JP2008212752A - Rotary reel control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To assist a spot pushing operation without separately disposing an opening other than an ordinary display window and to further heighten a game player's interest. <P>SOLUTION: A pattern position determination means 101 determines the rotary position of patterns of a rotary reel in the process of rotating and the stop position of patterns of the rotary reel when rotation is stopped. A game control means 100 causes the transition to a spot pushing assisting game according to the lottery result. A target pattern setting means 104 sets a target pattern of a target reel to be stopped in a predetermined reference stop position of a counterclockwise reel for a predetermined reference reel (a clockwise reel) when the transition to a spot pushing assisting game occurs. Further, when a predetermined lottery result (a second small winning combination wins the game) is obtained, the target reel is two (left and middle rotary reels), and when the lottery result outside of the predetermined lottery result is obtained, the target reel is one. A reel control means 103 controls starting of a motor for the reference reel and the target reel so that a special pattern (solid) of the reference reel and the target pattern (a bell) are rotated in synchronization with each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control technology for a rotating reel provided in a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  Conventionally, for example, it has three rotating reels displaying a plurality of symbols, and when the start switch is operated, rotation of all three rotating reels is started and lottery is performed, and when the stop switch is operated, The stop of the rotation of the rotating reel corresponding to the stop switch is controlled based on the lottery result, and when all three rotating reels stop rotating, it is determined that a winning is achieved when a predetermined symbol is aligned on a predetermined winning line. A gaming machine configured to give a predetermined profit to a player is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). The player performs a so-called pushing operation of operating a stop switch while as much as possible identifying the symbols on the rotating reel that passes through the display window so that a winning can be obtained. Then, in order to assist such a pressing operation, an opening portion through which a passing symbol can be visually recognized is provided above a normal display window.

JP 2002-165923 A (paragraph [0023], FIG. 4)

  However, in the conventional gaming machine, as described above, an opening is separately provided in addition to the normal display window. Therefore, the manufacturing process becomes complicated as compared with a model having only a normal display window. Further, the eye pressing operation is always assisted, and cannot be combined with a model that does not assist the eye pressing operation. In this type of gaming machine, it is most important to further enhance the interest of the player.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and can assist the pushing operation without separately providing an opening other than a normal display window, and further enhance the interest of the player. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary reel control device for a gaming machine that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, the rotary reel control device of the present invention starts rotation of three rotary reels that each display a plurality of symbols and rotate at the same steady rotational speed, and the rotary reels. And a start switch for causing the lottery means to perform lottery, and three stop switches for stopping each rotation of the rotary reels by stop control according to the lottery result of the lottery means. In a rotary reel control device for a gaming machine that controls reels, a predetermined rotary reel on which a specific symbol that can be easily identified is displayed as a reference reel among the rotary reels, and the stop is set for a target reel among the remaining rotary reels. Target symbol setting means for setting a target symbol to be stopped at a predetermined reference stop position by operating a switch, the specific symbol and the target symbol Reel control means for controlling the start of the reference reel and the target reel so as to rotate in synchronization with each other, and when the lottery means achieves a predetermined lottery result, the target reel is set to two. When the lottery results in a lottery result other than the predetermined lottery result, the target reel is set as one and each of the rotating reels is controlled (claim 1).

  Further, the rotary reel control device of the present invention includes three rotary reels each having a plurality of symbols displayed around them and rotating at the same steady rotational speed, and starting the rotation of each of the rotary reels. A start switch for performing the operation, and three stop switches for stopping the rotation of the rotary reels by stop control according to the lottery result of the lottery means, and controlling the start of the rotary reels. In a rotary reel control device of a gaming machine, a predetermined rotary reel on which a specific symbol easy to identify among the rotary reels is displayed is a reference reel, and a target reel among the remaining rotary reels is operated by operating the stop switch. A target symbol setting means for setting a target symbol to be stopped at a predetermined reference stop position, and a predetermined lottery result by the lottery means. And a reel control means for controlling the reference reel and the target reel so that the specific symbol and the target symbol rotate synchronously, and after a lottery is less than a predetermined number of games When the predetermined lottery result is reached, the number of the target reels is one, and when the predetermined lottery result is reached after the lottery has been lost more than the predetermined number of games, the target reels are two, and each of the rotating reels Is controlled (claim 2).

  In addition, the “specific symbol” in each of the above inventions is a conspicuous symbol that is easy for a player to identify even when the reel is rotating, for example, the background of the symbol is a solid color with the full width of the rotating reel. Is preferred.

  Further, in the above inventions, “the specific symbol and the target symbol rotate synchronously” means that the rotation position of the specific symbol and the target symbol rotate at the same position, as well as the specific symbol and the target symbol. Also included are symbols that rotate at a rotational position shifted from each other by a predetermined number (for example, one or two).

  According to the invention of claim 1, since the target symbol to be stopped is set at the reference stop position, and the activation of the reference reel and the target reel is controlled so that the specific symbol and the target symbol rotate in synchronization, The player can operate the stop switch corresponding to the target reel while looking at the specific design of the reference reel, which makes it possible to assist the pushing operation with a simple configuration. Then, when the predetermined lottery result is reached, the target reel is set to two, and when the other lottery results are set to one target reel, the number of reels of the target reel is changed depending on the lottery result. The degree of assistance for pushing and the probability of notifying the lottery result changes, and the interest of the player can be enhanced.

  Further, according to the invention of claim 2, when the predetermined lottery result is obtained after the lottery failure has continued for less than the predetermined number of games, the target reel is set to one, and after the lottery failure has continued for the predetermined number of games or more. When the predetermined lottery result is reached, the number of reels of the target reel is changed depending on the number of consecutive lottery failures until the predetermined lottery result is reached by using two target reels. The degree of probability and the probability of announcing the lottery result will change, and the interest of the player can be enhanced.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine which is an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol arrangement of a rotating reel, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system of the slot machine. This slot machine is configured, for example, as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, in the slot machine 1, the front opening of the housing 3 is closed by the front panel 5 so that it can be opened and closed, and the operation plate 7 is disposed at a substantially central height position of the front panel 5. In addition, a front plate 9 is disposed above the operation plate 7. The front panel 9 has three symbol display windows 11 arranged in parallel, and a liquid crystal for displaying an effect screen for notifying a player of winning or winning or the like beside the symbol display window 11 at the right end. A display 13 is provided. In addition, left, middle and right rotating reels 12L, 12M, and 12R are arranged inside each symbol display window 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the left / middle / right rotating reels 12L, 12M, and 12R have “red 7,” “blue 7,” “BAR,” “watermelon,” “bell,” “cherry,” “Replay,” “black solid” A total of 21 symbols of a plurality of types (for example, 8 types in this embodiment) are displayed in a predetermined arrangement. Further, frame numbers from 0 to 20 are assigned to each symbol in order. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a reel tape 14L on which symbols from frame numbers 0 to 20 are printed is attached to the peripheral surface of the reel to constitute a left rotating reel 12L. When the left rotating reel 12L rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3, symbols are displayed on the symbol display window 11 in the order of frame numbers 20, 19,..., 0, 20,. Each symbol display window 11 is set so that when the rotation of each of the rotary reels 12L, 12M, and 12R stops, a total of three symbols can be seen, one each in the upper, middle, and lower stages. That is, when all three rotary reels 12L, 12M, and 12R are stopped, a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are displayed. The middle / right rotation reels 12M and 12R are configured in the same manner as the left rotation reel 12L in FIG.

  Further, the operation plate 7 includes a bet switch 15 for reducing the number of credited medals and replacing the medals, a start switch 17 for starting rotation of each rotary reel, and a left / middle / right rotary reel. Left / middle / right stop switches 19L, 19M, and 19R for stopping rotation of 12L, 12M, and 12R, a medal insertion slot 21, and a settlement switch 23 for paying out stored medals are provided.

  In addition, a winning line is drawn on the front panel 9, an effective display lamp 31 for displaying an active line in the winning line, an effect lamp 33 for notifying a player of winning or winning, and the number of credit medals. A medal number display 35 for displaying is arranged, and below the operation panel 7, a medal payout opening 37 and a medal receiver 39 for receiving medals paid out from the payout opening 37 are provided.

  In FIG. 4, the insertion switch 41 detects the inserted medal and is provided inside the housing 3. The reel unit 42 includes three motors 43L, 43M, and 43R, rotation reels 12L, 12M, and 12R fixed to the drive shafts of the motors 43L, 43M, and 43R, and reference rotation positions of the rotation reels 12L, 12M, and 12R, respectively. Rotational position sensors 44L, 44M, and 44R. In this embodiment, stepping motors are used as the motors 43L, 43M, and 43R. The rotational position sensors 44L, 44M, and 44R include, for example, photo interrupters that detect protrusions provided on the rotary reels 12L, 12M, and 12R. When the rotary reels 12L, 12M, and 12R rotate, the rotation position sensors 44L, 44M, and 44R detect the protrusions every turn. The detection signal is output to the main control board 51. In this embodiment, for example, when the rotational position sensors 44L, 44M, and 44R detect the protrusions, the symbol of frame number 20 is configured to be positioned in the middle of the symbol display window 11. In addition, lamps (not shown) that illuminate the rotary reels 12L, 12M, and 12R from the inside are provided inside the rotary reels 12L, 12M, and 12R.

  The hopper unit 45 pays out a medal to the player based on the result of the game, and is provided inside the housing 3. The speaker 47 is for various effects such as notifying the player of winning or winning, and is provided at a suitable position below the slot machine 1.

  The control device 50 controls the overall operation of the slot machine 1, and the CPUs 51a and 52a, the memories 51b and 52b, and the drive circuit (not shown) are provided on separate control boards of the main control board 51 and the sub control board 52, respectively. Such an electronic circuit is mounted and configured. In the control device 50, the CPU 51a executes the program stored in the memory 51b, and the CPU 52a executes the program stored in the memory 52b, thereby having the function shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the control device 50. The game control means 100 on the main control board 51 controls the game. There are two types of games: normal games that are general games, special games (bonus games) that are more advantageous to the player than normal games, and special games that are different from normal games and special games. The game control means 100 controls these games.

  First, the outline of the normal game will be described. When a medal is inserted from the medal slot 21 or the bet switch 15 is operated, the game is started. When the start switch 17 is operated, first, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not it is a win, and rotation of all three rotary reels 12L to 12R starts almost simultaneously. Thereafter, when one of the three stop switches 19L to 19R is operated, the rotation of the rotary reels 12L to 12R corresponding to the stop switches 19L to 19R is stopped. When all the three stop switches 19L to 19R have been operated, the rotation of all the three rotary reels 12L to 12R is stopped. At this time, when a predetermined symbol stops at a predetermined position, a prize is won, and a predetermined number of medals are paid out to the player, or a predetermined profit is given to the player, and the game ends. In place of paying out medals, medals may be stored (credit).

  The lottery results include specific introduction game wins (Big Bonus (BB) wins), specific game wins (Regular Bonus (RB) wins), 1st small role win, 2nd small role win, and 3rd small win There are winning, re-game winning (Replay winning), and losing, and in this embodiment, the second small role winning is the predetermined lottery result of the present invention. In addition, the prize includes a specific introduction game prize (BB prize) related to the transition to the specific introduction game (BB game), a specific game prize (RB prize) related to the transition to the specific game (RB game), and a predetermined number of games. The first small role winning related to paying out (for example, 12) game medals, the second small role winning related to paying out a smaller number of game medals (for example, 8) than the first small winning combination, and the first There are a third small role winning related to paying out game medals of a smaller number (for example, 3) than the two small winning winnings, and a replay winning (Replay winning) related to execution of replay (Replay).

  The RB game refers to a game having a higher probability of winning than a normal game because a specific winning game (JAC game) can be performed a plurality of times, and the BB game refers to a game having a higher probability of introducing an RB game. . For example, when three “red 7” or “blue 7” symbols are arranged on the winning line, a BB winning is made. When there is a payout, a game medal is paid out and the BB game is executed.

  Further, for example, when three “watermelon” symbols are arranged on the winning line, the first small role winning is achieved and 12 game medals are paid out. Further, for example, when three “bell” symbols are arranged on the winning line, the second small role winning is achieved and eight game medals are paid out. Further, for example, when three symbols of “Replay” are arranged on the winning line, it becomes a Replay winning, and the game can be played again under the same conditions as the previous game without inserting a new game medal.

  When the lottery result is BB winning, the symbol stop control based on the BB winning is performed. At this time, if the BB winning is not made, the BB winning is carried over until the BB winning is made. It has become. The same applies to RB winning. The states where the BB winning or the RB winning is carried over are referred to as “per BB internal” and “per RB internal”, respectively. On the other hand, the first small role winning is not carried over to the next game unless the first small role winning is awarded in the game in which the lottery result is the first small role winning. The same applies to the second small role winning, the third small role winning, and the Replay winning.

  Next, a special game (bonus game) will be described. In this embodiment, as a special game (bonus game), a specific introduction game (BB game) and a specific game (RB game) are performed. The specific introduction game (BB game) refers to a game having a high probability of introducing a specific game (RB game), and the specific game (RB game) refers to a game having a higher winning probability than during a normal game.

  First, the specific introduction game (BB game) will be described. When the lottery result is the specific introduction game winning (BB winning), the symbol stop control based on the BB winning is performed. At this time, when three “red 7” symbols or three “blue 7” symbols are aligned on a valid winning line, a specific introduction game winning (BB winning) is obtained. When a BB win is awarded, if there is a payout, medals are paid out, and then the process shifts to a specific introduction game (BB game). When shifting to the BB game, first, “BB general game” is performed.

  During this “BB general game”, it is possible to insert a maximum of three medals as in the normal game. In addition, a lottery to determine whether or not to win is made each time, and all three rotations are made. When the reels 12L, 12M, and 12R stop rotating, it is determined whether or not a prize is won depending on whether or not a predetermined symbol is stopped at a predetermined position. During the “BB general game”, the winning probability of the specific game winning (RB winning) is set to be higher than that during the normal game. When the lottery result is RB winning, symbol stop control based on RB winning is performed. Then, when 3 symbols of “Replay” are arranged on the winning line in “BB general game” (generally referred to as “shift prize”), it becomes a specific game prize (RB prize), from “BB general game” to “ Transition to “BB specific game”. When the transition to the “BB specific game” is performed three times during the BB game, or when a total of 30 games are performed during the “BB general game”, the BB game ends and the BB game starts. Transition to normal game.

  Next, the specific game (RB game) will be described. When the lottery result is RB winning, symbol stop control based on RB winning is performed. At this time, if three “BAR” symbols are arranged on an effective winning line, an RB winning is achieved. When an RB win is reached, if there is a payout, medals are paid out, and then the RB game is entered. During this RB game, one medal is inserted, and a specific winning game (JAC game) is awarded when three predetermined symbols are arranged on the central winning line. Further, during the RB game, the JAC game can be played up to 12 times, of which a maximum of 8 winnings are possible. That is, if the JAC game is played 12 times or the winning is 8 times during the RB game, the RB game is ended.

  Next, the special game will be described. In this embodiment, as a special game, for example, a replay time game that is a game in which the winning probability of a re-game win is set higher than that in a normal game, or a symbol corresponding to a special game win does not stop at a predetermined position. From time to time, which is a game that accumulates and carries the special game winnings, an assist time game that notifies the player of the lottery result of the lottery means 110, and the operation of the stop switches 19L, 19M, 19R The time until the rotation of the rotating reels 12L, 12M, and 12R stops is within a predetermined time and the chance time game that is as short as possible, and the operation order of the stop switches 19L, 19M, and 19R that are advantageous to the player There are a push order navigation game that is a game to be notified to the player, and a push assist game that assists the player. This push assist game will be described in detail later.

  The lottery means 110 performs lottery, and includes a random number generation means 111, a random number extraction means 112, a lottery table 113, and a lottery determination means 114 as shown in FIG. The random number generator 111 generates a random number for lottery within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 16383 in decimal number). The random number generation means 111 can be constituted by, for example, an oscillation circuit and a counter circuit that counts clock signals generated by the oscillation circuit (so-called hard random number). The random number generating means 111 can be constituted by means for generating random numbers by the average sampling method, or means for generating random numbers by adding prime numbers, for example. These means can be configured, for example, by causing the CPU 51a to execute a predetermined program (so-called soft random number). The random number extraction unit 112 extracts a random number generated by the random number generation unit 111, and extracts the random number generated by the random number generation unit 111 under a predetermined condition (for example, operation of the start switch 17 in this embodiment). Since the random number generation unit 111 is configured by a counter circuit or the like, the numerical value generated by the random number generation unit 111 is not strictly a random number. However, since the timing at which the start switch 17 is operated is considered to be random, the numerical value extracted by the random number extraction means 112 can be substantially handled as a random number.

  The lottery table 113 is a table in which whether or not a lot of random numbers in the entire range generated by the random number generator 111 is won is determined in a predetermined ratio. In the lottery table 113, random numbers in the entire range generated by the random number generation means 111 are selected as BB winning, RB winning, first small winning combination, second small winning combination, Whether to win 3 small roles, win Replay, or lose is determined in advance at a predetermined rate. The lottery determination unit 114 compares the random number extracted by the random number extraction unit 112 with the lottery table 113 and determines the lottery result. The lottery determination unit 114 compares the random number extracted by the random number extraction unit 112 with the lottery table 113 and determines whether the lottery result is a BB win, an RB win, a first small role win, or a second small role win. Whether it is the third small role winning, the Replay winning, or the loss.

  The stop control means 120 performs stop control of the rotary reels 12L to 12R using the stop table 130 based on the lottery result of the lottery means 110. This stop table 130 is for determining the stop position of the symbol, and the sliding of the rotary reels 12L-12R according to the rotational position of the rotary reels 12L-12R when the stop switches 19L-19R are operated. The number of frames is predetermined. The stop table 130 includes, for example, a stop table for all reels that collectively determines the number of sliding frames of all the rotary reels 12L to 12R. The stop table 130 is not limited to the all-reel stop table in which the number of sliding symbols of all the rotating reels 12L to 12R is determined in a lump, for example, the number of sliding symbols of only the left rotating reel 12L (left (Reel stop table) and a table (middle right reel stop table) in which the number of sliding frames of the middle and right rotating reels 12M and 12R is determined.

  A plurality of stop tables 130 are provided for each lottery result. Thereby, even in the same lottery result, the stop position of the symbol may be different. Further, each stop table 130 is determined such that the relationship between the rotational position of the rotating reels 12L to 12R when the stop switches 19L to 19R are operated and the number of sliding frames of the rotating reels 12L to 12R may be different. ing. Thus, even if the rotation positions of the rotary reels 12L to 12R are the same when the stop switches 19L to 19R are operated, the stop positions of the symbols may be different.

  Then, the stop control means 120 first selects one stop table 130 from the plurality of stop tables 130 based on the lottery result or the like. Next, the number of sliding symbols of the rotary reels 12L to 12R is determined from the selected one stop table 130 and the rotational positions of the rotary reels 12L to 12R when the stop switches 19L to 19R are operated. Here, if the number of sliding frames is determined to be 0, the rotation of the rotating reels 12L to 12R is immediately stopped. That is, when the number of sliding symbols is determined to be 0, the symbols displayed on the upper stage of the symbol display window 11 when the stop switches 19L to 19R are operated are stopped and displayed on the upper stage of the symbol display window 11 as they are. . If the number of sliding frames is determined to be 1, the rotary reels 12L to 12R are rotated by one frame and stopped. That is, when the number of sliding symbols is determined as 1, the symbols displayed on the upper stage of the symbol display window 11 when the stop switches 19L to 19R are operated are shifted by one frame in the rotation direction of the rotary reels 12L to 12R. Thus, the symbol display window 11 is stopped and displayed in the middle.

  The winning determination unit 140 determines a winning when a predetermined symbol stops at a predetermined position. Specifically, the winning determination means 140 determines that BB winning occurs when three “red 7” or “blue 7” symbols are aligned on the winning line, and the “BAR” symbol is 3 on the winning line. When the pieces are collected, it is determined that an RB prize is received. The winning determination means 140 determines that the first small role winning is achieved when three “watermelon” symbols are aligned on the winning line, and the second is determined when three “bell” symbols are aligned on the winning line. Judged as a small role prize. Further, when the symbol of “cherry” is displayed on the symbol display window 11 when the rotation of the left rotating reel 12L is stopped, the winning determination means 140 is displayed on the middle rotating reel 12M and the right rotating reel 12R. Regardless of the stop position of the symbol that is present, it is determined that the third small role winning. That is, the symbol “cherry” as a single winning symbol is displayed on the left rotating reel 12L. Further, the winning determination means 140 determines that a Replay winning is made when three “Replay” symbols are arranged on the winning line.

  The medal payout means 150 controls the hopper unit 45 to pay out the number of medals according to the winning mode when winning. The effect control means 200 controls the effect, and executes an effect of flashing the lamps provided inside the rotary reels 12L to 12R in a predetermined pattern or causes the effect lamp 33 to flash in a predetermined pattern. An effect is executed, an effect of generating a predetermined sound effect from the speaker 47, or an effect of displaying a predetermined character or design on the liquid crystal display 13 is executed. With these effects, the effect control means 200 performs a notice effect informing the player of winning or winning.

  Next, the pushing assist game in this embodiment will be described. The “black solid” of frame number 4 of the right rotating reel 12R shown in FIG. 2 has a black solid with the full reel width as the background of the design (for example, a diamond picture). With such a conspicuous background, even if the rotating reel rotates at high speed, the player can easily identify this. Therefore, in the eye-pushing assist game, for example, a target symbol (described later) of the left rotating reel 12L and a “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R are rotated synchronously at the same rotational position. Thus, the player can easily stop the target symbol at the predetermined stop position by operating the left stop switch 19L while looking at the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R.

  In FIG. 5, the symbol position determining means 101 of the game control means 100 determines the rotation position of the symbols of the rotating left / middle / right rotating reels 12L, 12M, 12R, and the left / middle / right rotating reels 12L, The stop position of the symbol when 12M and 12R stop rotating is determined. The stop position storage means 102 stores the stop positions of the symbols of the left / middle / right rotating reels 12L, 12M, and 12R determined by the symbol position determination means 101. The reel control means 103 supplies drive pulse signals to the motors 43L, 43M, 43R to control the rotation of the left / middle / right rotating reels 12L, 12M, 12R.

Here, the motors 43L, 43M, and 43R will be described. FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing changes in the rotational speed when the motors 43L, 43M, and 43R are activated. The motors 43L, 43M, and 43R in this embodiment are stepping motors each rotating by 252 steps, and are driven by a 1-2 phase excitation method that switches between 1 phase excitation and 2 phase excitation at each timer interrupt of the CPU 51a during steady rotation. By doing so, a constant rotational speed is obtained. Since this is a 1-2 phase excitation method, the timer interrupt advances one step twice. In this embodiment, the timer interrupt cycle is about 1.5 milliseconds, and the time required for one rotation of the rotating reel is
1.5 × 2 × 252 = 756 milliseconds, resulting in a rotational speed of about 79.37 r / min.

As described with reference to FIG. 2, 21 symbols are displayed on each reel. Since one round is 252 steps,
252/21 = 12
Thus, when a drive pulse signal that rotates by 12 steps is supplied to the motors 43L, 43M, and 43R, the reels 12L, 12M, and 12R rotate by one symbol.

  Therefore, for example, during the rotation of the left rotating reel 12L, the motor 43L counts 12 when the detection signal is output from the rotational position sensor 44L (the symbol of frame number 20 is located in the middle stage of the symbol display window 11). When the drive pulse signal that rotates by the step is supplied, the symbol of frame number 19 is located in the middle stage of the symbol display window 11. Further, for example, a drive pulse signal that rotates from the point when the detection signal is output from the rotational position sensor 44L (the symbol of frame number 20 is located in the middle stage of the symbol display window 11) and rotates by 36 steps is supplied to the motor 43L. When the rotation stops at the time when the symbol is displayed, the symbol of frame number 17 stops at the middle of the symbol display window 11.

  In this way, the symbol position determining means 101 is based on the detection signals from the rotational position sensors 44L, 44M, 44R and the number of rotation steps by the drive pulse signals supplied to the motors 43L, 43M, 43R. The symbol rotation positions of the middle / right rotation reels 12L, 12M, 12R and the symbol stop positions of the left / middle / right rotation reels 12L, 12M, 12R are determined. The symbol position determining means 101 manages the rotational position and the stop position of the symbol by the frame number located in the middle stage of the symbol display window 11. Therefore, hereinafter, the middle stage of the symbol display window 11 is referred to as a “symbol reference position”.

  In general, a stepping motor performs slow-up control that gradually increases the rotation speed when activated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the reel control means 103 has a motor 43L that reaches a steady rotational speed N1 (in this embodiment, for example, N1≈79.37) after a lapse of the slow-up time T1 from the start. , 43M, 43R are supplied with drive pulse signals. Although the rotation speed of the stepping motor changes stepwise, FIG. 6 shows the stepping motor so as to change steplessly for convenience. The slow-up time T1 is set in advance based on motor characteristics, reel load, and the like.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the lottery determination unit 114 determines, for example, that the lottery determination unit 114 has won the second small role as a result of the lottery by the lottery unit 110, the game control unit 100 shifts to the assisting game. When the target symbol setting means 104 shifts to the auxiliary pushing game, the “bell” of the left rotating reel 12L (in this embodiment, for example, “bell” of frame number 15) is set to a predetermined stop position (in this embodiment, for example, symbol). The target symbol to be stopped is set at the symbol reference position in the middle of the display window 11.

Further, the reel control means 103 activates the motor 43L of the motors 43L and 43R in the push assist game first, and after reaching the steady rotational speed, the “bell” of the left rotating reel 12L and the right rotating reel 12R. The motor 43R is activated so that “black solid” rotates synchronously at the same rotational position. At this time, the activation of the motor 43R is controlled in consideration of the slow-up time T1. For example, if the configuration is such that the slow-up time T1 is 68 times of timer interruption and rotates by 10 steps during this time,
(68 ÷ 2) −10 = 24
Therefore, it is delayed from the steady rotation by 24 steps, that is, two symbols. Therefore, the motor 43R is started earlier by this delay. Thus, in this embodiment, the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R corresponds to the “specific symbol” of the present invention, and the “bell” of the frame number 15 of the left rotating reel 12L is the “target symbol” of the present invention. The right rotation reel 12R corresponds to the “reference reel” of the present invention, the left rotation reel 12L corresponds to the “target reel” of the present invention, and the symbol reference position of the left rotation reel 12L corresponds to the “reference reel” of the present invention. The symbol reference position of the right rotating reel 12R corresponds to the “corresponding stop position” of the present invention.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the basic operation of the rotating reel start-up procedure in the pushing assist game, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the subroutine of Step # 14 in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is the subroutine of Step # 15 in FIG. It is a flowchart.

  When the start switch 17 is turned on, the routine of FIG. 7 is started. First, lottery means 110 performs lottery (# 10), rotation of the left rotating reel 12L is started (# 11), and the intermediate rotating reel 12M The rotation is started (# 12). Next, the frame number T of the target symbol of the left rotating reel 12L is set based on the lottery result (# 13). In this embodiment, as described above, when the lottery result is the second small combination winning, T = 15 corresponding to “bell” is set.

In the subsequent step # 14, the process proceeds to the subroutine shown in FIG. 8, and the difference D between the frame number N of the stopped symbol placed at the symbol reference position of the stopped right rotating reel 12R and the frame number S of “black solid” is D. Is calculated (# 14). The frame number N is stored in the stop position storage means 102, and the frame number S in this embodiment is S = 4 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, it is first determined whether or not N ≧ S (# 20). If N ≧ S (YES in # 20),
D = N−S
On the other hand (# 21), if N <S (NO in # 20),
D = 21 + N−S
(# 22), the process proceeds to step # 15 in FIG. The value of the difference D is such that “black solid” is arranged at the symbol reference position when the right rotating reel 12R is rotated in the rotation direction by the symbol number D from the current stop position.

In the subsequent step # 15, the process proceeds to the subroutine of FIG. 9, and the right rotating reel 12R is calculated from the frame number T (= 15) of the target symbol “Bell” and the frame number difference D calculated in step # 14. The frame number M at the symbol reference position of the left rotating reel 12L at the timing at which is to be activated is calculated. In FIG. 9, first,
M = T + D
(# 30), and then it is determined whether M ≧ 21 (# 31). If M <21 (NO in # 31), the process proceeds to step # 33 as it is, whereas if M ≧ 21 (YES in # 31),
M = M-21
(# 32), the process proceeds to step # 33.

In step # 33,
M = M + A
As described above, the symbol delay A due to the slow-up time T1 (A = 2 in the above example) is corrected. Then, it is determined again whether M ≧ 21 (# 34), and if M <21 (NO in # 34), the subroutine is terminated as it is, but if M ≧ 21 (YES in # 34),
M = M-21
(# 35), the subroutine is terminated, and the process proceeds to step # 16 in FIG.

  In Step # 16 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the left rotating reel 12L has reached the steady rotational speed N1. In this embodiment, when the elapsed time from the start of rotation of the left rotating reel 12L (# 11) has passed the slow-up time T1, and then the detection signal is first output from the rotational position sensor 44L, the left rotating reel It is determined that 12L has reached the steady rotational speed N1.

  The determination is repeated until the left rotating reel 12L reaches the steady rotational speed N1 (NO in # 16). When it is determined that the left rotating reel 12L has reached the steady rotational speed N1 (YES in # 16), the left Based on the number of rotation steps of the rotating reel 12L, the frame number P at the symbol reference position of the left rotating reel 12L is determined (# 17), and whether or not the frame number P matches the frame number M calculated in step # 15. Is determined (# 18). Steps # 17 and # 18 are repeated until P = M (NO in # 18), and when P = M (YES in # 18), rotation of the right rotating reel 12R is started (# 19). As a result, the “bell” of the left rotating reel 12L and the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R rotate synchronously at the same rotational position.

  In this way, the lottery result is the second small role winning and the game shifts to the assisting game, and the second small role winning symbol (the target symbol) of the left rotating reel 12L and the right rotating reel 12R. When the activation of the left and right rotating reels 12L and 12R is controlled so that the “black solid” (specific symbol) of the right and left rotating reels 12L and 12R rotate synchronously at the same rotational position, the player It is possible to easily stop the “bell” at the symbol reference position by measuring the timing and operating the left stop switch 19L. This can enhance the interest of players, particularly beginners.

  Then, the “black solid” of frame number 4 on the right rotating reel 12R has a black background with the full reel width as the background of the symbol, so that the player can easily identify this.

  Further, since the “black solid” of frame number 4 on the right rotating reel 12R is arranged next to “bell” of frame number 3, the player operates the stop switch 19R with “black solid” as a guide. In this way, it is possible to assist in pushing the “bell”.

  In addition, since the “bell” which is the symbol of the second small part winning of the left rotating reel 12L and the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R are rotated synchronously at the same rotational position, Thus, it is possible to fulfill the function of notifying that the lottery result is the second small role winning.

  In the case of this embodiment, when the lottery result is the second small role winning, the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R and the “bells” of the left and middle rotating reels 12L and 12M are rotated at the same rotational position. When the lottery result is other than the second small role winning, the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R and the “bell” of only one of the left rotating reel 12L and the middle rotating reel 12M are at the same rotational position. Rotate. In this way, by changing the number of “bell” (target symbol) rotating at the same rotational position as the “black solid” (specific symbol) of the right rotating reel 12R, the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R is changed. After operating the left stop switch 19L while watching, and further operating the middle stop switch 19M while watching the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R, the two “bells” are easily aligned and stopped at the symbol reference position. It becomes possible. And since it is possible to change the degree of assistance for pushing and the certainty when the lottery result announces the second small role winning, the interest of the player can be further enhanced.

  By the way, instead of changing the number of reels of the “bell” rotating at the same rotational position as the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R depending on whether or not the lottery result is the second small role winning, the number of lottery is over a predetermined number of games. Subsequently, when the lottery result is the second small role winning, the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R and the “bell” of the left / middle rotating reels 12L and 12M are rotated at the same rotational position, and the lottery is removed. When the lottery result is less than the second small role winning after the number of games continues for less than the predetermined number of games, the “black” of the right rotating reel 12R and the “bell” of only one of the left rotating reel 12L and the middle rotating reel 12M May be rotated at the same rotational position.

  In this embodiment, each function of the control device 50 shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 5 is for the gaming machine in which the CPU 51a executes a game machine program stored in the memory 51b and the CPU 52a is stored in the memory 52b. This can be realized by executing the program. In other words, in this embodiment, the memories 51b and 52b correspond to computer-readable recording media on which a game machine program is recorded. In this case, in the above embodiment, the memories 51b and 52b are configured by memories mounted on the control boards 51 and 52. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and slots such as DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, MO, and removable hard disk are used. The recording medium may be detachable from the machine 1.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications other than those described above can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following modifications (1) to (1) to (7) can be adopted.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the right rotating reel 12R is activated after the left rotating reel 12L reaches the steady rotational speed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the right rotating reel 12R reaches the steady rotating speed. After that, the left rotating reel 12L may be activated. Thus, even if the order of activation is reversed, the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R and the “bell” of the left rotating reel 12L can be synchronously rotated at the same rotational position.

  (2) In the above embodiment, when the target symbol is “bell” of the left rotating reel 12L, the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R and the “bell” of the left rotating reel 12L are synchronized at the same rotational position. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a predetermined number (for example, one or two) may be rotated synchronously at rotational positions shifted from each other. Even in this form, it is possible to fulfill the functions of assisting the pressing and notifying the lottery result.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the “black solid” of frame number 4 of the right rotating reel 12R is assumed to have a black background with a full reel width, but the “specific symbol” of the present invention is this. For example, a rectangular crimson solid design that extends to the full width of the rotating reel, or a design that has a strong translucency compared to other designs when a lamp that illuminates the rotating reel from the inside is provided. For example, it may be a conspicuous symbol that can be easily identified by the player.

  (4) In the above embodiment, when there is one target reel, the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R and the “bell” of the left rotating reel 12L are rotated at the same rotational position. The invention is not limited to this, and the “black solid” of the right rotating reel 12R and the “bell” of the middle rotating reel 12M may be rotated at the same rotational position.

  In addition, the game is not limited to the lottery result for each game, and for example, the game may be shifted to the assisting game when the player is in a specific game state such as during a BB hit or during a chance time game. In this case, the target symbol may be set according to the lottery result.

  (5) In the above embodiment, “black solid” is provided on the right rotating reel 12R, but the present invention is not limited to this, and “black solid” is provided on the left rotating reel 12L or the middle rotating reel 12M. Also good.

  (6) In the above embodiment, stepping motors are used as the motors 43L, 43M, and 43R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other motors such as a DC motor may be used. In this case, since the rotational position cannot be determined by the number of rotational steps as in the case of a stepping motor, the rotational position sensors 44L, 44M, and 44R can detect the rotational position of the symbol in addition to the photo interrupter that detects the reference rotational position. For example, a rotary encoder may be provided. In this case, unlike the stepping motor, it is possible to change the slow-up time from the start of rotation until the steady rotational speed is reached. Therefore, the symbol position determination means 101 derives the relative relationship between the rotation position of the “bell” of the left rotating reel 12L and the rotation position of the “black solid” of the right rotation reel 12R, and the reel control means 103 derives the derived relative relationship. By adjusting the slow-up time of each reel based on the above, “bell” and “black solid” can be rotated at the same rotational position. In this case, the rotation of the left rotating reel 12L and the right rotating reel 12R may be started almost simultaneously. Thus, in this embodiment, the rotational position sensors 44L, 44M, and 44R correspond to the “rotational position detection means” of the present invention, and the symbol position determination means 101 corresponds to the “derivation means” of the present invention.

  (7) In the above-described embodiment, the main control board 51 and the sub control board 52 are provided with separate control boards, and each has a CPU and a memory. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one control board is provided. It may be provided with one CPU and one memory.

It is a front view of the slot machine which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol arrangement | sequence of a rotating reel. It is a figure which shows the arrangement | sequence and rotation direction of the frame number of the design of a rotation reel. It is a block diagram showing a control system of the slot machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function of a control apparatus. It is a timing chart which shows transition of the rotation speed at the time of starting of a motor. It is a flowchart which shows the basic operation | movement of an example of the starting procedure of the rotation reel in a line pushing assist game. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of step # 14 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of step # 15 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  12L, 12M, 12R ... rotating reel, 17 ... start switch, 19L, 19M, 19R ... stop switch, 43L, 43M, 43R ... motor, 44L, 44M, 44R ... rotational position sensor, 50 ... control device, 51a, 52a ... CPU, 51b, 52b ... Memory, 100 ... Game control means, 101 ... Symbol position determination means, 102 ... Stop position storage means, 103 ... Reel control means, 104 ... Target symbol setting means, 110 ... Lottery means

Claims (2)

Three rotating reels each displaying a plurality of symbols and rotating at the same steady rotational speed, a start switch for starting rotation of each rotating reel and causing the lottery means to perform lottery, and the lottery means Three stop switches for stopping the rotation of each of the rotating reels by stop control according to the lottery result, and a rotating reel control device for a gaming machine for controlling the rotating reels,
A predetermined rotation reel on which a specific symbol that is easy to identify is displayed is a reference reel, and a target reel among the remaining rotation reels should be stopped at a predetermined reference stop position by operating the stop switch. Target symbol setting means for setting a target symbol;
Reel control means for controlling activation of the reference reel and the target reel so that the specific symbol and the target symbol rotate synchronously;
And, when the predetermined lottery results by the lottery means, the target reels are two, and when the lottery means the lottery results other than the predetermined lottery results, the target reel is one, A rotary reel control device that controls each rotary reel. Three rotating reels each displaying a plurality of symbols and rotating at the same steady rotational speed, a start switch for starting rotation of each rotating reel and causing the lottery means to perform lottery, and the lottery means Three stop switches for stopping the rotation of each of the rotating reels by stop control according to the lottery result, and a rotating reel control device for a gaming machine that controls the activation of the rotating reels,
A predetermined rotating reel on which a specific symbol easy to identify among the rotating reels is displayed is set as a reference reel, and a target reel among the remaining rotating reels should be stopped at a predetermined reference stop position by operating the stop switch. Target symbol setting means for setting a target symbol;
Reel control means for controlling the reference reel and the target reel so that the specific symbol and the target symbol rotate synchronously when a predetermined lottery result is obtained by the lottery means,
In addition, when the predetermined lottery result is less than the predetermined number of games and the predetermined lottery result is reached, the target reel is set to one, and when the predetermined lottery result exceeds the predetermined number of games and the predetermined lottery result is obtained. Is a rotary reel control device for controlling each rotary reel with two target reels.

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