if the stop buttons 16L, 16C, and 16R are not operated at a predetermined timing, winning symbols may not be aligned on the active line, and winning may not be established.

  Here, it is determined whether or not a re-game has been established (step S10). If a re-game has been 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. 10 (step S11). When the small role winning is established, the CPU 32 has the number of medals corresponding to each of the above small winnings of “two cherries”, “four cherries”, “bell” or “watermelon”. Based on the control by the hopper drive circuit 43 and the hopper 50, the hopper 50 pays out to the medal receiving part 21 through the medal discharge port 20 (step S12), and the game is finished.

  If a small winning combination has not been established, it is determined whether or not an RB winning has been established (step S13). When the RB winning is established, the number of medals according 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 S14). After winning the RB prize, the game shifts to the RB game from the next game (step S15), and returns to the general game after the RB game ends.

  On the other hand, when the RB winning is not established, it is determined whether or not the BB winning is established (step S16). 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 S17). After winning the BB prize, the game shifts to the BB game from the next game (step S18), and returns to the general game after the end of the BB game.

  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. 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 BB winning and RB winning, the medal payout in steps S14 and S17 may not be performed.

  In the slot machine 1 configured as described above, each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R is provided with a notification lamp 16e that emits light of a plurality of colors outside the stop button, and the winning combination determined by the random number lottery means is provided. Since it is provided with notification control means for controlling the light emission of each notification lamp 16e so as to be notified by the combination of the colors of light emitted from the respective stop buttons 16L, 16C, 16R, each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R is provided even for beginners. It is possible to easily understand what kind of winning combination is determined by the combination of the colors of light emitted from. Therefore, the opportunity to practice the operation timing of the stop button can be naturally obtained, so that the game can be further enjoyed while gradually improving the skill of the game.

  Moreover, since the notification lamp 16e can be incorporated into the existing stop buttons 16L, 16C, 16R, in the front panel 2 of the slot machine 1 in which a considerable amount of space is already occupied by various conventional display devices. Therefore, it is not necessary to carry out a difficult design of further securing a space for notifying the winning combination.

  Therefore, the winning combination can be notified so that even a beginner can easily understand it, and a space for notifying the winning combination can be easily secured.

  Moreover, since the surface part 16a operated from the outside in the stop button 16L, 16C, 16R is comprised with the material which has a light transmittance, and the notification lamp 16e is arrange | positioned behind the surface part 16a, from the notification lamp 16e, The color of the various light emitted can be clearly confirmed from each stop button 16L, 16C, 16R. That is, the type of winning combination can be clearly confirmed by the combination of the colors of light emitted from the stop buttons 16L, 16C, 16R.

  Further, since the notification lamp 16e is composed of a full-color light emitting diode, the stop buttons 16L, red, green and blue as the three primary colors of light, orange, yellow, turquoise, purple, etc. as the composite intermediate colors, 16C and 16R can be emitted. Therefore, the winning combination can be notified by a combination of various emission colors.

It is a front view of the slot machine shown as one embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the stop button unit provided with the stop button and notification lamp | ramp of 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 a block diagram which shows the sub control part in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing explaining the content of the probability lottery table which is one component of the random number lottery means in the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing explaining each content of the principal part of the probability lottery table which is one component of the random number lottery means in the slot machine, and the principal part of the winning combination notification determination table which is one component of the notification control means. 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)
16a surface portion 16c notification lamp (multicolor light emitting element, full color light emitting diode)
31 Microcomputer 37 Random number generator 38 Sampling circuit 41 Lamp drive circuit

Claims (3)

A plurality of variable display means for moving and stopping a plurality of types of symbols;
Random number lottery means for determining various winning combinations determined according to the stop position of the symbol by random lottery;
A gaming machine provided with a stop means provided corresponding to each of the variable display means and operated from the outside to stop the symbol during movement,
A multicolor light-emitting element provided in each of the stop means and emitting a plurality of colors of light to the outside of the stop means;
Informing control means for controlling light emission of each of the multicolor light emitting elements so as to notify the type of the winning combination determined by the random number lottery means by a combination of colors of light emitted from the respective stopping means. A gaming machine characterized by The stop means is made of a material having a light-transmitting surface portion operated from the outside,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the multicolor light emitting element is disposed behind a surface portion of the stopping unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the multicolor light emitting element is configured by a full color light emitting diode.

Images