JP2008073564A - Slot machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine by which a normal player can enjoy games without any restriction when arranging symbols in rotary reels. <P>SOLUTION: In the slot machine SL, rotary reels 1a-1c are rotated based on starting operation by a player and the rotary reels are stopped based on a game result determined by a lottery process inside the machine and stop operation by the player. On all or part of symbols in the back ground of symbols drawn in the rotary reels, back ground color different for every symbol groups is colored. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine using a microcomputer, and more particularly to a slot machine that is easy to stop, has a novel production operation, and is improved so that even a beginner can enjoy it.

  When enjoying the slot machine, the player operates the start lever after inserting a medal into the device to start the rotation of the rotating reel. Thereafter, the stop button is pushed at a timing when the symbols are aligned on the effective stop line, and the three rotating reels are stopped in order. Of the symbols that should be aligned on the stop line, the biggest bonus symbol (BB symbol) is the most valuable. Once this big bonus symbol is aligned, a big bonus game with a much higher winning probability is started. The medals are expected to increase significantly. Therefore, most players advance the game exclusively for the purpose of aligning the big bonus symbols.

  However, in reality, whether or not each game is successful is determined by an internal lottery operation at the stage when the start lever is operated, so if a player wins a big bonus game internally, the big bonus symbol is immediately We are striving to improve our technology to make it possible to align the line on the stop line. Here, “pressing” is the ability to press the stop button at the optimal timing by visually observing the design of the rotating reel that rotates at high speed. Specifically, the stop button is the timing when the target design is aligned with the stop line. Is the ability to press.

  However, it takes a lot of time and effort to acquire the abilities that are the key, and you cannot expect to acquire them overnight. Therefore, the general player who is not skilled in the game has a problem that the operation timing of the stop button is not suitable, and it is difficult to arrange the big bonus symbols easily.

  For this reason, first of all, it is conceivable to align the front and back of a high-value symbol such as a jackpot symbol with the same colored symbol as the jackpot symbol so that the timing of pressing the stop button can be grasped relatively easily. In this case, since a specific colored block passes in front of the player every rotation, it is possible to grasp the timing at which the big hit symbol can be stopped relatively easily.

  However, in the case of adopting such a configuration, there is a problem in that the design of the rotating reel becomes unnatural because the color scheme has to ignore the original color of the design. For example, in an extreme case, although it is a “banana” symbol, it may be inevitably colored in red or blue. In addition, for example, even if a red fruit symbol is arranged before and after the BB symbol, the fruit symbol must be arranged other than in the vicinity of the BB symbol, so that it is confusing for a player who aims for a red mass. There is also.

  By the way, when trying to stop a symbol that has been aimed at in a slot machine, the player pays attention to the rotating reel that is rotating. A device configuration that reports such information is more effective for general players. That is, there is a demand for a configuration capable of implying or notifying the internal winning state, or notifying the rotating reel to be stopped and its stop operation timing without using a liquid crystal display unit provided apart from the rotating reel.

  The present invention has been made based on such an idea, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine that is free from restrictions when arranging symbols on a rotating reel and that allows a general player to enjoy a game. To do.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that a plurality of rotating reels are rotated based on a player's start operation, a game result determined by lottery processing inside the device, and a player's stop operation In the slot machine that stops each rotating reel based on the above, all or part of the background of the symbol drawn on the rotating reel is given a different background color for each group of symbols. Here, the background color means a background color during rotation of the rotary reel, and includes a material that substantially realizes the background color. For example, a pattern or other symbols may be used as long as the background color is substantially realized.

  Further, the invention according to claim 3 rotates a plurality of rotating reels based on a player's start operation, and performs each rotation based on a game result determined by a lottery process inside the device and a player's stop operation. In a slot machine for stopping a reel, a panel that covers the rotating reel is composed of a window portion through which a symbol drawn on the rotating reel can be visually observed, and an opaque portion other than the window portion. A light-emitting body that operates during the rotation and produces a gaming operation is disposed. The light emitter of the present invention operates during the rotation of the rotating reel to produce a gaming operation. The light emitter that operates before the rotating reel rotates and has no meaning during the rotation is excluded. .

  As described above, it is possible to realize a slot machine that is free from restrictions when arranging symbols on a rotating reel and that allows a general player to enjoy a game.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below based on examples. FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a slot machine according to an embodiment. The illustrated slot machine SL includes three rotating reels 1a to 1c depicting a plurality of types of symbols, and the display unit 2 has only three rows of symbols on each rotating reel 1a to 1c in the rotation direction. It can be seen.

  The display unit 2 has three stop lines (L1 to L3) in the horizontal direction and two stop lines (L4 and L5) in the diagonal direction, and is effective according to the number of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 3. The number of stop lines is changed (see FIG. 2 (a)). However, since the number of effective stop lines cannot be clearly specified only by that, five display lamps LP1 to LP5 are provided on the left side of the display unit 2 to clearly indicate the effective stop lines. For example, when the first medal is inserted, the display lamp LP1 is turned on. When the second medal is inserted, the display lamps LP2 and LP3 are further turned on. When the third medal is inserted, the display lamps LP4 and LP5 are further turned on. Illuminated.

  In addition, FIG. 1 shows a coin insertion part 3 for inserting coins at the start of the game, a start lever 4 for starting rotation of the rotating reels 1a to 1c, and three stop buttons 5a to 5c corresponding to the rotating reels 1a to 1c. 5c and a coin payout unit 6 for discharging the payout coins and the like appear. When the start lever 4 is operated after the medal is inserted, a lottery operation is performed regarding whether or not the current game is successful, and the three rotating reels 1a to 1c start rotating simultaneously or sequentially.

  Thereafter, each time the stop buttons 5a to 5c are pressed, the corresponding rotating reels 1a to 1c are stopped. However, stop control is performed inside the apparatus so as to align the symbols corresponding to the result of the lottery operation. However, if the rotating reel stops extremely late after the stop operation by the player, it is very unnatural, so after the stop operation, the rotating reel is stopped within a predetermined allowable time τ that can be delayed. If the winning symbol cannot be stopped, the lost symbols are aligned.

  In this embodiment, since such stop control is performed, the number N of symbols that can be moved is uniquely determined based on the allowable time τ until the symbol stops and the number of revolutions (rpm) of the rotating reel. Hereinafter, the description will be continued assuming that the number N of movable frames is five. For example, when the stop button is pressed at the moment when the eighth symbol of FIG. 2B is present in the central stop line L1, the maximum number of frames that can be moved is five, so FIG. ) Is the limit.

  FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a developed state of the reel sheets R1 to R3 constituting the rotary reels 1a to 1c. Reel sheets R1, R2, and R3 each have 21 specific types (here, 7 types) of symbols. In the present embodiment, the winning state is roughly divided into a big hit state, a middle hit state, a small hit state, and a special hit state, and a unique symbol is assigned to each winning state. Note that the same types of symbols as the reel tape R1 are arranged in different arrangements on the reel tapes R2 and R3, but in FIG. 3, the symbols are not shown for convenience.

  In the small hit state, various types of coins are prepared according to the number of payout coins (for example, 15, 8, 5, 2). The special hit state is a winning state in which a re-game can be performed without consuming coins, and a dedicated “replay” symbol is used. The big hit state is a winning state in which a big hit symbol (BB symbol) can be arranged on the effective stop line on condition of an appropriate stop operation by the player. Then, when the BB symbols are aligned on the effective stop line, after that, a big bonus game is started in which the winning probability is remarkably improved and acquisition of a large number of coins can be expected. The specific content of the big bonus game is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in FIG.

  In addition, the hit state is a winning state in which a hit symbol (RG symbol) can be arranged on the effective stop line on condition of an appropriate stop operation by the player. When the RG symbols are aligned on the valid stop line, a regular bonus game that can be expected to acquire a considerable number of coins according to the big hit state is started thereafter. The specific content of the regular bonus game is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in FIG.

  As described above, there are various types of winning symbols, and natural colors are adopted as the colors of each symbol depending on the nature and attributes of the symbol. In addition, as for the arrangement of symbols, the optimum arrangement is selected in relation to the stop control inside the device, and there is no restriction based on color.

  On the other hand, the background portion of the reel sheet R is different from the conventional reel sheet of a slot machine, and a total of 21 symbols are divided into three every seven pieces, and different colors are applied. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the entire background is uniformly colored, for example, divided into a red zone RED, a white zone WHITE, and a blue zone BLUE.

  The background color zone type V and the number M of symbols in each color zone are determined based on the number N of symbols that can be moved after the player presses the stop button until the symbol is actually stopped. Is done. Specifically, the number M of symbols in the color zone is a value before and after approximating the number of movable frames N, and is preferably a value that satisfies the condition of M ≧ N. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, M = 7 is set because N = 5. The color zone type V is automatically determined from the total number TOTAL of the symbols. That is, V = [TOTAL / M], and [] is an operation for converting to an integer by a truncation operation.

  For the same reason, it is also preferable to set M = 5 or 6. In this case, a total of 21 (TOTAL) symbols are combined into 5, 5, 5, and 6, respectively. Different background colors are provided for the symbol blocks. Since the maximum number of frames that can be moved is determined by the number of rotations of the rotating reel and the allowable time τ from the stop operation to the symbol stop, after all, the background color zone type V and each color zone The number of symbols M is determined based on the number of rotations of the rotating reel and the allowable time τ until stopping.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the total TOTAL symbols are divided every M pieces, and different colors are applied. For this reason, even if the so-called “pushing” cannot be performed on the rotating reel that rotates at high speed, the target symbol can be easily stopped. That is, since the background portion of the reel seat is color-coded, the player can assume the position of the target symbol based on the color of the reel seat background portion when operating the stop button, and the timing of the reel rotation can be assumed. It becomes possible to measure. Moreover, since the number M of symbols in each color zone is M≈N in relation to the number N of movable frames after the stop operation, if the stop button is pressed at the moment when the background color changes or slightly later The target symbol is surely stopped on the stop line by the stop control inside the device. Therefore, even a beginner will not continue to win a jackpot symbol.

  In the present embodiment, only the background portion is color-coded, and natural colors are employed according to the properties and attributes of the symbols. Further, although the entire background is colored in the embodiment of FIG. 3, it is not necessary to be limited to this configuration, and it is sufficient that a part of the background is colored. In FIG. 5, for example, a colored portion is provided at the right end of the reel tape. Even in such a configuration, it is possible to grasp the optimum stop operation timing by the color of the colored portion.

  FIG. 6 shows the display unit 2 of the slot machine according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the panel covering the rotating reels 1a to 1c is composed of a transparent window portion 2a through which the symbols drawn on the rotating reels 1a to 1c are visible, and an opaque portion 2b other than the window portion 2a. A large number of LED lamps are arranged in the portion.

  Since many LED lamps can be appropriately turned on, turned off, and blinked, various effects can be achieved. For example, in the first embodiment, five display lamps LP1 to LP5 are provided on the left side of the display unit 2, but in the second embodiment, the display lamp can be omitted. When the display lamp is omitted, when the first medal is inserted, the LED lamp on the center stop line L1 is turned on, and when the second medal is inserted, the LED lamps on the stop lines L2 and L3 are further turned on. When the third medal is inserted, the LED lamps on the stop lines LP4 and LP5 are further turned on. FIG. 6 shows that all of the stop lines L1 to L5 are valid and the filled LED lamp portion is lit. Of course, a blinking operation may be performed instead of lighting.

  Moreover, since many LED lamps exist in the display part 2, various effects can be realized by the blinking operation of the LED lamps. An example of the operation content of the slot machine using the LED lamp provided in the display unit 2 for the production operation will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the player inserts a coin (including an insertion operation by button operation) (ST1), an effective stop line is clearly indicated by lighting or blinking of the LED lamp (ST2) as illustrated in FIG. Thereafter, when the player operates the start lever 4 (ST3), each game is started, and a lottery process is performed to determine whether or not the current game is in a winning state (ST4). Specifically, a random number value for lottery is acquired from a random number generation circuit (not shown), and whether or not the winning value is determined for the winning numerical value range defined in the lottery table is determined. The winning symbol is specified.

  Subsequently, a lottery process is performed to determine whether or not an effect using various effect materials including the LED lamp of the display unit 2 is performed (ST5). The content of the effect is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the notice effect that implies the winning state by the lottery process in step ST4 is executed. In addition, the rotation reel to be stopped by the player and the stop operation timing thereof are notified with a predetermined probability. Even if the winning state and the winning symbol are the same, the content of the effect changes by lottery, and whether or not to perform the effect operation is also determined with a predetermined probability δ (δ <1).

  Subsequently, the rotation of the three rotary reels 1a to 1c is started (ST6). If it is determined that the notice effect is to be performed as a result of the effect lottery process in step ST6, an appropriate effect operation is performed. Specifically, the winning state is implied by the blinking operation of the LED lamp provided in the display unit 2. Thus, in this embodiment, since the winning state is implied around the rotating reel 1 rotating, it is possible to proceed to the next processing quickly. Of course, other lamp effects and sound effects may be added as appropriate to the effect operation.

  After that, when the above-described effect operation is being executed, the player performs a stop operation with the aim of stopping a specific symbol with reference to the contents of the effect. In addition, when the player is informed of the rotation reel to be stopped and the stop operation timing thereof, the stop operation is performed according to the instruction. If the player presses the stop button 5 (Yes in ST8), it is determined whether or not it is the third stop operation (ST9), and then reel stop control is performed (ST10). Specifically, when the current game is in a winning state, stop control is performed so that the corresponding winning symbol is aligned on the stop line.

  Note that the winning state may be missed because the timing of the player's stop operation is improper, but for the big hit state and the middle hit state, the next game will be held until the winning symbols are aligned on the stop line. Thereafter, the winning state is maintained.

  On the other hand, if the current game is lost, stop control is performed so that none of the winning symbols are aligned on the stop line (ST10). Then, after the symbol is stopped, a necessary presentation operation is performed again based on the lottery result of step ST7 (ST11). Specifically, the implied operation is executed by any one of [stop symbol alignment state] [lamp effect] [sound effect], or an appropriate combination thereof.

  If the player performs the third stop operation as a result of the processing as described above, after performing stop control similar to the above in step ST12, the jackpot symbol (BB symbol is finally placed on the effective stop line. ) And medium hits (RB symbols) are determined (ST13). If the determination result in step ST13 is NO, the payout process is performed according to the stop symbol on the effective stop line (ST14), and the process returns to step ST1.

  As a result of the process of step ST13, if BB symbols or RB symbols are aligned on the effective stop line, a coin payout process is performed (ST13), and a bonus game is started a plurality of times (ST16). When the BB symbol and RB symbol can be aligned, the player's joy is exceptional, and the LED lamp on the display unit flashes violently to celebrate that. FIG. 8 shows a case where the big hit symbol is aligned with the effective line L5.

  Although the third embodiment has been specifically described above, the description does not particularly limit the present invention. For example, the effect display has shown an example in which the LED lamp provided in the display unit 2 is exclusively used, but the effect of the liquid crystal display unit may be added thereto. Of course, other LED lamps and electric lamps may be arranged on the surface of the gaming machine.

  It is also preferable to combine the inventions of the third embodiment and the first embodiment. In this case, when a service game that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game is started, the rotation reel to be stopped and the color block to be aimed at in the staging operation in steps ST7 and ST11 in FIG. It can be considered that the LED lamp around the rotating reel is used for proper notification.

  For example, after the start lever 4 is operated, if the LED lamp of the first rotating reel 1a lights / flashes in a predetermined manner, it means that the red block RED of the first rotating reel should be aimed, and then the third rotating reel 1c. If the LED lamp is lit / flashing in another predetermined manner, it means that the blue block BLUE of the third rotating reel should be aimed, and the color block to be aimed at in the second rotating reel 1b can be specified in the same manner. Conceivable. In such a case, even during the service game period, even a beginner can reliably allocate the internal hit state. Only the rotating reel to be stopped may be notified by the LED lamp, and the color block to be aimed at may use another display body (an illumination lamp or a liquid crystal display unit) or may be notified by voice.

It is a schematic front view of the slot machine according to the embodiment. It is drawing explaining an effective stop line (a) and the maximum number of moving frames (b). 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a reel tape of Example 1. It is a flowchart explaining a bonus game. It is drawing which shows the structure of the reel tape of 2nd Example. It is drawing which shows the display part of the slot machine of 3rd Example. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement content of the slot machine of 3rd Example. It is drawing explaining operation | movement of the slot machine of 3rd Example.

Explanation of symbols

1a to 1c rotating reel SL slot machine

Claims (5)

In a slot machine that rotates a plurality of rotating reels based on a player's start operation and stops each rotating reel based on a game result determined by a lottery process inside the device and a player's stop operation,
A slot machine, wherein a background color different for each group of symbols is attached to all or a part of the background of the symbols drawn on the rotating reel.   2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the number M of symbols having the same background color is determined based on the number of rotations of the rotating reels and an allowable delay time from the stop operation by the player to the symbol stop. . In a slot machine that rotates a plurality of rotating reels based on a player's start operation and stops each rotating reel based on a game result determined by a lottery process inside the device and a player's stop operation,
The panel that covers the rotating reel is composed of a window portion through which the symbols drawn on the rotating reel can be visually observed, and an opaque portion other than the window portion. A slot machine characterized in that a light emitting body for directing operation is arranged.   The slot machine according to claim 3, wherein the light emitter is a plurality of LED lamps and is disposed so as to surround each rotating reel. The slot machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the light emitter is used for a notice operation for notifying a lottery result including a false notice.

Images