JP2008136519A - Slot machine for reporting that prize is to be imparted using plurality of symbols - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slot machine for animation-displaying symbols arranged on the basis of a moving image display pattern corresponding to a prize to be imparted. <P>SOLUTION: The prize to be imparted is drawn after start reception processing, a moving image display pattern A or a moving image display pattern B for reporting that shifting to a bonus game is to be performed is selected from the moving image display pattern A-E when determining that shifting to the bonus game is to be performed, and one of the moving image display pattern C - the moving image display pattern E for reporting that shifting to the bonus game is not to be performed is selected from the moving image display patterns A-E in the case of judging that shifting to the bonus game is not to be performed. The presence/absence of shifting to the bonus game is reported by arranging animation symbols indicating a plurality of scenes constituting the respective selected moving image display pattern A-E on a lower side display 6 stepwise while performing animation display according to the moving image display pattern. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a slot machine that notifies that a prize is awarded by arranging symbols on a display.

Conventionally, a slot machine, which is a type of gaming machine, starts a game by inserting a gaming medium such as a coin into the gaming machine, displays a symbol string in a predetermined area of the gaming machine, and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed. A prize is awarded based on the combination of the symbols that are displayed and stopped.
Whether or not a combination for giving a prize is established is determined by whether or not a predetermined number of symbols of the same type (for example, “CHERRY” and “7”) are arranged along a preset payline. Generally it is done. Further, conventionally, as in US Pat. No. 6,517,432 B1, there is a slot machine in which a special symbol moving on a display is displayed separately from a normal symbol when a predetermined condition is satisfied, thereby improving entertainment properties.
US Pat. No. 6,517,432 B1

  In the conventional slot machine described above, entertainment is further improved by adding and displaying special special symbols other than normal symbols, but the symbols arranged on the display are not related to each other. And it is comprised so that it may alert | report that a prize is awarded only by the kind and number of arranged symbols.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that further enhances entertainment properties by notifying that a prize is awarded by a plurality of arranged symbols.

  In order to achieve the above object, a slot machine according to the present invention (for example, slot machine 1) includes a display (for example, the lower display 6) on which a plurality of symbols are arranged, and a plurality of notifications whether a prize is awarded or not. A memory (for example, RAM 63) for storing a moving image display pattern and whether or not to give a prize are determined, and when it is decided to give the award, the award is selected from the plurality of moving picture display patterns. A video display pattern corresponding to the video display pattern is selected, and a plurality of symbols indicating a plurality of animation scenes constituting the selected video display pattern are displayed along the video display pattern. In the state where the symbols are arranged in the regions 31 to 45), the symbols are assigned to the plurality of regions according to the selected moving image display pattern. Sequentially controllers running animation (e.g., controller 49) Te and is characterized by having a.

  According to the slot machine having the above-described configuration, the arranged symbols are sequentially displayed from the state in which a plurality of symbols showing a plurality of animation scenes constituting the movie display pattern are arranged on the display along the movie display pattern. Thus, it is notified that the award is given, so that it is possible to notify the game result of the slot machine by an animation developed on the display. As a result, the player can easily and clearly grasp whether or not a prize is awarded, as compared to the case of notifying that a prize is awarded only by the type and number of symbols arranged as in the past. It becomes possible, and entertainment property can be improved more.

  In addition, the slot machine according to the present invention further allows the controller (for example, the controller 49) to shift to the bonus game from the plurality of moving image display patterns when it is determined to shift to the bonus game. When a bonus winning pattern to be notified is selected, and it is determined not to shift to the bonus game according to the lottery result, a loss pattern to be notified that the transition to the bonus game is not selected from among the plurality of video display patterns is selected, A plurality of symbols (for example, animation symbols 71 to 75, 78) showing a plurality of animation scenes constituting the selected bonus winning pattern or loss pattern are sequentially displayed along the respective moving image display patterns. For example, place it on the lower display 6) Characterized by animated in accordance with the video display pattern of the symbol is selected that.

  According to the slot machine having the above configuration, whether or not a transition to a bonus game is made by arranging a plurality of symbols showing a plurality of animation scenes constituting a moving image display pattern on the display step by step along the moving image display pattern Therefore, it is possible to notify the game result of the slot machine by an animation developed on the display. As a result, the player can easily and clearly grasp whether or not to shift to the bonus game, as compared with the conventional case where the presence or absence of the shift to the bonus game is notified only by the type and number of symbols arranged. And the entertainment properties can be further improved.

  Further, in the slot machine according to the present invention, when it is determined that the controller (for example, the controller 49) shifts to the bonus game based on the lottery result, the first character (from the plurality of moving image display patterns) For example, a bonus winning pattern for notifying that the first character 76) is transferred to the bonus game by winning the second character (for example, the second character 77) is selected, and the bonus game is not transferred according to the lottery result. Is determined, a loss pattern for notifying that the first character is defeated by the second character and not shifting to the bonus game is selected from the plurality of video display patterns, and the selected bonus winning pattern or Multiple animation sheets that make up the loss pattern A plurality of symbols (for example, animation symbols 71 to 75, 78) indicated by is sequentially arranged on the display (for example, the lower display 6) along each moving image display pattern, and the arranged symbols are selected. An animation is displayed according to the moving image display pattern.

  According to the slot machine having the above configuration, the presence / absence of the transition to the bonus game is notified by winning or losing the battle between the first character and the second character developed during the animation. It becomes possible to notify more clearly.

  Further, the slot machine according to the present invention further notifies that the controller (for example, the controller 49) shifts to the bonus game from the plurality of moving image display patterns when shifting to the bonus game according to the lottery result. The moving image display pattern to be selected is selected.

  According to the slot machine having the above configuration, whether or not a transition to a bonus game is made by arranging a plurality of symbols showing a plurality of animation scenes constituting a moving image display pattern on the display step by step along the moving image display pattern Therefore, it is possible to notify the game result of the slot machine by an animation developed on the display. As a result, the player can easily and clearly determine whether or not to shift to the bonus game, as compared with the conventional case of notifying whether or not to shift to the bonus game only by the type and number of symbols arranged. This makes it possible to grasp the information and improve the entertainment characteristics.

  In the slot machine according to the present invention, the controller (for example, the controller 49) further arranges the plurality of symbols (for example, animation symbols 71 to 75) stepwise along a set payline. And

  According to the slot machine having the above configuration, since the animation is developed by the symbols arranged along the payline, it is easy to grasp the flow of the animation story, and it is possible to more clearly notify that the award is given. It becomes.

  In the slot machine according to the present invention, the arranged symbols are sequentially animated from the state in which a plurality of symbols showing a plurality of animation scenes constituting the movie display pattern are arranged on the display along the movie display pattern. Since it is informed that the award is to be given, the game result of the slot machine can be notified by an animation developed on the display. As a result, the player can easily and clearly grasp whether or not a prize is awarded, as compared to the case of notifying that a prize is awarded only by the type and number of symbols arranged as in the past. It becomes possible, and entertainment property can be improved more.

  DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, a slot machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on a specific embodiment. Here, the slot machine according to the following embodiment is a so-called video slot machine which has an image display device such as a liquid crystal display and plays a game by displaying images of various symbols on the image display device.

Then, the slot machine according to the present invention is a video that notifies a prize to be awarded in the current game from a plurality of video display patterns based on a lottery result of an internal lottery that determines the content of a prize executed at the start of the game. Select the display pattern, and from the state where the symbols indicating the multiple animation scenes that make up the selected video display pattern are arranged along the payline, the arranged symbols are animated in order and played through the animation story The lottery result is notified to the person.
For example, FIG. 1 shows a slot machine having five reels 23 to 27 on the display, and a case where it is determined to give an award to shift to a bonus game in the internal lottery. When the game is started in the slot machine shown in FIG. 1, the symbol rows are scrolled on the reels 23 to 27. When a predetermined time elapses, the reels 23 to 27 stop rotating in order from the left, and five animation symbols 71 to 75 are arranged in the central symbol display area. Here, the five animation symbols 71 to 75 respectively show five scenes constituting a moving image display pattern in which the first character 76 imitating a missile and the second character 77 imitating a dinosaur compete with each other. In the animation symbols 71 to 75 shown in FIG. 6, an animation for notifying that the bonus game is won by the first character 76 winning is developed.

First, a schematic configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.
The slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a cabinet 2, a top box 3 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 2, and a main door 4 provided on the front surface of the cabinet 2.

  An upper display 5 is provided on the front surface of the top box 3. Here, the upper display 5 is constituted by a known liquid crystal display, and displays a game method, a payout table, and the like.

  On the other hand, a lower display 6 is provided on the entire surface of the main door 4. Here, the lower display 6 is constituted by a known liquid crystal display and has a symbol display unit 7 having a 3 × 5 symbol display area. The symbol display unit 7 is composed of five rows of reels 23 to 27. Each reel 23 to 27 scrolls and displays a predetermined row of symbol rows, and displays a maximum of three symbols after a predetermined time. Stop display. As a result, as will be described later, a maximum of 15 symbols are displayed in accordance with the progress of the game, and a predetermined prize is paid out to the player based on the combination of the displayed symbols. The number of reels may be three reels, and the number of symbols displayed is not limited to fifteen.

  Further, a touch panel 11 is provided on the front surface of the lower display 6, and the player can input various instructions by operating the touch panel 11.

  Further, the lower display 6 is provided with a credit amount display portion 8 and a payout amount display portion 9. The credit amount display unit 8 displays the number of credits currently owned by the player. In the payout number display portion 9, the amount of a prize awarded when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the symbol display portion 7 is a predetermined winning combination is displayed as the number of payouts.

Also, below the lower display 6, a control panel 15 provided with a plurality of buttons for inputting instructions relating to the game progress by the player, and a coin receiving slot for receiving coins as game media into the cabinet 2. 16 and a bill insertion slot 17 are provided.
The control panel 15 is provided with a start button 18, a change button 19, a CASHOUT button 20, a 1-BET button 21, and a maximum BET button 22. The start button 18 is an operation means for inputting an instruction to start scroll display of the symbol row on the reels 23 to 27. The change button 19 is an operation means used when requesting exchange of money from a game hall staff. The CASHOUT button 20 gives an instruction to pay out coins corresponding to the number of credits owned by the player (one credit corresponds to one coin) from the coin payout exit 28 to the coin tray 29, or to pay out with a bar code ticket. It is an operation means for inputting.
The 1-BET button 21 is an operation means for receiving an instruction to bet (bet) one credit among the credits owned by the player. The maximum BET button 22 is an operation means for receiving an instruction to bet a game on the maximum number of credits (50 credits in the present embodiment) that can be bet on one game among credits owned by the player. is there. In addition, various types of BET buttons such as a 3-BET button can be provided as the BET button.

  In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, coins, bills, or electronic valuable information (credits) corresponding to these are used as game media. However, game media applicable to the present invention are not limited to this, and examples include medals, tokens, electronic money, and tickets.

  Next, symbols displayed on the symbol display unit 7 of the lower display 6 during the game will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5. 3 is a front view showing the symbol display section 7 according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4 is a front view showing paylines A to E set in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. It is the figure which showed the list of the normal symbol which concerns.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the symbol display unit 7 according to the present embodiment includes five rows of reels 23 to 27. Each of the reels 23 to 27 has symbol display areas 31 to 45 for displaying three symbols on each of the reels 23 to 27 when the rotation is stopped. When the game is started, one symbol (a total of 15 symbols) is displayed in each of the symbol display areas 31 to 45 as shown in FIG. In addition, in order to distinguish each symbol display area | region 31-45, although it divided | segmented with the dotted line in the figure, you may comprise so that this dotted line may not be displayed.

  Here, the symbols used in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment are composed of ten types of normal symbols 46 shown in FIG. 5, blanks (blank symbols), and animation symbols shown in FIGS.

  In the slot machine according to the present embodiment, when a predetermined number or more of the same type of normal symbols 46 are arranged along the five paylines A to E shown in FIG. A prize is awarded when a predetermined number or more of the same type of normal symbols 46 are arranged in the display areas 31 to 45. In the slot machine according to the present embodiment, in particular, when animation symbols 71 to 75 (see FIG. 1) for notifying that a transition to the bonus game is made along the paylines A to E are arranged, the bonus game is won. It becomes. When the bonus game is won, the bonus game is continuously executed after the end of the normal game.

  Hereinafter, the animation symbol according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The animation symbol according to the present embodiment is a symbol indicating a plurality of animation scenes constituting a moving image display pattern for notifying that a transition to a bonus game or a loss has occurred as a result of the internal lottery. Here, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a predetermined ratio (even if it is determined to shift to the bonus game or not to shift to the bonus game as a result of the internal lottery performed at the start of the game, For example, the moving image display pattern is selected at 5%). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a list of moving image display patterns to be selected. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an animation symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 7 when the video display pattern A is selected as the video display pattern for informing the prize lottery result. FIG. 7 shows the prize lottery result. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an animation symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit 7 when the moving image display pattern C is selected as the moving image display pattern for informing the user.

  For example, the moving image display pattern A is one of bonus winning patterns that are selected when it is determined as a result of the internal lottery that the game is shifted to the bonus game, and is composed of the first to fifth scenes shown in FIG. The When the moving image display pattern A is selected, the animation symbol 71 (see FIG. 1) indicating the first scene in which the second character 77 appears is first stopped and displayed on the reel 23, and the animation symbol 71 stopped and displayed. The appearance scene of the second character 77 is developed by displaying the animation. Next, the animation symbol 72 indicating the second scene in which the first character 76 appears is stopped and displayed on the reel 24, and the appearance scene of the first character 76 is developed by displaying the animation symbol 72 stopped and displayed. Next, the animation symbol 73 indicating the third scene in which the first character 76 and the second character 77 start the battle is stopped and displayed on the reel 25, and the animation symbol 73 that is stopped and displayed is animated to display the battle start scene. expand. Next, the animation symbol 74 indicating the fourth scene in which the first character 76 and the second character 77 are in battle is stopped and displayed on the reel 26, and the battle symbol is developed by displaying the animation symbol 74 stopped and displayed. To do. Finally, the animation symbol 75 indicating the fifth scene in which the first character 76 wins the second character 77 is stopped and displayed on the reel 27, and the animation symbol 75 stopped and displayed is animated to win the first character 76. Unfold the scene. As described above, the player is notified of the transition to the bonus game.

  Further, the moving image display pattern B is one of bonus winning patterns selected when it is determined that the game is shifted to the bonus game as a result of the internal lottery, and is composed of the first scene to the fourth scene shown in FIG. The When the moving image display pattern B is selected, the animation symbol 71 (see FIG. 1) indicating the first scene in which the second character 77 appears is first stopped and displayed on the reel 23, and the animation symbol 71 stopped and displayed. The appearance scene of the second character 77 is developed by displaying the animation. Next, the animation symbol 72 indicating the second scene in which the first character 76 appears is stopped and displayed on the reel 24, and the appearance scene of the first character 76 is developed by displaying the animation symbol 72 stopped and displayed. Next, the animation symbol 73 indicating the third scene in which the first character 76 and the second character 77 start the battle is stopped and displayed on the reel 25, and the animation symbol 73 that is stopped and displayed is animated to display the battle start scene. expand. Finally, the animation symbol 75 indicating the fourth scene in which the first character 76 wins over the second character 77 is stopped and displayed on the reel 26, and the animation symbol 75 stopped and displayed is animated to win the first character 76. Unfold the scene. As described above, the player is notified of the transition to the bonus game.

  For example, the moving image display pattern C is one of the lost patterns selected when it is determined that the bonus game is not shifted as a result of the internal lottery, and includes the first to fifth scenes shown in FIG. The When the moving image display pattern C is selected, the animation symbol 71 (see FIG. 7) indicating the first scene in which the second character 77 appears is first stopped and displayed by the reel 23, and the animation symbol 71 stopped and displayed. The appearance scene of the second character 77 is developed by displaying the animation. Next, the animation symbol 72 indicating the second scene in which the first character 76 appears is stopped and displayed on the reel 24, and the appearance scene of the first character 76 is developed by displaying the animation symbol 72 stopped and displayed. Next, the animation symbol 73 indicating the third scene in which the first character 76 and the second character 77 start the battle is stopped and displayed on the reel 25, and the animation symbol 73 that is stopped and displayed is animated to display the battle start scene. expand. Next, the animation symbol 74 indicating the fourth scene in which the first character 76 and the second character 77 are in battle is stopped and displayed on the reel 26, and the battle symbol is developed by displaying the animation symbol 74 stopped and displayed. To do. Finally, the animation symbol 78 indicating the fifth scene in which the first character 76 is defeated by the second character 77 is stopped and displayed by the reel 27, and the animation symbol 78 that is stopped and displayed is animated to defeat the first character 76. Unfold the scene. As described above, the player is notified that the game does not shift to the bonus game.

  The moving image display pattern D is one of the loss patterns selected when it is determined that the bonus game is not shifted as a result of the internal lottery, and includes the first to fourth scenes shown in FIG. The When the moving image display pattern D is selected, the animation symbol 71 (see FIG. 7) indicating the first scene in which the second character 77 appears is first stopped and displayed on the reel 23, and the animation symbol 71 stopped and displayed. The appearance scene of the second character 77 is developed by displaying the animation. Next, the animation symbol 72 indicating the second scene in which the first character 76 appears is stopped and displayed on the reel 24, and the appearance scene of the first character 76 is developed by displaying the animation symbol 72 stopped and displayed. Next, the animation symbol 73 indicating the third scene in which the first character 76 and the second character 77 start the battle is stopped and displayed on the reel 25, and the animation symbol 73 that is stopped and displayed is animated to display the battle start scene. expand. Finally, the animation symbol 78 indicating the fourth scene in which the first character 76 is defeated by the second character 77 is stopped and displayed on the reel 26, and the animation symbol 78 that is stopped and displayed is animated to defeat the first character 76. Unfold the scene. As described above, the player is notified that the game does not shift to the bonus game.

  For example, the moving image display pattern E is one of the lost patterns that are selected when it is determined that the bonus game is not shifted as a result of the internal lottery, and includes the first to fifth scenes shown in FIG. The When the moving image display pattern E is selected, the animation symbol 71 (see FIG. 7) indicating the first scene in which the second character 77 appears is first stopped and displayed on the reel 23, and the animation symbol 71 stopped and displayed. The appearance scene of the second character 77 is developed by displaying the animation. Next, the animation symbol 72 indicating the second scene in which the first character 76 appears is stopped and displayed on the reel 24, and the appearance scene of the first character 76 is developed by displaying the animation symbol 72 stopped and displayed. Next, the animation symbol 73 indicating the third scene in which the first character 76 and the second character 77 start the battle is stopped and displayed on the reel 25, and the animation symbol 73 that is stopped and displayed is animated to display the battle start scene. expand. Next, the animation symbol 74 indicating the fourth scene in which the first character 76 and the second character 77 are in battle is stopped and displayed on the reel 26, and the battle symbol is developed by displaying the animation symbol 74 stopped and displayed. To do. Finally, an animation symbol (not shown) indicating a fifth scene drawn by the first character 76 and the second character 77 is stopped and displayed on the reel 27, and the animation symbol displayed on the stop is animated to display the drawing scene. expand. As described above, the player is notified that the game does not shift to the bonus game.

  Next, the game progress procedure of the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be specifically described. First, when the start button 18 is pressed after the bet reception is completed, an internal lottery for drawing a prize is performed. Further, as a result of the internal lottery, even when it is determined to shift to the bonus game, or even when it is determined not to shift to the bonus game, the moving image is displayed from the moving image display patterns A to E at a predetermined ratio (for example, 5%) A display pattern is selected. Thereafter, when the predetermined time elapses after the start button 18 is pressed, the reels 23 to 27 start to rotate, and the symbol string scroll display is performed. After the predetermined time elapses, a total of 15 symbols are displayed on the symbol display areas 31 to 45. The normal symbol 46 or the animation symbol is stopped and displayed step by step while displaying the animation. Then, the contents of the award are determined and given based on the combination of the symbols that are stopped and displayed.

  Next, the configuration related to the control system of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control system of the slot machine 1 basically includes a mother board 60 and a gaming board 50. The motherboard 60 and the gaming board 50 constitute a controller 49 that executes a control program (FIGS. 9 and 10) described later.
First, the gaming board 50 will be described. The gaming board 50 corresponds to a CPU 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52, a card slot 53S corresponding to the memory card 53, and a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54 connected to each other via an internal bus. An IC socket 54S is provided.

The memory card 53 is a non-volatile memory, and is a recording medium on which a game program and a game system program (hereinafter referred to as a game program or the like) are recorded. The game program recorded on the memory card 53 includes a lottery program. This lottery program is a program for determining a prize and selecting a moving image display pattern.
The memory card 53 includes a prize lottery table for drawing a prize and a moving image display pattern lottery table for drawing a moving image display pattern. Here, the prize lottery table is a table in which a predetermined random value range is associated with each prize such as a transition to a bonus game or a predetermined amount of game media. First, based on the prize lottery table, a prize to be awarded in the current game is drawn, and thereafter, the main CPU 61 selects a combination of the normal symbol 46 or the animation symbol for giving the determined prize. The symbol lottery table may be a table in which a predetermined random value range is associated with symbols that are stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45. In that case, first, a normal symbol 46 or an animation symbol to be stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 is drawn based on the symbol lottery table, and then a prize is given to the player based on the determined combination of symbols. Determined.
The moving image display pattern lottery table is a table in which a predetermined random value range is associated with the moving image display patterns A and B and the moving image display patterns C to E. First, it is determined whether or not to shift to the bonus game based on the prize lottery table. If it is determined to shift to the bonus game, any of the video display patterns A and B is selected based on the random number value sampled. The same moving image display pattern is selected. Further, even when it is determined that the game does not shift to the bonus game, when the prize lottery result is notified using the bonus symbol, the video display pattern is selected based on the random number values sampled from the video display patterns C to E. Is done.

  Next, the mother board 60 will be described. The motherboard 60 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose motherboard (printed wiring board on which basic components of a personal computer are mounted), and includes a main CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, and a communication interface 64.

  The ROM 62 is composed of a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores permanent data such as a program such as a BIOS executed by the main CPU 61. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 61, a predetermined peripheral device initialization process is performed, and a process for fetching a game program or the like stored in the memory card 53 is started via the gaming board 50. Further, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the moving image display patterns A to E shown in FIG.

  The RAM 63 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 61 operates. Further, the RAM 63 can store various programs such as an authentication program and a game program read out via the gaming board 50 and various information such as the number of credits currently owned by the player.

  The communication interface 64 is a communication device for communicating with a server or the like installed in the game arcade via a communication line.

  Further, a main body PCB 70 and a door PCB 80, which will be described later, are connected to the mother board 60 by USBs. Further, a power supply unit 65 is connected to the mother board 60. When power is supplied from the power supply unit 65 to the mother board 60, the main CPU 61 of the mother board 60 is activated. Further, power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus, and the CPU 51 is activated.

  Further, a hopper 66, a coin detection unit 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 69, a touch panel 11, a bill insertion slot 17, and the like are connected to the main body PCB 70.

  The graphic board 68 controls image display on the upper display 5 and the lower display 6 based on a control signal from the main CPU 61. For example, the upper display 5 displays a payout table and a help screen, and the lower display 6 displays a scroll display and a stop display of the normal symbols 46 and animation symbols associated with the rotation of the reels 23 to 27 on the symbol display unit 7. Do. When the animation symbol is stopped and displayed, the animation symbol is displayed in an animation according to each moving image display pattern (see FIG. 6).

  On the other hand, to the door PCB 80, a control panel 15, a reverter 16S, a coin counter 16C, and a cold cathode tube 81 are connected. The control panel 15 includes a start switch 18S corresponding to the start button 18, a change switch 19S corresponding to the change button 19, a CASHOUT switch 20S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 20, a 1-BET switch 21S corresponding to the 1-BET button 21, A maximum BET switch 22S corresponding to the maximum BET button 22 is provided. Each switch outputs an input signal to the main CPU 61 when the corresponding button is operated by the player.

Subsequently, a main control program executed in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the main control program.
In the slot machine 1, the memory card 53 is already inserted into the card slot 53S of the gaming board 50, and the GAL 54 is attached to the IC socket 54S.

First, when the power switch is turned on (power is turned on) in the power supply unit 65, the mother board 60 and the gaming board 50 are activated, and the authentication reading process of step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1 is executed. In this authentication reading process, the mother board 60 and the gaming board 50 perform separate processes in parallel.
That is, in the gaming board 50, the CPU 51 reads the preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52, and the authentication program is falsified in advance according to the read preliminary authentication program before being taken into the motherboard 60. Pre-authentication is performed to confirm and prove that there is no
On the other hand, in the motherboard 60, the main CPU 61 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 62, expands the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM 63, executes the BIOS expanded in the RAM 63, and executes various peripheral devices. Perform diagnosis and initialization.

Thereafter, the main CPU 61 reads the authentication program stored in the ROM 55, and performs authentication for confirming and proving that the game program stored in the memory card 53 inserted into the card slot 53S has not been tampered with. . When the authentication process is normally completed, the main CPU 61 writes the game program or the like to be authenticated (authenticated) in the RAM 63. Subsequently, the payout rate setting data stored in the GAL 54 is read through the gaming board 50, and the read payout rate setting data is written in the RAM 63.
After performing the process described above, the main CPU 61 ends the authentication reading process.

  In S2, the main CPU 61 sequentially reads and executes the game program and the like authenticated in the authentication reading process in S1 from the RAM 63, and performs the main game process. By executing this main game process, a game is played in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The main game process is repeatedly executed while power is supplied to the slot machine 1.

  Next, the sub-process of the main game process in S2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the main game processing program in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. Each program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 below is stored in the memory card 53, developed in the RAM 63 provided in the controller 49, and executed by the main CPU 61.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10, in step S11, the main CPU 61 performs a predetermined initial setting, and then performs a start acceptance process for setting the coin insertion, the number of bets, and the like. At this time, in the initialization process, processing such as clearing data of items set in a predetermined data area (for example, a payout number counter) is performed. Further, in the start acceptance process, the player performs a bet operation for setting the number of bets in the current game to any one of 1 BET to 50 BET using the coin insertion and the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22. .

Next, in S12, the main CPU 61 determines whether or not the start button 18 has been input. Whether or not the start button 18 has been input is determined based on whether or not an input signal from the start switch 18S has been received.
When the start button 18 is not input (S12: NO), the process returns to the start acceptance process (S11) again. At this time, operations such as correction of the number of bets can be performed. On the other hand, when the start button 18 is input (S12: YES), the bet number set based on the operation of the 1-BET button 21 and the maximum BET button 22 is subtracted from the number of credits owned and the bet information Is stored in the RAM 63.

  Subsequently, in S13, the main CPU 61 executes a lottery process for drawing a prize to be awarded in the current game. Specifically, the main CPU 61 executes a random number generation program included in the lottery program stored in the RAM 63, thereby sampling a random value from a numerical range of a predetermined random value range, Based on the numerical value and the prize lottery table, the prize to be awarded is drawn.

  Further, in S14, the main CPU 61 determines whether or not to perform animation display using animation symbols based on the result of the lottery process in S13. Here, when the animation display is performed, it is determined that the transition to the bonus game is performed, or even when it is determined that the transition to the bonus game is not performed, a specific effect pattern is generated with a predetermined probability (for example, 5%). This is the case when selected.

When it is determined that the animation display is to be performed (S14: YES), a moving image display pattern for notifying the lottery result of the prize of S13 from among the five types of moving image display patterns A to E stored in the RAM 63 is displayed. Select (S15). Specifically, the main CPU 61 executes a random number generation program included in the lottery program stored in the RAM 63, thereby sampling a random value from a numerical range of a predetermined random value range, Any one moving image display pattern is selected based on the numerical value and the moving image display pattern lottery table. If it is determined to shift to the bonus game, a video display pattern is selected from the video display patterns A and B. If it is determined not to shift to the bonus game, the video display patterns C to E are selected. A video display pattern is selected.
On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the animation display (S14: NO), the process proceeds to S16 without selecting the moving image display pattern.

  In S16, the main CPU 61 determines 15 symbols (that is, the stop positions of the reels 23 to 27) to be displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 from the plurality of types of normal symbols 46 and animation symbols based on the lottery result in S13. ) Respectively.

  Further, in S17, the main CPU 61 starts the rotation of the reels 23 to 27, and scrolls and displays the symbol rows arranged on the reels 23 to 27 at a predetermined speed. Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses, the reels 23 → reel 24 → reel 25 → reel 26 → reel 27 are stopped and displayed in this order, and the symbols determined in S16 are displayed stepwise on each of the reels 23 to 27 ( (See FIG. 1). Here, in particular, when it is determined in S14 that the animation display by the animation symbol is performed, the main CPU 61 displays the animation selected in S15 after each animation symbol is once displayed in the corresponding symbol display area. According to the pattern, the arranged animation symbols are displayed in an animation on the symbol display area. Then, after the animation display is finished, the next reel is stopped and displayed.

  Subsequently, in S18, the main CPU 61 determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 is a specific combination for paying out some prize.

  And when it determines with it being a combination which pays out a prize (S18: YES), it transfers to S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that the combination does not pay out a prize (S18: NO), the main game process is terminated. In addition, when starting a game continuously after the next time, the process after S1 is performed again.

  In S <b> 19, the main CPU 61 notifies the player of the contents of the prize by displaying a prize based on the established combination on the lower display 6. For example, when the number of bets is one bet and five “CHERRY” symbols are displayed along the payline, the characters “Win 15” for notifying that 15 credits will be awarded as a prize are displayed. . Further, when the animation symbols 71 to 75 are displayed along the payline, the characters “Win Bonus Game” notifying that the game is shifted to the bonus game are displayed.

  Subsequently, in S20, it is determined whether or not the combination of symbols displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45 has formed a bonus combination by the reel rotation process in S16. Here, the bonus combination is a combination in which animation symbols indicating scenes (see FIG. 6) constituting the moving image display pattern A or the moving image display pattern B are arranged along the payline.

As a result, when it is determined that a bonus combination has been established (S20: YES), the process proceeds to bonus game processing (S21). Although various modes are conceivable as the bonus game, the explanation here assumes that the free game is a bonus game. Here, the free game is a game in which the same game as the normal game is performed a predetermined number of times without performing a BET, and in the bonus game process of S21, the rotation and stop control of the reels 23 to 27 are repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times. The established prize is paid out to the player in a payout process of S22 described later. In addition, as a lottery table used during the free game, a lottery table that is set so as to pay out more than the base game may be used.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the bonus combination has not been established (S20: NO), the process proceeds to S22.

  In step S22, the main CPU 61 pays out a prize based on the combination of the displayed symbols to the player. At this time, by pressing the CASHOUT button 20, it is possible to pay out as coins corresponding to the number of credits (one credit corresponds to one coin), and it is also possible to pay out with a bar code ticket. is there.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a prize is lottery after the start acceptance process (S12), and if it is determined that the bonus game is entered as a result of the lottery, the video display patterns A to E are selected. When the moving image display pattern A or the moving image display pattern B for notifying the transition to the bonus game is selected and it is determined not to shift to the bonus game, the moving image display patterns A to E are not shifted to the bonus game. Any one of the moving image display pattern C to the moving image display pattern E is notified (S15), and animation symbols indicating a plurality of scenes constituting the selected moving image display patterns A to E are displayed according to the moving image display pattern. Bona by placing it on the lower display 6 in stages while displaying animation Since informing the presence or absence of transition in the game (S17), it is possible to notify by animation developed a game result of a slot machine on the lower display 6. As a result, the player can easily and clearly grasp whether or not to shift to the bonus game, as compared to the case of notifying that the transition to the bonus game is made only by the type and number of symbols arranged as in the past. And the entertainment properties can be further improved.
In addition, since the video display patterns A to E notify whether or not to shift to the bonus game by winning or losing the battle between the first character 76 and the second character 77, it is clearer whether or not to shift to the bonus game. Can be notified.
Also, since the animation symbols 71 to 75 and 78 are arranged along the paylines A to E, it is easy to grasp the flow of the animation story developed by the animation symbols, and the prize lottery result is more clearly notified. Is possible.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, Of course, various improvement and deformation | transformation are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.
For example, in this embodiment, the animation symbols are configured to be included in advance in the symbol columns of the reels 23 to 27 in the same manner as the normal symbols 46, but the symbol columns of the reels 23 to 27 are configured only by the normal symbols 46. You may do it. In that case, after the normal symbol 46 is stopped and displayed in the symbol display areas 31 to 45, the animation symbol is newly arranged on the displayed normal symbol 46.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not to shift to the bonus game is notified by the animation developed by the animation symbol, but the prize to be notified may be a prize other than the shift to the bonus game. For example, a prize for giving a predetermined amount of game media may be notified. In that case, if it is determined that a predetermined amount of game media is to be given in the prize lottery process of S13, the moving image display pattern A or the moving image display pattern B in which the first character 76 wins the second character 77 is determined in S15. select. On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined amount of game media is not given in the prize lottery process of S13, any one of the video display pattern C to the video display pattern E in which the first character 76 is defeated by the second character 77 in S15. The animation symbol is arranged according to the selected moving image display pattern.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the moving image display patterns A to E configured by animation symbols are stories in which the first character 76 and the second character 77 are competing. It may be a story. For example, it may be a story in which an ally character escapes from an enemy character. In this case, if the result of the prize drawing is that the player is to shift to the bonus game, an animation symbol indicating a story that allows the teammate character to escape from the enemy character is arranged on the display, and if the player does not shift to the bonus game, the friend character An animation symbol indicating a story captured by an enemy character is arranged on the display.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine using a normal mechanical reel. In that case, the normal symbol 46 and the animation symbol are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel.

FIG. 25 shows animation symbols arranged when a prize for shifting to a bonus game is awarded in the slot machine according to the present embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. It is the front view which showed the symbol display part which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view showing paylines A to E set in the slot machine according to the present embodiment. It is the figure which showed the list of the normal symbol which concerns on this embodiment. It is the figure which showed the list | wrist of a moving image display pattern. FIG. 25 shows animation symbols arranged when the slot machine according to the present embodiment does not shift to a bonus game. It is a block diagram which shows typically the control system of the slot machine which concerns on this embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of a main control processing program in the slot machine according to the present embodiment. 21 is a flowchart of a main game processing program in the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 Slot Machine 6 Lower Display 7 Symbol Display Unit 31-45 Symbol Display Area 46 Normal Symbol 61 Main CPU
62 ROM
63 RAM
71-75, 78 Animation symbol 76 First character 77 Second character

Claims (5)

A display for arranging a plurality of symbols;
A memory for storing a plurality of video display patterns for notifying whether or not to give a prize;
Decide whether to give a prize,
When it is determined to give the prize, a video display pattern corresponding to the prize is selected from the plurality of video display patterns,
From a state where a plurality of symbols indicating a plurality of animation scenes constituting the selected moving image display pattern are arranged in a plurality of areas of the display along the moving image display pattern,
A controller that sequentially executes animation display on the plurality of regions according to the moving image display pattern in which the symbols are selected;
A slot machine characterized by comprising: A display for arranging a plurality of symbols;
A memory for storing a plurality of video display patterns for notifying whether or not to shift to the bonus game;
Decide whether to move to the bonus game,
When it is determined to shift to the bonus game, a bonus winning pattern for notifying that the shift to the bonus game is notified is selected from the plurality of video display patterns.
When it is determined not to shift to the bonus game, a loss pattern for notifying the transition to the bonus game is selected from the plurality of video display patterns,
A plurality of symbols showing a plurality of animation scenes constituting the selected bonus winning pattern or lose pattern are sequentially arranged in a plurality of areas of the display along each moving image display pattern,
A controller that sequentially displays the animation on the plurality of regions according to the selected moving image display pattern of the arranged symbols;
A slot machine characterized by comprising: A display for arranging a plurality of symbols;
A memory for storing a plurality of moving image display patterns for notifying whether or not to shift to the bonus game based on the winning and losing results while the first character and the second character compete
Decide whether to move to the bonus game,
When it is decided to shift to the bonus game, a bonus winning pattern for notifying the shift to the bonus game when the first character wins the second character is selected from the plurality of video display patterns. And
When it is determined not to shift to the bonus game, a loss pattern for notifying that the first character will not shift to the bonus game by defeating the second character is selected from the plurality of moving image display patterns. ,
A plurality of symbols showing a plurality of animation scenes constituting the selected bonus winning pattern or lose pattern are sequentially arranged in a plurality of areas of the display along each moving image display pattern,
A controller that sequentially displays the animation on the plurality of regions according to the selected moving image display pattern of the arranged symbols;
A slot machine characterized by comprising:   The said controller selects the moving image display pattern which alert | reports shifting to a bonus game from these several moving image display patterns, when it determines to transfer to a bonus game. Slot machine. 5. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller sequentially arranges the plurality of symbols along a set payline. 5.

Images